Winter 2016 by The Laurel Magazine of Highlands NC and Cashiers NC

HIGHLANDS AND CASHIERS

WINTER 2016

THELAURELMAGAZINE.COM

LAUREL

YOUR GUIDE TO

MLS#: 81498

$1,900,000

Prestigious Brushy Face. Spectacular layered vistas await you from this lovely home, located on over 1.4 acres with usable yard in the desirable community of Brushy Face. The home features one level living with the living, kitchen, dining, master bedroom with ensuite bath, powder room, and laundry all on the main level. Great room design with lovely kitchen with breakfast bar, living room with stone fireplace opens onto a huge screened porch. Upstairs has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, plus an office. Lower level has great storage with

FINDING YOUR DREAM

a kids room, 2 additional sleeping rooms, 2 full baths, and a family room with fireplace. Full propane furnace plus central air, whole house generator and a 2 car garage round out this wonderful opportunity.

HOME

IS OUR PASSION

Wright Square Sales Office (828) 526-2520 Main Street Sales Office (828) 526-5010 Mountain Fresh Rental & Sales Office (828) 787-2002

MLS#: 81982

$1,399,900

Cowee Ridge Charming, Spacious Home is located in the desirable gated community of Cowee Ridge. Large lot with great privacy and stunning mountain views. Four bedrooms, 3 1/3 baths, 2 fireplaces, Huge living room, custom kitchen, outdoor living room loads of storage, Nicely landscaped lot of almost 2 acres. 2 car garage. a

www.ccphighlandsnc.com | www.highlandsinfo.com 2 | Winter 2016 | thelaurelmagazine.com ccp4info@frontier.com

do not miss for the price!

MLS#: 79215

$375,000

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths totally updated Highlands Manor Condo. Amenities include fireplace, ceiling fans in each bedroom and the family room, large deck accessible from bedrooms and family room, appliances (new fridge, microwave, stove), washer and dryer in a separate laundry room with additional storage, utility sink, new roof, cable/internet, heating: electric, fully furnished, free parking. Brightly lit with high-quality windows and Hunter-Douglas vertical blinds. Wood floors cover the kitchen, foyer and hallway leading to the bedrooms. The bedrooms are all carpeted as is the family room. Walking distance (0.2 miles/1000 ft) to grocery, library, restaurants, shops. Backyard access to local trails and lake with nature center & biological station.

MLS#: 82990

Close to Downtown, this special

MLS#: 73201

$450,000

Chestnut Street. Looking for that in town location with a flat building site and walk to town...Well this is it. Has a historical house to restore or just start over. Sidewalk in front and only 4 blocks to downtown.

MLS#: 74556

$575,000

2,700 SFÂą Commercial building located near Highlands Falls Country Club. Great exposure and wonderful setting overlooks a bold creek and room for dwelling or addition.

$875,000

THE COTSWOLDS. Updated Mountain home features 3 bedrooms, plus a den and a huge multipurpose room in the main house plus a guest room and full bath above the 2 car garage. Large deck and covered porch. Very nice view of the distant mountains. Good Rental History.

MLS#: 74675

$595,000

Shelby Place. Located close to town in the desirable Shelby Place, this spacious home was built originally by Schmitt Construction as the builders personal home. Quality finishes throughout from the copper roofed bay windows to the wood floors and heavy moldings. The easy living plan expands for guests/family comfort on the terrace level. Huge screened porch and 2 car garage make this a great family home.

Setting consists of over 3 acres with a ridgeline View and easy care yard. The dwelling is spacious, with a mountain contemporary flair. 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3 car garage, plus an office, family room, and outdoor living room. Wonderful Gallery surrounds the Vaulted living room with a sunken conversation pit with fireplace. Additional fireplace on the covered outdoor living room. A great package for investment with 2 possible additional building sites.

MLS#: 79147

MLS#: 78627

$995,000

$489,000

MLS#: 77660

$419,000

Hickory Street. Looking for that rustic family cabin walking distance to town? We have listed a wonderful 4 bedroom, 2 bath. Has older home quirkiness and great charm, has updated kitchen and great covered porch. Large private lot with plenty of parking, small stream below the house that gurgles by.

Wonderful starter is just the right size for a getaway home. 3 Bedrooms, 2 baths, open floor plan with fireplace in the living room. Wood floors in main area that opens onto a large covered porch with great mountain views. 6 inch walls to keep out the cold together with southern exposure. Furnishings are negotiable.

MLS#: 77291

MLS#: 77910

$399,500

Cullasaja Club. Lovely Fairway cottage great location walk to the Clubhouse! 3 bedroom, 3 baths, fireplace and gas stove. Carport, workshop. Meticulously maintained and great course and mountain view! Wonderful stacked stone fireplace and screened porch.

MLS#: 63260

$399,000

This is what everybody wants when they come to the Mountains! Close to town, in the woods, charming and comfortable three bedrooms with fireplace in the master bedroom. Owner wants to sell,

$325,000

Highlands Mountain Club. Great Views of Highlands Country Club and Lake Sequoyah are the ticket from this upper level 3 bedroom, 2 bath unit that is a blank canvas, waiting for your personal touches. Newly renovated clubhouse and affordable HOA fees make this a super attractive unit.

MLS#: 81523

$199,900

Chestnut Cove condo in excellent condition. 2 Bedrooms, 2 baths. Views of small stream, ridgeline and 11th Fairway. Great move in ready unit. Furnishings negotiable.

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INSIDE THE LAUREL WINTER 2016 EVENTS

Highlands Biological Station

Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Accidental Gardener

Carpe Diem Farms Forever Farm

Winter Photo Contest

Wood Duck

HCP’s March Medley

Adapting to Bears

72 Cashiers-Highlands

Chocolate Cook-Off

Highlands Playhouse

Old Edwards’ We Love Locals

Ghosts and Grotesques

24 Calender

TRIBUTE 26

DINING

Humane Society

73 CLE 74

Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

Champagne Dinner

Carrot Walnut Bread

Recipe by Ken Knight

The Future of Wine

The Chamber’s Permanent Home

Dining Guide

Window Dressing

BIZ SPOTLIGHT

My Friend Ralph

HISTORY

THE ARTS 32

Cover Artist Charles Johnson

Plateau Gallery News

Paul Taylor Dancers

Highlands PAC

Jane Elliott

Elizabeth Haskins

Art League of Highlands-Cashiers

Highlands Plateau

Audubon Society

Highlands Ice Rink

Fox Pups

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Reader’s Choice

Highlands History

24 Calendar

Cashiers History

Highlands Map

Cashiers Map

Dining Guide

HOMES & LIFESTYLES 62

Thumbing Through Titians

Service Directory

A Doctor’s Passion

Advertiser’s Index

Celebration Destination

GIVING BACK

VENTURE OUT 42

Volunteer Spotlight,

Nan and Jerry Pressley

Hudson Library

Rotary Club of Highlands

69 NAMI

2016 marks our 15th year of publication. Think about how you were at 15. The look was everything. Here at Laurel, we’re feeling it, too. We hope you’ll like this new take on life in Highlands and Cashiers. It’s still us, but we’ve opted for crisper graphics and updated layouts. It’s important to keep up. Ask your nearest 15 year old.

JANET CUMMINGS Managing Partner

Publisher’s

Note Winter settles on the plateau. Snowflakes swirl into powdery drifts. Icicles sparkle like diamonds. Breathe

MARJORIE CHRISTIANSEN Managing Partner

janet@thelaurelmagazine.com

marjorie@thelaurelmagazine.com

MICHELLE MUNGER Art Director

SAM CUMMINGS Account Rep

mungerclan5@aol.com

sam@thelaurelmagazine.com

THOMAS CUMMINGS Distribution Manager

DONNA RHODES Writer

jothcu@yahoo.com

donna847@frontier.com

WILEY SLOAN Writer

LUKE OSTEEN Writer

it in, the crisp air and the hushed pace. 2016 is going to be big, you’re in the perfect place to recharge and get ready. As always, thank you for making the Laurel part of your lives. We look forward to sharing this bright,

wileyandsarah@nctv.com

dumbdogs@earthlink.net

JENNY KING Writer

MARY JANE MCCALL Writer

new year with you!

With love,

Janet and Marjorie

jettking@gmail.com

Volume Fifteen • Issue one thelaurelmagazine.com • 828-526-0173 email: editorial@themountainlaurel.com P.O. Box 565 • Highlands, NC 28741

mjmccall777@gmail.com

Contributing Writers: Alex Foltz, Jane Gibson Nardy, Kathy Bub, Mary Adair Leslie, Sue Blair, Dr. Anastasia Halldin, David Stroud, Curt Christiansen, Bonnie Potts, Lorna Alexander, Donita Cline, Julie Schott, Jeannie Chambers, William McReynolds, Sue Aery, Sonya Carpenter, Ann Self, Rachel Dyer, and Cherie Faircloth

Copyright © 2016 by The Mountain Laurel, LLC. All rights reserved. Laurel Magazine is published eleven times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Laurel Magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel Magazine nor any of its staff is responsible for advertising errors, omissions, or information that has been misrepresented in or to the magazine. Any substantial errors that are the fault of the magazine will be subject to a reduction or reimbursement of the amounts paid by the advertiser, but in no case will any claim arising from such error exceed the amount paid for the advertisement by the advertiser.

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Reader’s Choice

FAVORITE WINTER FUN SPOT BY JENNY KING PHOTO BY TIM BURLESON

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Forget the Winter Slump – there are plenty of options to keep yourself in shape.

n last month’s issue, we asked you to choose your favorite spot to do some bird watching. Choices were Turtle Pond Road, Horse Cove, and the Botanical Gardens at the Highlands Nature Center. Your favorite spot was the Highlands Nature Center. Winter in Highlands and Cashiers used to mean it was time to hibernate. No more. Visitors and residents alike now have lots of reasons to get out and about. At the time of this writing, the ice skating rink at The Kelsey Hutchinson Park in Highlands was not completed, so we can’t include that one...yet. In the meantime, let’s take a look at three other options for winter fun and then you can tell us which is your favorite. Highlands Pool – Newly renovated, the Highlands Pool is the first public pool in our area to be enclosed, heated and open year-round. It offers something for everyone: swimming lessons; water aerobics classes; lap swim; kayak roll clinics and hosts the Highlands Hurricanes Swim Team. For more complete listings on what’s offered, contact the Highlands Recreation Department at (828) 526-3556. The Cashiers Glenville Recreation Center – This 24,500 square foot facility offers a full size gymnasium; a fitness Room with true cardiovascular equipment, TuffStuff Fitness weight equipment, and free weights; an aerobics room; meeting room with warming kitchen and men’s and women’s locker room and shower facilities. For more information call them at (828) 631-2020. Ski Sapphire Valley – Since the Ski Resort was built in 1964, it has provided many families with a mountain of happy winter memories. They’ve recently added The Vordach Zip Line and a renovated Base Lodge Park and Fire Pit to complete the experience. For more information, visit Skisapphirevalley.com. Don’t forget to let us know which of these three winter activities is your favorite. Just go to our Facebook page and tell us what you think. Oh, sitting at home by the fire with a book and mug of hot cocoa is also a valid option and you’re encouraged to take some time to be still.

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EVENTS

READY. SNAP. WIN. BY MARY JANE MCCALL

CHRISTINA RAMSEY

We’re looking for the look of Highlands-Cashiers – enter our Annual Winter Photo Contest.

rab your camera, capture a memory, and you could become a winner. Whether you enjoy taking that just right picture depicting the serene beauty of a snowy landscape, or catching that perfect winter action shot of your children or fur friends at play, this is the time to capture those memories and share them with The Laurel. Whatever your chosen subject matter, this is your chance to enter our annual winter photo competition. You could be our cover artist for the 2017 JanuaryFebruary edition of The Laurel. Pictured are some of our favorites from last year’s contest. You might find just the inspiration needed to enter your photographs in our contest. Aspiring cover artists should enter their seasonal and magazine appropriate shots at facebook.com/The LaurelMagazine by March 31. Submitted photos should be high resolution and must be of the Highlands/Cashiers area. Amateurs and

professionals alike are encouraged to enter. Pictures will appear on The Laurel Facebook page and readers can cast a vote for their favorite. The deadline to enter and vote is March 31. The winner will be announced on Facebook and the winning photograph will appear on the 2017 January-February magazine cover.

VISIT FACEBOOK.COM/THELAURELMAGAZINE TO ENTER AND VOTE BEFORE THE MARCH 31ST DEADLINE.

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TORI SCHMITT

Visit facebook.com/TheLaurelMagazine to enter and vote before the March 31st deadline. CHARLES JOHNSON

EVENTS

HCP’S MARCH MEDLEY BY JENNY KING

A quartet of one-act plays, served up with a delicious meal, adds a bit of passion to the waning days of winter. Highlands-Cashiers Players’ “March Medley” will be staged March 11-20 at the Highlands Performing Arts Center.

hat would be better than going to dinner or brunch in mid-March and enjoying a play? How about seeing four plays? Highlands Cashiers Players is going to put on its “Metaphorical Shoes” “One Day at the Christmas Party” and have the “Misfortune” of making “Funeral Plans.” Intrigued? These are the titles of the four one-act plays that will accompany a delicious meal at “March Medley,” directed by Donna Cochran, assisted by Chris Hess. The evenings’ entertainment is designed to be a fund-raiser for HCP with proceeds earmarked to improve the website and enable a better on-line ticketing process. All one-act plays are designed to draw the audience in and then surprise them

with the “twist” at the end. The four plays do not disappoint because the playwrights are experts. Each has quite an impressive biography: David Fleischer (“Funeral Plans”), an associate professor at Lynn University in Florida, is a member of the Dramatists Guild and the Authors Guild. This play is part of a collection of offbeat comedies performed all over the country. Henry Kimmel (“One Day at the Christmas Party: What’s in a Name”) is a founding member of Atlanta-based Working Title Playwrights. Many of his slice-of-life plays have been produced nationally. He is also a member of Dramatists Guild. Judith Pratt (“Metaphorical Shoes”) is a writer, director, actor and theater profes-

sor at Wells College, New York. Many of her plays have been produced from the East Coast of the United States to Cape Town, South Africa. Californian Mark Harvey Levine (“Misfortune”) has had over 800 productions of his works. Many of his plays are published in “Best Short Play” anthologies. While it is possible for actors to appear in several plays, there are many parts available. Auditions will be held downstairs at the Performing Arts Center Sunday, January 24, starting at 2:30 P.M. “March Medley” will include dinner Friday and Saturday March 11, 12, 18, and 19, and brunch Sundays March 13 and 20. Tickets are $30 each. Call (828) 526-8084 or reserve online at highlandscashiersplayers.org.

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EVENTS

CHOCOLATE IS THE ANSWER BY LUKE OSTEEN

Dive into a room filled with chocolate, glorous chocolate – everyone’s invited to the Friends of the Library’s Chocolate Cook-Off, 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Saturday, February 7, at Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library.

or some of us, February is a bleak slog punctuated by the splash of passion and color that’s Valentine’s Day. And there’s another happy date on the calendar that’ll banish those winter blues – the Fourth Annual Chocolate Cook-Off, set for 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Saturday, February 7, at the Albert CarltonCashiers Community Library. Every February, the library is filled with sweets and goodies baked with love from all around the community and brought in for judging for taste, aroma, and decoration. The Friends of the Library have created an afternoon that’s earned a cherished place on the community calendar. “We are asking that anyone who is interested in making a chocolate confection of some sort get an application form either from me at (828) 743-0489 or Adair Simon at (828) 743-5940 or at the front desk of the library,” says event chairwoman Bonnie Zacher. “Chocolate confections can be anything made with chocolate from candies, to cakes to brownies, and other desserts. Each entrant will make one dessert that will be judged and later sold and additional small bites for the public to taste. Judging will be based on taste, texture, aroma, creativity, and eye appeal.” Everyone attending will be able to cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award. Desserts will be auctioned off at 2:00 P.M. Cost is $6 per person, with children under five free. Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library is located at 249 Frank Allen Road.

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EVENTS

SEE YOU AT THE MOVIES BY WILEY SLOAN

Highlands Playhouse brings the excitement of first-run movies to Highlands and Cashiers. For its winter lineup, visit highlandsplayhouse.org.

he Christmas decorations are all packed away and you’ve set out to complete all those winter projects you’ve been putting off for a while. Shards of sunlight shimmer as frost trims the needles of the evergreens. The slower pace of winter is a welcome respite from the harried pace of the holidays. Don’t let cabin fever sneak upon you. Plan a winter jaunt to town to see one of the first-run movies that will play at the Highlands Playhouse throughout January and February. On Thursdays through Sundays you may choose from three showtimes – 2:00, 5:00, or 8:00 P.M. On Mondays choose from two showtimes – either the matinee at

2:00 P.M. or the evening show at 5:00. Be sure to visit highlandsplayhouse.org to see which movies are showing at any time. Gather a tub of butter popcorn, a bit of candy, and your favorite beverage before you snuggle into your comfy chair in front of the big screen. It’s a real treat to be able to enjoy movies rather than having to drive down the mountain. The movies’ distribution fees are quite hefty, so sponsorships of the theatre help the Playhouse cover the costs of operations. Please consider making a donation to the Playhouse. There are six different donation/sponsorship levels, starting at only $50. For people who donate $500

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or more, you will receive a group of movie tickets (the number of tickets varies with the various levels of sponsorship). For local business owners give your business a boost by advertising on the Playhouse’s movie screen. Enjoy the winter in Highlands. See you at the movies!

HIGHLANDSPLAYHOUSE.ORG (828) 526-2695

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EVENTS

WALK IN FLOAT OUT BY JENNY KING

Are you a local looking for a winter getaway? Well, you really don’t need to get away – take advantage of the Old Edwards Inn and Spa’s “We Love Locals” specials.

esidents of Macon, Jackson, Transylvania, and Rabun counties, rejoice! Old Edwards Inn and Spa is once again offering their special “We Love Locals” packages. During the months of January through March, you can take advantage of their reduced rates in the inn, the spa, and Madison’s Restaurant. Old Edwards Inn and Spa understands how busy it gets in the high season, so they’re giving you a grand opportunity to wind down this winter. You can stay overnight at the inn for just $99 per night and enjoy all the comforts of a champagne arrival, heated marble bathroom floors, and the finest linens with which to wrap yourself in bliss. While there, all the property’s amenities are available for you to

use including the enclosed outdoor heated pool and outdoor Jacuzzis. The world-famous Old Edwards Spa is offering many discounts, as well. Their 50-minute spa treatments are only $99. Whether you choose massages, facials, or salon services you’ll be entitled to use the spa amenities, which include the heated mineral whirlpool, steam room, dry sauna, and the luxurious Rainforest Showers. When you schedule your appointment you’ll be able to take any fitness class at no charge. Should you choose to forego an appointment, classes are available at a discounted rate of $10 per session. Monday through Thursday take advantage of the 20 percent discount in Madison’s Restaurant. This savings will be applied to your

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entire check. New this year, take advantage of the “We Love Locals” special at Half-Mile Farm. Enjoy a night’s stay, a chef-prepared breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres all for the special forlocals-only rate of $150. The Half-Mile Farm “We Love Locals” special is available during February and March. All you need to do is provide a local ID from Macon, Jackson, Transylvania, or Rabun counties for each person receiving the discount. Remember, this offer is good January through March so why not take a mini-vacation right here? You certainly won’t find a more luxurious resort at a better rate. Call them at (828) 787-2625.

EVENTS

GHOSTS & GROTESQUES BY MARY ADAIR LESLIE

Be afraid, be very afraid – The PAC Youth Theater’s “Ghosts & Grotesques” promises plenty of shivers, February19-21 at The Highlands Performing Arts Center. For tickets, visit highlandspac.org or call (828) 526-9047.

he PAC Youth Theater will perform “Ghosts & Grotesques” on Friday through Sunday, February 19-21. It’s a performance with stories, poems and tales that’ll make you wonder and wander “What if?” “The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees, The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas, The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor, And the highwayman came riding — Riding — riding — The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door…” “Ghost & Grotesques” is being directed by Megan Potts. Megan spent the fall teaching a class in Text Analysis

to the PAC Youth Theater; exploring how to evaluate a play and all that goes into producing a play. The students will perform this production as a staged reading. Stories include “The Highwayman,” “The Troll,” “Irish Folktales,” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” In addition to the public performances, the students will perform before their peers at Student Performances on Thursday and Friday, February 18 and 19, for the area schools. Students from Highlands School, Blue Ridge School, and home schooling programs are participating – Brooke Amundrud, Sarah Ballentine, Noah Carver, Katie Flynn, Jackson Leitch, Destiny Martin, Kathryn Potts, Jordan Powell, Alley Preda, Tiffany Preda, Raina Trent and River Trent. There is no charge for the Student Perfor-

mance. Tickets for the evening and matinee performances are available at highlandspac.org or by calling (828) 526-9047. Highlands Performing Arts Center is located at 507 Chestnut Street. PICTURED BOTTOM TO TOP: JORDON POWELL, RIVER TRENT, RONNIE SPILTON (ARTISTIC DIRECTOR), ALLEY PREDA, RAINA TRENT, TIFFANY PREDA, KATY POTTS, SARAH BALLENTINE, DESTINY MARTIN, MEGAN POTTS (DIRECTOR), NOT PICTURED: JACKSON LEITCH, ROBIN LEITCH

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EVENTS

Mark Your Calendar • The Bascom Exhibitions: Selections from Community Art and After-School Programs January - May; Winter Resident Artist Exhibition January 9 - March 6; Contemporary Craft Series: Barry Gregg January 9 - May 1; WCU Master of Fine Arts Exhibition January 16 - March 13. (828) 526-4949. • The Bascom Adult Classes: Ceramics Resident Artist Series with Frank Vickery and Barry Gregg January: 12, 14, 19, and 21, 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. or 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., For more information or to register, please contact the Education Department at 828-787-2865 or registrar@thebascom.org. • Winter Resident Artist Exhibition and WCU Master of Fine Arts Exhibition Reception 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Friday, January 15, The Bascom, (828) 526-4949. • The Bascom Adult Classes: Intro to Woodturning with Donald Marks, January 15-16, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. For more information or to register, please contact the Education Department at 828-787-2865 or registrar@thebascom.org. • The Metropolitan Opera HD Live, Les Pecheurs de Perles by Bizet, 12:55 P.M., Saturday, January 16, Highlands Performing Arts Center, (828) 526-9047. • The Bascom Photography Club, features speaker Richard Tichich, Wednesday January 20, 5:30 to 7:00 P.M., (828) 526-4949. • The Metropolitan Opera HD Live, Turandot by Puccini, 12:55 P.M., Saturday, January 30, Highlands Performing Arts Center, (828) 526-9047. • National Theatre of London Live, Skylight by David Hare, 1:00 P.M., Saturday, January 9, Highlands Performing Arts Center, (828) 526-9047. • Champagne Dinner, 7:00 P.M., Friday, January 22, The Farm at Old Edwards Inn, (828) 787-2625. • Bolshoi Ballet, Taming of the Shrew,12:55 P.M., Sunday, January 24, Highlands Performing Arts Center, (828) 526-9047. • Betsy Paul Art January Raffle, to benefit the Cashiers-Glenviile Fire Department, features a primitive painting by Tranny Robinson. The drawing will be held on Sunday, January 31, (828) 743-0880. • Phour Weekends of Photography in Phebruary, Saturdays in February at The Business Spot.. Limit 10 people per season. $50 per session/ $175 for the series. Colleen Kerrigan Photographs, (828) 482-0286. • The Bascom Adult Classes: Resident Artist Series - Samantha Oliver February 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, and 18 10 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. or 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. For more information or to register, please contact the Education Department at 828-787-2865 or registrar@ thebascom.org. • National Theatre of London Live, Coriolanus by Shakespeare, 1:00 P.M., Saturday, February 6, Highlands Performing Arts Center, (828) 526-9047. • Fourth Annual Chocolate Cook-Off, set for 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Saturday, February 7, at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. Cost is $6 per

person, with children under five free. • The Bascom Photography Club, will meet Wednesday, February 17, 5:30 to 7:00 P.M., (828) 526-4949. • Smitten Third Thursday Event, 5:30 P.M., February 18, with featured artist Elizabeth Haskins. RSVP (828) 526-9300. • Ghosts & Grotesques, a staged reading by the Youth Theater, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 19, 20, and 21, Highlands Performing Arts Center. Starring students from Highlands School, Blue Ridge School and home schooled. (828) 526-9047. • National Theatre of London Live, Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton, 1:00 P.M., Saturday, February 13, Highlands Performing Arts Center, (828) 526-9047. • Celebrate Spain at Old Edwards Inn & Spa, February 26-27, (828) 787-2625. • National Theatre of London Live, As You Like It by Shakespeare, 1:00 P.M., Saturday, February 27, Highlands Performing Arts Center, (828) 526-9047. • Betsy Paul Art February Raffle, to benefit the Cashiers-Glenviile Fire Department, features a folk art painting donated by Tim Womick. . The drawing will be held on Monday, February 29, (828) 743-0880. • Highlands/Cashiers Players present March Medley Dinner Theater, March 11-13 and March 18-20, Highlands Performing Art Center, Tickets are $30 each. Call (828)-526-8084 or reserve on-line at highlandscashiersplayers.org. • Paul Taylor’s American Modern Dance Master classes for area students with a student performance at 10:00 A.M., Friday, March 4, and an evening performance at 7:00 P.M. for the general public Saturday, March 5. Highlands Performing Arts Center (828) 526-9047.

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Weekly Events EVERY MONDAY • Dulcimer Lessons - Intermediate Class 10:00 A.M., Beginners Noon, Highlands United Methodist church, (828) 787-1586. • Movies will be shown at Highlands Playhouse 2:00 P.M., and 5:00 P.M., (828) 526-2695. • Free Movie, 3:00 P.M., Albert Carlton Library, (828) 743-0215. EVERY TUESDAY • Dulcimer Acoustic Jam, 10:00 A.M., Bird Barn and Gift Emporium, Cashiers, (828) 743-3797. • Highlands Rotary Club, Noon, Highlands Community Center. • Studio Alive - Live Model, 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., Calderone Gallery, 3608 Hwy. 246, Dillard, GA, (706) 746-5540. • Duplicate Bridge, 1:45 P.M., Albert Carlton Library. (828) 743-0215.

• Weekly Tastings, 3:00 to 4:30 P.M., Old Edwards Rooftop Terrace. • Movie Night, 6:00 P.M., Hudson Library, (828) 526-3031. • Karaoke, The Lost Hiker (828) 526-8232. EVERY WEDNESDAY • Highlands Mountaintop Rotary, 7:30 A.M., Hospital dining room. • Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley, 8:00 A.M., Cashiers United Methodist Church, (828) 743-2243. • Community Studio Art Session – Art Your Way, 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., Hudson Library, (828) 526-3031. • Preschool Story Time, 11:00 A.M. to Noon, Albert Carlton Library (828) 743-0215. • Cashiers Quilters Guild, 12:30 P.M., Cashiers Methodist Church. • Duplicate Bridge Games, 12:45 P.M., Highlands Civic Center. • Mah Jong Games, 1:00 P.M., Albert Carlton Library, (828) 743-0215. • Bluegrass, 8:30 P.M., Ugly Dog Pub, (828) 526-8364. EVERY THURSDAY • Movies will be shown at Highlands Playhouse 2:00 P.M., 5:00 P.M., and 8:00 P.M. (828) 5262695. • Free Movie, 3:00 P.M., Albert Carlton Library, (828) 743-0215. • NAMI Appalachian South support group meeting 6:45 to 8:15 P.M. at 14 West. Palmer St., Franklin, (828) 526-9510. EVERY FRIDAY • Weekly Grief Support Group in The Highlands, 10:30 A.M. to Noon, Jane Woodruff Clinic Suite 201, (828) 692-6178. • Duplicate Bridge Games, 12:45 P.M., Highlands Civic Center. • Movies will be shown at Highlands Playhouse 2:00 P.M., 5:00 P.M., and 8:00 P.M. (828) 5262695. • Live Music, 6:00 P.M. - close, Hummingbird Lounge, (828) 787-2625. • Live Music, 7:00 P.M., On The Verandah, (828) 526-2338. EVERY SATURDAY • Movies will be shown at Highlands Playhouse 2:00 P.M., 5:00 P.M., and 8:00 P.M. (828) 5262695. • Live Music, 6:00 P.M. - close, Hummingbird Lounge, (828) 787-2625. • Live Music, 7:00 P.M., On The Verandah, (828) 526-2338. EVERY SUNDAY • Movies will be shown at Highlands Playhouse 2:00 P.M., 5:00 P.M., and 8:00 P.M. (828) 5262695.

EVENTS thelaurelmagazine.com | Winter 2016 | 25

MY FRIEND RALPH BY LUKE OSTEEN

Ralph deVille, Ohio State1954

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ast November I called a friend in Seattle to tell her that Ralph deVille had died. She’d been in the habit of flying to the East Coast to attend one of the ikebana workshops at Ralph’s The Stone Lantern. Think about that for a moment – a woman traveling across the continent to visit a shop in a town of 924. If you’ve strolled through The Stone Lantern, you’ve met Ralph (whether you were introduced or not) and you know why his place had earned an international reputation. As the owner/major domo, every inch of the gallery was a reflection of him. When you step inside, you’re beguiled by the hint of incense and the faint sound of water splashing in the distance. Everything is at once exotic and strangely inviting. Of course, you can’t help but notice the Asian treasures that adorn every inch and corner of the place. That’s all Ralph. He adored the presentation. Everything, and I mean everything, was just-so-carefully arranged by him. That’s how you’d find Ralph in the shop – wearing an apron and fussing over a display or meticulously pruning a wizened bonsai cypress in the back room, or unveiling his eye-popping collection of netsuke to a selected customer. The look was everything to Ralph and the almost uncountable details that inform every bit of The Stone Lantern were at the heart of his business. During one surprisingly languid conversation I had with him, surprising because you could never predict when Ralph would be able to take a moment to chat, he explained how a bonsai master who’d spent years cultivating and shaping her creations would be able to lie in bed at night and recount every bend, every whorl, and every twisted root of her work, nearly down to the microscopic level. It was only later that I realized that’s a

With grandson Adam at Hilton Head Island

With Grandson David and Son-inLaw Jimbud in Japanese Garden

In the ‘60s

Thanksgiving 2015

Ralph and his pens

perfect anatomization of Ralph and his beloved shop. Because he was quiet, most often speaking in almost whispers, you’d sometimes miss the level of passion that informed Ralph’s everyday existence. He was committed to finding the best, the finest, in himself and The Stone Lantern. Of course, that generosity of spirit couldn’t help but spill out from the margins of The Stone Lantern. Ralph was known in the Highlands community as a man who was absolutely committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life of this little mountain town. You can still see that resonating in the vigor of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, the astonishing Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and the remarkable natural treasures safeguarded by the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust.

Heck, you can see it reflected in the lives of his beloved wife Lynn and their three wonderful children – John, Anne and Susie. Ralph was kind to me, too. Once, when I’d been entrusted with the care of a $40,000 orchid, (how’s that for a Highlands kind of story?) he shepherded me through a process that threatened to collapse my mind and nerves. Somehow, the plant and my sanity survived. Another time, facing an impossible deadline, Ralph helped me to understand the intricacies of Shingon Buddhism. It was complex and nearly over my IQ level, but he patiently went over it and over it until clarity dawned and I was able to write my article. Once, I was able to make Ralph laugh. I’m talking about really laugh – it was no accomplishment to get Ralph to chuckle or give a wry half-smile. This was epic, on

the order of The Red Sea Parting. That was a great day – no, year – for me, seeing this quiet, straightforward man come apart with laughter. Who knew? I’m going to miss Ralph. We’re all going to miss Ralph. His talents, his very life, were of such a singular focus and of such sterling quality that a woman would fly across the country just to revel in their radiance for a few days. And you know how you meet someone and you know, you just know, that their personality, their essence, isn’t going to go away at the end, blow away like dry topsoil? Ralph was that kind of person. I went into The Stone Lantern this morning, just to stroll around. Ralph is still there – I could feel him. It’s a good feeling.

thelaurelmagazine.com | Winter 2016 | 27

ACCOMMODATIONS 4-1/2 Street Inn........................... Colonial Pines Inn........................ Whiteside Cove Cottages............. Mountain Brook Suites................ ARTS Mill Creek Gallery & Framing......... Museum of American Cut Glass...... Smitten......................................... The Bascom................................ REAL ESTATE Country Club Properties.............. John Cleaveland Realty................. Landmark Realty Group............... Meadows Mtn. Realty.................. White Oak Realty Group.............. Pat Allen Realty Group ................ RESTAURANT / BAR Altitudes Restaurant..................... The Log Cabin............................. The Lost Hiker Bar..................... Nectar Juice Bar........................... Pescados… Rosewood Market........................... Wild Thyme Gourmet ................... Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro..... SHOPPING Alyxandra’s.................................... Bags on Main.................................. Bear Mountain Outfitters..................... Cabin Casuals................................. Cabin Couture................................ Dry Sink..........................................

Highlands Fine Art and Estate Jewelry Corp.

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

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

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

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

High Cotton....................................

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

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Peak Experience........................... …… Scudders......................................... Spice & Tea Exchange........................ The Summer House....................... The Toy Store.................................

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

Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture..

Highlands Aerial Park...................

The Southern Way.........................

Cashiers Printing .........................

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

Creative Concepts Salon...................... SERVICES

Highlands Visitors Center.................... thelaurelmagazine.com | Winter 2016 | 29

AccommodAtions High Hampton inn & country club Laurelwood inn Arts Blue Valley Gallery cashiers Hillside Artists mountain mist Gallery reAL estAte Betsy Paul Properties Landmark realty Group silver creek real estate Group restAurAnts Boar’s Head deli crossroads Grill/Village scoop Hunts Brothers Pizza sapphire Brewery & Pub snack Bar 8 the Zookeeper Bistro retAiL A Jones company Bee Bags and such Bella cotn Bird Barn and Gift emporium Blue ridge Bedding/ carolina rustic Furniture Bounds cave Brooking’s cashiers Village Anglers Bumpkins cashiers customs cashiers emporium cashiers Farmer’s market cJ Brownhouse consignment market

mantiques

dovetail Antiques

midnight Farms

Fiddlehead designs

nature’s Vitamins

GG’s consignments *etc

nearly new/ellen’s

Gracewear collection

nora & co

Highland Hiker

rusticks

interior enhancements

sawyer Family Farmstead

into the Woods Home interiors

s’more Kids Klothes

Karma

summer Place Antiques

Lenz Gifts & Linens

the Bear’s den

Lotsa consignment shop

the Look Boutique

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Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closet

cashiers Valley Preschool

Vc for men

dovecote

Vivianne metzger Antiques

Fancy Paws dog Grooming

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming

Keystone Kitchen & Bath

Zoller Hardware

Peter J Pioli interiors

the designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market

shear sensations serVices

cashiers chamber

signal ridge marina Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming

cashiers BP cashiers exxon thelaurelmagazine.com | Winter 2016 | 31 thelaurelmagazine.com | Winter 2016 | 31

THE ARTS

ICE AND WATERSCAPE BY DONNA RHODES

For photographer Charles Johnson, the mountains and a lifetime of work have produced a gallery’s worth of dazzling masterworks, like this month’s cover.

magine stepping out of your back door into lush woodland and shooting a prizewinning photo. That’s what fine art photographer Charles Johnson did to capture the cover of Laurel’s winter issue. He says, “I shot a patch of ice melting in a shallow creek thirty paces from my backdoor. The morning light was dazzling, creating a living, shimmering radiance in a five-inch section of architectural ice. Some days it’s a 10-mile hike to the image-ofthe-day. Other times, it’s right at your own back door.” Johnson considers himself lucky to own a parcel of Cashiers heaven. It’s here he does his most inspired shooting. Landscapes, tiny to panoramic, are his passion. Starting out as a commercial photo-finisher, he understands every aspect of photography from darkroom to digital to dramatic prints akin to those of Ansel Adams, his inspiration. He particularly likes Adams’ comparison of music to photography: “The negative is the equivalent of the composer’s score, and the print the performance.” Johnson makes his own music with dynamic rhythmic patterns, layered textures, crisp lines, and movement. Adams had the advantage of long, uncluttered vistas to shoot out west. The lush foliage of North Carolina mountains, while beautiful in its own right, is a bit chaotic, compositionally speaking. In the Appala-

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THE ARTS

chians, Fall through Spring present the most compelling subject matter when leaves are sparse, light pristine, and the landscape linear. After a lifetime of photographic studies of the region, it’s no wonder Johnson has risen to the top of his photographic field. See Johnson’s work at Mountain Mist Gal-

lery or Monday’s House of Design. Visit his website at charlesjohnsonfineart.org or check him out on Facebook. He is available for private lessons online. Send a brief history of your photographic experience accompanied by work samples to cjohnsonfineart@ icloud.com. Call him at (704) 339-0602.

When it’s time to compose, Johnson knows the score; and the result, symphonic.

CJOHNSONFINEART@ICLOUD.COM (704) 339-0602

thelaurelmagazine.com | Winter 2016 | 33

THE ARTS

PLATEAU GALLERY NEWS BY DONNA RHODES

There’s nothing sleepy about the local art scene in Winter. In fact, it’s prime time to visit.

he Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts offers free exhibitions, unique education, and community outreach through workshops, classes, and lectures. Gallery hours are 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Saturday; and noon to 5:00 P.M. on Sunday. Call (828) 526-4949 or visit thebascom.org to learn about winter programs, classes, events. Mountain Mist Gallery of Cashiers represents some of the finest artists in the Southeast Region. They have expanded the gallery to accommodate new work and studio space for painting classes and workshops. Mountain Mist Gallery is located on 107 South, next to Brookings Fly Shop up “On The Hill.” Winter hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. or by appointment. Visit mountainmistgallery.com or call (828) 743-1801. Mill Creek Gallery and Framing offers complete framing services. It offers regional photography by Cynthia Strain, the “Highlands Photographer.” Mill Creek Gallery is located

In Highlands Village Square on Oak Street at North Fifth Street. It’s open from noon to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday, February through December. The gallery is closed the entire month of January, re-opening in early February. Call (828) 787-2021 for more information. Blue Valley Gallery offers art instruction 10:00 A.M. until noon and 1:00 to 3:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Space is limited, so call (828) 743-2956 for reservations. Art supplies are for sale at the gallery. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Sunday from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Visit Blue Valley Gallery at 45 Slabtown Road in Cashiers, next to Slabtown Pizza. Robert A. Tino Gallery on Main Street in Highlands offers Robert’s breathtaking mountainscapes, pottery of local artisans, and artful furnishings that’ll complement any decor. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Visit robertatino.com or call

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(828) 526-9333 for more details. Calderone Fine Art Gallery and Teaching Studio at 3608 Highway 246 in Sky Valley, Georgia, offers original art, inspired by the flora and fauna of the mountains by Pat Calderone. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Art classes are offered for all levels. Openings are limited. Visit calderonegallery.com for more information, or call (706) 746-5540. Ann Jacob Gallery at 394 Main Street in Highlands is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Call (828) 526-5550 to confirm hours. E-mail gallery@annjacob. com or visit facebook.com/AnnJacobGallery. Ann Jacob Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery, representing regional, national, and international artists. The gallery has over 50 years’ experience offering an extensive one-of-a-kind collection of original art (oils, acrylics, watercolors, drawings, pastels, and other media), along with high-quality reproductions.

THE ARTS

A LIVING DANCE LEGEND BY MARY ADAIR LESLIE

Dancer Paul Taylor will host a Master Class for local students at the Highlands Performing Arts Center in March. Call (828) 526-9047 or visit highlandspac.org for reservations or more information.

arch 3, 4, and 5 brings an exciting “happening” to the Highlands Performing Arts Center Youth Theater. The New York-based Paul Taylor Dancers: Taylor 2 will be here. Paul Taylor, 83, still creates two dances a year, in addition to reviving some of his 142 works for the company’s upcoming Lincoln Center season. Taylor is the last living member of the second generation of American modern dance makers; as a dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company, he was invited by George Balanchine as a guest artist with the New York City Ballet. The Paul Taylor American Modern Dance is securing his body of work while recognizing the contributions of his artistic colleagues, and has begun the very public process of ensuring that his work, his style, and the dance world that he has known and loved has a sustainable plan for the future. Visit ptamd.org for more information. While here, the company will give two Master Classes, one for the dance students at Western Carolina University and one for local high school dance students. A student performance is scheduled for Friday, March 4, at 10:00 A.M., and an evening performance at 7:00 P.M. for the general public will be held on Saturday, March 5. The Master Class for the area high school dance students will be limited to 20-25 on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a spot, call (828) 526-9047 and speak with Mary Adair. There is no charge for the student performance or the Master Classes. Tickets will be available for the evening performance at highlandspac. org or by calling (828) 526-9047. Highlands Performing Arts Center is located at 507 Chestnut Street. This incredible opportunity to have the highest caliber professional dance company to come to the Highlands-Cashiers area was made possible through grants by the Cullasaja Women’s Outreach, Mountain Findings, and Gail and Tim Hughes.

thelaurelmagazine.com | Winter 2016 | 35

THE ARTS

OPERA, THEATRE AND BALLET BY MARY ADAIR LESLIE

Highlands Performing Arts Center serves up a hearty menu of passion and vengeance for January and February.

anuary and February are busy months for the Live in HD Series at the Performing Arts Center featuring the MET Opera, the National Theatre of London, and the Bolshoi Ballet – all via satellite. January brings The National Theatre Encore performance of “Skylight,” Saturday, January 9, at 1:00 P.M. Bill Nighy and Carey Mulligan star. MET Opera presents “Les Pecheurs de Perles” on Saturday, January 16, at 12:55 P.M. Pre-Opera Discussion will be led by Beverly Wichman at 12:30 P.M. The Bolshoi Ballet performs “The Taming of the Shrew” on Sunday, January 24, at 12:55 P.M. Based on William Shakespeare’s play, this love story is anything but conven-

tional – While Petruchio would appear to be interested only in Baptista’s fortune, once the ink is dry on their marriage certificate he doesn’t let go of Katharina. The MET Opera presents “Turandot” on Saturday, January 30, at 12:55 P.M. PreOpera discussion is led by Beverly Wichman at 12:30 P.M. Opera’s leading dramatic soprano Nina Stemme sings the title role of the proud princess of ancient China, whose riddles doom every suitor who seeks her hand. In February, The National Theatre will deliver “Coriolanus” on Saturday, February 6 at 1:00 P.M. Shakespeare’s searing tragedy of political manipulation and revenge is staged with uncompromising passion and fury.

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The National Theatre performance of “Les Liasons Dangereuses” will be screened on Saturday, February 13, at 1:00 P.M. In 1782, Choderlos de Laclos’ novel of sex, intrigue and betrayal in pre-revolutionary France scandalized the world. Two hundred years later, Christopher Hampton’s adaptation won the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Play. The National Theatre offers “As You Like It” on Saturday, February 27, at 1:00 P.M. Shakespeare’s glorious comedy of love and change has earned a cherished part in the heart of theatre-goers for over 400 years. Highlands PAC is located at 507 Chestnut Street. Tickets are available online at highlandspac.org or by calling (828) 526-9047.

THE ARTS

ONE GOOD TURN BY BONNIE POTTS

The Bascom unveils a new woodturning studio for the twin communities, a nod to the state’s heritage.

orth Carolina has a long-standing history of craftsmanship. Woodturning, in particular, has strong roots in North Carolina – the state’s often credited as the cradle of the furniture industry in the United States. This fascinating trade has been passed down from generation to generation, the skill being perfected more and more as each new generation of artist finds their niche with the lathe. The Bascom has opened its Woodturning Studio. This new studio was made possible by consultations and expertise from The Western North Carolina Woodturners and generous contributions from Bascom members. The fully equipped studio features lathe stations for six students, and will host ongoing classes, workshops, and monthly meetings for local woodturning groups.

Billy Love, The Bascom’s Education Manager, has a passion for woodturning, one that stretches throughout this family history. Love, who spearheaded this exciting new program said, “The Bascom’s woodturning program is an exciting initiative that will bring an entirely new creative medium to The Bascom, and with it, a new community of individuals that seek to explore this popular woodworking craft. The feedback we have received regarding the woodturning program has been filled with enthusiasm, and we expect this program to be a great success. I am extremely appreciative of the many individuals who have contributed to

make this initiative happen. The Bascom is fortunate to have such generous and talented supporters.” The Bascom’s first woodturning class will be held on January 15 -16, under the guidance of Donald Marks from The Western North Carolina Woodturners. Focusing on building skills and confidence in beginner woodturners, this pilot class will be an important step in the process of creating a new community of wood craftsmen on the Plateau. For more information about classes at The Bascom, visit thebascom.org or call (828) 526 -4949.

thelaurelmagazine.com | Winter 2016 | 37

THE ARTS

EDDIES OF FLOUR BY DONNA RHODES

Jane Elliott’s savory creations mirror a kitchen and garden passion.

hen she’s in her peak baking season, Jane Elliott rolls out of bed and into her North Carolina-certified home kitchen. Eddies of flour and finely ground home-harvested spices swirl in her wake. It doesn’t take long for the fragrance of savory shortbread or spicy cheese pecan squares to waft through the house… and all this before she’s even brewed her first cup of coffee! Jane is one of those people who’s found her perfect niche. Everything she loves coalesces in her kitchen. There is something soul satisfying about tilling the earth, planting a garden, harvesting savory herbs, and using that fresh produce to create a five star delicacy. Garden to bowl to oven to decorator’s table to stunning packaging and presentation are all in a day’s work. Her grandmothers were gardeners and culinary artists so she comes by her talent honestly. While her list of specialties is long, certain selections are seasonal. In the summer, lime basil shortbread is a favorite. October through December, holiday delicacies like peppermint fudge, chocolate toffee, and shortbreads such as Frangelica toasted hazel nut, eggnog, and Kahlua espresso are hot sellers. Year-round standards include granola and granola bars, lavender-lemon shortbread (yes, made with real lavender), Matcha orange shortbread, spiced nuts, orange coconut balls, fudge, jams, flavored sugars, finishing salts, seasoned vinegars including lime and opal basils. She also does glorious custom gift baskets. She says, “I can supply baked items for small events like tea parties. With a week

or two notice, I can prepare custom trays of baked items: sweet or savory (rosemaryblack olive-parmesan or lemon-thymeasiago) shortbreads, cookies, nuts, candies, and cupcakes.” While interviewing Jane, I asked a customer sampling an orange coconut ball what his tastebuds were saying. He looked at me with a satisfied grin and said, “More!” Give your own mouth more by visiting Jane at the Franklin Farmer’s Market, Saturdays, April-October, her Art Room consignments, or by contacting her at Garnet Creek Road on Facebook or email: jane. elliott@frontier.com.

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THE ARTS

A NEW LEAF BY DONNA RHODES

Metalsmith Elizabeth Haskins’ timeless creations are infused with a spiritual dimension.

very time Elizabeth Haskins handpicks a semi-precious stone for her exquisite gold, sterling, brass, and copper jewelry, she turns over a new leaf…literally. Nine years ago, after she lost her son, she designed the Dreaming Tree with one leaf symbolically falling from it. Since then she’s created scores of leaves, each one unique in shape, color, texture, form, and surface. These leaves are her poetic tribute to Life regenerating and everlasting. While all her work has personal resonance, nothing pleases her more than someone connecting with a piece of her jewelry, assigning their own special meaning to its beauty and spirit. Haskins has a Bachelors Degree in Visual Arts, with emphasis on silver-smithing and

jewelry design from Georgia State University. She is the real deal. She can design, cast, and create anything from a chalice to a bowl to filigreed utensils, to repousse´ 3-D creations to necklaces, bracelets, rings, pendants, pins, and more. It’s easy to see her impressive fashion adornments as functional miniature sculptures. Haskins is one of a disappearing breed of fine metal masters. Very few students pursue smithing these days, When asked why, she said, “First of all, it is difficult and laborious work, not for the faint of heart. Second, many people gravitate toward silver clay, avoiding the technical complexities of silver metal work.” Haskins works with 10 and 14K yellow gold and sterling. Jeweler’s bronze is also a favor-

ite. It has the beauty of gold without the cost. Excellent craftsmanship and keeping current with trends are the keys to her success. She says she started out with very complex, large pieces, vessels and utensils. Over the years people have pared down to simpler lifestyles and it reflects in the clothing and accessories they wear. She says, “Remember when we got dressed up to go on an airplane? Now we wear jeans.” So she adapted her designs to trending fashion and modern lifestyle. To see more of Haskins’ creations, visit Smitten at 468 Main Street in downtown Highlands. Hours are 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Wednesday through Saturday, and closed Sunday through Tuesday. For a private appointment, please call Bonnie at (828) 4822377. Contact kat@smittenofhighlands.com.

thelaurelmagazine.com | Winter 2016 | 39

THE ARTS

THEIR WISH GRANTED BY CHERIE FAIRCLOTH | ART BY JANICE MANKOVICH

The Art League of Highlands-Cashiers expands its reach and influence with membership in North Carolina’s Regional Artist Project Grants program.

he Art League of Highlands-Cashiers achieved another milestone in 2015 with first-time membership in North Carolina’s Regional Artist Project Grants program. With a vote from the ALHC board to donate to RAPG and become involved in this vital statewide artist grant program, the ALHC has added a significant new member benefit for current members and artists who are considering ALHC membership. ALHC’s decision to join RAPG now makes local Macon County artists eligible for grant funding to assist with their artistic endeavors, no matter the medium or the stage of development of a project. Annual RAPG grant awards are funded by the North Carolina Arts Council and by a regional consortium of local arts councils such as the ALHC. Thirteen applications from artists throughout six Western North Carolina counties were awarded grants to complete projects. Recording expenses, book-making expenses and purchase of a kiln were among some of the funded projects that RAPG grants will now make possible for deserving artists. This year’s panel reviewers included Sallie Taylor, Chief Exhibitions Officer at The Bascom, Center for Visual Arts. Lifetime ALHC member Norma Hendricks has been a past recipient of a RAPG, receiving a generous grant that allowed her to frame her work for a one man show. Janice Malkovich submitted an application for the 2016 RAPG cycle. “I believe the ALHC board made a very wise decision this year to give our artist’s this high profile grant opportunity,” said ALHC president Patty Calderone. “We have some outstanding members who represent the best of many art mediums who deserve to com-

pete for RAPG’s generous grant awards. I am excited to bring this opportunity to our membership.” For more information on the Regional Artist Project Grants, funding and grant application for next year’s awards, visit ncarts.org/Grants/ Grants-for-Organizations/Regional-Artist-Project-Grants. Be sure to catch up on ALHC news in the Laurel Magazine, Facebook and artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com for membership, monthly meetings and show dates for the 2016 season.

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THE ARTS thelaurelmagazine.com | Winter 2016 | 41

VENTURE OUT

OUR WINTER WATERFOWL BY WILLIAM MCREYNOLDS

Winter waterfowl take center stage in the mountains’ quiet winter months.

inter holds its own special avian gems in and around our local wetlands – lakes, ponds, flooded fields, and estuaries. At Mirror Lake near Highlands, for instance, you can often spot any number of Wood Ducks, Black Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, and Mallards. Canada Geese are common in our area. Nearby Lake Junaluska, which offers both scenic vistas and a slightly warmer climate than the lakes and ponds on the Highlands Plateau, plays winter host to Ruddy Ducks, Gadwalls, American Widgeon, and Osprey. These birds sport surprising colors and headgear. They are also much larger than most perching birds due in part to

the amount of body fat they carry to get them through lean winter days. Spotting them from water’s edge is easy this time of the year and, with a good pair of binoculars, you can even ogle them from the warmth and comfort of your favorite flivver. Mallards are numerous in the winter and are especially interesting. The Mallard is the ancestor of practically all domestic ducks. They are monogamous and usually pair in the fall but can be observed courting and pair-bonding in the winter months as well. Strong fliers, they can reach speeds of 50 miles per hour. Only female Mallards quack; males emit a much quieter, raspy sound. Their diet is varied depending on the season and includes seeds, aquatic vegetation, insects, and grain. Mallards

can live to be over 20 years old. Our winter waterfowl attest to the tenacity and robustness of life. In spite of this, their numbers are decreasing due largely to loss of habitat, which is itself tied to changes in atmospheric temperature and human land use. We conserve our colorful waterfowl and the balances of nature by protecting and conserving the natural wetlands in our area. 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. Visit highlandsaudubonsociety. org for information on membership and all activities.

INSTAGRAM.COM/THELAUREL-

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VENTURE OUT

THINK RINK BY ALEX FOLTZ

Skating through the frigid winter months is a lot easier with the opening of Highlandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ice Rink.

ith winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s icy breath enveloping the mountains, the desire for typical outdoor activities wanes in many. However, those daring enough to brave the cold on the plateau and venture outside will soon have another opportunity for outdoor winter recreation. This year, Highlands is fortunate enough to open an ice skating rink to help quell the cabin fever that often accompanies the blustery days of winter. The ice skating rink will be located on the corner of the Oak Street and Pine Alley, as an addition to Founders Park. Now nearing completion, this park has transformed over the years from an empty lot into a beautiful, charming park, which has already been enjoyed by many and will be for years to come. During the summer months, Found-

ers Park is the venue for craft fairs, farmers markets, free concerts, and an annual auto show, all drawing large crowds of locals and tourists alike. With the new addition of the ice skating rink, this trend can continue late into the winter months. With a surface area of 3,735 square feet the ice skating rink can accommodate up to 65 skaters at once. For those who desire to venture on the ice the entry fee is $5, with skates included, or guests who already own their own are welcome to don them on the ice. The hours are 1:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, 1:00 to 10:00 P.M. Friday and Saturday, and 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. on Sunday.

Hot drinks are available at the concession stand to keep skaters and spectators warm while they enjoy the ice, and there will also be skate sharpening services available to tune up any skates that are in need of some maintenance. At the moment, the closing date for this new Highlands attraction is still under consideration with this being the first season, and it is highly dependent on the weather. Currently the general consensus it that the closing will be some time near the end of February. So thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no time to waste! Grab your skates, along with your friends and family, and get out on the ice for some wintertime fun.

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VENTURE OUT

FOX PUPS

PHOTO BY CLAY BOLT COURTESY OF HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION

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ost red fox activity occurs at night, but daytime movements are not uncommon. The red fox mates once a year, and in North Carolina, this generally occurs in January. The pups are born during late February through April. Five pups is an average litter, and they are born in a den that the parents dug themselves or that was dug by woodchucks or skunks. While pups are being raised, the parents center their activity around the den site. Males bring food to the female until the pups can be left alone. When she can leave them, the female nurses the pups during the day and hunts during the night. Pups remain at the den for the first month, and when they are 10 weeks old they begin to explore areas around the den on their own. As they grow older they explore farther from the den site, and during September or October, they disperse to establish their own home range.

VENTURE OUT

HBS SUMMER PREVIEW BY SONYA CARPENTER

Plan now for a year’s worth of fun and learning thanks to the Highlands Biological Station’s ambitious event calendar.

ach summer the Highlands Biological Station offers a wide variety of classes, workshops, lectures, camps, and hikes for every member of our community. Whether you’re interested in the in-depth study of special topics relevant to the southern Appalachian Mountain environment, wanting to explore new hiking trails and add new knowledge to your understanding of the beautiful Highlands landscape, or looking for a summer camp for your young one to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world; the Highlands Biological Station is here to help! Our educational opportunities are designed to immerse the student in the environment; participants spend most of the

time outdoors, where the mountains are our classrooms. This summer we’ll offer weeklong workshops focused on wildflowers, literature, and natural science illustration. Each Friday in the month of June we will host a fieldtrip, we will float down the Little Tennessee River, learn more about our resident birds, and explore how photography can enhance our appreciation of nature. Our traditional Zahner Conservation lectures will be held each Thursday evening from July 7 to September 8. Each lecture is a free and open to the public and will cover a wide range of important conservation issues. This year our Nature Camps will be all new! From “CSI: Critter Scene Investigation” to “Eco Trekkers: Waterfall Adventures,” your kids

will not want to miss out on the exciting opportunities offered this year at the Highlands Nature Center. Camp registration will begin on February 15 for HBF members and on March 14 for non-members. These camps will fill up quickly, so renew your membership now and be ahead of the curve. We have plenty of new family friendly events planned as well. Visit our website for more information. Members of the Highlands Biological Foundation will receive our 2016 catalog and benefit from discounted and early registration opportunities. It is not too early to be thinking of summer fun so go to highlandsbiological.org to become a member and learn more about the opportunities that await you at the Highlands Biological Station.

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VENTURE OUT

ROSE TO THE OCCASION BY JEANNIE CHAMBERS THE ACCIDENTAL GARDENER

Roses are a year-round favorite, yet take on even greater meaning in the winter months.

emember the movie “Love Story,” when Ali McGraw told Ryan O’Neal, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry?” Well, if you’ve got roses, you’ll probably agree, since roses are the language of love, and their love story can last well after you’re gone. Longevity is just one of their strong suits, as they’ve been around for centuries. There are over 100 different species of the rose, and they vary from ground covers to climbing roses to shrubs and they fit in any landscape. Most of our gardens fit nicely somewhere in between the two, and the good thing is – Roses don’t judge. They don’t care what kind of garden you have as long as you include them. Roses are deciduous and most can grow well in zones 4-10. Mid-January to mid-February is

the perfect time to show your roses how much you care for them by pruning them in preparation for their beautiful three season show. You’ll need a good set of pruning shears and heavy gloves (the thorns can puncture right through rubber or cotton gloves.) Another benefit of caring for your roses in the winter is admiring or collecting the rose hips. These dry nicely and are beautiful in arrangements year-round. Some people use fresh rose hips for medicinal purposes by making a tea or salve– I’ve read that fresh rose hips have 60 times the vitamin C of an orange. One of my favorites is the old fashioned Rugosa Rosa. You’ll be hooked once you get a whiff of their fragrance. They look better on the stem than in your arrangements, or at least I tell myself that because the stems are

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covered with tiny thorns, and cutting them may lead to scratched arms as you reach for the perfect one. My mother gave me a pot of pink rugosa roses for Mother’s Day over 10 years ago, and once planted they’ve continued to spread and amaze me year after year. Even though my mother is no longer here, her love pours through the roses with their beauty and fragrance. If you want roses for winter occasions (like Valentine’s Day), you’ll need to make a call to your local florist – they can help you pair the perfect color to your sentiment (now why isn’t that spelled scentiment?). I was in Cosper’s recently and overheard the owner refer to the “Doghouse Dozen” – a readymade dozen for people trying to stay out of the doghouse.

VENTURE OUT

WOOD DUCK PHOTO BY ED BOOS COURTESY OF HIGHLANDS PLATEAU AUDUBON

his adult male in breeding plumage is found on quiet wooded ponds and, in the spring, perched high in forest trees. Nests are built in tree cavities and large nest boxes. Wood Duck feed mainly on acorns and seeds. The female emits a penetrating squeal–ooEEK ooEEK— while the male call is a thin, high and extended jeweep or sweeooo, kip kip kip.

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VENTURE OUT

ADAPTING TO BEARS BY DONNA RHODES

icholas Gould, a North Carolina State University doctoral student, has a bear of a job…and he couldn’t be happier. In partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the university, he’s part of a five-year black bear study ending 2018. This is the first North Carolina study that focuses on the ecology of bears living in an urban/suburban area (Asheville). The hope is that by capturing, collaring, and tracking bears, as well as ascertaining susceptibility to harvest in urban areas, determining causes of mortality, and locating dens, the team can formulate novel management guidelines to reduce bear conflicts, allowing people and bears to better coexist. So far the team has captured 104 bears in the Asheville area, 87 of which were firsttime captures. Residents have been eager to report sightings of both collared and un-collared bears, making citizen science a unique and rewarding part of the study. The largest bears captured so far were two

500-pound males and a 300-pound female. But 2014 yielded a bumper crop of soft (berries) and hard (acorns and nuts) mast. When that happens, bears fatten up and females may have multiple births. In the first part of data collection, many of the captured bears have been labeled resident bears. This means that they live in the area in which they were captured and tagged. Based on GPS collar data so far, some bears spend less than five percent of their time inside city limits while others spend 90 percent in Asheville proper. Some bears are denning close to houses, roads, and highways. Residents might have a bear living near them and not even know it. The collars that are used to track bears are iridium satellite GPS collars with additional VHF (radio frequency) capabilities. By the time the satellite gets the info to the computers there is a delay of about four hours and the bear has moved on. The collars are not as much about finding a bear but being able

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to track it to see where its daily activities are conducted. When bears enter the city limits the collar triggers an email to the research team helping them document where the bear has entered. And don’t worry. Collars are designed to fall off over time so the bear will not wear one its entire life. To date the team has learned that Asheville is home to potentially more bears than anticipated. Nick reminds us bears are opportunist eaters. If food is left out, it’s an invitation to dine. Removing attractants is the key to coexistence. Cleaning grills, removing fruit from trees, securing garbage, keeping pet food inside, etc. will eliminate temptations. “Bears have adapted to people now living in bear country, so we hope people can adapt to living with their bear neighbors,” says Gould. To follow Nick and the study’s progress, visit facebook.com/urbanbearstudy or email urbanbearstudy@ncsu.edu.

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DINING

YOU HAD ME AT CHAMPAGNE BY JENNY KING | PHOTOS BY MARJORIE CHRISTIANSEN

Old Edwards Inn offers an unforgettable evening of exquisite Laurent-Perrier Chapagne paired with Chef Chris Huerta’s masterful creations, Friday, January 22, at The Farm. For reservations call (828) 787-2625.

othing says “romance” quite like champagne and no house epitomizes champagne like Domaine Laurent-Perrier. On Friday, January 22, Old Edwards Inn will present a remarkable evening of epicurean creations expertly paired with Laurent-Perrier Champagne. The House of Laurent-Perrier was founded in 1812 and has gone on to win a host of awards throughout the years. Domaine Laurent-Perrier is located in Tours-sur-Marne, a picturesque village situated at the crossroads of three main wine growing areas in northeastern France. The Laurent-Perrier style, as it is now known, was created by Bernard de Nonancourt who revived the age-old traditions of champagne while launching new approaches at both technical and blending levels. He created a range of unique wines with their own history and personality. Chris Huerta was promoted to Executive Chef at Old Edwards Inn in 2015 and has, over the years, proven to be grounded in all aspects of the culture of food, beginning with the agricultural practices, until it is presented on the plate as a carefully crafted dining experience. Born and raised in Aiken, South Carolina, Chef Huerta’s passion for food stems from watching his grandmother prepare traditional Southern dishes. He is known for taking the flavors he grew up with and presenting them with a fresh and unique twist. He’ll be joined at the Laurent-Perrier Champagne dinner by Old Edwards Inn’s “wine navigator” and sommelier Curt Christiansen. Christiansen, who has been in the food and beverage industry for years, will be your expert

at pairing the fabled Laurent-Perrier Champagnes with the creations of Old Edwards’ Culinary Team. Join them Friday, January 22, for a remarkable evening. The cost is $125 per person including champagne with courses (exclusive of taxes and gratuities). Seating is limited and last year’s dinner sold out quickly, so please call (828) 787-2625 to book your evening at The Farm right now.

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DINING

CARROT WALNUT BREAD BY DR. ANASTASIA HALLDIN HEALTHYMAMAINFO.COM

This delicious bread, loaded with vitamins and flavor, is the perfect remedy for frosty winter days.

old winter days call for a nice fireplace and a warm slice of homemade bread. Moist and slightly sweet, this healthy, chewy bread is great for breakfast or with some soup. It is full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. The veggies can hardly be tasted in this bread, making this recipe perfect for veggie haters, as they won’t recognize the vegetables they don’t like. The bread can easily be frozen and reheated. Ingredients: 1/2 cup Coconut Oil 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour or Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour 1/2 cup Maple Syrup

1 1/2 tbsp. Baking Powder 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt 2 tsp. Cinnamon 3 tbsp. Ground Flax Seed 1/4 cup Orange Juice 1 cup Zucchini, grated 1/2 cup Carrots, grated 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts Olive Oil (for the pan) Instructions: 1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease…5-inch loaf pan with olive oil. 2. Stir together the dry ingredients. Melt coconut oil on the stove. Put coconut oil into

the dry ingredients 3. Combine the juice and the flax seed. Pour into the dry ingredients, mixing just enough to moisten. 4. Fold in the vegetables and the nuts. Mix well, then pour and spoon the batter into the loaf pan. 5. Bake for about 45-55 mins, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes before removing from the pan.

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DINING

BASIL INSTINCTS BY JENNY KING

Ken Knight’s Mediterranean tour of duty netted this incredible, authentic Red Sauce.

en Knight of Highlands spent 30 years in the Navy. During that time, he was constantly moving to locales far too numerous to mention. He served in both the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. Does he miss his travelling days? He laughs and says, “Not at all. I saw everything I wanted to see and some things I’d rather not have seen. I’m not leaving the continental U.S. ever again…and don’t ask me to go on a cruise! I was on a cruise for nine months with 4,000 of my closest friends, standing in line to do everything.” While most sailors sought the nightlife of new ports, Knight went in search of something good to eat. His father was an Army cook in WWII and his whole family had been in the restaurant business, so

he took advantage of his travels to explore local cuisines. Of the many places he visited, Sicily was his favorite. He spent three years living in town, surrounded by native Italians. One of his best friends there taught him how to prepare her basic red sauce and it has become his go-to recipe. “It’s very simple,” says Knight, “and it’s the best pasta sauce you’ll ever taste in your life.” Ingredients: 2 Tbl Extra-Virgin Olive Oil 2 Small Onions, chopped 3-4 cloves of Garlic, chopped 1 (32 oz.) can Crushed Tomatoes 1 (32 oz.) can Tomato Sauce 4-6 fresh Basil Leaves 2 dried Bay Leaves

1 tsp. Kosher Salt or Sea Salt ½ tsp. Cracked Black Pepper ½ cup Good Red Wine. Heat large saucepan over medium heat and add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook for eight minutes or until onions are brown. Add wine and scrape up brown bits to get all the flavor. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and other ingredients. Bring to a boil. Turn down to low and cover. Let simmer for 60 to 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over pasta, rice, or polenta. Serves 4-6. You may also add one pound of ground beef, Italian meatballs, or sausage. Brown first, then drain and follow above recipe. Personally, he never adds ground beef but chooses sausage or meatballs. Please, Knight implores, “Don’t do Ragu.”

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DINING

THE FUTURE OF WINE BY CURT CHRISTIANSEN WINE NAVIGATOR, MADISON’S RESTAURANT

Curt crystal balls a dazzling future for wine and the people who follow its intricacies.

have seen the future in wine, 25 years into the future to be precise. There will be a new generation of wine thinkers, innovators, renegades if you will. There first step will be to adopt a totally arbitrary level of alcohol that no well-made or balanced wine should exceed. They will be motivated by a belief that the only good California wine is a French wine.

They will give themselves a noble name like “searching for balance.” They will have a membership of about 20 wineries. They will hold exclusive wine tastings every year on the East coast and many people in the wine press will show up because these guys are pushing the envelope and this type of movement only happens every 20 years or so.

The press pretends not to notice that the most highly-rated wines continually come from the same two or three properties. I know, sounds crazy, Right? Well, that’s my glimpse of the future and you won’t believe what comes next! ABC! And you won’t believe what it stands for! Drink well, Curt

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DINING 54 | Winter 2016 | thelaurelmagazine.com

See Ad On Page

Take Out

Outdoor Dining

Live Music

Dress Code

Reservations Recommended

Vegetarian Selections

Children’s Menu

Full Bar

Wine

Dinner

Lunch

Sunday Brunch

Breakfast

Restaurants of Highlands & Cashiers HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS

The Bistro at Wolfgang’s • 460 Main Street • 828-526-3807 $-$$ • The Dog House • 294 South 4th St. • 828-526-8364 ¢ The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering • 350 S. Fifth St. • 828-526-2110

¢ ¢

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• NC

• • 5

• C • 53

$-$$ $-$$ • • 51

The Log Cabin • 130 Log Cabin Lane • 828-526--5777 $-$$ $-$$ $$ •

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Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden • 445 Main St. • 828-787-2525 $ $$ $$ •

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• C

Mountain Fresh Grocery • Corner of Fifth and Main • 828-526-2400 ¢ ¢ -$ ¢ -$ • • C On the Verandah • Hwy. 64 (Franklin Road) • 828-526-2338 $-$$ $-$$ • The Ugly Dog Pub • 294 South 4th St. • 828-526-8364 ¢

¢ ¢

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

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• NC

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CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS Slabtown Pizza • 45 Slab Town Road 828-743-0020 $ $ • • C ¢ $

Minimal, most entrees under $10 Moderate, most entrees $10-$15

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS Altitude’s at Skyline Lodge - 828-526-2121 Annie’s Cafe - 828-526-1663 Asia House - 828-787-1680 Bake My Day Bakery & Cafe - 828-487-4633 Bella’s Junction Cafe - 828-526-0803 Bistro on Main/ Main Street Inn - 828-526-2590 The Bistro at Wolfgang’s - 828-526-3807 The Brick Oven - 828-526-4121 Bryson’s Deli - 828-526-3775 Buck’s Coffee Cafe - 828-526-0020 Cafe 460 - 828-526-8926 Creekside Casual Dining - 828-526-9822 Cyprus International Cuisine - 828-526-4429 The Dog House - 828- 526-8364 Dusty’s - 828-526-2762 El Azteca - 828-526-2244 El Manzanillo - 828-526-0608 Fressers Courtyard Cafe - 828-526-4188 Golden China - 828-526-5525 Highlands BBQ Company - 828-526-5000 Kelsey Place Restaurant - 828-526-9380 The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering - 828-526-2110

Pricing Guide

$$ Deluxe, most entrees $15-$20 $$$ Grand, most entrees over $20

Lakeside Restaurant - 828-526-9419 The Log Cabin - 828-526-5777 Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden - 828-787-2525 Meritage Bistro - 828-526-1019 Mountain Fresh - 828-526-2400 On the Verandah - 828-526-2338 Pescado’s - 828-526-9313 Pizza Place - 828-526-5660 Paoletti’s - 828- 526-4906 Rosewood Market - 828-526-0383 Sports Page - 828-526-3555 Subway - 828-526-1706 SweeTreats Deli - 828- 526-9632 Tokyo - Authentic Asian Cuisine - 828-526-8800 The Ugly Dog Pub - 828- 526-8364 Wild Thyme Gourmet - 828-526-4035 Wine Garden at Old Edwards Inn - 828-787-2525 Wolfgang’s Restaurant - 828-526-3807 CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS Brown Trout Mountain Grille - 828-877-3474 Buck’s Coffee Cafe - 828-743-9997 Cafe 107 - 828-293-1221

C Casual

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Dress Code J

NC Nice Casual Jacket

Canyon Kitchen - 828-743-7967 Carolina Smokehouse - 828-743-3200 Chester’s Chicken at Cashiers Exxon - 828-743-5041 Chile Loco - 828-743-1160 Cornucopia Restaurant - 828-743-3750 Four Season Grille - 828-743-4284 Happ’s Place - 828-743-2266 High Hampton Inn - 828-743-2411 Hunt Bros. Pizza at Cashiers BP - 828-743-2337 JJ’s Eatery and Canteen - 828-743-7778 Mica’s Restaurant - 828-743-5740 On the Side at Cashiers Farmers Market - 828-743-4334 The Orchard - 828-743-7614 Randevu Restaurant - 828-743-0190 Rosie’s Café - 828-743-0160 Slab Town Pizza (STP) - 828-743-0020 Subway - 828-743-1300 The Gamekeeper’s Tavern -  828-743-4263 Wendy’s - 828-743-7777 Yoshi Japanese Steakhouse - 828-743-8747 Zookeeper - 828-743-7711

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DINING

Mountain Dining

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HISTORY

HARRY MOMENTS BY DONNA RHODES PHOTO COURTESY HIGHLANDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Neither rain, nor snow, nor dark of night would stay beloved nurse Margaret Harry from the swift completion of her appointed rounds. Cows would.

n the early 1900s, Highlands’ go-to doc was the highly-regarded Dr. Mary E. Lapham. When she left to head a Red Cross Mission in war-torn Europe, the Red Cross sent a trained nurse replacement, Miss Margaret Harry, to work with the mountain folk. From 1920-28 Margaret ran a five-bed health clinic in Highlands’ Masonic Hall. Town folk were so fond of Margaret and her midwifery skills, they often named their children after her: girls, Margaret and boys, Harry. She climbed many a mountain and forded scores of streams in her rickety old wagon to deliver her namesakes, treat snakebite, or set a bone. She was a wisp of a thing, weighing less than 100 pounds, but she could stand toe-to-toe with any male counterpart. She was regarded

as the Florence Nightingale of the Blue Ridge. The Atlanta Constitution called her “Angel of the Mountain People.” But even Mighty Margaret had a chink in her armor. She was deathly afraid of cows. On a nursing mission she decided to cross a pasture. A curious bovine spotted her and trailed along behind. Terrified, Margaret climbed a tree. The cow was content to graze under the tree all day. Margaret was just as determined to stay aloft until the cow left for greener pastures. Luckily Margaret had brought a sandwich to sustain her. At day’s end, the cow ambled off and Margaret shinnied down the tree, hoofin’ it home. Cows may have left her cold but a good practical joke stoked her fires. T.T. Hall recalls a

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classic. He was accompanying her on a nursing call when they ran across a horse skeleton on the Rhododendron trail. They rearranged the bones to look like a human skeleton, leaned it against a tree, and dolled it up with false teeth and men’s clothing. The coroner was summoned. On first glance he knew it was a prank, but he played along, giving everyone a satisfying guffaw. In spite of Margaret’s bovinophobia, you’ve got to hand it to her. She knew how to milk a moment. Graze though more Highlands history in Ran Shaffner’s “Heart of the Blue Ridge.” Or go to: highlandshistory.com. Visit the Highlands Historical Society by appointment. Reopens late spring.

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HISTORY

TRACKING SLATTEN BY JANE GIBSON NARDY HISTORIAN, CASHIERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The mystery-shrouded life of Jeptha P. Slatten produced a bumper crop of children and stories.

n a Civil War battlefield, Confederate Cpl. Jeptha P. Slatten lay on the ground, wounded but still alive. Despite the pain of his wounds he was mentally disassociated from the violence and chaos around him and laid there pretending to be dead. Many hours later a doctor at the nearest medical-aid station, amputated Jeptha’s wounded arm and threw it on top of a large pile of bloody body limbs. May 30 1861 - brothers Jeptha P. Slatten and Warren D. Slatten joined the Confederate “Jackson Guards,” 25th Regiment, Company B at the Jackson County, North Carolina, county seat of Webster. Another brother, James E. S. Slatten, served the Confederacy in another Regiment. Neither Warren nor James survived the war. These young soldiers were three of the seven children of John Edward Jackson “Jackie” Slatten (1801-1897) and Nancy Sauls Slatten (1805-1886), former residents of Surry County, North Carolina. By 1866, Jeptha Slatten had returned from war to the greater Cashiers area, and mar-

ried Parthena Alice Zachary (1849-1886) daughter of Alexander Zachary and Sarah Isabelle Wilson Zachary. The first of Jeptha’s and Parthena’s eight children was born in 1866 with the other seven children following along every couple years or so. Jeptha was listed on the census as a farmer and on the 1880 census enumeration he checked “yes” in a column headed “maimed or crippled.” Thirty years ago, Lora B. Coates, the mayor of the town of Yelm, Washington, and a descendant of Jeptha and Parthena Slatten visited Cashiers in an ancestor search. Distant cousin Howard Zachary showed her around town and she explained why there were no Slattens left in Cashiers. Due to the untimely deaths of Jeptha and Parthena, their eight orphans were separated and placed in different homes in and around Cashiers. Fifteen years ago another of the descendants of Jeptha and Parthena made contact with me. He was tracing his genealogy and was hoping I could help him. All I really knew for sure was that the couple was bur-

ied at the Upper Zachary Cemetery in Cashiers. The tombstone showed that Jeptha died in 1883 at the age of 45 and Parthena died in 1886 at age 37 years. The descendant, Bill Cochran from Texas, knew much more than I did – dramatic family stories although undocumented. Here are a few of them: “Three of the sisters married a man named Davis, the same man but not all at the same time. His last known whereabouts was in Texas where he was being chased by a posse,” “The father was a Civil War veteran who lived to be over 100 years old. He reportedly lost an arm in the war.” (This is obviously Jeptha who died at age 45, nowhere near 100.) “One brother went to Alaska during the Gold Rush. The ship he was on sank and his survival unknown,”; “Another brother died as a child when heading cattle to the barn he struck his foot on a stone and later died of blood poisoning.” The cause of the early deaths of Jeptha and his wife Parthena remains unknown and the fate of most of their children is yet to be learned.

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HOMES & LIFESTYLES

THUMBING THROUGH TITIANS BY DONNA RHODES

A dedicated survey of classical art gets to the naked truth of the matter.

hen I started teaching high school art I’d pass out college level art history books to my beginning students. Believing students must be exposed to great art in order to learn how to draw well, I’d have them read about any artist whose work they found intriguing. Sometimes, after reading, students were asked to render an apple, a flower, or an animal in the style of Renoir or Picasso or whomever they had chosen. The text we used was a 700+ page volume chock full of the world’s most famous painters, sculptors, architects, and photographers. I taught my 9th through 12th graders about aesthetics, the study of beauty. I

told them artists consider the most beautiful and most challenging subject to be the human form. Of course we could not use unclothed models in high school drawing sessions, but the subjects in the text were often unencumbered by garments. This was in Central Florida in a high income demographic where most students had been introduced to fine art early on, so nude painting and drawing was acceptable to administrators and parents. One day, as I was walking around the room, making sure students were on task I overheard a freshman boy mumbling something as he carefully thumbed

through the chapter on the Renaissance. I padded up behind him in time to hear him slowly, methodically say the word, na-ked. As he turned each page and looked at another photo, again he’d say, “Na-ked.” He continued to do this for several pages until he got to a two page spread of Titian’s Venus of Urbino, when he suddenly shouted, “WHOA!! REALLY NAKED!” Two decades later, whenever I see Titian’s work I halfway expect the Propriety Police to give me a ticket. I wonder where that kid is now. He’s probably a professor in an Italian Art Academy…or the owner of a chain of topless bars in Biloxi.

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HOMES AND LIFESTYLES

A DOCTOR’S PASSION BY DR. SUE AERY AERY CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE

A deeper understanding of our wellness reveals the extraordinary power of healthy eating.

hen I decided to go back to school to study for my doctorate degree, there wasn’t much hesitation in my actions. In a matter of weeks, I was enrolled in school and retiring from my 20-plus year career as a tennis professional. I had discovered my real passion and I was finally pursuing a career based around that passion. Since a very young age, I’ve been intrigued by the human body. When I was teaching tennis for a living, I studied the physics of the human body: how it moved, what made it bend and stretch, how it could create the most efficient, powerful swing over and over again. What I didn’t study then was what made the body break down over time. I wasn’t focused on whether the student was healthy or not.

This has become my passion. I finally found the avenue to help others while loving what I do every day. Through my study of nutrition, including another advanced degree in that field, I have also discovered how important whole foods are to the body and how badly we can hurt the body with unhealthy foods. We are what we eat. Oxidative stress is the result of eating and drinking poorly. Oxidative stress is what destroys cells too quickly, deprives the body of oxygen and nutrients on a cellular level and leads to diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. My passion has grown to include sharing this message and teaching as many people as possible how to be as healthy as they can be and live a vibrant and good quality life. How our culture thinks about and acts around food amazes me at times!

We are not designed to eat adulterated foods, much less chemicals! Processed sugar is the number one killer of cells and organs, acting like gasoline being poured on a fire. The inside of the body becomes one big inflammatory fire, killing off cells and destroying vital tissues, including the brain. The main cause of Alzheimer’s disease is inflammation of the brain tissue. Autoimmune diseases are usually triggered by inflammation in the body. The body is unable to handle the genetic shift and that translates into autoimmunity. Gather knowledge. Be aware. Ask questions. What do you already know and what do you need to learn if you want to live a long and healthy life? We can never learn too much when it comes to being healthy so be passionate about your health and you!

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HOMES & LIFESTYLES

CELEBRATION DESTINATION BY ANN SELF

The Village Green is the vital, emerald heart of the Cashiers community.

ooking to host a corporate picnic, family reunion, birthday party, wedding, or other special occasion event in 2016? Look no further than The Village Green, a lovely 12.5 acre park in the heart of Cashiers. The outdoor rustic feeling and the peaceful natural surroundings make it a picture-perfect spot for celebrations of all sizes. The Village Green has three open air venues that offer unique vistas and experiences perfect for an unforgettable event. The Gazebo is a rustic structure with a large lawn area at the crossroads that may be used for various events, concerts, and private functions. The Pavilion in the center of the park is a sizable covered shelter with six long picnic tables. “This past year the Pavilion was used for

baby showers, bridal luncheons, wedding welcome parties and many, many birthday parties,” says Ann Self, Executive Director of The Village Green. The Village Green Commons is the large, open air, multi-use venue on Frank Allen Road that is popular for weddings and other large special events. Along with these, the Hayes Fairchild Memorial Garden is a lovely, intimate setting for small gatherings with stacked stone seating under a vine-covered arbor. During spring and summer, The Village Green blossoms with native azalea, rhododendron and lupine, as well as roses and hydrangeas. The spectacular dahlia garden blooms into early fall. The beauty of The Village Green inspires creativity to events memorable and unique.

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“Everyone loves a party,” says Self, “What better place to celebrate than in the delightful green heart of Cashiers!” The Village Green is a public park that is privately conserved and maintained by a nonprofit organization. Day-to-day operations are funded by individual contributions and special events like the upcoming Cashiers Plein Air Festival in July. “The Village Green is more than just a community park,” says Self. “The Village Green is a park for the community.” If you would like to know more about The Village Green hosting a special event, email info@villagegreencashiersnc.com or call (828) 743-3434. For more information about The Village Green, including a calendar of events, visit villagegreencashiersnc.com.

ACCOMMODATIONS

ART LESSONS

BEAUTY

BUSINESS SERVICES

CABINET DESIGN

CONSTRUCTION

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

ACCOMMODATIONS

GIVING BACK

NAN AND JERRY TAKE HEART BY JENNY KING

For Jerry and Nan Presley, volunteering is an affair of the heart.

hould you walk into Health Tracks at Highlands Cashiers Hospital, it’s likely you’ll see a familiar face. Nan Presley has been the wine concierge at Bryson’s Food Store for years. Now she volunteers at Health Tracks beside her husband Jerry, who really is The Wiz. This man behind the curtain has been a volunteer for 15 years and has some firsthand experience to share with the patients. In 2001 Jerry had open-heart surgery to repair five blocked arteries. He was sent to the Cardiac Program at the hospital where he participated in the standard 36-visit rehabilitation plan. Over the weeks Presley realized how much better he felt and after he completed the 36 visits, “I felt better than I had in years,

even better than before I had the surgery. I was so impressed with the program I knew I had to give something back,” he says. He began volunteering immediately upon completing the program and has been an integral part of Health Tracks since. Nan, after retiring from Bryson’s, began assisting her husband and together they work three mornings a week. Jerry arrives at 6:45 A.M. before the staff, and makes the coffee, prepares the equipment and readies the cardiac area. As patients arrive, both he and Nan work directly with them and can offer firsthand experience about what to expect. “A lot of people come in and they’re afraid, angry, and depressed. My job is to let them know we’ve been there and it will

get better,” Nan says quietly. “We know what they’re going through.” While Nan circulates on the floor, checking heart rate and oxygen levels, Jerry watches the sensitive cardiac monitors, often as many as eight patients at one time. He keeps close tabs on the patients’ vital signs so he can alert the nurses to any hint of trouble. What does 15 years worth of volunteering look like? It all adds up to over 12,000 hours and earning the title of “Volunteer of the Year” in Cashiers. But you can bet your life neither Jerry nor Nan do it for the accolades. They do it because they know, firsthand, what it takes to recover from a massive cardiac event. Volunteering is another way to take care of your heart. Just ask them.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers visit thelaurelmagazine.com

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GIVING BACK

NEW FACES FAMILIAR PLACES BY JENNY KING

Two bright new faces add to the warmth of the Hudson Library.

alk into the Hudson Library in Highlands and you’re likely to see two new faces at the Circulation Desk – Jessica Kovacs and Emily Crowell. Both arrived in November, but Emily has been part of the Fontana Regional Library for years. She has worked part-time at both the Macon County Library in Franklin and the Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library. When the position became available for a full-time employee in Highlands, Emily was delighted. “We are so very lucky to have such a wonderful library system in Western North Carolina. I’m thrilled to be a part of it,” she says. Jessica Kovacs came to the Hudson Library by way of the Bascom, A Center for the Visual Arts. In 2015, as exhibition registrar, one of her

tasks was to rotate the permanent art collection displayed at the library. She also has participated with the artists’ group that meets at the library, having earned her Master’s of Fine Arts degree. She’s always loved books and jumped at the chance to work part-time at The Hudson. Stop by and welcome these two bright faces. Community Coffee will continue through the winter months. Mayor Patrick Taylor leads discussions from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. on the last Friday of the month. Each session will feature issues of concern to the town and its citizens, presented by the mayor himself and a variety of organizations. This event is free and open to the public. It’s the ideal time to learn more about what makes Highlands tick. The Hudson Library Book Club is another

great way to meet others in the area. It meets the last Tuesday of each month at 10:00 A.M. If you’re looking for a warm and quiet place to catch up on reading, don’t forget the library’s reading room. The gorgeous stone fireplace and comfy chairs will lure you into spending a few hours in the peace and quiet. The non-fiction shelves surrounding the reading area have been updated by topic so it makes searching even that much easier. Winter months also offer a great opportunity to find what you’re looking for on the New Books shelves, both fiction and non. Let Jessica, Emily, Karen, Jennifer, and Sharon give you a tour. For more information call The Hudson Library at (828) 526-3031. Oh, don’t forget – they’re always looking for volunteers, too.

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GIVING BACK

SOMETHING TO CHEW ON BY JIM ROTHERMEL MD

Local Rotary Clubs and dentists have an investment in children’s dental health.

he Rotary Club of Highlands and the Highlands Mountaintop Club started a dental health program for the Highlands School in 20 09. Approval was obtained from the Macon County Health Department and the North Carolina Department of Dental Regional Health. Over 80 percent of tooth decay is now found in approximately 25 percent of the children. Today, 50 percent of our school age children have tooth decay, resulting in poor health, pain, and loss of time from school. The cost of treating tooth decay is high. The two Rotary clubs, in conjunction with local dentists, sponsor and fully fund a three-phased approach to better dental health for all children in K-5.

The program consists of a weekly fluoride rinse program; a once-yearly Dental Screening Program (visual check of the child’s mouth by a local dentist); and a Dental Education day to enhance the child’s knowledge of overall good dental health. All students, grades K-5 automatically participate in the program unless their parents opt out of the program. Our participation rate is over 90 percent. The weekly fluoride rinse (“swish and spit” as the kid’s say) is included since our town’s water is not fluoridated. The unit dose is safe -- if the 0.2 percent solution is accidentally swallowed, it’s harmless. Mint, grape, and bubble gum are favorite rinses.

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Mary McClean, who holds her master’s degree in dental health, conducts our annual Dental Education Day. Each class interacts with Mary, our tooth fairy, who teaches them to brush “before school, after school, and before we go to bed.” Free stickers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss are distributed. Our local dentists conduct our Oral Examination Day. Each child is examined and a results form is sent to the parents. If follow-up is suggested, care can be obtained through Macon County’s Mobile Molar Roller, the Free Dental Clinic, or local dentists. Our examining dentists have observed a marked improvement in students’ dental health. We are making a difference!

BY DONITA CLINE

GIVING BACK

BANNING WINTER BLUES BY DONITA CLINE NAMI APPALACHIAN SOUTH

This season is fraught with hazards to your mental equilibrium, but there are some simple steps to banish the blues.

ost folks have heard the term “winter blues,” but sometimes these feelings are extreme, can impact someone’s daily life, and might be a sign of something more serious. Consider these problems that can pop up at this time of year – major depression; feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day; having low energy; losing interest in activities you once enjoyed; having problems with sleeping; experiencing changes in appetite; having frequent thoughts of death or suicide; winter Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD); irritability; problems with relationships; and heavy, leaden feelings in the arms or legs. To combat these symptoms, there are these steps you can take – at least 7 hours of

sleep, healthy meals, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Exercise is known to have anti-depression and anti-anxiety effects. Even a light workout stimulates the “happy” chemicals in the brain. One deep breath refocuses the mind; deep breathing can slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure. Time outside, even if it’s cloudy, can create the opportunity for peace. Time with pets can be a source of relaxation. If you have dogs, multiply this effect by going outside and/or exercising with your furry friend(s). Maybe a stretch…but are coffee and chocolate “anti-depressants?” Someone’s grandmother might say “everything

in moderation.” Prolonged periods of depression, anxiety or any discomfort should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Suffering is not necessary. NAMI Appalachian South has information on different illnesses, and local resource information. NAMI Appalachian South has a weekly support group for individuals with mental illness, a monthly support group for family members with a loved one with mental illness. We’re located at 4668 Old Murphy Road, in Franklin. Our mailing address is PO Box 464, Otto, NC 28763. Call (828) 526- 9510, email dcwithnami@ yahoo.com, or visit us at nami-maconnc.org.

BBBS LOOKING AHEAD BY RACHEL DYER BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS, CASHIERS

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cashiers’ Big Goal for 2016 – more Bigs, more Littles.

s the new Big Brothers Big Sisters Program Coordinator of Cashiers, I’m looking forward to this new year. We ended 2015 with a wonderful holiday group outing to the Asheville Community Theatre. It was a great way for me to meet and enjoy time with 20 “Bigs” and “Littles” as we rode the bus to Asheville to watch “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” The play was delightful and it was a special time of camaraderie for all of us, both as a group, and for the Bigs and Littles spending time together. I join an organization that is thriving thanks to another successful mail-out campaign, a well-run Advisory Council and our great community. I want to thank all of

the donors, both individuals and organizations, who have continued to provide support and/or partnerships. We appreciate your understanding that our nationally recognized one-on-one mentoring program helps children reach for higher aspirations and greater success in life. Looking ahead to 2016, I’d like to see BBBS serve more children. I was so surprised to meet kids asking for a Big. These children have friends or classmates in the BBBS program, and they see them benefiting from the attention of their mentor and are hoping, “How about me?” We ask you in the community to come and share your talents, experiences, and just a little time with one of these children.

We promise it will be one of the best experiences you will ever have – enriching a child’s life by having fun, building a friendship, and opening up new opportunities for him or her. I’m excited about growing BBBS and serving as many children as we can. Please help us reach this goal. For more information, please contact me at cashiers@bbbswnc. org or (828) 200-9111. On June 21, BBBS will host its Second Annual Cashiers Valley Croquet Challenge at Sapphire Valley Country Club and Cedar Creek Racquet Club. It will be a great event to play croquet with friends, enjoy lunch, have loads of fun, and support our program. More details coming.

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GIVING BACK

NO GREATER LOVE BY SUE BLAIR CARPE DIEM FARMS

The sudden loss of Promise leaves a tremendous hole in the hearts of those who loved him and the life of Carpe Diem Farms.

o greater love have I ever lost than my magnificent Promise. From the day he was born he was the iconic image of Carpe Diem Farms. We announced his birth in The Highlander and he became the talk of the town! Photographers, parents with children, friends of the farm gathered to see our one and only foal born on the farm. His personality was bigger than life and he appointed himself the CDF Official Greeter! In the first 18 months of his life he survived three near-death experiences. Each time he came back a more determined teacher to the children and adults who participated in programs. He exemplified courage. He demonstrated his love and appreciation of humans always offering kisses. He loved his herd, especially Anna Banana who has

been his best friend since they were babies. Her loss feels as deep as mine. Neither of us know what to do without him. We’ll never know why he died. Friday afternoon he came gleefully running into the stables for lunch, looking like “Marmaduke” as he came over the rise, head tossing, ears flopping and a big smile on his face. He ate lunch and two hours later I found him down in his stall. All his vitals remained normal throughout and yet so sick. Twenty-seven hours from beginning to end, at 9:44 P.M. he was humanely euthanized. It is a moment in time which changed my life and the dynamics of the farm forever. I am grateful for all the love he shared, the tremendous lessons he taught us all. Thirteen

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years wasn’t enough and it is all there is. Please hold us in your thoughts and prayers as we make our way through our grief. Two days following Promise’s death we lost our sweet, special, eight-year-old rescued Shiz Tzu, Griffin Blair. His dog and cat family join us in his loss. He too is profoundly missed. Promise graced the cover of the September 2011 Laurel Magazine.

GIVING BACK

FOSTERING KINDNESS KATHLEEN BUB FOREVER FARM

The Forever Farm is the final, compassionate destination for animals from across Western North Carolina.

indness is what we are all about. Helping those that cannot help themselves. We are a voice for our animal brothers and sisters who in their senior years, or in times of need, have no family to care f or them. The Forever Farm in Lake Toxaway is a lifelong sanctuary for senior and special needs animals that come to us from county shelters, veterinary hospitals, and individuals throughout Western North Carolina. We care for over 10 0 cats, 55 dogs and four horses. The Joseph E. Pick-

elsimer Center houses our animals who need nursing care, palliative care, and hospice. Sadly, we are limited by space, and funding, as to how many we can help. We would love to have you come to visit our facilities. It will make you a believer in our mission. Friends for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization funded primarily by private, tax deductible donations. For information or to set up a tour of our facilities. please call (828) 508-2460, or email us at friendsforlife.foreverfarm@gmail.com.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers visit thelaurelmagazine.com

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GIVING BACK

HAPPY IN THE DOG HOUSE BY DAVID STROUD CASHIERS-HIGHLANDS HUMANE SOCIETY

The lucky animals at Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society’s Adoption Center are surviving this winter in the comfort of warm kennels.

don’t get it. I just don’t get it. After arriving at Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society in May, 2012, and enjoying a glorious and beautiful spring, summer and fall, the winter months set in and for this Florida native it just didn’t seem that cold. Why were so many people leaving this pristine paradise when all of a sudden the mountain vistas were better than ever, the lines at the grocery store were shorter, the bugs subsided and what little humidity seemed to disappear? I just don’t get it, I kept telling myself. At the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society, we had dogs on the outside halves of kennels night after night, and with a warm blanket and full tummies these pups seemed to be in heaven. I know that’s the way I felt (and so did my shelter rescue Huskies). Then winter 2013 came. And then...I got it. It was cold. Not all of the time, but enough of the time. Cold enough that those outside halves of the kennels were unusable. Be-

fore I knew it, animals were spending the night in our lobby. In our office. In our bathroom. Any place where there was space and there was warmth. Because that was the humane thing to do. It’s not enough to just rescue them, I would frequently remind our incredibly hardworking staff. We have to give these animals the highest level of compassionate care. And I felt in my heart that we could do better, and that if we made our case to the charitable animal lovers who support our Humane Society, we could build a new Adoption Center that could save more lives and provide more space for all of the homeless animals who come to our door looking for shelter from the cold. Wherever you may be as you are reading this, it’s a safe bet it is colder right now than what it was just a few months ago. Here in our little piece of paradise in Western North Carolina, it is cold. But after two years of

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planning, design, fundraising and construction, our new Adoption Center is now open and thanks to our generous donors and supporters, all of our shelter pets are safe and warm. Established in 1987, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal shelter that receives no state or county tax dollars, and no funding from any national animal organization. CHHS relies solely on donations, grants, bequests and special events to further our mission of rescue, compassionate care, spay/neuter and finding forever homes for abandoned and neglected animals. Our no-kill shelter is located on Highway 64 in Sapphire, two miles east of the Cashiers Crossroads and is open 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday. For more information, please contact CHHS at (828)743-5752, email info@ CHhumanesociety.org or visit us online at www.CHhumanesociety.org.

GIVING BACK

CLE: YEARN TO LEARN BY LORNA ALEXANDER CENTER FOR LIFE ENRICHMENT

With an extension of class offerings and excursions, the Center for Life Enrichment continues to meet the goals laid out at its inception.

id you know how the Center For Life Enrichment got its start? I sure didn’t and I’ve been working with them on and off over the course of the last five years. In a beauty shop in Highlands, in the summer of 1989, a chance meeting between two women, Nell Martin and Nelda Toothman, unknowingly put into motion the founding of the Center For Life Enrichment. One thing led to another and the two women, along with their husbands, Bill and Rex, socializing over food and drink, discovered their mutual interest in the joy of constantly learning. They asked themselves this – Wouldn’t it be fun and rewarding to promote a group in the Highlands-Cashiers area which could offer such opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds?

These four energetic people identified the need for what is now known as the Center For Life Enrichment. Its mission is to provide lifelong learning for people throughout the Highlands-Cashiers region. As a founding CLE advisory member once said, “After college you need continuing education and it doesn’t seem fair that the kids get to go to camp and I can’t.” The force that drives CLE forward is its enthusiastic Board of Directors, 500 members and ever-growing list of visitors each season. This past year CLE offered 130 courses and events and 2016 promises an even more expansive course and lecture series. Courses and events encompass many subjects, from cooking classes to beautiful garden presentations to featuring renowned lecturers from all

over the country covering topics from life with royalty, Cherokee history, to Russia’s current political climate. An important part of CLE’s mission is to respond to the interests of its attendees. To that end, 2016 is offering more extensive interactive trips to places like Mexico and the Willamette Valley to explore Oregon’s Wine Country. The Mexico adventure, “Chocolate and Orchids,” promises to be an exploration on botany, foods and culture, visiting places like the former home of Emperor Maximillian, Hacienda de Los Morales in Mexico City to Teotihuacan, one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in the world. Reservations are being taken now. Call Center For Life Enrichment for more information and to sign up. (828) 526-8811. The Curious Mind Knows No Bounds.

Take The Mountains With You.

Terry Barnes Fine Art Photography The painting above was incorrectly credited in the December Laurel. The talented artist of this beautiful piece is Daphne Lisenby.

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GIVING BACK

BUILDING A LAND LEGACY BY JULIE SCHOTT HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS LAND TRUST

The generosity of the Anderson-Sargent family has set the standard for preserving Highlands’ natural treasures.

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ighlands-Cashiers Land Trust originated in 1883 to become the first land trust in the Southeast, though it was not until 1909, when members collected money from the residents of Highlands to protect the summit of Satulah Mountain, that the then-Highlands Improvement Association would protect its first property. One of those initial contributing families, the Anderson-Sargent family, went on to become HCLT’s first conservation easement donors. A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a private landowner and a conservation entity in which the landowner agrees to give up certain development rights to their property to protect its conservation values. Conservation donors often receive tax benefits. The Anderson-Sargent family has been active with HCLT and the Highlands community since the early days of both the town and the Land Trust. Ralph and Louise (Anderson) Sargent have been described by Robert Zahner as some of the great conservationists of the Highlands area. In the early 1990’s, Lydia Sargent Macauley and her brother Hugh Sargent decided they wanted to put their parents’ Highlands property into a conservation easement. On December 5, 1996, the Ralph & Louise Sargent Preserve conservation easement, named in honor of Lydia and Hugh’s parents, was signed. This conservation easement was the first for HCLT and has served as a template and inspiration for later conservation easements. By putting their family property in an easement, Lydia and Hugh not only helped protect their family legacy, but started building a new legacy for HCLT and beyond! Their generosity permanently protected an important green space along Mill Creek in Highlands that safeguards water quality, rare plants, and provides a forested and undeveloped buffer to the Highlands Biological Station. This year is the 20th anniversary of this monumental occasion in HCLT history. Please keep an eye out for more information commemorating this event. If you are interested in learning more about HCLT or conservation easements in general, please contact them at julie.hitrust@earthlink.net or (828) 526-1111 or visit hicashlt.org.

BIZ SPOTLIGHT

THE CHAMBER’S PERMANENT HOME BY DONNA RHODES

The storied home of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce reflects the tide of local history.

he Marchant-Parker-Davis-Patterson House became the permanent home of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce in 2013. Its provenance is impressive and is reflected in its lengthy name. The home’s history spans three centuries beginning with its construction in 1879 by Robert Marchant. It was his Highlands Pine Ridge residence for five years. In 1884 Greenville, South Carolinian Thomas F. Parker, stepson of Prioleau Ravenel, made it his home. He operated Kelsey-Highlands Nursery located below Sunset Rock for 30 years until it closed in 1920. C. Gustavus Memminger bought the home from him in 1911. When it burned in 1920, the dwelling belonged to Nannie Rogers. It was rebuilt on its former foundation

preserving the original chimney. A Georgia building contractor, W.S. Davis, purchased it in 1937. His wife had died, leaving him to care for a daughter. Suffering from TB, they came to Highlands to recuperate at Dr. Mary Lapham’s Sanatorium. Davis lived to his 90th year after serving two terms as Mayor, 1927-31 and 1937-39. Mayor Davis sold the house to Floridian F.P. Mirabelli in 1945. In 1954 it was purchased by Claude “Pat” Patterson who also served two mayoral terms, 1962-65 and 1968-75. Around the turn of the millennium Gus and Jan Lard purchased the property. It became the center of operations for Signature Properties Real Estate. Four years later it was completely renovated and converted into a new home for Nick’s Restaurant until

December, 2011. The house sat empty for almost a year until an anonymous benefactor purchased it and donated it as the Chamber’s permanent home. After occupancy by two mayors it was only fitting it should become headquarters for town business. The Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center opened the door to its new quarters April 3, 2013. The Marchant-Parker-Memminger-Rogers-Davis-Mirabelli-Lard-Anonymous-Town of Highlands Home, re-purposed over three centuries, has glorious stories to tell. Find out more by joining the Chamber’s activities, from visitor to volunteer to member. Experience Highlands’ history in the making at #49 on the Highlands Heritage Tour. Call (828) 526-5841 for more info.

WINDOW DRESSINGS

D 2015 Highlands Chamber of Commerce Holiday Window Contest Winners. Pictured L to R, top row: Annelize Giliomee (Smitten) and Lindsey Brewer (Alyxandra’s); second row: Kat Evans, Bonnie Earman (Smitten) and Trinity Baldwin (Appalachian Harvest); third row: Marianne Vines, Jennifer Cunningham (Highlands Chamber of Commerce) and Kimberly Baldwin (Appalachian Harvest); fourth row: Mia Nelson (Highlands Mountain Paws), Ryan Bears (The Toy Store), Bob Kieltyka (Highlands Chamber of Commerce) and Kevin Baldwin (Appalachian Harvest). Not pictured: The Dry Sink

uring the holiday season, the town of Highlands transforms into a Dickensesque Christmas wonderland. Our streets are lined with wreath-adorned street lights, trees are aglow, and store windows gleam with holiday vision. To help with this festive town image, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce sponsors an annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest. Store owners have the first three weeks of November to decorate, don and adorn store fronts with their holiday fantasy. The decorated fronts are judged, and winners announced at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Winners are awarded $100 and runnerups receive $50. All participates receive a wooden candy cane for their window. 2015 winners were The Dry Sink, Appalachian Harvest and The Toy Store. Runner ups include Highlands Mountain Paws, Alyxandra’s, and Smitten.

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CHATTOOGA CLUB

The Chattooga Club The developers of this exclusive gated community in Cashiers, sought to pay homage to the native architecture and cultural heritage of the Western North Carolina region. With an upscale, family-friendly club atmosphere against the backdrop of the beautiful natural scenery of the property’s 200 acres. You may feel like you’ve taken a step back in time to a bygone era when you play on one of two beautifully maintained croquet lawns. The Club’s Life Enhancement Center lives up to its name by offering a variety of the latest fitness equipment, classes and personal trainers, paired with a world-class spa. Additional Club amenities include a heated swimming pool, three Har-Tru tennis courts, and active children’s programs. A scenic picnic area at Mac’s View offers stunning vistas of Whiteside Mountain and gorgeous afternoon sunsets. Club membership is by approval only. The Chattooga Club offers something for everyone, from quaint cottages to lavish custom homes and estatesized home sites as large as 14 acres. For a personal tour of The Chattooga Club and it’s fine properties, call us today.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

PINCHOT

NEWLY PRICED Luxurious Mountain Estate Nouveau Adirondack meets Old World style in this magnificent timber frame estate, with stunning panoramic views of Chimneytop and Rock Mountains, and Cashiers Lake. Featured in Mountain Homes Southern Style and Timber Home Living magazines, this timeless MossCreek designed home sits high atop a granite crest on over six acres in the exclusive and private gated community of Pinchot. The homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s striking exterior reveals a seamless blend of tapered stone, heavy beams, cedar shakes, board and batten siding, and exposed gable trusses. Perfect for larger scale entertaining, the spacious driveway can accommodate parking for many guests. Serving as a dramatic focal point for the home, the great room is truly impressive, with a 32-foot cathedral ceiling adorned with 100-year-old reclaimed barn timbers, a custom made wrought iron chandelier and a soaring stone fireplace with an exquisite hand-carved mantel. The expansive floor plan was thoughtfully designed to provide plenty of space for visiting family while retaining a relaxed and comfortable ambiance. The major living areas and both master suites are located on the main level, with additional bedrooms and a family room on the upper level. A luxurious home theater can be found on the lower level. Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club membership by invitation. MLS# 81253. Offered at $3,795,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

MOUNTAINTOP

Beautiful Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club Estate A perfect blend of mountain rustic and contemporary interior design, this stunning newly constructed home overlooks the 12th fairway. With a striking fireplace and bamboo floors, the spacious great room opens to the gourmet kitchen and dining area, as well as the deck with a second stone fireplace and covered porch with grilling center. Surrounded by rich alder kitchen cabinets, the large center island provides a wonderful space for the seasoned chef or casual entertainer. A custom wine cellar and wet bar round out the main level, along with the master suite and a guest suite. The upstairs family room features a unique barrel ceiling and adjoins three more guest suites and a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bunkroom. Mountaintop residents enjoy the most comprehensive amenity package on the Plateau, with peerless luxury and incredible service. Offered fully furnished at $3,995,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

WADE HAMPTON

MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION!!

Wade Hampton Golf Club Nestled up against National Forest lands, this exceptional Al Platt designed home is located in the exclusive gated community of Wade Hampton Golf Club. With four bedrooms and five and a half baths in an open split floorplan, it is ideally suited for savoring the mountain lifestyle with family and friends. Highlighted by a feel of casual elegance, the spacious living room with fireplace and wet bar opens onto the expansive screened porch with its own fireplace for cool evenings. The lovely master suite sits on the main level, offering privacy from the guest suites and family room on the lower level. Ready for immediate occupancy, this home is the perfect mountain luxury retreat. MLS# 80737. Newly priced at $1,250,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Sheepcliff Woods CONVENIENCE, PRIVACY, SECURITY, VIEWS. Beautiful farm style home has it all: quality construction, a beautifully maintained home which fits all the expectations when looking for a home in the mountains. Large covered front porch with rocking chair views to front garden space. On the main level you will enjoy waking up to the views from the master bedroom/bath. There is a second guest bedroom/bath on main. The great room with built-in book cases and cabinets surrounding a large stone fireplace open to the back deck and screened porch offering outdoor living and views of Chimneytop and Cow Rock. Also on the main level you will find the kitchen with walk-in pantry, dining room and large utility room. Upper level has two en-suite guest rooms while the terrace level boasts extra space for large family or guests. You will find another great room with a large stone fireplace, a full kitchen, three bonus rooms accessed inside/outside, a wonderful covered deck leading to a huge level yard with fire pit. Great for children and pets to play. Storage galore. Newly added whole house climate control system. MLS# 82757. Offered at $849,000.

Big Sheepcliff Enjoy fabulous long range mountain views from almost every room in this traditional two-story home, centrally located just minutes from the Cashiers Crossroads in the beautiful and private gated community of Big Sheepcliff. Flooded with natural light and accented by heavy timbers, the spacious living room offers plenty of seating areas for entertaining. The attractive kitchen features a large center island, generous storage, a separate pantry and stainless steel appliances including double ovens. Grill some steaks and dine outside in the fresh air on the open deck while taking in the incredible layered vistas. At 4,300 feet of elevation, the views go on forever! MLS# 82752. Offered at $599,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Lake Glenville Estate Perched at a cool 3,600 feet in the quiet community of Glenville just minutes from Cashiers, this spacious mountain lake estate home and adjacent six-room guest house offer a world of possibilities. Large covered decks overlook the beautifully landscaped property, with gorgeous mountain views and stunning sunsets. Trails throughout the gardens lead down to the tranquil pond surrounded by flowers. Take a short walk to sparkling Lake Glenville, the highest lake in the East. Featuring a paved circular driveway with plenty of parking, this very special property would make a perfect corporate retreat, bed and breakfast, or getaway for a large family. MLS# 82374. Offered at $1,990,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Lake Glenville

REDUCED

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

This spectacular fully furnished lakefront home overlooks Lake Glenville and the mountains beyond. Completely updated and turnkey, it features five bedrooms and four and a half baths, including a guest suite with fireplace and morning kitchen. The great room has gorgeous views from every angle, as does the French Country style gourmet kitchen with six-burner gas stove, coffered ceiling and elegant custom cabinetry. The covered living porch with stone fireplace and spacious deck with fire pit offer serene settings to relax and enjoy the lovely surroundings and cool summer temperatures of the mountains. Additional features include a master on main, lower level family room, fun sleeping quarters for the kids, private dock, and an upstairs bonus room that makes a great home office. Reduced to $1,850,000.

LAKE GLENVILLE

Lake Glenville Wonderful Lake Glenville lakefront home located on Falls Cove. Largest waterfall on lake is near-by and you can hear the falls from every room and see it from lake front. Waterfall is actually only a few hundred feet from dock. Home has two huge covered decks on the lake side and a covered porch on the front. Paved circular driveway and paved access with plenty of parking. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a paved golf cart or 4 wheel path to the lake to make it easy to haul your equipment and people to the large dock. Home faces due south and is on the south end of Lake Glenville, so close to Cashiers and Highlands. Great lakefront home with a fantastic rental history. MLS# 82924. Just listed at $915,000.

Lake Glenville Views Enjoy truly exceptional views of Lake Glenville and the surrounding mountains from almost every room in this recently remodeled, fully furnished home located in a quiet neighborhood near Norton Falls. The open floor plan features three bedrooms and three baths, a great room with stone fireplace and cathedral ceilings, and a bright kitchen with island breakfast bar. The lower level has a family room with an additional bonus room. Double open and covered wraparound decks also afford spectacular views of the lake â&#x20AC;&#x201D; perfect for relaxing with family and friends as you watch yet another beautiful sunset in the mountains. MLS# 80176. Offered at $499,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Trillium

Trillium-Lake View

Ridges Loop

Lodges on the Green

With a drastic price reduction to nearly half of the appraised property value, this newer-constructed rustic home. Inside, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enjoy a 3 bedroom, 4.5 bath open floor plan with an upgraded kitchen. Outside, choose between a covered screened porch with stone fireplace or the open deck with great mountain views. The upstairs bonus room is ideal for a game room or additional sleeping quarters; a second bonus room downstairs has its own bath. MLS# 81791. Offered fully furnished at $495,000.

Convenient to the golf course and lakefront marina on Lake Glenville, the community offers golf, tennis, pool, indoor and outdoor tennis, fitness center, and more. Enjoy both mountain and lake views from the two community clubhouses. This is a great mountain getaway. MLS# 81869. Offered at $295,000.

Sitting on a private one-acre corner lot in a beautifully landscaped, park-like setting, this wonderful custom home has it all! Take in the gorgeous long range views of the Balsam Mountains, while listening to the sweet sounds of nature at a cool 4,000 feet. This home is an entertainerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream with an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen with gas range and double ovens, and a wet bar for serving wine and cocktails. The master suite is on the main level, with two additional bedrooms and a great office upstairs. MLS# 81617. Just reduced to $649,000.

www.ncliving.com

Perched on a scenic hillside, this beautiful home is just a short walk to The Landings restaurant and waterfront activity center in Trillium. The open floor plan is perfect for intimate entertaining and larger parties. One bedroom is located on the main level and a private grand suite sits upstairs; two more guestrooms and a family room are on the lower level. Relax on the inviting covered porch with its cozy fireplace. This attractive mountain getaway is very well appointed and can be purchased turnkey. MLS# 82939. Just listed at $749,000.

Trillium Village

Trillium - Signal Ridge Lodge

Charming cottage on cul-desac with great indoor and outdoor space at Trillium with an abundance of amenities. MLS# 81097. Offered at $295,000.

This spacious golf course home is beautifully furnished and ready to move in to. Spacious wrap around decks on both upper and lower levels overlook the 14th fairway. Included in the price of this home is a free full Trillium membership, a $50,000 value, plus golf cart with golf cart garage. Enjoy golf course living with being only minutes to Lake Glenville. MLS# 77472. Offered at $495,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

LAKE TOXAWAY

NEWLY PRICED

Lake Toxaway High quality materials, finishes and workmanship highlight this exceptional custom Alpine log home overlooking Lake Toxaway Country Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1st, 9th and 18th holes, with Lake Toxaway and the mountains beyond. The living room makes quite an impression with huge handcrafted beams and a soaring cathedral ceiling and stone fireplace. Step out onto the spacious covered and open decks to behold the lush golf course views and professionally landscaped, gently sloping lawn with bountiful gardens and a large stone fire pit. MLS# 81825. Offered at $1,899,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

CEDAR HILL

Cedar Hill First time on market for this Ray Ward built custom home, very close to town on the Summit in prestigious Cedar Hill. Rarely does a property have such an exceptional view, with such a flat yard. Enjoy incredible vistas from an elevation of more than 3,800â&#x20AC;&#x2122; that looks out to the rockfaced Bald Rock and layered long-range mountain views all the way down to Toxaway Mountain. The house and the grounds have been incredibly well maintained. The house sits on almost an acre and a half -- with a flat front yard beautifully landscaped with rhododendrons, laurel and azaleas, and a relatively flat back yard with similar plants plus blueberry bushes, cherry trees and yellow bells. The home offers practically the entire living area on one level (thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a large bonus room over 2-car garage). Lowmaintenance living--house has HardiePlank siding and an EcoStar Majestic slate roof, that has a 50-year warranty. Wonderful custom finishes inside, with beautiful antique heart pine flooring. Everything is done for you on this onejust move in and enjoy. MLS# 82755. Offered at $990,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

The Divide at Bald Rock If you want a mountain view home, this is it! This gorgeous home has everything you are looking for with long, short and rock face mountain views. Enjoy huge southerly long range views that look into the flatlands and lakes of SC and GA and a close up rock-face view as well. Being sold completely furnished with quality mountain decor furnishings. Wood floors throughout the main level, carpet on the lower level with tile floors and granite counters in all 4 baths. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, gas range, granite counter tops, wine cooler, double oven and more! Master bedroom on the main level with private access to deck with wood-burning fireplace. There is also a second master bedroom on the main level that also has a private deck and enjoys the magnificent views. Zip line and rope swing in the back yard that the kids will love! Located in the pristine, gated community of The Divide, where you can enjoy waterfall and mountain views throughout, equestrian center, 9+ miles of maintained hiking/ horseback riding trails and the community Pavilion where you can hold family gatherings or celebrations. Offered at $859,000.

Bald Rock

Hardly lived in mountain cabin on top of Bald Rock. Long range mountain views, as well as short ridge views. Timber frame with attractive shingle style, hardy plank siding. Master bedroom on main level. Lower level boasts 2 bedrooms, full bath and stacked washer/dryer. Enjoy the privacy, views and cool mountain air from this adorable move in condition cabin at 4,000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;+ elevation. MLS# 78663. Offered at $425,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

OLD EDWARDS CLUB

Old Edwards Club Perched high above the Old Edwards Club, this stately home offers exceptional long range layered mountain views along with a birdseye view of the golf course. The formal living room with a grand stone fireplace and soaring ceilings adjoins the dining room, the wet bar, a less formal sitting area and gourmet kitchen are all situated on the main level. One of the three master suites is located on the main level with the additional ones located on the lower level along with a family room. A workout room is located over the garage. This traditionally styled home is exquisitely decorated with the finest furnishings. This estate is being offered turnkey for the discerning buyer. MLS# 82198. Offered at $2,900,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

HIGHLANDS GAP

Highlands Gap Located on over six acres in the picturesque Highland Gap community of Scaly Mountain, this unique custom home offers gorgeous long range mountain views. No expense was spared in the construction or upkeep of this spacious retreat. Features include master bedroom suites on each level, three stacked stone fireplaces and a beautiful chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen, along with a large media room, home office and laundry/mud room. The open decking and screened porch with hot tub offer the best in outdoor living. Take time to enjoy the good life! MLS# 76445. Newly priced at $1,595,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Equestrian Estate ‘Reflections’ is the epitome of a mountain estate situated at over 4,100’ of elevation on 42 sprawling acres, high atop Cedar Creek Mountain. As you pass the stone entrance pillars with gas lights, the private drive meanders past rolling meadows, fenced pastures, flowering gardens, walking paths, native stone walkway leading to the scenic ponds. The main home is constructed of historic logs dating to 1790’s along with a tasteful blend of Wormy Chestnut, Heart of Pine, Hickory, Poplar and Oak. Some of the tagging of the logs remains today, from when they were carefully dismantled and reassembled to create this warm and inviting mountain getaway. The tastefully renovated estate features the main house, storage and car garages, the ‘Fish House’ which was the former stable, and the new stables including the 6 individual padded stalls, tack room, feed room, and horse bathing area, constructed in 2011 by Dearl Stewart. To appreciate this magnificent estate and the rolling land surrounding it, a personal visit to the property is a must. MLS# 80775. Offered at $3,750,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Spectacular Whiteside Mountain View Estate This striking Jim Fox contemporary masterpiece sits on over five acres, with fantastic panoramic views of Whiteside Mountain â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the best view in Jackson and Macon Counties! Soaring walls of windows let the natural light pour in and emphasize the spectacular vistas. The luxurious master suite and major living spaces are on the main level, with a beautiful second master suite and a guest bedroom downstairs. Enjoy the best of Mother Nature from multiple decks or on the lush grounds with flowers, lily ponds, trails and a waterfall. Additional features include lightning protection, whole house humidity control and a water filtration system. The prime location offers privacy and paved access, just 10 minutes from the Cashiers Crossroads. MLS# 76395. Offered at $1,985,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

FIRST TIME ON MARKET

Spring Forest Amongst the clouds at 4,000 feet of elevation in the gated community of Spring Forest, this gorgeous custom estate offers spectacular panoramic views of Chimneytop and Rock Mountains and sparkling Fairfield Lake. The homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elegant yet relaxed ambiance is highlighted by rich finishes, fine woodwork and distinctive stone masonry. Designed for entertaining, the floor plan includes an impressive living room with a massive stone fireplace and lots of glass to enjoy the vistas beyond. Featuring another grand fireplace, the formal dining room fits twelve comfortably. Let the party spill out onto the spacious deck, with its multiple seating areas for dining, cocktails and conversation. The master suite, study and one guest suite sit on the main level. Upstairs is an additional guest suite, with the family room, more bedrooms and a second covered deck on the lower level. The spacious property is professionally landscaped and full of color. MLS# 82701. Offered at $2,199,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

The Crest Enjoy fabulous, year round, long range sunset mountain views from the built in custom rosewood pub bar mounted on the upper deck of this spacious luxury home, boasting lots of unique custom mountain finishes. Its state of the art gourmet kitchen was totally upgraded in 2010 and includes a 5 burner Wolf gas cooktop with double built in ovens and warming drawer, Subzero refrigerator, under counter refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave. Interior features include built in wet bar with wine storage racks and soaring stone fireplace in great room, rustic cabin style master suite with stone fireplace, solid hickory flooring, T&G ceiling and hand hewn cedar log walls, jetted tub, fully tiled double shower and stone fireplace in master bath, and formal dining room on main level, additional master suite, his and her office and fitness room on upper level, incredible game room with stone fireplace, custom walnut and bark bar, custom billiard table, professional air hockey table, video games and electronic dart board, 2 additional guest bedrooms and screened porch with stone fireplace and pecky cedar ceiling on lower level. MLS# 81784. Offered at $ 1,595,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Woudes Mountain Lake Glenville, lakefront home on a large 1 acre lot with a private dock, great views and approximately 100+ feet of shoreline. This charming 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath Cape Cod is surrounded by lush rhododendron, laurel, hardwoods and is tucked away in a scenic cove. The home features cathedral ceilings, double decks, a bonus room, lower level, loft, brand new A/C unit and an enchanted trail to the lake. The property has been well loved and is move in ready. Easy year round access. MLS# 79943. Offered at $474,000.

MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION Custom Home with Mountain View Why build and have to wait?? Almost new home located within walking distance of Narrows Waterfall. This move in ready home with vaulted ceilings in the living room and fireplace has the perfect blend of rustic mountain finishes while keeping the house light and bright. A family room on the lower level offers additional living space and privacy. This is a perfect mountain retreat or year around residence. MLS# 76101. Offered at $419,000.

Pilots Knob Partially finished home in the new subdivision of Pilots Knob. Great opportunity to purchase with huge discount and finish to your specifications. Covered deck with outdoor fireplace, spacious floor plan with cathedral ceilings. MLS# 80631. Newly listed at $249,900.

High Hemlock Amazing setting overlooking Lonesome Valley with views of Laurel Knob rock face and Cow Rock. This from 4,000â&#x20AC;&#x2122; elevation in wonderful High Hemlock. Well maintained log home provides comfort and relaxation, with wood floors, wood-burning fireplace and master suite on main. This home is just a short drive from the endless trails of Panthertown Valley. MLS# 82295. Offered at $649,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Building Relationships Delivering Dreams The team at Silver Creek Real Estate Group has decades of experience selling luxury real estate on the HighlandsCashiers Plateau and beyond. We utilize a comprehensive approach that matches exceptional properties with discriminating buyers. Extensive knowledge of the Highlands-Cashiers real estate market and the highest quality magazine, web, brochure and radio advertising makes Silver Creek Real Estate Group the clear choice for selling your property.

Through our partnership with the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, your property will get maximum exposure via national and international sales and marketing channels. Leading Real Estate Companies of the World is a global network of over 500 premier real estate firms with 4,000 offices and 120,000 sales associates in over 40 countries. Members dominate the US list of top 500 real estate firms. The luxury home marketing program, Luxury Portfolio International, allows prospective buyers to preview over 15,000 of the world’s most remarkable residences. These alliances provide even more visibility to our premier properties, extending the reach of your listing worldwide.

As the premier luxury homes search site, LuxuryRealEstate.com is known for featuring only the finest residential property listings. Recognized worldwide by industry leaders and media alike, the Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate brand continues to set the standard for marketing extraordinary homes by offering a network of more than 1,500 brokerages with over 55,000 multimillion-dollar properties for sale around the world.

www.ncliving.com Cashiers (828) 743-1999 | Highlands (828) 526-2999

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Accommodations Chambers Agency www.chambers-realty.com Page 65 Chandler Inn www.thechandlerinn.com Page 65 Country Club Properties www.ccphighlandsnc.com Pages 2-3 Fire Mountain Inn & Cabins www.firemt.com Pages 13 Old Edwards Inn www.oldedwardsinn.com Pages 4, 46, 65 Silver Creek Real Estate Group www.ncliving.com Pages 76-95 Whiteside Cove Cottages Page 71 Antiques & Home Furnishings Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Page 43 Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 62 Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Page 46 Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Page 8 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 56 Watauga Creek www.wataugacreek.com Page 21 Architects/Designers Mountainworks Design www.mtnworks.com Page 18 Art Galleries/Artists Around Back at Rocky’s Place www.aroundbackatrockysplace.com Page 37 The Bascom www.thebascom.org Page 25 Blue Valley Gallery Page 48 Calderone Fine Art Gallery www.calderonegallery.com Page 65 GG’s Consignments, Etc.* www.ggsconsignment.com Page 61 Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Page 46 Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Page 8 Smitten Page 37 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 56 Bars The Ugly Dog www.thedogpub.com Page 53 Bedding/Linens/Comforters Blue Ridge Bedding www.blueridgebedding.com Page 44 Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 62 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 56 Bird Supplies Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Page 9 Books The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 56 Builders Arrowood Construction www.arrowoodconstruction.com Page 21 Srebalus Construction Co. Page 65 Warth Construction www.warthconstruction.com Page 100 Business Supplies The Business Spot www.biz-spot.net Pages 19, 65 Cashiers Printing Page 21 Catering The Kitchen www.thekitchenofhighlands.com Page 51 Chambers of Commerce Highlands Chamber of Commerce www.highlandschamber.org Page 58 Cashiers Chamber of Commerce www.cashiersareachamber.com Page 58 96 | Winter 2016 | thelaurelmagazine.com

Cloth/Upholstery Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 62 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 56 Clothing & Accessories Cabin Casuals www.cabincasualshighlands.com Page 5 Ellen’s Page 67 Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Page 8 VC for Men www.victoriasclosetnc.com Page 61 Victoria’s Closet www.victoriasclosetnc.com Page 61 Victoria’s Sportswear www.victoriasclosetnc.com Page 61 Clothing Consignment The Blue Elephant Page 9 Victoria’s Closet www.victoriasclosetnc.com Page 61 Communities Cullasaja Club www.cullasajaclub.org Pages 16-17 Silver Creek Real Estate Group www.ncliving.com Pages 76-95 Cosmetic Surgery Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, M.D. www.plasticsurgerytoday.com Page 13 Crafts The Bascom www.thebascom.org Page 25 Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Page 8 Custom Cabinetry/Countertops Black Rock Granite and Cabinetry www.blackrockgraniteandcabinetry.com Pages 15, 65 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 56 Custom Furniture Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 62 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 56 Dentists Dr. Joe Wilbanks www.wilbankssmilecenter.com Page 57 Events The Bascom www.thebascom.org Page 25 Betsy Paul Art Raffle Page 41 Highlands/Cashiers Players www.highlandscashiersplayers.org Page 8 Highlands Playhouse www.highlandsplayhouse.org Page 20 Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center www.highlandspac.org Pages 23, 36, 68 Smitten Page 37 The Village Green www.villagegreencashiersnc.com Page 49 Furniture Carolina Rustic Furniture www.carolinarusticfurniture.com Page 45 Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 62 Eller and Owens Furniture www.ellerandowensfurniture.com Page 11 Nearly New Pages 61, 67 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 56 Watauga Creek www.wataugacreek.com Page 21 Furniture Consignments The Blue Elephant Page 9 Consignment Market www.consignmentmarketcashiersnc.com Page 61 GG’s Consignments, Etc.* www.ggsconsignment.com Page 61 Nearly New Pages 61, 67

Grading/Excavating Larry Rogers Construction Grocery Stores Mountain Fresh Grocery www.mountainfreshgrocery.com Groomers Woofgang Bakery

The Dry Sink

Page 9

Page 37 Page 9 Page 8 Page 62 Page 67 Page 8 Page 56 Page 8 Page 54

Carolina Rustic Furniture Dutchman’s Designs The Summer House

Lighting www.carolinarusticfurniture.com www.dutchmansdesigns.com www.summerhousehighlands.com

Page 45 Page 62 Page 56

Blue Ridge Bedding Dutchman’s Designs The Summer House

Mattresses www.blueridgebedding.com www.dutchmansdesigns.com www.summerhousehighlands.com

Page 44 Page 62 Page 56

Medical Services 4Seniors, LLC, Medical Liaison Services Dr. Edward D. Frederickson MD FACP

Page 71 Highlands Playhouse

Gutter Services D.P. Gutters

Page 47 Hair Salons

Creative Concepts Head Innovations

Page 65 Page 65 Heating and Air

Holley Heating & Air Conditioning

www.thedrysink.com Page 8 Kitchen, Bath and Closet Design Black Rock Granite and Cabinetry www.blackrockgraniteandcabinetry.com Pages 15, 65 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 56

www.holleyheating.com

Page 70

Home Accessories Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Carolina Rustic Furniture www.carolinarusticfurniture.com Consignment Market www.consignmentmarketcashiersnc.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Eller and Owens Furniture www.ellerandowensfurniture.com GG’s Consignments, Etc.* www.ggsconsignment.com Peak Experience www.peakexp.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Watauga Creek www.wataugacreek.com Hospice Care Four Seasons www.wncvolunteer.com Interior Design & Home Furnishings Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Carolina Rustic Furniture www.carolinarusticfurniture.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Investment Planning Edward Jones Investments www.edwardjones.com Jewelry - Fashion Ellen’s Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Kitchen Accessories Bird Barn and Gift Emporium

Page 9 Page 45 Page 61 Page 62 Page 11 Page 61 Page 8 Page 56 Page 21 Page 9 Page 43 Page 45 Page 62 Page 56 Page 13 Page 67 Page 8 Page 9

Page 70 Page 73

Movies www.highlandsplayhouse.org Museums

Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass

Pages 20

Page 46

Music Stores Blue Ridge Music www.blueridgemusicacademy.com Nail Care Creative Concepts Office Supplies The Business Spot www.biz-spot.net Outdoor Furniture Carolina Rustic Furniture www.carolinarusticfurniture.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com

Page 67 Page 65 Pages 19, 65 Page 45 Page 56

Painting D.P. Painting

Page 47 Pet Care/Supplies

Woofgang Bakery

Page 71

Photography Charles Johnson Fine Photography www.charlesjohnsonfineart.com Colleen Kerrigan Photographs Terry Barnes Fine Art Photography

Page 35 Page 19 Page 54

Carolina Rustic Furniture Consignment Market The Summer House

Porch and Patio www.carolinarusticfurniture.com www.consignmentmarketcashiersnc.com www.summerhousehighlands.com

Page 45 Page 61 Page 56

Pottery Around Back at Rocky’s Place www.aroundbackatrockysplace.com Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com

Page 37 Page 9 Page 62

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

Garden Accessories Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Gift Shops Around Back at Rocky’s Place www.aroundbackatrockysplace.com Bird Barn and Gift Emporium The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Ellen’s Peak Experience www.peakexp.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Smitten The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Printing Companies The Business Spot www.biz-spot.net Cashiers Printing

Page 8 Page 37 Page 56 Pages 19, 65 Page 21

Produce Blue Ridge Farmers Co-op Mountain Fresh Grocery www.mountainfreshgrocery.com The Ugly Dog WHLC FM 104.5

Pubs www.thedogpub.com Radio Stations www.whlc.com Real Estate Sales

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Meadows Mountain Realty www.bbhsmmr.com Betsy Paul www.betsypaulproperties.com Blair Realty www.blair-realty.com Chambers Agency www.chambers-realty.com Country Club Properties www.ccphighlandsnc.com Cullasaja Club www.cullasajaclub.org Falling Waters www.highlandscottages,com John Cleaveland Realty www.jcrealty.com Landmark Realty Group www.landmarkrg.com Meadows Mountain Realty www.meadowsmtnrealty.com

Page 13 Page 54 Page 53 Page 35

Page 10 Page 99 Page 19 Page 65 Page 2-3 Page 16-17 Page 63 Page 22 Page 59 Page 10

Sapphire Valley Real Estate Silver Creek Real Estate Group

www.sapphirevalleyrealestate.com www.ncliving.com

Page 34 Pages 76-95

Restaurants Highlands-Cashiers Directory The Dog House www.theuglydogpub.com The Kitchen www.thekitchenofhighlands.com Log Cabin Restaurant www.logcabinhighlands.com Madison’s Mountain Fresh Grocery www.mountainfreshgrocery.com On the Verandah www.ontheverandah.com Slabtown Pizza www.slabtownpizza.com The Ugly Dog Pub www.theuglydogpub.com Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro www.wolfgangs.net Bound’s Cave Carolina Rustic Furniture Eller and Owens Furniture The Summer House

Rugs www.boundscave.com www.carolinarusticfurniture.com www.ellerandowensfurniture.com www.summerhousehighlands.com

Shipping Services The Business Spot www.biz-spot.net Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship Skin Care Pinnacle Anti Aging www.pinnacleantiaging.com Socks Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Dutchman’s Designs Highlands/Cashiers Players Highlands Playhouse Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center

Tables www.dutchmansdesigns.com Theatre/Entertainment www.highlandscashiersplayers.org www.highlandsplayhouse.org www.highlandspac.org

Page 55 Page 53 Page 51 Page 54 Page 4 Page 54 Page 51 Page 53 Page 53 Page 5 Page 43 Page 45 Page 11 Page 56 Pages 19, 65 Page 9 Page 63 Page 8 Page 9 Page 62 Page 8 Page 20 Pages 23, 36, 68

Transportation Highlands Transportation Company

Page 19 Vacation Rentals

Silver Creek Real Estate Group

www.ncliving.com

Pages 76-95

Wind Chimes Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Window Treatments The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Wine & Accessories Mountain Fresh Grocery www.mountainfreshgrocery.com

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