30 minute read
Festival of Trees
Sparkle and Glow For Summit
Summit Charter School Foundation’s Festival of Trees allows you to add flair and a dash of panache to your holiday decorating – November 25-26.
Make a December to remember with the Summit Charter School Foundation Festival of Trees fundraiser on Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, November 25, and Saturday, November 26, from 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.
The decoration inspiration is at Summit Center at 370 Mitten Lane. View over 100 pre-trimmed trees, holiday baskets, and evergreen wreaths beautifully decorated and donated by local businesses and non-profits. Bid on your favorites. Then, if you win, rejoice in adorning your home with sparkle and glow. There’s more, starting with crafts for kids, like the annual favorite: Build-a-Bear. Go shopping in the Gift Zone and stop by Dolly Parton Literacy Library stage for education that’s fivestar fun. And you’ll be the best Santa for your kids or grandkids if you win the Appalachian Golf Cars Club Car. Plan ahead for a November 26 VIP Santa and Friends Breakfast with Chef Andrew Barlow and Chef Alexis Smith (from the Club at High Hampton). It’s all kinds of delicious! The Claus Family gives it two thumbs (and eight hooves) up. Eighty percent of the proceeds go back to the non-profits which donated them. Spread holiday cheer while making an impact on local students, teachers, and nonprofits. Help those who make a profound difference in our community. Kudos to local residents Sarah Palisi Chapin and Sarah Jennings. They are co-chairs for a second year in a row. Special thanks to McKee Properties for being the event’s Presenting Sponsor. Anyone interested in helping the Cashiers Festival of Trees as: a volunteer, benefactor, or silent auction donor (tree, gift basket, or wreath), visit Summit’s website at summitschool.org or contact Melissa Hudson at (828) 743-5755, or email her at mhudson@summitschool.org. Organizers are making it easy to participate virtually if you can’t attend in person, so everyone has a chance to enjoy the fun and place their bids. Join the fun, decorate your home, and help Summit Charter continue to soar.
by Donna Rhodes
Past to Present
The Plateau’s twin libraries have cataloged a range of titles suited for those suffering from mental and physical challenges.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that an estimated 5.8 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. To meet ongoing needs for people struggling with these conditions, as well as recovery from strokes, falls, major illness, etc., the Fontana Regional Library system, which includes libraries in Cashiers and Highlands, offers the new “Memory Lane” collection.
“We’re excited to be able to offer these materials to our community to fulfill a growing need,” noted Serenity Richards, branch librarian for the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. The compiled Memory Lane collection includes various materials designed with a focus on visual images rather than words. The collection was carefully chosen to supply entertainment, visual and mental stimulation, interest, and enjoyment. Said Carlyn Morenus, branch librarian for Hudson Library in Highlands, “Visually-oriented books help people reminisce, as images are a very powerful way to access memories. They can help increase communication, whether it’s with relatives, caregivers, or friends.” In the new collection are approximately 50 books ranging from short fiction to picture-only titles focusing on such topics as vintage cars, landscapes, gardens, horses, etc. Plus, almost a dozen jigsaw puzzles are offered that range from 35 to 300 pieces and sport colorful images of forests, steam trains, and animals, for example. All the books and puzzles, as well as five DVDs, are available in each of Fontana’s libraries. Morenus said, “Limited textbooks include verses from the Bible, with a verse on one page and reproduction of stained glass on the facing page; verses from favorite hymns with full-color photographs on facing pages; inspirational quotes and sayings paired with adorable animal photos; and, much more. And there are books of fashions of the ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s. Hudson Library even has a reproduction of a Sears 1942 Christmas book.
“We have never had anything like this collection before. [Memory Lane] fills a need that we have not previously been able to meet. and we’re really grateful to have received grant funding to enable us to create the collection for all the Fontana Regional Library locations.” Memory Lane is made possible by funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of North Carolina.
by Deena Bouknight
The Most Wonderful Time of The Year
The Cashiers Christmas Parade, set for December 3, is testament to a vibrant community and an unquenchable Holiday Spirit.
Grab your coat and gloves and head to the Cashiers Christmas Parade on December 3. The parade starts at 3:00 P.M. but you’ll want to arrive early to park and find the perfect viewing spot. As in years past the parade marches up 107S from Cashiers School Road, turns left at the light down Highway 64, and ends by turning left on Frank Allen Road.
The theme this year is The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, and the Grand Marshall is the Cashiers Area Chamber, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Thomas Taulbee of the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce says that “enthusiasm is overwhelming this year and entries are already pouring in.” He expects there will be over 50 entries. Staged entirely by local groups, churches, businesses, fire departments, friends, neighbors and families this parade celebrates both the community and the Christmas spirit and is not to be missed.
Fun and creativity are the hallmarks of this parade and it’s always great fun seeing what creative and captivating floats and entries march the route, and this year’s theme provides entrants with endless possibilities. As in years past you’re sure to see lots of animals, vintage cars, colorful costumes, creative floats, and unexpected surprises. And, of course, the precision marching and festive sounds of the Rosman Tiger Band from Rosman High School are always crowd favorites. Entrants are reminded not to include Santa in their float as
there can be only one Santa. That’s right, the jolly old elf himself will be in attendance.
The Cashiers Area Chamber is especially grateful for the support and assistance they receive from the local Sheriff’s office and the local fire and rescue departments, who donate their talents, time and energy into ensuring everyone’s safety. For more information call the Cashiers Area Chamber at (828) 743-5191.
by Mary Jane McCall photos by Susan Renfro
Rotary Road Rally
The Rotary Road Rally will snake through the backroads and byways of this corner of Western North Carolina, November 5. For more information, visit cashiersrotary.org.
The Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley is hosting the first Rotary Road Rally on November 5, a fundraiser to support education on the Plateau. Part game, part leisurely scenic drive, and all business, this rally is modeled after fall traditions in other parts of the country. Rally coordinator Michelle Hammons says, “I participated in an event for the Land Conservancy of Adams County in Pennsylvania and looked forward to the event every Fall. Our area is so beautiful and the perfect environment for a road rally. I hope this will become an event people look forward to each year.” The road rally will take teams along about a 75-mile route throughout the afternoon with three stops along the way. Teams will be given time to enjoy the scenic views and have fun, while taking their tasks seriously. Teams will earn points by answering questions about things they see along the path, completing some dexterity challenges at the stops, counting the occurrence of a specific feature, and completing word puzzles. They can also earn bonus points for posting pictures to social media. There is something for everyone. The team who earns the most points will be declared the winner, but all participants receive a small goodie bag. “Whether you are new to the area or have been here for years, you’re sure to learn something new or see things in a different light,” says Michelle. The event starts at Cashiers United Methodist Church at noon with a snack box lunch provided by Crossroads Custard and ends with a finish line party at a favorite local spot where hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be enjoyed, stories swapped, scores tallied, and winners announced. Who knows, with any luck there may be some remaining fall color, which will only enhance the experience.
by Mary Jane McCall
Feel the Parade Magic
The Highlands Christmas Parade, set for 10:30 A.M. Saturday, December 3, is a shot of pure Small-Town Holiday Cheer.
If you’ve come to the realization that Christmas is racing toward you at the pace of a runaway sleigh pulled by eight revved-up reindeer and you’re just not feeling the Spirit, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce / Visit Highlands offers the perfect tonic. Everyone’s invited to the Highlands Christmas Parade, set for 10:30 A.M. Saturday, December 3, all along Main Street. This annual event embodies the spirit of community and small-town Main Street America.
Staged entirely by local groups, churches, businesses, fire departments, friends, neighbors and families, this parade celebrates both the community and the Christmas spirit. Folks young and old gather on Main Street wrapped in warm sweaters, rosy cheeks glowing in anticipation of the parade Grand Marshall leading off a long line of wondrous entries. It’s recommended that you arrive early to claim a prime viewing spot and have a chance to visit with your friends and neighbors and visitors just in for the day. You’ll see homemade floats that took long hours of volunteer labor and good times to assemble. Joining the fun will be horses; motorcycles; all-terrain vehicles; dogs; fire trucks; rescue vehicles; classic and antique cars; the Highlands School Homecoming Court, sheep, veterans, residents of Fidelia Eckerd Living Center, cheerleaders, and athletic teams; local politicians and dignitaries; Smokey The Bear; camels; donkeys; and, (we hope) the ever-popular and always well-rehearsed crowd
favorites, the dancing ladies of the Mountain Garden Club. Ending the parade, and to the delight of our youngest parade spectators, are Santa and Mrs. Claus, who always mark their calendars so they can attend this parade. If you’d like to take part in the parade, you can apply by emailing events@highlandschamber.org or calling (828) 526-5841. And remember, Santa and Mrs. Claus have already accepted invitations to serve at the end of the parade, so please don’t add them to your display.
by Luke Osteen
Gobble on The Green
Get moving! Gobble on the Green is a local tradition that puts the Turkey Trot before the turkey (and mashed potatoes).
Turkey, cornbread dressing, pumpkin pie, football, and family time…there are so many reasons to love Thanksgiving. Each family has its own traditions and activities to look forward to, and for many that includes the The Village Green’s annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk Gobble on The Green. Held this year on Thursday, November 24, The 5K Run/ Walk begins at 9:00 A.M. and will start at The Village Green Commons.
Early registration is available now runsignup.com/Race/NC/ Cashiers/GobbleontheGreen.
Participants can register or sign up by visiting the link, The Village Green website, or by emailing Shelby@ CashiersGreen.com.
Early registrants get a commemorative Gobble on The Green 2022 t-shirt that is included in the registration price. Awards will be given to overall top male and female, as well as participants in different male and female age groups. The Village Green will also be giving away door prizes from local businesses in the community for the most spirited and/or best-dressed race participants. In addition to the 5K, new this year will be a free Junior Warrior Course at The Village Green Playground for kiddos to have the chance to join in on the festivities. There will be different ‘obstacles’ for different age groups on the playground and each participant will receive a prize. This event is proudly sponsored by Landmark Realty Group, Laurel Magazine, Rusticks, Ingles Markets, The Tampa Bay Trust Company, Cashiers Valley Real Estate, United Community Bank, and Spinx. Make plans now to start Thanksgiving Day off with a bang and get in a good workout before your annual Thanksgiving feast. For additional information, visit villagegreencashiersnc.com/ gobble-on-the-green.
by Shelby Batchelor, The Village Green
The Laying of the Wreaths
The 550 veterans interred across Highlands will be honored by Wreaths Across America, Saturday, December 17. To sponsor wreaths, sign up to volunteer, or get more information visit facebook. com/WAA/HighlandsNC, email Phil Potts at ppotts63@frontier.com, or call him at (828) 200-9753.
Mark your calendars now to attend the annual Wreaths Across America wreath laying ceremony at noon Saturday, December 17, at Highlands Community Building, followed by the laying of the wreaths at Highlands Memorial Park. Shuttles from the Community Building will be available. This local wreath laying ceremony is part of a national network of volunteers who honor our veterans by laying wreaths all across America on the graves of veterans who served our country. Wreaths Across America began in 1992 by Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine. Since its inception this annual tribute has grown to include over 2,500 locations. The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember our fallen U. S. veterans, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of Freedom. Everyone is encouraged to participate as a way to honor and remember our veterans.
“We will be honoring veterans buried in Buck Creek, Clear Creek, Goldmine, Highlands, Horse Cove, Miller, and Scaly Mountain cemeteries,” said Highlands area coordinator Phil Potts. “We need to hear from friends and family members to make sure they are on our list of veterans. We don’t want to miss anyone. If you want to sponsor a wreath, it only costs $15, and organizers will need to know if you wish to lay the wreath yourself, or if you’d like to have them do it.”
According to Potts, there are 550 local veterans’ graves, and the Friends of Highlands Chapter of Wreaths across America is planning to place wreaths upon each one. Join Friends of Highlands to remember, honor and teach.
by Mary Jane McCall photo by Ginger Moseley
A Holiday Eve at The Farm
It’s a rollickin’ good time when Mike Kinnebrew offers Fireside at The Farm, December 15. Purchase ticktets at oldedwardshospitality.com/ fireside.
Mike Kinnebrew
Envision yourself celebrating the holiday season nestled by a fireplace on a moonlight evening accompanied by the songs and guitar strumming of a charismatic performer. It all happens on Thursday, December 15, when Fireside at The Farm: A Holiday Evening with Mike Kinnebrew returns.
Once more, Kinnebrew’s holiday music will fill The Farm at Old Edwards – the quintessential setting for the season and the musician.
Kinnebrew has long endeared his Highlands audience with his lyrics about life and love. His tales, relatable and familiar, are told straight from the heart and he imagines his music as a way of creating an intimate connection with the audience. In a recent interview with City Lights, he told host Louis Reitz that he considers one of his roles as that of a storyteller. “I talk, and I write and play to feel less alone.” Surely the success of his concerts and albums and the swell of his fan base are testimony to his talent and his ability to do so. Weaned on the sounds that blared from the family station wagon – the Beatles, the Monkees, and Elvis – Kinnebrew eventually moved on to songwriters that seemed to be saying something more meaningful. Ultimately, he fell in love with the music of James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty, and the Indigo Girls. Today his music can best be described as a fusion of country and folk. He released his first album, Between the Living and the Dying, over a decade ago. His latest album, One Way to Find Out was recorded more than 10 years later. It was, as he says, a way, “to keep the creative spark alive.” This year’s program, a joyful marking of the season, will include favorite Christmas tunes, songs from his two albums, and a selection of the ballads and music of his mentors. As always there’s a promise of new songs currently in the works. Kinnebrew is eagerly looking forward to returning to Highlands and fondly recalled past holiday sessions: “Magical nights of music that seem to come so often in Highlands. “’Tis the season.”
The fun extends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Cash Bar and complimentary light bites are included. The public is welcome. The cost is a $25 cover charge for Old Edwards Inn and HalfMile Farm Hotel guests and members and a $40 cover charge for the public. Purchase tickets online at oldedwardshospitality. com/fireside.
by Marlene Osteen
Winter on the Green
The Village Green unveils a spectacular holiday season with its gala Christmas Tree Lighting, set for Friday, November 25, and extending through the New Year.
Few places on Earth inspire that magical kind of Christmas spirit like our mountain setting. By November’s end, our frozen lakes and ice-laden trees have already signified the start of the holiday transformation. But it’s the stunning tree lighting ceremony at The Village Green that is the official launch of that “most wonderful time of the year.” On Friday, November 25, between 5:30 and 6:30 P.M., the lighting of The Village Green’s iconic Christmas Tree takes place at the Gazebo near the Cashiers Crossroads. At the familiar, cheery annual public ceremony that has long been a highlight of the holiday season, a 65-foot spruce will be lit with thousands of lights, and tens of thousands more lights will be set aglow to illuminate hundreds of the park’s trees. Hundreds of visitors are expected to congregate to witness the ceremony, shake off the afternoon chill with a mug of hot cider, warm their hands by the fire pit and wander the winter wonderland. Best of all, the spectacular display will be on view through February 2023. The tree lighting is just one part of an entire extravaganza to celebrate the kickoff of the holiday season. There’s also a special appearance by Santa himself. Children of all ages are invited to come and tell Santa Claus their Christmas wishes. He’ll be at Lewis Hall on Friday, November 25, from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M., and ready to listen to all those who make a reservation in advance. To reserve your time slot, go to VillageGreenCashiersNC.com/events. While you’re at the park, you’ll want to spend some time strolling the Mistletoe Market to polish off that Christmas list
or find that unique piece of holiday décor. On Friday, November 25, from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M., and Saturday November 26, from 10:00 to 5:00 P.M. at Lewis Hall, as many as ten local artisans will be selling handmade goods with a holiday focus. Village Green Director Ashlie Mitchell, urges everyone to “Come find that unique, one-ofa-kind gift for the naughty and nice on your list!” All events noted are free and open to the public. However, The Village Green is a non-profit, non-governmentallyfunded public park system, and donations are always appreciated and welcomed! For more information, visit villagegreencashiersnc.com.
by Marlene Osteen
Shop with a Cop Shop with a Cop is a Christmas Blessing to local children most in need of holiday goodwill.
Many years ago, Macon County Sheriff Robbie Holland started a Shop With A Cop program in Franklin. Although it is a national volunteer effort, the holiday program became one that Sheriff Holland began to champion, due to a law enforcement incident that had occurred one Christmas season.
He’d arrested a mother of three young girls right before Christmas and knew the girls would not have any presents for Christmas. He and his wife, Marcie, bought gifts and left them on the girls’ front porch on Christmas Eve. Afterwards, Shop With a Cop became an annual effort in the region, and eventually Bill Harrell, who was the police chief of Highlands and then Franklin, worked with Sheriff Holland to bring together law enforcement volunteers to benefit underserved children throughout all of Macon County, including Highlands and Otto. Shop With A Cop essentially provides Christmas gifts for children whose parents are incarcerated or are experiencing difficult circumstances. Local law enforcement officers aid with taking children shopping for Christmas presents. Each child taking part receives a $100 gift card to spend at Walmart in Franklin. The children are directed to purchase something for themselves and something for someone else (to give a gift instead of just receiving). While Sheriff Holland is retiring this year, he will continue to help the new sheriff, Brent Holbrooks, with the Shop With a Cop program. In addition, Franklin High School Sergeant Greg Rogers, school resource officer, annually takes the entire special needs class shopping as part of Shop With a Cop. Sgt. Rogers has expressed that the activity is the highlight of the year for him because of the joy experienced. After shopping, the special needs class students are taken to the local Pizza Hut; it is a special treat that Sgt. Rogers personally funds. He said, “We have a wonderful time together and the kids are so excited. Shop With A Cop is an event like no other.” Sheriff Holland has pointed out that one of the best benefits of Shop With a Cop is to show children and families that police officers are not bad people – that their roles in the community are about more than just making arrests. Anyone can donate to Shop With a Cop. Mail checks to Caroline Cook at P.O. Box 2785, Highlands, N.C. 28741, or drop the check by the Highlands Police Department. Make checks out to Shop With A Cop or SWAC. Donations are deductible.
by Caroline Cook
– Cyril Connolly
View the complete Highlands Cashiers Plateau Calendar Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands 1 United Methodist Church. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub. 2 Highlands Food Pantry 310 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church. Mountain Findings, 10 AM - 1 PM. Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Youth Theater’s production of Fame Jr., PAC. Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:45 PM, Lewis HallVillage Green Commons. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive. Mountain Findings, 10 AM - 1 PM. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. Bookworm 11 AM - 3 PM.
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Cashiers Designer Showhouse, 10 AM-4 PM. Erin Gray Trunk Show, Acorns. Sentimental Journey, 2 PM & 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse.
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Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.
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Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands 8 United Methodist Church. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. The Bookworm, 911 AM - 3 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Locally Grown on The Green, 2 - 5 PM, Village Green Commons. Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub. Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church. Mountain Findings, 10 AM - 1 PM. Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:45 PM, Lewis HallVillage Green Commons. Seventh Annual Highlands Food & Wine Festival November 10-13, Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive.
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Mountain Findings, 10 AM - 1 PM. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. Bookworm 11 AM - 3 PM. Peter Millar Trunk Show, TJ Bailey. Tour de France 4 PM, Skyline Lodge. A Tour of the Rhone Valley, 6:30 PM, Vineyard at 37 High Holly Argyle Wine Dinner, 6 PM, On the Verandah Autumn Vendange Harvest Lunch, 4 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe. Far Niente Wine Dinner, 6:30 PM, Oak Steakhouse.
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5Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM - 12:30 PM. Kelsey-Hutchinson Park. Mountain Findings, 10 AM - 1 PM. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. Food Drive, 10 AM-1 PM, Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry. Barnas Denim Trunk Show, TJ Bailey’s. Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Saturdays on Pine, 6 PM. Cashiers Designer Showhouse, 10 AM-4 PM. Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM Erin Gray Trunk Show, Acorns. Mountain Findings, 10 AM - 1 PM. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Sentimental Journey, 2:00 & 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse. Pop-Up Pipers, 4:30 - 5:00 PM Highlands Burritos side patio. Rotary Road Rally, cashiersrotary.org. Mountain Findings 10 AM - 1 PM. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. The MET Opera – La Traviata by Verdi, 12:55 PM, PAC. Great Art on Screen, 5:30 PM, PAC. Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive. Brooklyn: The Musical, 2 PM Saturdays on Pine Concert, 6 PM. and 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse. Concert, 6 PM, Town & Country. Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.Bluegrass, Cashiers Smokehouse. Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.
Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM - 12:30 PM. 12 Kelsey-Hutchinson Park. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. Peter Millar Trunk Show, TJ Bailey. In Good Taste, 4:00 PM Highlander Mountain House, Annual Bourbon Dinner, 6:30 PM, 4118 Kitchen and Bar. Champagne 101 Class, 2:30 PM, Highlands Wine Shoppe Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.
Peter Millar Trunk Show, TJ Bailey. 13
Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.
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Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands 15 United Methodist Church. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub.
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Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church. Mountain Findings, 10 AM - 1 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive.
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Mountain Findings Open 10 AM - 1 PM. 18 Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM - 12:30 PM. 19 Mountain Findings, 10 AM - 1 PM. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Full the Van Again Event, Tractor Supply Company, Franklin, Appalachian Animal Rescue. Holiday Arts & Craft Show, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, The Bascom Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.
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Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.
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Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands 22 United Methodist Church. Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub.
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Happy Thanksgiving Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk Gobble on The Green, 9:00 AM, Village Green Commons.
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Mountain Findings, 10 AM - 1 PM. 25 Mountain Findings, 10 AM - 1 PM. 26 Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. Summit Charter School Light Up the Park & Main Foundation’s Festival of Trees Festivities, 6:00 PM, Kelsey10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Village Green Hutchinson Founders Park. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive. Visit with Santa, 2:00 PM, Christmas on the Green. Gala Christmas Tree Lighting, between 5:30 and 6:30 PM, The Village Green. A Motown Christmas by the Masters of Soul, 7:30 PM, Highlands Performing Arts Center.
Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.
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Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands 29 The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. 30 United Methodist Church. United Methodist Church. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM.Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. St. Jude’s Catholic Church. St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Village Nature Series, 5 PM, Wine Tasting, 5:30 - 7:30 PM,Bluegrass Wednesday, Village Green Commons. Buck’s in Cashiers. 7:30 PM, Enchanted Forest 6-7:30 PM, Locally Grown on The Green, The Ugly Dog Pub. Highlands Botanical Garden. 2 PM, Village Green Commons. Art Benefit, drawing 5 PM, Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 PM,Betsy Paul Real Estate. The Ugly Dog Pub.
RECREATION & CREATION
Pages 52-67
Straight Up and Down But Worth It!
The ups and down of a fraction of the Bartram Trail is a test of the physical and mental stamina of its hikers.
My hiking companion (soon-to-be husband) commented, after about a half-mile hike on the Lake Nantahala to Sawmill Gap section of the Bartram Trail, “I guess William Bartram didn’t believe in switchbacks.” The beautiful, late-fall excursion involved a clearly marked path on the Bartram Trail map. However, we did not prepare for and pay attention to the elevation gain, from a starting point of 3,250 to an ending point of 4,750. Still, the section is one that we wanted to mark off the map, with the goal of completing the entire 110 miles section of the Bartram Trail that extends from Russel Bridge in North Georgia to the top of Cheoah Bald in North Carolina. And although the trail can be reached by parking at Sawmill Gap, at Forest Road 711 off Wayah Road, to head northeast on the trail instead of southwest, a small Bartram Trail sign visible when driving on Wayah Road toward Lake Nantahala has always beckoned. So we set out, and up. For anyone wanting, or needing, to reach daily stair-step goals, this is the appropriate hike. While the path does level out in a few spots and does include a handful of switchbacks, it is mostly an upward climb. Yet, like most arduous hikes, the journey is certainly worth the challenge, the views, the scenery, and more.
With an Underwood Geographics waterproof detailed map in hand, the yellow-blazed Bartram Trail is clearly discernable. Plus, the map indicates blue-blazed side trails, crossings of the Appalachian Trail, all topographic features, GPS coordinates (which can be followed via the downloaded Gaia GPS app) as well as areas of interest: scenic vistas, waterfalls, historic markers, picnic areas, and camp spots. In fact, on this 7-plus mile round-trip trail from Lake Nantahala to Sawmill Gap and back, there is a designated overnight camp spot indicated; the site offers a fire pit and
expansive views. At Jarrett Bald, the highest point on the trail at 4,900 feet, the area is replete with moss-covered rocks and – in the spring through fall – a dense covering of ferns. A treasured trail discovery is the old historic Cherokee marker, a manipulated poplar tree to signify directions to past Cherokee people. Another trail option to complete an even greater section of the Bartram Trail is to hike past Sawmill Gap to overnight at the mid-way point to Wayah Bald (around McDonald Ridge, where a camp spot is indicated on the map) and then continue the next day to Wayah Bald, where a vehicle can be left or a pickup arranged. To learn all about the 18th century explorer, William Bartram, for whom the Bartram Trail is named, visit the site of The Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy, located in Franklin: www.blueridgebartram.org. Regular events, group hikes, and trail maintenance opportunities are available.
by Deena Bouknight
Together We Can Save Mountains
A gift to HighlandsCashiers Land Trust is a present to be cherished for Eternity.
What are you thankful for? I hope your list is long and that at least one item includes the nature around us. If so, you probably already know that Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust has been conserving land in and around Highlands and Cashiers since 1909. But let me ask you this…have you ever thought about conserving YOUR family land? Steps to conserving your land with HCLT 1. Collect your land parcel number and contact HCLT: hitrust@ earthlink.net, (828) 526-1111. 2. If your land donation might be a good fit, we will arrange to walk your property. 3. We will report back to you and discuss options. If you are doing a conservation easement, where you retain ownership of your property, terms can be very individualized. 4. If both parties decide to proceed, we will bring the proposal to HCLT’s board conservation committee for approval. 6. If approved by the committee, the project will be brought to HCLT’s full board for approval. 7. If approved, the land donor will ultimately need an appraisal, survey, and baseline report done for the property. In most cases, it is best to allow approximately 12 months from initial contact to completed project. There can be tax benefits for putting your property into a conservation easement. Current federal deduction is 50 percent AGI over six years. When HCLT puts land into a conservation easement, we are responsible for monitoring that property in perpetuity. To ensure funds are available to meet this IRS dictated legal obligation, we ask for an additional donation to HCLT’s Stewardship Fund, which varies depending on the property. In order for HCLT to accept a donation of land, it must offer some sort of conservation value for the benefit of the general public such as protecting relatively natural habitat for wildlife, fish, and plants or other similar ecosystems. To learn how your Land Trust is conserving ecologically important land on the Plateau, visit hicashlt.org, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or stop by our offices at the Peggy Crosby Center. Together, we can save mountains.
by Julie Schott, Development Director, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust
