Sophie April 2014

April 2014 Priceless

• sophisticated • savvy

Welcome Spring with Flowers, Color, and Adventure

The ART of BALLET

in MOTION

Featuring

Claire Hicks, MD of Four Seasons Compassion For Life

DIY Sweet Crafts for Spring

2 | Sophie APRIL 2014

Sophie APRIL 2014 | 3

smart • sophisticated • savvy

Publisher

Vincent Grassia Managing Editor

JeanAnn Taylor

In Every Issue

Table of Contents Features 12| Claire Hicks, MD The WNC doctor who listens to her patients’ hearts.

28 | Silent No More Annie Fritschner shares her story of abuse and the journey that’s led her to share those painful truths.

34 | In Motion Nick Kepley, shares his experience of what it means to be a professional ballet dancer.

Healthy Living 36 | Girls On The Run Spotlight on Katherine Stanley and her book, A Book of Bullies.

April 2014 Priceless

50 | Tried and True Jackie Brown shares her recipe for Crock Pot Easter ham.

Welcome Spring

Featuring

Claire Hicks, MD of Four Seasons Compassion For Life

4 | Sophie APRIL 2014

20 | Neon Chic Crystal and daughter, Anna, enjoy a day of shopping at Palm Village.

14 | So-Social Favorite picks from social media expert, Kirsten Fuchs.

Creative Services Specialists

24 | A Spring Makeover Jacqui Perry gives Peggy Sawyers a new look.

16 | Chiming In Susan Reinhardt shares her love of spring.

Proofing Diva

26 | Spring Beauty Specials Find a new beauty resource.

18 | What’s Your Flavor Meet Flavia Harton.

Home & Garden 38 | Crafty Girl Three DIY projects for spring.

40 | Garden Bloomers Betty Sharpless explains how to “Work Smart.”

46 | Kitchen EnCounters Amy Kuykendall helps you choose the right countertop material.

47 | Sun & Soil Kristina Urquhart explains on how to play it safe with April gardening.

On the Cover: Claire Hicks, MD of Four Seasons Compassion For Life Hair by: Paul Gallaher and Makeup by: Amy Roberts of Carmen! Carmen! Salon & Spa at Belk, Asheville Mall

The ART of BALLET

in MOTION

Beauty & Fashion

Cover Photo by: Paola Nazati, paolanazati.com

with Flowers, Color, and Adventure

DIY Sweet Crafts for Spring

Debi Manfre

10 | Quick Tips A variety of inspiration and information.

30 | Sophie Celebrates You! The accomplishments and achievements of our readers are highlighted.

32 | Mountain Mornings Camille Wick shares Chloe de Camara’s mission to tackle the Appalachian Trail solo.

48 | All About Paul Kline shares tips on how to get your home and yard ready for summer.

49 | Real Men Read Sophie 52 | Meg’s Movie Review Meg Hale Brunton gives her scoop on The Monuments Men.

Share your ideas and inspirations.

• sophisticated • savvy

Assistant Editor

Email writer@sophiemagazine.com with recipes, books, article ideas and calendar listings. Follow Sophie on Facebook and Pinterest.

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Location: The Last Straw, Inc., Biltmore Village, Asheville, NC

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Production Manager

Lisa Gallagher Adalee Elkins Karen Shepard Director of Advertising

Patricia Martin Betts Advertising Consultants

Crystal Pressley Jennifer LeBlanc LuAnne Sheffield Meg Hale Brunton Michael Smith Jody Gantt Rick Jenkins Distribution Manager

Mark Graham Sophie On-line Development

Dan Jaworsky Justin Gostony

SOPHIE MAGAZINE 22 Garfield Street, Suite 100 Asheville, NC 28803 828.210.0340 sophiemagazine.com Distributed throughout WNC, Sophie is a complimentary monthly magazine for today’s woman. Contributions are welcome and may be sent via e-mail. Include your name, address, and phone number, so we can contact you if we decide to print your submission. Sophie reserves the right to edit any editorial submissions. Sophie also reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or article that is deemed inappropriate for the publication. No portion of Sophie may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. None of the information herein is intended as medical or professional advice.

Sophie APRIL 2014 | 5

From the Editor

I

have an especially severe case of Spring Fever this year. It isn’t because of the extremely cold winter we just went through, I actually love winter.

I think I’m just ready for a change. When the first daffodils popped up in our yard, I knew there was no going back. Spring had sprung in my mind.

One of the things I love most about spring is walking around my yard and finding forgotten plants shooting up out of the ground. During the spring and summer seasons, I buy a new plant every time we go to a home improvement store, which for us is every weekend. I plant these new pretties, but then I usually forget what I’ve planted where by the time winter has come and gone. It’s a nice surprise to see a butterfly bush or a bee balm coming up out of the ground!

It’s obvious that I’m not the only one ready for sunshine and flowers. Our contributors make it clear that they too are excited for spring! You can read their thoughts of spring on page 8.

Toby and I enjoying an early spring day.

In their feature articles, Susan Reinhardt, in Chiming In, gets ready for spring cleaning and planting a colorful flowerbed on page 16. Betty Sharpless in Garden Bloomers, shares her knowledge of smart gardening on page 40. Kristina Urquhart in Sun & Soil has tips on how to get started in the garden while it’s technically spring, but can still be cold on page 47. And Paul Kline helps you get ready for spring with home maintenance tips in All About on page 48. Their articles will inspire you to get busy in the garden and spruce up your home.

Our fashion pages are all about color! Starting on page 20, beautiful shades and fashions will inspire you to put away the dreary winter browns and blacks and bring on the pinks, corals, teals, and lime-greens!

We have three fun crafts for you this month. I couldn’t resist making a crochet daffodil. Kirsten Fuchs sent in a great idea for storing or giving sewing supplies, and Amy Bruce has a charming and imaginative idea for a lampshade. See the photos on page 38 and find all of the directions on sophiemagazine.com.

It’s always delightful and somewhat magical to watch as the colors move up the mountains gradually changing them from brown to gold to green. There is a lot of change going on this time of the year. Not only the temperature and the color of the countryside, but also the hope and anticipation of what spring and summer can bring. I’m anxiously awaiting the surprises and gifts that are beginning to bloom, and those that are right around the corner waiting to be discovered.

JeanAnn Taylor

editor@sophiemagazine.com

We’re confident, strong, and we like who we are. We’re smart and sophisticated. We’re savvy. We have panache. We’re not afraid to take risks.

We’re edgy and we’re real. We know what we want, and we’re willing to work to make our dreams come true.

6 | Sophie APRIL 2014

Kirsten Fuchs photography 828.216.9141 kirstenfuchs.com

Sophie APRIL 2014 | 7

Contributor Question KRISTINA URQUHART

What do you love most about spring?

AMY RENIGAR I love spring flowers, and especially wild flowers!

It’s a goal to spend more time on the trails finding and photographing lady slipper orchids, fire pinks, dwarf iris, etc.

Spring is the world’s annual rebirth, and as such, it gives each of us a chance to reinvent ourselves and make and meet new goals. But my favorite thing about spring is the sense of hope and possibility for the growing year to come.

JACQUI PERRY

I love the freshness in the air that comes with spring.

The renewal after a long, cold winter! I am most looking forward to color with the blooming of spring flowers!! Flowers are happy so I am also looking forward to more happiness!!!

MEG HALE BRUNTON BETTY SHARPLESS Here is what I love most about spring: the smell.

The smell of ground warming, the smell of pansies in the garden center, the smell of my star magnolia in the twilight, the smell of rain on hot pavement.

That and not having to wear an extra 15 pounds of clothing to work outside.

KIRSTEN FUCHS

My favorite season is Spring. There is nothing more breathtaking than waking up every morning to find new life everywhere you go! I love the new blooms on the trees and flowers. I love the grass turning greener each day and I especially love to see the baby bunnies and baby birds in my yard!

JACKIE BROWN I am looking forward to consistent warm weather with lots of natural Vitamin D. I love picnics, outdoor walks and talks with my family. There’s nothing like spending quality time together.

I love Easter! I look forward to it every year. When I was a kid, I would have my mom re-hide the eggs that the Easter Bunny had hidden so that I could hunt for them again. While I don’t get the opportunity to egg-hunt much anymore, I still love seeing the crocus’, tulips and daffodils come up as the first flowers of Spring, the babies in their Easter outfits and bonnets, and of course there’s nothing wrong with having an extra excuse to eat chocolate.

SUSAN REINHARDT It’s been a few years since my yard had a good cleaning and digging out. Since I don’t know a weed from a flower, I’m hiring a wonderful woman to come and beautify my yard and add some raised flower/ veggie beds made out of old and painted tires. I hope my HOA doesn’t get angry about the tires, but the colors are so lovely.

LINDA WHITE Rejoice it’s Spring! From my new Hair Color, (Aveda of course) to the flowers in my yard, I just love color. Time to get outside with the kids and plant something to celebrate Earth Month.

REBEKAH BIBBENS I love the feeling of hope that Spring brings. The trees are budding and blossoming; flowers color the fields and gardens; sunny days grow warmer and “longer”.

I enjoy the outdoors; reading books while sitting on the porch swing, going for a calming walk and dining al fresco are my special plans this Spring. My focus is to be gentle and gracious toward myself and others.

8 | Sophie APRIL 2014

LAURA K. SULLIVAN Having the windows open, hearing the birds sing, and feeling the sun on my face.

Sophie APRIL 2014 | 9

Quick Tips “April showers bring May flowers.”

We’ve all heard this rhyme at some point, usually having been taught it at an early age by our parents or teachers. It’s a popular thing to say and hear around the springtime, but one thing you might not know is where the rhyme originated from. It can be traced back to the mid 1500s, although earlier use of “April showers bring May flowers” may have existed.

In 1557 a gentleman by the name of Thomas Tusser compiled a collection of writings he called, A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry. In the April Husbandry section he wrote: Sweet April showers Do spring May flowers As you can see, the rhyme was originally a short poem. There is meaning behind the words, as well. “April showers bring May flowers” is a reminder that even the most unpleasant of things, such as the heavy rains of April, can bring about very enjoyable things indeed – in this case, an abundance of flowers in May. “April showers bring May flowers” is a lesson in patience, and one that remains valid to this day.

daisy | fun flower facts There are many meanings assigned to the gentle daisy— from innocence, simplicity and joy to happiness, good luck and new beginnings, which makes them a wonderful choice to give in a spring bouquet or to grow in your garden. In Victorian times, daisies stood for loyalty and trust. There is also a story in Roman mythology of a nymph named Belides who transformed herself into a daisy to escape unwanted attention from one of the gods. This story gives daisies the added meanings of modesty and innocence.

Tax tips April 15th is the dreaded deadline to have your taxes filed. While most of us are familiar with the date, it can sneak up on you! Don’t fall into this trap filled with unnecessary stress...even if you have yet to file, these easy tips will ensure you’re ready for the coming deadline.

• Locate last year’s tax return - This will serve as a great guide for this year.

• Decide on how to file - Do you want personal help, or will you file online?

10 | Sophie APRIL 2014

• Don’t be in a hurry - Rushing can cause you to miss details which leads to you missing out on money. Take your time. If you know you need more time, ask the IRS for an extension.

Spring won’t let me stay in this house any longer! I must get out and breathe the air deeply again.

– Gustav Mahler

CLEARING CLUTTER AND ORGANIZING DURING SPRING CLEANING One of the biggest parts of spring cleaning is getting rid of clutter that you don’t need. Use these resources to clear out your stuff. Plan a garage sale. Learn how to box up items you don’t need. Find out how to donate items that are taking up space. Take advantage of the natural urge that comes each spring to get rid of items that are weighing you down and begin fresh with a more streamlined lifestyle. While we may have a tendency to hoard and hold on to items in the winter, we generally are more ready to let go of clutter when spring arrives. Trust me.

Cleaning will be a lot easier when the clutter is gone.

HOMEMADE GLASS CLEANER 1 1/2 cups vinegar 1 1/2 cups water 5-10 drops essential oil (optional) (lemon, lemongrass Mix vinegar, water, & essential oil together in spray bottle. Label the spray bottle: glass cleaner.

Spray on glass & use squeegee, crumpled newspaper (Tip: use newspapers that are at least 2 weeks old to avoid black fingers!), or a lint-free rag to get a streakfree shine. Also works well to shine chrome and countertops after you’ve disinfected them.

For more thrifty cleaning product recipes, go to livingwellspendingless.com

RELAX AND REFRESH April is “National Stress Awareness Month”. The effects of stress, anxiety and worry can increase your risk for stroke and heart disease, as well as depression and other health-related issues. We all have life “stressors”, so it’s important to pay attention to how we’re thinking and feeling, and find ways to relax our bodies and refresh our minds.

•

Think Positively: Our thoughts have the power to form our outlook and responses in life. If you find yourself repeatedly barraged by negative thoughts, remember you have the power of choice. We can choose to say “no” to negative thinking, and instead turn our mind toward positive affirmation through meditation, prayer and active listening – to our own heart.

•

Take a Nap: We are well aware of the need to get proper sleep at night, but how many of us actually practice “proper sleep”? Habits take time to build and to recreate. If you struggle with getting enough sleep at night, you might consider resting for fifteen minutes to a half hour during the day until you form healthier sleep habits.

•

Go for a walk: The distance isn’t as important as the mindfulness in which you walk. There are myriad ways to find time to go for a walk – even if it’s to your mailbox. Exercise is a sure way to help ease the emotional effects of stress while strengthening your body.

•

Enjoy the “Simple Things”: Gratitude is one of the best ways to combat stress. We receive countless blessings throughout each day. Practice gratitude by pausing to acknowledge things we often take for granted such as clean water, warm sunshine, the beauty of nature and the gift of love. Create time to rest mentally, emotionally and physically. And remember, sunrises and sunsets are always free – and so is a smile!

Sophie APRIL 2014 | 11

Advertisement

Claire Hicks

The WNC Doctor Who Listens To Her Patients’ Hearts

T

Written by Lynn Edwards | Photographed by Paola Naziti

he sandy dirt road in back of Claire Hicks’ Jesup, Georgia, home was an unlikely path for a confident young physician to follow in 1988.

But walking down that road less travelled led to a distinguished, meaningful career. Today, Hicks cares for patients at end of life through her work at Four Seasons Compassion for Life, Flat Rock.

“The first home patient I dealt with outside the hospital was an older man who lived just down the road from the back of the house,” she says of her first house call.

The man was in a coma, so there were no symptoms to manage. She was stunned by the lack of preparation for this scenario during medical school. Thankfully, a nurse at the bedside spoke up.

“Dr. Hicks, don’t you want to listen to him?”

So she pulled out her stethoscope and listened to the man’s heart.

“I did nothing in terms of what I had been taught medicine was about, yet the family felt supported. I thought, ‘If my walking in this door has made such a difference, and I see there is such a huge need, I will learn about it.”

“Claire is a physician whose practice is deeply informed by listening,” says Hope-Gill. “She completely engages the self and emotions when working with patients.

The experience holds greater meaning for both.”

The power of story allows individuals to share their illness, and reflect upon the meaning of their life, says Hicks.

The Heart of an Epidemic

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Then a family practitioner, she worked with district health director Ted Holloway to address the problem of AIDS in South Georgia. The rural epidemic lagged that of urban areas by five to seven years, and there were no chronic medications to be had until the mid-1990s.

“Everybody I saw with AIDS was going to die, and I had to learn to deal with that,” she says.

She also learned what it meant to her patients to face their fears about dying at home, alone, without family and community.

“Every HIV patient I saw had been treated badly by the medical system without fail, stigmatized, and treated like objects,” she says. “The hope of every AIDS patient was that they would be treated like a person.”

That never happened.

“The first thing I had to do was hear that story, and allow that primary wound to be healed. That allowed the patient and me to move forward as a team.”

Healing Stories from the Heart

As her daughters grew up and her parents aged, Hicks relocated to North Georgia, splitting her time between AIDS patients in a public health clinic, and hospice patients in home settings. In 2008, she learned about “Narrative Medicine,” first from Rita Charon’s book about honoring the stories of illness, then from study at Columbia University.

By 2010, she’d moved to western North Carolina. It wasn’t long before she teamed with Laura Hope-Gill, program coordinator of the Master of Arts in Writing Program at Lenoir-Rhyne University Center for Graduate Studies, Asheville, to extend that work to the community.

12 | Sophie APRIL 2014

Today, Hicks makes home visits as a staff physician with Four Seasons Compassion for Life, delivering hospice services that allow people to stay in their homes to die.

One of her patients, Pat Williams, is a Buncombe County resident suffering from coronary artery disease. Unable to travel, Hicks’ home visits allow Williams to remain with her husband and the two pups she adores.

“I hope you never need her services, but if you do, she’s the one to have,” says Williams. “She means so much to me, she’s kept me going.”

Monthly visits are the norm.

“She comes to visit me, especially when I’m not feeling too well, and she makes regular visits, too. Without Dr. Hicks, I don’t know what I would do.”

In these climes, the road less travelled may require a four wheel drive to get to the top of a snow-covered mountain, but Claire Hicks’ commitment to a high standard of care remains unchanged from that long-ago day when she set out on a sandy road.

Claire Hicks, M.D., is a hospice physician with Four Seasons Compassion for Life, Flat Rock, fourseasonscfl.org. Lynn Edwards is a writer with McLendon Bylines, Weaverville, NC.

Sophie APRIL 2014 | 13

So-Social (Sophie Online) Social Media Favorites From Sophie’s Social Empress: Kirsten Fuchs

FAVORITE PINTEREST FIND:

Guest Room Cart How cute is this? I love the idea of having a repurposed cart filled with everything your house guests could ever need to have a pleasant stay at your home.

Just don’t make it too nice or they may never leave. (wink!) Posted on Pinterest via ABeautifulMess.com.

FAVORITE BLOG: A BEAUTIFUL MESS

FAVORITE APP: INCREDIBOOTH

A Photo Booth in your Pocket - Awesome Photo Strips Anywhere!

IncrediBooth is one of my favorite photo apps on my iPhone! This app includes the Incredible Cowboy Booth with 4 different retro effects. You can share the whole strip or just one photo at a time and they can be uploaded directly to Facebook, Twitter, sent in an email, or exported to your Photo Library. This is a sample I took of my dog, Blue.

After finding the Guest Room Cart on Pinterest, I immediately signed up to follow the creators on A Beautiful Mess.

A Beautiful Mess is a lifestyle blog focused on creating a beautiful life. “We share simple ways to create an inspired lifestyle. We believe in taking time each day to make something pretty. We believe in lifelong learning. Most of all, we believe that life doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful.”

On A Beautiful Mess, you’ll find daily inspiration for crafts, recipes, fashion and decor, like this clever use of lace to make Pretty Lace Flower Pots.

For this and other ideas, recipes, and crafts, follow their blog ABeautifulMess.com

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: RHUBARB

My husband and I decided to pick one restaurant a month where we have never yet dined and discover more of our wonderful city and the food it has to offer! Last month Michael chose Rhubarb as our new adventure. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming and the food was a touch of southern comfort with a twist. We started out sharing a couple of appetizers that consisted of Lobster Corn Dogs and Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower. We then shared a large plate of Goat Cheese Gnudi. The food was divine and the service was excellent! Award-winning chef and owner, John Fleer, was quietly roaming the dining room stopping by to welcome guests. I feel that we have discovered a place that we will return to more often and am looking forward to finding out what The Family Meal they offer is all about. Read more about Rhubabarb and The Family Meal on their website rhubarbasheville.com.

They are located at 7 SW Pack Sq. in downtown Asheville. Phone: 828.785.1503

Follow Sophie & share your favorite blogs, apps & inspirations... sophiemagazine.com sophiemagavl Sophie-Magazine 14 | Sophie APRIL 2014

Sophie APRIL 2014 | 15

Chiming In

Springing Into Gardening and Cleaning Written by Susan Reinhardt | Photo by Kirsten Fuchs The thawing arms of winter release their grip as March passes its torch to April.

Soon, the first flowers of spring raise their heads from the soil, announcing intentions like just-presented debutantes.

This is my favorite time of the year. It feels like a cleansing, a renewal, and a chance for rebirth, even more so than on New Year’s Day. I love all the famous quotations about spring, two of my favorites being: “April hath put a spirit of youth in everything,” by William Shakespeare, and this one from funny-man actor Robin Williams: “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!”’

People go sorta crazy this time of year, heading to all the landscaping places, gardening and home improvement centers for potting soil, flats of flowers, seeds and supplies.

Others are stricken with an “illness” known as spring cleaning. I’ve often wished I could catch that one, my house still showing the weathered wear from winter’s snows and my own negligence.

Just as bears hibernate in winter, so do my cleaning aspirations.

I swear some people all but levitate at the thought of snapping on their Playtex rubber gloves and scrubbing the home from floor to fixtures. Or slipping into cloth gloves, anxious to dig and chop away at the earth that is finally yielding and thawing, as if to send winter a Dear John-type breakup letter.

“It’s over now, baby,” this new season is saying.

I vow this month to clean, (OK, scratch that. Hire someone to help me clean,) and open up windows, scrub and wash, and even try a small garden in my backyard.

As I sit on the deck, watching the mountain views slowly evaporate as new leaves sprout from the trees, I’m struck by the unmanageability of my yard. It’s a hot mess, and I hate to admit I wouldn’t know a weed from a delightful perennial’s renewing nod.

All those with green thumbs and Master Gardening certifications capture my jealousy, as I see their Facebook postings of flower beds, tomato plants, and the dark and rich soil bound or framed by the beauty of meticulously placed rock formations.

I ask myself during these times, why did I buy a house four years ago?

Why not just stay in a condo where the Homeowners Association dues pay for spring’s beautification projects?

Did it help that I sold my lawn mower online? Oh, how I miss its strong roar and mighty engine, despite the fact I have to hire a handyman to do the mowing.

It was the Handy Randy who pursued the topic of my mower’s limitations, and then sold it for $400 and bought what looked like that plastictoy type mower children always get at Easter.

16 | Sophie APRIL 2014

Photo courtesy of bubblews.com

I’m sure as he feels the fingers of spring weaving a warmer season, he dreads coming over and mowing.

“Tough it out, honey,” I said to him the other day. “It was your idea to sell my Cadillac of a mower for this piece of junk on wobbly wheels.”

A friend of mine is coming to the rescue to help with a raised garden and flower bed. She showed me a photo, a pile of tires painted in vibrant, Easter-egg colors, and arranged in an artistic pyramid. I know it’s slightly “rednecky,” but I loved the idea and plan to hire her to build it.

What scares me is my Homeowner’s Association might find it offensive.

But who cares? I’m imagining all sorts of flowers, and even vegetables, turning what was once burning rubber on the roadways into a slither of pastel paradise.

Susan Reinhardt is the author of the hilarious & quirky novel “Chimes from a Cracked Southern Belle.” Contact Susan Reinhardt at reinhardtnc@yahoo.com. Follow her on facebook or visit her website: susanreinhardt.com.

Sophie APRIL 2014 | 17

What’s Your Flavor?

Flavia Harton Owner of Pure Barre Asheville

What goal have you set for yourself this year? To grow Pure Barre in the community. Pure Barre is more than just a workout - it is a community of like-minded women across the country focused on improving the lives of women. So my goal is to be a part of improving the lives of women here in Asheville!

What is your favorite childhood memory? I loved dancing as a ballerina when I was 10.

What do you look forward to now as the weather is becoming warmer?

I love the mountains, but when it gets warm, I need to feel the sand in my toes at the beach!

Where is your dream vacation and what would you do there? I would love to visit Australia and just explore the country.

What is the one thing you never leave home without? My cellphone - my husband says I’m addicted to it.

Do you have a favorite color and why? I love tradition and I love classic black dresses and suits.

If you could choose to work in any other profession, what would it be?

I think I would be a good lawyer - I love details, rules, and helping people.

What food do you go to on a particularly stressful day? I am Italian, so pasta makes me feel at home.

What book are you reading right now and/or what CD is in your cd player? Book: Fresh Air by my pastor, Chris Hodges and CD: Laura Fygi, it’s very relaxing after a long day.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? That I am President of the Board of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra.

Want to be featured in What’s Your Flavor?

Send an email to editor@sophiemagazine.com.

18 | Sophie APRIL 2014

Sophie APRIL 2014 | 19

Neon Chic Crystal and her daughter, Anna, enjoy a day of shopping at Palm Village in Asheville.

CRYSTAL Moxy Top in Crystal Water ‘Lucky Diagonal Stripe’, $168 Worth Straight Jean in Resort White, $148 Riley Infinity Loop Scarf in Cheeky Melon ‘I Got Lucky’, $68 McKim Wedge in Gold Metallic, $148 ANNA Little Lilly Classic Shift in Multi ‘Lulu’, $48 Mini McKim Sandal in Fiesta Pink, $68 20 | Sophie APRIL 2014

Eaton Shift in Pop Pink ‘Southern Charm’, $188 Bubby Necklace, $78 McKim Wedge in Gold Metallic, $148 Beach Cruiser in Bright Navy ‘Beach Bash’, $450

Sophie APRIL 2014 | 21

Mini Emmett Maxi Dress in Multi ‘Feelin’ Groovy’, $188 Mini McKim Sandal in Fiesta Pink, $68

22 | Sophie APRIL 2014

PHOTOGRAPHER: Steven McBride stevenmcbride.com 828.626.4114 smc@stevenmcbride.com

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES: One All Souls Crescent, Suite 100 Asheville, NC 28803 828.505.8140 PalmVillageAsheville.com

MAKEUP: Melissa DeBoer makeupartistmelissa.com 828.230.9557

HAIR: Haven King ilovewink.com 18 Brook Street, Suite 103 Asheville, NC 28803 828.277.4070 shop@ilovewink.com DECORATIVE ART BY: Amy Schieren amyschieren@gmail.com 828.545.2827 MODELS: Crystal & Anna Grace Reece FASHION COORDINATOR: Angela Ramsey

Nigella Maxi Dress in Resort White ‘In the Garden’, $228 Emmett Stone Belt, $58 McKim Wedge in Gold Metallic, $148 Sophie APRIL 2014 | 23

A Spring Makeover Written and Coordinated by Jacqui Perry | Photography by Kirsten Fuchs

It’s time for a spring makeover and once again another inspiring, selfless, incredibly strong woman is our April Makeover model. Meet Peggy Sawyers, who is wife, mother, grandmother and caregiver to her parents and many more. She is also a below the knee amputee who believes nothing should stop you from doing and living!!!

Jacqui: I hear so many reasons for a makeover. Tell me why a makeover is so important to you?

Peggy: I was a professional office worker for many years and had to dress the part. I always had the clothes, shoes and makeup coordinated each day.

My life changed to a more casual but very busy lifestyle, so little by little, I feel I lost that piece of me needing to take care of myself. I am so excited about the makeover as I believe it will give me the kick start, confidence and self worth I need to start fresh.

Before

Jacqui: You had a horseback riding accident a few years ago. How has that changed your life?

Peggy: Yes, I lost my leg below the knee and I have been back on a horse once since the accident. I needed to do that for myself as horses are a big part of what my family enjoys. The accident has slowed me down a bit and I have to watch my steps more, but that doesn’t stop me. My accident and fake leg do not define who I am. I love beautiful shoes so I do have to be honest that I miss my shoes as now I can only wear flat ones. But I am so thankful and blessed each day that shoes are just small stuff.

Jacqui: What are you most thankful for?

Peggy: I am blessed that my kids have decent morals and good work ethics.

I am so blessed with my four grandchildren ages 3 ½ to 14 years and that is what I get up for in the mornings. I cook breakfast for my grandkids every single day and am grateful for this time together.

Jacqui: Any words of wisdom you would share with others??

Peggy: Yes. It is what it is and it will be okay with God’s help. My faith is so important to me and He has gotten me through the tough times.

Yes Peggy! It is what it is and you can savor this day of pampering. You look refreshed, renewed and absolutely lovely!

Clothes and accessories: Belk, Asheville Mall Salon Manager: Linda White for Carmen Carmen at Belk Hair: Linda Bellino for Carmen Carmen at Belk Makeup: Jennifer O’Leary for Bobbi Brown at Belk Photographer: Kirsten Fuchs

Peggy after 24 | Sophie APRIL 2014

Interested in a makeover? Send your photo and 75 words of why you need a makeover to info@luminousyouinc.com.

In order to be Irreplaceable, one must always be Different – Coco Channel

Sophie APRIL 2014 | 25

cuts & color Six 2 Six and Company 1725 Brevard Rd., Suite 1 828.693.8855 We offer cuts, styles including blowouts, deep conditioning treatments, Kuene color, facial waxing, and many other hair services. We also have very competitive prices. We would like to introduce our newest stylist from the Detroit area, Jayme Janosko.

She is a licensed cosmetologist as well as a previous cosmetology instructor in Michigan. She has vast knowledge in color, cuts (both men and women), and a wide variety of products.

Regular Price: $34 for cut and style, $34 and up for color Sophie Discount: 20% off

signature Salon Amor 247 Charlotte Street 828.761.1507 We specialize in relaxing facials and customized chemical peels from Image Skincare. Image features cutting-edge cosmeceutical ingredients and the best in antiaging technology. Organic products available, all products are parabenfree and services are tailored to your individual skin. salonamor.skincaretherapy.net Regular Price: $75 for Organic Facial, $70 for Signature European Sophie Discount: 20% off first facial for new clients

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industry for 20 years. Her hands-on approach and wealth of knowledge will help you achieve your individual skincare goal. Epicuren® Signature Facial- This results oriented facial utilizes a unique protein enzyme that stimulates cell metabolism to dramatically improve the skin’s appearance. Dramatically lifts, tightens, and firms facial skin, increasing textural clarity and tone. Used as directed, Epicuren® products offer a highly intense and effective path to healthier and significantly younger looking skin with lasting results. 80 minutes. skincarebypamelaruth.com Regular Price: $125 Sophie Discount: $93.75

permanent Asheville Permanent Makeup Clinic 131 McDowell St., Suite 202 828.255.5554 Permanent Makeup provides many different types of women with the answers to their daily beauty routine needs. Whether you are a sports enthusiast wanting to look your best, a new mom with very little time, or someone who has sparse or no hair due to age or medical issues, permanent eyebrows or eyeliner can make your life easier.

If it is difficult to apply makeup due to age, physical handicap, or loss of sight, permanent makeup is perfect for you. It is an artistic tattoo process, using sterile and safe ingredients and equipment.

Earleen Bennett, owner and artist, is fully licensed with over 10 years of experience. You can be confident that Asheville Permanent Makeup Clinic will treat each client with respect, confidentiality, and professionalism. ashevillepermanentmakeupclinic.com Sophie Discount: 20% off any NEW full priced permanent makeup procedure of $500 or more

Pam has been nuturing and caring for the needs of women in the beauty

26 | Sophie APRIL 2014

Mention Sophie when booking an appointment and receive The Sophie Discount! The discount applies only to the services described within each category and it cannot be combined with other offers. Each person is eligible for one discounted service per establishment until the end of June. For more information on how to be listed in the Summer Beauty Book email editor@sophiemagazine.com

Sophie APRIL 2014 | 27

Silent No More

Annie Fritschner’s Story Written and Photographed by Robin Reed Stunned and nearly speechless, the Rev. Annie Fritschner felt a flood of emotions sweep through her as she accepted the 2013 ATHENA International Award for Henderson County.

“This is extremely, extremely personal and meaningful to me,” Annie told the crowd of predominantly women who had packed Kenmure Country Club’s ballroom to capacity last May. A fundraiser, minister, mentor, volunteer, advocate, author and philanthropist, Annier exemplifies the qualities the ATHENA award represents.

Named for the Greek goddess Athena, the modern-day award seeks nominees who represent wisdom, courage, inspiration and justice - qualities that Annie genuinely lives through her involvement with mentoring exploited women in India, through her work with Pardee Hospital, the Medical Resources Clinic, Mainstay’s shelter for domestic violence victims, Four Seasons hospice, Habitat for Humanity, the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina and many countless professional women and mothers.

She’s helped raise money for domestic violence prevention and awareness about sexual abuse, fought to end physical abuse impacting women in India, helped uninsured and underinsured women with breast cancer and raised funds to help build scores of philanthropic buildings across Western North Carolina.

At a young age, Annie began volunteering at soup kitchens in Kentucky, where she developed a heart for philanthropy. Her passion for helping others jump started. “Volunteering saved my life – or at least my soul,” Annie recalls. “I was a miserable student all through grade school and high school and the harder I worked and the more I studied, the worse my grades were. Helping others made me feel valuable. I learned the absolute joy that comes from giving.”

Here’s how one woman who received Annie’s help describes her: “Annie genuinely cares about the struggling, the sick, the poor, and the underprivileged. She unselfishly wants others, especially women, to succeed in their business endeavors, and she uses her God given gifts to help others on their individual paths. She doesn’t just talk about making changes, but is the person who leads others on the path to change. Whether she is preaching from the pulpit, helping businesses raise funds, tending to the sick, counseling the poor or feeding the hungry, Annie does so with humility, sincerity and grace.”

Annie who works part-time as an associate pastor at First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville, has thought a great deal about the ATHENA Award and how she can continue to honor its intent. For years she has struggled with viewing herself as a coward or a chicken, all the 28 | Sophie APRIL 2014

Annie at Jump Off Rock in Laurel Park, NC

while following her heart. Coeur, she notes, is the French word for heart.

“Courageous acts are the value with which I most resonate -- but courage really just means leading with your heart,” Annie says. “So courage is the action of living from one’s heart. That I can do. But face a bully? No way.

Step in front of the guns? Definitely no way. Stand up for myself and others who are being beaten and humiliated and told they are worthless? That is where things are changing for me.”

After months of prayer and reflection, Annie has decided it’s time to take a more public stand on domestic violence. She wants to be brave and

share her own story in hopes of helping others. Winning the ATHENA Award, she says, helped her find the courage.

“I was a child victim of domestic violence. My father hurt me physically and although this isn’t normal, it was what I grew up with and learned how not to discuss,” Annie says.

“I was sexually molested when I was young and my family and I never talked about it. Not that night, not the next day, never. Because maybe if we didn’t talk about it, it wouldn’t be real.”

It is not okay for women to be beaten or physically hurt or violated, Annie says. It is not okay for our daughters and our children to be hurt, violated or humiliated because they are weak, dependent or simply because they are children.

“The ATHENA Award means a great deal to me because receiving it means it is time for me to talk about what some people don’t want to hear,” Annie says. “And I want to talk about these things to help other people talk about their truths.”

By definition, philanthropy simply means the love of human beings, Annie says. Some days, each of us may be the only hope someone else encounters. She adds, “To truly be effective in our philanthropy, we need to be hope, believe in hope and live hopeful lives.”

Sharing her story of abuse and the journey that’s led her to share those painful truths will take courage. Annie knows some people won’t like her for sharing her story.

Annie serving lunch at Feed The Hungry.

She knows the consequences may include some detractors who speak badly about her and behave unkindly toward her family. Annie will share her story at this year’s ATHENA Award luncheon on May 22 at Kenmure Country Club.

“The consequences of my speaking up and out are beyond my control; people will do and say and feel what they want,” Annie says. “Silence won’t work for me anymore. It is time for me to be courageous enough to tell my story so that others can feel less afraid to tell theirs. Let’s be bold together.”

Do you know someone from Henderson County who is a high achiever, leader and mentor for women? If you do, now’s your chance to nominate her for the 2014 ATHENA Leadership Award in Henderson County.

Nominees for the prestigious ATHENA Award need to have met these criteria: • Assisted women to achieve their leadership potential • Achieved excellence in one’s business or profession • Served the community in a meaningful way The winner of the 7th Annual Henderson County ATHENA Award will be revealed at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce’s Professional Women’s Luncheon at Kenmure Country Club on May 22. The keynote speaker is the Rev. Annie Fritschner, the 2013 Henderson County ATHENA Award winner.

Fritschner is a fundraising trainer, coach, motivational speaker, ordained Deacon of the Episcopal Church, minister, mentor, international advocate working to stop human trafficking in India, and published author who owns her own company, Raising Funds Effectively. She is one of only 100 Advanced Certified Fundraising Executives in the world.

ATHENA Leadership Award recipients come from all professional sectors.

The award’s rich history, international scope and emphasis on mentorship make this award among the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive. Past Henderson County ATHENA Award winners include: • Rev. Annie Fritschner, First United Methodist Church and president of Raising Funds Effectively, 2013 • Myra Grant, Pardee Hospital Foundation, 2012 • Joyce Mason, Four Seasons Compassion for life, 2011 • Pat Shepherd, Pat’s School of Dance, 2010 • Ragan Ward, Forest Commercial Bank, 2009 • Robin Reed, Bares it All, 2008 This year’s event is sponsored by Morris Broadband, Judy Stroud/State Farm Insurance and facilitated by the Henderson County Chamber, a licensed ATHENA host organization. To nominate someone for the ATHENA Award, please download an application from the Henderson County Chamber’s website: hendersoncountychamber.org. Deadline to nominate someone for this year’s Athena Award is April 18, 2014.

Sophie APRIL 2014 | 29

Sophie Celebrates You!

Send your accomplishments, achievements, recognitions, and business news to writer@sophiemagazine.com. Include your full color photograph, saved as high quality JPEG at 300 dpi. Please limit the number of words to 35.

Sophie reserves the right to edit content.

Rennay Rudolph, RN, of Pardee Hospital recently received the 2013 Crystal Redding Memorial Award. This award is given each year to an individual who possesses teamwork, is an innovator in the practice of Case Management and also demonstrates courage in the face of challenges.

Wilder LaFond has been named the new Director of Orthotics and Prosthetics at CarePartners. LaFond has been in healthcare for 18 years, with 17 years in Orthotics and Prosthetics, and 5 years with CarePartners. Wilder is both a cer tified Prosthetist and Orthotist.

CarePartners is pleased to welcome Dr. Michael D. Parmer as our Hospice Medical Director. Dr. Parmer will provide the overall leadership for the hospice and palliative care programs at CarePartners and will assure the effective and efficient delivery of quality hospice and palliative care.

Susan Duncan of Exit Realty Vistas, was recently awarded Exit’s #1 Franchise in North Carolina for Number of Transactions in 2013.

Jorge Cure, of Exit Realty Vistas is proud to be announced as the Top Lister for the month of February.

Marie Reed, of Exit Realty Vistas is proud to be announced as the Top Seller and Top Producer for the month of February.

Susie Tarantino, Owner of TLC For You, Inc is proud to announce the accreditation of a nursing license from the State of North Carolina.

Debi Manfre, has been recently promoted to Assistant Editor for Sophie magazine. Debi has been part of the creative services department of Sophie Magazine and Iwanna for over five years.

30 | Sophie APRIL 2014

Sophie APRIL 2014 | 31

Mountain Mornings

Tackling The Appalachian Trail Solo Written and Photographed by Camille Wick

I

n almost exactly one year, 23-year-old UNC Asheville graduate Chloe de Camara will set out to hike the entire Appalachian Trail by herself. A task that would be daunting to some has become Chloe’s mission for over a year leading up to her send off in April of 2015. She decided she wanted to take on this huge endeavor as a way to appreciate nature and prove to herself she could not only accomplish it, but also become stronger, both physically and mentally.

“I don’t think that I truly realized how much the outdoors meant to me until I lived in the concrete jungle that was Angers, France,” Chloe explained.

Chloe had planned to study abroad during her college career for two consecutive semesters, but after four and a half months, she decided to end her studies early so she could spend time in nature.

“I found a farm in the middle of nowhere, Belgium. It was the best and hardest decision I’ve ever had to live with. I was asked to work in uncomfortable conditions, live in a rural environment and entertain myself for the most part,” Chloe said.

Although her experience on the farm in Belgium gave her the opportunity to spend more time outdoors, Chloe hadn’t yet decided she wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail. “Cut to my senior year of college as a Religious Studies major. During a prerequisite course to my senior seminar, we were asked to start brainstorming possible ideas for our senior theses.”

Chloe was interested in writing about transformative experiences people go through that are not typically considered religious. “By the end of the semester, I had decided to write my thesis on thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail as a form of lived religion,” Chloe explained.

Chloe’s thesis discussed the relationship between thru-hikers and nature.

“I was arguing that thru-hiking was far more than a recreational long-distance hike but a form of lived nature religion. Thru-hikers tend to invest not only time and money into the trail, but also an immense amount of themselves. It was my argument that through these actions, they want to have some sort of result from whom or what they are devoting all of their time and energy.

Thus, thru-hikers begin to view the trail as having a spiritual influence that gives as much as it receives.”

Chloe has spent months preparing for her journey, and she will continue to do so, but she said she still has some fears. “My biggest fear is probably myself. I’ve had the tendency to get into a very bad mindset while I’m on a difficult hike. I find myself getting lost in my head and begin swimming in a sea of negativity, constantly telling myself that this hurts too much or that what I’m doing clearly isn’t worth it.”

Part of her preparation for her thru-hike is rethinking and reevaluating how she views pain. “Anytime I find myself in pain from a physical activity, I ask myself if it’s a good sort of pain or not, and if it is that good pain, then I try to embrace it and say to myself, ‘you are doing it, this is it.’ A positive and optimistic attitude towards yourself can completely change your perspective.

If you thank your body for how far it’s already gotten you and the amazing 32 | Sophie APRIL 2014

Chloe sits on top of Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah National Forest.

places it’s taken you, then you’re bound to have an overwhelming admiration for yourself.”

Thousands of people attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail each year, but only about 25% of them complete it. Although she is well aware of these statistics, Chloe seems realistically optimistic about her thru-hike attempt next April. “I may feel differently come the fifth day of consistent rain when my feet are swollen and blistered and I’m running low on food supplies. However, all I can say is that attempting to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail is going to be the most challenging and difficult experience of my life.

The trail will not do me any favors, and it’s going to expose me for what I truly am: the good, the bad and the ugly; but it’s also going to give me copious amounts of opportunities to accept and love myself for who I am while redefining strength and beauty.”

Camille Wick is passionate about writing and spending time outdoors. She likes to explore new places and read good books. Lately, the majority of her free time consists of training her new puppy, Piper, but she also finds time to create fun crafts and play in the kitchen.

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IN

MOTION

AN INTIMATE LOOK INTO THE WORLD OF DANCE Nick Kepley, Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer of MOTION Dance Theatre, shares his experience of what it means to be a professional ballet dancer.

“Let’s take another look at that last section.”

As choreographer Nick Kepley rehearses his dancers, he calls out phrases and counts that would sound almost like spy code to anyone listening who is unfamiliar with the language of dance.

He is hard at work creating a new ballet for his company, MOTION Dance Theatre, which takes up residence in Asheville every summer.

But for Nick, who founded MOTION five years ago, the creation period is anything but hard and hardly feels like work. The company’s annual Summer Creative Residency Program pairs new and emerging choreographers with dancers from companies across the country, creating three weeks of uninhibited creativity.

“When I was dreaming up MOTION, I was dreaming of a place that would feel like an escape for choreographers and dancers from all over the country. I’ve tried to create an artistic haven. I provide the time, space and talent and they just get to run wild with it.”

Nick grew up in Asheville during a time when training options for aspiring ballet dancers were extremely limited. Each summer, he would find himself having to travel far out of state, to places like New York City or Boston, in order to receive competitive training.

“I was very far behind in terms of technique,” Nick said. “I’m very grateful to my teacher, Sandra Miller, but being the only boy at our studio put me at a disadvantage and there was nothing she could have done about that.”

Nick says things are changing now in terms of the quality dance training available in Asheville, 34 | Sophie APRIL 2014

Written by Timothy Dillon Photography by: Parker J Pfister

but he adds that without a year-round ballet company, the community is left relying on touring dance companies as its only opportunity to view top rate dance. Filling this need has become a lifelong passion for Nick and defines the core of what MOTION is all about.

“Asheville has become a real mecca for the arts,” Nick said. “Particularly visual and folk art. Our symphony and opera are top rate and we have the state theatre of NC in our backyard. I think dance is the final jewel we need to complete that crown. I’d like to think that MOTION will awaken people to what dance can offer.”

In addition to creating three world premieres each season, MOTION’s summer residency includes an array of outreach and community involvement activities aimed at inspiring conversations about creativity and revealing the process that goes into making what Nick defines as, “dance art”.

“With dance, I think there is a real mystic,” Nick said. “People don’t think they ‘get it’. They feel like it’s too abstract. Often times they’ve only seen pantomime heavy story ballets like Swan Lake or Sleeping Beauty, which can feel dated. But dance can be so much more than that. It can be whatever you want it to be.”

To help encourage his audience to see dance in a new light, Nick incorporates short, behind-the-scenes videos into MOTION’s performances. Each film documents the choreographer’s process from start to finish, allowing the audience to better understand the themes and ideas that infuse the works they are about to witness.

“It’s sort of like going to a museum,” Nick said. “You get to listen to a tour guide explain each painting and because of that explanation, when you look at it, you see more.”

Another foundational element of MOTION’s mission is developing budding talent. Two seasons ago the company partnered with Ballet Conservatory of Asheville to initiate an apprentice program. Two advanced level students are selected per year to take class with the company and understudy roles.

“We are extremely fortunate to have MOTION in residence here in Asheville,” BCA Owner and Director Angie Lynn said. “The apprentice program allows our students to experience a high level of creative artistry. They see what life in a professional company looks like on a day-to-day basis. It is an invaluable experience and something they look forward to each year.”

This year MOTION will add an additional partnership with University of North Carolina School of the Arts and select two of their advanced level students to join the company as apprentices. Susan Jaffe, longtime American Ballet Theatre Principal dancer and current Dean of UNCSA’s School of Dance, is excited by the learning opportunity that the partnership will create.

“We prepare our students technically for what will be expected of them in the professional world,” Jaffe said. “But having the chance to participate in a fully functioning company is a unique experience that can’t be replicated in any other way.”

By keeping the scope broad and all-inclusive, Nick has found a way to maximize MOTION’s relatively short span of only three weeks, to build a program that appeals to both dance newcomers and longtime aficionados. It is a job he describes as a “labor of love” and one that takes substantial monetary support in order to succeed.

“Fundraising for the next season of MOTION begins as soon as the curtain closes on the previous one,” Nick said. “I’ve been extremely lucky to have the generous support of Center Stage Dance Studio and Ballet Conservatory of Asheville in terms of rehearsal space. But we fly our artists in from

Oren Porterfield and Jordan Moser-Ballet Austin

all over the country and house them here, which is not cheap. Then there’s also the cost of theatre rentals, costuming, lighting and this season will even include a newly commissioned score that’s being recorded by an incredible team of artists from Austin, TX. It all adds up rather quickly.”

Nick explains that while his unwavering commitment to presenting art of the highest quality comes with a price tag, it is also what sets MOTION apart. The company received 501(c)3 status in its third season which allows donations to be made tax-deductible. Nick also credits his board of directors for their “tireless commitment to the art form and amazing ability to see beyond what is, to what is possible.”

As the company celebrates its fifth anniversary and looks back on all that’s been accomplished thus far, Nick is already busy planning for the future.

“I’m definitely interested in branching out and finding more opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration,” Nick said. “I’m eager to get more live music on our programs, and more commissioned scores for our choreographers to work with. I’d also be very interested in taking the company on tour. The artists work so hard and then it’s all over so quickly. It would be nice to have the chance to share what they make here with more people.”

If MOTION’s track record thus far is any guide, it looks set to accomplish all of these goals and more. And Asheville looks poised to become exactly the artistic haven Nick envisions it to be.

To learn more about the creative world of dance, visit: motiondt.com Artistic Director, Nick Kepley, surrounded by his dancers.

Sophie APRIL 2014 | 35

Girls on the Run of WNC Partner Spotlight on Katherine Stanley Last month, Amy Renigar, Executive Director of Girls on the Run of WNC, was scrolling through her email inbox and saw the subject line, “My mission – your mission statement.” Renigar opened the email expecting to find a generic sales opportunity, but instead she found a compelling message from a young WNC author.

“My name is Katherine Stanley, I am an 18 year old senior at Owen High School, and I was born with a rare genetic disease called PraderWilli Syndrome. I was bullied a lot in school, and it made me feel bad about myself. I decided NOT to feel bad about myself, and to do something that I could be proud of, so I wrote a book called A Book of Bullies. I am making it my mission to put an end to bullying, encourage people to be kinder, and inspire people to believe in themselves. This sounds a lot like what your mission statement says. I would love for you to see a copy of my book and, if you like it, share it with your girls,” wrote Stanley.

The two met a few days later and bonded immediately. “Katherine’s heart is so big and her message so powerful that we were hugging and in tears in no time,” shared Renigar. “The extent of the bullying Katherine endured would have been crippling to most, but her experiences have served to fuel her life’s mission of eliminating bullying. Her courage and determination make Katherine a perfect role model for our Girls on the Run participants,” continued Renigar.

Stanley will be setting up a “No Bullies Zone” booth at the GOTR 5k on Saturday, May 17th at UNC-Asheville. The booth will feature a game that introduces participants to the various types of bullies identified in Stanley’s book, and there will be books available for purchase. Stanley will also be a guest speaker during the opening program, which starts at 1:00 p.m. “I just want to help people understand how harmful bullying can be and to encourage them to stand up and unite against bullying,” stated Stanley.

A Book of Bullies’ brilliant rhymes are coupled with beautiful illustrations by the author’s sister, Laura. The book is published by Grateful Steps, a traditional, independent, nonprofit publisher located in downtown Asheville and can be purchased at the Grateful Steps Bookshop. It may also be obtained online at gratefulsteps.org, abookofbullies.com and Amazon.com. For more information about the book or to request a speaking engagement with Stanley, call Grateful Steps at 828-277-0998.

learn. dream. live. run. western north carolina 36 | Sophie APRIL 2014

Register, Volunteer, and Learn More at gotrwnc.org or (828) 713-4290

Donate to GOTR of WNC If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to Girls on the Run of WNC, checks can be mailed to 50 S. French Broad Ave, Suite 249, Asheville, NC 28801, or you can visit their website: gotrwnc.org/donate.

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Crafty Girl

Scrappy Lampshade

Mason Jar Sewing Kit

Created by Amy Bruce

Created by Kirsten Fuchs

Makes a great gift for Mother’s Day, a new bride or for kids going away to college!

Crochet Daffodil Created by JeanAnn Taylor Create a colorful and creative lampshade with scraps of fabric! This scrappy lampshade can be the perfect accessory for a girls room, a sewing room, or any room!

For instructions on all three projects visit sophiemagazine.com My obsession with crochet and flowers continues this month! This was designed by combining three different patterns into one sweet flower.

For complete instructions on this flower and my gathered fabric flower, visit sophiemagazine.com.

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Garden Bloomers

Get Ready, Get Set, Garden!

Written By Betty Sharpless

S

pring is sprung all you gardeners and would be gardeners! It’s time to spend some time getting your hands dirty and dancing in the evening sun! There is no better cure for office chair bad back than gently gardening for an hour one or two nights a week. If you are indeed fighting lower back pain, it’s time to use the Betty Sharpless garden motto: Work smarter, not harder.

One of the most common garden faux pas is to try to go from not working out or working outside at all, to trying to do all your garden chores in one day. Just as you would not try to run a marathon without working up to 26.2 miles a mile at a time, you should not attempt to go from sedentary to a gardening fiend in one day. We work with gardeners from 2 to 90 years old. The trick to gardening as an adult is to figure out what your safe exertion levels are and stop before it hurts. If you only work an hour a day to start the season, you can safely add a little more time every day to work up to 3 to 4 hours a day by the end of the season.

Another common problem is thinking that we can move much more weight at a time than we can. This affects all your materials moving decisions from a single shovel full of dirt to a 40 pound bag of fertilizer. When you are digging, for example, suck in your tummy muscles just as you would when doing a sit up. If you have large unwieldy items to move, try to use your head more than your arms. If the object can be divided, like fertilizer, break it down into several smaller amounts to carry. Use wheels.

Use ramps. If you have to move a lot of dirt or bricks, set a time limit and move them over several days, not all at one time.

A very important health issue in the garden is exactly the same as running a marathon: REHYDRATE! It is so important, even on a cooler day, to make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids. While water is the best drink, ice teas or fruit drinks like lemonade work just as well. Try to avoid sugary drinks or colas. You’ll know if you are not drinking enough water when the headache starts. While you are at it, on very hot days, be sure to replenish your salts as well. Who knew that salted nuts or chips were good for you!

One final note, be sure to use at least a medium level sun block on your skin, including a sun blocking lip balm. Wear a hat, or, if not, be sure to sun block your ears as well. I use a solid sun block for my nose and ears because it is so easy to apply.

The main thing is: Just Do It! Gardening is one of the most popular

40 | Sophie APRIL 2014

Betty knows to “Work Smart!”

forms of exercise in America! Besides, when did your aerobics class put delicious fresh food on your table?

Betty Sharpless is a professional free-lance gardener who wishes she knew then what she knows now about gardener’s body safety.

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PRESENTS

Our Turn to Play Luncheon TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2014 REGISTRATION: 11 AM • LUNCH: 11:30 AM Western North Carolina is in for a treat this month. The 1984 Olympic Gold Medal Champion Nancy HogsheadMakar will be the guest speaker at the annual Our Turn To Play Luncheon sponsored by UNC Asheville.

After learning she had asthma, Nancy used her Olympic fame to educate others on asthma management. She traveled extensively to speak and earned the title of National Spokesperson for the American Lung Association. She authored the inspirational book, Asthma and Exercise, in 1990.

Nancy is a life-long advocate for access and equality in athletics. She is internationally recognized as a legal expert on sports issues. As one of the foremost exponents for gender equity, she advocates for access and equality in sports participation, sexual harassment, sexual abuse and assault, employment, pregnancy, and legal enforcement under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and within the Olympic movement. In 2007, she co-edited the book, Equal Play, Title IX and Social Change.

Nancy Hogshead-Makar

She has testified in Congress, appeared on 60 Minutes, CNN, ESPN, NPR, and MSNBC to discuss and educate on the topic of gender equity in athletics. Sports Illustrated Magazine listed her as one of the most influential people in the history of Title IX. In 2012 she was awarded the “Title IX Advocate Award” from the Alliance of Women Coaches.

According to Janice Brumit, Our Turn To Play spokesperson, “The purpose of this luncheon is to raise awareness and money for women student-athletes. It’s time for women to come together and spotlight women in sports so that they can achieve their goals. Playing sports can change the lives of these students by helping them improve their self-image.

They learn to be strong, successful, and develop a strong sense of discipline.”

Janice Brumit

Please join us in this opportunity to learn more about Title IX from Nancy HogsheadMakar, and to spotlight women athletes in Asheville. In addition, the first Bulldog Trailblazer Award will be awarded posthumously to Betsy Montgomery, who was a strong leader in swimming in the Asheville community.

All of the proceeds from the luncheon will go toward women’s athletic scholarships.

Nancy on the cover of Newsweek in 1984

UNC Asheville • Kimmel Arena, Sherrill Center $400 Group table • $600 Corporate table • $75 Individual ticket (Tables seat 7) All net proceeds will benefit the UNC Asheville Women’s Athletic Scholarship Fund

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ID.exchange

Kitchen EnCounters Written by Amy Kuykendall

W

hether you’re remodeling a kitchen, building one from scratch or just ready to give yours a face-lift, countertops are a central part of the look. Choosing the right countertop for your kitchen can be a daunting task. It can be tempting to choose a countertop based on looks alone, however a material’s durability, maintenance and, of course, cost are also important factors to consider when making a selection for your kitchen. Check out the basics of these countertop materials to help you select the right one for your space.

Granite is one of the most popular materials used. It boasts beautiful mottling and unique colors and patterns found in nature. It is available in two finishes; polished creates a shiny look that often darkens the appearance of the stone, while a honed finish gives a softer, more aged and casual look. Granite stands up well to splashes, knife nicks and heat. Granite must be sealed every so often to avoid stains and is a heavy material that requires sturdy cabinet boxes to support its weight.

Quartz is an engineered product that combines resin, quartz chips and pigment. Quartz is durable and nonporous, making it resistant to stains and scratches. There are a myriad of color and pattern options making it suitable for any style. It is nontoxic and nonallergenic, and emits few VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). In fact, many quartz countertops are Green Certified. The resin content in quartz is not heat tolerant, so you will need to keep your trivets nearby. Quartz can be pricey, but is a surface that will last a lifetime.

Stainless Steel is a popular application in many professional and hightraffic kitchens. Chefs love that it is nearly indestructible and resists heat and bacteria. Stainless steel countertops have a very distinctive look that works well in contemporary and industrial-style kitchens. Fabricated from 14 or 16-gauge material, these countertops are durable and will last many years. While cleaning is a breeze, keeping it free of fingerprints and watermarks can be a chore. Stainless steel is also vulnerable to scratches and dents, so you will want to keep cutting boards at the ready.

Concrete is a material perfect for an edgy, industrial chic kitchen. Concrete countertops are nearly indestructible and offer the ability to be customized to any color, shape and finish. They are hand-made by artisans and can include unique inlays or embellishments such as glass fragments, metal and rocks to create visual texture. Concrete stands up well to heavy use but is not as heat resistant as other surfaces. Because it is porous, concrete will stain without proper sealing. It is also important to note that surface cutting, harsh cleansers, hot pans and acidic foods can compromise the sealer itself.

Visit idologyasheville.com for more information.

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Can’t decide on just one material? Then mix and match your surfaces. You can use a different material on the island than the rest of the countertops to differentiate the space and add interest and function. Another option is to inset another material into a countertop for specific tasks. A butcher block can add visual warmth and texture and is great for chopping. Marble is elegant and glamorous and is an excellent choice for a pastry and baking station.

Sun & Soil

April Gardening Fool Written by Kristina Urquhart

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t’s time to get some dirt under your nails, come April. This is a gardening month. Depending on your exact location in our beloved mountains, and the microclimate of your own yard or garden, April may or may not mean a last frost date. Seeing as it’s been a particularly cold winter, let’s play it safe and say we might still get a frost.

So, with the potential of a freeze looming over the gardener’s head, what is there to do in the soil? Plenty. Here’s a great starting point: • Prune, repot and generally spruce up houseplants. Great creative with new pots (I love the fair trade store downtown called Ten Thousand Villages – they have beautiful handmade pots from around the world). Also, hold off for a bit until putting them outside, if that’s your style.

• Pull any early season weeds from around your trees, shrubs and perennial flowerbeds and take advantage of a mild day to mulch.

My perennial flowerbed of daylilies, irises and lamb’s ear is always a mess in April – but this is usually my best chance to clean up before they start shooting up from the earth.

• Prune spring-blooming shrubs and plants just after they finish flowering.

• Now’s also a great time to plant trees and shrubs.

• If you have an asparagus bed (lucky you!), start harvesting! Harvest shoots for about two weeks on plants older than 2 years old and for as long as six weeks on older plants.

• If you have raised beds, get to direct seeding. Plant cool-weather root crops that like the cold temps and require direct seeding such as radishes, beets and carrots. You can also plant a variety of greens, such as chard, bok choy and lettuces.

• Go to the Herb Festival! I find my favorite heirloom varieties of starts that I wasn’t able to get going early in the year (namely peppers and tomatoes). But don’t forget that your local tailgate market is a great place to get unique starts. I once scored a start of hummingbird sage from a tailgate market that I couldn’t find at the Herb Festival. It rewarded the birds with trumpet-like purple flowers and me with hummingbird watching on our back deck all season.

See? There’s plenty to be done in April. In fact, it’s almost too easy to leave all the gardening chores and tasks until after the last frost date and then feel overwhelmed with a hefty to-do list in the garden. I think that’s how so many new gardeners end up giving up dreaming big in winter, waiting too long or not spacing out chores, and taking on too much in the spring. Be kind to yourself and take it easy! Gardening is meant to be fun, remember?

Happy growing!

Follow Kristina Mercedes Urquhart’s homesteading exploits on her blog, kristinamercedes.tumblr.com.

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All About | PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE Written By Paul Kline

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arm weather is on the way and if you’re like me, you’re ready to go outside and start enjoying the sunshine. Here are a few tips to make sure your home and yard are ready for summer. Preventive maintenance can go a long way to ensure that you can spend less time fixing broken tools, equipment, and things around your house, so you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the season.

Start by taking a walk around your house to look for any wear and tear on windows and doors. Inspect the caulking around your doors and windows.

Replace any that is cracked or missing. To keep insects outside, make sure all of the window screens are securely in place and not torn. If you see any chipped or peeling paint, now’s the best time to scrape, sand, and repaint.

Inspect your roof for broken or missing shingles. It’s much easier to fix this predicament now than to wait until you have a much larger problem. While you are on the roof, check to make sure the gutters are clean and working properly. Consider hiring a professional for this task. It can be potentially dangerous if you don’t have experience or the correct size ladders.

To wash off the winter wear and tear, consider pressure washing your siding, eaves, gutters, sidewalk, driveway, decks, and patios. This is another task where you may want to hire a professional. When everything is clean, give your patio furniture and deck a fresh coat of paint.You’ll be a step ahead for your summer parties.

Check for cracks in the driveway, sidewalk, or patio. Repair these as well as any loose bricks or pavers. This preventive task will save you much time and money, as it’s easier to repair small problems than to wait until you have a large project.

To make your home more inviting, clean the outside light fixtures and replace any burned out bulbs. A fresh coat of paint on your front door can make a huge difference to your home’s overall appearance. Polish the hinges and doorknob to really make them shine.

Your HVAC system has just worked exceptionally hard to keep your home nice and warm for the past several months. Now is a good time to schedule a professional maintenance service for your air conditioning system. It’s better to know it’s in good working order now, than to wait until July when it’s 90 degrees.

Summer means lazy afternoons and cookouts, but it also means mowing, edging, raking, and spreading mulch. Nothing is more frustrating than planning to spend your Saturday morning getting chores done and working in the yard only to discover your lawn equipment isn’t working properly. Take the time now to change the oil and sharpen the blades. Start all of your out-

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door equipment to make sure they are running properly and will be ready to use when you need them.

Don’t forget your feathered friends! Clean out last year’s nests from your birdhouses, leaving them ready for this summer’s occupants. I’m not sure if the birds care or not, but a fresh coat of paint on their houses will make your outdoor space more attractive.

It’s really all about a little work now ensuring many lazy summer days ahead. See you at the home improvement store!

Paul Kline is the owner of North Star Construction. Visit nscbuilds.com.

REAL MEN READ SOPHIE We know that men read Sophie, so send a photo of your man reading Sophie to writer@sophiemagazine.com, and you may see your photo published in the magazine!

Steve Linton, president of Deltec Homes

John Anderson of Clear Channel Asheville

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Tried And True

Crockin’ Easter Ham Written and Prepared by Jackie Brown Do you want to make Easter dinner a little easier this year? Try this easy no fuss crock pot spiral ham while you are enjoying your festivities. Come home to the main course fully cooked and ready to serve. Since April 15th is National Spiral Ham Day, why not celebrate it with a delicious rosemary and pineapple spiral ham. Four ingredients make it easy and delicious for your whole family. Serve it with homemade biscuits, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs and all your other favorite sides. Is your mouth watering yet?

Crock Pot Rosemary and Pineapple Spiral Ham

Directions: • 1. Score the ham and insert smashed garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs.

• 2. Place ham in crock pot. Pour pineapple and juice on top of ham.

• 2. Crock on low 6-8 hours.

You don’t have to have a holiday to celebrate to enjoy this ham. Purchase an extra ham for your freezer and crock another ham for plenty of ham biscuits. Enjoy!

Ingredients: • 1 spiral ham {I use a 6-quart slow cooker} • 4-6 sprigs of fresh rosemary • 4-6 cloves of smashed garlic • 1 large can of pineapple including juice

Are you looking for more wholelicious recipes for your busy lifestyle? Freezer Fairy is the answer!

48 wholelicious servings in 2 hours, visit freezerfairy.com Freezer Fairy, Jackie Brown

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Meg’s Movie Review

“The Monuments Men” Written by Meg Hale Brunton

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hile I’m not exactly a connoisseur of movies in the war-genre, I positively love when Hollywood finds a great story in history and makes it known to the world via their industry. This is exactly what has happened with the new film “ The Monuments Men”, and I really think most of the credit for that goes to George Clooney (“Ocean’s Eleven”). Clooney not only stars as Captain Frank Stokes in “The Monuments Men” but also directed the film, produced it, and cowrote the screenplay with Grant Heslov (“Argo”). To wear so many hats and not have any of them wind up looking shabby is no small feat.

The film is based on the book of the same name, by Robert M. Edsel.

“The Monuments Men” is the true story of a group of art experts who are asked to put away their textbooks, brushes, pencils, and measuring instruments to form a military task force. Their troupe’s purpose is to seek out and retrieve some of the world’s most classic works of art before they fall into the hands of the Nazis permanently.

These unlikely soldiers, called Monuments Men, travel to Paris, Belgium, and eventually into Nazi Germany, hoping to find the hiding places of all the masterpieces that the SS has been smuggling out of the countries they invade. Hitler has plans to build the world’s largest art museum in his hometown and fill it full of the masterpieces that his soldiers collect.

The Monuments Men are trying to intercept the art, and restore them to their rightful owners.

As art aficionados, the Monuments Men feel passionately about protecting the works, especially a few key pieces. They have a particular affinity for the panels of The Ghent Altarpiece, which is considered by many to be foundational to the entire Catholic faith, as well as Michelangelo’s sculpture of the Madonna and Child of Bruges. The audience gets caught up in the strength of the characters’ feelings for the art, and it really helps to build the suspense in the plot as time is running out.

The cast is a very accomplished group of actors, including Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, and Hugh Bonneville. They all do an excellent job of making their characters stand out and feel real. This brings me to what I think is the most impressive aspect of the movie: its ability to tell a true story about one of the most tragic and unthinkable events in human history, be moving and inspiring, and still manage to keep the plot lighthearted and upbeat for the most part. So, I cried a little, but not much.

“The Monuments Men” is one of the best films I’ve seen in years and I fully expect to see it on next year’s list of Oscar nominations. It was in52 | Sophie APRIL 2014

teresting, educational, compelling, touching and got some substantial laughs out of me. There aren’t many movies you can say all that about. I’m pretty much at a point where I feel I should go see whatever movies George Clooney tells me I should be watching, and this film completely supports my belief. I strongly recommend “The Monuments Men” and give it 9 stars.

Concerning Our Community

Student Clothing Project Sees Another Year Of Growth

bike’ among the updated cast of characters.

The Steep Canyon Rangers will perform April 10, 8pm. They won the Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album last year for Nobody Knows You. The concert marks a homecoming for band member and mandolin player Mike Guggino, who earned a B.A. in history at UNC Asheville in 2001. Tickets are available online and at the Kimmel Arena box office.

A lecture by N.C. Poet Laureate Joseph Bathanti headlines the weekend’s literature events, and UNC Asheville Arts Fest includes visual art exhibitions and collaborative sculpture, new media, photography and more.

School groups are invited to attend UNC Asheville Arts Fest on Friday, April 11, for a performance by the university’s dance program, art activities, a poetry slam and creative writing workshops, and more. For information and a link to registration, visit arts.unca.edu/ArtsFestSchoolDay. For complete event listings and online tickets, visit unca.edu/ArtsFest.

With the 2014 school year, a little more than half way through, the Eblen Charities’ Student Clothing Project and If the Shoe Fits Program in the Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools continue to see the need grow, as these two programs have again reached record numbers in the students we serve.

In the 2013 school year we served 2,600 students with clothing and shoes compared to 2,200 students during the 2012 school year and 1,300 in during the 2011 school year through this unique partnership.

Eblen Charities is grateful to be working with Goodwill, Payless, K-Mart, Target, and Wal-Mart to provide clothing for the students we have the honor to work with in this endeavor. Thanks to the generosity of these stores and Eblen supporters, all students in our community can attend school with dignity and can old their heads high.

Join us in reaching out in helping students in our community to get the clothing they need or for more information on the Student Clothing Project or If the Shoe Fits of the Eblen Charities, contact Susan Riddle at 828-255-3066 ext 11 or email at sriddle@eblencharities.org

Cut-A-Thon & Beyond For Clean Water at Carmen! Carmen!

Prestige Salon

Help raise money for Aveda Earth Month 2014 and local clean water projects on Monday, April 7, 10am-7pm.

With the following donation you can receive: $40-haircut, $30-30 minute facial, $3030 minute massage, $20mini manicure or pedicure, $20-brow wax! Who knew pampering yourself could make such a difference! Book your appointments today, 828-296-9463 and mention the Cut-a-thon!

Full Schedule is Set for FirstEver UNC Asheville Arts Fest

The full schedule for UNC Asheville’s first-ever Arts Fest is now set, with evening concerts by two different Grammy Award winners, and a full day of free shows on the Quad by local and campus-based bands and dance ensembles. UNC Asheville Arts Fest takes place April 10-13 across campus with free and ticketed events.

For theater lovers and “go local” enthusiasts, the highlights include Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, set in contemporary Asheville, with notable downtown figures, including the La Zoom Tours ’ ‘nun on a

The Glass Foundation Funds Hands On!

Hands On!-A Child’s Gallery, the children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville, recently received a generous award of $30,000 from The Glass Foundation.

The mission of Hands On! is to serve children and families by providing educational, “hands on” experiences that stimulate the imagination and motivate learning in a fun, safe environment. Located at 318 N. Main Street, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 – 5:00. For information, call 697-8333 or visit their website at handsonwnc.org.

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Concerning Our Community

April Child Abuse Prevention Month The Blue Ribbons are Back!

Child Abuse Prevention Month will kick off with Tying of Blue Ribbons in front of United Way Building at noon April 1. The kick off is to increase the awareness of child abuse, and prevention and treatment, and to demonstrate a community commitment to protect all children.

There will be brief remarks by Leslie Hansen, Board President of Child Abuse Prevention Services, Inc. (CAPS), and Advisory Board Member and County Commissioner Ellen Frost; and, a moment of silence for the 4,716 children reported as abused/neglected last year in Buncombe County.

“We come not to lament but to prevent, to raise awareness of child abuse and to encourage involvement in prevention, treatment, and protection of all children – our future”, said Hansen. “There is no excuse for abuse and child abuse prevention is everyone’s business.”

In addition to tying blue ribbons to demonstrate a commitment to preventing child abuse and supporting survivors CAPS will present the Blue Ribbon Award to Barb Blake of the Asheville Citizen-Times.

The Blue Ribbon was chosen as a symbol of child abuse prevention when Bonnie Finney, a grandmother in Virginia, took a stand against child abuse.

She tied a blue ribbon on her car after her grandson was fatally abused. It was a signal to her community of her commitment to involve everyone in the battle against child abuse. She chose blue after seeing her grandson’s battered blue body. Her action, the action of one person, has evolved into a national campaign with millions of blue ribbon across the country every April.

“The numbers are staggering”, says Bill McGuire, Director of CAPS. “One in 5 children will experience abuse, half will be under 6 years old, and tragically 4 children will die every day from abuse and neglect. There are over 5 million children reported abused/neglected in the US every year, over 125,000 in NC and over 4,000 right here in Buncombe County. Abuse crosses all lines and knows no boundaries. Usually the abuser is known to the child, and often is someone who is supposed to love and protect them.

For more information call 828-254-2000.

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3rd Friday due to the holidays). Experience art, music and wine. Be sure to look for the animal sculptures and the murals located in downtown Brevard as well. Make an evening of it and stop by and have dinner in one of our downtown restaurants. A brochure for the gallery walks can be found at any of the participating galleries or at the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce. For more information call 828884-2787 or go to artsofbrevard.org and click on Art Tours.

April 9th Annual BBQ Cookoff & Bluegrass Jam April 4, 12-8pm & April 5, 11am-6pm Free admission with plenty of great live music and food at the WNC Farmers Market located at 570 Brevard Road in Asheville.

Hendersonville DOES April Indoor Yard And Bake Sale April 5, 80am-2pm The DOES will be holding an indoor yard and bake sale at the Hendersonville Elks Lodge located at 546 N. Justice St. All proceeds from the event will go towards our DOES annual Blue Ridge Community College Scholarship Fund. The bake sale table will be filled with all sorts of homemade goodies and delights; as well as hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, canned sodas and bottled water available to purchase.

For information contact Cate Alexander at 828-699-5696.

Transylvania County Public Schools Student Art Exhibit April 7-30, 9:30am-4:30pm The Transylvania Community Arts Council has partnered with the TC Public Schools to present this art exhibit by students. A reception will be held on April 10 from 4:30pm - 6pm. Another reception will be held on April 25. The TC Arts Council is located at 349 S. Caldwell Street in Brevard, NC. For more information call TC Arts at 828-884-2787.

“Bras for Breast Cancer” Dillard’s Lingerie Department April 11, 10am-8pm Help Dillard’s fight breast cancer by having one of our certified fitters fit you into the perfect bra or shapewear. In addition, Dillard’s will donate $2 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for every regular price shapewear or bra purchase.

Please call Melanie Hendrix @ 828-2982611 to schedule an appointment. Drop in anytime between now and April 11th to pre-order and guarantee your size!

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10th Asheville Artisan Bread Bakers’ Festival April 12, 10am-4pm The festival features artisan bread bakers from all over the Southeast sampling and selling their bread. There are also hands-on workshops and demonstrations for home bakers and bread lovers. The event is held on the A-B Tech Asheville campus at the Magnolia Building, 340 Victoria Road. This is a free event. For more information contact Steve Bardwell, 828-683-2902.

The WNC Knitters and Crocheters for Others Meeting April 14, 7-9pm New Hope Presbyterian Church, 3070 Sweeten Creek Road. Contact Janet Stewart, (828) 575-9195.

Asheville Quilt Guild Meeting April 15, 7pm Guest speaker, Jacquie Gering, author of Quilting Modern, will present a lecture and trunk show that will follow her journey from her Mennonite roots to her becoming one of the leaders of the modern quilting movement. Folk Art Center Auditorium Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC Eckerd Children’s Hero Event April 17, 5-8pm Eckerd Youth Alternative will recognize nine unique community individuals who have helped the lives of children and families in Western North Carolina in a wonderful event. It will be held 22 Celebration Place, Asheville. Contact Jennifer Stout for more information, 828-575-2011 6th Annual Asheville Earth Day April 19, 12noon-10pm The event will take place in downtown Asheville on Lexington Avenue. This FREE, daylong event is focused on providing a fun, entertaining setting to educate and promote conscious awareness and green living for the families and individuals of the Asheville community. This year’s event will feature an array of main stage talent, arts, local food and environmental education.

Dillsboro Easter Hat Parade April 19, 10:30am (egg hunt), 2pm (parade) Arrive early and spend the day. Easter egg hunts for children begin at 10:30 AM, along with hat-making sessions at Dogwood Crafters. The parade, a Dillsboro tradition, showcases a variety of interesting hats atop participants of all ages, including pets.

If you don’t have a hat, you can make one there! Judges select the best hats in more than 20 categories. For parade information call the Jackson County Visitors Center at (800) 962-1911. Dillsboro is located on the Tuckasegee River, at the crossroads of U.S. Hwy. 23/74 and U.S. Hwy 441 in Jackson County.

Easter Sunrise Service at Chimney Rock April 20, 6:30am For 55 years, the Park has opened its gates to the community for a interdenominational worship. The service takes place beneath 535-million year old Chimney Rock, the monolith for which the Park is named. Gates will be open from 5-6am for the service. There is no admission charge and guests are welcome to stay and enjoy the Park for the day. Chimney Rock is located 25 miles southeast of Asheville in Hickory Nut Gorge on Highway 64/74-A. “Growing in the Mountains” Plant Show, April 25 & 26 9am-6pm Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Horticultural Association. Truckshed #5, WNC Farmers Market. Certified nurseries will be selling their products to the public at WNC Farmers Market located at 570 Brevard Road in Asheville.

Brevard’s 4th Friday Gallery Walk April 25, 5-9pm Enjoy an evening stroll in downtown Brevard, NC as you explore the art galleries, art stores, retail stores and restaurants that are staying open late on the 4th Friday from April – November.

(December Gallery Walk is held on the

Grovewood Gallery’s 15th Annual Charity Sale Benefiting Brother Wolf Animal Rescue April 25 & 26, 10am-6pm April 27, 1am-5pm Support our fuzzy friends by buying American made craft! During the sale, customers will be able to save 10% on all regular priced items, including studio furniture and outdoor sculptures, and up to 50% on sale items. Everything in the gallery will be marked down! 10% of all proceeds from this 3 day event will go directly to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue’s “Help Me Heal Fund” for animals with special needs. Grovewood will also be hosting an adoption drive during the sale from 124pm (Friday-Sunday). Come choose your new best friend from dozens of dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies.

For more information on this event, contact Grovewood Gallery at (828) 253-7651 or visit grovewood.com.

The Legacy Run 15K/5K/Kids’ Fun Run April 26, 7:30am-11am The second-annual Legacy Run will return to Brevard College and will feature a 15K, 5K and Kids’ 1/2-mile fun run. The 15K course will run along parts of the French Broad River and feature views of the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains. The mostly flat and downhill 5K course tours through the city of Brevard, providing a possible encounter or two with a white squirrel along the way. Participants will enjoy great music, artisan expo showcasing local artists, awesome bagged lunches by local Food Matters Market and great perks including cool prizes, finisher gifts and even free registration upon fundraising a certain amount. Check it out at TheLegacyRun.org. Contact: Candice Walsh, 919-603-7467 Write us to let us know what you think about Sophie! Send an e-mail to editor@sophiemagazine.com.

The deadline for calendar submissions is the 8th of every month.

Please send them to: editor@sophiemagazine.com.

The Pink Pages Coming soon the Spring/ Summer Issue of I Do! Real Brides share their Special Wedding Moments!

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