September 2023: The Laurel Magazine

L aURe L

Highlands Porchfest

A Day of Music

pg. 44

A Moving Medium

September 2023

The Heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

Cover Artist, Pamela Haddock

Publisher’s Note

Hooray for September! It’s a bit of cool air after a warmer than usual Summer Season. (We’ll pause right here and let the rest of the country, the rest of the world, laugh at the assertion by any Plateau dweller that we had a “hot” summer).

But September is a breath of cool air after a Summer Without A Pause, and it’s a preview of all the marvelous sensations coming our way for Leaf Season.

Join us in these pages to learn why this is a month to treasure. Embrace the people that you’ll meet here and take in the events that we preview.

Soak up September!

Thank you for spending time with us. Janet and Marjorie

SARAH

DONNA

Writer dmrhodes847@gmail.com

mjmccall777@gmail.com

THOMAS

Contributing Writers: Mary Adair Trumbly, Sue Blair, David Stroud, William McReynolds, Sue Aery, Zach Claxton, Ashby Underwood, and Mary Abranyi. Contributing Photographers: Susan Renfro, Greg Clarkson, Charles Johnson, Peter Ray, Terry Barnes, Ryan Karcher, and Colleen Kerrigan.

JANET CUMMINGS Managing Partner janet@thelaurelmagazine.com

MARY JANE MCCALL Writer

MICHELLE MUNGER Art Director mungerclan5@aol.com

MARJORIE CHRISTIANSEN Managing Partner marjorie@thelaurelmagazine.com

RHODES

MARLENE OSTEEN Writer marlene.osteen@gmail.com

CUMMINGS Distribution Manager jothcu@yahoo.com

FIELDING Account Manager sarah@thelaurelmagazine.com

LUKE OSTEEN Editor / Writer luke@thelaurelmagazine.com

DEENA BOUKNIGHT Writer dknight865@gmail.com

WHAT TO DO

Pages 14-63

Waterfalls of the Southern Blue Ridge

Ed and Cindy Boos illuminate and elucidate their discoveries of the natural world here on the Plateau in a beguiling exhibit at Hudson Library in Highlands.

The arresting beauty of our plateau has attracted and is home to many excellent photographers. Too numerous to mention here, among their ranks are Peter Ray and Cynthia Strain, both of whom have published their local photographic images in lovely coffee table books available in local shops and online.

In their travels they photograph the wildlife, scenes of natural beauty, and sweeping landscapes.

Within this rarefied group of photographic artists, two who stand out are Ed and Cindy Boos, seasonal residents of the Scaly Mountain community. Ed and Cindy retired from dedicated careers in school administration and took off like birds to wilderness areas and wildlife preserves, national parks, all 50 states, Nova Scotia and 10

provinces in Canada, Central America, and the Galapagos Islands. Ed has photographed wildlife in Kenya, Africa. In their travels they photograph the wildlife, scenes of natural beauty, and sweeping landscapes. Their portfolio, available online at edboos.com, captures the profuseness of nature, hundreds of birds including some of the best photos of Bald Eagles to be found, bear, elk and gazelle, migrating wildebeests and zebras crossing the River Mara, and more.

Boos photography has been featured in regional and national magazines including Nature, Birds and Blooms, and our own treasured Laurel magazine. They have developed and presented

nature programs for birding and civic groups in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Locally, Ed and Cindy have taken their cameras and keen eyes to Blue Ridge waterfalls in North and South Carolina, and Georgia, producing scores of still photos and a moving video entitled Living Waters

The stunning still photos of 22 local waterfalls by Ed and Cindy Boos will be featured during the month of September as a fine art exhibit in Highlands at the Hudson Library. Featured waterfalls include Culasaja Falls, Silver Run, Glen Falls and Upper Middle Creek Falls in North Carolina; Sweet Thing Falls, Issaquena Falls and Virginia Hawkins Falls in South Carolina; and Anna Ruby Falls, Toccoa Falls, and Mud Creek Falls in Georgia.

Waterfalls of the Southern Blue Ridge is free and open to all who visit the library in September at 554 Main Street in Highlands.

by William McReynolds

EdandCindyBoos

Form and Fire

This year’s Bascom Symposium explores the magical alchemy of heat, clay, and unbridled imagination.

Visitors to The Bascom are in for a treat this year as the Three Potters Symposium opens on Friday, September 29, with keynote speaker Michael Sherrill, a nationally recognized and critically acclaimed artist who works in mixed media to create botanical sculptures that are celebrations of natural beauty and demonstrations of immense technical ability.

Throughout its history, the Symposium has attracted clay artists from around the state of North Carolina, the Southeast region, and the country.

In its 13th year, the Symposium is entitled Elements: Form and Fire. The second day of the event will bring together three Asheville-area potters on The Bascom Terrace for conversations and demonstrations – Eric Knoche, Joey Sheehan and Will Dickert.

A leader in the contemporary craft field, Sherrill’s technical innovations are the result of years of experimentation and study. His presentation, Cradle of Craft, will explore his growth as an artist and resident in the southern Appalachian Mountains which have influenced and inspired him.

This year, thanks to generous sponsors, the event is free to the public, and will provide visitors opportunities to engage directly with artists, view their work, and make purchases.

Throughout its history, the Symposium has attracted clay artists from around the state of North Carolina, the Southeast region, and the country. Past events have featured celebrated artists such as Ben Owen III, Michael Sherrill, Cynthia Bringle,

JoeySheehan EricKnoche

Christina Cordova, and Jim Connell, to name a few. This year’s symposium promises, yet again, to bring a crosssection of the state’s most influential clay artists.

The Bascom’s Director of Ceramics, Frank Vickery, shares his vision for the symposium: “My hope is that people leave with a better understanding of process and techniques demonstrated, but also that they simply had a good time at The Bascom and will tell their friends…Programs like the Three Potters Symposium are designed to engage the community on multiple levels of creative enterprise through discussion, demonstration, and exhibition.”

There will be an opening reception and keynote presentation by Michael Sherrill Friday, September 29 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M.

by Billy Love, The Bascom

WillDickert

Those Dazzling Dahlias

The inescapable charm of Dahlias earns them a day in the sun with Highlands’ Dazzling Dahlia Festival, September 9.

On Saturday, September 9, Highlands Historical Society will proudly present the 13th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival. Highlands will be draped in florals, serenaded by the sweet stories of times gone by, awed by A Sense of Place, and treated to some mighty fine music!

Dahlias of every color and shape, as well as equally fabulous native plants, will be placed around town; as talented folks present their floral interpretations of “Seasons of Highlands.” The Bascom, Historical Village, and Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park will be hubs of the festival, but Main Street and throughout

town will be a feast for the eyes as you experience florals in ways you didn’t expect. Look for interactive vignettes, historical vignettes, edible vignettes, and creations that will delight all your senses. A map will be available, so you don’t miss a thing.

The Festival kicks off Thursday, September 7th at the Bascom 5:00-6:30 P.M., with a kickoff party where you’ll get a chance to meet Megan Gaillour, the talented artist who won The Bascom Dahlia Poster Competition, as well as other artists who submitted artwork. Her very creative poster has been the face of the festival this year. A few limited-edition posters will be available for purchase.

The Bascom will host the Garden Club of America-judged, Amateur Dahlia Single Bloom competition Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. Growers may enter their blooms from 8:00 to 10:00 A.M. at The Bascom patio. Judging will be done, ribbons placed, and then the single bloom show will open to the public from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. The single bloom is awe-inspiring, seeing dahlia in many of her several hundred types and in sizes from a tiny pom pom to a dinner plate is a gardener’s or artist’s dream. Did you know dahlias come in every color except blue?

Don’t miss the day’s activities at the Highlands Historical Village, where there will be storytellers from 11:00 A.M. to noon; music and food from noon to 2:00 P.M.; Gary Wein doing his talk on “A Sense of Place” from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M.; and music by Nitrograss from 3:00 to 5:30 P.M. Docent tours of The Prince House and Museum will be available from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Take in all the vignettes and then vote for your favorites as prizes will be awarded during Saturday evening’s concert in the park.

The grand finale of this exciting day will be when Steel Toe Stiletto, a fantastic 10-piece dance band takes the stage at 6:00 in KHFP. This finale is sponsored by the Dahliabolicals, a group of generous donors who wanted an epic ending to a perfect day.

Highlands Historical Society, Visit Highlands, and the Bascom, are proud to present all Dazzling Dahlia Festival events at no charge. Proof that the best things in life are free! For more info and to enter the vignette competition, go to highlandshistory.com.

by Mary Jane McCall

A Rip Roaring Good Time

murder

foul for a mission most

Big Brothers Big Sisters unveils its Roaring 20s Party at 5:30 P.M. Thursday, September 7, at Skyline Lodge and Oak Steakhouse.

Since Big Brothers Big Sisters is staging its Roaring 20s Party at Skyline Lodge and Oak Steakhouse, revelers can expect a multicourse culinary event, cocktails, a live band performing music from the time period, and a silent auction with items and packages.

There’ll be a short program about the life-changing mission of the Big Brothers Big Sisters that lies at the heart of the celebration.

“Tickets include a three course meal by Oak Steakhouse, open beer and wine bar, passed hor d’oeuvres, a 1928 Packard with photo opps, and live music,” says BBBS Program Coordinator

Danielle Hernandez “Did we mention the incredible variety of silent auction items? There’ll be items from Zoller Hardware, Africa Awaits, Chateau Elan, NASCAR, Amelia Island and more.”

Oh, and one other thing – there’ll be a murder in the midst of the merriment, and a dining room full of suspects and amateur detectives. Everyone at the soiree will participate in solving the crime or diverting attention from their own “colorful” past.

“It’s not every day we have an opportunity to dress up in flapper dresses and pin striped suits all for a great cause,” says Hernandez. “Bring your finest era-specific attire and be ready to have

a wonderful time. We are incredibly grateful to Skyline Lodge and the Oak Steakhouse for their partnership in providing an experience like this to further ignite the Power and Potential in youth! All proceeds benefit children right here in Cashiers and Highlands.” If you’d like to serve as a sponsor or reserve a VIP Table, contact Hernandez at (828) 399-9133 before purchasing your tickets online.

by Luke Osteen

It’s

most

wonderful –

Scan to purchase tickets.

With Love and Pride

September is the most delightful month with a touch of fall in the air and a hint of the color change to come.

It’s the perfect month to visit local farmer’s markets. That cooler nip in the air beckons us to spend more time outdoors so grab a sweater and head to Locally Grown on The Green, Cashiers’ farm stand and local market which is held every Wednesday from 2:00 until 5:00 P.M. at The Village Green Commons, or Highlands Marketplace held every Saturday morning at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park from 8:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. The items here are always fresh and are grown with love and pride.

Each of these fresh markets provide access to in-season fresh produce, locally

produced meat, fresh dairy items and eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, jellies, honey, pickles, freshly baked breads and baked goods, and homemade spreads and dips.

Fall marks the season when we’re moving from light fresh summer meals to those with more robust flavors and fall harvests provide the perfect ingredientsapples, sweet potatoes, butternut and acorn squash, cabbage, kale, and beets. Perhaps there’s a warm soup and bread dinner in your future. Make plenty and invite your neighbors.

It’s not too soon to be thinking about your fall plants and decorating needs. These markets are a great place to find what you need to bring fall warmth into your homes and gardens. And, as always there’s a great selection of homemade

crafts and art.

The farm-to-table concept is growing in popularity and these markets offer you easy access to the freshest products available. You’ll enjoy an opportunity to talk to the people who grow and produce the food, and probably pick up some helpful tips on how to store, prepare and serve each product. Chances are they know the best recipes as well.

These hardworking vendors are always happy to share their stories and you’ll come away with a greater appreciation for their labors of love.

Treat yourself to a unique shopping experience at one of these markets and welcome fall in all it’s glory.

by Mary Jane McCall

Field-fresh and frankly fun, the Plateau’s Farmers’ Markets are full of natural goodness.

2023 Bel Canto

The 2023 Bel Canto, set for Sunday, September 10, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, continues an extraordinary tradition that’s enraptured audiences for 31 years.

The 31st annual Bel Canto Recital will be held in Highlands on Sunday, September 10, at 4:00 P.M. at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. This yearly recital series is an affiliate of The Bascom, and proceeds go to supplement music education at two preschool programs, music education at our public schools, a college scholarship in the performing arts, and to the acquisition of art for special art exhibitions and for the Bascom’s permanent collection.

In total, Bel Canto has contributed over $750,000 to these worthy programs.

This year’s performers are soprano Greer Lyle, who is a Carrollton, Georgia, native. She is a graduate of Georgia State University School of Music and

the Yale Opera Program within the Yale School of Music. Ms. Lyle made her professional debut in 2018 with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. In spring of 2021, she competed at the semifinalist level for the first-ever livestreamed Metropolitan opera National Council Auditions.

Lucy Baker will be the mezzo-soprano. Lucy has sung with the DePaul Opera Theatre, the Chautauqua Institution, and with the Chautauqua Opera Company. She is currently singing with the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

American tenor Sahel Salam is known for his “warm, plangent voice” and “gleaming tone.”

As a 2023 National Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition

and winner of the Mario Lanza Competition, he has performed at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera, the San Francisco Opera, The Music Academy of the West, and the Cincinnati Opera.

Baritone Phillip Addis will round out the quartet. He has established himself as one of Canada’s leading performers of opera, concert, and recital repertoire. He has extensive international concert experience, and he has given recitals worldwide with pianist Emily Hamper. For information about this recital series, please call The Bascom at (828) 787-2885.

by Michael Crowe

Music and Fairytales

Singer/songwriter Olivia DaPonte brings her sweet, soulful country/folk sound to the September 14 Orchard Session at The Farm at Old Edwards. For tickets or more information, visit oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions.

Folks bop and sway, heads and feet move non-stop in time to the music. In the background, the mountains loom and boughs of fruit trees hang low, overhead crickets sing and the sun descends. The scene is the Orchard Sessions at The Farm at Old Edwards; the concert series held on Thursday evenings in spring and summer in the fairy-tale setting of a 10-acre apple orchard.

When Olivia DaPonte steps onto the stage on Thursday, September 14, the Orchard will again be transformed into a pulsating music hall – albeit one without walls.

Nashville-based country singer/songwriter DaPonte was barely a teenager when she started singing and playing guitar in her hometown of Knoxville. Inspired by the music of Bob Dylan, Carol King, Peter, Paul & Mary, and James Taylor she took les-

sons, experimented with genre and at 16 started performing in local clubs. She composed her first original song, “Timekeeper,” at the request of Grammy-nominated producer Travis Wyrick for an upcoming show. Watching people respond to her music was transformative and when Wyrick asked her to record an EP she headed into the studio. The result was an album named for her first song.

She recalls that being in the studio pushed her to, “really go for it” and that, “I hadn’t heard my songs come to life before. I usually just play with an acoustic guitar so to have drums, bass and keys behind my music was surreal.”

Two new singles followed – “Burning Away” and “White Lies.” Available on streaming platforms, DaPonte’s soulful music evokes some of the balladry of her early heroes and showcases

OliviaDaPonte

her heartfelt emotions and gentle twang.

Currently DaPonte is busy touring Tennessee and beyond to share her love for songwriting, opening for alt-country rockers Boy Named Banjo and award-winning singer/ songwriter Erick Baker. She recently joined the Song Suffragettes, a weekly writer’s round held in Nashville featuring all-female country music artists who stand together in the face of systemic gender-disparity in the music industry. In 2018, Song Suffragettes was featured in Elle magazine, and since 2015 they’ve been invited to play annually at the CMA Music Festival.

The show begins at 6:00 P.M. and concludes around sunset at 8:00 P.M.. There is a $40 cover charge for the public. Every ticket includes light bites and a cash bar. The performance will move indoors to the Orchard House in the event of rain.

by Marlene Osteen

OrchardSessions

The Sounds of Music

September marks a cooling of the weather and the pace of life in Highlands. The twin concerts of Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine were already cool. They’re all free and everyone is invited.

ClayPage

If you’ve been around Highlands long enough, you’re still carrying memories of the halcyon nights at Helen’s Barn, when everyone was invited to take in the bluegrass sounds or witness local cloggers or join in a joyful square dance.

For the 21st century, the beat goes on with the Outdoor Concert Series, held downtown, May through October.

From now through October weekends, tuck your lawn chair under one arm, snacks under the other, and head out to Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine – all courtesy of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce.

The 2023 Friday Night Live concerts take place at Highlands Town Square from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M. Saturdays on Pine crank up at 6:00 P.M. at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park, and wind down at 8:30 P.M.

Here’s what’s in store for September:

Byrds & Crows take the stage on Friday, September 1. They’re Transylvania County musicians who enjoy playing songs that are deeply rooted in the Appalachian Mountains – bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, folk, and early country music.

On Saturday, September 9, it’s Steel Toe Stiletto. Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Steel Toe Stiletto was formed from friendships between some of the Southeast’s most impressive vocalists and musicians. Those close bonds are celebrated and strengthened as they perform at full force.

McIntosh & The Lionhearts will be at Town Square on Saturday, September 16. Founded in 2019 by front man Spalding McIntosh, the LionHearts are a versatile ensemble of established pros, all devoted to presenting its founder’s complex compositions on home, love and the challenges of manhood, all in a tight, rolling groove.

On Saturday, September 23, it’s The Holiday Band at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Established in 1991 in Burlington, North Carolina, The Holiday Band was inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Awards Hall of Fame in 2015. These guys are serious about their carefree beach music, so come prepared to swing and chill.

Closing out the month is Clay Page on Saturday, September 30, at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park. With influences ranging from Hank Williams to The Allman Brothers, Page’s music is a “sound of the Deep South.”

by

Luke Osteen

Scan to learn more.

Cashiers is Groovin’

Groovin’ on the Green keeps the beat going in September with local favorite Hurricane Creek – 6:30 P.M. Friday, September 1, on The Village Green in Cashiers. You can find more information at villagegreencashiersnc.com/concerts.

Groovin’ on the Green closes out its frenetic season on September 1 with a one-time reunion gig by Hurricane Creek.

With a deep playlist covering a broad range of music from classic rock and R & B, to roadhouse, this talented group will have you singing and dancing the night away.

…mainstays of the Plateau Music Scene for over 20 years…

“We here at The Village Green love being able to offer free and fun family programming, that’s accessible to everyone in our community, and that can be enjoyed without having to drive down the mountain,” says Ashlie Mitchell, the Village Green’s executive director. “That’s why

Hurricane Creek, who’ve been mainstays of the Plateau Music Scene for over 20 years, are such a perfect fit for closing out our season. They have a powerful rock and blues sound, with undertones of new country that creates an irresistible and fun roadhouse feel. They are also accomplished songwriters and have written and recorded two CDs and have established a wide fan base. They pack the Green whenever they perform here.”

Every Groovin’ Concert is held rain or shine and there is no admission charge. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, beverages, snacks, and your boogie shoes – though there are

vendors there as well.

Groovin’ is also offering its “Rent a Tent” – 10 x 10 tent rentals at $100 per tent per event.

by Luke Osteen

HurricaneCreek

The Itch To Stitch

The Cashiers Quilters show off their artistry and their supreme dedication with its annual Quilt Show, set for Saturday, October 7, at Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. For information, visit cashiersquilters.com.

Thirty-three vibrant needlecrafters contribute time, creativity, and love to their energetic organization, the Cashiers Quilters.

The group, which meets each Thursday at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, 12:30 P.M., supports the aesthetic history (handwork) of the region, provides warmth in countless ways, and sustains comradery and joy for their membership. Laughter is the thread that stitches them all together.

This year the Quilt Show will be held October 7, 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. The show is the group’s major annual project. It will be housed in the Albert CarltonCashiers Community Library.

A magnificent quilt, entitled “Fall Fever,” hand-sewn by the members, will be raffled to a fortunate winner. Jodie

Nidley donated a collection of squares which provided the basic composition. Members designed and sewed additional squares to complete the quilt top, all under the guidance of Peg Kirchner. Peggy Rickelman did the top stitchery on her long-arm machine to yield an incredible work of fiber-art.

Attendees with excellent taste will feast their eyes on not only the raffle prize, but on the delicious baked goods expertly prepared by those same hands that stitch so magnificently.

Tickets are available from any Cashiers Quilters member or by inquiring at cashiersquilters.com. Tickets may be obtained at the Quilt Show on Saturday, October 7, where the raffle will take place at 3:30 P.M.

The quilters have also participated in community events including Airing of the Quilts and Founders Day. Some members make quilts for the VFW Post Veterans and REACH of Macon County. The Cashiers Senior Center is the recipient of flannel blankets and items to add to the Christmas baskets.

Jean Markley, president of the Cashiers Quilters, says, “The Cashiers Quilters never miss an opportunity to have a good time while sharing their excessive energy for creating for others. Much more than quilting is learned from chatting while stitching. On occasions there is a field trip down the mountain to quilt stores and lunch.

Quilters, beginning-intermediate-advanced, are welcome. Seasonal attendees expand the group and enrich the summer sessions, but meetings are year-round, as long as weather allows.

by Donna Rhodes

Much more than quilting is learned from chatting while stitching.

Knowledge: Free and Accessible

For the Plateau’s twin libraries, Knowledge, free and accessible, is the most precious commodity.

‘Tis the season to concentrate on learning more. At Albert CarltonCashiers Community Library and Hudson Library in Highlands, there are too many resources to count available for public and homeschooling students, college students, continuing education students, and life-long learners. And, if branch librarians within the Fontana Regional Library System – like the Plateau’s own Serenity Richards and Carlyn Morenus – along with their staffs, were not so organized and helpful, accessing multitudinous resources may be overwhelming. But these library professionals know just where to point people when they convey an interest or need.

Morenus reminds library patrons about such services as Launchpads, Kanopy, NC Live, Universal Class, afterschool programs, and so much more. Richards points out: “September is when we are back into our fall schedule of weekly afterschool programming and tutoring support.”

As a reminder, Kanopy is a video streaming service for quality entertainment, including movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films, and educational videos.

The Fontana Regional Library system partners with public libraries to provide ad-free experiences on televisions, mobile phones, tablets, and online. NC Live provides library holders opportunities to access test preps, articles, ebooks, career development information, and more, including languages.

“Transparent Language through NC Live has an amazing selection of languages,” said Richards. “I’m currently working on Latvian.”

She added that September is also Hispanic Heritage Month, so highlighted at the libraries are Spanish and bilingual collections and information about online language learning tools.

Additionally, but certainly not the least or last of the local library resources,

is UniversalClass, where anyone – no matter the age or education level – can launch a variety of academic to hobby-related to entertaining classes. UniversalClass has been around since the late 1990s. The general premise is that instructors from all over the world can share their expertise.

For example, someone interested in web development can choose from 35 courses; business – 100 courses; parenting and family – 50 courses; and, crafts and hobbies – 70 courses. Courses are designed to be taken according to a user’s pace, and there is no pressure to perform for a grade; it is simply a way to glean skills and knowledge in an interesting and interactive format.

To inquire more about what Hudson and Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community libraries offer, visit fontanalib.org/ highlands and fontanalib.org/cashiers.

by Deena Bouknight / photo by Mary Gillan

30 Years of Giving

Since 1985, the Highlands Emergency Council has been a vital resource for the needy in the community.

MarieJohnson,AndyEidson, and MaryAnnCreswell

Notpictured: TeresaSpeed

The Highlands Emergency Council has embodied the spirit of our community since 1985 by helping individuals and families in need in the Highlands area. Through the dedication and hard work of their volunteers, together with the support of churches, businesses, and individuals throughout the community, they have tirelessly served and enriched the lives of low-income families and people in need in every season.

Their mission is so meaningful and so dear to the hearts of many that when you become involved by volunteering with them you find yourself becoming a member of one big happy family, united by the heartfelt goodness of improving lives and making a difference.

For over 30 years two such volunteers were the heart and soul of HEC and gave of their time, happily and always with a smile on their faces. Teresa Speed was there from day one and Mary Ann

Creswell was there for over 30 years. These two women moved mountains to help those in need but as it is with life both decided to retire this year and hand the reins over to new leadership. Their retirement was announced at HEC’s Mix and Mingle fundraiser in August. Their retirement left big shoes to be filled but the good news is that new volunteers gingerly tried on those shoes and stepped up to keep the magic happening. You’ll see old faces and new but you’ll recognize the big smiles and heartfelt love that motivate these hardworking volunteers.

On a daily basis, Marie Johnson is here to greet you. Marie has been volunteering for three years and says, “It’s rewarding to help people.”

You’ll also see Andy Eidson who has taken the helm as President. Andy became aware of HEC’s mission when he was remodeling a house and donated items. He met Marie, learned of the

need for new volunteers, and the rest is history. It was the HEC mission of neighbors helping neighbors that convinced him. It’s been a labor of love so far, and we do mean labor because it is not unheard of for Andy (and Marie) to log 50, 60, or more hours a week.

Both acknowledge the hard work of the many additional volunteers who give so generously of their time, among them Jeannie Bryson who still stops by several times a week and has been doing so for over 30 years.

Highlands Emergency Council is located at 71 Poplar Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. and on Saturday from 8:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. They accept and encourage monetary donations and donations of gently used household items, furniture, linens, and appliances.

by Mary Jane

McCall / photo by Mary Gillan

Get Ready To Rock

Cat5 arrives at Sapphire Valley for a September 3 concert with the force of a hurricane. Performances are open to the public and tickets can be purchased at the Sapphire Valley Community Center in advance and at the gate.

Cat5

Sapphire Valley’s Concerts on the Slopes have been a mainstay of summer on the Plateau for several years, both as a platform for emerging and established regional musical artists, and a celebration of community spirit. Always an immersive experience that blends the magic of live music with the natural splendor of the mountains, the Labor Day show may just be the most awaited performance to date and promises to be a very special one. One of the most electrifying rock bands to emerge from Appalachia, the Cat5 band is set to grace the stage on Sunday, September 3, 2023, bringing their signature sound – a unique fusion of classic, blues and Southern rock.

Formed in 2019 by Cat Manning, Jeremy Thomas West and Cameron Dudley, the band’s name is a reference to the intensity of a category 5 hurricane. The moniker reflects the force and power of the band’s sound. It’s a sound that fits

perfectly into the outdoor amphitheater setting as the unparalleled acoustics of the surroundings amplify the energy of the event.

Cat5 is known to headline an evening packed full of energy and bounce, and audiences can expect a charismatic front man, paired with mesmerizing guitar solos and a pulsating rhythm section throughout.

This is definitely one for those who like a high-octane night. As they belt out their wide repertoire of songs, including covers by Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, The Rolling Stones, and Journey, along with their soul-stirring originals, concert goers can anticipate an electrifying evening of rock music. In fact, getting your rock on has never been more fun!

Praised for their tight musicianship, powerful vocals, and high-energy live shows, they have earned several awards, including the CBMA Cammy Award for New Artist of the Year in 2020. They

have released two albums, “Cat5” (2020) and “The Beach and the Boulevard” (2021). Their songs have been featured on SiriusXM’s “Hair Nation” and “The Boneyard” channels.

Performances are open to the public. Tickets which can be purchased at the Sapphire Valley Community Center are $22 in advance, and $27 at the gate. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, chairs, and blankets. Sapphire Valley Resort provides approximately 100 chairs available on a first come, first served basis. And you’ll want to bring your dance shoes for that moment when the music overcomes you and the urge to dance cannot be repressed.

Concerts are held rain or shine, and though there’s nothing like the threat of rain to endanger an outdoor music concert, showers never seem to dampen the audience’s pleasure.

by Marlene Osteen

Highlighting The Music

Highlands Porchfest brings the happy sounds to downtown, including local favorites and artists new to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, September 17.

Downtown Highlands will come alive on Sunday, September 17, from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M. with the sounds of over 45 unique musicians across 14 local venues.

Organized by local nonprofit Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment (with the help of generous sponsors) Highlands Porchfest is the Plateau’s premier, free to attend music festival. We caught up with Porchest veteran Andrew Wooten, who has been a part of the festival since its inception back in 2021.

Porchfest has opened so many doors for myself and my band…

“I was hesitant at first because I hadn’t really ever played live at that point, but my friend talked me into it, and here we are today about to play at our third Porchfest,” Wooten says about his early days with the festival. “I’m really glad we took that leap. Porchfest has opened so many doors for myself and my band, which currently consists of myself and Caleb McGuire (or Opie as we call him) on drums. We have been playing around Highlands this past year at venues such as The Ugly Dog Pub and The High Dive. We also played a sold-out show at The Orchard Sessions presented by The Farm at Old Edwards.”

When asked about his Porchfest origin story, the singersongwriter admits he was originally set to perform with a close friend. When his companion backed out at the last minute, however, Wooten was encouraged to take the stage solo.

In the past few years, increased Porchfest sponsorship and grant opportunities have served as a catalyst allowing CLE to drive even more musicians to the Plateau, showcasing just how diverse and talented our local and regional performers

AndrewWooten

CalebMcGuire

are. The festival has also served as a launchpad for local talent to build relationships with various businesses and members of the community.

But the possibilities for future gigs isn’t the only benefit Wooten sees in this free-to-attend community event.

“My favorite thing about Porchfest is all the wonderful people I have come across,” Wooten shares. “We have built some amazing relationships since we’ve been a part of this festival.”

Highlands Porchfest will take place on Sunday, September 17, from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M. and is free to attend. If you are interested in learning more about Porchfest, please visit highlandsporchfest.com or call (828) 526-8811.

by Audra Bullard, Center for Life Enrichment

A Showcase of Artisans

The Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival celebrates the rich artistic heritage of the season – October 6-8 at The Village Green.

Each October, The Village Green, a non-profit public park, turns into a showcase of artisans and craftsmen during the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival. The popular affair celebrates the start of the leaf-changing season, while it offers over 75 artisan crafters from throughout the Southeast.

The fete, which has been attracting tourists to this idyllic mountain community for 14 years, pulls in talented artisans and eager visitors throughout the South, drawing upwards of 3,000 people over the long weekend.

On display are hundreds of eyecatching and appealing works of art and comestibles – from jewelry to metallurgy to paintings and pottery and clothing and soap and baked goods and honey. Some of the artisans may already be famous and well established, whereas others are newbies, struggling to gain recognition. Yet all produce and exhibit their own wares – no third-party

vendors are allowed.

The Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival is truly a feast for the eyes – eyes weary of the mundane design offerings of the local department store, and, perhaps also generally unexcited by their home surroundings. Think of it as a bazaar and a home makeover show all in one place.

The festival starts each day at 10:00 A.M. and ends at 5:00 P.M. on Friday and Saturday, and until 3:00 P.M. on Sunday. For more information and a full schedule of events and activities during the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, visit VillageGreenCashiersNC.com/Events.

by Luke Osteen

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A Successful Summer

A wildly successful Summer Season is merely setting the stage for the wickedly fun

The Rocky Horror Show. Get your tickets at mountaintheatre.com.

As Mountain Theatre Company wraps up a successful summer on their new stage as the resident professional theatre company at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, they are already looking towards upcoming shows this Fall and Winter.

The summer opened with the recordbreaking production of Jersey Boys in June which was followed by the high-energy rock ‘n roll hit, Rock of Ages in July and August. With both shows featuring stellar casts of Broadway

quality, the stage is set to follow up those hits with the upcoming productions of The Rocky Horror Show and Home for the Holidays.

Perfect for the fall, The Rocky Horror Show will run October 6 – 28 at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. This deliberately kitschy rock ‘n’ roll tribute to the science fiction and horror B-movies of the late 1940s through early 1970s is on deck to delight audiences! The cult classic musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple who is caught

in a storm and arrives at the home of a mad scientist unveiling his new creation, a muscle man named Rocky Horror. With more glam and glitter than any production to date, this promises to be Rocky Horror as only Mountain Theatre Company can re-imagine it!

by Lindsay Garner Hostetler, Director of Marketing and Outreach, Mountain Theatre Company

A Feast of Louisiana Delicacies

Those people at the Highlands Biological Foundation know how to throw a party – it’s Highlands on the HalfShell, set for Sunday. October 1.

Newcomers to the Plateau or those just passing through may be startled to learn that Highlands, at an elevation of 4118 and hundreds of miles from coastal wetlands, is host to a celebration lifted directly from the bayous of Louisiana. But residents and those in the know have made Highlands on the Half-Shell a red-letter date on the calendar – this year, 4:00 P.M. until dark on Sunday, October 1.

Over a Cajun-themed gathering in the Valentine Meadow (888 Horse Cove Road) at the Highlands Biological Station, attendees will have an opportunity to sample gumbo, jambalaya, steamed oysters, under a canopy of flame-red leaves.

“Highlands on the Half-Shell is one of the Highlands Biological Foundation’s big annual fundraisers,” explained Winter Gary, the Foundation’s marketing manager.

“Attendees enjoy a feast of Louisiana delicacies, mingle with our other wonderful community members, and show support for the Foundation’s mission of stimulating, promoting, and funding biological research and education in the southern Appalachians.”

She points out that the event is very much “community driven,” with many people volunteering time – including Foundation members and board members – to handle logistics regarding obtaining and preparing the food, setting and cleaning up, and much more.

The Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) and works to inspire present and future generations to preserve and protect the unique environment of the Highlands Plateau by raising awareness through experiential learning and free, public programs. The Foundation supports the three key facets of the Highlands Biological Station, which are represented in its logo. There is the Nature Center,

the Botanical Garden, and the research and educational dimensions of the Station and Foundation.

Plus, ongoing for the public – children and adults – are courses, workshops, lectures, tours, etc. Specifically for children are opportunities such as Kids Camp and Nature Center Nights.

“The Foundation is dedicated to educating our community on what makes the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau so special, and fundraisers such as Highlands on the Half-Shell ensures that programs offered at the Nature Center can continue,” said Gary.

Tickets to the fall Highlands on the Half-Shell fundraiser are $150 per person. Visit highlandsbiological.org for more information and to purchase your ticket(s).

by Luke Osteen

Waste Not

“Composting 101: Saving the Planet

One Orange Peel at a Time” is a presentation that Cameron Ward will offer for the final Village Nature Series of 2023 – on September 26.

Ward, education coordinator at the Cashiers Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau, has spearheaded efforts to educate the Plateau community regarding a circular economy and sustainability, and part of the dialogue involves how to compost. She plans to encourage Village Nature Series participants to rethink organic waste and consider its general conservation benefits.

The monthly Village Nature Series, which begins each April and ends by early fall, is held at 5:00 P.M. on the last Tuesday of the month. It is located at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road.

Ward, who graduated from Western Carolina University in 2014, says she’s enthused about the opportunity to convey what she has learned about sustainability, not only through an

ecotourism job in Costa Rica, but also via volunteer composting and circular economy efforts. In fact, within her leadership position with the Boys and Girls Club, she developed a program that allows individuals to pick up an empty five-gallon container, fill it with their kitchen scraps, and return it for another empty five-gallon container.

“We compost it and then next year we will be able to use the compost for the Club’s gardens,” explained Ward. “People are learning they can take 50 percent of what would normally go into a trash bin and do something practical with it.”

The best scenario is when residents decide to compost for themselves, and Ward will talk to Village Nature Series participants about how to achieve compost that breaks down into nutrientrich fertilizer for vegetable and flower gardens. Her long-term goal is to get businesses to add to a community compost pile, like the one at Boys and Girls Club. Currently, she said Crossroads

Custard in Cashiers provides scraps from its smoothies as well as eggshells and coffee grounds.

“I learned from my time in Costa Rica that the country is very focused on land regeneration and natural resources,” she said. “They have a model that encourages sustainability through energy, agricultural, tourism, etc. I came to Jackson County and took a deep dive into resource management by looking at areas such as our recycling process, composting, and more. Composting can be so important and impactful as a first step. We can all do our part, and small communities have a big opportunity when working together through creative collaboration.”

Ward’s efforts have recently morphed into a business that she is calling Resources: Compost and Collectibles. The Village Nature Series is free to the public.

by Deena Bouknight

Master composter Cameron Ward, who’ll be leading the September 26 Village Nature Series presentation at the Village Green, says composting is within the grasp of every household and organization.

CameronWard

Raising Funds For Kids

Everyone on the Plateau is invited to a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for the Gordon Center for Children, set for 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, September 14, at the Faith & Fellowship Hall at Highlands United Methodist Church. Cost is $10 per person.

If you’re reading this magazine, there’s a pretty good chance that your life has been vastly improved by The Gordon Center for Children at Highlands United Methodist Church, Highlands’ only faith-based learning center.

If you’re the parent of a child up to five years old, you know it as a safe harbor for your young one, providing loving lessons in a safe environment.

It’s right there in their Mission Statement: “To promote the cognitive, physical, emotional, social and spiritual development of the children in a warm and safe environment. We strive to equip young children with the necessary skills for academic success while encouraging a life-long love for learning.”

And even if you don’t have a child in the program, if the kids departed the nest decades ago, your life on the Plateau is still immeasurably better because of these dedicated women and their patient efforts.

The server who takes your lunch order, she’s able to smile (and mean it) as you struggle to make your choice because she knows at that very moment that her daughter is happily mastering the intricacies of pasting sunflower seeds on construction paper for a masterpiece to be displayed on the fridge.

The guy who’s installing your shower is able to make sure it’s done right because he’s not worried about daycare drying up and leaving his family in an existential crisis.

Consider the peace of mind that that affords those parents and think about how that sweet assurance sprea=ds out into the community at large – you’ve felt it. It’s something that’s nearly vanished from the rest of America.

Currently, three classrooms are open to children ages one through five. The Nursery Class is open for children ages one to two. The Transition Class is open for children ages two through three. The

Pre-School Class follows a Kindergarten prep curriculum and is open for children ages three through five, but the class is reserved for children the two years prior to beginning Kindergarten.

And there’s another component of the Gordon Center that’s often overlooked – A free after school program that runs during the school year for K-5 students that offer enrichment activities.

“Come join us for a good cause and a great meal,” say the organizers. “Local businesses have donated fabulous items that will be up for silent auction. Dinner includes salad, pasta with homemade marinara sauce, meat, and bread. There will be delicious baked goods available for sale for dessert.”

For more information and tickets, call the Gordon Center at (828) 526-5084, or email GordonCenterforChildren@yahoo.com.

by Luke Osteen

Putts for Paws

For the cats! For the dogs! For the Glory! Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is staging its 3rd annual Putts Fore Paws Golf Tournament – October 9 at Cullasaja Club.

Announcing the third annual golf tournament to benefit the shelter pets at the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society – Putts Fore Paws!

After two successful years, this newest annual fundraiser for the animals takes place during one of the most beautiful times of the year on one of the most beautiful courses on the plateau. Putts Fore Paws will occur during the peak of leaf season, Monday, October 9, at the Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course at the Cullasaja Club. Exciting new renovations and changes were recently made to the course by noted designer Bill Bergin.

CHHS Putts Fore Paws on October 9 starts with a 9:30 A.M. registration and a 10:30 A.M. shotgun start. Mulligans will be available for purchase at sign-in. A beautiful crystal award will be presented to each member of the winning foursome with the overall lowest score

(with handicap). There will be prizes for longest drive and closest to the pin, and last but not least, a hole-in-one on a designated hole will win a beautiful Bronco Sport compliments of Hammond & Mitzi Rauers and Franklin Ford!!

Registration is $225 per golfer and $100 of each registration is a tax-deductible contribution to the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. Registration includes greens fees, cart fees, a boxed lunch, and a post-tournament reception.

Not a golfer? Not to worry, you can still participate in this great cause for the animals! Hole sponsorships are available for $1,000 and each sponsor will have a picture of their beloved pet (or a CHHS shelter pet) placed on the course at various locations and your personalized sponsor sign will be given to you after the tournament as a keepsake memento and a thank you for your support.

This exciting golf tournament is limited

to just 20 foursomes, so put your foursome together and register online. The tournament application can be found on our homepage at chhumanesociety.org.

Established in 1987, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire, oneand-a-half miles east of the Cashiers Ingles in between Cedar Creek Club and Lonesome Valley on Highway 64. Tax-deductible donations to support our lifesaving work can be mailed to: CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717.

by David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

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Playing andCaring

Cashiers Cares, which serves so many of the needs of Southern Jackson County, is staging a lavish Golf Tournament at Trillium Golf Club, September 18. For information or to sign up, visit cashierscares.org.

Cashiers Cares is putting the finishing touches on a on its second Annual Golf Tournament, set for September 18 at Trillium Golf Club. The photo to the left was taken at Trillium with Cashiers Cares Board Members and their Pro, Tim Laverty, who is organizing the event. Last year’s event was successful with a full field of play, we’re looking forward to another great year at Trillium. There are opportunities for sponsorships whether playing or not, and options to attend the cocktail party following play. The website has all the necessary information on this, or call me, Pam Kerr, at (828) 743-7158. Go to cashierscares.org for great comments from last year’s players. Signups are on the website.

Eighteen-hole play begins at 10:00 A.M. with registration at 9:00 A.M. The player fee is $175 per person, $700 per foursome. Single golfers will be paired

to make foursomes. This is an opportunity for golfers to play at the private club known for having a beautiful mountain course. The format is shotgun start/ scramble, and includes cart lunch and a cocktail party following play. Prizes generously donated by local businesses will be awarded to top teams.

Jan Newton, an active golfer herself, is the Chairperson for this event and promises some fun extras along the course. She says that Trillium is exciting and rewarding for players wanting a little challenge and that all levels of play will enjoy it.

Cashiers Cares distributed over $97,000 to 10 local charities for 2022. Funds raised from that tournament, plus the Annual Campaign were the source of funds given to 10 nonprofits. All proceeds stay in the Cashiers area helping provide services for our underserved population.

The southern Jackson County charities receiving funds were: AWAKE, Fishes and Loaves, Cashiers PreSchool, Hampton PreSchool, Community Care Clinic, Pisgah Legal Svcs, SAFE, United Christian Ministries, Four Seasons Hospice Care, and Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau. Since inception in 2008, Cashiers Cares has distributed over $615,000 to local agencies serving this area. Cashiers Cares is a 501(c)(3) organization.

by Pam Kerr, Cashiers Cares

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Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM and 1 PM

Earthshine Lodge.

Match Pewter Trunk Show, 10 AM-5PM, Acorns Boutique. Robert Zur Footwear Trunk Show, Wish and Shoes.

Music Bingo, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub. Concert on the Slopes, Cat5 Band, 7-9 PM, Sapphire Valley Resort.

Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM and 1:30 PM, Earthshine Lodge.

Erin Gray Trunk Show, 10 AM-5 PM, Acorns Boutique. Dahlia Festival, downtown Highlands.

Bel Canto, 4 PM, Highlands PAC. Music Bingo, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM and 1:30 PM, Earthshine Lodge. Highlands Porchfest, 1-6 PM, downtown Highlands. Music Bingo, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

Happily we bask in this warm September sun, which illuminates all creatures…”

Happily we bask in this warm September sun, which illuminates all creatures…”

1 SEPTEMBER

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Match Pewter Trunk Show, 10 AM-5 PM, Acorns Boutique. Robert Zur Footwear Trunk Show, Wish and Shoes. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM. Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM, and 1 PM, Earthshine Lodge.

Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird. Friday Night Live, Byrds & Crows, 6-8:30 PM, Town Square. Groovin’ on the Green, Hurricane Creek, 6:30-9:30 PM, The Village Green.

Live Music, 9 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Match Pewter Trunk Show, 10 AM-5 PM, Acorns Boutique. Robert Zur Footwear Trunk Show Wish and Shoes. Pop Up Pipers, 4:30-5 PM, Highlands.

Saturdays on Pine, Continental Divide, 6-8:30 PM, Kelsey Hutchinson Park. Live Music, Whitewater Heathens, 6 PM, Happ’s Place. Ultimate Rock Concert, 7:30 PM, Highlands PAC. Live Music, 9 PM, High Dive.

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Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.

Robert Zur Footwear Trunk Show, Wish and Shoes.

Dancing On The Green with Cashiers School of the Arts, 7 PM, Village Green.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.

The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM. Community Table, 6 PM, Highlands Community Building.

The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Locally Grown on the Green, 2-5 PM, Village Green.

September Youth Pottery, 3:30-5 PM, The Bascom. Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:15 PM, Lewis Hall. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, High Dive. Big Brothers Big Sisters presents Roaring 20s, 5:30-8:30 PM, Oak Steakhouse.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Erin Gray Trunk Show, 10 AM-5 PM, Acorns Boutique.

Bear Task Force, 11 AM, Hudson Library.

Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM, and 1 PM, Earthshine Lodge.

Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird. Friday Night Live The Well Drinkers, 6-8:30 PM, Town Square.

Live Music, Joe Owens, 6 PM, Happ’s Place Live Music, 9 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.

Dancing On The Green with Cashiers School of the Arts, 7 PM, Village Green.

Cashiers Cares Golf Tournament, 9 AM, Trillium Golf Club.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.

The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM.

Dancing On The Green with Cashiers School of the Arts, 7 PM, Village Green.

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Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.

The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM. Art League of Highlands-Cashiers meeting, 5 PM, The Bascom.

Dancing On The Green with Cashiers School of the Arts, 7 PM, Village Green.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church. The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM. Under the Stars, On the Rocks, Chef Ryan Prewitt, 6-8 PM, Oak Steakhouse.

Highlands Plateau Audobon Society, Birding 101: Recognizing Our Local Songbirds, Raptors & Waterfowl, 7 PM, Hudson Library.

The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Locally Grown on the Green, 2-5 PM, Village Green. Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church. The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM. Colors Opening Reception, 4–6 PM, Ann Lea Fine Art Gallery. Gordon Center Fundraiser, Spaghetti Dinner, 5-7 PM, Highlands Methodist Church. Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:15 PM, Lewis Hall. Orchard Sessions, Olivia DaPonte, 6-8 PM The Farm at Old Edwards. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, High Dive.

Bazaar Barn 10 AM-2 PM, Church of Good Shepherd. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM. Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM, and 1 PM, Earthshine Lodge. Live Music, 5:30-10 PM, Hummingbird Lounge. Friday Night Live, Curtis Blackwell Band, 6-8:30 PM, Town Square. Live Music, 9 PM, High Dive.

Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM, Kelsey Hutchinson Park.

Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM, Kelsey Hutchinson Park.

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Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Erin Gray Trunk Show, 10 AM-5 PM, Acorns Boutique. Dahlia Festival, downtown Highlands.

Saturdays on Pine, Steel Toe Stiletto, 6-8:30 PM, Kelsey Hutchinson Park. Live Music, Blue Jazz Band, 6 PM, Happ’s Place. Live Music, 9 PM, High Dive.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Erin Gray Trunk Show, 10 AM-5 PM, Acorns Boutique. Dahlia Festival, downtown Highlands. Saturdays on Pine, Steel Toe Stiletto, 6-8:30 PM, Kelsey Hutchinson Park. Live Music, Blue Jazz Band, 6 PM, Happ’s Place. Live Music, 9 PM, High Dive.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.

The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM.

The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM.

Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Locally Grown on the Green, 2-5 PM, Village Green.

September Youth Pottery, 3:30-5 PM, The Bascom. Photography Club, 5:30-7 PM. The Bascom.

Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.

The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM. Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:15 PM, Lewis Hall.

Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, High Dive.

Bazaar Barn 10 AM2 PM, Church of Good Shepherd.

The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM. Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM, and 1 PM, Earthshine Lodge. Butlers Roaring 20’s Pop Up Bar, 4-10 PM, Oak Steakhouse.

Friday Night Live, Crisp, Brown, Aulisio, 6-8:30 PM, Town Square.

Live Music, Blake Ellege, 6 PM, Happ’s Place. Artrageous, 7:30 PM, Highlands PAC. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird.

Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.

The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM. Village Nature Series, with Cameron Ward, 5 PM, Village Green.

The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Locally Grown on the Green, 2-5PM, Village Green. Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.

Bazaar Barn 10 AM2 PM, Church of Good Shepherd.

The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM.

Community Coffee with Mayor Taylor, 11 AM, Hudson Library.

Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM, and 1 PM, Earthshine Lodge.

Friday Night Live, Johnny Webb Band, 6-8:30 PM, Town Square. Books & Bites, Jeffrey Lofton, 4 PM. Hudson Library.

Three Potters Symposium, reception 4 PM, The Bascom Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird. 12 11 15 14 13

Bazaar Barn 10 AM-2 PM, Church of Good Shepherd. Southern Botanics Trunk Show, 10 AM-5 PM, Acorns Boutique. National Theatre Live, Othello, 1 PM, Highlands PAC. Art of Botany, 2 PM, Highlands Comment Building.

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Saturdays on Pine, McIntosh & The Lionhearted, 6-8:30 PM, Kelsey Hutchinson Park Live Music, Rock Holler, 6 PM, Happ’s Place

Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird.

Bazaar Barn 10 AM-2 PM, Church of Good Shepherd. Southern Botanics Trunk Show, 10 AM-5 PM, Acorns Boutique. National Theatre Live, Othello, 1 PM, Highlands PAC. Art of Botany, 2 PM, Highlands Comment Building. Saturdays on Pine, McIntosh & The Lionhearted, 6-8:30 PM, Kelsey Hutchinson Park Live Music, Rock Holler, 6 PM, Happ’s Place Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird.

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Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM, Kelsey Hutchinson Park.

Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM, Kelsey Hutchinson Park.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM. Butlers Roaring 20’s Pop Up Bar, 4-10 PM, Oak Steakhouse.

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Haywood County Studio Tour, Metzger’s Burl Wood Gallery.

Saturdays on Pine, The Holiday Band, 6-8:30 PM, Kelsey Hutchinson Park. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird. Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM. Butlers Roaring 20’s Pop Up Bar, 4-10 PM, Oak Steakhouse. Haywood County Studio Tour, Metzger’s Burl Wood Gallery. Saturdays on Pine, The Holiday Band, 6-8:30 PM, Kelsey Hutchinson Park. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird. Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.

Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM, Kelsey Hutchinson Park.

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Bazaar Barn, 10 AM. Art Benefit, drawing 5 PM, Betsy Paul Real Estate. Saturdays on Pine, Clay Page, 6-8:30 PM, Kelsey Hutchinson Park. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird. Live Music, The Remnants, 6 PM, Happ’s Place.

Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM. Art Benefit, drawing 5 PM, Betsy Paul Real Estate. Saturdays on Pine, Clay Page, 6-8:30 PM, Kelsey Hutchinson Park. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird. Live Music, The Remnants, 6 PM, Happ’s Place. Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.

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SEPTEMBER

ON THE HORIZON

October Events

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6-8

Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival

The Village Green

Celebrate the changing of the leaves. This popular and free event welcomes 90 artisans to the park. Visitors will find unique handcrafted wood, pottery, jewelry and much more on display and for purchase throughout the weekend. Food, drink, and live music add to the festive spirit of this event. villagegreencashiersnc.com

November Events

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9-12

Highlands Food & Wine Festival

This festival transforms this small town into a culinary showcase. For four days, visitors from throughout the country – along with residents – throng the streets, sampling food and wine tastings from renowned chefs and vintners. highlandsfoodandwine.com

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21-22

Fall Colors Fine Art Show

10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Community Center

This event features the original artwork of talented regional artists. Paintings, photographs, glass, wood, one-of-a-kind jewelry and other original artwork will be on display and for sale. artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

Highlands Heritage Jamboree

3:30-7:30 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

Highlands Heritage Jamboree celebrates and honors the town’s rich and storied history with traditional music, dancing and more! visithighlandsnc.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25

Light Up The Park & Main

6-8 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

Santa leads this celebration as the sparkling holiday lights turn on for the first time in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park and along Main Street. highlandschamber.org

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Gobble on the Green

9-11 AM, The Village Green

Turkey, cornbread dressing, pumpkin pie, football, and family time - there are so many reasons to love Thanksgiving! Did we mention pie? Each family has its own activities and traditions to look forward to. The Village Green offers this 5K Run/Walk to add to yours. villagegreencashiersnc.com

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31

All Hallows Eve - Halloween in Highlands

6-8 PM, Highlands

Creating a safe, fun experience for ghosts and goblins of all ages, Highlands’ Main Street (from 2nd to 5th Streets) will be open to pedestrians with participating area merchants distributing candy. visithighlandsnc.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28

Goblins on the Green

5:30-7:30 PM, The Village Green

A frightfully fun family-friendly Halloween event! Enjoy delicious culinary delights from the food vendors, plus lots of fun and games, and tricks and treats! Be sure to dress up in your most creative costume. villagegreencashiersnc.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Cashiers Tree Lighting

5:30-6:30 PM, The Village Green

Visitors to The Village Green enjoy twinkling light displays and festive decorations from Friday, November 24 until early February. The park becomes a winter wonderland to make your spirits merry and bright! villagegreencashiersnc.com

EVENT SERIES

Locally Grown On The Green Wednesdays | 2-5 PM | The Village Green

Friday Night Live Fridays | 6-8 PM | Town Square

Highlands Marketplace Saturdays | 8 AM-12:30 PM | KH Founder’s Park

Saturdays on Pine Saturdays | 6-8 PM | KH Founder’s Park

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24-25

Festival of Trees

10 AM-5 PM, Summit Charter School

Cashiers Festival of Trees is a family-friendly event during Thanksgiving weekend featuring decorated trees, wreaths, gift baskets, holiday shopping, children crafts, story time, rivalry weekend football viewings, entertaining performances, and more. summitschool.org

AERIAL VIEW OF DOWNTOWN HIGHLANDS

THE 2023 LEADING BROKERAGE ON THE PLATEAU

Achieving the most transactions closed per Highands-Cashiers Board of Realtors MLS year to date (8/15/23).

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Aerial view of Lake Glenville.

RECREATION & CREATION

Pages 72-87

Upper Glen Falls

You must pay attention to reach the Upper and Middle Waterfalls of Glen Falls, but the resulting view makes the hike well worth it.

In the past, Upper Glen Falls has been featured in this column. Of course Glen Falls is actually three waterfalls.

The upper and middle falls are considered to be the most dramatic of the three sections. The upper falls trail is a half mile with the middle falls a quarter mile further. Getting to both falls is relatively easy as it is downhill with many steps.

The return trip can be strenuous for those who are not in good shape.

Cindy and I have photographed over 150 waterfalls, and we found that the return was one of the more challenging hikes we have taken. We are both in our seventies which may have something to do with our experience. Regardless, the hike to the middle falls was well worth the effort.

Trailhead Directions:

From the highlands Post Office and the intersection of US 64 and NC 106, drive 1.7 mils west on NC 106. Turn left on Glen Falls Road and keep right immediately after the turn. Drive one mile to the trailhead.

Hike Description:

The first section of the trail is flat but

that quickly changes to downhill for the remainder of hike. There are several switchbacks. Be prepared for an elevation change of about 500 feet to the middle falls. Don’t worry about getting lost as the trail is easy to follow. Please stay behind the protective fences at the falls.

by Ed and Cindy Boos

At a Glance Waterfall Guide

HIGHLANDS

Bridal Veil Falls

From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 2.3 miles west on US 64; Waterfall GPS: N35.07180 W-83.22910. Difficulty: You can park your car in a little parking area and walk 50 feet.

Dry Falls

From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 3.15 miles west on US 64 to a parking area on the left; Waterfall GPS: N35.06884 W-83.23869. Difficulty: There are lots of steps you must go down to get behind Dry Falls.

Bust Your Butt Falls

From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 6.35 miles west on US 64 to the pullout on the left; Waterfall GPS: N35.09268 W-83.26573. Difficulty: Don’t stop on the road itself!

Glen Falls

From the junction of US 64 and NC 106 in Highlands, drive 1.75 miles south on NC 106 and bear left at the sign for Glen Falls. Take Glen Falls Road, not Holt Road. Drive 1.05 miles to the parking area. Waterfall GPS: N35.03128 W-83.23829. Difficulty: There’s some climbing involved here.

Upper Middle Creek Falls

From the intersection of NC 106 and US 64, follow NC 106 South for 9.3 miles. Exactly 1 mile before you reach the Georgia state line, and about 0.3 miles after NC 106 crosses Middle Creek, a yellow School Bus Stop sign will be on the right. Park on the right side of the road right at the sign. Waterfall GPS: N35.00714 W-83.32916. Difficulty: The four-tenths of a mile hike is not strenuous but it can be confusing.

CASHIERS

Silver Run Falls

From US 64 in Cashiers, head south on NC 107 for 4.05 miles – there’s a pullout area on the left. Waterfall GPS N35.06599 W-83.06558. Difficulty: No difficulty.

Whitewater Falls

From US 64 west of Lake Toxaway, take NC 281 for 8.5 miles and turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls into a parking area. Difficulty: Not strenuous, though the paved path is a bit uneven.

Cashiers Sliding Rock

Cashiers Sliding Rock, a million miles from the cares of the 21st century, is easy to get to. From the Cashiers Crossroads, travel south on NC 107 to Whiteside Cove Road. Head down the road for 2.6 miles to where the road crosses the Chattooga River and pull over just across the bridge. Difficulty: A piece of cake.

Spoonauger Falls

From Cashiers, travel on NC 107 8.2 miles. The name changes to SC 107 – travel for 4.9 miles. Turn right onto Burrells Ford Road. Drive approximately 2.0 miles to the Chattooga Trail parking area on the left (look for the Forest Service Bulletin Board) Hike north on the Chattooga Trail, which roughly parallels the Chattooga River for 0.25 mile, then cross Spoonauger Creek. Immediately on the right will be a side trail. Difficulty: There’s nothing tricky.

Schoolhouse Falls

From US 64, take NC 281 North for 0.85 miles and bear left on Cold Mountain Road. Stay on the road. When it becomes unpaved, travel about 0.1 miles. Take the road on the right and travel for 0.1 miles to a parking area. Take the trail to the right of the information kiosk. At the intersection, proceed straight on Panthertown Valley Trail. Turn left onto Little Green Trail. Schoolhouse Falls is about 0.15 miles ahead. Waterfall GPS N35.16330 W-83.00674 Difficulty: The hike isn’t challenging.

Scan for more information on the many waterfalls in the Highlands and Cashiers area.

Enjoy this sampling of area waterfalls, for a deep dive visit thelaurelmagazine.com/recreation.

The Art of Botany

A free presentation focusing on Darwin and the Art of Botany: Observations on the Curious World of Plants is set for Saturday, September 16, from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Highlands Community Building, 869 North 4th Street. Everyone is invited.

Highlands Biological Station’s 2023 Native Plant Symposium has been postponed until September 13-14, 2024. It was a combination of factors that led to this decision.

Please don’t despair, though – in its place, they are offering a free event that you will hopefully find of interest, on the same day and in the same venue.

Please join us for a celebration of native plants and the publication of — Darwin and the Art of Botany: Observations on the Curious World of Plants, set for Saturday, September 16, from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Highlands Community Building, 869 North 4th Street.

Forthcoming this fall from Timber Press, this beautiful new work is co-authored by Highlands Biological

Station executive director and Darwin scholar Jim Costa and award-winning botanical artist Bobbi Angell and illustrated with historical artwork from the fabulous collection of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation in Upperville, Virginia.

…illustrated with historical artwork from the fabulous collection of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation…

In addition to short presentations by Jim and Bobbi on some of the fascinating plants studied by Charles Darwin and the carefully curated artwork selected to illustrate them in their book, this event is also a benefit for the HBS Botanical Gardens. Darwin and the Art of Botany will be available for sale and there will be a silent auction featur-

ing botanical artwork and native plants — including several studied by Darwin! All proceeds will support the HBS Botanical Gardens.

Join the Highlands Biological Station on Saturday, September 16, for what is sure to be a fun and fascinating celebration of plants and one of the most creative minds ever to study them!

Go to highlandsbiological.org/2023nps/ for more details and registration.

Scan to learn more.

Satulah’s Colorful Past

Sleepy old Satulah Mountain, which has dominated the Plateau forever, may not be as tranquil as we imagine. The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is honoring this giant throughout the month.

You may be aware that in 1909 the summit of Satulah Mountain became the first property conserved by what would become the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, when a group of concerned citizens raised $500 and forever protected its iconic views. In 1890 Prioleau Ravenel Sr. had financed construction of a carriage road to the mountain’s top and many fine homes were soon adorning Satulah’s slopes. But did you know that the legends and lore of Satulah suggest an even more colorful past?

In Myths of the Cherokee (1900) ethnologist James Mooney stated that “volcanic activities, some of very recent date, have left many traces in the Carolina mountains…‘Satoola’ Mountain…has crevices from which smoke is said to issue at intervals.”

Local historian T.W. Reynolds documents in High Lands (1964) that Mrs. Ed Picklesimer of Clear Creek, then age

94, as a younger woman had witnessed smoke and light emanating from the mountain. In Looking Backward Vol. 2 (1963) Helen Hill Norris recounts that her grandfather, Stanhope Hill, recalled an encounter with an elderly Cherokee chief that avoided Satulah because it made “bad noises” and “rumbled.” Norris further told of a visit from Dolph Picklesimer, a man to be believed because he was considered “absolutely sober and truthful,” who claimed while crossing “Old Stooly” to have smelled sulfur, heard rumbling and groaning, and felt heat through the soles of his shoes. Dolph’s story was also told by Soyrieta Law, as detailed in Randolph Shaffner’s Heart of the Blue Ridge (2001), who added the incredible detail that in 1884 Dolph had “fled down the mountain in terror as hot rocks and sulfur fumes spewed into the air.”

Memories of these early encounters on Satulah may have been “enhanced” by the 1886 Charleston earthquake which

damaged 2,000 buildings and was felt in the Highlands-Cashiers area and as far away as Boston; several other mountains in Western North Carolina had similar reports of “rumbling.”

While contemporary geologists discount these tales of Satulah’s “volcanic” past, a hike up to Satulah’s summit, home to ancient pitch pines and juniper, still provides an opportunity to connect with our ecological legacy. Join HCLT for the annual “Satulah-a-bration” during September including guided hikes and other fun activities.

by Lance Hardin, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust photo by Kevin Fitzpatrick

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From the Sea, to our Mountains

Like so many of our seasonal residents, the Osprey arrives from seashores far from the mountains.

This bird landed on a branch near the lake behind my house last July. S/he kept this perch and ate its catch allowing me to watch the show and squeeze off this photo. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) are uncommon in our area but not rare. They are large hawks, some migratory, that populate warm coastal areas of the U.S. Some winter in Texas and coastal Mexico and breed in season as far north as Canada. One Osprey was tracked as it migrated 2700 miles from Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts to French Guiana in South America. Some are year-rounders on warm American coastlines including Florida. Their range is worldwide except Antarctica.

Ospreys seen in our area in the spring are probably migratory although if the fishing is good here, they could linger for most of the year. Fishable waters can be only a few miles away from nests.

Ospreys live almost exclusively on fresh fish caught deftly by thrusting its deadly talons below the surface of the pond, lake, or stream to grasp a 6 to 10-inch fish. They have been observed to nab their prey, eat your heart out fishermen, as much as 70 percent of the time. Check out the piercing eye in the photo. Hawks and eagles have, perhaps, the most exacting vision in the animal kingdom. They mate for life and are known to live 25 years.

You can observe Osprey nesting online via a live wildlife cam available at the Pritkin County Osprey Cam.

Happy September birding from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. Look for these impressive creatures trolling or fishing on lakes and ponds including trout farms. The mission of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society is to provide opportunities to enjoy and learn about birds and other wildlife and to promote conservation and restoration of the habitats that support them. HPAS is a 501 (c) (3) organization, a Chapter of the National Audubon Society. Visit us online at highlandsaudubonsociety.org for information on membership and all activities.

by William McReynolds, Highlands Plateau Audubon Society

Surprise Spots

Some trails are the Goldilocks of Hikes – just right.

After a few days of harder hikes, my visiting brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Sandy McMurtry, sought to spend some time out of doors this past summer – yet they desired a less physically taxing experience. What they found was Coyote Falls.

Sandy explained, “After days spent hiking more strenuous well-known hikes, we wanted something a little quieter and easier. We were looking for a relatively short hike that was close to Cashiers. We like to explore the ‘off-the-beaten path’ trails, so after an AllTrails search, we found Coyote Falls.”

“The trail itself was narrow and a little overgrown at first, but widened as we walked farther,” said Steve. “Because of recent rainfall, we could hear a rushing stream most of the hike.”

The couple walked less than a half mile, with an elevation gain of only about 100 feet, so the trail was not difficult to maneuver.

Because of recent rainfall, we could hear a rushing stream most of the hike.

Starting at Buck’s Coffee Café in Cashiers, the McMurtry’s drove 4.5 miles southeast on state route 107 south toward U.S. 64 east. They drove past Wade Hampton Golf Club and the parking area, which is small and can handle only a vehicle or two, was on the right.

“Upon approach to the waterfall, there is a small 20-foot drop-off to get down to the water’s edge,” said Sandy. “By holding onto a climbing rope that someone had tightly secured to a tree, we easily lowered down to the pool surrounding the cascading water. That day, in early July, we had the place to ourselves. It seemed to be one of those hidden gems, and we were glad to discover it. Had we known what a great spot this was, we would have brought a towel and a picnic.”

“This hike did not disappoint, and it’s perfect for families with

small children,” added Steve.

Heading back to Cashiers from Coyote Falls, one can stop at the Silver Run Falls Trailhead and walk only a quarter of a mile and an elevation of about 16 feet to see another waterfall; this one is 25-feet high and cascades into a tranquil pool surrounded by a small beach area. Also listed on AllTrails, the trailhead for the Silver Run Falls parking area can accommodate 4-5 vehicles, and the trail is level and leads across a bridge over the headwater of the Whitewater River.

Although Silver Run Falls is a popular swimming spot during warmer months, the surrounding landscape is resplendent when the leaves change as well.

Dogs are welcome to accompany their owners on these waterfall hikes, but AllTrails recommends they be leashed – at least until hikers determine if any other dogs are on either of the trails.

by Deena Bouknight

Your Brain on Nature

The 2023 Carpenter Lecture, featuring author Florence Williams, Will be staged on The Bascom’s Covered Terrace, at 11:00 A.M.

Wednesday, October 11. To register, visit highlandsbiological.org.

Embark on an enchanting journey into the world of nature to explore the deep connection between the great outdoors and our well-being.

This October, join the Highlands Biological Foundation, in partnership with The Bascom, for their biennial Carpenter Lecture community program. Established in honor of Sonya Carpenter, former director of HBF, the Carpenter Lecture series aims to educate our community about the environment while inspiring stewardship of the natural world.

This year’s program will feature acclaimed author Florence Williams as she presents “Your Brain on Nature: Why Being Outside Makes Us Feel Happier, Healthier, and More Creative.” Williams, a renowned journalist, author, and podcaster, will present the latest scientific evidence supporting the positive impact of nature on our lives, from

cognition to mental health. Drawing on extensive research from around the globe, from Japan to Scotland to Singapore to Utah, Williams will share profound insights into how immersing ourselves in nature can transform our brains and physiologies.

Curious minds will be treated to an engaging exploration of what constitutes exposure to nature and the optimal dosage for reaping its full benefits. Williams will delve into the intriguing topic of doctors and patients “medicalizing” time in parks, shedding light on the emerging trend of incorporating nature-based therapies into medical treatments. What she has learned throughout her studies holds many lessons for interacting with the natural world in good times and bad. All are welcome to attend this free community program on October 11, at 11:00 A.M., as the Covered Terrace at The Bascom transforms into a haven of inspiration. Following the talk,

attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Williams during a small reception and book signing. Don’t miss the chance to obtain signed copies of her two captivating books, The Nature Fix and Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey.

Space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot in advance by registering at highlandsbiological.org. Come and be part of this extraordinary event as we celebrate the wonders of nature and embrace its profound impact on our lives.

by Winter Gary

Highlands Biological Foundation

Scan to learn more.

Searching For Something

The mindset of a fly-fisher is at once deep and remarkably simple.

As a fly shop owner, I often get asked by onlookers why people spend thousands of dollars on fly fishing equipment to go fishing when the very fish you are fishing for can be bought at the local grocery store for just a few dollars?

That’s a hard question to answer, but there’s an old quote from an author named Fennel Hudson that sort of sums it up: “People fly fish because they are searching for something. Often, it’s not for a fish.”

First of all, fly fishing is one of the most challenging ways to catch a trout. There’s the cast that takes a significant amount of time to master, then there’s the fly selection of what to use and when. Even when you start to get the basics of that down, you must attach this fly crafted by fur and feather to the end of your line and present it in a way that it looks like food to the fish.

To be successful at this game, it is necessary to have a connection with the fish, what they eat, how they act, and the environment they are drawn to. That’s what sets

fly fishing apart from dunking a worm into a pond and waiting for a tug on the other end.

When I think deeply about why I am so drawn to the sport of fly fishing, it all boils down to being able to interact with nature in a peaceful environment. I would even go as far as calling it a religious experience. One of my favorite quotes of all time comes from a man named Tony Blake: “Some go to church and think about fishing, others go fishing and think about God.”

To most fly fishers, the fish are just the cherry on top of the whole experience. In fact, very few fly fishers that I know keep the fish after they catch them anyway…. instead, they are released to fight another day. So, yea, it’s way more than the fish… they just provide an excellent excuse to go fishing!

by Matt Canter, Brookings Fly Shop

To be successful at this game, it is necessary to have a connection with the fish…

Pages 94-113

A Moving Medium

Pamela Haddock has been drawing since her talented, ambidextrous hands could hold crayons. With a pencil in one hand, a pen in the other, she can mirror-write or double-draw as easy as cobbler pie.

Born with that magical mind, it’s no wonder she loves problem-solving. She gives birth to texture-tricks, rarely employed by painters of watercolor, her medium of choice; e.g., a brayer (much like a wall-paper roller) is used to apply watercolor paint, straight from the tube, as a foundational surface onto which trees, etc., are brush-painted or sponged. These layering techniques are common to acrylics and oils – opaque colors. But Pamela experiments with watercolors, which are more transparent and often escape artists. They yield to water and

each other. Applied sparingly, wet-ondry, Pamela can render a flat surface into a rich, mystical, deep forest.

But her favorite applications are wet-onwet. YUPO (a synthetic paper), often used with alcohol inks, welcomes and intensifies color in several mediums. While manipulating color in its fluid state – as it crawls, spreads, and pools –the test is to contain the pigment, while simultaneously giving it freedom. It presents some serious problem-solving, and that suits Pamela just fine. The more difficult, the more fun. Her goal is to learn. Sometimes the learning is messy, but there’s always a welcome mat for epiphanies, messy or divine.

Her experimental nature produces no two works alike -- no reproductions

either. She wants her patrons to have distinctive paintings.

She says, “People deserve to have original art.”

In case you’re wondering, because she requires an emotional connection to her subject matter, she bypasses commissions. You can see her work online at haddockwatercolors.com, and Twigs & Leaves Gallery, Waynesville, North Carolina, twigsandleaves.com; Tsartistry Art Gallery at20 Cullasaja Vista Lane in Franklin; Gallery 1 at 604 West Main Street in Sylva; facebook.com/ pamelahaddockartist; and Instagram @ pamelapaintstheworld.

by Donna Rhodes

The sensuous colors of Cover Artist Pamela Haddock’s creations are invitations to deep pools of meaning.

Art Journey

Wherever Michele Page Webster’s life leads her, she’s always connected to the miracles and mysteries of nature.

MichelePageWebster

Michele (Page) Webster’s interesting heritage is reflected in her work as an award-winning decorator, designer, and visual artist. She is a seventh-generation Floridian from Majorca, Spain, on her paternal side and is Cherokee on her maternal side.

Although she has traveled extensively, Webster landed happily – like many others – in Highlands.

Due to her roots, she incorporates holy soil from New Mexico’s El Santuario de Chimayo into the pigments of paint for sacred purposes. In fact, she has an entire collection of richly earthen-hued Southwestern paintings – realistic and abstract. Some incorporate the symbol of the cross, which is deeply embedded in Spanish culture. In fact, she has painted several works that subtly or clearly convey a cross.

Yet, the hiker, photographer, fly fisherwoman, cook, and gardener is also wedded to nature.

She said, “I try to use nature to stir the emotion and remind us of the intrinsic beauty that surrounds us.”

Horses are a favorite subject matter. She portrays the muscular movement of the beautiful animals – sometimes in realistic colors of black and white or in rich jewel-tone hues and abstract concepts.

Webster has also noted that she believes the same elements of design apply whether it is interior design, landscape design, party planning or the visual arts. These elements are scale, progression, texture, color, and lighting. She has applied all of these elements over the past 35 years with her design work and continues to apply them with visual art.

Webster shared, “My art continues to transition as I hone my craft. This year has taken me to a looser, freer form of expression. I am enjoying abstract art, as a new form of self-reflection. I find it liberating and enjoy what other’s

interpretations are when they view my abstract art. Everyone sees it differently – a nuance if you will. I think that’s fun!”

An honor for Webster is that she was recognized recently by Marquis Who’s Who in America for her artistic endeavors.

“That gives me even more credibility and recognition,” she noted. And, in other art news, she is showing for an indefinite time as an artist co-op at Wiregrass Gallery in Thomasville, Georgia, as well as at the new Bardo Style at 468 Main Street in Highlands.

“I would like to invite everyone to take the time to meander into Bardo Style and view my new works,” she added.

by Deena Bouknight

Influenced by Impressionists

Following a lifetime dedicated to serving others, John Cannon turned his attention to cultivating his artistic talents. He’ll reveal his insights and his results at the next meeting of Art League of HighlandsCashiers, 5:00 P.M. Monday, September 25 at The Bascom.

JohnCannon

The September meeting of the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers

will have as its featured speaker, John Cannon, Memphian, watercolorist and Art League member. His presentation will begin at 5:00 P.M., September 25, on The Bascom Terrace following a social at 4:30 P.M..

John took up painting at an early age, influenced by his father, who had turned to watercolor after retiring from the medical field. While John’s interest in art remained, his active pursuit of it took a backseat to a professional career in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Trained at the University of Tennessee Medical School and the Mayo Clinic, John turned his attention to helping others.

John didn’t pick up his brushes in earnest again until 2018. Under the mentorship of renowned master watercolor artist Fred Rawlinson of New Orleans and Memphis, John’s style

and skill developed quickly. His passion for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and identifying every type of flora and fauna he sees, comes through in his unique style.

Influenced by the Impressionists and plein air style, John’s ability to synthesize only what is necessary to bring a painting to life is his true gift. Not one

to follow the styles of those who came before him, John has set his sights on developing his own style and pushing the boundaries of his mastery.

John and his wife Maggie are now part-time residents of Glenville, and John has become an active member of the Art League, accepting a directorship this year. We hope you’ll be able to attend the September meeting, which promises to be interesting and informative. For more information about the Art League, please visit artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com.

by Zach Claxton,

Art League of Highlands-Cashiers

John took up painting at an early age, influenced by his father…

…to bring a painting to life is his true gift.

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Renaissance Woman

A woman of many talents, Diane McPhail’s art and energy show no signs of ebbing.

Diane McPhail has rightfully been described as a renaissance woman. In fact, her resume is extensive. First and foremost, she is and has been for many years a talented artist, but in the last half decade, she has added author to her list of skills – and many have benefitted from her contributions as teacher, therapist, minister, and retreat leader. Plus, McPhail’s home and studio is in an old grist mill that she and Ray, her husband, transformed into a special living and working space. The unique Highlands area dwelling is situated by a waterfall of the Cullasaja River, where Lake Sequoia begins.

Readers on the Plateau and nationwide have enjoyed her two historic novels: The Abolitionist’s Daughter and The Seamstress of New Orleans. She has given many talks on what inspired and motivated her to write both books. She has been traveling most of this year for talks and appearances on her latest novel. A third novel, about the first steamship to defy the waters of

the Mississippi, is due for release next August. Additionally, her colorful and distinct works of art – everything from landscapes to still life to portraits – grace homes near and far.

“I think my most satisfaction is in whichever direction I happen to be going (sometimes every direction at once), and in seeing ‘the light come on’ for others — whether that be in painting, therapy, or spiritual understanding.”

She has achieved two master’s degrees, an M.F.A. in studio art and an M.A. in clinical art therapy. She also holds a Doctor of Ministry degree with a concentration on creativity and spirituality.

Of all her endeavors, art is her go-to. She says, “I am at heart a painter. I love all kinds of paint, and work extensively with in both acrylic and oils. I discovered my creative hunger when I was 24 and teaching French at Decatur High in Atlanta. My best friend was the art teacher. She set me up with easel and

materials and I was there before school, lunch period, free period, and after school until they had to lock the building. And that driving energy has never stopped.”

She continues to create beautiful works of art, which may be seen at The Bascom or by appointment; yet, while art is her core, she has published two highly successful novels and she is at work on two more.

In fact, this month she is in France researching for her fourth literary project. She has shared, “I never thought, ‘When I grow up, I’ll write a novel!’ I have always loved to write, but for my personal journal or poetry.”

She has thoroughly surprised herself by becoming a wellrecognized author as well as an artist.

Check out McPhail’s art and books at dianemcphailart.com and dianemcphailauthor.com.

by Deena Bouknight

DianeMcPhail

An Arts Fusion

Artrageous brings a healthy dose of fun and imagination to Highlands Performing Arts Center, 7:30 P.M. Friday, September 22.

What exactly is Artrageous? Come to the Highlands PAC on 7:30 P.M. Friday, September 22, to experience the fusion of performing and visual arts. Artrageous is a troupe of misfits, artists, singers, dancers and musicians who started as friends doing street theater in Vancouver. Together they started the All and Everything Theater, a nonprofit Children’s Theater focusing on Children’s Entertainment, Street Theater and Life-sized Bunraku Puppetry. In the late 80’s on Christmas Day, their hand-built theater building, with all their props and puppets, burnt to the ground. Instead of packing it in, they created a new act. This troupe has performed for the likes of Sir Richard Branson, Steve Forbes, General Colin Powell, and in venues and events all over the world from India to Thailand, Paris to Austria performing at over 2000+ events in their

history. As people who live and breathe the Arts, Creativity, Community, and Inspiration, they created Artrageous to pay tribute to their roots and share their passion with the world. They’ve crafted a show that focuses on all the things they believe in and everything that got them to this place. Art, Music, Theater, Singing, Dancing, Audience Interaction… All on one stage. All done as a team of friends seeing the world and sharing a love of the Arts. Imagine witnessing the creativity of an artist creating a masterpiece before your eyes in mere moments. Combined with captivating vocals, intricate choreography and exciting music, Artrageous takes you on a visual journey and a high energy ride of inspiration, creativity, and engagement.

The troupe of artists, musicians, singers and dancers pay tribute to a variety of art forms, icons and musical genres throughout the evening. The result – A

uniquely entertaining, Masterpiece show culminating in a gallery of fabulous, finished paintings. One of the paintings will be given away! Their paintings are in public and private collections globally and have sold for over $15,000.

A signature of the Artrageous Troupe, from the very beginning of their long history, is interaction and engagement –so be prepared to be a part of the show. Each show is as unique as each audience, and they can’t do it without you!

There will be a free Student Outreach performance on Friday morning; presented in partnership with The Bascom. All area schools and homeschooled students have been invited to attend and a school curriculum has been sent. Tickets are available at HighlandsPerformingArts.com.

by Mary Adair Trumbly, Highlands Performing Arts Center

COVID Creativity

Author Susan Beckham

Zurenda’s real-life teaching experiences give her The Girl From the Red Rose Motel a bite and compassionate core that rings with authenticity. You can learn more at Highlands’ Hudson Library at 4:00 P.M. Friday, October 6.

SusanBeckhamZurenda

One bright spot penetrating the pandemic pandemonium was that many people learned new skills and honed existing ones. Such was the case for Author Susan Beckham Zurenda. She was already a published author, of the award-winning novel Bells for Eli, but her creative juices flowed again in 2020 and the result is The Girl From the Red Rose Motel. Zurenda will be discussing her new book at the Hudson Library, October 6, at 4:00 P.M., during a Books and Bites event, where she will also be signing books. Inspired by her experiences teaching high school in a Spartanburg, South Carolina, Zurenda’s The Girl From the Red Rose Motel revolves around two high school students from vastly different backgrounds.

Zurenda provided a synopsis: “Set in a fictitious Southern town in 2012, the novel is told from the points of view of protagonist Hazel Smalls, a bright but

disadvantaged junior living with her family in a rundown motel; Sterling Lovell, a brilliant and advantaged high school senior; and, Angela Wilmore, a stern but compassionate English teacher confronting the multifaceted challenges high school teachers face in and out of the classroom each day.”

While a teacher, Zurenda became acquainted with students living in a motel. “I gave a ride home to a student who had stayed after school to help me with a computer project and was stunned to learn he lived in a run-down motel. I later learned more about the circumstance of motels as residences for the homeless from a proactive guidance counselor who started a nonprofit organization to assist families living in motels in our city.”

In her book, Zurenda describes the motel setting just before Sterling encounters Zell at The Red Rose and realizes she lives in this environment: “Orange and

black geometric wallpaper from another era covered the walls. Seeing no one, Sterling stepped inside the empty motel room. Someone or something had peeled the paper back to bare wall on one side of the bed. Bad trip, he thought. The dark, no-color carpet, alive, sucked at his feet. Towels hung on the racks in the bathroom, so he figured the room had been cleaned, in spite of the wide yellow stripe ringing the tub midway up.”

Zurenda, who resides in Spartanburg but visits friends in Highlands, said that during the writing process she learned “more about the internal thoughts, feelings, and hopes of adolescents in developing these characters than I have known in real life.”

by Deena Bouknight

10 Million Colors Await

Reflecting the sensuous delights of the season, the fall Colors Fine Art Show is a wild mélange of textures, techniques and, naturally, colors. Discover for yourself – October 21 and 22 at the Highlands Civic Center.

Scientists say the naked eye can see around 10-million colors. The Art League of Highlands-Cashiers welcomes that challenge. They’re preparing their annual Fall Colors Fine Art Show to offer the people of the Plateau a ten-million-color extravaganza. Get ready to be delightfully inundated with that kaleidoscope of incalculable color, on Saturday, October 21, and Sunday, October 22, at the Highlands Recreation Center, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

originals such as giclées). And the colors – oh, the colors! – enameled, glazed, brushed, dyed, dipped, printed, fired, painted, infused. The list is endless.

…offer the people of the Plateau a ten-millioncolor extravaganza.

There is something for every home, every décor, every wardrobe, every cabin niche, mansion foyer, fireplace mantle, guesthouse garden, and every pair of eyes.

High-quality juried entries from local and regional artists include Ceramics, Drawing, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry (precious and non-precious Mixed Media (2-D and 3-D), Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Wood, and giclées. Every work is an original (or derived from the artists’

Don’t miss your chance to unite with that soul-satisfying piece of art you’ve been longing for. 10 million colors are calling your name.

For more information, visit artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com.

by Donna Rhodes

photo by Chelsea Cronkite

Guiding Young Thespians

The Highlands Performing Arts Center has been the center of much excitement this year on the Plateau, with the grand opening of their magnificent new space at 507 Chestnut Street in Highlands.

One of their earliest performances in the new venue was the successful and delightful Fame Jr., performed by PAC Youth Theatre in partnership with Highlands School, which brings us to their latest endeavors as the PAC Youth Theatre is expanding to PAC Educational Theatre. This program is designed to provide all ages with the unique opportunity to be active participants in the dramatic process as actors, singers, and dancers. Theater builds community and camaraderie, and PAC Educational Theatre invites everyone to join them in this exciting program.

They will continue to partner with Highlands School to produce two plays and an all-school talent show. Joi Chapman, the music teacher at Highlands School and the current

Associate Artistic Director and Musical Director of PAC Educational Theatre will be instrumental in engaging students in this exciting endeavor, along with Erik Bishop, Artistic Director, and Lee Trevathan, Associate Director.

Active learning is often better, and certainly more fun, than passive learning so participants will not only watch, listen and learn but they will do as they produce these performances from the ground up. Middle School students will present You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. Elementary students will present Aristocats Kids

Theater is a wonderful learning experience for all as it includes all the arts: acting, music, dance, speech, visual arts, and fine arts. Less obvious, but equally important life skills are learned along the way as well.

A main component of the PAC Educational Theatre is promoting and encouraging self-esteem, focus, discipline, determination, imagination, creativity, social skills, memorization

techniques, motor skills, and coordination. All of this happens through coordinating a live theatrical event. However, they do not set out to solely produce a show. They set out to educate. Please don’t think you have to be an accomplished star or outgoing to enjoy this far-reaching program because there’s something here to match every skill and interest set. Certainly, many will be featured front and center in the productions, but there’s plenty of activity behind the scenes too: backstage supervision, stage managers, showrunners, prop masters, carpenters, makeup, and costume.

Weekly workshops begin in October, transitioning to rehearsals in January 2024 all culminating in a full-scale production of Oliver in late April 2024. In person registration is Sunday, September 24 at 2:00 P.M. at HPAC. For more information and registration contact Mary Adair Trumbly at matrumbly@HighlandsPerformingArts.com.

by Mary Jane McCall

“Let’s put on a show!” Highlands Performing Arts Center’s PAC Youth Theatre is partnering with Highlands School to develop a troupe of talented performers.

LeeTrevathan, JoiChapman, andErikBishop PACYouthTheatreperformanceofFameJr.,2023

ARTReach and Porchfest

Porchfest gets a boost thanks to a generous grant from the Macon County Arts Council.

CLE Executive Director Fallon Hovis

(left) and Pam Meister, Macon County Arts Council Board of Directors (right).

The Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment has unveiled our partnership with the Macon County Arts Council for this year’s Highlands Porchfest Music Festival as an ARTReach Grant Recipient.

“Porchfest,” as it’s known to most, is a free-to-attend music festival featuring over 45 talented, regional musicians who will perform across 14 venues in the heart of downtown Highlands on Sunday, September 17, from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M.

This year, we’ve been selected by the Macon County Arts Council as a recipient of its ARTReach grant. The mission of the Arts Council is to serve Macon County as a presenter, promoter, and resource for artists, cultural organizations, and schools working to meet their goals. With their newly launched ARTReach Program, the Arts Council aims to jump start the arts within Macon County. The primary goal of this ARTReach grant is to support area artists, and it will directly

benefit the 45 talented musicians who will make Highlands Porchfest 2023 such an enjoyable family affair.

Porchfest was selected by the Macon County Arts Council as the recipient of this grant for several reasons. This grant will help CLE celebrate and promote live musicians, while also achieving increased visibility for the Arts Council’s newly launched ARTReach program through Porchfest’s widespread publicity campaign.

“We’re proud to have our name associated with this quality project,” says Bobbie Contino, Executive Director of the Macon Arts Council.

“CLE is honored to partner with the Macon County Arts Council to support live musicians and offer a free-to-attend music event to our community,” says CLE Executive Director Fallon Hovis.

“Through this partnership, CLE is working alongside the Arts Council to cultivate an appreciation and relationship

between musicians and their audiences. Live music is a powerful force and a gift of displayed talents, storytelling of experiences and expression of emotions –it is our honor to present this experience to our community so that everyone of all ages can experience the impact that live music can have on the mind and soul.”

Highlands Porchfest is organized and presented by the nonprofit Center for Life Enrichment, which has served our community with life enrichment opportunities for over 30 years. For more information on the festival, visit highlandsporchfest.com.

by Audra Bullard, Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment

Scan to learn more.

An Evening with Garrison Keillor

Legendary broadcaster and chronicler of small-town life Garrison Keillor will visit the Highlands Performing Arts Center on November 10, courtesy of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival.

GarrisonKeillor

The new Performing Arts Center in Highlands has been the venue for many eager audiences, but perhaps none more so than the one that will gather there on November 10, thanks to the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival.

Towering over the scene at 6 feet 4, will be Garrison Keillor, creator, and former host of A Prairie Home Companion. With his ever-present bemused expression, floppy boyish haircut (described by one as “being styled with sickle,”), and wise but folksy style, this bard of Minnesota will take the audience on a journey to gain new insights on love, modernity, nostalgia, politics, and other facets of daily life.

Known for charming audiences, delivering hilarious anecdotes in a “down comforter” voice, with a dry sense of humor, and massive charisma, Keillor has honed a comedic style that combines coziness with wit, lightness, and

wisdom. He clearly knows how to spin a yarn. As he will do when he converts the mythical town of Lake Woebegone into the gold of comedy.

An Evening with Garrison Keillor is a night of stand-up storytelling, audience song and poetry. It is one man, one microphone. Add to that sung sonnets, limericks, and musical jokes. You can count on America’s greatest storyteller to share hilarious tales about growing up in the American Midwest, the people of Lake Wobegon and “Late-Life Fatherhood.” His recollections speak to the geography of memory and the power of place.

“When a man has lived in one place for most of his life,” he writes, “he walks around hip-deep in history. He sees that life is not so brief; it is vast and contains multitudes.”

Despite inventing a town “where all the children are above average,” he himself

grew up evangelical in a small separatist flock where all the children expected the imminent end of the world.

Since his retirement from the Prairie Home Companion on public radio, he’s been busy writing a memoir and a book of limericks and is at work on a musical and a Lake Wobegon screenplay. He continues to do “The Writers Almanac,” sent out to Internet subscribers.

No one does nostalgia like Keillor and his shows can transform an audience of even the most cynical into an intimate small-town community.

Tickets are $80 and may be reserved by calling (828) 526-9060 or at h-cmusicfestival.org.

by Marlene Osteen

Scan to learn more.

Pages 120-137

Excitement of Place

Happ’s Place Barn and Grill, 5907 Highway 107 North in Glenville, restores a sense of roadhouse fun to the Lake District of Southern Jackson County, Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations are essential – (828) 743-5700 or visit happsplace.com.

What a treat, this month

Marjorie and Janet sent us (Tricia and me and a fun couple from down the street) to Happ’s Place Barn and Grill in the Lake District in Glenville.

Now you may be thinking that my fingers got a bit clumsy when they tapped out “Barn” in the preceding paragraph, but nope, Barn is essential to the undeniable charm and excitement of the place.

It at once evokes the legacy of Helen’s Barn, Highlands’ near-legendary venue for raucous good times, and storied roadhouses that used to dot the Southern landscape, now only accessible in memory.

But the owners of Happ’s Place have

resurrected those good times and embiggened them for 21st century sensibilities. That this formula works was evidenced as we strolled to our table, with a more intimate dining area to the side like a rabbit’s warren, a bustling bar at the center of the main dining room, and a marvelous covered outdoor space complete with recreation opportunities and refreshments.

All of that bustling, all that hurleyburley, found its full expression out in that covered patio, replete with a putting green and fiercely contested cornhole tournaments (fueled by Happ’s irresistible wood-fired pizzas and generous pours from its vast specialty beer list and that clever bar).

When you add live music on Friday and

Saturday nights, well, it’s clear that those long-ago nights at Helen’s Barn have come back in a big way.

But the main dining area is a nice reflection of this joviality. It’s a place for acquaintances and families to unwind and recalibrate and, in our case, to cultivate friendships. Don’t come expecting a cozy, intimate experience complete with whispered conversations.

Nope – this is the spirit of the original Happ’s Place and, from an earlier age, The Brown Skillet, writ large and without reservation. (Editor’s Note: Disregard the end of that last sentence –you’ll want/need to make reservations.) Our table was marked with quick conversations punctuated with sudden bursts of laughter.

Naturally, this wouldn’t have worked if the kitchen couldn’t deliver (even with that clever bar keeping us lubricated).

And here lies the heart of Happ’s happy renaissance – the kitchen came through with confidence and panache.

For some reason, three of our party went with the Pork Schnitzel (Publisher Marjorie likes us to spread out our orders to give a better representation of the menu).

See the peril in 75 percent of the table ordering the same thing? If the kitchen were rushed or inexact in its preparation, we’d have an unhappy table and an indignant review.

No worries! The schnitzel was supreme – a breaded and pounded and deep-fried pork cutlet, with roasted garlic and herb spaetzle, topped with a mustard cream sauce. Though the three of them ended up taking portions home, suspiciously, no one offered to share with Poor Luke, who tried looking sad and hungry

throughout most of the evening. Please don’t feel too sorry for me, though. I ended up going with a plate of Potstickers and an enormous bowl of Fried Cheese Curds – I can hear my arteries clogging as I write this, but so worth it!

Topping all of this goodness was the irresponsible decision by all of us (completely ignoring Marjorie’s imprecation to sample as many different choices as possible) to order Whoopie Pies in decadent flavors of pumpkin and chocolate for dessert.

What a sweet, sweet ending to an evening of indulgence and warm conversation.

To give you a complete picture of what’s available at Happ’s Place Barn and Grill, Tricia and I nobly returned to the place to try its wood-fired pizza. I’ve you’ve been reading these things for a while, you know that Pizza is one of the Pillars of My Carefully Balanced Universe. It’s simply impossible to enjoy the beauty of

the Plateau or the transcendent pleasures of a good night’s sleep if you’ve been presented with a sad pizza. Again, Happ’s wise kitchen knows what it’s doing. Let me recommend – without hesitation – the wickedly good Blue Pig Pizza. This is an unforgettable creation boasting a garlic-ricotta base, spinach, red onion, bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and a house cheese blend. All served on a wood-fired crust, complete with charred edges. All is right in the world!

As we noted earlier, it would be the acme of foolishness to show up without reservations. That’s just the reality of 21st century Plateau Life –(828) 743-5700 or visit happsplace.com.

by Luke Osteen / photos by Mary Gillan Scan to learn more.

New Wines to Discover

The change of seasons is the perfect time to sample the fruits of vineyards from unexpected directions.

(Wine from Sussex, UK? Marlene says “yes.”)

The end of summer has a particular feel to it as the heat ebbs and energy swells. While we may dally during the summer months, in September we rally. There’s no better time to contemplate your next wine with something new – to venture off the beaten path and discover emerging wine regions that are gaining recognition for their exceptional wines.

Discover the wines of England, where a growing number of vineyards are producing sparkling wines that rival Champagne. Distinctively English with a spirited, glowing acidity and an orchardfruit freshness are two favorites

Ridgeview Bloomsbury Brut: This toasty, lush, Chardonnay-dominant Champagne-method bottling is Bloomsbury’s largest-production cuvée as well as the official wine of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Gusbourne Brut Blanc de Blanc 2018: Long served at Buckingham Palace, the

Gusbourne is 100 percent chardonnay. Sleek, cool, and elegant, it’s wonderfully vibrant with a supple juiciness on the palate and notes of garden herbs.

The rugged island of Corsica, adjacent to Italy, yet part of France produces wines with a sense of place that is unmatched. Unknown 40 years ago, the wines are fast becoming “hip.” Two wines each different, both distinctive are:

Yves Leccia YL Blanc Île de Beauté: This wonderfully complex white, a blend of Vermentino and the rare indigenous Biancu Gentile grape, has terrific salinity and mouthwatering minerality. The singularity of the soil in Corsica comes through in the Domaine Comte Abbatucci Vin de France Rouge “Faustine.” Made primarily from Sciaccarellu, a grape whose name in Corsican refers to the way ripe berries crunch under one’s teeth, you feel a similar sensation while sipping on the crushed, fermented result of those same

berries. Vibrant, and reminiscent of succulent, freshly harvested berries, and pomegranate seeds.

The evolution of the Douro Valley of Portugal, famed for centuries for its fortified port wines, has been fascinating to watch. With a diminishing market for port, the region has produced more and more table wines, that continue to show they can excel on the world stage.

Luis Seabra Douro Xisto Ilimitado: Made with a typical blend of red port grapes grown in schist soils, the Xisto Ilimitado is savory, complex, aromatic and thoroughly delicious.

Lemos & van Zeller VZ Van Zellers

White: A lovely vibrant white bursting with white peach and pineapples notes, and refreshing mineral and lemon curd on the finish.

by Marlene Osteen

Good Food and Conversation

The long anticipated expansion of Highlands Smokehouse brings crowds of ravenous barbecue hounds and a galvanizing energy to US 64, just west of The Bascom.

Chase the sweet scent of pit smoked meat down Highway 64 west just past The Bascom, and you’ll find yourself lured to the Highlands Smokehouse. The smell you detected is a harbinger of what you’ll find – hickory smoked meats from the largest underground pit in the country.

A long-time presence in Highlands, the Smokehouse had seen a series of owners over the years. On Labor Day, 2021, owner Bryan Lewis purchased the Smokehouse with the intent of “building a business and growing on the good foundation the former owners left.”

Since then, it’s clear that Lewis has kept his focus tight, perfecting recipes, expanding the menu, and enlarging and improving the ambience. An outdoor deck with seating for 50 was added immediately and the interior redecorated with Appalachianinspired décor, vintage photographs, and local artwork.

In July, Lewis added a new covered outdoor porch with an operating fireplace, two large tv’s and outdoor propane

heaters. As he told me recently, “When I expanded the first deck, I had plans to wrap it around. So, this is phase 2 of my original designs. The next step is to increase the parking and add more seating.”

From the outset, Lewis’s vision has been to “create a communal space where people can hang out and converse; a place for locals and their guests where they can have a choice of sitting outside on the deck in the sun or in a covered area.”

The new deck has been the ideal spot to host the recently launched Monday night “Porch Talks” – casual live music performances and Lewis’s spin on an “open mic” event.

The recent opening next door of High Country Wines + Provisions, owned by Guy Davis of Davis Family Vineyards, has only added to the enthusiasm for the Smokehouse.

Davis, who leases the building from Lewis, had long been interested in opening a business in Highlands and was quick to respond when Lewis reached out to him.

BryanLewis

“After 15 years of spending time and falling in love with this area, we wanted to go from welcoming guests to being proud hosts,” Davis said.

It’s clear that there’s a dynamic synergy between the two locales as diners enthusiastically sample award-winning wines before and after dinner at the Smokehouse. Today, barbecue hounds continue to flock to the Smokehouse in ever increasing numbers for the long list of flawless smoked meats – racks of ribs “just this side of heaven,” succulent brisket, chopped chicken and pork. So compelling are the sides that one review exclaimed that “I’d go there just for them” – creamy mac ‘n cheese, tangy collards, crispy coleslaw, and comforting creamed corn. Daily specials, including special tacos (including smoked fish and bang bang shrimp) are more reasons to visit.

by Marlene Osteen / photos by Susan Renfro

Dinner Under the Stars

Chef Ryan Prewitt, whose Pêche Seafood and Grill of New Orleans has earned a James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in America will bring his talents to Under the Stars, On the Rocks at Oak Steakhouse September 12.

One could authentically describe the “Under the Stars, On the Rocks” guest chef series at Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge as the “height of fine dining”. Since its launch last year, the dinners, served atop a mountain, have been a magnet to chefs at the top of their professions. The event, paradoxically both bucolic and elegant, happens on the Lodge’s outdoor terrace, which occupies space amidst lush greenery with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Monthly, from April through October, carefully curated menus are prepared by America’s most celebrated chefs. On September 12, that chef is the much lauded Ryan Prewitt of Pêche Seafood and Grill, New Orleans.

Memphis native Ryan Prewitt didn’t set out to become a chef. After graduation from Rhodes college with a liberal arts degree he moved to San Francisco and got a job working in advertising, but as he said, “it never really stuck.” Instead, he found inspiration and a career path in the city’s farmers markets. “So, I quit

my job and made a switch to something that I really enjoyed. I had a lot to learn, and was more than a bit naïve, but I was determined, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

From there he moved to New Orleans, to work with Donald Link, one of the city’s and country’s preeminent chefs. His talents ultimately earned him the Executive Chef spot at the Link Restaurant Group. Eager to expand he traveled to Uruguay where he studied traditional open-fire cooking, and to Spain to observe grilling techniques. The result was the opening of Pêche in 2014 with partners Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski. That same year Pêche won a James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in America and Prewitt was honored with the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South.

Inspired by the cooking of South America, Spain, and the Gulf Coast, Pêche serves simply prepared contemporary dishes, rustic creations cooked on an open hearth, as well as fresh

photobyTimLenz

oysters and Gulf fish. Writing in the New Orleans TimesPicayune, critic Brett Anderson credited Pêche with being “in the vanguard of American restaurants rethinking the presentation of the country’s indigenous seafood cookery.” And that, “Chef Ryan Prewitt leaps to the front rank of New Orleans chefs with his seafood-focused restaurant. You won’t want to waste a single bite.”

Tickets are $175 per person and include a signature welcome cocktail and dinner with beverage pairings. Additionally, a la carte drinks are available for purchase. Limited availability and advanced reservations are required – oaksteakhouserestaurant.com/event/ under-the-stars-on-the-rocks-september.

by Marlene Osteen

RyanPrewitt

A Culinary Showcase

There’s still room to enjoy the best of Highlands Food & Wine Festival, set for November 9 through 12.

ChuckLeavell

This is the seventh year for the Highlands Food & Wine Festival, held November 9-12. A major draw for tourism on the Plateau and a boon to businesses in what had historically been the off-season, the event annually transforms this small town into a culinary showcase.

For four days, visitors from throughout the country – along with residents – throng the streets, sampling food and wine tastings from renowned chefs and vintners.

The events – including the ever-popular Grand Tasting, Truckin’, Main Event, Sunday’s A Shot at Redemption brunch and the Generous Pour Fundraiser – take place throughout the town, at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park, The Bascom Visual Arts Center, the new Performing Arts Center, on Main Street and elsewhere. Not to be missed is a torrent of great music – the weekend brings together an impressive roster of talent in a range of genres from soul to country to

gospel and rock along with the first ever lineup of all-female talent performing at the Main Event. Performers include Grace Potter, Chuck Leavell, The War & Treaty, End of the Line, Southern Avenue, Katie Pruitt, Matt Koziol, and the Harlem Gospel Travelers.

While tickets to The Main Event and The Grand Tasting sold out on the first day they went on sale, luckily, there’s a ticket exchange, and tickets remain to two popular events – A Generous Pour and A Shot at Redemption Brunch.

A Generous Pour, Saturday, November 11, 8:00 to 10:00 P.M., Highlands Performing Arts Center.

Considered one of the greatest pianists in rock ‘n roll history, Chuck Leavell played for the Allman Brothers Band while they were at their peak and joined The Rolling Stones in 1981. He’s played on record and live with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, John Mayer, the Black Crowes, and, of course, The

Rolling Stones. Leavell and surprise guests will perform from his impressive catalog at this festival fundraising event. Guests will enjoy hosted wine, spirits and culinary surprises while supporting the Louis Osteen Legacy Scholarship at the Culinary Institute of America. Note: This is a seated event, limited to 300 ticketholders.

A Shot at Redemption: Sunday, November 12, 12:00 - 3:00 P.M.

Billed as “church for food and wine lovers,” it’s the penultimate Sunday brunch. Included is the festival’s famous Bloody Mary bar, flavorful bites from acclaimed regional chefs and the uplifting sounds of The Harlem Gospel Travelers, opening for the Nashville based husband and wife team, The War & Treaty, who are known for their spirited soulful music. For more information, visit highlandsfoodandwine.com.

by Marlene Osteen

Flavorful and Festive

For Christi Madgett, a hobby that blossomed into a passion leads to a delicious gift to all of us.

Can you hear that? It’s the sound of hands clapping on the Plateau, as residents and visitors alike welcome a new car service to town.

For years, there’d been an intense scramble for transportation, but thankfully Christi Madgett heard the call. Last September, she moved to Glenville from West Palm Beach and launched Smoky Mountain Transportation.

Madgett knows a thing or two about getting around. She spent the previous 20 years working as a traveling radiation therapist, caring for cancer patients across the United States.

On weekends, she sought out fun activities to relieve the stress of her job. One of her favorites was taking cooking classes at high-end restaurants. During one especially memorable weekend in Philadelphia, she discovered the recipe for Plancha Seared Scallops with Fennel Risotto. She mastered the recipe in 2005

during a hands-on cooking class at the acclaimed Italian restaurant Savona. Now, Madgett is sharing her love of cooking, and her recipe with us!

The brininess of the scallops, the sweet, savory licorice taste of the fennel and the creaminess of the risotto combine to create a dish that is flavorful and satisfying, – perfect for company or a festive evening at home.

Plancha Seared Sea Scallops with Fennel Risotto

6 servings

Note: Plancha is Spanish for a griddle For the Risotto

Ingredients

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

2 medium fennel bulbs, cored and thinly sliced lengthwise

ChristiMadgett

Kosher salt

1 1/2 cups arborio rice (14 ounces)

1 1/2 cups freshly grated ParmigianoReggiano cheese, plus more for serving 2 tablespoons fennel fronds, plus more for serving

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Keep warm.

2. In an enameled medium cast-iron casserole, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter over moderately high heat. Add the onion and fennel, season with salt and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until softened, about 10 minutes.

3. Add the rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat the rice with butter. Add 1 cup of the warm stock and cook over moderately high heat, stirring constantly, until nearly absorbed. Continue adding the stock 1 cup at a time and stirring constantly until it is

nearly absorbed between additions. The risotto is done when the rice is al dente and suspended in a thick, creamy sauce, about 20 minutes total. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the 1 1/2 cups of cheese and the 2 tablespoons of fennel fronds. Garnish with more fennel fronds and serve immediately, passing grated cheese at the table.

For the Scallops

Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 pounds sea scallops, patted dry Kosher salt, to taste

2 tablespoon dry white vermouth or white wine

2 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. When ready to serve, place a large sauté pan or skillet over medium-high

heat, and add to it 3 tablespoons of the butter. When it has melted and started to foam, place the scallops in the pan in a single layer, and season with a pinch or two of salt.

2. Cook scallops without moving until the bottoms are golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes, then turn them over, add the wine and cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

3. Garnish with parsley before serving. To serve: Spoon risotto into shallow bowls. Top with scallops and more parsley. Christi Madgett can be reached by calling (561) 545-7368. by Marlene Osteen

Plateau Dining Guide

The Restaurants of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS

Asia House - (828) 787-1680

Black Bear Cafe - (828) 482-7020

The Blue Bike Cafe - (828) 526-9922

Bryson’s Deli - (828) 526-3775

The Cake Bar - (828) 421-2042

Dusty’s - (828) 526-2762

El Azteca - (828) 526-2244

Highlands Deli SweeTreats - (828) 526-9632

Highlands Tavern - (828) 526-9002

Madison’s Restaurant - (828) 787-2525

Midpoint (828) 526-2277

Mountain Fresh - (828) 526-2400

The Ruffed Grouse - (828) 526-2590

The Secret Garden - (828) 305-7509

Spinx Highlands - (828) 526-4191

Subway - (828) 526-1706

Wild Thyme Gourmet - (828) 526-4035

CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS

Buck’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 743-9997

Canyon Kitchen - (828) 743-7967

Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160

Cornucopia Restaurant - (828) 743-3750

El Manzanillo - (828) 743-5522

The Fix Bar & Lounge - (828) 743-7477

Jim’s Place at Sapphire Country Store - (828) 966-4011

JJ’s Canteen and Eatery - (828) 743-7778

The Library Kitchen and Bar - (828) 743-5512

Mica’s Restaurant - (828) 743-5740

Mountain Cafe - (828) 577-0469

Panthertown Cafe - (828) 862-3663

Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company - (828) 743-0220

Slab Town Pizza - (828) 743-0020

Slopeside Tavern - (828) 743-8655

Subway - (828) 743-1300

Town and Country General Store (828) 547-1300

Ugly Dog - (828) 743-3000

Villa Amato (828) 885-7700

Wendy’s - (828) 743-7777

Whiteside Brewing Company - (828) 743-6000

Winslow’s Hideaway - (828) 743-2226

Plateau Lodging

Accommodations on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

BREVARD, NC:

Meraki Escape - (828) 463-7440

CASHIERS, NC:

High Hampton Resort - (800) 648-4252

Hotel Cashiers - (828) 743-7706

The Lakehouse - (904) 753-0247

Landmark Vacation Rentals- (877) 926-1780

Mountain Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-0258

The Orchard Guest Cottage - (828) 743-7614

Pebble Creek Village - (828) 743-0623

Silver Creek Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-1999

The Wells HotelA Cashiers Experience - (828) 761-6289

GLENVILLE, NC:

Innisfree Bed & Breakfast - (828) 743-2946

Mountain Lake Rentals - (828) 743-6875

Prime Property Rentals - (828) 743-3482

HIGHLANDS, NC

200 Main - (855) 271-2809

Berkshire Realty

Rentals - (828) 526-1717

Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-3717

The Chateau - (561) 613-1496

Fairview House - (866) 526-8008

Half Mile Farm - (855) 271-7246

Highlander Mountain House - (828) 526-2590

Highlands House Bed and Breakfast - (828) 787-1186

Highlands Inn - (828) 526-9380

Highlands Inn Lodge - (828) 526-5899

Highlands Resort Rentals - (828) 526-5839

The Inn at Mill Creek - 828-526-9999

The Lodge at Old Edwards - (828) 787-2560

Lotts of Sky - (404) 395-4000

Lullwater House - (423) 488-2799

Old Edwards Inn and Spa - (866) 526-8008

Park on Main - (800) 221-5078

Ray’s Roost - (678) 534-6870

Rent in Highlands - CCP - (800) 684-2171 x 302

Rockwood Lodge - (828) 526-8919

Silver Creek Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-2999

The Wells Hotel - (828) 482-7736

Whiteside Cove Cottages - (828) 526-2222

SAPPHIRE, NC

Club Wyndham Resort at

Fairfield Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-3441

Foxhunt at Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-7667

Hampton Inn & Suites -

Cashiers-Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-4545

Mt Toxaway Lodge & Motel - (828) 966-4582

Sapphire Run at Whisper Lake - (863) 412-5734

Whispering Falls - (352) 470-4085

Woods at Buc - (770) 714-9211

SCALY MOUNTAIN, NC:

Fire Mountain - (800) 775-4446

The Vineyard at 37 High Holly - (828) 505-6190

LAKE TOXAWAY, NC

Cabins at Seven Foxes - (828) 877-6333

Earthshine Lodge - (828) 862-4207

Greystone Inn - (828) 966-4700

Lake Toxaway Realty Company - (828) 508-9141

Pages 144-147

BRING THE BEAR HUGS

This cuddly black bear is soft, snuggly and incredibly huggable - and ready and waiting to become a loved childhood companion.

Stuffed Black Bear | $ 23 99

Bear Tracks Travel Center | Lake Toxaway

STYLISH AND PRACTICAL

Rain, wind, hail, and snow – you never know what mother nature is going to throw at you. This classic rainboot will protect your feet from all the elements and are comfortable enough to wear all day long.

Pendleton Chelsea Rain Boot | $ 65 Mountain Mermaid | Cashiers

Plateau Picks A few of our favorite things

PEACE,

LOVE, AND

POTTERY

Creating world peace one pot at a time, these inspirational tableware pieces are whimsical works of art – and heartwarming to give and to receive.

ZPots Cup $ 55 | ZPots Mini Bowl $ 23 Nora and Co. | Cashiers

FUN WITH FUNGI

School days have never been so cute. This super soft plush mushroom pairs perfectly with the roomy, twocompartment backpack. Pretty in mushroom pink.

Mushroom Backpack $ 50 | Mushroom Plush $ 50

S’more Kids Klothes | Highlands

PULLOVER A PICASSO

This limited edition sweater (only 60 available worldwide) is inspired by Picasso’s La Table. Wear a new perspective on men’s luxury fashions.

St. Croix La Table Sweater | $ 875

Nancy’s Fancys/The Exchange | Highlands

HANDCRAFTED BEAUTY

This fun cross body bag is one-of-a-kind creation using the finest Italian and South American leather hides. “Our Grandmother always said, ‘Never gift a pocketbook without a coin inside.” In her honor, there is a coin in every Bee Bag.

Leather and Hide Bee Bag | $169 Bella Cotn | Cashiers

CONTEMPORARY SOPHISTICATION

This leather upholstered accent chair features a quilted back and has a nailhead trim – adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home.

Leather Wing Chair | $ 5,967

Summer House by Reeves | Highlands

ACCENT ON STYLE

Add artistic style to your lighting decor with the colorful botanical motif of this porcelain jar table lamp. The lamp is topped with a simple round finial over an off-white linen hard back shade in a traditional bell shape.

Porcelain Accent Table Lamp | $149

Brier Patch | Highlands

The Allure of Discovery

Acorns, located at 212 South Fourth Street in Highlands, has a full slate of trunk shows for September.

SouthernBotanics

ErinGray

Attention shoppers! Acorns, Old Edwards home décor and furnishing store, is hosting three trunk shows this month. The charming boutique will soon be full of exquisite handmade Italian pewter, beautiful nature-inspired jewelry and clothing, and one-of-a-kind botanical engraved artworks. Meet the makers and representatives behind three dynamic brands.

September 1-3: Match Pewter (Representative Present)

Twenty-five years after its founding, Match Pewter continues to reign as artistic leaders in the creation of top-notch pewter for the home and office. Using traditional methods of pewter-making, dating back centuries, the brand preserves the craftsmanship of skilled artisans who, shape and mold each piece by hand, allowing each piece to showcase slight variations and character, making them one-of-a-kind

works of art. The elegant designs feature classic and sophisticated patterns that complement a range of interior styles and are made in a wide selection of products including tableware, barware, and home décor items.

September 8-10: Erin Gray (Artist Present)

The stylish designs of Erin Gray prove that neutrals are anything but boring. Fifteen years into a marketing career, Erin Gray’s mother and stepmother were diagnosed with cancer within a year of each other. The pain jolted Gray into a lifestyle change and in 2010, the birth of Erin Gray design. An advocate for sustainable and ethical fashion, her casually chic designs are inspired by nature and feature simple, timeless style.

September 16: Southern Botanics (Representative present)

Certain to transport you to nature is the pressed floral art of Austin Davis-Selph and Douglas Davis-Selph, the duo

behind Southern Botanics. The flowers, leaves, and plant materials that DavisSelph press, and mount are in the style of botanical engravings, which were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, and used to document the plants and flowers of the world. While capturing the same level of detail as these historic engravings, Southern Botanics artworks resonate with a delicate sensibility and superb technique. As part time Highlands’ residents, much of the flora used in the artwork is foraged and collected here. As such the pieces are an exuberant interpretation of the landscape of the Plateau – coveted for their ability to mimic and bring indoors the beauty of our locale.

There’s always something new happening in the world of design at Acorns. Visit acornshighlandsnc.com to learn more about these and future happenings.

by Marlene Osteen

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OUT NC 106

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VISIT DILLARD

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For a complete listing please visit our website, thelaurelmagazine.com. Being added to our listing is easy! Simply advertise with The Laurel.

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NORTH

THE VILLAGE GREEN

142. Village Green Commons

143. The Village Green

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155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center

156. Creekside:

- Silver Creek Real Estate Group

- Toby West Antiques

157. Sotheby’s International Realty

172. Whiteside Art Gallery

173. Betsy Paul Properties

176. Lenz Gifts

DOWN 107 NORTH

➡ Edgewood Antiques & Fine Furnishing

➡ Bazaar Barn

DOWN 107 SOUTH

➡ Silver Run Reserve

EAST

VISIT CULLOWHEE

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VISIT GLENVILLE

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➡ Silver Creek Real Estate Group

➡ Smoky Mountain Transportation

➡ Waterfall Cruises by Captain Mark

VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY

➡ Appalachian Construction

➡ Bear Tracks Travel Center

➡ Grand Olde Station

➡ The Greystone Inn

➡ Historic Toxaway Market

➡ Killer Bees

➡ Lake Toxaway Company

➡ Los Vaqueros

➡ Sweetwater Perk & Creamery

VISIT SAPPHIRE :

➡ Balistreri Realty

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VISIT BREVARD :

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VISIT WAYNESVILLE :

➡ Metzger’s Burl Wood Gallery

63 Years of Service

For over 63 years, Lake Toxaway Company has been at the heart of the Toxaway Dream. Call them at (800) 443-0694 or visit laketoxaway.com.

Lake Toxaway Company located at 100 Waterfall Circle in Lake Toxaway has been serving the area for 63 years and they have been the leading full-service brokerage firm in the Lake Toxaway region since the beginning. They understand that Lake Toxaway Living is a way of life unlike any other because they were instrumental in the rebirth of the area.

In 1903 a few visionary men dammed the Toxaway River to create Lake Toxaway, and then built the five-story Toxaway Inn, and a resort was born, one visited by the Fords, Edisons, and Rockefellers among other notable families.

A decade or so later, after a series of floods and tropical storms, the dam burst. And just like that, the lake (and the tourists) disappeared.

All that changed in 1960 when Reg Heinitsh and a new group of visionary investors rebuilt the dam, restored the

lake and began attracting new generations of visitors and families to the Lake Toxaway way of life.

That investment in the community and belief in its appeal and possibilities resulted in a love and understanding of the area that has elevated Lake Toxaway Company to the area’s preferred brokerage firm, not just in Lake Toxaway but throughout the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

They know this area better than anyone and they understand the value of the area’s lifestyle. The lake, the forests, the wildlife, the exceptional views, and the sense of community, all combine to make this the perfect place for those seeking an active lifestyle far away from the hustle and bustle of the stresses of everyday life.

Will Heinitsh, VP and Broker-inCharge, says “I’m so proud of being involved in a third-generation family business surrounded by an incredible

team, some of whom have worked with us for 30 years.”

That sense of pride extends to the entire Lake Toxaway Company team who cherish the heritage of a company so successful that it’s been an integral part of the community for more than 60 years. Those deep roots have created a unique sense of pride and connection that makes this team excel.

After all these years in business, this area means something special to the team at Lake Toxaway Company and they continue to maintain their tradition of helping families live their dreams and find their perfect mountain home.

Whether you’re buying or selling Lake Toxaway Company can help your real estate dreams come true. Call them at (800) 443-0694 or visit their website at laketoxaway.com.

by Mary Jane McCall

Pride in Craftsmanship

There’s a family tradition of quality and devotion to superb craftsmanship that lies at the heart of Appalachian Construction. Discover it for yourself –visit app-construction.com.

(L to R): Brad Leopard, Clay Daves, Grant Dodson, Selina Dodson, Zach Dodson, Jonathan Dodson, Mike James, Abbi Dodson, Mari Dodson, Fidel Mundo, Chris Conner (Not pictured: Isaiah Dodson and Trent Osteen)

It’s often the case that artistry and true craftsmanship run in families, whether genetic or simply by fine example and this is certainly true of Jonathan Dodson of Appalachian Construction of Pisgah Forest, who seems to have construction in his veins. Johnathan started Appalachian Construction in 1998, and has since been joined by his wife, Selina, who oversees contracts, marketing, accounting, and whatever else needs doing, as well as his three sons – Zachary, Isaiah, and Grant. It is evident that the entire family and their dedicated employees take great pride in their quality construction, expert craftsmanship, and attention to detail, as well as attending to their client’s every need. This family takes customer service and satisfaction very seriously.

They serve the entire Western North Carolina area, most prominently in Lake Toxaway, but it is not uncommon for them to have jobs in Asheville,

Cashiers, or Highlands. Whether new commercial or residential buildings or remodels this team is ready to make your vision a reality.

Their decades of experience have taught them that carefully listening to their customers and understanding their needs, expectations, and preferences is vital to a job well done. Building your custom dream home is exciting and your contractor should stand at the ready to make the process as seamless as possible, all while providing quality, custom work.

For those who are remodeling the experience can be a bit different. They want the same workmanship and quality finished product, but it can be emotional to change your existing home. Jonathan and his team understand this and excel at walking customers through the process. Moving from the old to the new can provide an entirely new lease on life, not to mention adding all the

modern conveniences that make life a bit easier.

For commercial construction, their long track record speaks for itself. No novices here, these folks can tackle your biggest projects.

Times have changed a bit since the pandemic and while things are largely back to normal there can still be blips and hiccups with respect to supply chain issues. This means that customers need to be flexible, but they can rest assured that Jonathan and his team will steer them in the right direction should changes need to be addressed.

Anyone considering a construction project would do well to contact Appalachian Construction and see how this family business can help you achieve your dreams.

by Mary Jane McCall

Toxaway’s Friday Fun

Lake Toxaway’s shake-the-rafters Lake Toxaway Dinner & Music celebrations are an invitation to plunge into the life of a warm, close-knit community. But you’re welcome at community get-togethers across the Plateau.

Last month we told you about the Lake Toxaway Community Center’s Dinner & Music celebrations, staged Friday nights through October.

This Community Center serves as an anchor and gathering place for locals, seasonal residents, and visitors, and among the most popular events they host is Lake Toxaway Dinner & Music, held on Friday nights through October. This wildly popular event brings the community together for a home-cooked meal, live bluegrass or country music by local bands, usually from the area or upstate South Carolina, dancing, and a good time. Dinner is served from 6:00 until 7:00 and your meal includes dinner, dessert, and

drink, all for the bargain price of $13 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under, and children under 3 eat free. Music is from 7:00 until 9:30.

Our writer Mary Jane McCall personalized her story with: “I often work at Highlands Historical Society, and on more than one occasion when chatting with visitors from the Cashiers or Lake Toxaway area I’ve had them mention these dinners. They wax poetic about how entertaining they are, how good the meal is, and how they foster a sense of community and belonging.

In the month since we published Mary Jane’s story, I’ve been thinking a lot about the unalloyed truth at the heart of her tale.

My grandfather, who was the teacher at Toxaway School after he came home from World War I, said that in the 1920s, people would gather at Po and Missa Galloway’s for a community meal and music (with some dancing, but not for the Baptists).

Today, you’ll find that spirit thriving at the Highlands Community Table -- 6:00 P.M. on the first Tuesday of every month at the Highlands Community Building. And in this very issue, I mention how Happ’s Place in Glenville is keeping those evenings of music and dance and undeniable community joy from passing into history.

Join in!

HISTORY Pages 170-179

Space Age Hero

America’s journey into Outer Space somehow threads a trail through Whiteside Cove and the astonishing Mr. Gunter Wendt.

Thread the stars in the universe upon a giant Slinky, place it upon the landing pad at Heaven’s gate, nudge it down the launching path towards earth, and tell me how grateful I am to be, by right of association with his daughter, Norma—my neighbor here in Whiteside Cove—within the same celestial confluence as Gunter Wendt.

…to be the last face seen by the astronauts of the mid-twentieth century, as he bid them a safe journey…

reminiscing while stargazing, providing energetic inflections of information while conversing, sharing his book The Unbroken Chain, and providing photos of Dad from her personal collection for each of us to enjoy.

I strive to fathom the sheer depth of his purpose of being, that being, to be the last face seen by the astronauts of the mid-twentieth century, as he bid them a safe journey on their rocket trip of dreams. His daughter did not pick up his torch, for it never was nor never will be earthbound, but with humble pride, she shines her own torch upon the torch that he carried. She does so by heartily

I, too, shine my light on Mr. Wendt, and point out what would have been inestimable indications of trust carved within the features of his façade. And how do you grasp the meaning of a departing handshake, as a battened down hatch now stands between everything you have ever known and your unknown?

Our fundamental need for connection as revealed in the heartbreaking results of the Still Face experiment, provided scientific data that an expressionless face can destroy the soul

and a distracted caregiver can break the spirit.

Hollywood captured Mr. Wendt’s influence as a certainty of connection within the space program, as Tom Hanks in the role of Jim Lovell in the Apollo 13 movie jovially questioned, “I wonder where Gunter Wendt?” Signing off on the purpose of the journey was as important as experiencing the journey itself.

May we always strive to treat all human interaction, as if for the very last earthly opportunity.

If you’d like to meet this Space Age pioneer, well, he passed away in 2010. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t make regular appearances over the Plateau. I learned that some of Mr. Wendt’s ashes are in the International Space Station. In fact, the evening I first learned of Gunter Wendt, we were standing on Norma’s porch here in Whiteside Cove and she looked up to the skies and said “hello” to him! So, occasionally, he “flies” above us here on the Plateau.

by Donna Clements, Trauma-Informed Certified Life Coach

GunterWendt,mid1990s

Relative Reenactments

Highlander McKenzie Thompson shares the astonishing story of Rising Fawn in riveting testimony. Her voice was added to others recounting the personalities who’ve shaped the Plateau.

McKenzieThompson

Highlands Historical Society recently presented a Walk in the Park where local actors and actresses recreated the stories of many of Highlands’ earliest residents. Attendees were enthralled and learned so much about local history through the eyes of those long past and presented with enthusiasm and accuracy by local performers who brought their A-game to the task. It was such a success that you can count on future opportunities to join the Historical Society for future walks.

The Historical Society often gets inquiries about early Cherokee in the area so it was particularly poignant to have the great, great, great-granddaughter of Rising Fawn, McKenzie Thompson, tell her tragic and ultimately triumphant story. An excerpt of her performance is included below.:

“I am the spirit of Rising Fawn. I am the matriarchal line of so many families across this land. I was born at the foot of the Smokies on September 1, 1827, almost exactly 160 years before the birth of my great great, great granddaughter who speaks to you today.

“At the age of six, my family left me behind as they left for The Trail of Tears, outcast from our home, so many of us killed by illness, so many of us uprooted and made to leave all we’d known. I couldn’t walk fast enough to keep up with the rest, and so I was taken in and made like a slave.

“One winter morning when I was sent to gather salt from the neighbor’s house, they couldn’t stand my treatment and insisted that I stay. Mr. Rogers took care to deal with the family who had held me. Their loss was discontent, but I count it my gain, and from that moment on, my life was blessed.

The Rogers brought me up as their daughter. My English name was Claressa. I was thin, but I grew strong. As time went on, I married a man named Tom Gribble. We had many children, and they scattered across the near Southeast. My daughter, Jane, came here to Highlands, where she and her husband, John Palmer, had eight children, including twins, Belle and Helen, who gave many descendants along the McKinney name, and it is they who still live throughout Highlands today.”

Other descendants told their ancestor’s tales as well.

Hal Duke, the grandson of Charlie Wright told of his heroic Whiteside rescue at one performance, with Ken Knight doing the honors another. Tammy Lowe, the great, great niece of Susan Rice brought her story to life. Other performers were Lee Lyons as Helen Wright Wilson; Jeannie Chambers as Helen McKinney Thompson; Steve Mehder as Joe Webb; Joan Worthy as Dr. Mary Lapham; and Rev. Randy Lucas as Henry Bascom.

by Mary Jane McCall

Hands-On History

Cashiers Historical Society’s Founders Day, set for October 6 and 12, is a fun Homecoming for local scholars.

At Cashiers Historical Society, we can usually tell when summer is over, and autumn is coming. The leaves start to change color and the air begins to feel cool and just a little crisp.

But more importantly the children are in school with their back-to-school routine. And for CHS, this is the time for our children’s educational programing with activities that present history in a fun, hands-on manner. It’s when students from Blue Ridge School, Summit Charter School as well as home school students visit the historic campus and experience a variety of unique activities that showcase everyday skills, crafts, and music of our ancestors.

Since 2003, CHS with the help of volunteers and experienced presenters, has continued to provide Founders Day for third- and fourth-graders. This year’s event will be Thursday, September 28. The children will have an op -

portunity to make a corn husk doll and apple cider. They will learn about predators and prey, hike down the trail, play pioneer games, and explore the Zachary-Tolbert House. Lunchtime gives everyone an opportunity to spend time together.

CHS has continued to expand the educational programs for students and in 2021 added Art in the Park for fifth and sixth graders. Art in the Park is a collaboration with Western Carolina University with their students providing the program. This year on Friday, October 6, and Thursday, October 12 the students from Blue Ridge and Summit will have an opportunity to experience a variety of activities which include making a barn quilt, felting, and making a cardboard mural to name a few. And again, lunchtime gives everyone an opportunity to share time together.

Scheduled activities for 2023 for the children conclude with Christmas at Col.

John’s Cabin. Beginning November 28 and continuing until the students leave for Christmas break, PreK - 2nd grade from both schools will come for a visit at the Colonel’s cabin, read Christmas stories, make a craft or two and have hot chocolate and cookies.

It is important to note that even though scheduled activities have concluded for the year, teachers can always request a special activity for their students. Many individual classes visit CHS during the winter and early spring months. And finally, the Society continues to add and plan events and activities for the area students that fulfill the objective to help all students appreciate a sense of this wonderful place in which they live and to instill the importance of preserving Cashiers for future generations.

by Sandi Rogers, Cashiers Historical Society

A War of Words

The Age of McDuffie and Cumming is crammed with scoundrels and shenanigans.

Greenville County, S.C., Courthouse: “5 Sept. 1822–Mr. George McDuffie having virtually denied me the satisfaction demanded of him, and which he promised to give - I pronounce him an equivocating scoundrel and base coward.

–William Cumming”

Two hours later, and just returning from the Saluda Gap, Cumming’s antagonist George McDuffie posted his reply under Cumming’s:

“…I have seen Col. Cumming on the ground of combat bracing his cowardly nerves by artificial stimulants. I know him to be a coward…and I am satisfied that he will not meet any man unless he supposes he has a decided advantage in the contest.

–George M ‘Duffie’*

Well, I missed the bicentennial by exactly one year—but I didn’t know about it! Reading Robert Lathan’s “Who Was Armistead Burt?” (cited in my July

article about the lawyer and politician and former owner of the ZacharyTolbert House in Cashiers), I came across this, about Burt’s Abbeville, S.C., neighbor and friend, congressman George McDuffie:

“In 1822, McDuffie engaged William Cumming from Augusta, Ga., In a bitter newspaper battle and *the two met for two duels.”

Have you heard of the same duelists fighting twice? McDuffie and Col. Cumming would eventually challenge each other to five duels and meet three times on the field of honor, but only exchanged shots twice.

As they say on Facebook, “it’s complicated.” All Lathan offered was that brief mention, so I found two biographies of McDuffie (one from 1936 by Edwin Green, and the 2007 “George McDuffie, Southern Orator” by Bobby F. Edmonds); and a March 1960, article in the Georgia Historical Quarterly,

“The Cumming-McDuffie Duels” by Joseph B. Cumming, a descendant of the colonel’s.

The war of words on the courthouse doors was the fallout from the second scheduled duel, supposed to take place on the SC/NC border, near present-day Tuxedo, North Carolina. Dueling being illegal, the idea was to shoot at each other across the state line, so that if someone were killed it would be unclear which jurisdiction could bring murder charges. But the North Carolina authorities got word beforehand and arrested Cumming. Chances are McDuffie – a terrible shot – alerted them.

Col. William Cumming (for whom Cumming, Georgia, is named) was a hero from the War of 1812, and son of the first mayor of Augusta. From what I’ve read, I believe Burt was one of McDuffie’s seconds in at least one of these duels. (Again, because the whole thing was illegal, attorneys could not

boast of their role.) It all started with anonymous political articles in the Augusta newspapers. Then-Sec. of State John Quincy Adams wrote of their earlier duels (there were more to come!) in his diary on Oct. 5, 1822:

“They [first] met [along the Savannah River, on June 8, 1822] and M’Duffie was shot in the back— They then returned to the war of newspaper ribaldry, till Cumming challenged him a second time. By double manoeuvering on both sides …the second [Sept. 4, 1822, at Saluda Gap] duel was avoided, and each party resorted again to hand-bills [and] newspaper proclamations of imputed cowardice.” Stay tuned.

by Stuart Ferguson, Local Historian, Shakespeare & Company

85 Years of Ovations

Mountain Theatre Company’s torrid 2023 season of professional theater continues next month with the premiere of the rowdy Halloween musical The Rocky Horror Show, but that doesn’t mean that the production company hasn’t noticed that this Plateau institution is celebrating its 85th year.

“It’s remarkable that a town as small as Highlands hosts one of the oldest consistently operating professional theaters in the industry,” says MTC’s Lindsay Garner Hostetler. “We have survived against seemingly impossible odds over three quarters of a century including The Great Depression, a World War, multiple recessions, changing landscapes, and a global pandemic that shuttered countless theatres across the country permanently.”

Jack and Virginia Wilcox arrived in Highlands from Ohio in 1936 and set about establishing a troupe of actors. The goal was to use Highlands School’s auditorium for theatrical productions throughout the summer.

It was an enormous gamble to launch Highlands Little Theatre in a town with fewer than 600 year-round residents during a global depression – theater has been a notoriously fickle business prospect since at least 1599, when Shakespeare launched his Globe Theater.

The couple’s big-swing scheme bore fruit with the premiere of

Dulcy in 1939. This screwball comedy by George S. Kaufman is a fast-paced dining room farce in the vein of Bringing Up Baby and The Philadelphia Story. Tickets were 50 cents for reserved seating, 35 cents for bleachers and it played to packed houses throughout the season.

“We were all expected to pitch in on everything – onstage, behind the scenes, in the front office,” recalled Collin WilcoxPaxton, the Wilcox’s’ daughter. “When I was five, I was helping to paint sets, sell tickets, make popcorn, and help the actors with their lines. There was always something to do. For a kid, it was magic.”

That magic kindled a passion in young Collin, because she went on to star in Highlands Little Theatre productions (and for Highlands Playhouse shows when HLT changed its name) throughout the 1940s and 50s.

The dramatic skills that she learned by osmosis and then by actual onstage roles came in handy when an adult Collin left the Playhouse to seek stardom on Broadway and in Hollywood. She reached Broadway with the 1958 production of Maxwell Anderson’s The Day the Money Stopped and then capped her Hollywood career with a Best Supporting Actress win for her performance of Mayella Violet Ewell in 1962’s To Kill a Mockingbird.

In the 1980s, Wilcox-Paxton moved back to the Plateau and

Go ahead, take a bow! Mountain Theatre Company celebrates 85 years of professional theater on the Plateau.

offered training and staged productions for young thespians through the Instant Theater Company.

Highlands Playhouse itself faced a similar trajectory, bringing entire summer seasons of professional theater to audiences as the Plateau’s summer population mushroomed over the decades, culminating in this year’s record-breaking 2023 season, which will extend all the way to the end of the year with Home for the Holidays. (Editor’s Note: Tickets for Home for the Holidays are on sale now. It’s a good idea to reserve your seats as soon as possible.)

Last year, in preparation for their move to the newly expanded and upgraded Highlands Performing Arts Center, Highlands Playhouse renamed itself Mountain Theatre Company.

(That English spelling of “Theatre” is important, says Artistic Director Scott Daniel, because “we’re an artform, not a building.”)

“All of us at Mountain Theatre Company owe so much to the legacy created at The Highlands Playhouse over the past eight decades,” says Daniel. “All those who came before us over those many years set the stage for quality theatre to not only exist on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau but to thrive and be valued. Mountain Theatre Company’s mission to Engage, Enrich, and Entertain our Western North Carolina audiences is the foundation of our path forward.”

by Luke Osteen

LIFESTYLES & WELLNESS

Pages 186-205

Struck by Her Smile

The first time they met, in 2008, lasted only 30 seconds but made a strong impression on both Dr. Sue Aery and Deborah Berlin. For Sue, it was Deborah’s smile. She says, “When Deborah smiles, it lights up a room. I love that smile.” Deborah recalls that, even in that quick meeting, “Sue’s eyes gave away her gentle and compassionate personality.”

For both Deborah and Sue, it was a memorable moment - so uniquely powerful that the memory persisted for three years until they met again by chance one day in 2011. In line at the Highlands post office, Deborah was noticeably experiencing back pain, and Dr. Sue approached her to say hi and suggest that she see a chiropractor... namely herself! As a gardener and garden designer, Deborah’s work made her realize the necessity of a good chiropractor and she made an appointment to see Dr. Sue in her Highlands office pretty quickly.

After her first treatment with Dr. Sue, Deborah was pleasantly surprised when Sue telephoned the next day to see how she was feeling. That’s a very unusual thing for a physician to do, and she recalls “feeling odd that I was so thrilled by her call. Of course, I didn’t realize until later that she does that with all her patients!” Just another aspect of what she first noticed about Sue - the caring, compassionate doctor who actually wants to know how people are doing. For the next few months, Deborah continued her appointments at Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture for various ailments and in that time, she and Sue also became friends. Sue moved into Highlands and they had more opportunities to see each other socially with a group of friends. The day came when Deborah called Sue to say, “I think there’s something more here than friendship.” Later on that evening, they

met at Sue’s home and discussed their relationship. June 19 became the date they celebrate as the anniversary of their decision to be a couple. It didn’t take long for Sue to make the leap she had been waiting to take and she proposed to Deborah, not sure what would happen next.

Deborah explains that “I had gone into that friendship considering myself to be a straight person, and knowing Sue was not. Thinking about this much later, I knew that I fell in love with the person who is Sue. It didn’t matter to me whether she was a man or a woman. I fell in love with her because of who she was.” Deborah said yes!

Planning a wedding took on a sense of urgency because it was important to the couple that their mothers, both of whom were then in their 80’s, be able to attend. They visited Blue Goldsmith in Asheville to have their rings made and

For our Dr. Sue Aery, the love of her life was discovered in a simple, extraordinary moment.

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set a wedding date for December, six months later.

Deborah and Sue came to these mountains from very different backgrounds. Sue, the youngest of three children, grew up in Caldwell, NJ. Her father had been a furniture designer and manufacturer’s representative, and her mother spent years as a stay-at-home mom, becoming a successful realtor before her retirement and ultimate move to NC to be closer to her daughters. Sue had fallen in love with Highlands on several vacations and moved to Cashiers after changing careers and finishing chiropractic school in 2005.

Deborah was also the youngest child and her family moved from the DC area to Augusta, GA, when she was very young. Her father was an Episcopal priest and marriage and family therapist and her mother, while raising five children, took a second full college degree and worked at the Medical College of Georgia. After college, Deborah moved to Washington, DC, and ultimately managed law firms

there and in Augusta, where she returned to care for her aging parents. In 1997, she moved to the mountains to begin her gardening career with a boyfriend who lived in Norton.

On December 23, 2011, Deborah and Sue exchanged vows in a small, candlelight ceremony, witnessed by family and friends at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Essex Fells, NJ, near Sue’s hometown. They cite their wedding day as one of the best moments of their lives. “It was magical, partly of course because it was our wedding, but also because our mothers were there.” Their reception followed at a nearby Italian restaurant beloved by Sue’s mother. Champagne flowed freely and the restaurant prepared exactly what they ordered, including a towering tiramisu wedding cake.

Today, the couple work together at Sue’s chiropractic office and live in the home that Deborah built twenty five years earlier. They live a very happy life but have endured sadness together along the way. Deborah’s mother

died three years after their wedding and Sue’s sister and mother both died within the last few years. They also added on to their home and lived in it during construction! These trials brought them even closer together and prepared them for the ups and downs that any relationship experiences.

A dozen years after saying I do, they speak of their mutual love and steadfast devotion. “After twelve years, we are still as happy, if not happier, as we were the day we were married. We love each other, but we also have love for each other – and that gives us strength. We have much in common, but we also support each other’s differences.”

As Sue Aery says, “We have a very multi-dimensional love – it’s a partnership, it’s a family, it’s a work and home relationship that we manage extremely well.” That 30 second chance meeting led to a lifetime of love, learning, friendship and togetherness!

by Marlene Osteen

Indian Summer and Your Gut Biome

This is the perfect time to get gut healthy.

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After a season of wine tastings, reunions, and summer potlucks we may begin to feel the drag of summer indulgence on our physical, emotional and mental health. However, the true inner calling to slow down and restructure our diet to “clean things up” is coming from the microbiota in our gut. Did you know that during those last warm days before fall we have a unique opportunity?

Age-old wisdom found in Ayurveda to engage gut health has been practiced for centuries as an effective way to maximize vitality for the coming winter. We are full of bacteria giving feedback (think: all illness begins in the gut), so we can befriend our biome ritually during the change of seasons to feed our constitutional strength and resilience.

Ayurvedic Medicine has long since recognized a two-week window between Summer and Fall when we are not as

hungry- our body’s cue to eat less. If we know when to look for it, we can look forward to planning a personal reset that is void of feelings of correction or judgement. It simply is a time to work on digestive health- that is all.

In September we have plentiful harvest from our local farms’ produce and grass-fed, pastured meats and fats to choose from. The human gut flora and biome greatly benefit from replacing processed grains, sugars, and denatured fats with fresh, nutrient-dense foods. The microorganisms in our gut govern our clear thinking, balanced emotional response and play a crucial role in immune system regulation.

Digestion and hydrochloric acid balance have a fiery reference in traditional teachings. You can have too much digestive fire (acid reflux) or not enough digestive fire (constipation). A cleanse is designed to clean the waste and residue

from the organs so that your digestive fire is burning a strong, efficient flame to help your body extract valuable nutrients to nourish tissues (nerves, blood, bone, etc.)

When was the last time you rubbed your belly and felt simultaneously in control and deeply content? A seasonal food-based cleanse focused on nourishing, nutrient dense, digestible foods can bring you both willpower and inner peace. Lifestyle Medicine is perhaps a new term that says just what we have known all along through Ayurvedic scientific wisdom: In order to be an empowered self-healer within the current world we are in, we can respect and take up personal practices to nurture our health sustainably.

by Ashby Underwood-Garner, Yoga Highlands

In the late 60s my childhood bestie, Linda, and I were movie maniacs. Once a month, her parents would load us up in their touring car, an emerald, vintage DeSoto coupe, affectionately known as the Green Hornet, and we’d head for the South Trail Drive-in in Orlando.

In their heyday there were 4,000 driveins scattered across the nation. Today’s tally is 321. And many theaters double as flea markets. Drive-ins couldn’t compete with the hot, new shopping plazas and their air-conditioned stores. Shops sprawled like spokes around a movie theater hub. You could cool-off, shop, meet-up with friends, people-watch, consume mass quantities of fat and sugar, and watch a movie all in one stop. But, in 1965, on a Saturday night when a full moon owned the sky, the

Green Hornet loaded-up its four eager movie-goers and rumbled down the Trail to picture show heaven. With a final turn onto an unpaved entrance, we’d bump along grass-covered humps to our favorite spot, right in the middle of a row. We made sure the speaker was listenable, and the concession stand/ bathroom was walkable.

We drove the DeSoto, instead of their Chevy, because the back seat was the size of a canyon. Linda and I could stretch out, lounge on pillows, and control our own hand-rolled windows. The Hornet did have one drawback, however … an army of palmetto bugs skittered across our necks and limbs when the sun went down. They smelled the popcorn, I suppose. Imagine two teenage girls screaming louder than the movie-screen’s scream-queen (say that

3 times fast). My skin twitches at the thought of it.

Despite the stealthy ninja roaches, I still miss drive-in movies with their crackly speakers, squadrons of mosquitoes (and that mummifying fragrance of a smoking mosquito coil), cardboard pizzas, and the fractured molars from un-popped kernels.

Later on in our lives, when we were dating boys, Linda and I discovered why we endured all the obligatory torture of a drive-in experience – it was the prospect of going home with 360 degrees of steamy windows. And, by the way, we made sure our date’s backseat was certified bug-free.

by Donna Rhodes

Even with its random inconveniences and less-than-perfect viewing prospects, there was real magic to be found at the drive-in.

Autoimmunity Dr.SueAery

Autoimmunity can be managed with a wise treatment plan and healthy lifestyle choices.

Autoimmunity is far more prevalent in the 21st century than ever before. As our bodies continue to be barraged by chemicals and hormones and other non-food particulates, we are continually facing an alteration of our genes and genetic makeup.

The surge of gut-damaging “foods” and chemically altered items that are constantly replacing our natural versions, creates damaging environments for digestion and elimination. Not to mention, how we absorb the essential elements of real food- vitamins and minerals and other vital nutrients for our survival. The immune system, which is rooted in the gut, is constantly being damaged and less able to handle normal function, to protect the body. The result is more and more alterations of our genes, which has led to the study of epigenetics and nutragenomics. These little-known fields show and study the direct correlation between food and genetics. We are finding out

that poor dietary practices can lead to a “switch” of a gene, usually not a favorable one. Now, when talking about autoimmunity, this is one of the most common causes of our immune system turning on itself to gradually attack and destroy our own cells and organs. Good nutrition can be shown to “switch” genes in a positive direction!

There are two models of thought when dealing with and treating autoimmune disease. Many of the common autoimmune diseases are Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Sjogren’s Disease, Psoriatic Arthritis, Hashimoto’s Thyroid Disease, Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s Disease, and many others. Some can be diagnosed with blood tests, but others are still too new to have specific markers. Most blood tests include inflammatory markers, ANA, RH factor, CRP, and others including specific antibody markers. One model of treatment involves taking

immune suppressing drugs to remove the attack from the immune system. The downside of these drugs is that the immune system loses most of its function, leaving the patient more vulnerable to sicknesses. These are powerful drugs, which often require infusions or self injections. The second model is more function based, keeping the immune system calm or “dimmed,” like a light switch. This involves lifestyle and nutritional approaches, keeping the diet clean of preservatives, chemicals, gluten, dairy, alcohol, and sugar. Eating well and loading the body with antioxidants, fruits and vegetables, clean foods and healthy oils can lessen the load on the immune system and digestive system. Whatever you choose, make sure that your diagnosis is definite, your approach is consistent and you understand the implications.

by Dr. Sue Aery, Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Expansive Renovation

The best of times in the Blue Ridge happens at the Burlingame Country Club in Sapphire.

And now those 5-star events are better than ever. Burlingame’s club and complex are shiny and new, top to bottom. Grab this op to escape America’s heatwave. Break-away to Burlingame’s coolness. Treat yourself to their beautiful, up-to-date digs, dining, a cool pool, and so much more.

The Burlingame Country Club’s expansion and remodel are not only a visual feast, they’re a compelling invitation to dine, play, and shop. Start with an expanded lawn sports complex, culinary delight, tee-up a round of golf, tour real estate, check out the wellness and fitness facility, admire the complex’s expansions and additions, while engaging with a friendly community.

Jennifer Webb, Director of Membership and Marketing, is thrilled with Burlingame’s amazing makeover.

She says, “The Clubhouse’s lower-level has undergone a total renovation that includes Elevation 3042. It’s our new casual restaurant featuring Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, grab ’n go items, and a Barista Station. In addition, we’ve relocated our Golf Pro Shop appointing it with handsome furnishings and surroundings. These enhancements are part of a multi-phase facilities and Golf Course update and improvement initiative that has been in the planning for several years.”

Part of what makes the expanded layout so alluring is its glorious indoor/ outdoor experience. Surrender to the Country Club’s calling and relax, well, just about anywhere. Spend an evening, sipping a glass of wine beneath the stars. Reminisce the adventures of the day: pickleball, tennis, swimming, croquet, socializing with new and old friends. Unwind under a lustrous canopy of moonglow. Sip and nosh, in twilight,

dotted with flashes of lightning bug romance. Early morning, gaze at mesmerizing vistas. The facilities are surrounded by Mother Nature’s best, swathed in veils of fresh, forest air. Greenery is everywhere – woodlands, rhodos, glorious gardens. The sweet mountain mist is intoxicating. In the background, tune into a symphony of falling water and rushing streams, harmonized with the calls of songbirds, crickets, and cicadas.

Burlingame is transformed just for you. So, come. Enjoy. You’ll arrive as a stranger, but at Burlingame, you’ll leave – or stay –as a lifelong friend.

For more information visit Jennifer Webb, Membership & Marketing Director; Experience-Burlingame. com; (828) 966-9200; 746 Club Drive, Sapphire, NC.

by Donna Rhodes

Burlingame Country Club vast expansion and renovation means it’s setting the standard for deeply indulgent concierge service at all levels.

Listening to You

Listening to its core communities is vital to Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation’s mission of delivering thorough, compassionate care to the Plateau.

At the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, we believe the importance of listening to the communities we serve cannot be overstated. With this in mind, we hosted a series of listening sessions with more than 50 key stakeholders and organizations as part of the Health Foundation’s strategic planning initiative. Through this input, we aim to better understand the unique challenges facing our community and develop targeted solutions that truly make a lasting difference. Here are some key reasons why this is essential: Relevance and Impact: By listening to the community, we can comprehend the real challenges and issues people are facing. This helps the Health Foundation

to tailor its grants and initiatives to address the most impactful solutions.

Identifying Emerging Needs: Community needs and priorities evolve over time. By regularly listening and staying connected to the community, we strive to identify new and emerging challenges and adapt our strategies accordingly.

Networking and Collaboration: Engaging with the community opens doors for collaborations with local and regional organizations and stakeholders. These partnerships are essential to the Health Foundation’s overall capacity to address complex issues effectively.

Community engagement and active listening are not just buzzwords but are integral components of successful and impactful work. By truly understanding and responding to the needs and priorities of the community, the Health Foundation can ensure our efforts are targeted, relevant, and sustainable, ultimately making a real difference in the lives of the people of the Plateau. To learn more about the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, and our mission to Lift Health and Well-Being, Together, please visit HCHealthFnd.org.

by Josh Bryson, Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation

Should you invest … or speculate?

You’ll find some big differences between traditional and speculative investments — and knowing these differences can matter a great deal when you’re trying to reach your financial goals.

To begin with, let’s look at the basic types of traditional and speculative investments. Traditional investments are those with which you’re probably already familiar: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, government securities, certificates of deposit (CDs) and so on. Speculative investments include cryptocurrencies, foreign currencies and precious metals such as gold, silver and copper.

Now, consider these three components of investing and how they differ between traditional and speculative investments: The first issue to consider is risk. When you own stocks or stock-based mutual funds, the value of your investments will fluctuate. And bond prices will also move up and down, largely in response

to changing interest rates. However, owning an array of stocks — smallcompany, large-company, international, etc. — can help reduce the impact of volatility on your stock portfolio. And owning a mix of short- and long-term bonds can help you defend yourself somewhat against interest-rate movements. When interest rates fall, you’ll still have your longer-term bonds, which generally — but not always – pay higher rates than short-term ones. And when interest rates rise, you can redeem your maturing short-term bonds at potentially higher rates.

With speculative investments, though, price movements can be extreme as well as rapid. During their short history, cryptocurrencies in particular have shown astonishingly fast moves up and down, resulting in huge gains followed by equally huge, or bigger, losses. The risk factor for crypto is exacerbated by its being largely unregulated, unlike with stocks and bonds, whose transactions are

overseen by well-established regulatory agencies. There just isn’t much that investors can do to modulate the risk presented by crypto and some other speculative investments.

A second key difference between traditional and speculative investments is the time horizon involved. When you invest in stocks and other traditional investments, you ideally should be in it for the long term — it’s not a “get rich quick” strategy. But those who purchase speculative investments want, and expect, quick and sizable returns, despite the considerable risk involved.

A third difference between the two types of investments is the activity required by investors. When you’re a long-term investor in traditional investments, you may not have to do all that much, once you’ve built a portfolio that’s appropriate for your risk tolerance, goals and time horizon. After that point, it’s mostly just a matter of monitoring your portfolio

and making occasional moves — you’re not constantly buying and selling, or at least you shouldn’t be. But when you speculate in crypto or other instruments, you are constantly watching prices move — and then making your own moves in response. It’s an activity that requires considerable attention and effort.

One final thought: Not all speculative instruments are necessarily bad investments. Precious metals, for instance, are found in some traditional mutual funds, sometimes in the form of shares of mining companies. And even crypto may become more of a stable vehicle once additional regulation comes into play. But if you’re investing for long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement — rather than speculating for thrills and quick gains, which may disappear just as quickly — you may want to give careful thought to the types of investments you pursue.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

Todd Holder

An Eye Toward The Future

Rural hospitals have suffered from mass closures over the last 15 years, but those who live in these areas need advanced healthcare as much as those in densely populated cities.

I’m not just referring to caring for patients’ physical bodies either. The need is great for behavioral health care services in rural areas as well.

Our communities in Western North Carolina now have the new Sweeten Creek Mental Health and Wellness Center as an important resource for advanced, evidence-based behavioral health care. The 84,000-square foot facility, located a couple miles from Mission Hospital in Asheville, represents both a $65 million investment in local mental health services by HCA Healthcare and a meaningful solution to the problem of behavioral health care “deserts” that exist within so many rural communities across the country. The need for services is great, and this new facility is meeting it, with its 120 inpatient beds and future plans for an additional 40+ beds.

The new Center is expertly designed, beautiful, and tranquil. The community had the opportunity to see it last month at an open house where staff members

led tours of the facility, explained in greater detail what their services would encompass, highlighted the patientfriendly amenities, and answered visitors’ questions. It is located on a sprawling 25-acre campus that offers courtyards, a basketball court, and a horticulture area, while the inside boasts a cafeteria, gymnasium, and areas for music and art therapy, among other benefits.

The Center will offer treatment to children as young as four, and up to older adults. Inpatient and intensive outpatient services will be available to adolescents and adults. Treatment for all patients will be individualized to meet their specific needs.

The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, traumatic experiences, chronic illness, and everyday stress are just some of the contributors to the alarming increase in mental disorder diagnoses in the United States, especially over the last decade. Anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideations are plaguing our children and adolescents in particular, and the United States Preventive Task Force now advises that all adults get screened for depression, including older adults. Community members can access

services at the Center by being referred by their physician or may self-refer by calling (828) 213-4696. A game changing capability that opens up the Center’s services to the entire region is that no matter where you live in Western North Carolina, you can get help via telehealth and receive telepsych services remotely. This technology breaks down one of the most persistent barriers to care.

The Sweeten Creek Mental Health & Wellness Center is providing needed services to patients and families and the expansiveness of the facility, created with an eye toward the future, allows for more services today and tomorrow.

When we can speak without shame about mental health needs — our own and our loved ones’ — we can understand the importance of seeking therapy or taking prescribed medication for a mental health diagnosis. In order to be our healthiest, both our physical and mental health must be supported.

by Tom Neal RN, MBA, MHA, CEO/CNO, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital

The new Sweeten Creek Mental Health and Wellness Center addresses the Behavioral Healthcare needs of the Plateau.

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Local Resorts Recognized

Four Plateau resort destinations have won top honors from the readers of Travel & Leisure Magazine.

In 1957 an article in The New York Times described Highlands as a spot well-suited for a “drive-awhile, stop-awhile summer vacation.”

More than 30 years later, a local developer told the same paper that, “Highlands is a sleepy town just starting to come into its own.”

And so it has. The big leap has arrived. Of course, visitors had been coming to the Plateau for some time – for leisurely

enjoyment, for mountain views, outdoor activities, and the temperate climate. But in the last decade, and in increasing numbers, the attraction of luxurious resorts beckons equally.

In July, Travel & Leisure Magazine readers recognized four area resorts as among “Readers’ 15 Favorite Resorts in the South.”

The magazine’s editors noted that; “The small town of Highlands has fewer than

2,000 full-time residents but is home to three ranked resorts: No. 2 Skyline Lodge; No. 6 Old Edwards Inn & Spa; and No. 8 Half-Mile Farm.”

In Cashiers, High Hampton was ranked at No. 14.

Exceptional lodging in harmony with the natural landscape, a blend of Southern comfort, and extraordinary hospitality and luxurious indulgence are highlights of all these resorts. Not only are they the

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pride of the Plateau they are all justifiably proud of their hard-won recognition. Steve Palmer, founder of the Indigo Road Hospitality Group that owns and operates Skyline Lodge said, “We are humbled and thrilled for this recognition for our little motor lodge. Restoring this special historical place has really been an honor. We are so grateful to our talented employees who have made Skyline Lodge memorable, and to our amazing guests for the incredible reception we have received.”

At Old Edwards and Half-Mile Farm, Amy Passauer, Senior Marketing

Manager said, “We are honored to be included in the list,” and sent a note to guests saying, “Thank you for spending your days with us and sharing your love for Old Edwards Inn and Half Mile Farm.”

Clearly, the accolade reflects the collective efforts of a team devoted to creating these two tranquil havens for guests and upholding their legacy as cherished destinations.

Equally exhilarated by the distinction was High Hampton General Manager, Stephen McLean, who noted that, “The High Hampton team works hard every

day to offer our guests the best hospitality and the best experience while they’re here. Their unwavering dedication to our guests and to the Inn is no doubt what led to this recognition. We’re thrilled to be celebrated as a favorite resort in the South, and we can’t wait for more guests to join us and experience the beauty of Cashiers.”

by Marlene Osteen

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Help Reach the Summit

Summit Charter School, a tuitionfree K-12 public charter school in Cashiers, is undertaking Help Us Reach Our Summit, a $6.5 million campaign to support Phase II of its expansion from a K-8 to K-12 school. Thanks to the generous support of early donors, Summit has secured $3.7 million toward the campaign goal of $6.5 million, as well as $1 million in donated goods and services to support the construction of the project.

As a public charter school, Summit does not receive public funding for capital improvements and relies on private funding to fully fund the needs of its facilities and ultimately, the vital needs of its school children, faculty, and staff.

The Help Us Reach Our Summit campaign is a result of historic growth at Summit Charter School, which was established as K-8 in 1997 and was one

of the first charter schools in the state of North Carolina. In 2018, Summit started adding a new high school grade annually, graduating its first senior class in the spring of 2022. Graduating Summit students have achieved a 100 percent graduation rate with 100 percent earning acceptance to college, including 71 offers of admission from 31 colleges and universities and life-changing scholarships. Thirty percent of Summit graduates are first-generation college bound.

For the 2023-24 school year, Summit has 311 students currently enrolled, with 8 of its now 13 grades at full capacity. This includes 52 new students. While enrollment has increased across multiple grades, middle school in particular has seen a significant increase over the past two years.

“Since 2019, Summit has experienced a 33 percent increase in student enroll-

ment. We see this trend as both reflective of the growth in our community, and an affirmation of the value of a Summit education in the lives of our children,” says Kurt Pusch, head of school. “With this growth, our current facilities have reached their capacity. Our goal in this next phase of expansion is to create the additional space to maintain the small class sizes that are distinctive to Summit’s program, and to support our current enrollment growth and longerterm enrollment goals.”

As part of the expansion, Summit Charter School will add a new 15,000 square foot high school building, separate from the school’s existing facilities but remaining on its 33-acres of land. The new building will include traditional classrooms, a science lab, a learning kitchen, rooms for individualized education, an outdoor courtyard,

Summit Charter School Foundation is expanding in a big way –constructing a well-appointed High School Building.

admin offices, and a large commons area. With this new facility, Summit will transition its current Phase I high school building – built in 2019 at 6,600 square feet – into the school’s new Middle School Building and will add a Pavilion for middle school lunch and assemblies. Finally, the expansion project includes a student-designed Fitness Center, which was funded through a student-led project and is nearing completion.

“By transitioning the middle school into our original high school building, we also open up classroom space for our lower grades. This expansion will enable us to improve our K-12 capacity, build upon our educational program, and welcome new families, all while remaining committed to small class sizes to support our students and teachers,” says Pusch.

Locally-owned Sweetwater Builders managed the Fitness Center project and donated 100 percent of the builder fee. Following a formal RFP process,

Summit hired South Carolina-based JDavis Construction to build the new High School Building.

The new High School Building is slated to open for the 2024-25 school year.

Fundraising efforts for the expansion are led by the Summit Charter School Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that raises private funding to support Summit Charter School, which receives significantly less funding than a traditional public school.

The Foundation is volunteer-led by a board of directors that include invested community members, current and former parents, and school alumni. Sarah

Jennings, chair of the Foundation, states:

“It is an exciting time at Summit. With the growth of our greater community comes growth within our school. As a Foundation, we are proud to be debt-free and hope to remain that way by garnering the additional support we need for the capital campaign.”

To support the Help Us Reach Our

Summit fundraising campaign, please visit www.summitschool.org/ expansion or contact me, Development Director Melissa Hudson at mhudson@ summitschool.org or (828) 743-5755.

Summit’s mission is to engage students in learning experiences that stimulate discovery, inspire excellence, and nurture a positive influence in an everchanging world. The school’s primary goals are to graduate students who are academically prepared, engaged in the community, and strong in character. For the 2023-24 school year, Summit will serve 311 students and 48 faculty and staff. The student population represents five counties in rural Western North Carolina.

by Melissa Hudson, Summit Charter School

Answering The Need

Carolyn Middlebrooks takes the reins of The Literacy and Learning Centers new pre-K program.

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The Literacy & Learning Center has added its first new staff member for the new pre-K program — Carolyn Middlebrooks! Responding to the growing demand for additional early childhood education in the community, this initiative aims to bridge the gap and provide a nurturing and comprehensive learning environment for children in need of pre-K education.

The lead pre-K teacher will guide and educate the children aged three to five years. She will design and implement engaging activities that promote holistic development, manage classroom dynamics, assess children’s progress, and maintain open communication with parents.

Collaborating with staff, she will also contribute to curriculum development and program planning, creating a nurturing environment that fosters early learning and sets the foundation for children’s future educational journey.

Carolyn’s previous teaching experience is mainly focused at the Kindergarten and pre-K levels in both public and private schools. She was on the team that opened the Lower School at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School in 2017, an experience that primed her immensely for this new position.

“Being a part of something from its inception can be an exciting journey filled with growth, collaboration, and the satisfaction of seeing your efforts come to fruition,” Carolyn stated. “With such a genuine need for a PreK in this community, I know this will be fulfilling work. Our efforts will have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of children and the community.”

In her new position, she is confident that she can draw upon all her past experiences as an early childhood educator to help create a strong program that will help start more of Highlands’ youth off on the right foot for a more prosperous

future. She looks forward to leveraging her talents in innovative and diverse ways to excel in this role, beginning in mid-August.

In her free time, Carolyn likes to kayak, travel, and cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs! She even has her own kayak decorated with decals from the places she’s visited. She’s a fourth-generation “Bulldog,” and her daughter is the fifth generation in the family to attend UGA.

For more information about The Literacy & Learning Center’s NC-certified pre-K program, please visit theliteracyandlearningcenter.org or contact Caroline Cox at ccox@theliteracyandlearningcenter.org or (828) 526-0863.

by Anna Norton, Literacy & Learning Center

A Call to Ministry

For Assistant Pastor Christine Murphy, planting “seeds of faith” into young minds is both a mission and a passion.

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As has been the case for many individuals who now call the Plateau their home, Mike and Christine Murphy moved their family (from Duluth, Georgia) to Highlands full-time (in 2005) after visiting family for many years.

After the Murphys had children, they felt Highlands would be a “great place” to raise them. While the couple’s journey to become Highlanders may be familiar, Christine’s road-less-traveled career path has been distinct.

“I have felt a call to ministry since I was a senior in high school,” said Christine, who recently became assistant pastor at Highlands United Methodist Church. Although she tried to ignore the “call,” and “put it off with various excuses,” she eventually acquiesced in 2020.

First, though, the family became members at HUMC after they moved to Highlands. Christine taught at Highlands School for 11 years total. Then, in January 2018, she was hired as the church’s director of children and youth ministries.

“This gave me the opportunity to continue working with children and youth but in a ministry setting as opposed to educational setting.”

But then in the spring of 2020, she said the call became too strong to ignore.

“I journeyed through the discernment process within the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church,” she said. “In the spring of 2021, I was approved as a local pastor and was appointed to two churches in Jackson County. This past spring, after much discernment, discussions, and meetings, I was appointed as HUMC’s assistant pastor. My main role at HUMC will be to oversee the children, youth, and families’ ministries. In this role I will be overseeing our youngest disciples from birth until high school graduation along with walking alongside their families.”

Planting “seeds of faith” into young minds is what is so important to Christine, who is now referred to as Rev. Murphy. “I love seeing the children’s faces during the Gordon Center for Children’s weekly chapel time, during church services, or during Sunday School, as they light up with understanding. Children have such big hearts and are so open to hearing and learning about God, Jesus, and their faith. With the youth, not only do I get the opportunity to dig deeper into their faith, we also get the opportunity to put our faith to work within the community and the world as we participate in mission projects.”

by Deena Bouknight

Pollinator Gardens Revisited

The Peggy’s thriving Pollinator Gardens represent the flowering of a very clever landscaping scheme by the Laurel Garden Club.

The Peggy Crosby Center, located at the top of a hill, rests on a topography that is rocky and steep. Precipitation, guided by the laws of gravity, needed a place to go. So, it washed down the hill.

As years went by, things worsened. Water runoff from our south parking lot began eroding the bank over the lower driveway. Typical solutions were not only expensive, they were impractical.

Our good friends, members of the Laurel Garden Club, were incorporating a new approach to gardening: “resilient landscapes.”

Resilient landscapers keep an eye on climate and environmental changes and help keep land sustainable.

The Laurel Garden Club has been a strong supporter of preserving and beautifying our property. Members wanted us to use their approach and were willing to fund the project.

They recommended a local landscape specialist, Canty Worley, to do the landscaping. We met with him that spring. Canty described the process. We agreed to go forward. After a year it was obvious that the bank was holding steady. The water dispersed and absorbed without eroding.

The method is relatively simple: help nature take its course. Landscape resilience fosters the growth of plants which occur naturally. Plants were already growing on the bank. They just needed to be left alone, to mature at their own speed, and grow into a robust plant community. By adding perennial wildflowers, a natural wildflower garden took root, bloomed, and flashed their colors and fragrance to attract the pollinators.

Once we understood the early warning signs of erosion, we spotted another problem with the small bank at the front part of our property. Mowing in and around a small rocky outcrop

was preventing any vegetation taking root. Landscape resilience was applied here too. The area was separated and left alone to allow the plants that were growing to thrive.

After the “wildness” was in place, local perennials were planted. Voila! We now have beautiful and resilient Pollinator flower gardens that reseed every year, and their root systems sustain the soil. What began with a wash-away grew into a glorious garden.

Peggy’s hill is happier, stronger, and more beautiful than ever, thanks to the gardening guidance of Canty, the Garden Club, Mother Nature, and Peggy’s devoted Board. Stop by and see the plants’ final bloom of the season, as florae produce their seed crop for spring. Come see for yourself at 348 South 5th Street in Highlands.

by

Robert E. Smith, PCC Board Chair

photo by Susan Renfro

Retail Roundtable

If you’ve ever wondered how Cashiers stays dynamic while maintaining an unmistakable generosity of spirit, and a resort destination for people across the Southeast (and pretty much everywhere in the US), even though you’d think that this little community would be lost in the clutter and clatter of 21st century America, let me direct your attention to the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce’s Retail Roundtable.

“This tight-knit team was established by the Chamber Board back in 2018,” says the Chamber’s Thomas Taulbee. “The thought behind the creation of this group was to offer an opportunity for local retailers to gather and strategize about

community activities. This results in a cohesive approach to our local retailers.”

The group meets monthly at different locations such as Buck’s Coffee Cafe, Native Prime Provisions, and Hotel Cashiers Wine Bar.

The Retail Roundtable supports members to promote the Cashiers area. Some of the groups accomplishments include – Village Lights in December, Cashiers Welcome Mat for local businesses, The Cashiers Flag, the Daffodils Beautification Initiative, and the Fall Bundle.

Every year since the fall of 2019, Cashiers Area businesses surrounding the US 64 and NC 107 Crossroads plant

daffodil bulbs in roadside beds. Retail Roundtable under the leadership of board member Lec Hobbs of Highland Hiker, organized the wholesale purchase and installation of the multitude of flowers to create a dramatic visual cue when they bloom that Spring is arriving in the mountains! To date, more than 1,500 bulbs have been planted. That’s just a sample of the ways that they’ve enriched Cashiers and Southern Jackson County.

For additional information, please contact the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce.

by Luke Osteen / photo by Mary Gillan

A close-knit team of Cashiers partisans are quietly working behind the scenes to enrich the community.

LecHobbs, HighlandHiker

EV Charging In Highlands

With the upcoming installation of a trio of EV charging stations, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC looks to the future while maintaining its commitment to preservation.

Recent statistics reveal that one in every seven cars sold this year will be an electric vehicle.

Projections indicate that at this pace, electric cars will make up 18 percent of car sales worldwide. Furthermore, a report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance predicts that by 2040, 58 percent of worldwide car sales will be electric vehicles.

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC understands the growing demand for EV infrastructure and decided to invest in the future by expanding the availability of EV car chargers in town.

After extensive research and discussions with local businesses already offering charging stations, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC partnered with EnviroSpark, an award-winning company specializing

in EV charging solutions. To fund this project, the Chamber applied for a grant from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). The grant supported the installation of five “Level 2 Public Access” networked chargers, which the Highlands Chamber of Commerce will own and, through a partnership with the Town of Highlands, will place on their property.

Prior to this expansion, the Plateau only had one public-use charger, with a few additional stations located at private clubs and hotels. The introduction of the new chargers aims to significantly enhance accessibility and convenience for EV drivers who travel to or live or work in our town.

The chargers are being strategically installed throughout town to avoid highly utilized parking spaces. Locations include two on Oak Street,

two on Third Street, and one at the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC Welcome Center at 108 Main Street. The Chamber decided to implement charging fees, making it economically viable to maintain the stations. The fee was set at $2.75 per hour for the first four hours.

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC remains committed to destination stewardship and has always strived to strike a balance between progress and preservation. With our investment in EV infrastructure, the Chamber aims to not only enhance the town’s appeal but also provide a greener and more sustainable future for residents and visitors alike.

by Johanna Fein, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC

Live well. Run free.

A private, low-density amenitized community, located on the prestigious 107 South corridor just five minutes from the center Cashiers, NC.

Silver Run Reserve is paradise of natural beauty o ering a variety of amenities for indoor and outdoor fun and wellness, and a range of large estate homesites and built cottages. Call for more details and a tour of this beautiful community.

WELCOME HOME.

828.342.3194

BETH TOWNSEND Co-Owner / Broker

COLEEN GOTTLOEB Broker-In-Charge

TIM HEATLEY Broker

CLAY CANTLER Broker / Licensed Assistant

KARALINE CANTLER Broker / Administrator

LIZ HARRIS Co-Owner / Broker

ANN MCKEE AUSTIN Co-Owner / Broker

SUSAN HEATLEY Broker

TK HEATLEY Broker

SANDY BARROW Broker

JOHN BARROW Broker / Rental Coordinator

MAGGIE ELMER Broker

JESSICA HOHEISEL Broker / Licensed Assistant

Elevated living

For nearly half a century, McKee Properties has helped define the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau, setting the standard for premier real estate and the area’s luxury mountain lifestyle.

CASHIERS, NORTH CAROLINA

PHOTO: THE HISTORIC MINNIE COLE HOUSE (CIRCA 1875). A DESIGNATED CASHIERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY HERITAGE PROPERTY AND RECIPIENT OF THE 2022 VILLAGE HERITAGE AWARD.

Cashiers

39.18 ACRES A rare opportunity to acquire this premier Cashiers, NC acreage located on the prestigious Highway 107 South corridor, just three minutes from town! Much of the land is nearly level with a creek and stream running through it, and an elevated area offering great homesites with gentle topography and views of Chimneytop Mountain, Rock Mountain, Big Sheepcliff, and others. This property would make a beautiful private estate just minutes from the center of

OFFERED FOR $6,900,000

Cashiers and close to Wade Hampton, High Hampton, and Chattooga Club. Enjoy the excitement of your favorite club and the privacy of your own quiet estate just a couple minutes away. This land also offers excellent commercial, residential or mixed-use development potential with its great location, frontage on Highway 107 South, gentle topography, and views. MLS 101855

Silver Run Reserve

5 BR / 5.5 BA This gorgeous 8.5 acre estate is located in the beautiful Silver Run Reserve, just ve minutes from Cashiers. It features a brand new 5 bedroom home scheduled for completion in March of 2024. The fantastic home is designed by renowned architect TS Adams and constructed by one of Cashiers’ nest builders, Harris Custom Homes. The gentle lot boasts beautiful views of Whiteside Mountain that sweep through the trees and beyond into the Meadows of Silver Run

Reserve. Silver Run Creek ows just below the house providing excellent shing, natural plunge pools, and wading areas for children. This home is located an easy walking distance to all of Silver Run Reserve’s wonderful amenities, and is a convenient location within the community yet tucked back in the acreage for ultimate privacy. This great estate has it all and is a must-see! Please reach out to Liz to schedule a tour, or for a detailed information booklet on oor plans and nishes. MLS 101991

Chattooga Club

4 BR / 3 BA / 2 HBA Modern, mountain luxury perfectly describes this four bedroom estate home located within the Chattooga Club on a private lot–all just a few minutes from Cashiers! The home was built in 2012 and underwent an upscale renovation including a major addition to the home, a chef’s kitchen with a walk-in pantry, light and airy nishes; all featuring the owing, open oor plan the modern buyer seeks. The main level leads you from the vaulted kitchen and dining room into the upscale great room, and out onto the fully nished Carolina porch featuring year-round use through automatic canvas shades. Multiple wood-burning replaces provide a modern mountain

OFFERED FOR $6,150,000

ambiance, and walls of windows allow you to take in the long-range mountain views throughout the entire home. A cozy library with its own replace welcomes you through to the beautiful oversized primary suite located on the main level. Upstairs features two large guest suites and beautiful views from each one. The terrace level features a large family room, a fourth bedroom, a half bath, and the laundry room. The exterior completes this home with a winding, stone driveway lined with beautiful landscaping including garden lighting and elegant trees. The stone terrace off the kitchen is the perfect spot to enjoy both views and a mature garden surrounding it and the activity lawn. MLS 102379

Wade Hampton Golf Club

4 BR / 4.5 BA

Located within the prestigious Wade Hampton Golf Club, this home boasts long range mountain views, golf course views and is a 5-minute drive to the center of Cashiers. The home features a total of 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths between the main house and carriage house, and 2 bonus rooms within the main house. The main house has a owing oor plan from the vaulted great room with a stone replace to the cozy dining room and kitchen featuring a second replace. A large primary suite with two walk-in closets and private porch is located on the main level. Upstairs, you will nd a guest en-suite and two bonus rooms. A large, covered porch off the great room with a continuing side

porch allow you to enjoy the private setting of this home and take in the views of your mountain getaway! The carriage house located above the connected two-car carport features two additional guest en-suites and small wet bar. MLS 102267

High Hampton

5 BR / 5.5 BA The Pines: This 1950s rancher has undergone an extensive HGTV-like renovation over the past several years! Fresh, open, light and roomy, the all on one level home is perfect for large families or golf foursomes, each “player” having their own space. A connected two-car garage was recently converted into the primary en suite bedroom with french doors to its own patio. The home has beautiful wood oors, vintage metal windows (before it was “a thing”), painted wood and brick interior walls, and tile oors in the bathrooms. There are two interior replaces: one in the den-entry room and one in the family room, plus a new outdoor replace on the raised stone terrace in the private back yard. A newly constructed two-car garage and covered walkway has been

OFFERED FOR $4,800,000

added in the paved parking area. The almost 4 acre rolling expansive lawn is very unique to this area—this is an excellent property for a guest house, gardening, badminton, play areas for family and pets, there is ample room for them all! Easy in and out driveway, this is a part of High Hampton (and its history!), but only a stone’s throw to Wade Hampton, Chattooga Club, and close to the center of Cashiers, too. MLS 102606

Lonesome Valley OFFERED FOR $3,895,000

3 BR / 3.5 BA This inviting traditional mountain home and its setting exude tranquility and a true connection with nature. Ascend on a long private driveway, and at the top you’ll be greeted by the understated, beautifully conceived masterpiece imagined by Sam Edgens and built by Sadlon Builders. This modern day treehouse was placed in a terraced boulder garden laced with colorful native plants. There are close up dramatic rock face and long distance mountain views; glory that can be seen from all major rooms, the decks, view balcony, rocking chair porch and double decker Carolina rooms, both with replaces! The kitchen and large pantry are in the heart of the home and connect openly to the dining and living room. Master bedroom is on main with individual amenities

for two in the bathroom and closets. Upstairs are two bedrooms each with their own bath, plus an of ce, cozy den/exercise room and large attic storage area. The home is lled with large windows to take in all of the wonderful views. Other ne details include the custom Andrew Crawford Ironworks passageway insert, 8 ft tall doors, wide plank pine oors, heated towel racks, water cop and encapsulated lower level with a wo/man cave. While the home has 3 bona de bedrooms, the oversized, very private lot offers plenty of space for a guest house if needed; either nishoff the separate garage (which currently offers an outdoor shower), or start afresh at another location on site. MLS 102543

Pinnacle Ridge OFFERED FOR $3,225,000

4 BR / 4 BA / 2 HBA Soaring in every way, this beautiful high elevation home presents the nest in mountain living! Majestic, long range views are available from every major room in the house. Located off coveted Cedar Creek Road, gated, elevated Pinnacle Ridge is a quaint enclave of approximately 15 lots, and offers central water system, paved roads and quality driven architectural standards. Paved driveway, mature landscaping and a pretty front porch provide the perfect greeting to this traditional yet current home. The pine paneled living room has soaring ceilings, a stone oor-to-ceiling replace and loads of windows facing the easterly views, with direct access to the large porch. A cased opening leads to kitchen and dining, and the Carolina Room with another oorto-ceiling replace. The laundry, powder bath and hallway to the two-car garage are adjacent to the kitchen. The primary is the only bedroom on

the main level. It, too, has soaring ceilings, an adjacent home of ce, direct porch access and en suite bath. Upstairs are two generous guest suites and a large tness/game room located over the garage. The lower level offers an additional living room with a replace, movie theatre and the nal guest suite with easy access outdoors. Upgrades such as low maintenance Hardie Board siding, blown insulation, encapsulation, new roof in 2021, new interior paint, and hardwired security cameras make this a great opportunity to purchase a home that will allow you to play instead of work when you are in the mountains! MLS 102135

Whisper Lake

3 BR / 3.5 BA This stunning property gently presides over a quiet pristine mountain lake and has a lovely long-range view of Hogback Mountain. The double lot provides privacy yet is in the midst of a vibrant and fun-loving community. As with a notable wine, this home has several “ avors” that create its unique style—Arts and Crafts, California contemporary, and luxury ocean liner, too! The home is well built and maintained, nished with ne materials, and a pleasure to behold. Entering the house draws one into the great room with beautiful cherry oors, soaring ceilings with specialty beams and wood-burning replace with raised hearth. Large oor-to-ceiling windows afford expansive lake views and lots of natural light. Above, a fantastic home of ce with balcony is accessed by a double helix stairway. The great room has access to the covered porch with replace, pass through windows to the

kitchen, and phantom screens. The porch connects to additional decking and accesses the art studio which would also make a ne sunroom. The master bedroom has a makeup niche, lounging nook (by the big lake view windows), double vanities, tub and shower. The open kitchen has views to both the front yard and lake. It has an island, tile oors, granite countertops, two sinks, specialty cabinetry, and induction cooktop. The pantry has its own windows, as does the large laundry. Downstairs offers guests their own cheerful living room with direct access to a deck and the lake, along with a kitchenette and two bedrooms and baths, and a bonus room. While the lake creates an unparalleled view, the entry side of the house runs a close second with its terraced gardens and mature landscaping. MLS 102158 JUST

Bridge Creek OFFERED FOR $1,250,000

3 BR / 3 BA / 2 HBA Beautiful traditional farmhouse style cottage in a small private gated enclave, just minutes from Cashiers and Highlands. Enjoy the pond and small waterfall in the backyard as you relax in the screened Carolina Room with wood-burning replace. Another wood-burning replace is located in the vaulted living room. This charming home has a wrap-around covered porch with steps to multiple parts of the gentle yard. The primary bedroom suite is on the

main, and has an interesting shelving wall for books, art, collectibles and a television. Two additional bedroom suites are upstairs, one is a bunk room with an area for a home of ce. Hardwood oors ow throughout and granite counter tops in kitchen and baths. The home was professionally decorated and is offered furnished. Additional conditioned space for art, home of ce, exercise room, etc. is provided upstairs in the recently constructed carport with half bath. MLS 102612

Whiteside Cove Road

OFFERED FOR $885,000

4 BR / 3 BA

This cozy mountain cottage with shared driveway has easy ingress and egress off Whiteside Cove Road and adjoins the Heaton Forest section of High Hampton. Mature trees and landscaping greet you as you pass a gently sloping lawn to the home. The front entry is accessed off a large half-wrap deck with plenty of room for outdoor

furniture. Inside there’s a soaring ceiling in the wood paneled great room and a replace currently out tted with a wood stove. The kitchen, two small bedrooms and a bath nish off this level. Large master bedroom is upstairs with its own bath. The lower level has three main spaces that can be used in many different ways. MLS 102321

Holly Forest

OFFERED FOR $719,000

3 BR / 3 BA

This charming home is on the Cashiers side of the Holly Forest neighborhood, near Camp Merrie Woode, and to get there one drives past beautiful Fair eld Lake! The home’s circular driveway is on a gentle grade providing easy access. Just inside, an expansive vaulted ceiling contains the great room with wood-burning stone replace, dining and kitchen with open concept and great lighting. Main bedroom and two guest rooms are nicely separated for privacy. Off the great room there is a conditioned sunroom with many windows

providing excellent additional year round living space, plant oasis, or a quiet place to read and relax. Upstairs is a nished large vaulted room with a private bath which could be used for an excellent home of ce, over ow guest space or TV/game room. Outside the lower yard has mature landscaping and steps to a trail leading to a mountain dipping stream on the adjoining community property. Despite its close proximity to town and the Wyndham amenities, this home has a very private feeling.

MLS 101918

JUST REDUCED

Continental Cliffs

5 BR / 6 BA What a view! Rock Mountain, Chimney Top, Terrapin, and Whiteside are four of the many mountains seen from this large, lovely property! Upon entering the home with its new double-doors with glass panes, step into a lovely foyer, then a sizable great-room with a dining area seating at least 10, oor-to-ceiling stone replace, and a wall of windows facing the view. To the left is a large kitchen and keeping room with plenty of comfortable seating. Just off the kitchen is the rst of two laundry rooms

and a charming den/library. Also on the rst oor is the lovely primary bedroom with replace and an en suite bath with the gorgeous mountain view and doors out to the deck and covered porch. In addition, there is a guest bedroom on the main oor with en suite bath. Downstairs is a spacious den with wood-burning replace and three bedrooms. The home is located in the charming and welcoming neighborhood of Continental Cliffs and is a short distance to the Crossroads of Cashiers. MLS 102229

Cullasaja Club OFFERED FOR $2,500,000

4 BR / 5.5 BA You are in for a treat! This beautiful mountain home located within the gated community of Cullasaja Club and only a short drive from the gatehouse boasts 4 bedrooms and 5 and a half baths. The primary bedroom on the main level has his and her baths, separate closets, and a laundry room nearby with new washer and dryer. Nearby is a lovely, spacious of ce with lots of light from out-of-doors. Also on the main oor is a handsome library with ample book shelves and large TV. The

kitchen boasts a gas range, many built-ins, a spacious pantry, and a lovely breakfast room with sun-lit windows and doors out onto the deck. The home has a 2-car garage, readily accessible from the main oor. Upstairs is one bedroom with an ensuite bath, and downstairs is a large, beautiful area with a spacious den and replace, two bedrooms and two baths. There is access to a single garage for the golf-cart. Walking outside from this area takes you right to the golf course! Furniture included. MLS 101675

SANDY BARROW | C 478.737.9664

JOHN BARROW | C 828.506.9356

Laurel Knob Road

3 BR / 2.5 BA Charming farmhouse featuring all one-level living and over 7 acres ready to be made into a your own quaint farm estate or unrestricted to other possibilities! Less than 10 minutes from Cashiers and next door to Mountaintop Golf Club, the property features a beautiful rock face, a rolling meadow, and wooded areas. The split oor plan features an oversized master suite on one side of the home and two

JUST REDUCED

The Oaks

OFFERED FOR $1,895,000

more bedrooms and a bathroom on the other. The center of the home is found in a large kitchen, living room featuring a rock replace, a cozy dining room, an of ce and an expansive deck off the back allowing to take in views of the large rock face on the property.

MLS 102548

OFFERED FOR $995,000

3 BR / 2 BA

Hidden in the charming neighborhood of The Oaks, the location of this home provides quick access to the clubs of both Glen Cove, Old Edwards and Mountaintop Golf Club and is only 10 minutes from Cashiers or 15 minutes to Highlands. Enjoy breathtaking, long range mountain views including an expansive view of Whiteside

Mountain from the home. The cottage features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and vaulted ceilings with a large stone replace in the living room.

MLS 102549

Stillmont

4 BR / 4 BA A beautifully remodeled cottage located in the desirable Stillmont neighborhood. Offering a main house and guest house with 4 bedrooms/4 baths. The main house offers two bedrooms/two baths, an additional sitting/of ce area a large screened porch and a one car garage. The darling guest house offers two spacious guest en-suites and a kitchenette. The almost 2 acres features nearly level topography,

OFFERED FOR $1,690,000

a pretty view of Whiteside Mountain, grassy yards surrounding the home, and beautiful perennials. Stillmont is conveniently located just 5 minutes from Cashiers between Highlands and Cashiers, and close to Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club, Old Edwards Club, and Wildcat Cliffs Country Club. MLS 102444

Whiteside Forest $895,000

20.52 ACRES This lot features gorgeous, year-round views of Whiteside Mountain and the surrounding mountains as well as stream frontage, two waterfalls, caves, and protected by National Forest along two of its borders. Several knolls along the ridge line within the property would provide for beautiful build sites. It is conveniently located off Whiteside Cove Road in Whiteside Forest. MLS 102314

Wade Hampton $250,000

0.66 ACRES This lot is a beautiful, mostly at lot providing for a beautiful home site, gently rolling with golf course view of fteenth fairway in Wade Hampton Golf Club. With its golf frontage and location off the quiet street of Fox Fire, this lot is a must see! Wade Hampton Golf Club is a McKee Development Neighborhood and Tom Fazio Designed Golf Course. MLS 102570

LIZ HARRIS , GUILD ELITE™