Nov2009

Laurel November 2009

Your Guide To The Finest In Highlands And Cashiers

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Publisher’s Note N

ovember is a welcome time of year. The anticipation of Thanksgiving and the festive storefronts awaken our senses to the approaching holidays. The aroma of the season’s first pumpkin or apple pie leaves us like giddy children, waiting for that coveted first slice. First frost has appeared, moving us to break out that familiar, comfortable fall wardrobe and pack away the last of the short sleeves and flip flops. But amongst all that’s happening, we at the Laurel are mindful of the meaning of the seasons ahead, and again are forever grateful for our blessings. You, our advertisers and readers are such an important part of all that we are thankful. New friendships have been made this year and old friends have yet again come through for us. It only affirms what we already knew - we are blessed. May you and yours also be this holiday season. n Marjorie & Janet

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Stop and Shop at Cashiers Commons Hwy. 107 North in Cashiers

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Contents November 2009

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Events

16 • Holidays in Highlands 20 • Highlands Christmas Parade 21 • Christmas Tree Lighting 22 • Community Thanksgiving Dinner 23 • Santa Claus 24 • Winter Botany Walk 25 • Christmas in Cashiers Valley 26 • Cashiers Christmas Parade 27 • Mountain Music Festival 28 • Highlands Christmas Chorale 29 • Alternative Gift Giving 30 • Hard Candy Christmas 31 • Alumni Basketball 32 • Area Calendar 36 • Scenes From

Arts

40 • Cover Artist, Rhea Gary 42 • Feature Artist, Ivy Arends 43 • Summit One Gallery 44 • Betsy Paul Art Raffle 45 • Bascom News 46 • Art League of Highlands 47 • Holiday Season at PAC

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Maps 18 • Highlands Map 34 • Cashiers Map

Dining 49 61

50 • Culinary Weekend 52 • Thanksgiving Served 52 • Winter Wonderland 53 • Oak Street Cafe 54 • Inn Favorites Cookbook 56 • Wild Thyme Cafe 58 • Dining Guide

History

62 • In Vogue with Moog 63 • Cashiers History 64 • Christmas Showhouse

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Janet Cummings, Managing Partner

janet@themountainlaurel.com

(828) 371-2689

Marjorie Fielding, Managing Partner

Michelle Munger, Art Director

Digitographer/Distribution

(828) 371-2764

(828) 342-3774

(828) 332-0473

marjorie@themountainlaurel.com

mungerclan5@aol.com

Guy Fielding, fielding@marketeers.biz

Volume Eight • Issue Ten • www.themountainlaurel.com • 828-526-0173 email: themtnlaurel@aol.com • P.O. Box 565 • Highlands, NC 28741 12

www.themountainlaurel.com • November 2009

67 73

Literary 68 • Highlands Writer’s Group, Judy Blitch Gartside 69 • Donna Rhodes 70 • Life with Krysti

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Real Estate

100 • America’s Home Place 100 • Betsy Paul Properties 102 • The Chambers Agency 102 • Country Club Properties 104 • Harry Norman, Realtors 105 • Hummingbird Realty 106 • Landmark Realty Group 107 • Wes Graves 108 • Nellis Developments 110 • Preferred Properties 112 • Signature Properties 113 • Prestige Realty Group 113 • Silver Creek Realty Group 114 • The Divide at Bald Rock 114 • Mountain View Properties 115 • John Cleaveland Realty 115 • John Shiffli Real Estate

Homes & Lifestyles 74 • Home of Distinction 76 • Being Green 78 • Soul Journey 79 • Money Watch 80 • Mel Lipinski 82 • Dr. J. Scott Baker

116-118 • Business News

Philanthropy 87

Guides

88 • Literacy Council 89 • Land Trust 90 • Carpe Diem Farms 91 • Mountaintop Rotary 92 • Highlands Rotary 94 • International Friendship Center 96 • Friends for Life 96 • Cashiers Rotary 97 • To Hospice

18 • Highlands Map 34 • Cashiers Map 32 • Area Calendar 58 • Dining Guide 84 • Service Directory 119 • Advertisers Index

Contributing Writers:

Wiley Sloan, Writer

wileyandsarah@nctv.com

Luke Osteen, Writer

dumbdogs@earthlink.net

Donna Rhodes, Writer

Krysti Rogers, Deborah Reeves, Mary Adair Leslie, Jane Gibson Nardy, Tom Chillemi, Pam Nellis, Sue Aery, Cassie Walsh, Victoria Ingate, Jennifer McKee, Gary Wein, Kathy Bub, Laura Miller, Robin M. Armstrong, Maryellen Lipinski

donna847@verizon.net

Copyright © 2009 by The Mountain Laurel, LLC. All rights reserved. Laurel Magazine is published eleven times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Laurel Magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel Magazine nor any of its staff is responsible for advertising errors, omissions, or information that has been misrepresented in or to the magazine. Any substantial errors that are the fault of the magazine may be subject to a reduction or reimbursement of the amounts paid by the advertiser, but in no case will any claim arising from such error exceed the amount paid for the advertisement by the advertiser.

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Events The Holiday Season is an exciting time to be in our mountains.

Read about Holidays in Highlands events on the following pages.

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Events

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K, we’re more than a little proud of the way Highlands revels in the holidays.

It’s a unique blend of small town quaintness, a generous dollop of sophistication and a dash of unbridled cheer.

There are events for families, supervised activities just for kids, and festive celebrations for adults.

Our season begins almost before the Thanksgiving dishes are cleared away.

What better way to launch the holidays than a chance to see Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in an entirely new light? The Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center will host “A Christmas Carol Revisited,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 27th. Performed

by Once Upon a Blue Ridge Theatre Company, this version of Old Scrooge’s story is unlike any you’ve seen before.

Scrooge is played by veteran actor and writer, Peter Holland. Holland also adapted the script and wrote original songs for “A Christmas Carol Revisited.” Joining Holland on stage are his wife Christina, a gifted actress and singer, and Kevin Boyd, an outstanding young comic actor who has worked with the Hollands and Once Upon a Blue Ridge for the last five years. Using

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Holidays in Highlands humor, masks, sound effects, audience participation, original songs, and the authentic language of Dickens, “A Christmas Carol Revisited” will provide an unforgettable evening of classic holiday entertainment to rekindle your holiday cheer. This is the perfect production to share with your whole family. Once Upon a Blue Ridge will offer an acting and mask-making workshop for children six and up at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 28th. The workshop is sponsored by the PAC Youth Theater Program and is free to students.

Make time to join us for the Highlands Downtown Tree Lighting, slated to begin between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 28th, in front of Highlands United Methodist Church. It’ll feature caroling, Bible readings, cookies and cocoa.

Santa will make an extended appearance at the Lighting and he’ll stake out a spot in front of the Highlands Visitor Center Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Tree Lighting is the first taste of the Highlands Holiday Season and it’ll find its full expression with the Olde Mountain Christmas Parade, slated for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 5th. The parade is

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one of the major highlights on the town’s social calendar and it seems like everyone is either in the parade or lining the route.

For some of you, the Holiday Season means taking the time to find those perfect gifts for your loved ones. Fortunately, Highlands enjoys a dazzling collection of shops and galleries. We’re not talking about sprawling chain stores found in vast malls. These are one-of-a-kind treasure houses that you won’t find anywhere else. Highlands’ merchants have long catered to an exclusive clientele. You’ll discover our little shopping districts scattered throughout the downtown and lining the roads leading into Highlands.

This makes for an enjoyable shopping experience that encourages leisurely browsing.

Almost without exception the shop owners are on hand to talk about their products and chat and gossip about everything going on in Highlands.

It’s a bracing formula that guarantees an exciting shopping experience.

Some of other exciting Highlands Holiday Happenings include: Gingerbread Man Decorating from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day in December at The Toy Store. Kids

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and those adults who keep Christmas in their hearts all year will find it almost impossible to resist this blending of artistry and whimsy. After you’ve unleashed your Gingerbread Muse, be sure to attend Gingerbread Events at The Bascom and Madison’s.

Details are available in Holidays in Highlands calendar at the Visitor Center.

But Holiday Treats in Highlands aren’t limited to Gingerbread. Morningside will host “Christmas Cookies: A Tradition to Cherish,” on Friday, December 4th, and Saturday, December 5th.

Almost everyone has their favorite Christmas cookies, but here’s a chance to add to your list a cookie that will easily become an indispensable part of the season. Shortbread cookies, crisp, light in texture, varied in flavor are easy and fun to make and decorate.

They pack well for presents, make beautiful cookie trays and disappear immediately when served. Keys to success in making these cookies are quality ingredients and delicate handling. You can learn the techniques in this cooking class offered by Martha Porter, who has led numerous baking classes in the community. Cost is $30 per person, and space is limited to eight in each class. For information or to register, contact Martha at (828) 787-1463 or (866) 9365755.

If you’re an art lover or you know one, why not join the Art Gallery Gift Stroll a chance to browse Highlands’ most exclusive art collections. These galleries will remain open until 7:00 p.m. on December 5th, 12th, and 19th. For information on the Art Gallery Gift Stroll, check this month’s issue of the Laurel or contact the Highlands

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Visitor Center at (828) 5262112.

Paoletti’s, which knows something about setting an elegant holiday table, will be staging a series of Grand Holiday Wine Tastings from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 4th; Saturday, December 5th; Friday, December 11th; Saturday, December 12th , Friday, December 18th, and Saturday, December 19th. They’ll feature wines from Bubbly to SuperTuscans and Barolo, every day values to special occasion Cabernet and Pinot Noir offered by the case at internet comparable pricing. Cost is $20 per person, refundable with purchase of wine. Seating is limited to 15 persons per tasting, so please book early – (828) 526-4906.

After the Olde Time Christmas Parade on December 5th, visit Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro for the free Winter Wonderland.

It’s an exclusive opportunity to bring winter wonderland suggestions to your holiday parties from Ty-Lyn Plantation, The Christmas Tree, Cyrano’s Bookshop and Wolfgang’s. Enjoy sumptuous seasonal hors d’oeuvres and desserts prepared by Chef Wolfgang, Chef Ryan and celebrity “Wannabe Chef” Will Amari. A special holiday demonstration will take place in the main dining room. Select wines will be paired with seasonal food from Germany, Italy and the Deep South.

Take away recipe cards for each hors d’oeuvres and dessert. Great entertaining wines will be available for purchase by the bottle or the case at a special holiday price. Decorative ideas and gifts from Ty – Lyn Plantation as well as The Christmas Tree with ornaments from Italy, nutcrack-

ers from Germany and traditional American ornaments will be displayed around the restaurant to give you tips and ideas on how to decorate for your holiday parties.

Scott Foster will be in house signing his new book, “Magic Snowflake.” This is limited to 500 copies numbered and illustrated. Scott will also have handmade snowflake needlepoint stockings, along with silver snowflake necklaces and earrings.

On the subject of festive entertaining, make plans to join the Highlands Holiday Cookbook Tour of Local Inns, slated for 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12th. Start at the Highlands Visitor Center with an empty recipe book that will be provided, then visit the local inns all decked out in dazzling fashion for the holidays. Sample a recipe at each inn and fill your cookbook with recipe cards as you go. The tour is free of charge.

For more information, call (828) 526-2112.

The Literacy Council of Highlands will host “Holiday Fun with Literacy from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, December 17th, at the Peggy Crosby Center. It’s a free event for children to celebrate the holidays at the Literacy Council with the reading of books about the winter holidays and an arts and crafts event. Call (828) 526-9938 ext. 240 or 261

by Tuesday, Dec. 15th.

Highlands in the Holidays is a singular mixture of cherished traditions and new takes on what’s best about small town life. We hope you’ll be a part of it.

The above is just a few of the reasons to spend your Holidays in Highlands. For a complete list of events, visit www.holidaysinhighlands. com. n

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Accommodations

…on the Verandah...........................

Martha Anne’s..................................

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

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

Mountainiques ...............................

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

Sports Page.......................................

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

Whiteside Cove Cottages................

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

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

Old Edwards Inn..............................

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

Rainy Day Golf..................................

Wolfgang’s Restaurant &

Rhodes Superette.............................

Arts

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

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

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

Madisons...........................................

Silver Eagle.......................................

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

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

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

Retail

Suzette’s Boutique...........................

Mill Creek Gallery & Framing ......

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

The Toy Store...................................

Marge Rohrer Originals..................

Basketcase........................................

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

Summit One Gallery........................

Bear Mountain Outfitters................

Xtreme Threads ..............................

Bird Barn..........................................

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

Real Estate

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

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

Chambers Agency............................

Carolina Eyes ..................................

Mirror Lake Antqiues......................

Country Club Properties.................

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

Harry Norman Realtors..................

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

Services

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

Drake’s Diamond Gallery ..............

Craig and Craig................................

John Schiffli Real Estate..................

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

Highlands Cabinet Company..........

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

Dutchman’s Designs........................

Highlands Visitors Center...............

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

East and West...................................

Lupoli Construction.........................

Sundrops on Caney Fork................

Gates Nursery..................................

Mountain Rayz..................................

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

Scott Neumann, Attorney................

Restaurant

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

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

Fressers / Fressers Express..........

Highlands Wine and Cheese..........

Tranquility Cove Massage..............

Log Cabin Restaurant......................

Jackson Madeleine...........................

Four Seasons Landscaping.............

Nicks.................................................

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

View the Highlands, North Carolina interactive map at thehighlandsmap.com To list your business on the Highlands map email marjorie@themountainlaurel.com.

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Events

Highlands’ Christmas Parade

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f you’re one of those who bemoans the commercialization of Christmas and longs for a simpler celebration of the season, mark your calendar for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 5th. That’s when the 21st incarnation of the Highlands Olde Mountain Christmas Parade winds down Main Street.

The parade is the perfect tonic for the overblown, incredibly polished corporate exercises staged in other parts of the country. There’s a warm, homemade feel to much of the Highlands parade since it’s staged entirely by local groups, churches, businesses, fire departments and bands of neighbors. It’s all delivered with pride, sparkle and more than a little bit of humor.

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You’ll find handmade floats, at least one marching band, dancing garden ladies, dogs that amble more or less in formation, fire trucks, Smokey the Bear, classic cars, horses, the Highlands High School Homecoming Court, local politicians, and, of course, Santa. It’s not uncommon for the parade to draw over 80 entries. That’s a remarkable accomplishment for a town with a year-round population of around 2,000.

People begin lining Main Street early to ensure they get a good view and to chat with neighbors and visitors. The parade route spans three blocks, so there should be plenty of room for ever yone.

If you are part of a group that would like to be includ-

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ed in the lineup, contact the Highlands Chamber of Commerce at (828) 526-2112.

There is no entrance fee. If you’re thinking of inviting Santa to participate in your entr y, please note that he’s already accepted the Chamber’s invitation.

The Chamber will host the Olde Mountain Christmas 2009 Art Contest. The designer of the submission selected to adorn the Commemorative Sweatshirt will be awarded $100. The winner of the artwork used for the Christmas Poster will be awarded $50. Submissions may be delivered to the Highlands Visitor Center on Oak Street.

For more information, call the Chamber at (828) 526-2112. n

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Highlands’ Christmas Tree Lighting

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K, it’s two days after Thanksgiving. You’ve spent two days catching up with family and friends or working off Thanksgiving Dinner with a marathon round of Extreme Shopping, but it just doesn’t feel like Christmas is less than a month away.

That’s why you’ll want to remember the Highlands Downtown Tree Lighting, slated to begin between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 28th, in front of Highlands United Methodist Church. It’s a party unlike anything else on the town’s social calendar. People of every age join in the fun. In fact, some folks drive all the way up from Atlanta to participate.

The fun starts with caroling that everyone’s invited to join in. A small ceremony features readings from the Bible and sharing Christmas memories. Cookies and hot chocolate are the perfect complement for a frosty evening. Santa will be at Town Square to hear wishes and appeals for clemency from those who’ve been naughty. The evening’s capped by the lighting at 7:20 p.m. It all adds up to a warm holiday tradition that’s cherished by young and old.

To prepare for the crowds, Main Street will be closed between Second and Fourth streets beginning at 5:15 p.m.

The Highlands Downtown Tree Lighting is sponsored by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call the Highlands Visitor Center at (828) 526-2112. n

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Highlands’ Community Thanksgiving Dinner

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free Thanksgiving Dinner, set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 24th, at the Highlands Civic Center, is open to everyone.

With the approach of Thanksgiving, Highlanders are invited to celebrate the holiday with a community-wide dinner at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 24th, at the Highlands Civic Center.

Community churches will provide plenty of food for everyone and the meal is free. There’ll be acknowledgment of the blessings of the season and plenty of the warm fellowship that’s become a hallmark of the event. Plans were being finalized when we went to press, so for more information, call (828) 526-3556. n

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Santa Claus is Coming to Town

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ow that the holiday season is here, a lot of kids and more than a few adults are taking stock of their lives and making adjustments. Others are compiling lists of things needed and desired, the fruits of a year’s worth of good behavior.

Whichever camp they fall in, they’re counting the days until Santa Claus arrives at The Highlands Visitor Center. Even in the hectic days leading up to Christmas, Santa manages to find time to sit and listen to his friends and Highlands has long been one of his favorite spots. According to insider accounts, the clean mountain air helps

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him maintain his unfailingly cheerful air, which makes Highlands one of the ideal spots to ask for an especially unlikely present or to appeal for clemency.

You’ll find Santa in front of The Visitor Center (next to The Main Street Inn) Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., starting November 28th. Naturally, Santa is available for photos with his friends.

Santa will also be at the Town Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 28th and he’ll close out the Olde Mountain Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 5th.

If you’re so inclined, you

can bring a treat for Santa or his reindeer. But really, none of that is necessary. He packs on the snacks in those few hours before dawn on Christmas morning and the reindeer are confined to a high-carb sprinter’s diet in the months leading up to the Big Night.

If you have questions about Santa’s busy schedule or the events that mark Highlands’ Holiday Season – The Town Tree Lighting, the Olde Mountain Christmas Parade, the worship schedules of local churches – contact the Highlands Visitor Center at (828) 5262112. n

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For more information on holiday events in Highlands, visit www.holidaysinhighlands. com

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Winter Botany Walk T

he Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust closes out its 2009 Eco Tours Series with its Winter Botany Walk, slated for Wednesday, December 2nd.

This easy walk celebrates the magic of this often overlooked season, when the forest becomes hushed and its charms are subtle. This guided walk is a chance to observe the intricate relationships that have made this corner of Western North Carolina a jewel box for amateur and professional botanists. Cost is free to members of the Land Trust, $25 for non-members.

Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is the oldest land trust in North Carolina and among the first 20 in the United States.

It exists to help property owners and their community save something they love. It protects 1,160 acres in 43 sites. If you‘d like to learn more, call (828) 526-1111. n

I find television ver y educating. Ever y time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.

- Groucho Marx

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Cashiers Christmas Parade I

The Cashiers Christmas Parade is slated for Saturday, December 12th.

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t’s a fair question – how on earth does a small community like Cashiers manage to stage something as vibrant as the Cashiers Christmas Parade?

Well, it’s a combination of deep civic pride and an almost limitless supply of holiday cheer. That translates into nearly the entire population of the Cashiers Valley either in the parade or watching from the sidelines. This year’s Cashiers Christmas Parade will be staged at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12th, at the Crossroads. The theme is “All I Want For Christmas.”

Spearheaded by the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce, the parade is a community-wide effort that usually features over 60 entries. That means you’ll see representatives from nearly every school, non-profit organization and club in the area. There’ll be floats, fire trucks, bands, animals, and Santa and his helpers. Veteran parade-goers recommend that you arrive early to claim a good spot. The weather being what it is, it’s a good idea to bring along an umbrella or windbreaker.

For more information, call the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce at (828) 743-5191. n

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Cashiers Mountain Music Festival

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he Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce is already planning the second annual “Cashiers Mountain Music Festival.”

Last summer’s inaugural festival was highlighted by performances by the surprise walk-on of renowned bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs who wowed the crowd with his virtuoso performances of “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” and “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.” Scruggs appeared onstage at the Village Green along with fellow recording artists Elizabeth “Lizzy” Long and “Little Roy” Lewis of the famous Lewis Family bluegrass band.

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Chamber Executive Director Sue Bumgarner was enthusiastic about the upcoming festival, “Working along with the Jackson County Commissioners, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Sheriffs Department and our sponsors enabled the Chamber of Commerce, along with over 50 volunteers, to produce one of the most memorable events in the history of Cashiers.”

Chamber President Sharon Holt was pleased about involvement from local businesses, “The success of last year’s event has increased community interest and support and we appreciate that.”

Holt further added that the

Chamber of Commerce will begin selling raffle tickets for a seven-day trip to Costa Rica and the winner will be announced from on stage at the festival. “At $10 a ticket, it the best deal in town.”

Festival Director Mark Wise shared plans for the big show. “We all loved having Little Roy and Lizzy. They were so delighted with our local fans and the warm spirit of Cashiers that they asked to come back before they even left the festival grounds last year. It’s no surprise that they were the first band we re-booked for 2010.”

Festival tickets and raffle tickets are available at the office of the Cashiers Area

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Chamber of Commerce just west of the crossroads on Highway 64 in Cashiers.

The Cashiers Mountain Music Festival is a non-profit event of the Cashiers Preservation Foundation. The Foundation’s primary goal is the financial support of music education for local area youth through talent scholarships, instructor funding, and financial support for musical groups both independent and within local schools.

Those wishing to support the foundation through a tax-deductible donation or a festival sponsorship may contact Sue Bumgarner at the office of the Cashier Area Chamber of Commerce. n

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Highlands Christmas Chorale G

The Highlands Community Christian Chorale’s Christmas concert will be on Saturday, December 12th at 4:00 p.m. or Sunday evening, December 13th at 7:00 (with reception following) at Community Bible Church. Come early to get a good seat.

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et your family in the Christmas spirit by attending one of the performances of the Highlands Community Christian Chorale.

Choose either 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12th or 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 13th (and enjoy the reception following the performance). The host for this year’s concert is Community Bible Church on the Cashiers Highway just past Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. You’ll want to arrive early as the seats fill up fast.

For more than 24 years the talented singers of the many churches of our area have joined together to present this concert. This year more than 50 singers from Highlands, Cashiers and

Glenville have been practicing weekly since early September to deliver a program of both contemporary and classic Christmas favorites.

Concert attendees will hear favorites such as “Creation Will Be at Peace,” “Ding Dong Merrily on High,” “Carol of the Bells” and many more.

This year’s performance will be slightly different from prior performances. Rather than a single director, the Chorale will be under the direction of five area Choral Directors --Mary Beth Brody, David Bee, Orville Wilkes, Cecil Deas and Les Scott. Each director has chosen songs that best represent their holiday favorites.

Accompanist for the Chorale will be area favorite Susan

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Clearman, pianist/organist for Highlands United Methodist Church.

Lovers of handbell music will be pleased to know that this year’s Chorale will include a special performance by The Mountaintop Ringers, the bell choir of the Highlands United Methodist Church. Come hear these talented musicians under the direction of Les Scott.

You’ll definitely leave this performance in the Christmas spirit. The concert is free to the public but an offering will be accepted to help defray the cost of the music. The singers themselves donate funds for the music, which is housed in the Chorale library which is available for use by all participating churches. n

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Alternative Gift Giving

Events

by Wiley Sloan

Attend the Highlands Alternative Gift Market immediately after the Christmas parade on Saturday, December 5th, at the Highlands United Methodist Church. Free lunch provided.

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ow many times have you struggled to find just the right gift for your friend or family member? Our closets are bulging at the seams, cabinets are full to the brim and dresser drawers barely close. Most people have “more things” than they know what to do with.

Give a gift that will really make a difference. Shop at the Highlands Alternative Gift Market immediately following the Highlands Olde Mountain Christmas parade on Saturday, December 5th. Come to the Highlands United Methodist Church at 315 Main Street (the site of the Town Christmas Tree) and enjoy a free lunch before you embark on your shopping adventure.

Choose from a number of non-profit agencies who work to make life better. Each of these agencies offers a variety of different giving levels. From as little as $5 to “the sky’s the limit,” you can share your blessings with those who are less fortunate.

Help the Bolivian Mission or the Community Care Clinic, the Food Pantry and the Free Dental Clinic. Support the Haitian Mis-

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sion or the Heifer Project International, the Highlands Community Child Development Center and the Highlands Emergency Council. There’s also the International Friendship Center and the Literacy Council of Highlands. All of these agencies use your gifts wisely to help people who are struggling to improve their lives. When you give to the market you are helping twice — the recipients who directly benefit from your charity and your friends whom you have honored with your gift.

The Highlands Alternative Gift Market is a co-operative venture of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, First Presbyterian Church of Highlands, Highlands United Methodist Church and the Lutheran Church of the Holy Family. The Market closes at 2:30 p.m. If you aren’t able to attend the market, you may send your donations to Christmas Alternative Gift Market of Highlands at P O Box 1959, Highlands, N.C. 28741. For more information call the Highlands United Methodist Church any weekday at (828) 526-3376. n

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Hard Candy Christmas W

Hard Candy Christmas Arts and Crafts Show will be held November 27th-28th.

hat do you do with all that company after the turkey has been eaten ?

It has become a mountain Christmas tradition to bring the whole family to the annual Hard Candy Christmas Arts and Crafts Show. It’ll be held November 27th-28th.

Each year, customers eagerly anticipate the wide array of handcrafted arts and crafts from more than 100 regional artists. One of this year’s artists is Denise Anthony. She will be bringing her collection of superb baskets and the Peppermint Bark Candy she is famous

for.

Each exhibitor has been chosen as the best in their field. Look for exceptional glass blown pieces, master jewelers, wood art, quilts, birdhouses, folk and fine art, clay and pottery art, and hard-to-find pine needle baskets and woven cotton rugs.

Santa, snowmen, and angel collectors come early for the first pick of the heirloom Christmas ornaments in many mediums. The fresh wreaths and specialty sweets will be back. Outside, some hardy artists will be demonstrating blacksmithing, chainsaw carving, dough

bowl carving, and original painted furniture.

Come pick up a delicious apple and a piece of peppermint candy at the door and start your holidays off with the most unique gifts around.

Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Admission is $3 for adults and children under twelve are free. There’s plenty of free parking.

The show is staged at the Ramsey Center of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. For information, visit www.mountainar tisans.net or call (828) 524-3405. This is a Mountain Artisans Production. n

I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening. But this wasn’t it.

- Groucho Marx

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www.themountainlaurel.com • November 2009

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Alumni Basketball

Events

C

alling all Highlands High School Alumni back to Highlands School November 20th-21st for a weekend of basketball, as well as reminiscing with old friends and meeting new friends.

On Friday, November 20th, Highlands School basketball teams will be hosting Rabun County with junior varsity girls starting at 4:00 p.m., junior varsity boys at 5 p.m., varsity girls at 7:00 p.m., and varsity boys at 8:30 p.m.

There will be a hospitality room for all alumni, sponsored by the HHS Boosters Club and the parents of the current Highlander basketball players.

“We are also asking businesses and all HHS fans, students and alumni to wear blue and gold on Friday, November 20th,” said Highlands Varsity Girls Coach Brett Lamb.

On Saturday, November 21st, the HHS Lady Highlanders and HHS Boosters Club will be hosting a HHS Basketball Alumni Game in the new gym. Beginning at 4:00 p.m., a BBQ dinner will be served and registration for all alumni will begin. Special guests, current players and alumni will be introduced beginning at 6:30 p.m. Special guests will include former coaches and administrators Brooks Bennett, Greg Price, Donnie Calloway, Bill Lanford, Doyle Calloway, Donnie Edwards and Larry Brooks.

Raffle tickets will be sold during both the Friday night game and the Saturday night Alumni game featuring a variety of prizes donated by members of the community.

At $1 a ticket or six for $5, supporters get a chance to win an original pottery piece by Pat Taylor (valued at $35), gas certificate from Cashiers Exxon, $25 gift certificate from Sports Page, or a $50 gift certificate from High Country Photo or a manicure and pedicure session (valued at $55) from Mountain Tan. Other prizes include a $25 gift certificate from Kilwin’s, $50 gift certificate from Annawear, $40 gift certificates from Pescado’s, $50 gift certificate from Nick’s, $25 gift certificate from SweeTreats, $25 gift certificate from Highlands Car Spa, $75 gift certificate from Log Cabin Restaurant and $50 gift certificate at Farmers Market or Citgo gas station.

Supporters can also purchase $5 raffle tickets for a chance to win a blue sapphire and diamond bracelet (estimated value: $3,000).

Raffle winners will be announced at 7:30 p.m. during the Alumni game Saturday night. You do not have to be present to win. Money from the raffles and the alumni game will help fund a trip for the Highlands School Varsity Girls to a Christmas Tournament December 17th-19th at the Disney Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

“We would love to have as many alumni as possible come back and participate,” said Lamb, who is coordinating the Alumni Weekend. “We’re excited about all our current student/athletes. The motto at our school is Highlander Pride…

Get It! For more information, contact Coach Lamb at (828) 5262147 or email brett.lamb@macon.k12.nc.us. n

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Mark Your Calendar November Events

• “Meet the Artist Saturdays” will continue in November at The Greenleaf Gallery (828) 526-9333.

• Highlands Culinary Weekend Opening Reception Celebration, The Bascom. Thursday, November 12. For tickets, call (828) 526-5841.

• Creative Framing, artist reception will be held in honor of John Sill and his work on November 13, 47 p.m. located at 482 Depot Street in Franklin, (828) 349-4468.

• Acorns, John Kelly Chocolates Trunk Show, November 13-15, (828) 787-1877.

• Main Street Inn, Country Breakfast Brunch, November 13-15, (828) 526-2590.

• Tranquility Cove Massage, Relax, Refresh, Rejuvenate with Lisa Wilker, The Peggy Crosby Center, November 13-15. (828) 200-0018.

• Morningside Bed & Breakfast Home, The Best of Baking, November 13-14, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., (828) 787-1463 • Cyprus Restaurant, Italian Pastry Kitchen, Friday, November 13, noon, (828) 526-4429.

• Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro, Domaine Serene, Flavor Spectrum Luncheon, Friday, November 13, noon, (828) 526-3807.

• SweeTreats, Beer & Brat, Friday, November 13, noon, (828) 526-9822.

• Highlands Culinary Weekend’s Sip and Stroll, November 13-14, 1-5 pm. Stroll the streets of Highlands for wine tasting and shopping in participating shops. For tickets ($35) to the Sip and Stroll call (828) 526-5841. Sip and Stroll tickets are limited to 75 patrons per day, • Ruka’s Table, Sake Tasting and Sushi Roll Demonstration, Friday, November 13, 2 p.m., (828) 526-3636.

• Summit One Gallery, Pre-dinner cocktail reception, Friday, November 13, 5-6 p.m., (828) 5262673.

• Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro, Wine Dinner with Crocker and Starr, Armen Khachaturian Anderson’s Conn Valley, Van Potts Guest Chef, Friday November 13, 7 p.m. (828) 526-3807.

• The Barn at Old Edwards, Farm to Table Dinner, Friday, November 13, 6:30 p.m. (828) 787-2625.

• on the Verandah, “Play it Again Tom, Part III Everything’s Better with Pork”, Friday, November 13, 6:30 p.m. (828) 526-2338.

• Lakeside Restaurant, Pahlmeyer Pizzazz, Friday, November 13, 7 p.m., (828) 526-9419.

• The Log Cabin, 3rd Annual Grateful Palate Wine Dinner, Friday, November 13, 7:30 p.m., (828) 5263380.

• The Bascom, Young Artist Program Holiday Art Exhibition, the ground floor Children’s Gallery, November 14-December 18, (828) 526-4949.

• Acorns, Jill Helmer Book Signing, Saturday, November 14, 12-4 p.m. (828) 787-1877.

• Cyprus Restaurant, Fire Breathing Wok, Saturday, November 14, noon, (828) 526-4429.

• The Dry Sink, Discover the Latest in Kitchenware,

Saturday, November 14, 1-5 p.m., (828) 526-5226.

• Highlands Smokehouse, Craft Beer & BBQ Tasting, Saturday, November 14, 1-3 p.m., (828) 5263380.

• The Inn at Millstone, A Journey through the Mountains - An Exploration of Mountain Grown Wines, Saturday, November 14, (828) 743-6513.

• The Bascom, “The Shopping Bag: Exemplary Art and Design Exhibition”, November 14-December 18.

Opening reception from 5-7 p.m. (828) 526-4949.

• Summit One Gallery, Art of Wine and Dining exhibition opens Saturday, November 14, reception 5-7 p.m. (828) 526-2673.

• Fresser’s Eatery, will lead a Sunset Hike, Saturday, November 14, call for time, (828)526-4188.

• …on the Verandah, Chateau Montelena Winery Wine Dinner Series, Saturday, November 14, 6:30 p.m., (828) 526-2338.

• Cyprus Restaurant, Maman dans la cuisine, Papa dans la vignoble (“Mom in the kitchen, Dad in the Vineyard), Saturday, November 14, 7 p.m., (828) 5264429.

• Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro, Silver Oak Cellars Wine Dinner with Tom Johnson, “Life is a Cabernet!” Saturday, November 14, 7 p.m., (828) 526-3807.

• Madison’s, Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner, Saturday, November 14, (828) 787-2625.

• Lakeside Restaurant, A Nickel & Nickel Affair, Saturday, November 14, 7 p.m., (828) 526-9419.

• Ruka’s Table, Vine Connections Wine Dinner, Saturday, November 14, 7:30 p.m., (828) 526-3636.

• Fresser’s Eatery, Bubbly Brunch, Sunday, November 15, 12:30 p.m., (828)526-4188.

• Chestnut Hill Brunch, Sunday, November 15, 12:30 p.m., (828) 526-5251.

• Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Holiday Style Week, November 16-19, (828) 787-2625.

• Highlands School Alumni Game, Saturday November 21, Highlands School Gym, (828) 5262147.

• Giving Thanks for Literacy, Monday, November 23, 3 -4:30 p.m. An open event for children to celebrate the holiday at the Literacy Council of Highlands. We will read aloud books about Thanksgiviing, Call (828) 526-9938 ext. 240 or 261 by Thursday, November 19.

• Community Thanksgiving Dinner, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, November 24, Highlands Civic Center.

Community churches will provide plenty of food for everyone and the meal is free. (828) 526-3556.

• Acorns, Mary Louise Jewelry Trunk Show, November 25-30, (828) 787-1877.

• Christmas in Cashiers Valley, Friday, November 27, Call (828) 226-3290 for more information.

• Annual Hard Candy Christmas Arts & Crafts Show, November 27-28, Ramsey Center, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Admission is $3 for adults, and children under 12 are free. (828) 524-3405.

• Acorns, Banaris Textiles Trunk Show, November 27-29, (828) 787-1877.

• “A Christmas Carol Revisited” by Once Upon

a Blue Ridge Production Company from Virginia, Friday, November 27, 6-7 p.m. (828) 526-9047.

• Santa Claus willl be in front of The Visitor Center (next to The Main Street Inn) Saturdays from 10 a.m.

– 4 p.m., starting Saturday, November 28, (828) 5262112.

• The Bascom, Gingerbread Building, November 27-28, drop-in-style between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., (828) 526-4949.

• Christmas Carol Mask Making for Kids will be held from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, November 28th, by the Once Upon a Blue Ridge Sponsored by the PAC Youth Theater Group, this workshop is free to students. $10 (Includes materials). (828) 526-9047.

• Celebrate the Magic of the Season with the Winter Wonderland at Wolfgang’s, Saturday, November 28, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. (828) 526-3807.

• Highlands Downtown Tree Lighting, 6 p.m.

Saturday, November 28, in front of Highlands United Methodist Church, (828) 526-2112.

• Art League of Highlands, 12 noon, November 30, Soup and drinks provided. Program is a visit to the gallery of Fay Gold in Highlands. Call Dottie Bruce 828-743-7673 for details.

• Betsy Paul Raffle to benefit Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department, November 30, featuring Dwight Bryant’s work. (828) 743-0880.

Weekly Events

• Scudder’s Galleries Auctions, Monday-Saturday, 8 p.m., (828) 526-4111.

Every Monday • Beginners Plus Clogging, 6 p.m., Mountain Sounds, (828) 743-3797.

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

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

• Soul Journey, Guided Meditation Circle, 5:30-6 p.m., (828) 743-1967.

• Beginners Clogging, 6 p.m., Mountain Sounds, (828) 743-3797.

Every Wednesday • Highlands Mountaintop Rotary, 7:30 a.m., Ruka’s Table, 164 Main Street (new location).

• Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley, 8 a.m., Cashiers United Methodist Church, (828) 7432243.

• Cashiers Quilters Guild, 12:30 p.m., Cashiers United Methodist Church.

Every Thursday • Intermediate Clogging, 6:30 p.m., Mountain Sounds, (828) 743-3797.

• Groovin on the Green - Free Concerts on the Village Green in Cashiers, 7 p.m., (828) 7439575 Every Friday • Cornhole Tournament, 5:30-8 p.m. Bella’s Kitchen, $20 per 2 person team, (828) 743- 5355.

Conte

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CASHIERS MAP KEY

I’ll have a new one...

Be a part of the Cashiers map for $20 a month.

Email janet@themountainlaurel.com or call her at 828-371-2689.

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www.themountainlaurel.com • November 2009

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Events

Leaf Festival

Autumn Leaves

T

he Bascom’s Autumn Leaves Festival was held on October 2nd and 3rd. Friday’s Auction Gala at The Farm at Old Edwards Inn drew more than 200 bidders on an array of auction items. Saturday’s bluegrass-and-barbecue party at The Bascom had people dancing, mingling, eating and bidding. n

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he Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association hosted the first annual Leaf Festival October 8th through the 10th.

Crowds enjoyed music, food, a home tour, and items offered for sale by merchants and artisans. n

www.themountainlaurel.com • November 2009

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November 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com

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The Arts

Read about the Art of Wine and Dining on page 43

November 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com

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Arts

Cover Artist Rhea Gar y

by Donna Rhodes

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www.themountainlaurel.com • November 2009

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Arts

T

he colors in Rhea Gary’s paintings are as rich and deep as her love for the picturesque landscapes of Louisiana.

Steamy summers on the bayou are so warm that a palette of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows has become Gary’s trademark. The radiant colors virtually vibrate off the canvas, and it’s no wonder this favorite daughter of the Bayou State has been chosen Best Visual Artist of “in-the-know” readers of Baton Rouge’s premier magazine “225.”

Over the years her experience as student, artist, and instructor have amplified her passion for preserving her home state’s natural beauty. She is devoted to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where she got her MFA. LSU also supported a land preservation project, called Marsh Mission, inspired

by Gary and C.C. Lockwood, a popular Southern photographer.

LSU gave them use of a houseboat for a year. They navigated into the heart of virginal swampland to photograph and paint nature at her pristine best.

Over a period of four years, the duo worked with the LSU Museum of Art to document their project and produce a magnificent book and national traveling show. The venture was featured in a full segment of CBS’s Sunday Morning.

Ms. Gary says, “The project gave us an opportunity to get the message out that every 52 minutes our coastal region is losing a plot of land the size of a football field.”

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Gary’s enthusiasm for nature and land preservation extends beyond Louisiana all the way to the mountains of Western Carolina where she summers in Cashiers. Painting North Carolina streams and forests is vastly different from the flat expanses of Louisiana wetlands. She has replaced her reds and yellows with a cooler, blue and green palette for the high elevation forests.

Gary says, “We live in part of the High Hampton five months out of the year. We have fallen in love with the area. I had a show at Rusticks recently for which I did a good bit of painting, including the Laurel cover, which is a vista painted from an overlook going down the mountain from Highlands to Dillard.”

When asked about her success as a painter, she replies, “I have been painting for 43 years. I believe that I am not personally capable of doing what I do. God’s hand, not mine, moves the paint and creates the images. Every time I begin a new piece I pray to God to take my hands, my heart, my eyes, my mind and do a painting pleasing to Him. I always tell my students it’s awful nice to know you have a heavenly helper.”

You can see the result of her magnificent partnership with Heaven by viewing her website www.rheagary.com. She has originals and giclee prints as well as titles and books in the web store. Her Louisiana contact number is (225) 343-3614 and her Cashiers number is (828) 743-1952, from May through September. n

November 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com

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Arts

Can-aries

by Donna Rhodes

“

There I was, sitting in a three-hour anatomy class, well on my way to a degree in Radiology,” says Ivy Arends, metal sculptor.

“Instead of femurs and metatarsals, I was thinking about what kind of art I could make out of recycled materials.

Then it hit me, ‘I so do not want to be a radiologist.’”

That epiphany convinced Arends to switch her major from the sciences to art. Now when she is not creating fanciful birds out of pop cans, she is waiting tables, making and saving money for her next adventure… art school, maybe Savannah College of Art and Design in South Georgia.

Her very first sculpture was a large bird that she 42

made for her mom, Peggy Wilcox, an artist and basketweaver in her own right.

From there things, well, they just flew. The birds are her own design, her own idea.

No two are exactly alike. She mixes and matches colorful aluminum cans, cutting free-form, from no pattern. It takes two hours to make one bird. So far, the feathered friends have been generic, but Arends is experimenting with a variety of bird types.

Each sculpture takes a couple of cans to form, except for a recent toucan creation. It wound up being a three-can toucan.

Working with scissors and sharp metals sounds hazardous, but she rarely nips herself. Her biggest chal-

lenge at the moment is finding a glue that is eco-friendly to match her recycled theme.

Cans are pretty easy to find and her employers at Grapes and Beans, a fresh lunch cafe at 42 East Savannah Street in Clayton, Georgia, support her effort every way they can. Not only do they sell her birds, they supply her with colorful cans.

Her friends at the Globe Gallery, 29 Falcon Street in Clayton, also provide an outlet for her work and cheer her entrepreneurial spirit.

Arends will accept special orders. Birds are $30 apiece, discounted by the half dozen at $25 each. As Arends says, “All are unique in their own little birdie way.”

Arends feels like she is

www.themountainlaurel.com • November 2009

making a difference in the world by recycling materials and making colorful art pieces that bring a smile to those who see them. As she puts it, “The world is getting too overpopulated with stuff.

I want to reuse and repurpose, not add to the clutter and landfill, and I want to give people joy.”

Arends’ birds make a charming Christmas tree display. The tree pictured here is made of recycled welded materials constructed by her fellow employee, Richie Varga. Contact Arends at (515) 570-7242 or e-mail her at canaries@hotmail.com to find out more about her charming bird ornaments and trees.

She envisions them as a special family keepsake, built to

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Summit One Gallery

P

aul Cezanne said “I will astound Paris with an apple.”

And that he did!

Wine, food, produce and chefs have strong representation in art history. As Voltaire explains, “Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity.”

In conjunction with the Third Annual Highlands Culinary Weekend, the artists of Summit One Gallery have created Art of Wine and Dining. The exhibition opens Saturday, November 14th, with a reception from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Summit One Gallery. In addition, Summit One is participating in the Culinary Weekend’s Sip and Stroll on Saturday afternoon, November 14th, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Stroll the streets of Highlands for wine tasting and shopping in participating shops; enjoy the new Art of Wine and Dining. For tickets ($35) to the Sip and Stroll call (828) 526-5841. Sip and Stroll tickets are limited to 75 patrons per day, Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th.

New to Summit One Gallery for this exhibition is the exquisitely detailed art by Ian Greathead. He brings his representational wine art to the Highlands area as he paints at the Opening Reception Celebration for the Culinary Weekend on Thursday, November 12th, and throughout the remainder of the weekend. The Opening Reception Celebration will be held at The Bascom. For tickets, call (828) 526-5841. Other participating artists include: Jane Smithers, Ken Wallin, Bobbie Doyle-Maher, Chery Cratty, Tom Bluemlien, Rosemary Stiefel, Diane McPhail and others.

Art of Wine and Dining continues through the end of the year. Perfect for gift giving! Summit One Gallery is open all year for your convenience, Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Summit One Gallery is located in “The Galleries,” South Second Street in Highlands. For more information, call (828) 526-2673 or visit www.summitonegallery.com. n

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Arts

Betsy Paul Art Raffle T

The Betsy Paul art raffle for the Cashiers Glenville Volunteer Fire Department, will be held on November 30th. For more information, call (828) 743-0880.

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o Dwight Bryant, glass is not transparent.

It is filled with color, light and beauty, especially after he gets through with it. And, if you have a piece of Dwight’s artful yet functional glasswork, you undeniably agree.

Once a jeweler and later a corporate gift buyer, the restless pace of the business world finally got to Bryant.

And on what seemed to be just an ordinary visit with friends in a little Maine fishing village, Dwight became acquainted with the art of making glassware.

And the wheels began

turning. Dwight next came to Highlands, once a haven he visited with his foster grandparents, found the perfect house, and has been in the glassware making business ever since.

Dwight is the contributor for the Betsy Paul Raffle this month. The raffle, which supports the Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department, will be held on November 30th. You can also visit Bryant Art Glass on Highway 64 West in Highlands, across from The Bascom.

Viewers are invited to see each month’s raffle item on display from 8:30 a.m. to

www.themountainlaurel.com • November 2009

5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays at Betsy Paul Properties, 870 Highway 64 West, in Cashiers. 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

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I

n 1929, 40 years after the Newark, New Jersey, Public Library, was established, John Cotton Dana brought to it a unique vision that set the standard of art for all. He was passionate about making printed materials, beyond just books, accessible to everyone. He began a Special Collections Division, a compilation of graphic designs and approachable art, which has expanded to include autographs, fine prints, posters, illustrated books, cards, printed shopping bags, and more.

William Dane joined the Newark staff in 1947 and has devoted himself to continuing Danaˆs work. For over 60 years he has maintained that the purpose of the Special Collections Division is to directly enhance the study of the visual arts, particularly the graphic arts as well as the disciplines of history, literature and the social sciences.

Thanks to these dedi-

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It’s In The Bag cated men, prints, both written and illustrated, are available to galleries and libraries all over the country.

The Bascom is pleased to present “The Shopping Bag: Exemplary Art and Design Exhibition,” November 14th through December 18th.

Curated by Dane, the exhibition is a tribute to the shopping bag as an icon that reflects the changing trends in art, design and marketing. Historical samples from Bloomingdales, Lord & Taylor and other iconic and also lesser-known department stores and merchants are included in this exhibition.

Admission is free. Hours are Tuesdays though Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Opening reception is November 14th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Showing simultaneously is the Young Artist Program Holiday Art Exhibition in the ground floor Children’s Gallery.

In addition to holiday ex-

hibitions, December’s classes are filled with seasonal magic. And don’t forget: a gift certificate to a workshop is a delightful indulgence for that special recipient on your gift list. Special classes include: Gingerbread Building, November 27th and 28th, dropin-style between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., $40 members, $45 non-members, families welcome. Knit a Christmas Stocking, December 4th and 5th, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., $125/$135, families welcome and materials included.

Holiday Cards, December 5th, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., $20/$25. Create a Holiday Centerpiece, December 9th, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., $20/$25, families welcome. Ceramic Ornament December 12th, 10:00 a.m. to noon, $20/$25 families welcome. Seasonal Botanical Watercolor, December 12th, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., $20/$25 teens and adults.

Several free demonstra-

November 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com

Arts

tions will also be held during December including The Ancient Art of Spinning, December 3rd, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Split Oak Basket Weaving, December 5th, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Holiday Botanical Painting, December 12th, 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.; Holiday Floral Arrangement, December 16th, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and display of winners in The Gingerbread House Contest, December 19th, 10:00 a.m.

Also, don’t forget to get an early start to your holiday shopping in The Bascom’s beautiful new shop, which features unique artwork, crafts, jewelry and more that are linked to the art center’s changing exhibitions and artists-in-residence. All of the items are handmade by regional artists - no two are alike.

For further information about these listings and more, call The Bascom at (828) 526-4949, or go online

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Arts

Art League of Highlands

Contributed by Kathie Wyatt Blozan

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S

he was “surprised and pleased” when, at a recent meeting, Pat Boyd was honored with a lifetime membership in the Art League of Highlands.

Although not an artist, her enthusiasm for fine art sings out from her collection of original art. Her years of support for artists began in the 1980s during the early years of the League and continued when she served as Director of the Bascom-Louise Gallery, working to facilitate cooperation between the league and the gallery. Pat has stressed the importance of reaching out to children and recalls many years ago assisting Bill Richardson at Highlands School in teaching children book-binding

techniques.

Pat says the Art League should “take credit for reaching out into the community for people to be interested and supportive even if not artists themselves.” We are all glad to see her honored for her consistent support of art and artists. This year a plea for a recording secretary went unanswered for several months, so she volunteered to join the board in that position, and therefore, her service continues. A big thank you, Pat Boyd.

Our other lifetime members are J. Jay Joannides, an innovative painter and wonderful supporter of the programs of the Art League; and Madeline Epp, a fine artist who has made a recovery

www.themountainlaurel.com • November 2009

from a major auto accident a couple years ago. She has resumed her participation in Summer Colors and Fall Colors shows.

The year 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of the Art League of Highlands.

The first show, “Affair of the Arts,” took place in 1980.

In the next issue I will have some lively reminiscences from those early days.

The November program for the Art League of Highlands will be a visit to the gallery of Fay Gold in Highlands. We will meet at the Civic Center Rec Park at noon. Soup and drinks will be provided. Then we will proceed to the gallery. Guests are welcome. Call Dottie Bruce at (828) 743-7673 for

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Arts

A Packed Holiday Season at “PAC”

T

he day after Thanksgiving, take the whole family to the Performing Arts Center to see “A Christmas Carol Revisited”

by Once Upon a Blue Ridge Production Company from Virginia. The actors change from one character to another in full view of the audience. Beautiful oversized masks are used for all of the spirit characters that haunt Old Scrooge’s gloomy rooms. Friday, November 27th from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Cost is $15.

A Christmas Carol Mask Making for Kids. Saturday, November 28th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. by the Once Upon a Blue Ridge. Sponsored by the PAC Youth Theater Group, this workshop is free

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to students. Cost is $10 andincludes materials.

“The Christmas Letters” with Barbara Bates Smith.

Friday, December 4th at 7:30 p.m.. From Off-Broadway to Edinburgh across the U.S. to you with stage adaptations of works by prizewinning authors. Underscored by Jeff Sebens’ nostalgic hammered dulcimer, Lee Smith’s heroine unfolds a heartfelt and down-to-earth story of a contemporary marriage and family. Cost is $15.

“The Dappled Grays.”

8:00 p.m. Back by popular demand, it’s Creative Loafing Magazine’s “Best Bluegrass Band in Atlanta.” Also featured in Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, The Dappled Grays have several original

songs on MTV. Cost is $15.

“Discover The Music in You.” Saturday, December 19th from 3:00 p.m. - 4 :00 p.m. The skilled musicians of Braidsream share fascinating insights about the significance of music in our lives. An enriching activity to acclimate yourself and older kids to mountain and music heritage. Cost is $5.

“BRAIDSTREAM” Christmas Concert. Saturday, December 19th at 7:30 p.m. BRAIDSTREAM is an eclectic mix of musical styles, backgrounds and cultures. An evocative mixture of themes will excite and inspire.

BRAIDSTREAM wraps the audience in an aural tapestry that elegantly blends the spirit of ancient

November 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com

recognition with bold innovation. With flutes, hammered dulcimer, guitar, cello, harp, keyboards and percussion, BRAIDSTREAM melds classical and modern forms into an exciting weave that defies categorization. Cost is $20.

Festive Film Nights at PAC. Enjoy family matinees during the day with refreshments. And date night in the evenings with wine, hors d’oeuvres and your favorite holiday films, like “The Holiday” and “While You Were Sleeping.”

Call (828) 526-9047 for tickets and more information. View all the details at www.highlandsper formingarts.com. PAC is located at 507 Chestnut Street in Highlands. n

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Dining

Highlands Culinary Weekend The 3rd Annual Highlands Culinar y Weekend kicks off Thursday, November 12th and continues through Sunday, November 15th.

Y

ou’re in for a treat at this year’s 3rd Annual Highlands Culinary Weekend Thursday, November 12th at 7:00 p.m. The Opening Night Reception at the Bascom will delight all the senses as fabulous food and wine are paired with great music from HipShack, the wonderful band that has played in past years under the big tent. Opening Night is the beginning of a grand weekend that will include cooking demonstrations, specialty dinners, wine tastings, sunset hikes and the return of last year’s popular “Sip & Stroll” (expanded to two days this year). “There is a wonderful buzz surrounding this year’s event,” said Marlene Alvarez, owner of …on the Verandah restaurant and Chair of the 3rd Annual Highlands Culinary Weekend. “The momentum is building. The website is up and drawing inquiries from people who have attended in past years and newcomers! We are very excited to see the continued growth of this annual culinary affair”.

This year’s participating restaurants include Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream, Lakeside Restaurant, SweeTreats, Cyprus International Cuisine, …on the Verandah, Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro, Fresser’s Eatery, Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Log Cabin, Ruka’s Table, the Highlands Smokehouse, Highlands Wine & Cheese Shop, PFG Milton’s, Chestnut Hill, Inn at Millstone and the Main Street Inn. Adelsheim, Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards, Ar-

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mand de Brignac, Duckhorn Vineyards, Empire Distributors, Frederick Wildman, The Grateful Palate, Hedges Winery, Mutual Distributors, Pacific Southern, Pahlmeyer, Renwood, Rodney Strong, Vine Connections, Vintus and Wolfgang Vineyards are among the featured wineries, distributors and importers.

This year’s Sip and Stroll will be expanded over two days and accentuate area merchants including Acorn’s, Carolina Eyes, Drake’s Diamond Gallery, Dutchman’s Design, Highlands Fine Art & Estate Jewelry, John Collette Fine Art, Lindy’s Gifts, McCulley’s Cashmere, Mountain Heritage, Mountain Rarities, Mouse, Oakleaf Flower and Garden, Rosenthal’s, Scudder’s Galleries, Speckled Hen/Hen House, Summit One Gallery, The Little Flower Shoppe, Wit’s End and Xtreme Threads. There will also be individual events at the Main Street Inn and the Dry Sink.

The 4-1/2 Street Inn, Colonial Pines, Main Street Inn, Chandler Inn, Lodge on Mirror Lake, Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Hampton Inn, Highlands Inn, Inn at Half Mile Farm and Mitchell’s Lodge and Cottages are all offering a number of accommodation specials for the weekend.

The Highlands Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is the presenting sponsor of Culinary Weekend 2009. Our signature sponsors include Old Edwards Inn & Spa, The Laurel Magazine, J.T. Turner Construction, WNC Magazine,

WHLC 104.5, the Highlander Newspaper, The Little Flower Shoppe, A Moment In Time Photography, Stanberry Insurance, Drake’s Diamond Gallery, John Schiffli Real Estate and Cy Timmons.

The Events are listed below.

Friday, November 13th Event Name: Italian Pastr y Kitchen Venue: Cyprus Restaurant (828)526-4429 Time: 12:00 p.m.

Price: $69 plus tax and gratuity Event Name: Domaine Serene, Flavor Spectrum Luncheon Venue:Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro (828)526-3807 Time: 12:00 p.m.

Price: $65 plus tax and gratuity Event Name: Beer & Brat Venue: SweeTreats (828)526-9822 Time: 12:00 p.m.

Price: $25 plus tax and gratuity Event Name: Sake Tasting and Sushi Roll Demonstration Venue: Ruka’s Table (828)526-3636 Time: 2:00 p.m.

Price: Call for pricing Event Name: Pre-dinner cocktail reception at Summit One Galler y Venue: Summit One Gallery Time: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Price: Free Event Name: Wine Dinner with Crocker and Starr, Armen Khachatu-

www.themountainlaurel.com • November 2009

rian Anderson’s Conn Valley, Van Potts Guest Chef Venue: Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro (828)526-3807 Time: 7:00 p.m. Champagne & Appetizers, 7:30 p.m. Dinner Price: $150 plus tax and gratuity Event Name: Farm to Table Dinner Venue: The Barn at Old Edwards (828)787-2625 Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Cocktails, 7:30 p.m. Dinner Price: $169 plus tax and gratuity Event Name: “Play it Again Tom, Part III- Ever ything’s Better with Pork” Venue: …on the Verandah (828)526-2338 Time: 6:30 p.m.

Price: $85 plus tax and gratuity Event Name: Pahlmeyer Pizzazz at Lakeside Restaurant Venue: Lakeside Restaurant (828)526-9419 Time: 7:00 p.m.

Price: $175 plus tax and gratuity Event Name: The 3rd Annual Grateful Palate Wine Dinner Venue: The Log Cabin (828)526-3380 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Price: Call for pricing Saturday, November 14th Event Name: Fire Breathing Wok Venue: Cyprus Restaurant (828)526-4429 Time: 12:00 p.m.

Price: $69 plus tax and gratuity

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Dining Event Name: Discover the Latest in Kitchenware at The Dr y Sink Venue: The Dry Sink (828)526-5226 Time: 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Price: Free Event Name: Craft Beer & BBQ Tasting Venue: The Highlands Smokehouse (828)526.3380 Time: 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Price: $25 per person Event Name: A Journey through the Mountains, An Exploration of Mountain Grown Wines Venue: The Inn at Millstone (828)743-6513 Time: 6:00 p.m.

Price: $160 plus tax and gratuity Event Name: Sunset Hike with Fresser’s Eater y Venue: Sunset Rock (828)526-4188 Time: Call for time Price: $32 all-inclusive Event Name: Chateau Montelena Winer y- Wine Dinner Series

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Venue: …on the Verandah (828)526-2338 Time: 6:30 p.m.

Price: $120 plus tax and gratuity Event Name: Maman dans la cuisine, Papa dans la vignoble (“Mom in the kitchen, Dad in the Vineyard”) Venue: Cyprus Restaurant (828)526-4429 Time: 7:00 p.m.

Price: $79 plus tax and gratuity Event Name: Silver Oak Cellars Wine Dinner with Tom Johnson, “Life is a Cabernet!”

Venue: Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro (828)526-3807 Time: 7:00 p.m. Champagne & Appetizers, 7:30 p.m. Dinner Price: $160 plus tax and gratuity Event Name: Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner at Madison’s Venue: Madison’s

(828)787-2625 Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Cocktails, 7:30 p.m. Dinner Price: $180 plus tax and gratuity Event Name: A Nickel & Nickel Affair Venue: Lakeside Restaurant (828)526-9419 Time: 7:00 p.m.

Price: $135 plus tax and gratuity Event Name: Vine Connections Wine Dinner Venue: Ruka’s Table (828)526-3636 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Price: Call for pricing Sunday, November 15th Event Name: Bubbly Brunch Venue: Fressers Eatery (828)526-4188 Time: 12:30 p.m.

Price: $48 plus tax and gratuity Event Name: Brunch with Chestnut Hill Event Description: Enjoy a savory brunch amidst the

November 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com

beauty of Chestnut Hill Venue: Chestnut Hill 828.526.5251 Time: 12:30 p.m.

Price: $35 per person Friday, Saturday and Sunday Events Event Name: Countr y Breakfast Brunch Venue: Main Street Inn Price: $10.95 Event Name: Relax, Refresh, Rejuvenate Tranquility Cove Massage with Lisa Wilker Venue: The Peggy Crosby Center Price: $70.00 Call (828)200-0018 to set up an appointment Event Name: The Best of Baking Venue: Morningside Bed & Breakfast Home Time: Friday & Saturday, November 13-14, 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Price: $50 ($40 if staying at Morningside). n

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Dining

Thanksgiving Served O

Plenty of local options to get you out of the kitchen for Thanksgiving.

K, you love gathering friends and family for Thanksgiving dinner.

But the kitchen-leveling madness that attends the feeding of so many, well, it threatens to strangle every vestige of cheer in your heart, even the amount normally reserved for warming the cockles.

Don’t let the prospect of Thanksgiving cooking put a damper on your celebrations.

A host of restaurants and caterers in Highlands and Cashiers are ready to set your mind at ease.

Enjoy the bounty of the kitchens at The Bistro at Wolfgang’s (828 526-3807),

Madison’s (828 526-5477), Cyprus (828 526-4429), and Fresser’s Eatery (828 5264188). Golden China’s (828 526-5525) menu is perfect for those looking for a different taste of Thanksgiving. Oak Street Café (828 787-2200) and Main Street Inn will be offering a holiday feast. Mica’s (828 743-5740), Zookeeper (828 743-7711) and Toxaway House (828 966-9226) will be open for Cashiers, Glenville and Toxaway diners.

Rosewood Market (828 526-0383) will offer takeout the day before Thanksgiving -- if you want turkey, let them know by November 7th. You

can pick up Thanksgiving favorites from The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering (828 526-2110) the day before. On the Side at Cashiers Farmers’ Markets (828 743-4334) offers a full Thanksgiving menu for pick up the day before. Bryson’s Deli (828 5263775) will offer pickup on orders placed by November 23rd.

Naturally, it’s a good idea to make Thanksgiving reservations as soon as possible.

And while you’re enjoying your bounty, remember to send a heartfelt prayer for the people who made your meal possible. n

Wolfgang’s Winter Wonderland C

Wolfgang’s Winter Wonderland marks a first taste of the Holidays in Highlands.

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elebrate the magic of the season with the Winter Wonderland at Wolfgang’s.

Saturday, November 28th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Saturday, December 5th immediately following the parade.

Wander into a Winter Wonderland as winter wonderland suggestions are brought to your holiday parties from Ty-Lyn Plantation, The Christmas Tree, Cyrano’s Bookshop and Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro.

Enjoy sumptuous sea-

sonal hors d’oeuvres and desserts prepared by Chef Wolfgang, Chef Ryan and celebrity “Wannabe Chef” Will Amari. A special holiday demonstration will take place in the main dining room. Select wines will be paired with seasonal food from Germany, Italy and the Deep South. Take away recipe cards for each hors d’oeuvre and dessert dish.

Great entertaining wines will be available for purchase by the bottle or the case at special holiday price.

Decorative ideas and gifts from Ty–Lyn Plantation

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as well as The Christmas Tree with ornaments from Italy, nutcrackers from Germany and traditional American ornaments will be displayed around the restaurant to give you tips and ideas on how to decorate for your holiday parties.

On Saturday, December 5th, Scott Foster will be in house signing his new book “Magic Snowflake”. This is limited to 500 copies numbered and illustrated. Scott will also have handmade snowflake needlepoint stockings, along with silver snowflake necklaces and

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Oak Street Cafe

Dining

by Wiley Sloan

O

ne of Highlands’ favorite Main Street restaurants is Oak Street Café located at 332 Main Street, Highlands.

Even the most selective foodies can find several items that they enjoy from Oak Street’s extensive continental menu.

Chef Rob McCarthy has been cooking for more than 19 years, having been “bitten by the bug” while working a summer part-time job during high school. He’s worked for years under the leadership of very talented chefs.

Before joining the Oak Street team, Rob served as Executive Chef at Soby’s New South Cuisine in Greenville, South Carolina. He is always searching out great recipes while he travels and reads voraciously the trade publications to stay abreast of the best techniques. Good food is his passion, so we all

benefit.

Share an appetizer as you wait for your friends to gather. Pair a bowl of soup or a salad with your favorite lunch entrée. A town favorite is the grilled Portobello sandwich, which includes grilled zucchini, roasted peppers, fried green tomatoes, grilled Portobello mushrooms with basil pesto on whole wheat bread. Or maybe you prefer the OSC Reuben sandwich -lean corned beef topped with homemade cole slaw. Some folks just can’t get enough of Oak Street’s famous shrimp & grits or their crab cakes.

Come, select your own favorite.

Looking for something lighter? There’s nothing better than the Apple and Walnut salad featuring mixed greens, apples, spiced walnuts, Bleu Cheese, dried cranberries with their sig-

nature Bleu Cheese Vinaigrette, or maybe you’d prefer the warm chickpea salad with fresh grape tomatoes, mozzarella with herb olive oil.

Evenings at Oak Street include a wide array of tasty dishes. Crab cakes, duck breast, and Pork Osso Bucco with dried peach Risotto join long-time favorites Seared Yellow fin Tuna, Rainbow Trout and Lobster Ravioli.

Yes, there are a number of steaks, chops, and “racks” also available. There’s something for every appetite -light to hearty.

Congratulations to Oak Street Café on their recent award from Wine Spectator.

They have a wide selection of great wines to compliment any item on their menu.

What better way to complete your meal than with one of Oak Street’s homemade desserts? Order a cup

November 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com

of coffee and a slice of their famous Key Lime pie or try the chocolate and blueberry goat cheese New York-style cheesecake laced with dark chocolate on a graham cracker crust. These are just two of the succulent choices that will tempt you.

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, entertaining family and friends or just looking for a quiet night with someone special, Oak Street Café is the place. Come straight in from Oak Street or enter from Main. However you get there, you’ll find delicious food, superior service and a pleasing atmosphere. Everyone at Oak Street is focused on you, the customer. Lunch is served daily from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. For reservations or information call (828) 787-2200. n 53

Dining

Favorites From The Inn at Half Mile Farm

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ow you can enjoy the delights ser ved exclusively at The Inn at Half-Mile Farm at home. The Inn has published its first cookbook, “Favorites From The Inn at Half-Mile Farm.” Entertain your family and friends with Pecan Praline French Toast and Apple Sausage Ring or our Warmed Cranberr y Brie.

It makes a great gift for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list. For more information call (800) 946-6822. n

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Dining

Wild Thyme Cafe A

ndrea Schmitt is pleased to announce that Wild Thyme Cafe has reopened in Cashiers.

Stop in and discover the same great salads, soups, sandwiches and panini Wild Thyme Cafe has been famous for since 1995. Located with Sweetreats in the Landmark Center on Frank Allen Road, the restaurant is open all year. Please call (828) 743-5452 for hours. n

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See Ad On Page

Take Out

Outdoor Dining

Checks Accepted

Credit Cards

Dress Code

Reservations Recommended

Vegetarian Selections

Children’s Menu

Full Bar

Wine

Dinner

Lunch

Your Guide to the Restaurants of Highlands & Cashiers

Sunday Brunch

Mountain Dining

Breakfast

Dining

Highlands’ Restaurants The Bistro at Wolfgang’s • 460 Main Street • 828-526-3807 $-$$ • • Fressers Eatery • Helen’s Barn • 828-526-4188

$

Fressers Express • 470 Oak Street • 828-526-8867 The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering • 350 S. Fifth St. • 828-526-2110

★

$ $-$$ •

• • NC • L •

• 5

• • • C/NC • •

• 57

¢

$-$$ $-$$

•

C •

•

•

• 57

•

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Madisons • 445 Main Street • 828-526-5477 $$$ $$$ • • • • NC • • • 4 Nick’s Fine Food • 108 Main Street •828-526-2706

$ $$$ •

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Oak Street Cafe • Main Street/Oak Street • 828-787-2200 $ ¢-$ $-$$ • • • • Pescado’s • 226 South Fourth Street • 828-526-9313 ¢-$ ¢-$ • •

C • • •

• 57

C • • •

• 57

Rib Shack • 461 Spring Street • 828-526-2626

¢ ¢-$ • • • •

C •

• 57

Sports Page • 314 Main Street • 828-526-3555

¢

Wild Thyme • 490 Carolina Way • 828-526-4035

$ $-$$ •

• •

Wolfgang’s Restaurant • 460 Main Street • 828-526-3807 $-$$ • •

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C • • •

• 6

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• 5

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C • •

Cashiers’ Restaurants Café 107 • Highway 107 South • 828-743-1065

¢

• •

C •

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• 81

Four Seasons Grill • Sapphire Valley • 828-743-4284

¢

$

• •

C •

•

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Wild Thyme Cafe • Frank Allen Road • 828-743-5452 ¢ -$

• •

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Zookeeper • Mountain Laurel Shoppes • 828-743-7711

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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 The Back Room Deli - 828-526-2048 The Bistro at Wolfgang’s - 828-526-3807 The Brick Oven - 828-526-4121 Bryson’s Deli - 828-526-3775 Cafe 460 - 828-526-8926 Cyprus Restaurant - 828-526-4429 Don Leons Deli Cafe - 828-526-1600 Fressers Eatery - 828-526-4188 Fressers Express - 828-526-8867 Golden China - 828-526-5525 Highlands Hill Deli - 828-526-9632 Jack’s at Skyline Lodge - 828-526-2121 Junction Cafe - 828-526-0994 The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering - 828-526-2110 Lakeside Restaurant - 828-526-9419 The Lodge - 828-526-1663 Log Cabin Restaurant - 828-526-3380 Madisons - 828-526-5477 Main Street Inn - 828-526-2590 Mountain Fresh - 828-526-2357 58

¢ $

¢ $ $ BYOB

Checks Local Only ★ Takeout Only

L

Nick’s - 828-526-2706 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 - 828-526-4035 Wolfgang’s Restaurant - 828-526-3807 Buck’s Coffee Cafe - 828-526-0020 Cashiers Area Restaurants Bella’s Kitchen - 828-743-5355 Café 107 - 828-743-1065 Carolina Smokehouse - 828-743-3200 Cashiers Exxon - 828-743-7153 Cashiers Farmers Market, On the Side BBQ - 828-743-4334

Dress Code C Casual NC Nice Casual

J Jacket

Daily Bread Diner 828-743-1983 Four Seasons Grille - 828-743-4284 Glenville Country Store - 828-743-5422 Good Food - 828-743-9374 Grill at Jimmy Mac’s - 828-743-1180 Happ’s Place - 828-743-2266 High Hampton Inn - 828-743-2411 Horacio’s - 828-743-2792 The Inn at Millstone - 828-743-6513 The Library - 828-743-5512 The Orchard - 828-743-7614 Pantry Meat Market & Deli - 828-743-3573 Pescado’s - 828-743-5452 Rosie’s Café - 828-743-0160 Subway - 828 -743-1300 SubsExpress - 828-743-2121 Wild Thyme Cafe 828-743-5452 Zeke & Earl’s - 828-743-2010 Zookeeper - 828-743-7711 Cornucopia - 828-743-3750 Mica’s Restaurant - 828-743-5740 The Tavern - 828-966-9226

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Visit Chestnut Square

Located on Highway 64 East Just past the Crossroads in Cashiers on the left!

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History

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Histor y

In Vogue with Moog

by Donna Rhodes

M

oog. It may sound like an acronym, but it is the surname of Dr. Robert Moog, a 20th Century pioneer in analog synthesizers. Moog rhymes with vogue and the Moog Vogue has been hot since its inception in the sixties.

It was Moog’s passion for manipulating sound waves and coming up with a whole new musical palette of fuzzes, oohs, waahs, sizzles, and grinds that fascinated Wendy Carlos. Carlos cranked up the volume with Switched-on Bach in 1968 (http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Switched-On_Bach).

Others jumped on the electronic wave and are still riding it. Early devotees were The Byrds, Simon and Garfunkel, The Doors, The Beatles, and hundreds more.

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Today there’s hardly a rock group around that doesn’t weave electronic magic into their sound.

It’s hard to believe that electronic music is working on its fifth decade of popularity, and Moog, even beyond his death in August 2005, has remained the ruler of the electronica kingdom. His company thrives in nearby Asheville, North Carolina, his adopted home.

Hang out awhile at Moog Music Inc. and you will see that employees are constantly redefining sound: tweaking, adapting, modulating, and synching their product to the latest technology. In fact, one of Moog’s greatest contributions to the music world was interconnectivity… figuring out ways to make gear “talk to each other.”

Workers at Moog are

more like a family than a consortium of individuals. If a huge order needs to be processed or a problem solved, staff will put their projects on hold and leap to the most important task at hand. Like their beautifully crafted equipment, they are a welloiled machine.

As Michael Adams, president of Moog put it, “If NASA were run by Moog, we’d already be living on the moon.”

The day I visited Moog, Jordan Rudess, Julliardtrained rock keyboard god of Dream Theatre, strode into the demo room. He is a huge fan of The Moog Phatty and does a lot to promote the Moog sound, http://vids.myspace.com/ index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.

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Histor y

Colonel John Alexander Zachary Contributed by Jane Gibson Nardy, Historian, Cashiers Historical Society

A

t the 2009 Zachmarksman and target ary Family shooting for prizes Reunion in Cawas a popular sport in shiers, Claudia Hemthose days. He prided bree of South Carolina himself upon the fact brought a framed picthat with his old-fashture of Col. John Alexioned flint and steel ander Zachary, which rifle, and at a distance had been made from of 100 yards, he could an original tintype. place a bullet exactly Very few of the atin the center cross as tendees at the reunion you could put machine were aware of the exisguns, repeating rifles, tence of this picture. It or breech loaders, and turns out that the tinwhen the percussion type was found in the cap rifle was introBible of Nancy Zachduced he considered ary Whitmire, who it a travesty beside was one of the daughhis trusty flint and ters of the Colonel and steel fowling piece the direct ancestor of and would have none Claudia Hembree. The of it. With the former, picture is not dated but and at the age of 75 we know it was taken years, he could shoot prior to March 1872, a squirrel’s head off the date Col. Zach(he disdained shootary died. A speech was ing one through the given at the 1912 Zachbody) nine times out ary Reunion by Robof ten and that was ert Yancey Zachary, gun enough for him. one of the grandsons “Yes, when he was of the colonel’s who 75 years old his hand was brought up by his was as steady as that Zachary grandparents. of any of you young Some good first hand people, and he wrote descriptions of the colone of the most beauonel’s life in early Catiful hands you ever shiers Valley are found saw. He could write in R. Y. Zachary’s reand did the Lord’s union address.

Prayer with perfect This picture of Col. John Alexander Zachar y was originally a tintype.

“Among my earlilegibility on the space est recollections was of a silver dime. Such hearing grandfather was the result of regujust as he was crouching This, in my boyish imaginatell, with menacing detail, to spring upon him. The tion, was the greatest feat lar and temperate habits, about shooting a big panther cat measured nine feet and ever performed by man. which we could do well to on Chimney Top mountain six inches from tip to tip. My grandfather was a great emulate.” n

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Histor y

Historical Society’s Christmas Showhouse Features The Stewart House T

Mark your calendars for the Highlands Historical Society’s Christmas Showhouse on Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th.

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he Stewart House, circa 1891, is this year’s Highlands Historical Society’s Christmas Showhouse.

This 118-year-old house is located at 425 Brock Court, just a couple of blocks from downtown. Catch the shuttle at the Community Center beside the ballpark on the Cashiers Highway. Tickets are $15 each and are available at Cyrano’s Bookstore on Main Street in Highlands or at the shuttle. All proceeds benefit the Historical Society’s programs, including maintenance of the town’s oldest house, the Prince House, the Historical Museum and Archives housed in the original Hudson Library building, and one of the sixty “Bug Hill-TB” cottages, built

by Dr. Mary Lapham in 1908.

New at this year’s Showhouse will be the raffle of a set of six beautiful, customdesigned art glass plates from Bryant Art Glass. Each plate is adorned with a poinsettia, perfect for Christmas entertaining. Raffle tickets will be sold only at the Showhouse for $1 each or six tickets for $5.

You can also buy your fresh greenery there. Choose fresh wreaths, boughs, or centerpieces and get a jump on your holiday decorating.

The Stewart House is named for Henry Stewart Sr., a well-known agricultural writer in the early 20th Century. His family used it as their home until 1925 when it was sold to the A. B. Michael family. In 1969

www.themountainlaurel.com • November 2009

it became the year-round residence of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cook, owners of the Highlands Inn. Following their deaths, their two daughters, Mary Bascom Cook and Beverly Cook Quin, sold the house to Bruce and Barbara Werder who lived there until recently. The house is now available for purchase.

Get into the Christmas spirit. Enjoy the Christmas Parade on Main Street, get a bite to eat; then step back in time with a visit to the beautifully decorated Showhouse. Smell the fresh greens, enjoy the glitter, and take home a 2010 Historical Society calendar selling for only $10. Who knows? You just might win Dwight Bryant’s set of beautiful poinsettia plates!. n

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Literary

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Literar y

Highlands Writer’s Group

Judy Blitch Gartside, a member of the Highlands Writers Group, was an assistant editor for McGraw-Hill and is now a freelance writer specializing in children’s stories. She loves living in Highlands, North Carolina and Broxton, Georgia with her husband Fred and their dogs Blue, Lily and Bugsy.

E

thelbenny Muddlepuddle hated her name! It hurt when the kids chanted, “Ethelbenny Muddlepuddle!

Ethelbenny Muddlepuddle!” as she walked to school, her big, black backpack slung across her shoulders. She also hated her backpack, because her mother had written in large, iridescent letters, scrawled across it, “Ethelbenny Muddlepuddle.” It screamed her awful name to the world. Nobody had a name like that!

Well, her grandmother had that name. She loved Granny Ethelbenny but she didn’t want her name. She wondered if anybody had teased Granny Ethelbenny when she was young, but didn’t want to ask--since they had the same name and all.

At school her teacher read a story about a hopping frog. She told them about its author, Mark Twain, and how that was his pen name, not his real name at all. His real name was Samuel Clemens.

She looked up “pen name” in her dictionary, and it said “pseudonym”. She looked “pseudonym” up, too, and it said, “(soo’de-nim) false name used by writer.”

Well, she thought, I’m a writer. I always write. Wait a minute! I guess that dictionary means really writing, like a story about frogs. Oh, she could do that!

“There once was a frog…” No, Mark Twain already wrote that.

“There once was a bunny…” No, she knew Beat-

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I Hate My Name rix Potter had written about Flopsy, Mopsy and Peter Cottontail.

“There once was an elephant…” No, someone had written about Babar and Dumbo. Oh, dear! It looks like all the good animals have been used!

Ethelbenny worried and fretted, but finally asked Granny Ethelbenny if anyone had ever laughed at her name. She said, “Ethelbenny, I pleaded with your parents not to give you my name. I’ve always hated it! But they said they were honoring me by giving my name to you. I’m sorry they did that to you!

Well, Ethelbenny thought, Granny Ethelbenny wouldn’t mind if I changed my name. I know! I’ll write a story about a girl who hates her name. Then I’ll be a real writer and can change my name to a pen name! She grabbed her red notebook, sat down and wrote.

Ethelbenny decided to go to the courthouse in the middle of their little town, because her daddy had told her that the courthouse was “a place where justice was given to all.” And to change her name to one she liked, and one her schoolmates wouldn’t tease her about, well, that would be justice, wouldn’t it?

After school, she walked to town, but her courage faded as she stared at the awesome, red brick courthouse building. Could she do this?

Could she really do this? Yes, she could! She threw her

shoulders back and climbed those imposing steps.

She opened the front door, stepping into the cool, shadowy courthouse. She was shaking, but reminded herself--again--that she was brave enough to do this. She had written her story, so she deserved a pen name!

Let’s see, where should she go? The Information Directory says: Clerk of Courts Judge Juvenile Services Division The last one sounds good, she thought. I’ll try that, cause I’m a juvenile. She walked into the large room, and standing on tiptoes at the counter, handed the clerk her notebook.

“I came here because my daddy said the courthouse is a place where justice is given to all. Here’s my story that I’ve written, so you can see I’m a real writer. I want to change my name, Ethelbenny Muddlepuddle, to a name that my friends won’t laugh at. That would be justice, wouldn’t it?

And since I’m now a writer, I want to change my name to a pen name. I want a pseudo… pseudonym! In case you don’t know what that is, I looked it up: it’s ‘a false name used by a writer.’ And I’m a writer, see?” as she pointed to her notebook.

The clerk, listening with fascination said, “Well, let’s see what we can do for you.

I’ll look up your situation in my manual, and we’ll see what it says.” He pulled one

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of the huge books from the shelf, blew off the dust and flipped through it. He read a page and turned back around to Ethelbenny.

“I believe I’ve found the answer to your problem. I’ll make a paper for you to sign with your real name, and then sign with the pen name that you want.” He picked up a paper with fancy-looking words at the top and began to write on it: “When writing, Ethelbenny Muddlepuddle is entitled to use the pen name or pseudonym of her choice instead of her real name. So declared by the Clerk of the Juvenile Court, Ebony Wellspring, this tenth day of the eleventh month of the year 2009.

Signature:____________ Pen Name_______________” Ethelbenny, dancing with delight, giggles bubbling up even though she tried to hush herself, could now be a real writer and never use that awful name again!

On the first line by “Signature,” she wrote her name, Ethelbenny Muddlepuddle.

On the second line by “Pen Name,” she proudly printed Ethelberry (she loved berries!) Mudpie (she adored making mudpies!). From now on, she would be Ethelberry Mudpie, the writer!

And that’s how this story came to be written for you to read. It’s a story by a real writer, Ethelberry Mudpie, who will never have to use the awful name of Ethelbenny Muddlepuddle again! n

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The Button Bag

Literar y

by Donna Rhodes

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hen I was a kid I watched my Aunt Annie sell a man an old oil heater. A couple of days later he brought it back because it didn’t work. She made him pay for the privilege of returning it. Today they call that a re-shelving fee, assuming the merchandise was good to start with. Here’s the kicker. My aunt knew the heater was broken from the get-go, and still she made him pay to return it. And she got away with it…that’s the crazy part.

Annie was a tough old coot who wielded a lot of power in her little town. She practiced larceny whenever it suited her whim. On Sundays she went to church to work it out with God. We figured when she died, God tried to return her soul, but she charged Him a re-shelving fee. Now she’s somewhere in purgatory waiting for the deal to work itself out.

But in spite of her corrupt nature, she had an absolutely charming alter ego that mesmerized my cousin and me. Because she had been a weaver, clothing and hat designer, she had a huge flour sack full of buttons, beads and trims left over from her fiber art days. My cousin and I would dump out the bag, sort its contents and run our fingers through the treasure. We’d often ask if we could keep a mother-of-pearl trinket or a rhinestone ornament and the answer was always no. Obediently we would return our riches to the pile. Our larceny gene hadn’t kicked in yet.

Still…by reasons unknown to my cousin, the button bag disappeared and magically materialized in my closet after my aunt’s death. There it waits for my own grandchildren to plunder and adore…when they are old enough not to swallow its contents.

I don’t know how I am going to work this out with God. Coveting and swiping aren’t highly regarded in Heaven’s Handbook.

But in my heart, I know Aunt Annie would be proud that her legacy of larceny lives on. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but the nine-year-old inside me is perfectly content with rhinestones and the raggedy old button bag that contains them. n

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Literar y

Life with Krysti Contributed by Krysti Rogers

Kr ysti Rogers is the proprietor of Basketcase in Highlands, North Carolina and can be reached at kr yspinmlk@aol.com.

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s I sit at my computer once again past deadline, I’m thinking about this Thanksgiving issue and trying to come up with something profound to write. Every year’s column ends up reading like an Oscar’s list, although let me make the disclaimer that there have been no “little people” squashed on my way up. Really, if anyone has been little, it has been me, as I have been humbled by some truly “random acts of kindness” on my behalf this year.

So for just a minute and before Marjorie yells at me for waxing poetic and going over my word limit…

Marj, thank you again for allowing me 350 (or so) words to elaborate on what-

ever dandelion that catches my attention. Thank you for being my friend, explaining a first down, sharing your jeans and helping me realize that going back to brown hair isn’t a bad thing. Kay and Captain Curmudgeon, here’s to Casual Thursdays, the “Ugly Dog” and your friendship! T, here’s to coffee and “accurate” horoscopes, a win for the Titans, Ballybunion someday and “all those little boxes.” Victoria, did you think I’d leave you out?

The Black Bear Classy Café needs another server - you can work with me, we’ll split the tips! To Cheryl, Sharon and Paula, thanks for your friendship and unspeakable kindness to me, it’s amazing. Another Girls Night is

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definitely in order! Hey, Alli Bella – we “don’t need no pizza, they got food there.”

I love ya girl! Pam and Bill, thank you for continuing to believe in and encourage me from year one. To the 007’s Bill and Patsy, here’s to black tie events, being loud at the dinner table and new old friends! By the way, is that Bond open yet?

To the customers and friends that continue to make my business so much fun, I couldn’t have done it without you. I am so looking forward to my fourth season and all the new and exciting things it will bring! And to all of you who read my babble every issue, your loyalty means so much. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, God bless! n

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Homes and Lifestyles

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Homes and Lifestyles

A Highlands Escape

by Wiley Sloan

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Homes and Lifestyles

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omeowners Warren and Jamie Stribling found the perfect house for their Highlands escapes.

The open floor plan and spacious rooms fit the couple’s way of life. Everything worked, no problems loomed, yet there was a yearning for greater ambience.

The way that families use homes has evolved over the past three decades. Originally designed as a guest house, the kitchen and bathrooms were adequate but not up-topar for today’s lifestyle. With good bones, all that was truly needed was to update the look and functionality.

Just as a skilled plastic surgeon can take years off your face, David Warth and the skilled craftsmen of Warth Construction can transform a dated house into

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an understatedly elegant home that everyone can enjoy for many years to come.

Poplar bark siding was added to the front entry offering a rustic welcome as you approach the home. Copper gutters and rain chains reminiscent of western lodges complement the simplistic design.

The updated galley kitchen is the perfect spot for chefs of all skill levels.

Located in one corner of the expansive Great Room, the fresh, clean lines of the cabinetry add to the casual, restful look. A wide band of steel caps a stacked stone wall to create a perfect casual eating counter. As if by a strong magnet, friends are drawn here to chat as you prepare a tasty delight.

Hardwood floors the color of walnut hulls have

replaced the original carpeting of by-gone days adding warmth and versatility. Family and friends can gather in front of the large stacked stone fireplace to relax after a day of hiking the property.

Gather for meals or a lively board game at the large dining table, which anchors the second half of the Great Room. Furniture and accessories chosen by a carefully trained eye work in concert with the home’s architecture to emit a casual, restful atmosphere.

Flanking either side of the Great Room are two bedroom suites, each offering a quiet respite from the bustle of a mountain weekend. Early risers can follow the morning sun as it rises above the mountain ridges through the expansive windows. Enjoy a refreshing steam shower in

November 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com

the updated bathrooms with their stone accents and versatile vanities.

Because a large part of mountain living means enjoying the outdoors, refurbishing the deck was a high priority. David Warth suggested that they use Ipe decking (an exotic hardwood that is naturally resistant to rot and decay). Anchoring the gathering space at one end of the deck is a large, stacked-stone fireplace.

Reserve space for sun worshippers in the middle and there’s still ample room for a large grill or an eating table at the far end of this expansive deck. The clean lines of the steel-cable railings leave a clear line of sight to the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Mission accomplished.

Your home is transformed.

Sit back and enjoy. n 75

Homes and Lifestyles

It’s So Easy Being Green

Contributed by Robin M. Armstrong-Neil

Robin is a local Green Living Guru and owner of Whole Life Market in Highlands.

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hanksgiving is a time that is filled with tradition. Why not take the opportunity to create some new, eco-friendly traditions as your family celebrates the holidays this season? With a few easy changes, you can turn this often overly indulgent and non-environmentally friendly holiday into a “green” holiday.

Start your “greening” with the guest of honor, Mr. Turkey. A “vegetarian-fed” turkey is fed a strict vegetarian diet, but that means he cannot go outside onto natural grass or pasture because he may eat bugs. A “cagefree” or “free-range” bird means that he is not kept inside small cages his entire life, but it does not mean that he has access to the great outdoors. He could be spending

his life on sand, dirt, or even concrete.

Make sure the turkey on your table is allowed to grow naturally with plenty of open space and is never given any antibiotics, animal by-products, hormones, preservatives, or additives. If possible, look for one that is marked “organic,” which means it was fed grains grown without pesticides and herbicides or chemical fertilizers.

While you are shopping, turn your entire traditional meal into an eco-friendly meal. Look for organically and/or locally grown fixings for everything that goes along with the turkey. Organically grown foods means no chemicals were used during the growth. Locally grown food is better for your table, your health, and the environ-

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ment. It is fresher and not full of preservatives to extend the shelf life. It also requires a lot less fuel to reach the store shelves. Buying local helps support your local economy.

Reduce the amount of waste you produce by only buying as much as you need and choosing products that come in packaging that can be recycled. For your turkey, buy only two pounds per person, which will leave plenty for leftovers. Make sure to carry your reusable bags when you do all your shopping. Use cloth napkins and real dishes that can be washed and used again and again instead of turning to paper and plastic. Recycle all paper, plastic, glass and aluminum containers and be sure to throw all fruit and vegetable trimmings into

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Homes and Lifestyles

Age is not a particularly interesting subject. Anyone can get old. All you have to do is live long enough.

- Groucho Marx

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Homes and Lifestyles

Will Work For Food!

Contributed by George & Deborah Reeves

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id you know that 35 percent of the food we eat would not exist without pollinators?

Last year beekeepers in the US lost over 40 percent of their bee hives mysteriously to what scientist are calling Colony Collapse Disorder. This has the potential for a major agricultural disaster. There are many things that can be done to promote healthy honeybee populations. You are part of the solution.

By simply rethinking the higher purpose of your landscaping, our pollinators can have a safe and nurturing habitat and we can have a more productive food supply. Here are some great ways you can help save the bees. *Plant flowers that bloom year round. Witch

hazel blooms mid-winter and borage blooms in early spring. Mums and asters and Goldenrod are great bloomers for fall. Plant “bee friendly” plants in your yards and gardens and leave a few bee friendly weeds around the edges of your yards. *Birdbaths aren’t just for the birds. Bees need good, pure, clean H2O too and it’s getting more difficult for the bees to find.

Keeping your birdbath clean and full is appreciated by the bees. *A green, weed-free lawn might be beautiful to behold but it creates an absolutely toxic, barren environment for bees. The average household dumps hundreds of pounds of fertilizer, pesticide and weed killer on their grass every year. It is time to try more

natural options. Leave some clover and dandelions and let the grass grow longer and healthier. *Also, if you are currently spraying to get rid of pests, please stop. It is suspected that pesticides play a huge role in the plight of the honeybees.

Unfortunately the bees can’t tell the difference between pollen and pesticide, bringing the pesticides into their hives, believing they are doing their job to feed and sustain it. Instead, they’re bringing poison straight to the queen and colony. There are many safer alternatives for you to use. *Seek out and purchase local, organic, chemical free honey and bee products to support those around you that are doing their part. Organic, unpasteurized honey

contains enzymes that are crucial to human health.

So, why are we talking about all this at the end of gardening season? Because you can help right now by purchasing “A Bee Lovers Garden” 2010 calendar. This calendar is another part of the solution. It will not only help educate and inspire you and those you gift it to, but a portion of the purchase price goes to support the much-needed research on Colony Collapse Disorder.

It includes 12 frameable illustrations of flowers that bees love by Western North Carollina artist Jay Pfeil, with interesting facts and information on how you can nurture and help save the bees.

They are working for food…. theirs and ours.

Help save the bees.

[\ [\ [\ [\ [\ [\ [\ [\ [\ [\ [\

Visit the

Mountain Laurel Shoppes

Located on Slabtown Road in Cashiers 78

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Understanding Cost Basis

ost basis.

You may have heard this term used many times, but if you are an investor, it is important to know what it means. Cost basis is a means of measuring the value of a security or other assets for tax purposes. When you purchase a security, your cost basis is typically your total purchase cost — the price you paid for the security plus any commission and other costs associated with the purchase.

For example, if you buy one hundred shares of stock for $10 per share and your brokerage firm charges you $75 for commission and transaction fees, your cost basis would be $1,075 (100 shares x $10 plus $75) or $10.75 per share.

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When you receive securities as a gift, your cost basis is generally based on the donor’s cost basis at the time he or she made the gift.

If you receive a gift of securities that has appreciated in value since the donor purchased them, you assume the donor’s cost basis for the securities. Let’s say your father owns 100 shares of stock with a total cost basis of $1,000, or $10 per share.

He gives you the securities when the price for the securities is $25 per share.

Even though the securities have appreciated in value, your cost basis would be the same as your father’s, $10 per share.

How to determine the cost basis on securities you have inherited generally de-

pends on how you inherited them. The cost basis in this situation can be computed based on either the fair market value of the security the day the individual who gave the securities died or on the alternate valuation date six months after the date of death. The fair market value method is established by taking the mean of the high and low for the security on the date of death. If the market is closed on the day of death, then the fair market value is determined by taking the average as of the previous day and the next trading day.

Calculating your cost basis may sometimes feel confusing, but understanding the rules may go a long way toward helping you achieve

November 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com

Contributed by Mary Beth Brody

Wells Fargo/Wachovia Securities, is located at 479 South Street, Suite 2, or call (828) 787-2323.

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Homes and Lifestyles

Contributed by Maryellen Lipinski

Mar yellen owns Mel’s Mountain Real Estate in Sapphire, North Carolina.

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Gratitude Cafe

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ratitude Cafe Pull up a chair at the gratitude cafe.

What’s on the menu?

Care, love, good will, helpful deeds, phone calls, reaching out, prayer and a big smile.

This Thanksgiving month, I felt compelled to write about gratitude. Easy, right? Not so. Does it mean I am not grateful? Far from it, but I must admit, there are moments, hours, even days when it’s a challenge to conjure up “that” feeling. What a year!

Being grateful…first step to joy? Gratitude is a personal reflection of our life and willingness to connect with people, family and friends. It is healing to the emotions and links the emotional body to the heart and

then the soul. Emotions are magnetic. It’s when you say thanks, appreciate your life, acknowledge people and share your joy. Gratitude is full of energy.

An open home, a giving heart, blessings of friends, and good health. That’s a start. Wouldn’t it be great if gratitude stuck to us like static cling and it only let go when you gave it away?

Discover an appetite for gratitude. Write 5 things you are grateful for every day. Review it a month later.

It will do your soul good. I wonder if the secret to being grateful is to be satisfied?

Writing this left me with a feeling of gratitude. I found myself humming this morning.

Be grateful for what you

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have, the love you receive and what God has given you. Whatever you appreciate and give thanks for will increase in your life. It’s that simple.

Remember to give it away -- over and over and over again. We can take nothing with us.

We can only leave smiles in the hearts of our friends and family.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more, denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity, a meal into a feast, a house into a home and a stranger into a friend.

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie

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Homes and Lifestyles

Visit

Village Walk in Cashiers • Highway 107 South

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Homes and Lifestyles

by Wiley Slaon

Dr. J. Scott Baker

Dr. Scott Baker hangs his shingle in the HighlandsCashiers communities.

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he number of Family Practice physicians in the area expands with the addition of Dr. J. Scott Baker.

Dr. Baker was born and raised in Texas, where he completed his undergraduate degree at Baylor University and his medical degree at Texas A & M University System, College of Medicine.

He completed his residency at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem in Family and Community Medicine. Since becoming board certified in Family Practice in 1996, Dr. Baker has practiced medicine in Western North Carolina and Georgia.

The son of a dentist, Dr. Baker says, “I originally thought I wanted a career in surgery but God had other plans for my life. In contrast

to more specialized fields of medicine, Family Medicine affords a greater variety of challenges for the physician and allows the doctor the opportunity to follow a patient’s progress over a longer period of time.

“Almost everyone is a bit apprehensive about visiting the doctor’s office. We will do everything possible to alleviate any fears, make you feel at ease, listen to your concerns, and most of all, keep you well-informed. We will carefully explain any diagnoses or treatment recommendations we have made for you.”

From his office in Suite 304 of the Jane Woodruff Clinic at 209 Hospital Drive, Dr. Baker welcomes patients of any age, from small infants to senior citizens. Patients requiring services beyond his

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level of care are referred to a carefully-selected specialist, to assure the best treatment.

He also will provide emergency room coverage as a member of the associate ER staff at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.

Dr. Baker and his wife Rebecca (Becky) have two children, Forrest, age 15, and Bailey, 11. Becky is an R.N.,B.S.N. who worked in the surgery/transplant intensive care unit at University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, prior to moving to Highlands. She is currently a member of the nursing staff at Harris Medical Center in Sylva.

When not treating patients, Dr. Baker enjoys pursuing hobbies including music, anything outdoors, cooking, and most importantly -- just being Dad. n

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Ser vices

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attorneys

Computer services

Cabinet design

concierge services

construction

concierge services

Custom Doors

construction

Electronics

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Ser vices Florists

lodging

granite faBRICATOR

online services/shops

GUTTER SERVICES

Painting

real estate

real estate

Money frees you from doing things you dislike. Since I dislike doing nearly ever ything, money is handy.

- Groucho Marx

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Philanthropy November 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com

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Philanthropy

Great Literacy Challenge Contributed by Bessie Goggins

Generous grant preser ves the Literacy Council of Highlands’ vital mission.

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he Literacy Council of Highlands has been awarded a $10,000 challenge grant by the Hayes Family Foundation of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., to maintain the position of programs coordinator.

“In order to keep the position of programs coordinator, we need to meet the Great Literacy Challenge by raising $10,000 by the end of the year,” said Bessie Dietrich Goggins, executive director of the Literacy Council. “Laura Miller is the council’s programs coordinator, and besides working with the children, she does a fantastic job coordinating schedules and goals among the students, parents, tutors and school.”

Others in the community agree that Miller fills a need within the Literacy Council.

“Laura has a wonderful presence with the children who attend the Literacy Council’s programs,” said chemistry tutor Jodie Cook, local community leader. “She’s just like a pied piper with the children. It is just amazing.”

The funds raised from this campaign will allow the programs coordinator to continue as a full-time staff member for the Literacy Council, which offers seven ongoing programs throughout the year. “Laura fills a critical need because the Literacy Council needs to continually spread the word to children and parents about our free programs, as well as consis-

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tently recruit tutors,” said council president Marjorie Fielding.

The programs coordinator is an essential position to helping the Literacy Council meet the needs of the community, said Goggins. “Laura helps us keep a pulse on what our programs’ participants need to continue their educations and develop a love for literacy,” Goggins said. “She helps us fulfill our mission to enrich lives through literacy on the Highlands plateau.”

The Literacy Council asks that anyone who would like to donate to the Great Literacy Challenge can contact Goggins via e-mail at highlandsliteracy@juno.com or by telephone at (828) 5269938 extension 240. n

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Virgin’s Bower

racing our cliff faces, fences, and guardrails this time of year is a fuzzy vine called the Virgin’s Bower, Clematis virginiana.

It also goes by Devil’s Darning Needle, Ladies Bower, Traveler’s Ivy, and Love Vine. In Greek, the word “clematis” refers to the long, lithe branches and is an ancient name for some climbing plants. The vines are up to 20 feet long and are graced with trifoliate leaves. The Virgins’ Bower is quite common and is found in every state east of New Mexico and north to the Hudson Bay in Canada.

Clematis is dioeceous, having both male and female flowers.

The fragrant flowers also do not have petals but four, green to white showy sepals, flowering July through September. The female flowers produce long cottony plumes as their seeds, called achenes, mature. This is a great plant for both bees and hummingbirds, but it is an aggressive colonizer. Be careful where you plant it.

Medicinal uses for this plant include being used as a hallucinogen by the Iroquois and as an ingredient in ceremonial green corn medicine by the Cherokee. The Cherokee also used it to treat backaches, stomach and kidney troubles, and nerves. The Iroquois also used an infusion of the roots to treat venereal disease sores. The plant’s acrid sap can cause skin irritations so do not eat or handle with bare hands.

To find out more about how you can help protect the incredible biological diversity of our mountains contact the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust at hitrust@earthlink.net or visit www.hicashlt.org. n

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Philanthropy

Contributed by Gary Wein, Executive Director, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

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Philanthropy

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ovember is the month we take time to celebrate Thanksgiving; acknowledging family and friends for the gift they are in our lives.

At Carpe Diem Farms we do our best throughout the year to express our appreciation to all the family of contributors who are the lifeblood of the farm. They contribute their time, talents and treasures in a wide variety of ways to keep our programs and the place successful.

They know how important our work is and give from the heart. We are grateful.

We have much to be thankful for in this season of gratitude. The equine family, our staff and colleagues, who are the backbone of our programs are all healthy. We added two new members to the herd in the spring, Battersea Bess and Battersea Violet. Through the generosity of Battersea Stud of Churchville, Virginia, these magnificent steeds now call CDF home. Bess, pictured here, is a carriage horse who, in the height of her career, participated in three presidential inaugural parades! Violet, an enthusiastic four-year-old,

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With Gratitude

Contributed by Sue Blair, Executive Director, Carpe Diem Farms

will grow into working with the students.

Students participated in a variety of programs throughout the year. Apprentices, campers and In the Company allowed the horses to teach valuable life skills to all who would listen. It is challenging at best to quantify our work. Experiential learning can be that way. Participants make changes in their habits, behaviors, communication skills and more when working with the horses.

We are filled with gratitude for all who volunteered their time and talents as well as the nearly three hundred

who attended the Manes and Tails Benefit. The joint fundraiser with the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society was a celebration of the two nonprofits who provide for our four-legged companions. We are very grateful to attendees Patsy and Bill Wolff, together with Pam and Chuck Watson who became our newest CDF family members by adopting one-half of Battersea KnightStar. Other attendees who joined the family by donating to the program, include the Hubbard Family and A. Mallory Lykes, who covered onequarter of Maude’s adoption.

Our Adopt-a-Horse Pro-

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gram allows individuals, families and groups to provide the necessary funding for our equine staff. Without the horses, the magic and miracles that happen daily at CDF would not be possible. There are 11 horses, seven needing full or partial adoption. We would gratefully welcome new members to our CDF family. If you are looking for a unique holiday gift for the horse lover in your family consider a tax-deductible gift to the Adopt-a-Horse Program at Carpe Diem. You help us care for the horses and your name and that of your recipient will be posted on “your horse’s’” stall. It’s a wonderful way to “have a horse” in your life and know that you help make CDF what it is. Please see our web site for information about the program and how you can participate.

Remember this month, and always, to give thanks for all the blessings and gifts in your life. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

For more information about CDF or to arrange a tour or to meet the herd, please call (828) 526-2854 or visit carpediemfarms.org. n

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Philanthropy

Mountaintop Rotary

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he Highlands Mountaintop Rotary recently welcomed its newest member, Nick Sharpe, of Orlando, Florida, and Highlands.

Nick is a practicing attorney and has been practicing for the past 36 years. Nick was born in Orlando and grew up in Winter Park. He received his undergraduate degree in International Affairs from Florida State University and following that was accepted into Stetson Law School where he received his Juris Doctorate Degree. After graduating from Stetson he began practicing law in Orlando and remained there until 1990.

Nick’s love for Highlands started as a teenager when he worked during the summer at Lee’s Inn (which used to be here in Highlands). In 2003, Nick and Anne decided to purchase a house in Highlands and they have happily resided here during the summer and early fall months ever since.

The Highlands Mountaintop Rotary will be having a Wreath Fundraiser. Fresh Fraser Fir 24-inch wreaths made by local wreath-maker Marianne Vines will be on sale for $28.

Shipping is available for $10 and a gift card is included. They are long-lasting and are great holiday gifts for family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and more, a perfect way to enjoy and share the feeling of a Highlands Mountain Holiday. Orders must be in by Wednesday, November 14th. Please call (828) 421-2548 to order your wreath or if you have questions.. n

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Philanthropy

The Rotary Club of Highlands Contributed by Slocum Howland

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At a recent Rotar y Club of Highlands meeting, President Paul Schmitt (left), Macon County Sheriff Robbie Holland and Highlands Police Chief Bill Harrell informed the membership about the December Shop With A Cop Bingo.

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he Rotary Club of Highlands is an enthusiastic sponsor of the Shop With A Cop Program, which pairs children who might have a bleak holiday with police officers from the town of Highlands and the Macon County Sheriff’s Department.

The children are chosen by officers, school officials, and social agencies and have a social or economic need. Each child is given $100 to spend on gifts for themselves and family and is paired with an officer for shopping and fun. After shopping, the officers and children have lunch and then go to a Christmas Party, complete with Santa and photographs. Gifts are wrapped and then the child is taken home by the officer.

The December Rotary Club of Highlands Bingo is a partnership among our Rotary Club, the Highlands Police Department and the Macon County Sheriff’s Department. All net proceeds from this event will be donated by Rotary to help fund Shop With A Cop. Macon County sheriff Robbie Holland said, “Many of the children come from difficult circumstances, where police are perceived as bad guys, and the Shop With A Cop program works to change that image. The bond and friendship that develops is an enduring gift.”

Highlands police Chief Bill Harrell, an active member of our Rotary Club, applauds the program and said, “It is a positive experience not only for the children that are involved, but also for the officers.”

Rotary Club President Paul Schmitt spoke for the club membership when he said, “Our club is proud to be a financial partner in this important event. We want to support local needs, and this is a wonderful example of our community involvement.” n

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Philanthropy

Militar y intelligence is a contradiction in terms.

- Groucho Marx

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Philanthropy

The International Friendship Center Contributed by Jill W. Montana

International Friendship Center reaches out to local residents from across the globe.

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he International Friendship Center celebrated its seventh year of existence as a non-profit outreach mission on October 2nd. We were founded by the First Presbyterian Church and the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation of Highlands to serve the many new residents in our area from other countries.

Who are these people and how do we serve them?

To paraphrase the famous E.B. Browning sonnet, “let me count the ways.”

First of all, we serve by being here. We are open every day at the Crosby Center where we help anyone who walks in, although we have had to cut back staff hours due to the economy. We serve people from 21 countries. We keep our doors open with contributions

from local churches, foundations and individuals. We receive no money from the state or federal government.

Next, we are a humanitarian agency. That means we serve in a caring and compassionate manner. We provide help that is probably not available anywhere else. That help might look like this: A confused mother and her seven-year-old child come in because they cannot understand a letter sent home from school. We explain the meaning of the letter, and, if needed, call the school for clarification.

Or this: A worker who has labored over a month without being paid comes in. We contact the employer and try to get him/her to cooperate in setting up a payment plan.

Or this: Two brothers

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come in saying their mother has just died and they need help getting a plane reservation to go home for the funeral.

We arrange tickets for them online. They, of course, pay for the tickets. We do not ever give money away.

Or this: A young European woman who works in a local store comes in because her American husband has been abusing her. We get help for them both.

Or this: People who are too timid to try to get a medical appointment at the Community Care Clinic call or come in and we set up appointments, as well as volunteer at the clinic itself.

Please help us continue our work by making a tax deductible gift to the IFC, 348 S. Fifth Street, Highlands, NC 28741. n

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Philanthropy

Through Thick and Thin

Contributed by Kathy Bub

Hard economy devastates the lives of communities’ littlest inhabitants.

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ake Louis and Ellie Mae grew up together and despite their difference in size they have always been best friends.

Now, in their senior years, they have lost their home due to today’s economic turmoil. First, their dad lost his job in the construction business because of lack of work. Then he could no longer make his house payments and they lost their home. Then their dad couldn’t find any place to live where he could take his canine kids - so he called in desperation to ask if we could help. We agreed to accept Jake and Ellie knowing that they were probably the last animals that we could af-

ford to bring to the Forever Farm until our own finances improved.

There are so many folks and their companion animals that are facing this same situation. And they will have to search in desperation for someone, or some organization, who can help them.

Can you even imagine being forced to give up your loved ones?

Friends for Life currently houses 130 senior and special needs dogs and cats at the Forever Farm in Lake Toxaway. We have made a commitment to each and every one of them, that if we can’t find them a loving home, that we will care for them for the rest of their

lives. We have a large budget that we are struggling to meet with greatly reduced donations. We need your compassionate help to meet our commitment to these animals. Please consider sponsoring one of our special animals, like Jake Louis or Ellie Mae, by making a monthly pledge to help with their care.

Call Friends for Life at (828) 508-2460 for information on how you can help. Visit our website at www.friendsforlifeforeverfarm.org and view the link to our adoptable animals at www.ffl.petfinder. com. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and your donations are tax deductible. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 340, Sap-

Successful Scholarship Program Contributed by Steven Johannessen

Betty Morris, Immediate Past President of the Rotar y Club of Cashiers Valley, presented Marcie Dills with the Al Cameron Scholarship Award for 2009.

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ach year the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley provides support from its fundraising projects to a number of local services and programs.

The Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley Al Cameron Scholarship Award is one of those programs that have a long-term impact on the recipients and community at large.

The scholarship award was created in 2001 when the president of the club, Thomas Bates, decided to recognize the tutoring programs set up

by Al Cameron in the local schools. Known as the “education guru,” Al was the epitome of “Service Above Self” --the Rotary motto. So the program was initially known as the Al Cameron Service Above Self Award.

Over time, the name of the

award changed, but its emphasis remained the same–to support and encourage local high school students to pursue a college education.

Each year the club works with school guidance counselors in the Cashiers and Glenville area to find the best candidates, and one student is selected from an application and interview process. The criterion for selection includes financial need, academic performance, involvement in campus activities, and residency in the local area.

Once selected for the award, each student receives $1,000 per term for two terms a year with a maximum of eight terms for the scholarship support. All students must maintain a set grade point average each term, submit transcripts of their results for each term

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to ensure they remain on track, and present a report back to the club each year. This is a great opportunity for both the student and the club to see the benefits of the award.

There are currently six students benefiting from the scholarship program. This past June, Marcie Dills of Blue Ridge Early College was selected for the 2009 scholarship. In addition to being president and leader of her school’s Rotary Interact Club, Marcie was also valedictorian of her graduating class. Now with the assistance from Rotary, Marcie is a freshman at Lander College with plans to become a nurse.

For more information on the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley Al Cameron Scholarship Award and application process, contact Rick Robson, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, at

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To Hospice, With Heartfelt Appreciation

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he services to the community by Hospice are vital -- vital in the sense that the quality of life for patients, their families and caregivers is attended to with great caring by the staff and volunteers of Hospice.

Highlands-Cashiers Hospice often receives testimonies to the depth of care from families whom Hospice has served. The following is taken from a letter sent to Hospice by the Hendricks Family: Bryant, Karen, Charlene, Hannah and Joshua. Their intent is not only to express gratitude, but to help increase awareness in our community of these vital services.

“Highlands Cashiers Hospice, the staff and volunteers have touched our

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lives, blessed us immensely, and guided us with love through our journey. Our beloved Sam, age 94, was ready to leave this earthly home…But he was torn, his precious wife not willing to let him go yet…When he wanted to talk about dying, she would not. By the end, Hospice helped her with acceptance, becoming a stronger person, and Sam was at peace.

“Our journey lasted over a year. Our entire family became very close to our precious volunteers and staff (who) spent hours with Sam, reading to him, listening to him, talking about things we hold dear, family, faith, and love.

“The nurses were all sensitive and caring, knowledgeable, professional and

prompt in meeting our needs. Each member of the Hospice team plays a vital role. The physician, nurses, nursing assistants, dietician, physical therapist, chaplain, social worker and volunteers each have a special gift they give on a daily basis to enrich the lives of those they encounter. This community is so very fortunate to have such a valuable resource in its midst.

“Sam had a dream of “passing on the “Legacy of Love”…from father to son before he died. With help from the volunteers, Sam was able to have a special ceremony to symbolize this blessing. The Hospice chaplain handmade a special stole to be used in the ceremony, a legacy that will someday again pass down

November 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com

Hospice touches lives with wisdom and deep compassion.

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Real Estate

Real Estate November 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com

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Real Estate

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America’s Home Place

merica’s Home Place specializes in building homes that perfectly match their clients’ most cherished dreams.

That’s because America’s Home Place has established a precise formula that takes into account every detail of a property owner’s wishes.

The process starts with a visit to the Custom Home Model Center at 342 Highway 64 West in Cashiers. You’ll see over 100 custom home plans and designs that you can use to build your new home free of charge. Your Professional Building Consultant can assist you in choosing which home plan is best for you and guide you through our many options.

The Cashiers showroom features a variety of custom home options that you can choose from without ever leaving our showroom. You can select your roofing, cabinets, various countertop options, lighting, flooring, paint colors, siding choices, and much more. This enables

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Betsy Paul Properties

etsy Paul’s 20 years of experience working in the Cashiers real estate market have given her a deep insight into the diverse Cashiers/Sapphire/Glenville/Toxaway markets.

Over the years she’s developed a reputation for fairness and genuine enthusiasm for her work. That’s why, when she opened her own office in 2005, she already had a base of loyal customers.

“For me, there’s a real joy in having many different kinds of properties listed,” Betsy says. “Our residential listings range from $99,000 to $4 million and each one has its own charm and challenges. I look around, and we’ve got an amazing variety of listings in Lake Glenville, the Country Club of Sapphire Valley, Sapphire Valley, and Cashiers upscale developments as well as rural listings with acreage.”

In addition to herself, Betsy Paul 100

you to completely customize, upgrade and decorate your new home at one location and eliminate the burden of going to several different locations to make your choices.

Once those big decisions are made, you’ll be assigned your personal building superintendent, who’ll oversee a carefully selected army of subcontractors and monitor every aspect of construction.

It’s a system that’s been refined since 1972 and it ensures that your home is

built worry-free and precisely according to your wishes.

Here’s what new Cashiers homeowner Bill Josey has to say about his America’s Home Place Experience: “I have been very pleased with AHP’s Cashiers team. We began planning discussions on May 14th, and expect to be finished with our dream cabin in Bald Rock

by Thanksgiving - that’s just six months from start of design to occupancy. AHP’s Cashiers team is knowledgeable, responsive and flexible. District Vice President Stacy Buchanan recommended a siting change that has made all the difference.

Superintendent Tom Hart is extremely experienced, and collaborated with us on many aspects of the design and finishes.

And the subcontractors have all been top notch. Everyone who has looked at the cabin to date has said the same thing: ‘Wow!’” To learn more about America’s Home Place, visit the showroom or call (828)

Properties has three full-time agents. The agents have the opportunity to cultivate lifetime relationships with their clients. That extra attention makes all the difference in the Cashiers market and is evidenced by the many clients who have had multiple transactions through the company.

Even though market uncertainty has affected the Cashiers Valley, Betsy maintains a calm attitude shaped by those 20 years in the market.

“When comparing our market with the

national real estate climate, this area has had less dramatic price decreases overall. Listings that are in good condition and are offered at a fair price are selling.

We check current listings and sales in the area to determine if a price is realistic. We also visit the properties to determine if any changes are needed.”

Betsy’s background in art and advertising has given her a keen eye for detail. That translates into her getting a listing in its best possible condition.

“I think both buyers and sellers appreciate it when a home is in good condition and fairly priced, because everyone wins,” she says.

If you’d like to know more about Betsy Paul Properties, stop by at 870 US 64 West, call (828) 743-0880, or visit our website: www.betsypaulproperties.com. We will be happy to visit your property and provide a free market analysis. n

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The Chambers Agency

he Chambers Agency’s motto, “Ceud Mile Failte” (One Hundred Thousand Welcomes), encapsulates a family tradition that’s been an essential element of Highlands for over 100 years.

Owners Jeannie and Tucker Chambers welcome visitors to the Highlands Plateau with a vast selection of vacation rentals, second home investments and choice land. Some of the rentals are for as little as two nights, while some stretch for an entire season.

“We grow attached to our seasonal renters, some of whom come back year after year,” explains Jeannie. “It’s the same

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for our second home clients, they really become part of the clan.”

Jeannie and Tucker are the thirdgeneration of the family to manage the Chambers Agency. In 1941, Tudor Norton

Hall and Margaret Gilbert Hall, bought the real estate business of S.T. Marett. Their office was in The Hall House (which still houses the office), which Tudor’s parents founded as a summer resort in 1896. Tudor and Margaret’s daughter Isabel and her husband Tony Chambers took over the real estate division in 1986 and passed the business on to Tucker and Jeannie in 2008.

The family-owned business started small, yet no matter how many properties it rents, manages or sells, it still has that small town, deeply personal feel.

For more information, call (828) 5263717 or 1-888-526-3717 or visit www.cham-

Country Club Properties

f you’re looking for an experienced hand to guide you through the intricacies of the Highlands, North Carolina real estate scene, look no further than the pros at Country Club Properties. Broker W. Terry Potts and associates Anna Wilson, Karen Dunn, Keturah Paulk, Dan Chapman, Jennifer Garrabrant, Linda Parrish, Pam Taylor, Jack Peay, Don and Betty Fisher, Mike Taylor, Alicen Phillips, Jim Stiles, Rick Joiner, Sharon Bowen, Ellie Hogan, Tom Graham, Katrina Graham, Martha Betz and Richard Betz come from families that have given Highlands quality service for almost 100 years. That heritage makes them your local hometown real estate profession-

als.

Country Club Properties’ has one of the largest listing bases in this area. Real estate listings include homes, luxury houses, condos and golf course properties for sale throughout the North Caro-

lina area. True to its name, it offers homes in Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, Cullasaja Club, and Highlands Country Club, Highlands Falls Country Club, Old Edwards Club, and Mountaintop lake and Golf Club.

Whether you’re purchasing a new or existing home, selling your home, or looking for investment property, the Country Club team will work its hardest to make your real estate transaction a smooth and rewarding process.

This member of the Unique Homes Referral network maintains three Highlands locations -- 183 West Main Street in Wright Square (828) 526-2520; 363 Main Street (828) 526-5010; and Mountain Fresh Center (828) 787-2002. n

Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.

Groucho Marx 102

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Real Estate

Harry Norman Realtors-Pat Allen F

or Pat Allen, broker-incharge and first owner of the franchise of the Highlands office of Harry Norman Realtors is a natural progression of the venerable company’s history.

“Not many people realize it, but Harry Norman Realty was founded by a woman – Emmaline Harrison Norman, 79 years ago.” Pat explains. “From its earliest days, ‘Miss Emmie’ instilled in the company a strong commitment to the highest ethical standards and a commitment to serving the community. That’s what we emulate here in Highlands.

Harry Norman’s commit-

ment to solid business principles drew the attention of legendary investor Warren Buffett, who made the company a subsidiary of his Home Services of America Inc. They share the same values that we have here in the Highlands branch – honoring commitments, respecting confidentiality, demonstrating accountability, and being at all times fair and consistent in real estate, mortgage, title and insurance.”

Pat, a Certified Luxury Home Specialist, oversees a team of professionals that includes Elizabeth Salzarulo (current owner), Bert Mobley, Cy Timmons, Molly

Leonard, Frank Scudder Jr., Jim Kinard and office manager Lisa Moore. It’s a bustling enterprise that offers exclusive homes and breathtaking property scattered throughout the Highlands/Cashiers area.

With Harry Norman’s affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, they are connected with 145,000 associates worldwide and do more annual US home sales volume than any real estate franchise. For information on Harry Norman, Realtors, call (828) 526-8300 or visit www.highlandsrealestate.

Money frees you from doing things you dislike. Since I dislike doing nearly ever ything, money is handy.

Groucho Marx

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Hummingbird Realty

or Mary Coker, principal broker for Hummingbird Realty, it’s only natural that she’s showcasing such gorgeous properties.

“There’s so much beauty in the area, I just love sharing it with others,” she explains. “I was a teacher for many years and the excitement that I felt in opening the world to young people is almost exactly the same feeling I get when I show a beautiful home or piece of property.”

That enthusiasm has given Hummingbird Realty a deep portfolio of resort properties and vacation rentals in Cashiers, Lake Toxaway, Sapphire, Highlands and Brevard.

Mary presents her offerings with a gentle warmth and careful attention to her clients’ needs. That low-key approach is complemented by Henry VIII, a gentle

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cat who follows the sunshine around the office and wakes up enough to greet every visitor.

“We’re a small office, intentionally, so that we are able to spend adequate

time with each customer and provide good old-fashioned personalized service,” says Mary. “I like to establish a relationship with the people who come to see us and to help them make a choice they will be happy with for many years. The multiple listing services to which we belong cover several mountain counties and numerous communities. To save you time in your quest for a mountain property, we will be happy to search for your ideal mountain real estate throughout these various services.”

To learn more about Mary, Henry, Hummingbird Realty and its properties, visit the office housed in a charming cottage at 425 Highway 64 West in Sapphire, call (828) 966-4737, or visit them at www. hummingbird-realty.com. n

I find television ver y educating. Ever y time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.

Groucho Marx

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Real Estate

Landmark Realty Group “

The mountains are calling and I must go...” John Muir The mountains were calling when Landmark Realty Group cofounders Jane Ebberts and Sam Lupas opened their doors in 2004, success might have seemed a distant prospect.

But now, just over five years from that pivotal day, their firm is a proven leader among the 120 members of the Highlands-Cashiers MLS real estate agencies, with leading sales numbers since 2004. Landmark Realty Group now boasts the most comprehensive inventory of residential properties, vacant land, commercial real estate, and multi-family products than any other agency in the area.

The agency’s success is testimony to an experienced staff of 26 broker associates, 2 full-time employees and a lot of hard work, but it’s predicated on something even more basic.

“We’re all part of the community,” explains Sam. “Jane and I brought in veteran brokers who are involved in a variety of local activities; coaching, churches, schools, hiking, local animal shelters, and community service. We know how important it is to be a part of the community. We respect and appreciate the community and the wonderful environment of the Cashiers area and we are dedicated to its preservation. Our business is built upon service, ethics and professionalism which makes for a winning combination.”

Jane says those ideals are embedded in Landmark’s mission statement: “A team of professionals who place our clients’ interest as our first priority. This team of Real Estate Professionals shares our clients appreciation for the natural beauty and simple pleasures of living in this mountain community.”

The firm is proud of their new office building on Frank Allen Road, right in the hub of Cashiers; just a short walk from the post office, school, library and community center. For more about the services and success that Landmark Realty Group offers, stop by their new location or call them at (828) 743-0510 or visit them on the web at www.LandmarkRG.com Are the mountains calling you? Landmark Realty Group can help you find your way. n

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Landmark Realty Group - Wes Graves W

hen Landmark Realty Group cofounder talks about his firm being “built upon service, ethics and professionalism,” he need look no further than broker associate Wes Graves.

Wes has a lifetime of maintaining the highest standards in his professional life and his service to his community. He attended Furman University on a basketball scholarship and graduated with a degree in political science. Upon graduation, he joined the US Army Reserve as a Second Lieutenant.

Wes earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina Law School in 1972 and founded the law firm Harris & Graves. Over the course of 33 years, he built Harris & Graves into one of South Carolina’s preeminent legal powerhouses.

Along the way, Wes found time to serve as a board member for the Boys &

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Girls Club of the Midlands and an Elder at Northeast Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina, where his wife Joan serves as Director of Music.

Wes’ retirement in 2005 was supposed to give him ample time to indulge his passions for golf and fly-fishing from his home in Cedar Hill in Cashiers, but he soon became bored and decided to obtain his Real Estate Broker’s License.

Joining Landmark was an easy decision -- its commitment to ethics and community service dovetailed nicely with his own sensibilities.

Today, Wes specializes in homes and residential lots and relishes the opportunity to share his lifetime’s wealth of wisdom and gentle good humor with prospective buyers. If you’d like to meet Wes and discover the real estate treasures that he offers, visit Landmark Realty Group at 49 Frank Allen Road in Cashiers, or call (828) 743-0510. n

I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening. But this wasn’t it.

Groucho Marx

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Nellis Developments A

visit to Old Highlands Park, just one block from Main Street, is a trip to Highlands’ earliest days. It seems far removed from the concerns of the modern world.

“It’s the perfect place for families – kids, dogs, grandkids – or strolling to downtown or hiking to Sunset Rock,” explains Pam Nellis, who with her husband Bill has developed this tranquil Harris Lake jewel. “There’s a lot to be said for being able to walk to all the shops and restaurants and attractions of Highlands.”

That sense of graciousness and undeniable charm informs all of the Nellis Developments – The Cot-

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tages of Highlands Cove, 15 single-family homes near the first tee and clubhouse of this exquisite community between Highlands and Cashiers; The Birches at Wildcat Cliffs eight single family and 18 condominiums nestled in an exclusive golf community; the homes and condominiums of Village Walk, just a two-block stroll from Main Street; and the rare mountain sites of Bearfoot, Cotswalds and High Meadows.

Bill is a “hands on” developer who really cares about the product he produces. He knows the value of creating a community that encourages good relationships between the members.

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More importantly, he listens to what his clients have to say and makes improvements accordingly. What has made his properties unique and different is that he always allows nature to influence the design and layout of his communities.

Pamela is the Real Estate Broker for Nellis Realty and Communities. As a Feng Shui consultant, she specializes in matching her clients with the perfect place. She offers properties in Highlands and Cashiers.

To learn more about Nellis Developments and the amazing properties that Bill and Pamela offer, call (828) 787-1895 or visit www. nellisrealtyandcommunities.

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Preferred Properties

t’s easy to see why Preferred Properties of Highlands enjoys its sterling reputation in the competitive HighlandsCashiers real estate market -- it’s derived from an uncompromising commitment to honesty, diligence and service during and after the sale.

With over 150 years’ combined experience in the Highlands Real Estate market, their agents know the backyard Highlands. Preferred Properties has dedicated itself to assisting buyers find the home of their dreams in the Highlands - Cashiers area, and assisting sellers in the marketing, presentation and representation of their home.

As a member of the HighlandsCashiers Multiple Listing Service, Pre-

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ferred Properties’ agents have access to everything on the market, and many things not “publicized.”

Preferred Properties can help you through the complete process of purchasing or selling a home, land or com-

mercial investment. Whether it is a question regarding a mortgage with a “balloon” payment, short or distressed sales or an answer about a 1031 Exchange, if they don’t have the answer, they can get it - quickly. The agency maintains a very close working relationship with the very best attorneys in the area and can usually get answers to these legal questions within minutes, not days.

Whatever your real estate needs, make a visit to the professionals at Preferred Properties of Highlands your first priority. The office is located at 171 West Main Street in Highlands. For more information, call (828)526-5587 or visit www.ppoh.com. n

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Signature Properties S

ignature Properties’ Owner/Broker Lynn Kimball is confident that the current real estate situation will balance out soon.

Lynn stresses that now is the time to think “out of the box” and to concentrate on any new and old ideas available to improve ourselves and our businesses.

Having over 24 years of experience in the unique Highlands/Cashiers market has given her an understanding and confidence that’s priceless in this confounding market.

Lynn says “We suggest to many clients that they might wait for a little while until the market picks up before selling, unless they have specific needs or desires.”

She further explained, “If they need to sell, we have a marketing plan that could give them the edge to sell now. For those who have oth-

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er desires to sell right away, we can suggest some ideas of how selling in this market can actually improve their overall real estate situation”.

Lynn’s real estate skills were honed in the explosive markets of Northern Virginia and Sarasota/Bradenton, Florida. When she arrived in Highlands in 1985, she used those lessons to help turn Highlands Falls Country Club into a flourishing community. In addition, she moved the company into general real estate and vacation rentals.

Lynn bought Highlands Falls Realty in 1995 and renamed the business “Signature Properties.” She also instituted a written Commitment to Sellers which spells out the personalized services that client’s can expect. This further provides the client the option of canceling their listing, should the company’s services not meet with the cli-

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ent’s expectations.

Naturally, with a commitment like that, Lynn is confident in the abilities of her brokers and staff. Signature Properties offers a complimentary design consultation and virtual tour for each of their listings, plus a professional rental department.

With her 37 years of real estate experience, Lynn has seen many ups and downs and has overcome her own personal challenges. They’ve all strengthened her passion for business and life in general.

Signature Properties maintains two offices - the Main Office, on US 64 across from Highlands Falls Country Club where Johnny White is Broker-in-Charge; Lynn is the Broker-in-Charge of the Downtown Office, located at Mountain Brook Center (next to SweeTreats). For more information, visit the Signature Properties offices,

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Prestige Realty Group

ven though Prestige Realty Group is one of the newest Real Estate companies in the Highlands area, it’s already developed a reputation for its remarkable level of ser vice.

Business partners David Bee and Dennis Hall have developed a full brokerage ser vice that emphasizes personal connections. Lori Bee, another associate broker, handles rental business and David ser ves as the Broker in Charge in addition

to being an Accredited Buyer’s Representative and a Graduate of the Realtor Institute. Dennis is a Certified Estate Specialist and an Accredited Real Estate Auctioneer and Broker.

Prestige Realty also offers a concierge ser vice that handles construction oversight and full property management. It’s located at 125 Main Street in Wright Square in Highlands. For more information, call (828) 526-9999. n

Building Relationships, Delivering Dreams

Silver Creek Real Estate Group B

of The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

ased on the belief that every client is as unique and varied as the wildflowers that line the valley floor in the summer and the leaves that crown the trees in the fall, Silver Creek Real Estate Group is dedicated to providing unsurpassed customer service. According to Jochen Lucke, the founder and owner of this rapidly growing Cashiers-based firm, the only way to do this effectively is by treating clients as individuals, not numbers and by listening carefully to their wants and needs.

After nearly two decades as a successful broker, developer and contractor, he should know. “Silver Creek offers an intimate, full-service, ‘boutique’ experience – we’re with our clients from the initial meeting to the closing table,” explains Lucke. “We don’t just sell homes here – we build relationships. These aren’t merely clients, they’re current and future friends and neighbors. Our brokers are well known for their warm

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personalities, professional demeanor, industry knowledge, and local market savvy. We share a great love of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau and a passion for our work of matching buyers with sellers and dreamers with dream homes.”

Silver Creek sets itself apart from other local agencies by continually exploring new avenues to actively market properties and seek homebuyers. Silver Creek advertises in such high profile

November 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com

publications as The Dupont Registry, Atlanta Homes and Leisure Magazine, Charleston Magazine and – of course – The Laurel Magazine, among others. The firm also utilizes the internet, social networking and blogging to help spread word of their favorite little slice of Heaven.

“We aspire to offer our clients an experience that is every bit as special as the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau,” concludes Lucke. “They may be reaching for their dreams of owning a home in the mountains – a place they will enjoy with their family and friends for years to come. We are incredibly honored that they would choose Silver Creek to help them in their quest to find it.”

To learn more about Silver Creek Real Estate Group, visit www.ncliving. com. To list your WNC property or begin the quest to find your own mountain or lake dream home, call Silver Creek’s experienced team at (828) 743-1999. n 113

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The Divide at Bald Rock

ne thing stands as solid as Bald Rock Mountain, itself, according to developer Dave Bauer, President of Westmark Development, and that is the developmental and financial integrity of Westmark.

Westmark, the developer of Bald Rock and its sister property, The Divide at Bald Rock, takes great pride in its reputation for conservation-minded development and financial responsibility to both its homeowners and vendors, a reputation that has remained untarnished since Westmark came to the mountains some 15 years ago and will remain that way in the future, according to Bauer.

Dubbed the “civilized wilderness,” the over 1000 acres of Bald Rock and The Divide emphasize the wilderness aspect of the mountains while offering those amenities appreciated by true mountain lovers such as an equestrian center, hiking, biking and riding trails, a community center, access to Panthertown and all the amenities available at the Sapphire Valley Resort (skiing, fishing, canoeing, golf

and supervised children’s activities).

The extraordinary success of Bald Rock (only two developer lots remain) and The Divide at Bald Rock (more than half sold) speaks volumes as to the desirability of owning land in a development dedicated to maintaining the natural beauty of the mountains. Even with that success, Bauer notes that in today’s economic climate, he understands the current hesitation on behalf of buyers to commit to the purchase of property, even

though that purchase makes more sense today than ever.

Bauer states that unlike paper investments, land is forever and a great hedge against the inflation that is inevitable under current monetary policies. If you are considering buying gold, for example, he notes that you need to consider buying land and not just any land, but premier land located in premier locations. He is so certain of this that Westmark is offering a guarantee by which Westmark will repurchase any lot purchased from it if the buyer is dissatisfied with the purchase for any purpose.

The specific terms of the guarantee are available at Westmark’s offices. To those who have been waiting, Bauer asks, “Haven’t you waited long enough?”

To find out more about Westmark and The Divide at Bald Rock, please call (828) 743-7077, or email info@dividenc. com., or visit their website at www.dividenc.com. Please visit our other developments in Montana and Florida at www. westmarkdevelopment.com. n

meander through a small valley. A complete pro shop and driving range complement the magnificent course The completely renovated, full service clubhouse is open seven days a week for lunch and bar service. As a member, you can enjoy not only the amenities at The Old Edwards Club, but also the amenities at the Old Edwards Inn & Spa including the Spa, which reflects the finest European-

style luxury and presents one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, signature therapies, complete salon services, steamrooms, and Jacuzzis; and Old Edwards Club members will receive discounts on all retail, rooms, and Food & Beverage at Madisons, Wine Garden, Rib Shack and the Spa Café. The Fitness, Tennis and Pool facilities are open seven days a week (personal trainers and multiple complimentary fitness classes are available for members).

For a limited time, the developer of Highlands Cove is offering all of the new condominiums for $595,000 including a membership to The Old Edwards Club (subject to club approval and subject to change without notice).

For more information, call (828) 5268128 or visit www.mountainviewpropertiesnc.com. n

Mountain View Properties

M

ountain View Properties is located at the front entrance to the Old Edwards Club at Highlands Cove. Owners Eddy and Gina McDonald have lived in Highlands Cove since 2000 and have a vast knowledge of the wonderful community they are so blessed to be a part of. Highlands Cove has taken on a huge transformation with the Old Edwards Club and sales have deinately been a proven indicator of its success. The Old Edwards Club golf course is, among other things, a golfer’s haven.

This captivating, 6,606 yard, par 71 course was designed by architect Tom Jackson of Greenville, South Carolina, and artfully follows the mountainous terrain. The course offers elevated tees that showcase the spectacular views then drop dramatically to undulating greens, while other areas

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John Cleaveland Realty

ohn Cleaveland Realty, founded by former Highlands mayor John Cleaveland, has been a fixture on the local real estate scene for over 25 years.

Broker-in-charge Karen Runken oversees a team of nine broker associates, each with a solid background in real estate.

“We’re not Johnny-comelatelies, there’s an enormous amount of experience here -we understand the town and we come to know each of our clients,” she explains.

Because John Cleaveland Realty is now owned by Countr y Club Prop-

J

John Schiffli Realty

ohn Schiffli Real Estate was established in Highlands, North Carolinian 1972. For over 30 years, Highlands residents, and future residents have depended upon their wealth of knowledge and expertise to assist with the purchasing and selling of their homes and properties. Located on Main Street in the heart of town and in the middle of the shopping district, John Schiffli Real Estate benefits from the perfect office location. Convenient for “walk-in” traffic, the office has been able to provide its sellers with the best possible exposure for their clients.

“We are not a mega office with fifty agents and we are not going to be.

This is a client oriented business that will only take on a home that is a good candidate for sale for which we can provide our personal ser vice. There is no place for listings without complete

tents

erties, the firm has remarkable depth of offerings. Prospective buyers automatically receive personalized MLS

listings by e-mail. Early each morning brokers search the local MLS and find the homes that match buyers’ criteria and notify them immediately with the latest listing information.

The agency specializes in residential and commercial properties, developments and investment properties.

For more information, visit John Cleaveland Realty at 223 North Fourth Street (across from Highlands’ Town Hall) or call (828) 5264983 or (888) 922-1522. You can also visit www.jcrealty.com. n

information, maximum photographic coverage and accurate information.

For the Seller, we provide a private web page that lists their home, their competition, the state of the market, and a record of showings of their home. For our buyers, we provide personal web pages that list their candidate property so they can preview from the comfort of their home, select the ones that most interest them and when they are in town, we provide them with showings of just those homes that are the perfect candidates. When it comes to our clients, John Schiffli Real Estate is not “fast food,” we take time and pride in what we do.” says broker in charge Matthew Eberz.

John Schiffli Real Estate is located at 361 Main Street in Highlands and can be reached at (828) 526-5750. For a view of listings, visit www.johnschiffli.com. n

Age is not a particularly interesting subject. Anyone can get old. All you have to do is live long enough.

Groucho Marx November 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com

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Business

L WHLC Station owners Chuck and Wanda Cooper.

WHLC

isten to WHLC FM 104.5 anywhere, anytime, now that they are streaming live on the Internet.

Over the last several years, WHLC has received numerous requests regarding streaming. Until recently, the cost has been prohibitive for a small market station, due to music license requirements and other costs.

Though there are still considerable costs, within the last few months there have been some changes which make it more affordable.

“We have been aware of the importance of broadcasting on the Internet, and it has been our goal to see it through,” say station owners Chuck and Wanda Cooper.

“The format that is played on WHLC is no longer being played in many markets, including Atlanta. People still enjoy the soft and easy favorites, and request it, once they visit Highlands and discover WHLC. The soft and easy format is ideal for listening in an office and these requests have come from everywhere, but especially from Clemson

University. It was nice to be able to answer the many emails from the many people who had written asking when we would be streaming. Finally, our seasonal residents will be able to hear what is going on in Highlands from their winter locations. They can be in constant contact with Highlands happenings while enjoying the wonderful music, current weather conditions, and advertisements year-round.”

To listen, go to www. whlc.com and click on the Listen Live button. n

A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five.

Groucho Marx

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Peachtree Group

ith more than 25 years of award-winning experience, Atlanta’s Peachtree Group has developed a sterling reputation for its golf course communities, unique custom homes, and progressive intown developments. Not satisfied, the Peachtree Group, in partnership with Discovery Land Company, unveiled “Mountaintop.”

“Mountaintop” is easily identified as a “One of a Kind Community.” Ringed by a spectacular Tom Faziodesigned 18-hole golf course, the project features numerous amenities anchored by a rustic, yet undeniably luxurious mountain Lodge sure to be a focal point of the community.

For the company’s Exec-

tents

utive team, the Mountaintop project represents the opportunity to become a part of the unique fabric of the Cashiers’ Valley community.

“My family and I have had a home in Cashiers for nearly 15 years, so it was important that if we were going to be involved, we create a community that the entire area could be proud of,” explains Peachtree Group partner, Fritz Rybert. My partner, Bob Van de Bogert and Project Manager Mike Smart have gone to great lengths to make certain every detail of our work at “Mountaintop” yields the highest quality homes possible.”

Rybert is proud of the legacy of quality and innovation the company started over a quarter of a century ago.

Today, “Mountaintop” joins scores of other distinctive Peachtree Group projects including over 30 unique Atlanta in-town neighborhoods like One Brookhaven Drive with its 18 upscale flats.

Golf course developments like Laurel Springs with its Signature Jack Nicklaus-designed course and the newest golf club development, Blue Ridge Golf and River Club designed by Bunker Hill Designs located on the Toccoa River in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

All Peachtree homes are designed and built with the entire project in mind beginning with the homeowner’s lifestyle, site planning, all the way through to design review approval. This concept insures not only the integrity and value of the home and

November 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com

Business

community, but as importantly, the environment within and surrounding the larger community.

“Bottom line, we’re just very excited to have an opportunity to be a part of what we consider to be one of the most beautiful spots in the world,” Rybert said.

For more information on The Peachtree Group please contact Bob Van de Bogert at 404-851-1889 (Atlanta) or Mike Smart at 828-743-5568(Cashiers)or toll free 888-874-3383. n

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Business

Artist Reception and Historical Society’s 2010 Exhibit at Creative Framing Commemorative Calendars-

T

A

lthough born in the small North Carolina coastal town of St. Pauls, John Sill has found his way to Franklin, North Carolina. An accomplished artist with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, John has become known for painting exceptional works with birds being the main subject.

He’s expanded his art to include other wildlife since beginning as a freelance artist in 1971.

The art of John Sill is featured locally at Creative Framing, located at 482 Depot Street in Franklin. An artist reception will be held in honor of John Sill and his work on November 13th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. For more information, call Creative Framing at (828) 349-4468. n

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he newly created 2010 Highlands Historical Society Calendars are now available. Use the calendars to teach your children and grandchildren about our area’s history. At only $10 each, they truly are a bargain. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the Historical Society. In addition to calendars HHS has lovely Pewter Commemorative Plates available for $75--the perfect gift for the person who has everything and a variety of books on Highlands History by local authors. These items are a great way to express customer appreciation or to recognize outstanding service. Contact HHS at 787-1050 or get your gifts at the Society’s Christmas Showhouse on Saturday, December 5th or Sunday, December 6th.

(See separate article for details). n

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Index of Advertisers Accommodations Cabins in the Laurel www.nc-cabins.com Page 93 The Chambers Agency www.chambersagency.net Page 107 Fire Mountain Inn & Cabins www.firemt.com Page 6 Highlands Resort Rentals www.highlandsresortrentals.com Page 77 Hummingbird Realty www.hummingbird-realty.com Page 118 Inn at Half-Mile Farm www.halfmilefarm.com Page 23 Inn at Millstone www.MillstoneNC.com Page 54 Mountain Laurel Inn www.MountainLaurelInnandShoppes.com Page 85 Old Edwards Inn & Spa www.OldEdwardsInn.com Page 4 Whiteside Cove Cottages Page 92 Antiques & Home Furnishings Acorns www.acornsonline.com Page 9 Basketworks Page 79 Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Page 19 Bryant Art Glass www.bryantartglass.com Page 83 Cashiers Customs Page 122 The Catbird Seat www.ryanandcompanyantiques.com Page 33B The Decorative Touch www.thedecorativetouch.com Page 27 D. Estes Antiques Page 26 Details of Cashiers www.detailsofcashiers.com Page 80 Dovetail Antiques Page 25 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 47 Main Street Page 22 Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Page 21 Mirror Lake Antiques Page 77 Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Page 30 Nearly New Page 11 Peak Experience Pages 29, 57, 77, 93, 116 The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com Page 9 Rusticks www.Rusticks.com Page 14 Ryan and Company www.ryanandcompanyantiques.com Page 33B Scudder’s Galleries www.scuddersgalleries.com Page 36 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 18B T ess at Chestnut Square Page 59 Vivianne Metzger Page 14 Appliances Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Page 11 Art Galleries/Artists The Bascom www.thebascom.org Page 48 Basketworks Page 79 Blue Valley Gallery Page 78 The Brier Patch Page 82 Bryant Art Glass www.bryantartglass.com Page 83 East & West Limited Page 20 Greenleaf Gallery Page 44 Highlands Fine Art Page 72 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 47 Marge Rohrer Originals www.margerohrerdesigns.com Page 44 Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Page 21 Mouse www.mouseonthehill.com Page 60 Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Page 30 Nora & Co. Page 81 Now and Then Page 135 Peak Experience Pages 29, 57, 77, 93, 116 Peter J. Pioli Interiors www.macdonaldhomeconstruction.com/interior.html Page 47 Portraits by Annell www.annell.com Page 45 Scudder’s Galleries www.scuddersgalleries.com Page 36 Summit One Gallery www.summitonegallery.com Page 43 Tin Roof Studio www.TinRoofHighlands.com Page 96 Attorneys Peter Paul, Attorney www.PeterAPaul.com Page 84 Banks/Mortgage Companies Macon Bank www.maconbank.com Page 66 Bedding Basketcase www.basketcasegourmetgifts.com Pages 79 Blue Ridge Bedding www.blueridgebedding.net Page 94 Details of Cashiers www.detailsofcashiers.com Page 80 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 47 Lenz Gifts Page 45 Bird Seed/Bird Houses The Bird Barn Page 8 Bird Supplies The Bird Barn Page 8 Bird Barn n Garden Page 81 Books The Decorative Touch www.thedecorativetouch.com Page 27 Soul Journey Page 11 Builders America’s Home Place www.americashomeplace.com Page 112 Barber Custom Homes www.barbercustomhomes.com Page 24 Arrowood Construction www.arrowoodconstruction.com Page 89 Koenig Homebuilders www.koenighomebuilders.com Page 93 The Peachtree Group Page 65

Schmitt Builders www.schmittbuilders.com Page 92 Srebalus Construction Co. Page 84 Sweetwater Builders www.sweetwaterbuilders.com Page 59 Warth Construction www.warthconstruction.com Pages 18A, 84 Cabinetr y Cashiers Customs Page 122 Highlands Cabinet Company Pages 84, 86 Keystone Kitchen and Bath www.keystonekb.com Page 84 The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com Page 9 Welcome Home Kitchen & Bath Page 84 Cards The Corner Store Page 81 The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com Page 96 Caterers Fressers Eatery www.fresserseatery.com Page 57 The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering Page 56 Rib Shack Page 57 Sports Page Sandwich Shoppe Page 57 Chambers of Commerce Cashiers Chamber of Commerce www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com Page 26 Christmas Trees Tom Sawyer Tree Farm www.TomSawyerTrees.com Page 72 Churches Estatoah Wayfarers Chapel Unity Center Page 91 Cloth/Material Wilhite’s of Walhalla Page 118 Clothing & Accessories Acorns www.acornsonline.com Page 9 Alyxandra’s Boutique Page 8 Bags on Main Page 86 Bear Mountain Outfitters Pages 18B, 22 Cabin Casuals Page 5 Ellen’s Page 11 Fireflies Page 14 Highland Hiker www.highlandhiker.com Page 35 Jackson Madeleine Children’s Clothing www.jacksonmadeleine.com Page 69 Mally’s Cottage www.mallyscottage.com Page 27 Marge Rohrer Originals www.margerohrerdesigns.com Page 44 McCulley’s Pages 7, 79, 97 Mountain House Page 14 Nora & Co. Page 81 Peak Experience Pages 29, 57, 77, 93, 116 Silver Eagle Page 89 Spoiled Rotten Page 71 VC for Men www.victoriasclosetnc.com Page 33B Victoria’s Closet www.victoriasclosetnc.com Page 33B Victoria’s Sportswear www.victoriasclosetnc.com Page 33B Vivace Page 66 Wit’s End Page 71 Comforters Blue Ridge Bedding www.blueridgebedding.net Page 94 Communities Silver Creek www.ncliving.com Pages 85, 103 Computer Ser vices Cat’s Computers Page 84 Trillium Technologies Radio Shack Page 84 Concierge Ser vices Cashiers Carolina Connection www.CashiersCarolinaConnection.com Pages 84, 91 Highlands Concierge Page 84 Concrete MJM Concrete Page 9 Condiments The Hen House Page 3 Construction Companies Larry Rogers Construction Page 6 Cosmetic Surger y Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, M.D. www.PlasticSurgeryToday.com Page 86 Custom Cabinetr y Cashiers Customs Page 122 Keystone Kitchen and Bath www.keystonekb.com Page 84 The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com Page 9 Welcome Home Kitchen & Bath Page 84 Custom Countertops Black Rock Granite & Marble www.blackrockgraniteandmarble.com Page 6 Keystone Kitchen and Bath www.keystonekb.com Pages 84 Welcome Home Kitchen & Bath Pages 84 Custom Doors TKC - Tim & Karen Chambers Page 84 Custom Furniture Cashiers Customs Page 122 Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 88

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Index of Advertisers Gordon Gray Woodworks www.GordonGrayWoodworks.com Main Street Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Dentists Dr. Joe Wilbanks www.comprehensive-dentistry.com Electronic/Electric Trillium Technologies Radio Shack Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Empathic Consultation Bob Goldberg, C.HT, R.M. Event Planning Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Events The Bascom www.thebascom.org Highlands Culinary Weekend www.highlandsculinaryweekend.com Holidays in Highlands Tom Sawyer Tree Farm www.TomSawyerTrees.com Fabric/Upholster y Into the Woods Home Interiors Wilhite’s of Walhalla Feng Shui Nellis Realty www.nellisrealtyandcommunities.com Florists Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Fiddlehead Designs Little Flower Shoppe Oakleaf Flower & Garden Furniture Acorns www.acornsonline.com Blue Ridge Bedding www.blueridgebedding.net Cashiers Customs Details of Cashiers www.detailsofcashiers.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Interior Enhancements Into the Woods Home Interiors Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Nearly New The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com Rusticks www.Rusticks.com Scudder’s Galleries www.scuddersgalleries.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Tess at Chestnut Square Furniture Consignments Nearly New Furniture Refinishing Furniture Barn www.thefurnitureman.com Garden Supplies Bird Barn n Garden Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Gift Shops Acorns www.acornsonline.com Basketcase www.basketcasegourmetgifts.com Bird Barn n Garden Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com The Brier Patch Bryant Art Glass www.bryantartglass.com Cashiers Customs The Corner Store The Decorative Touch www.thedecorativetouch.com The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com The Hen House Interior Enhancements Into the Woods Home Interiors Lenz Gifts Little Flower Shoppe Mally’s Cottage www.mallyscottage.com Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Mountain House Mouse www.mouseonthehill.com Nora & Co. The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com Scudder’s Galleries www.scuddersgalleries.com Shop Cashiers!

Shuler’s Country Store Soul Journey Stone Lantern www.stonelantern-highlands.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Glass/Window Supplies Highlands Doors & Windows, Etc. Golf Cars Appalachian Golf Cars www.appalachiangolfcars.com

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Gourmet Foods Basketcase www.basketcasegourmetgifts.com Page 79 Nina Bobina Cookie Company www.ninabobina.com Page 98 The Hen House Pages 3 Green Supplies Whole Life Supply Page 76 Gutters D.P. Gutters Pages 59, 85 Hair Salons Creative Concepts Page 30 Hardware/Building Supply Highlands Doors & Windows, Etc. Page 115 Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Page 11 Heating and Air Madco Page 118 Home Accessories Acorns www.acornsonline.com Page 9 Bird Barn n Garden Page 81 Bumpkins Page 11 Crabtree Cottage Page 11 The Decorative Touch www.thedecorativetouch.com Page 27 Details of Cashiers www.detailsofcashiers.com Page 80 The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com Page 96 Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 88 HomePlace www.homeplaceblinds.hdwfg.com Page 84 Interior Enhancements Page 46 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 47 Lenz Gifts Page 45 Main Street Page 22, 33B Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Page 21 Mountain House Page 14 Mouse www.mouseonthehill.com Page 60 Nearly New Page 11 Now and Then Page 70 The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com Page 9 Rusticks www.Rusticks.com Page 14 Scudder’s Galleries www.scuddersgalleries.com Page 36 Stone Lantern www.stonelantern-highlands.com Page 124 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 18B Tess at Chestnut Square Page 59 Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Page 11 Home Care Ser vices Cashiers Carolina Connection www.CashiersCarolinaConnection.com Pages 84, 91 Ice Cream Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Page 11 Inspirational Items Soul Journey Page 11 Insurance Wayah Insurance www.wayah.com Page 93 Interior Design & Home Furnishings Acorns www.acornsonline.com Page 9 Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Page 19 Bumpkins Page 11 The Decorative Touch www.thedecorativetouch.com Page 27 Details of Cashiers www.detailsofcashiers.com Page 80 Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 88 HomePlace www.homeplaceblinds.hdwfg.com Page 84 Interior Enhancements Page 46 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 47 Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Page 21 Mountain House Page 14 Nearly New Page 11 Peter J. Pioli Interiors www.macdonaldhomeconstruction.com/interior.html Page 47 Raffa Design Associates www.raffadesignassociates.com Page 31 The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com Page 9 Rusty Wagon, Inc. Page 116 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 18B Investment Planning Wachovia Securities Page 79 Jewelr y Acorns www.acornsonline.com Page 9 Basketcase www.basketcasegourmetgifts.com Pages 79 The Decorative Touch www.thedecorativetouch.com Page 27 Drake Diamond Gallery Page 38 East & West Limited Page 20 Ellen’s Page 11 Greenleaf Gallery Page 44 Highlands Fine Art Page 72 Mirror Lake Antiques Page 77 Now and Then Page 70 Peak Experience Pages 29, 57, 77, 93, 116 Scudder’s Galleries www.scuddersgalleries.com Page 36 Silver Eagle Page 89 Stone Lantern www.stonelantern-highlands.com Page 124 Vivace Page 66

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Index of Advertisers Kitchen Accessories Bird Barn n Garden Page 81 Cashiers Customs Page 122 The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com Page 96 The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com Page 9 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 18B Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Page 11 Lighting Cashiers Customs Page 122 Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 88 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 47 Lenz Gifts Page 45 Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Page 21 Mountain House Page 14 The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com Page 9 Scudder’s Galleries www.scuddersgalleries.com Page 36 Massage Therapy Tranquility Cove Massage www.tranquilitycovemassage.com Page 97 Medical Ser vices Mountain Lakes Medical Center Page 8 Rabun Medical Center Page 116 Monogramming Mally’s Cottage www.mallyscottage.com Page 27 Museums Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Page 30 Nail Care Creative Concepts Page 30 Needlework Supplies Needlepoint of Highlands Page 90 Silver Threads & Golden Needles www.silverthreadsyarn.com Page 98 Office Supplies Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Page 11 Online Ser vices/Shops ShopCashiersValley.com www.ShopCashiersValley.com Page 85 Organic Supplies Whole Life Supply Page 76 Painters D.P. Painting Pages 59, 85 Paint & Decorating Highlands Decorating Center www.highlandsdecorating.com Page 65 Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Page 11 Permanent Makeup Beauty Secrets Page 78 Pet Ser vices Cashiers Carolina Connection www.CashiersCarolinaConnection.com Pages 84, 91 Pet Supplies The Bird Barn Page 8 Bird Barn n Garden Page 81 Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Page 11 Pharmacies Cashiers Valley Pharmacy Page 77 Highlands Pharmacy Page 28 Picture Framing Creative Framing Page 115 Grenleaf Gallery Page 44 Plants/Nurseries Gates Nursery Page 117 Plastic Surger y Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, M.D. www.PlasticSurgeryToday.com Page 86 Plumbing Fixtures/Supplies Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Page 11 Porch and Patio Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Page 21 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 18B Potter y The Bird Barn Page 8 Bird Barn n Garden Page 81 Greenleaf Gallery Page 44 The Hen House Page 3 Power Tools Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Page 11 Pressure Washing D.P. Painting Pages 59, 85 Produce Whole Life Supply Page 76 Radio Stations WHLC FM 104.5 www.whlc.com Page 97 Real Estate Sales Betsy Paul www.betsypaulproperties.com Pages 110, 111

The Chambers Agency www.chambersagency.net Page 107 Commercial Property for Rent Page 33B Country Club Properties www.ccphighlandsnc.com Page 2 The Divide at Bald Rock www.dividenc.com Page 101 Harry Norman, Realtors – Pat Allen www.highlandsrealestate.com Page 109 Harry Norman, Realtors – Bert Mobley www.highlandsrealestate.com Page 85 Highlands Resort Rentals www.highlandspropertysales.com Page 77 Hummingbird Realty www.hummingbird-realty.com Page 118 John Cleaveland Realty www.jcrealty.com Page 108 John Schiffli Real Estate www.johnschiffli.com Page 95 Landmark Realty Group www.landmarkrg.com Page 107 Landmark Realty - Wes Graves www.landmarkrg.com Page 107 Mountain View Properties www.mountainviewpropertiesnc.com Page 107 Nellis Realty www.nellisrealtyandcommunities.com Page 105 The Peachtree Group Page 65 Preferred Properties - Ann Scott www.ppoh.com Page 105 Prestige Realty Group wwww.highlandsncproperty.com Page 104 Signature Properties www.sigpropnc.com Page 123 Silver Creek Real Estate Group www.ncliving.com Pages 85,103 Remodeling D.P. Painting Page 59, 85 Restaurants Highlands-Cashiers Directory Page 58 Café 107 Page 81 Four Seasons Page 57 Fressers Eatery www.fresserseatery.com Page 57 The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering Page 56 Madison’s www.oldedwardsinn.com Page 4 Nick’s Fine Foods www.nicksfinefoods.com Page 51 Oak Street Café www.oakstreetcafeinhighlands.com Page 57 Pescado’s Page 57 Rib Shack Page 57 Sports Page Sandwich Shoppe Page 57 Wild Thyme Cafe Page 56 Wild Thyme Gourmet www.wildthymegourmet.com Page 6 Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro www.wolfgangs.net Page 5 Zookeeper Page 51 Rugs Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Page 19 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 47 Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Page 21 Scudder’s Galleries www.scuddersgalleries.com Page 36 Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Page 11 Shipping Ser vices Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship Page 9 Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Page 11 Shoes Bear Mountain Outfitters Pages 18B, 22 Highland Hiker www.highlandhiker.com Page 45 Martha Anne’s Page 22 Shutters & Blinds HomePlace www.homeplaceblinds.hdwfg.com Page 84 Into the Woods Home Interiors Pages 47 Spas Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, M.D. www.PlasticSurgeryToday.com Page 86 Creative Concepts Page 30 Old Edwards Inn & Spa www.OldEdwardsInn.com Page 4 Tables Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Page 21 Toys The Corner Store Page 81 The Toy Store Page 76 Transportation Ser vices Cashiers Carolina Connection www.CashiersCarolinaConnection.com Pages 84, 91 Tree Ser vice Ellenburgs Tree Service Page 91 Web Sites The Brothers Web www.thebrothersweb.com Page 60, 70, 85 Window T inting Custom Window Tinting www.customwindowtinting.us Page 86 Window Treatments HomePlace www.homeplaceblinds.hdwfg.com Page 84 Wines & Accessories Highlands Wine & Cheese www.highlandswine.com Page 88 Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Page 11 Woodworking Gordon Gray Woodworks www.GordonGrayWoodworks.com Page 70 Yarn Silver Threads & Golden Needles www.silverthreadsyarn.com Page 98

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Contents