Sophie December 2015 by IWANNA USA

December 2015

MEET POLICE CHIEF

Tammy Hooper Holiday Hair ING R U T A E F

Warm & Inviting Senior Living All Year Long

The Best Gift is Your Step Back in Time

SophieMagazine.com

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December 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Tammy Hooper

The new Asheville Police Chief talks to Meg Hale Brunton.

GENERAL MANAGER/PUBLISHER Patricia Martin Betts

18 6

Women of WNC

Captured by photographer Jennifer Mesk.

The Little Black Dress 4 Ways With just a few accessories you can give that LBD 4 different holiday looks.

12 Beating the Odds of Infertility

Nina Ireland tells us the story of one couple’s struggle.

Charity Can Be Beautiful

Festive hair and makeup looks from the Aveda Team at Carmen! Carmen!

Choosing the Right Holiday Fizz

Tis the Season... for those Christmas letters

Susan Reinhardt is keeping her holiday letter cozy and low key.

IT/PRODUCTION MANAGER Jeff Ruminski

From Cava to Processo, Andy Hale shares his choices for favorite bubbly beverages.

30 Let’s Get Cooking

32 Betty’s Book Review

Betty Sharpless recommends

A Family Tradition The Ferree family enjoy the day at Boyd Mountain and Tree Farm picking out their holiday tree.

36 Meg’s Movie Review

“The Martian” receives 10 out of 10 stars from Meg.

CIRCULATION MANAGER Sam Howell SOPHIE MAGAZINE 22 Garfield Street, Suite 100 Asheville, NC 28803 (828) 274-8888 Share your ideas and inspirations. Email writer@sophiemagazine.com with recipes, books, and article ideas. To list your events on our monthly calendar, email calendar@sophiemagazine.com. Follow Sophie on Facebook and Pinterest. Scan this code to access

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25 Visit the Christmas Tree Farm In Style

Cover photo: Katy Cook. Clothes and accessories: Belk. Models: Brian, Joanna, Isabella, River, and Olive Ferree. Photo shoot location: Boyd Mountain and Tree Farm. Hair: Kathy Andrew of Carmen! Carmen! at Belk. Makeup: Joanna Ferree of Powder Me Pretty. 4 | Sophie DECEMBER 2015

“The Dream Lover” as the perfect fireside read.

A warm and inviting choice for the holidays – and all year long.

2 different warm and cozy looks from Mast General Store.

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Meg Hale Brunton Pamela Hart Pam Hensley Rick Jenkins Rose Lunsford Crystal Pressley

SALES ASSISTANT Jayme Pressley

success with happy accidents.

Debi Manfre shares recipes for easy holiday appetizers.

PROOFING DIVA Karen Shepard

CLASSIFIED SUPERVISOR Angela Frizzell

Betty Sharpless shares her

Senior Living

CONTRIBUTORS Meg Hale Brunton Susan Reinhardt Betty Sharpless

PHOTOGRAPHERS Duncan Chaboudy Photography Katy Cook Jennifer Mesk

Bloomers

Ardenwoods

CREATIVE SERVICES Carrie Harder Rachel Hoeft Randy Whittington

FASHION COORDINATOR Angela Ramsey

Garden

CREATIVE EDITOR Debi Manfre

Things To Do

An expanded monthly calendar of activities around WNC.

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 DECEMBER 2015 | 5

PEOPLE

Police Chief

Tammy Hooper By Meg Hale Brunton

On July 20th of this year, Tammy Hooper became the new Chief of Police for the City of Asheville. To accept this position, Hooper came out of a whopping 19 days of retirement and moved to Asheville from Northern Virginia, where she had spent all of her adult life. As a child, growing up in a military family, Hooper moved around a lot, but Virginia has really been her home. After she graduated from high school, Hooper got a job working in a state institution for the mentally challenged. In November 1986, she left that position to take a job at the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office. While working there, she also attended the police academy. After she graduated, she got a job with the Alexandria Police Department. “I wanted to be more out on the street, more active,” Hooper explains. “At the time, it was the height of the crack epidemic in the D.C. Metro area. Washington D.C. was the murder capital of the country. We had a whole lot of drugs and violence on our streets at that time.” Hooper says that becoming a cop was not always her plan, but more something that just fit for her. “I had to sort of find my way to it,” she explains. “Once I became a police officer, the first couple of years were pretty wild- It actually was very exciting for a young person to be involved with trying to eradicate the violent behavior that was going on. So, from early on, I just felt like I belonged in the job I was doing.” Hooper worked in various units of the police department, including working as a Detective in the Narcotics Unit. She, eventually, became Alexandria’s first female Police Captain. Despite this, she says that she never really felt discriminated by her co-workers. “When I was a young officer, there were still people who had been officers for a long time, but didn’t have a lot of experience working with women. There were definitely men at the time who would say things like, ‘If I’m in trouble, I hope they never send a woman to back me up,’ because they just weren’t confidant,” Hooper says, “So, we [female officers] had to prove ourselves coming in and moving up through the ranks. We weren’t necessarily accepted until we showed we could hold our own in a physical situation. I think that mentality has passed as well. The last several generations of officers that have come through have only ever worked with women. So, it’s a normal part of their unit, of their work family.” She attributes part of her professional success to her never being afraid to go after what she wanted. “I’m, probably stupidly, not afraid to do things. I’ve never had an apprehension about doing any part of the job- anything that I wanted to do, I always put my name in and competed for, and was able to get the positions that I wanted to get.” After 26 years with the Alexandria PD, Hooper had worked up through the ranks and became the Deputy Chief of Police. After 25 years of service, she was eligible for retirement. “Once I became eligible to retire and was thinking, ‘Do I want to stay here? What is left for me to do in my career?’, I had pretty much covered all the bases as far as different assignments and places that I was interested in working,” Hooper states. “Once you become a Deputy Chief, there’s not a whole lot left to do.” Hooper admits that becoming Chief of Police was never really a goal for her, but was instead the next logical step in her career path. She was already considering Asheville as a good place to retire. “Asheville is on basically everyone’s top ten lists of places that are cool to retire because there’s a lot 6 | Sophie DECEMBER 2015

to do here. There’s a lot of outdoor activities, which are particularly interesting for me. I like to bike, and hike, and climb. There’s also the restaurants and culture and nightlife, that sort of thing.” She continues, “So, when the job became available, I was like, ‘Wow, let me throw my name in the hat and see what happens.” As Police Chief, Hooper says that her role is the same as that of any department director in City Government. She works mainly with city staff and community members on how best to partner with different agencies, and what role to take to be of the most service to the Asheville area. She participates in many community group meetings and attends community functions and celebrations, like the Stop the Violence Coalition, the Downtown Association, the Association of Independent Restaurants, Coffee with a Cop and Walk with a Cop. “The purpose is to have an open relationship with them, to establish community partnerships,” Hooper says. “We do a lot, in the police department, as far as community policing. What I, personally, do is just part of it. We have a lot of resources dedicated to working in different parts of our community.” Hooper lists several Resource Officer roles as examples of this, such as the Neighborhood Enhancement Team that work primarily in public housing communities, School Resource Officers in the City Schools and Patrol Officers. Hooper says that the most limiting part of her job is that she doesn’t get to spend as much time as she would like to on the streets with her officers. As Chief, she is the head of a team that is 200 officers strong. “I think the officers in this police department are truly dedicated to making this community a better place,” she smiles. “I’ve been impressed since day one about what great

people we have working here in this agency.” Hooper says that the most common misconception about police, based on the media and television dramas like C.S.I. and Law & Order is the idea that they have to resort to using force on a regular basis. “We don’t beat people up, that’s not what we do,” she says. “I think a lot of people don’t see the great things that we do on a daily basis. – Very rarely do officers have to be involved in situations where they have to use deadly force. I’ve been in law enforcement close to 30 years now, and I’ve never shot anyone, or shot at anyone.” Hooper explains that there are over 700,000 police officers in the country who respond to millions of calls for service each year and only a fraction of those result in that end. Most of the calls that receive media coverage are the exceptions to the rule. Responding to the trending online videos of police assaults, Hooper says, “In any group of 700,000 people, there are going to be some people who really shouldn’t be doing it. So, there’s going to be instances where officers don’t make the right decisions, or don’t do the right thing. Our responsibility as an agency is to hold them accountable for that behavior.” She says that, in order to prevent officers from making bad calls, it is the department’s responsibility to hire the right people for the job, train them right, and to hold them accountable for their actions. Hooper added later, “We’re just people doing our job and our job is public service. We have a strong commitment to that. I think that media has a tendency to just look for the fantastic, or the things that sell stories, and not really what the average day-to-day life of a police officer is about which is about responding to people’s call for help and service.”

We weren’t necessarily accepted until we showed we could hold our own in a physical situation.

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PEOPLE

“Trust in the Lord to work things out. I’ve found from my own personal experience that He’s helped me out a lot of times, a lot of times.”

wnc WOMEN of women of wnc

“I try to prevent sadness all the time and I think I’d change not preventing sadness. I would try to be able to go through it. That’s my biggest problem in life right now. It’s like hitting me every day.”

Photographed by Jennifer Mesk, HumansOfAsheville.net

“I feel that there is a lack of humanity and that’s the problem we have is coming together and seeing each other as humans. There are so many different issues going on, Anti-Gay, Racism, and in the end it’s one big cause that needs to be addressed. We need to just see each other as people.”

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“There’s plenty of jobs, it’s just kind of like what you’re willing to do. When you’re a newcomer sometimes you have to start from the bottom and work your way up. And the quality of life they portray here doesn’t allow you to work over 40 hours in one job. If you’re like me and you like to work, you have to get two jobs. You definitely want to make sure you pay the bills.”

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ENTERTAINMENT

Tis the Season

...for those boastful Christmas letters Written by Susan Reinhardt

It’s that wonderful, spectacular time of year again. We either embrace it, or feel like catching the first flight out of the Season Greetings Madness. Try to relax and not let things blow way out of proportion. Keep it cozy and low key. That said, be forewarned. You better watch out, better not pout, because sure as Santa dangles in the minds of kids, those boastful Christmas letters are gonna flood your mailbox or arrive via email. You know the kind. I like to do a spoof every year, creating my own Christmas, or if you prefer, Holiday howdy to my readers. Don’t you just love those batches of long-winded braggadocio letters, with the ever-so-savory salutations as, “To all of our Millions of Family and Friends?” Just so dang personal. Get ready, set, and here’s my very merry offering. “Dearest 1,400,655 People Who Mean the World To Us: “Wow. So much fabulous news to report for us Winslows in the year 2015. And what a year! As you know, I gave birth to the quads, and they are absolutely perfect in every way. Just a few months old and already reading and comprehending James Joyce and William Faulkner. Forget Little Golden Books for this brainy foursome. Oh, and did I mention I only gained 7 pounds during my entire pregnancy and now weight 102 again? Just like in my glory days as Tri-Delta president and Homecoming Queen at Ole Miss. My husband, Prescott, that little randy devil, celebrated by purchasing us another Caribbean home, this one in the Turks and Caicos. He also bought me a 10-carat wedding band, gleaming in platinum and baguettes. This proves that squalid story you may have read in the local paper about his dalliances with the Ashley Madison scandal is purely false. Otherwise, why would sweet Prescott buy his little wife so many goodies? And I mean little. I’m so skinny a praying mantis 10 | Sophie DECEMBER 2015

looks like a swamp sow next to me when I’m rocking a pair of size doublezero jeans. Lucky us. I really hate to brag. Our oldest child, Chadwick, the one I had by my first husband, is still at Princeton and doing well. We don’t mind he’s been there eight years and most of his tuition goes to bongs and weed. We’re just so proud he’s an Ivy Leaguer, that we overlook this tiny blip on his brilliant radar screen. He’s still a freshman, but we’re certain in a few years, he’ll finally rise to his sophomore status and declare a major. Now, let’s see what have I left out? Hmmm. I guess that we’re excepting to double our income in the coming year, meaning we might have to give a couple charities for tax write-offs. Well, Merry Christmas to all you wonderful friends. For those of you who lost jobs and insurance this year, well, you can just blame the Democrats. Our country will run best on those who have the backs of the ultra rich. It’s a proven formula, so “Trickle on down” people. Go, Donald Trump! Whoo Hoo. He’s got this. Happy New Year, and may you have a fraction in life of what we do. Oh, I almost forgot. Prescott did one last sweet thing for me. He’s taking his secretary, the former pole dancer turned lay preacher, to the Turks and Caicos with us, saying since she got booted out of the Miss World pageant for sexting senators, she needed a lift – not just in mood, but my precious Prescott is paying for her inner thigh hoisting. What a peach of a guy I married. We are so blessed. So very, very blessed. Until next year, adios and blessings from the Winlows. Susan Reinhardt is the author of the hilarious and quirky novel “Chimes from a Cracked Southern Belle,” along with “Not Tonight Honey, Wait ‘Til I’m a Size 6,” “Don’t Sleep with a Bubba.” and “Dishing with the Kitchen Virgin.” susanreinhardt.com

Sophie DECEMBER 2015 | 11

PEOPLE

Beating The Odds Of Infertility By Nina Ireland

Sometimes there’s nothing wrong. Everything about the both of you seems to work perfectly fine. Test after test, you wait for answers, wait for the doctors to provide an explanation, to give you peace of mind. But to this day, Shannon still doesn’t have answers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infertility is a common issue for both women and men. About 12 percent of women between ages 15 to 44 have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying to term. As for men, according to the a National Survey of Family Growth, conducted by the CDC, about 3.3-4.7 million sexually experienced men younger than 45 reported seeing a fertility doctor during their lifetime. In 2002, Jeff and Shannon Baggett tried for their first child. “After 6 months we tried several artificial inseminations,” Shannon says. “We might have done five of them, and none of them worked. I never got pregnant on any of them. And then I stopped for awhile.” During the hiatus, they conceived naturally. When the doctor received Shannon’s blood work back, he requested her to come back in for an ultrasound. Something wasn’t right. The living fetus had taken root inside of her fallopian tube. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, out of all pregnancies, only 1 to 2 percent are ectopic. After the surgical removal of the ectopic fetus, her chances of conceiving slimmed down even more. “He couldn’t save the fallopian tube,” Shannon says. “He had to literally cut out the fallopian tube.” At some point, the concerns about costs started to arise. Dipping into savings to afford doctor-assisted conception brought up the topic of adoption. “We had that conversation then after the insemination and the doctors were like, ‘Don’t give up, we can try in vitro,’ and that was even more expensive than the inseminations,” Shannon says. Steven Coward, a ND at Asheville Natural Health and Homeopathy, recommends women take a natural approach. The costs as well as long-term complications for the infant are lower, due to treatment being a small dose of a herbal substance the patient might be lacking, which can cause fertility problems, Coward says. “With the in vitro, (insurance) didn’t cover any of it. They didn’t see that as a medical issue,” Shannon says. “I hate to say cosmetic but it’s kind of on that same line.” According to the North Caroline Center for Reproductive Medicine, the discounted cost of one round of in vitro is $5,000. Medications are not included and could drive costs up another $2,000 to $5,000. The inseminations for Shannon cost about $1,000 each time. But one round of in vitro cost her between $5,000-8,000. Although, the cost can be high, for some, the hope of carrying one’s own child is worth it. So the Baggett’s tried again. This time, using in vitro and only one fallopian tube, Shannon took hormonal injections in order to ovulate more eggs. Producing 10 eggs, only five were viable. Between those five only three fertilized. At the time, Asheville’s Center for Applied Reproductive Science had a 12 | Sophie DECEMBER 2015

Shannon, Ava and Jeff

policy that it would only insert two embryos, because many women were getting pregnant and carrying both babies, Shannon says. A few weeks later, Shannon conceived with implanted twins. But three months later, she miscarried. So Shannon and Jeff tried again. The same thing happened. She produced 10 eggs, only five were viable. The doctor’s implanted two embryos. Shannon conceived twins. Months go by. No signs of a miscarriage. Reality starts to set in. Two babies meant two beds, two car seats, and a lot of clothes. “I got to a certain point with the twins, I guess at four or five months, I start buying things,” Shannon says. Their nursery filled up with new cribs and fresh paint. Then the bleeding and contractions started. Seven months pregnant, Shannon and Jeff found themselves at the hospital trying to stop her labor. After losing so much blood, concerns for mommy’s health grew and delivery became necessary. “They were both born alive,” Shannon says, fighting back tears. “Because they were born alive you have to have a birth certificate.” The twins lived for only a few minutes. Shannon recalls the toughest part.

“It was rough because I had to name them. I had to have a birth certificate,” Shannon says. “They also had to have a death certificate. Because they were born alive it would be just like any other baby.” The couple had had enough. Time went on, but the pain lingered. Staff at Mission Hospital invited her to a support group for parents who had lost babies. “Both of us were just totally depressed,” Shannon says. “Having that support network was really good, because you got to hear other stories and just when you think you have it bad you hear someone else’s story that’s even worse.” So they gave the last three embryos a chance. Shannon convinced her doctor to look back at her track record. She didn’t want to implant two and have them not make it again, and only one left to never take. She told him she wanted to try again, but using all three eggs. This time, two implanted, but the third never took. A few months later, one of the twins would not stay attached and Shannon miscarried, but the last growing fetus held on. “I was super cautious,” Shannon says, “probably more than I needed to be.” She watched her activity. She watched everything she ate. She didn’t buy anything baby related. “Even to this day, I remember I didn’t even take a lot of pictures of myself pregnant, because I felt like I was going to jinx it,” Shannon says. A few weeks before her due date, Shannon’s mom threw a baby shower for a little girl. But at Shannon’s weekly checkup, the blood work came back showing signs of preeclampsia due to swelling, high blood pressure, and lots of protein

in her bloodstream. Again, concern grew for Shannon’s health, so they scheduled a C-section around 38 weeks of pregnancy. “It wasn’t a normal pregnancy in the sense that I couldn’t be happy,” Shannon says. “And I’m okay with that, knowing that I have her.” Born March of 2008, Ava is now a healthy 7-year-old second grader. She enjoys gymnastics, playing soccer, and loves to read, her mom says. But one of the hardest parts about infertility is the lack of knowing why her body won’t reproduce naturally, Shannon says. “Even to this day, they still can’t figure out why I kept miscarrying,” Shannon says. “They did studies looking at my uterus and couldn’t find anything. Same thing with my husband they could not find anything. So I can really sympathize with people who go years through this.” Shannon offers advice to couples experiencing the same issues. Educate yourself as much as possible and find a local support group, you don’t have to go through infertility alone.

Nina Ireland is a senior at UNC-Asheville, majoring in mass communication with hopes of continuing in the field of radio and broadcasting after graduation in May. Research: nccrm.com/financial-options/financing-reproductive-medicine-raleigh/ ivf-special-package cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/infertility/#a reproductivefacts.org/Templates/SearchResults.aspx?q=infertility

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FASHION

By Cynthia McAbee

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FASHION

Joanna and her husband, Brian, will enjoy a beautiful Christmastime with their little ones this year. “Peace on earth” may seem very far away at times -- and yet the smiles & laughter ringing out in their home creates a heartwarming sight & sound in this season of celebration. Cherishing time with family is one of life’s greatest treasures, especially during the most wonderful time of the year! Busy times and hectic paces can cause us to forget to ponder… to experience the “wonder” and anticipation of things to come as we take a forward look. The excitement in the eyes of children brings a pure satisfaction to the heart, reminding us of the greatest gift ever given… the birth of Christ coming into the world as a newborn baby! We hear the Christmas bells ring out “Joy to the World!” in this season of hope and reflect upon the blessings that began with the first family long ago on that silent night of “peace on earth, good-will toward men”!

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY:

HAIR BY:

Kelly Andrew

PHOTO SHOOT LOCATION:

Katy Cook 828.442.0337 katycookphotography.com CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES BY:

Asheville Mall • 828.296.9463 MAKEUP BY:

Joanna Ferree Asheville Mall 5 Tunnel Rd. 828.298.4970 FASHION COORDINATOR:

Angela Ramsey

joanna@ashevilleairbrushmakeup.com ASSISTANT FASHION STYLIST:

Joanna Ferree

445 Boyd Farm Road Waynesville, NC 28785 828.926.1575 boydmountain.com MODELS:

Brian, Joanna, Isabella, River, & Olive Ferree

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FASHION

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

4 WAYS

December, being the party season, scoring upon a new party outfit for every occasion can be overwhelming and pricey. How about modifying a single outfit in different styles. The little black dress is the best option to go for. It’s fashionably versatile, giving you an edge with every switch-over.

Nina Fiorah pump - wine belk.com

Eziba Collection DaVonna white fresh water cultured pearl strand necklace sears.com

Sasha medium leather clutch gilt.com

Nina Ryoka shoes zappos.com

Station necklace and earring set overstock.com

Rain sequin blazer buckle.com

Janet jacquard ruana chicos.com Franco Sarto “Stempeed” stretch tall boot nordstrom.com Bold Elements™ goldtone textured disc statement necklace jcpenney.com Berkshire sheer dots hosiery macys.com 18 | Sophie DECEMBER 2015

Geometric stone elastic waist belt bcbg.com Pave hoop earrings talbots.com Ivanka Trump Nanci evening pumps macys.com Cejon metallic scarf lordandtaylor.com Sleeveless a-line little black dress whitehouseblackmarket.com

Keep Poinsettias Looking Great Through The Holidays

1 TOWN SQUARE BLVD. â&#x20AC;˘ ASHEVILLE, NC

nlike holly and some of the other greenery that is commonly associated with the holidays, poinsettias do not naturally thrive in the colder temperatures. These plants originate in southern Mexico and were considered an exotic plant when first introduced to the United States by Joel Robert Poinsett, the first American ambassador to Mexico. Poinsettias can be fickle plants and ones that gardening novices may find challenging to maintain. The plants are comprised of green foliage, colorful (often red) flower bracts, and the actual flowers of the plants, which are the red or green buttonlike parts nestled in the center of the bracts. Because they are a tropical plant, poinsettias can be damaged by exposure to low temperatures, even if they are only exposed for short periods of time. They should be wrapped and protected against the elements when brought home. For maximum plant life, poinsettias need to be placed near a warm, sunny window, or another area that has ample amounts of light. They thrive in temperatures between 60 and 75 F and should be kept away from warm or cold drafts. Water the plant whenever the surface feels dry to the touch. Water until it drains out the bottom, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the plant sit in water. Over- or underwatering can cause leaves to drop prematurely and wilt. If your home lacks in humidity, you may need to water the plant more frequently. Poinsettias do not need to be fertilized while the plant is in bloom. The Ohio State University Extension says poinsettias can be reflowered the following Christmas, but unless a yearlong schedule of care is observed, the results usually are not good. You can speak with a gardening expert or consult online resources for the proper care schedule. Caring for a poinsettia year-round involves gradually drying out the plant and storing it in a cool location. The plant later will be moved outdoors and then back inside and pruned to keep a full shape. Poinsettias are short-day plants, which means they flower about 10 weeks after the daylight shortens to about 12 hours or less. Therefore, to have the plant in full flower by Christmas, it will have to be kept in complete darkness between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. from the first part of October until Thanksgiving. Many people find the affordability of poinsettias makes it more convenient to buy new ones each year than try to foster regrowth. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not poisonous to humans or animals, but they should not be ingested due to the potential for allergic reactions. Poinsettias can help remove pollutants from indoor air, which is advantageous during the winter months when doors and windows are typically kept closed. Select plants that have dark green foliage and no low or damaged leaves. This ensures the best success for keeping poinsettias looking healthy and vibrant throughout the holiday season.

BILTMORE PAKR ADS

-METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION Sophie DECEMBER 2015 | 19

HOME & GARDEN

GARDEN BLOOMERS

By Betty Sharpless

2015 has been the year for happy garden accidents for me. These days I am paying attention to color schemes and plantings that worked really well. Having been a gardener for thirty four years now, for something to stop me dead in my tracks, it has to be pretty spectacular. For years I have advised customers to copy the Biltmore House philosophy of planting masses of the same or similar plants for an extra “WOW” factor. Planting tulips? Plant 100 all the same color. Planting a window box? Cram those plants in, that is what fertilizer is for, after all. This past winter I was given full creative powers to plan and plant a front yard that had been the contractor’s parking during the building phase. I let loose with hundreds of bulbs in a fairly small front yard. As I had

hoped, last spring the burst of color stopped cars dead in the street. Just imagine next year, when all of those bulbs have doubled in number! The happy accident? The estimate finally was accepted right as Eden Brothers were finishing their bulb shipments and anxious to get those bulbs moved out, so I was able to plant many more bulbs for the original estimated price. In May of this year, it was time to plant summer window boxes at one of my Chestnut Street locations. When I got there, I noticed that the window box holders were in terrible shape, needing painting and repair. When I scraped and put them back together I hit them with two coats of an exterior paint that I happened to have. Having put everything back together on the railings, I planted them with bright red geraniums that I got from Ace. Happy accident? The color I painted them was a dark rust that went so well with the teal trim on the building and accented the bright red flowers that even the employees noticed how great they looked. The other happy accident is that this particular planting lasted all season long, so no replanting needed. In early October, one of my jobs was to thin a daylily bank for one customer with severe over crowding. What to do with all those orphan daylilies? It turns out that friends who had just bought a sweet little house in Flat Rock needed something to help prevent erosion on the bank of the burbling creek behind the house. The roots of day lilies are perfect for holding dirt, with their many tuberous “fingers” to secure their footing. Two happy customers, one happy accident. I’m not sure if there is some mystery to all of this; I just know that I am taking notes on what works and knocking on wood. I hope your 2015 has held as much happiness as mine. If not, maybe it’s time for you to spend a little more time with dirty hands….

Betty Sharpless is a professional gardener, writer and quilter happy to the brim that it is quilting season again! 20 | Sophie DECEMBER 2015

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Ardenwoods Senior Living: A Warm and Inviting Choice For The Holidays— And All Year Long! Holidays and fond memories just naturally go together. The delightful aroma of Grandma’s home-baked cookies…Dad’s tight embrace as you braved the steep hill together on a tiny sled…bright decorations everywhere. You still enjoy sharing holiday traditions, and you still want to feel at home. That’s why so many people are glad they’ve chosen Ardenwoods Senior Living Community: because in this season, the warmth and hospitality of this special retirement address shine stronger than ever.

Just the right size to feel like home.

As a planner, you want to take care of your future, and you want to be comfortable. Choosing Ardenwoods not only gives you peace of mind with the security of on-site assisted living, you gain a close-knit family as well—because our community is smaller and more intimate. So making friends is easy. And so is enjoying all the extra personal attention you get from our friendly staff ! We truly are one big family. Holidays at Ardenwoods, like any time of the year, are warm and genuine.

We celebrate hospitality every day.

For us, good old-fashioned hospitality is a passion. It means we spoil you! Here, you aren’t lost in the hustle and bustle. Your preferences and

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choices matter. You know you are in control. And best of all, you enjoy the contentment of knowing that every day holds new opportunities. It’s value you can feel.

Ardenwoods just feels right.

You’ll know when you first walk in our doors. You’ve found a supportive environment designed to help you stay independent. The pace is easygoing; residents are smiling and greeting one another. Then there’s all that wonderful freedom: no more shoveling snow or repairing the roof. You can relax. Volunteer. Have your grandchildren over. Travel at the drop of a hat. You’re free to explore all that life has to offer: hobbies you’ve always wanted to try. Books you can finally read. And you will be inspired to new levels of wellness. Now that’s value you can feel…every day of the year. Why not stop by during the holidays and see for yourself ? Bring your visiting friends and family with you. Tour our beautiful community and experience Ardenwoods hospitality firsthand.

Holiday Open House at Ardenwoods December 28-29 Drop by anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. 2400 Appalachian Blvd. • Arden, NC 28704 Enjoy hot beverages and delicious treats Tour Ardenwoods • Make new friends Hear festive seasonal music and see our beautiful holiday clubhouse decor.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, call us at (828) 684-7330 or visit ArdenwoodsLCS.com. Friendly, intimate, and personal: Ardenwoods Senior Living Community is the perfect choice for honoring traditions—and making new memories. Have a wonderful holiday season! Sophie DECEMBER 2015 | 23

24 | Sophie DECEMBER 2015

Visit the Christmas Tree Farm in Style A. Heathmoor Swing Top Tunic - A rounded neck-line and 3/4 sleeves. Offers a stylish, flattering look for just about any figure. $24.99 Available in stores and online. B. Kuhl Riot Jeans - With a tall mocha in hand and plans to scoot off to a casual hike with friends, slip-on these jeans and get out the door. $85.00 Available in AVL and online. C. Kuhl Savina Jacket - A sweater jacket with button-up front and a micro-fleece lined collar provides cozy comfort. $129.00 Available in AVL and HVL stores and online. D. Smartwool PHD Outdoor Ultra Light Sock - Experience topnotch all-day performance with these women's specific designed socks. $19.99 Available in stores and online. E. Sorel Tofino Boot - Elegant styling with a faux fur lining grace these insulated boots so transitioning from work to evening socials is a breeze. $159.99 Available in AVL and HVL stores and online. F. Colonel Littleton Wayfarer Tote - Elegantly fashioned from drymilled leather, this tote is large enough to hold everything you need. $355.00 Available online only. G. Costa Del Mar Playa - The ideal choice of eyewear for those relaxing, sunny days. $169.00 Available in AVL and HVL stores and online. H. Adajio Quarter Moon Earrings - Let these delicate and feminine earrings dance around your face in the moonlight. $16.99 Available in AVL and WVL stores and online. I. Patagonia Better Sweater Scarf - Wrap this scarf around your neck and stay warm and cozy. $45.00 Available in stores and online.

A. Ellison Apparel Denim Shirt Dress - This dress delivers an understated yet stylish look. $44.99 Available in AVL and online. B. Terramar Footless Leggings - These are great for wearing to the office, a night out on the town, or even to run errands. $18.00 Available in stores. C. Kuhl Flight Jacket - Luscious high loft Italian fleece construction hugs your body in warmth and protects you against the elements. $169.00 Available in AVL and online. D. The Frye Company Melissa Button Boot - Featuring a buttery soft, vintage leather upper, it has a classic design with button-accented pull tabs. $367.99 Available in AVL and online. E. Adajio Silver Circle Earrings - Life’s a circle, and so are these pretty earrings, they’ll look terrific with any outfit. $15.99 Available in stores and online. F. Costa Del Mar Playa - The ideal choice of eyewear for those relaxing, sunny days. $169.00 Available in AVL and HVL stores and online. G. Patagonia Better Sweater Convertible Mittens - Slip on these convertible mittens for double duty protection. $49.00 Available in AVL and online. H. Kavu Singapore Satchel - Everything you might need packed up in a little bag, several pockets to hold your cell phone, compact, and other frequently used items. $45.00 Available in AVL and online. I. World’s Sofest Socks Fancy Knee High - It features a chevron herringbone pattern with a fashionable button at the top of the ribbed cuff to give it that extra spiffy factor. $12.99 Available in stores and online.

E I F

G H

15 Biltmore Avenue Asheville, NC 28801 828-232-1883

527 North Main Street Hendersonville, NC 28792 828-696-1883

63 North Main Street Waynesville, NC 28786 828-452-2101

mastgeneralstore.com Sophie DECEMBER 2015 | 25

SAVE THE DATE!

BEAUTY

CHARITY CAN BE

BEAUTIFUL So much joy…so little time! Making the most

of the Holidays can be a bit stressful: planning, shopping cooking & the parties...oh my! Seize the season with quick professional tips and some thoughtful gifts ideas from the Carmen! Carmen! Aveda Team. holiday color tips

SATURDAY DECEMBER 1 2

The Carmen ! will become Carmen! Team “W Manna Foodhoville” for Bank.

Drop off you r non-perish able food items, registe r to win Salo n or Spa Service Gift Certifica tes and receive 10% off your services tha t day.

LIPS Berry tones and deep reds are amazing for this season! Even deep purples & browns add a nice pop of color. EYES A neutral Smokey Eye with hints of gold… highlight the inner corner with light gold, for a more subtle look; use a beige or champagne on the lid and highlight with gold CHEEKS Contouring is OUT! Strobing is IN! To strobe, use a highlighter on top of your blush, on the center of the nose, center of forehead. Highlight the parts of the face you want to stand out.

winter skincare can be wonderful • gently cleanse, using a cleanser for your skin type (morning & night) • make sure to use alcohol-free toner to rehydrate and balance clean skin • make sure to use eye cream around the orbital bone • treat your skin to a hydrating masque for extra moisture once a week • use moisturizer daily! allow about 5 minutes to hydrate the skin before you begin your makeup ritual • Yes, you must drink water to hydrate your skin! 26 | Sophie DECEMBER 2015

everyday tips

• always begin with clean skin •a pply your foundation or tinted moisturizer BEFORE concealer. It helps to blend and minimizes the amount used, and fine tunes the coverage. • set with translucent powder.

hair “toolbox” Great products! Light working hairspray, strong hold hairspray, spray shine, dry shampoo, pomade, paste… all your favorites. Hair clips, bobby pins, hair pins, clear elastic bands, brushes, combs, hand held mirror to check out the back of your hair…Bling – jewelry makes great finishing touches for your hair.

Angela

Daytime look

• S pray with light hairspray. Clip hair in easy to handle sections, use curling wand to create soft waves • P art hair front to back (ear to ear) leaving bangs out • B raid front hair on both sides & leave out • Pull the remaining hair into a side pony tail • Wrap the braids around the ponytail and pin in place with bobby pins • Twist the bangs back and pin

Angela Evening hair • Part hair front to back (ear to ear) • P ull the back section into a ponytail – center back of the head • C reate a loose bun with ponytail & pin into place with bobby pins • C reate a side part for the front and separate into 4 sections (2 on each side) • T wist one of the back sections top to ends, & pin around the bun.Leave some end pieces out for a fun look or pin tight for a more sleek look • Repeat twist on the other side & pin • R epeat twist on the front sections & pin • A dd a necklace to your bun for extra Bling, just tuck it around the bun and secure with bobby pins

Sophie DECEMBER 2015 | 27

BEAUTY

Laura Festive Top Knot

• Spray with light hairspray. Clip hair in easy to handle sections. Use curling wand to create soft waves. • Leaving out the bang area, pull the hair into a ponytail on top of head & secure • Separate ponytail into 4 sections – twist each section & pin with bobby pins to create a knot shape • Add a bracelet for fun - just tuck into the twist & pin if needed. • Twist the bangs and pin into the knot

Models: Angela Ramsey & Laura McAbee Aveda Artists: Hair: Brittanny Craig; Hair & Makeup: Izabel Rivers; Makeup: Jessica Drennen Clothing & Hair Accessories: provided by Belk Asheville Mall

28 | Sophie DECEMBER 2015

HOME & GARDEN

Choosing the Right Holiday Fizz: From Cava to Prosecco By Andy Hale

hoosing the perfect sparkling wine for your holiday celebration can be dizzying. There are so many brands and countries to choose from! What’s the difference between Prosecco and Cava, and why can’t I call them all Champagne anymore? In addition to price, they all have a distinctive style that sets them apart. Champagne is the godfather of sparkling wines. The choice of Winston Churchill, F. Scott Fitzgerald and even James Bond! You will make a Frenchman cry if you call any old sparkling wine Champagne unless it is from the Champagne region in Northern France. It’s a trademarked place, similar to only calling a whiskey “Bourbon” if it comes from Kentucky.

If you like your bubbly less earthy and tart, and a bit more fruity, Prosecco might be a good fit for you! It is known for having a fruity, fragrant nose, and for being very quaffable and easy to drink. Some Proseccos can be a little off-dry, though. If you dislike sweet wines, look for “Brut” on the label. These are not wines to hang onto for that special occasion, drink them within a year or two. Try out the incredibly perfumed Borgoluce around $20 or Bel Star around $15.

It is extremely cold in Champagne and the grapes have a hard time even getting fully ripe! Because it is made with under-ripe grapes, Champagne is known for having a clean, crisp flavor and will be more tart and acidic than the rest of the sparklers. The soil in Champagne is chalky and limestone rich, and is terrific for growing grapes in! The grape vine actually brings up elements from the earth and you can taste it in the finished wine as “minerality”. Literally, the wines taste somewhat flinty or chalky, but in a good way! Check out Billecart Salmon’s Extra Brut around $70 for a good example of this.

From the U.S., California makes some great sparkling wines, of course, but I was most surprised to enjoy one from Albuquerque, New Mexico! Gruet’s Blanc de Blanc is light and fresh and the Blanc de Noir is a bit more rich and velvety. Both should set you back less than $20.

Champagne produces some of the best sparkling wines on the planet, but you will have a hard time tasting them for less than $50. A great alternative to “true” Champagne is Jean-Luc Joillot’s “Cuvee Agnes” which is from Burgundy, a bit south of the “city limits” of Champagne. At around $41, this wine is stunning and was recently chosen over many expensive Champagnes in a French blind tasting! Spain’s answer to Champagne is called Cava. They use the same painstaking methods to make their wine that the French do in Champagne, since French winemakers helped them get their bubbly program off the ground in the 1800’s. The arid climate of Spain is very different from Champagne’s and so is the flavor of their Cava. It is much less acidic and tart than Champagne, less fruity than Prosecco and it can range from mild and easy drinking to rich, nutty and yeasty. You can find some perfectly drinkable Cavas for around $10, but some of the wines around $15-$20 are truly stunning! Check out my favorite, Juve Y Camps, around $15 or try one of their best, Gramona Imperial, around $30. Both are big, funky and earthy and pair well with mushroom dishes.

Also a bit closer to home is Biltmore’s Blanc de Blanc sparkler. It is made in the traditional French method, and did very well even up against Dom Perignon and Freixenet in a blind tasting I attended recently. Not bad for a local wine around $20! Whether you are toasting December’s holidays with your family or ringing in the New Year in style, there is a bubbly for each occasion and they are all very different and distinctive!

Andy Hale is a Certified Specialist of Wine and cofounder of the Asheville School of Wine at Metro Wines and the Blind Tasting League of Asheville. He was a Sommelier at The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island, SC and now teaches classes at Metro Wines. Follow him on Twitter @avlwinegeek Sophie DECEMBER 2015 | 29

HOME & GARDEN

LET’S GET COOKING BY DEBI MANFRE

easy holiday

APPETIZERS

IMPRESS GUESTS WITH THESE CONVENIENT, TASTY BITES GOULASH MEATBALLS

Few foods are as universally beloved as meatballs. One of the great things about meatballs is their versatility. They can be served as an appetizer, a side dish or the main course. Yield: Approx. 24 meatballs INGREDIENTS: SAUCE: • 1/2 cup of onion, very finely chopped • 1 cup chicken broth • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 red and 1 green bell pepper (medium sized), deseeded and diced • 2 teaspoons paprika • 14 ounce can of chopped tomatoes • 1 tablespoon tomato paste • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste MEATBALLS: • 1⁄3 cup of onion, very finely chopped • 1 pound, ground lean pork • 1 slice whole-grain bread, processed to crumbs • 1 teaspoon paprika • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika • 1 teaspoon dried sage DIRECTIONS: • Start the sauce by cooking the onion in 1⁄4 cup of the broth in a covered casserole for 4 to 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in the garlic, peppers and paprika and cook for 1 minute, then add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and the remaining broth. Season and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. • While the sauce is cooking, mix the meatball ingredients together with seasoning and shape into 24 small balls. Brown the meatballs in 2 batches in a nonstick frying pan, then add to the sauce and simmer for 20 minutes. • Place in serving bowl. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Courtesy of “The Powerfood Cookbook”

30 | Sophie DECEMBER 2015

FOOD BABE’S ROASTED PUMPKIN SPICED NUTS

These nuts are absolutely fabulous and are really ADDICTIVE! The egg white coating creates a very crispy outer shell making this treat crunchy, sweet and salty – a delicious combination. Yield: Approx. 20 servings INGREDIENTS: • 1 egg white • 1 teaspoon sea salt • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1/4 cup coconut palm sugar • 3 cups unsalted nuts (pecans, cashews, walnuts and almonds) DIRECTIONS: •P reheat oven to 250 degrees •P lace egg white into a large bowl and whip with a fork until frothy •S tir in sea salt, spices and sugar •C ombine mixture with 3 cups nuts and coat them evenly •P lace nuts in a single layer on top of a parchment paper lined large baking pan. Bake for 1 hour •L et nuts cool for at least 10 mins before serving (they will get crispy) •S tore in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks •N otes: Recipe substitutions: If you are vegan you can omit the egg white and use maple syrup instead of coconut palm and add 1 tablespoon coconut oil. If you are allergic to nuts, you can use all seeds like pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.

Courtesy of foodbabe.com

BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP BITES

These buffalo chiekn dip bites are spicy, cheesy and totally addiicting! Yield: 48 mini bites

Spend the day antiquing, & discover treasures you’ve been searching for.

INGREDIENTS: • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened • 1/2 cup (or more) Frank’s red hot buffalo wing sauce • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles • 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese • 2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations refrigerated seamless dough sheet DIRECTIONS: • Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly spray 2 mini muffin pans (48 mini muffins) with nonstick cooking spray. • In a medium bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined. Add more buffalo wing sauce if you want it spicier. Transfer to an oven safe dish and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool on cooling rack while you prepare dough sheets. • Unroll 1 dough sheet. Roll into a 12x8-inch rectangle. Cut dough sheet into 24 squares. Press a square in the bottom and up the side of each mini muffin cup. Spoon about one teaspoon chicken dip into each cup. Repeat with remaining dough sheet and filling. • Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until the edges of dough are golden brown. Remove from pan and let cool on a serving platter for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Courtesy of blahnikbaker.com

FLORENTINE SPINACH DIP This spinach dip won first prize in The 2015 Old Farmer’s Almanac Recipe Contest! Yield: Approx. 25 servings

INGREDIENTS: • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened • 1 cup Alfredo sauce • 1 box (10 ounces) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry • 1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts • 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes • 2 cups shredded Italian-blend cheese • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning • 1 dash hot sauce DIRECTIONS: • Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, stir together all of the ingredients until combined. Spoon into a lightly greased 2-quart casserole. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. • Serve with pita chips, crackers or toasted slices of French bread.

Courtesy of Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado Sophie DECEMBER 2015 | 31

ENTERTAINMENT

BETTY’S BOOK REVIEW

“The Dream Lover”

“The Dream Lover,” by Elizabeth Berg

lthough I had never heard of Elizabeth Berg’s work before reading this book, a woman whose taste in reading is impeccable recommended this book to me. I have a serious weak spot for historical novels, especially ones set with a period or person I don’t know much about. “The Dream Lover” is set in France, both countryside and Paris (ahhhh….Paris) in the early to mid 1800s. This rich and deliciously written novel follows the life of author George Sands, an independent woman novelist living when women were not a) independent, b)novelists and c)outspoken. Born Aurore Dupin to landed gentry, she changes her nom de plume to G. Sands in order to get published. To go along with the new image, George takes on the wardrobe of a gentleman, allowing her the freedom to walk unescorted late nights in Paris, attend the theatre and handle her own finances, virtually unheard of in the mid 1800s in any country. Ms. Berg does an amazing job of weaving history

with fashion, emotions and the perspective of a creative woman trapped in an arranged marriage and society’s mores. Although a little slow in the beginning, I could not put it down as it progressed, enjoying it like eating through a box of artesianal chocolates. This would be a perfect book for a fireside read during a weekend snowstorm. Be sure to have fine chocolates and black tea handy.

Betty Sharpless is professional gardener, quilter and writer always on the lookout for the next great book.

REAL MEN READ SOPHIE Zeki Maviyildiz

• Professional Ballroom Dancer and Instructor at the Asheville Ballroom & Event Centre • What he likes to do for fun: Go to the movies • His favorite thing about Asheville: The mountains and the beautiful scenery • Why he came to Asheville: He left WinstonSalem to dance and teach at the Asheville Ballroom • His favorite dance: The Samba • Age: 32 • Originally from Izmir, Turkey

We know that men read Sophie!

Send a photo of your man reading Sophie to writer@sophiemagazine.com, and you may see your photo published in the magazine! 32 | Sophie DECEMBER 2015

Sophie DECEMBER 2015 | 33

COMMUNITY

Sophie

Pardee Hospital is pleased to announce the return of General Surgeon DAVID C. PRICE, M.D., F.A.C.S. Price joins Pardee Surgical Associates and will be seeing patients at both the Hendersonville and Arden offices of Pardee Surgical Associates.

JESSICA STRINGFIELD of Exit Realty Vistas, is proud to be announced as the Top Seller for the month of October.

ILONA KENRICK of Exit Realty Vistas, is proud to be announced as the Top Producer for the month of October.

MARIE REED of Exit Realty Vistas, is proud to be announced as the Top Lister for the month of October.

Photo courtesy of LFANC

Pictured left to right: Christine John足Fuller, President & CEO, LFANC, Phil Tackett, Heather Edwards, and Debbie Rognstad.

Three lupus advocates received chapter awards from the Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter (LFANC) at its 15th Annual NC Lupus Summit. PHIL TACKETT of Charlotte received the Champion Award; DEBBIE ROGNSTAD of Waxhaw received the Mission Award; and HEATHER EDWARDS of Asheville received the Ruth And Jim Banbury Volunteer Of The Year Award.

Send your accomplishments, achievements, recognitions, or business news to writer@sophiemagazine.com and we will publish you on this page!

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. 34 | Sophie DECEMBER 2015

CONCERNING OUR COMMUNITY Monte Vista Hotel’s Fifth Annual ‘Deck The Trees’

Holiday Benefit Concert For Homeward Bound

The public is invited to the Historic Monte Vista Hotel on December 3, 6 – 8 p.m., for the first viewing party of its annual ‘Deck the Trees’ Christmas Celebration. Beautiful and unique hand-decorated Christmas trees in the theme of “Christmas Is . . .” will be on display from December 3 - 31. This event benefits the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries. Your vote for your favorite tree helps to raise funds for those in need within our community. SVCM receives all funds raised through this annual celebration of the Christmas season. December 18 – Awarding of Prizes for Trees - 6 - 8:30 p.m. The Monte Vista Hotel is located at 308 W. State Street in Black Mountain. For more information contact, Libba Fairleigh, (404) 697-9246.

Pan Harmonia presents its’ 5th “A Chamber Music Messiah,” on Sunday, December 6 at 3 p.m., in the beautifully restored sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Asheville. This program is the brainchild of organist Eric Wall, former music director at First Presbyterian Church. Baroque keyboard maestra Barbara Weiss leads a merry band of musicians in a rousing instrumental version of Georg F. Handel’s favorite Christmas tradition. Generous donations appreciated. All proceeds to benefit Homeward Bound, which ends homelessness in Western North Carolina by moving people into housing of their own and providing the support they need to stay housed for good. For more information about Pan Harmonia, please visit panharmonia.org, or call (828) 254-7123.

Holiday Sale at Bullington Gardens Celebrate the holiday season by visiting the Bullington Gardens’ 11th annual Open House and Holiday Sale and Christmas Mart. The sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5. An open house with refreshments will be held during the sale on both days. The sale will feature premium, native freshly-cut Fraser fir trees, from the Western North Carolina mountains. Also available will be decorated wreaths and swags as well as unique handmade holiday craft items. The annual event will also include the sale of premium amaryllis, poinsettias, and cyclamen. Following the sale, these items along with swags and wreaths will be available for sale at Bullington until December 18 or as supplies last. Bullington Gardens, a Horticultural Education Center, is located at 95 Upper Red Oak Trail in Hendersonville. From Highway 64, turn north onto Howard Gap Road. Proceed one mile, and turn right on Zeb Corn Rd. Go 2/3 of a mile and turn right on Upper Red Oak Trail. For more information, call Bullington Gardens at (828) 698-6104 or visit the website at bullingtongardens.org.

Lake Julian Festival Of Lights Light up your Holiday nights at the Lake Julian Park Festival of Lights. This is the 15th year for the annual spectacle. The drive through show begins on Friday, December 4 and is nightly from 6 – 9 p.m. through Wednesday, December 23. The park is brightly lit with thousands of colored lights and over 50 animated and stationary light displays. The road circling the park becomes a magical journey through tunnels of dazzling lights. The cost for this drive through presentation is $5 for a car, $10 for a van and $25 for a motor coach. 20% of the proceeds will be donated to Buncombe County Special Olympics. Lake Julian Park is located off Long Shoals Road. For more information, call (828) 684-0376.

Saturdays At ACT Presents Christmas With Santa On December 12, Bright Star Touring Theatre returns to headline Asheville Community Theatre’s Saturday family series. Christmas with Santa is a 45-minute, fast-paced production packed with carols, Santa and Christmas galore! The spirit of the holidays are celebrated in this hysterical Christmas-wrapped comedy–two hilarious elves have misplaced most of Santa’s presents. When Santa arrives he teaches the well-meaning elves that the real gift of the season are the people and friends we celebrate it with. Performance begins at 10 a.m. All tickets are $5.00 and are available online at ashevilletheatre.org, by phone at (828) 254-1320 or in person at the ACT Box Office.

2015 Cookie Party Loving Food Resources hosts its annual Holiday Cookie Party on Friday, December 18, at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall on Chiles Avenue from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring 4 dozen or more homemade cookies to help fill 200 cake boxes with cookies for the clients of Loving Food Resources and some to share. Coffee and milk will be provided. Cookies may also be dropped off at Ace Hardware North on December 18 for delivery to the church (before 4 p.m.). This is a great event for families and small children to get everyone in the spirit of the holidays and an easy way to teach kids that volunteering is fun. For more information, contact Betty Sharpless at (828) 273-2531 or bsharpl614@aol.com. Loving Food Resources is an all volunteer, non-profit, food pantry providing food and personal care items to over 200 people living with HIV/AIDS or in Home Hospice regardless of diagnosis. Sophie DECEMBER 2015 | 35

ENTERTAINMENT

MEG’S MOVIE REVIEW

“The Martian”

absolutely loved this movie! My husband enjoyed the book “The Martian” tremendously, and was like a dog waiting to go for a car ride to see the movie when it came out. I was a bit concerned by this, since movies can so rarely capture all that can fit into a book, and I was worried he’d be disappointed when the filmmakers missed the target. He, however, was very pleased with the film version of “The Martian” and so was I. The premise of the film is that an astronaut named Mark Watney is accidentally left behind during a NASA mission to Mars that goes south when a nasty sand storm injures him and threatens to prevent the ship from taking off. Thinking Watney is dead and afraid they won’t be able to leave the planet otherwise, the commander gives the order to abort the mission and leave Watney behind. So, when Watney wakes up and finds himself alone and hurt on an uninhabitable planet, he has to rise to a number of scientific challenges in order to survive on Mars. Luckily, Watney explains, he is a botanist. “The Martian” is the debut novel by software engineer Andy Weir. Weir professes to be a huge fan of space exploration and did a lot of research to make the plot of his book as plausible as possible. NASA scientists seem to approve of his research, since they said that most of the ideas that Weir came up with for his lead character to use in the book would actually work in practice. Watney is aptly played by the constantly wise-cracking Matt Damon (“Good Will Hunting”). His humor is vital to the audience’s ability to enjoy the movie, since it keeps the mood light despite the direness of the situation. I would actually say the film is closer to a comedy than a thriller, or action flick. Director Ridley Scott is known for his ability to navigate multiple genres in one film, with movies like “Aliens,” “Thelma & Louise,” “Black Hawk Down” and “Gladiator”. I was really impressed with the way Scott was able to put this film together, since it is technically a movie about a bunch of clever science projects. Yet, Scott manages to show the audience the work in such a way that it isn’t confusing to non-science people (like myself), it isn’t dry or dull, and while he makes

clear the urgency of the situation, the plot doesn’t feel hopeless. That is my favorite thing about “The Martian;” it has this message of never giving up. In the first five minutes of the movie, Watney is confronted with this unresolvable conflict and he can either lay down and wait to die, or take a shot at surviving. Undaunted, he takes on one seemingly-impossible task at a time, deals with it, and then moves on to the next seemingly-impossible task. I think it is a fantastic metaphor for life. I really have to credit Damon for creating a lovely range of emotions for his character, so that he isn’t constantly breaking down in frustration when things go wrong (and boy, do they ever), nor is he some happy-go-lucky dunce who doesn’t comprehend the magnitude of his situation. The supporting cast of the film is a bunch of fantastic actors, including: Jeff Daniels (“Dumb & Dumber”), Jessica Chastain (“The Help”), Kristen Wiig (“Bridesmaids”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave”), Sean Bean (“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”) and Kate Mara (“Fantastic Four”). These actors are a little bit wasted on the movie, since it is almost a singular performance, but they all play their parts well. In fact, the only thing I can think of to criticize about the movie is the transition from healthy Matt Damon to skinny Matt Damon. As you can imagine, the character of Watney loses a lot of weight during his time on Mars, as he begins to run through his limited supply of food rations. The filmmakers, clearly, use a body double to show the emaciated version of Watney, but whenever they show Damon’s face, it doesn’t match up at all. Those of us who remember the 1996 film “Courage Under Fire,” in which Damon lost 40 pounds to play a soldier who is recently-returned from Somalia, know what Damon looks like in underweight, non-beefcake format. I thought the movie was an excellent piece of film-making and give it a perfect score of 10 out of 10 stars.

“That is my favorite thing about “The Martian;” it has this message of never giving up.”

36 | Sophie DECEMBER 2015

Meg Hale Brunton reviews movies for Sophie every month. She has a Creative Writing degree from UNCA, loves fresh-made popcorn, and throws an annual Oscar party at her house.

I Do!

Pick up the NEW 2015 Fall/Winter issue of I Do!

™

Fall/Winter 2015

Sophie Magazine’s Wedd

ing Guide

Keep

ing Real brides The Fa ith share their SPECIAL 8 REAL WEDDING STORIES WEDDING CeleinbratWesing 5 Years of Weddings tern NC & Beyond MEMORIES.

Sophie DECEMBER 2015 | 37

NATIONAL GINGERBREAD COMPETITION THROUGH JANUARY 3, 2016 The Omni Grove Park Inn

DECEMBER “December, being the last month of the year, cannot help but make us think of what is to come.” - Fennel Hudson, A Meaningful Life - Fennel’s Journal - No. 1

Have an Event? Submit your event online at: sophiemagazine.com/calendar or send it to us via email at: calendar@sophiemagazine.com

FRI-SUN, DEC 4-6

5 25th Annual Biltmore Village Dickens Festival Biltmore Village A magical weekend of merriment, music and memories--all on the streets and in the shops, restaurants and galleries of Historic Biltmore Village. The stage will be continuously filled with musicians, choral groups, singers, dancers, and the Montford Park Players performing scenes from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This year the Festival will feature more than 300 performers who, after their stage segment, will rove throughout the Village entertaining on the streets and in the shops and restaurants. Biltmore Village Free; Fri: 5-7pm, Sat: 11am-7pm, Sun: 1-5pm, 828.274.8788 historicbiltmorevillage.com FRI, DEC 4 5-8PM Old Fashioned Christmas Historic Downtown Hendersonville Merchants host an open house with refreshments, entertainment & late night shopping.downtownhendersonville.org FRI-SAT, DEC 4-5 10AM-4PM Open House & Holiday Sale Bullington Gardens, Hendersonville The sale will feature premium, native freshly-cut Fraser fir trees, from the WNC mountains. Also available at the sale will 38 | Sophie DECEMBER 2015

be decorated wreaths and swags as well as unique handmade holiday craft items. For more information, 828-698-6104 or bullingtongardens.org

creations, wildlife art, face painting, a holiday hay maze, animal encounters, educational programs, and of course, Santa will be there (from 12-4pm). Adults $10.95 (Asheville City Residents - $7.95); Youth (3-15) - $6.95 (Asheville City Residents - $5.95); 2 & younger free. wncnaturecenter.com

SAT, DEC 5&12 10AM - 2PM

Guild Artists’ Holiday Sale Folk Art Center Individual members & the organization sell over-runs, discontinued stock & studio seconds in a festive atmosphere during the holiday season. Choose from a variety of gift items including ceramics, jewelry, fiber, paper, glass & wood. southernhighlandguild.org FRI-SUN, DEC 4-6 Toe River Studio Tour Yancey & Mitchell Counties One hour north of Asheville, tucked in the lush green mountains is one of the finest collections of artists & craftsmen in the world and the acclaimed Penland School of Crafts. A unique blend of contemporary and traditional cultures, about 100 fine artists & crafts people in every medium open their studios for a free, self-guided tour. Friday 12-4pm, Sat & Sun 10am5pm 828.682.7215 toeriverarts.org SAT, DEC 5 10AM - 4PM A Winter’s Tail WNC Nature Center Join the holiday fun with crafts, garland

SAT, DEC 5&12 11AM-2PM Santa on the Chimney Chimney Rock How could Santa resist a 315-foot granite monolith shaped like a chimney? As he has done for 20+ years, the man in red will rappel down this iconic natural landmark. Visitors can meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, see critters, and enjoy live music, hot cocoa, cookies and kids’ activities. 800-277-9611 chimneyrockpark.com

SUN, DEC 6 1-6PM

10 The Big Crafty Asheville Art Museum, Pack Place The Big Crafty revives the tradition of the community bazaar, a lively celebration of handmade commerce, featuring local food, beer, toe-tapping tunes, and the fine wares of select indie artists and crafters. VIP Shopping is available from 11am-1pm with a ticket (available online & at the door).Free, thebigcrafty.com

SUN, DEC 6 3PM A Chamber Music Messiah First Presbyterian Church, Asheville Pan Harmonia presents its’ 5th “A Chamber Music Messiah,” the brainchild of organist Eric Wall. Baroque keyboard maestra Barbara Weiss leads a merry band of musicians in a rousing instrumental version of Georg F. Handel’s favorite Christmas tradition. All proceeds to benefit Homeward Bound. panharmonia.org TUES, DEC 8 7PM Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Moscow Ballet has been touring North America for over 20 years bringing classic Russian ballets to life. The Great Russian Nutcracker debuted to rave reviews in 1993 & continues to this day. The company features award-winning & acclaimed principal dancers. $28-$175, 7pm 828.259.5736 uscellularcenterasheville.com THURS, DEC 10 7:30PM Hometown Holiday Jam XV The Orange Peel Asheville Musicians Coalition’s annual show benefiting Mission Childrens Hospital & Manna Food Bank. Featuring: Joe Lasher Jr, Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats, Lyric, The Lowdown, The Laters, Rip Haven, Rory Kelly, Kimberly White Project, Drew Heller (from Toubab Krewe), Mike Barnes, Marc Keller, Jack & Jim Mascari, Danny Eller & the Hometown Holiday Jam Allstar Band! Tickets: $10 + donation of one canned food or new toy. hometownholidayjam.net

WINTER LIGHTS THROUGH JANUARY 2

On the Stage

The NC Arboretum

THE TWELVE DAYS OF ALICE’S WINTER ASHEVILLELAND Alice has fallen down the rabbit hole and found herself in a world she’s never known, full of hippies & hoopers, foodies & kombucha, all in this place many like to call “Beer City, USA”. Come on a wild journey through a winter wonderland with Les Femmes Mystique and Les Filles Charme as they traverse the 12 days and nights of Asheville Christmas. The Orange Peel $15-20 christinegarvin.com/performance

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

THE TWELVE DAYS OF ALICE’S WINTER ASHEVILLELAND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 8PM The Orange Peel

FRI, DEC 11 8PM Asheville Symphony: Simply Sinatra Christmas Thomas Wolfe Auditorium Featuring Bach’s Christmas Oratorio as well as other classical Christmas favorites performed by The Asheville Symphony. 828.254.7046 ashevillesymphony.org

A fun and family friendly toy show made by toy collectors for toy collectors. $7 Kids under 5 get in free. ashevilletoyexpo.com SAT, DEC 12 7:30PM 27th Annual Christmas Jam US Cellular Center Curated and presented by Grammy Award-winning vocalist-songwriter and revered guitarist Warren Haynes, the Christmas Jam is a one-of-a-kind music marathon. Lineup: Warren Haynes, Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Doobie Brothers, Joe Bonamassa, Dawes, Electric Hot Tuna, Blackberry Smoke, Bruce Hornsby. xmasjam.com

FRI-SUN, DEC 11-13 American Kennel Club Dog Agility Trial WNC Agricultural Center McGough Arena Free, spectators welcome (no pets please). Fri-Sat 8am-2pm, Sun 8am-12pm, 828713-3278 blueridgeagility.com SAT, DEC 12 1-5PM

18 Annual Montford Home Tour Montford Historic District Explore Asheville’s oldest, most historic neighborhood comprised of Victorian, Arts and Crafts, Greek Revival and Dutch Colonial homes built in the 1890’s to 1920’s. A variety of these residences will be open for tour during this special one day event. Enjoy roving Shakespearian actors, courtesy of The Montford Park Players and feast on homemade baked goods. $25, 828.280.1576 montfordtour.com SAT, DEC 12 9AM - 3PM Asheville Toy Expo The Orange Peel

FRI, DEC 18 6-8PM Loving Food Resources Annual Holiday Cookie Party Kenilworth Presbyterian Fellowship Hall Bring 4 dozen or more homemade cookies to help fill 200 cake boxes for clients of Loving Food Resources & some to share. Coffee and milk will be provided. Cookies may also be dropped off at Ace Hardware North on December 18th for delivery to the church (before 4pm). Loving Food Resources is an all volunteer, non-profit, food pantry providing food & personal care items to 200+ people living with HIV/AIDS or in Home Hospice regardless of diagnosis. For more information, contact Betty Sharpless at (828)273-2531 or bsharpl614@aol.com SAT, DEC 19 10AM Christmas at Connemara Connemara Join us on Saturday morning to revel with local musicians and storytellers. Music/ storytelling will be held from 10:30 am to

12:30 pm in the garage adjacent to the Sandburg Home. Hot cider and cookies will be served. Holiday craft-making will be offered from 10am to 1pm. The house will be decorated in the simple style of the Sandburgs with poinsettias and a traditionally decorated Christmas tree. FREE nps.gov/carl THURS, DEC 31 New Year’s Eve Celebration Season’s at Highland Lake Inn, Flat Rock Three course dinner, champagne, and live entertainment. $70 per person at hlinn. com 800-635-5101 THURS, DEC 31 8:30PM Asheville New Years Eve Masquerade Asheville Music Hall & The One Stop One ticket gets you into all shows on both floors. Featuring: Bird of Prey, Empire Strikes Brass, Push/Pull, The Hornitz, Rims and Keys, Hank West & the Smokin Hots, TEMPI. ashevillemusichall.com THURS, DEC 31 6PM

Through December 18 Charles Dickens’ perennial classic comes to life on the Flat Rock Playhouse stage in a spectacular new production featuring all the classic elements with a few new twists. Flat Rock Playhouse $15-40, 828.693.0731 flatrockplayhouse.org

THE SANTALAND DIARIES

December 10 - December 19 When an out of work slacker takes a job as an elf in Macy’s Santaland, his hilarious observations of shoppers and employees are much more naughty than nice. A favorite holiday tradition is back for its 13th year in a row! Asheville Community Theatre $15; Thurs: 7:30pm; Fri & Sat: 7:30 & 9:30pm, ashevilletheatre.org

THE 42ND ANNUAL BERNSTEIN FAMILY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR! December 4-19 The bawdy, bodacious, and boisterous Bernsteins are back, and they’ve got some special surprises in store for old fans and new friends! Asheville’s favorite, raunchy, screwball holiday comedy is ready to get up close and personal with audiences. Magnetic 375 $12 $16, 7:30 pm nightly, themagnetictheatre.org

BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER December 4 - 20 A re-invention of ACT’s most popular holiday show EVER! The six Herdman children are the terror of their town. When they end up as the leads in the annual Christmas pageant, their interesting interpretation of the story helps everyone rediscover the meaning of the holiday. Asheville Community Theatre $12-$22; Fri & Sat: 7:30pm; Sun: 2:30pm; 828.254.1320 ashevilletheatre.org

ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 Oskar Blues 4th Annual New Year’s Eve Hootenanny Oskar Blues Brewery, Brevard Food from the Oskar Blues CHUBwagon, fresh craft brews, killer live tunes, and more surprises throughout the night. Beer-ing the New Year at midnight with a toast. Free trolley 6pm - 1am. $30-$45 oskarblues.com

December 9 -27 All Is Calm relives a poignant moment in history when Allied and German soldiers laid down their arms to celebrate the holiday together. Contains actual quotes and excerpts from letters written by 30 World War I figures; interspersed with song from Cantaria, The Gay Men’s Chorus of Asheville. NC Stage Company Wed - Sat 7:30pm; Sun 2pm 828239-0263 ncstage.org

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ONGOING EVENTS

CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE DAYTIME CELEBRATION Through January 10; 9am-5pm Biltmore Estate America’s largest home decorated with dozens of Christmas trees, hundreds of wreaths, bows, and poinsettias, miles of evergreen garland, and thousands of ornaments; 800-411-3812 biltmore.com

in the theme of “Christmas Is...” will be on display. This event benefits the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries. Your vote by cash or by check for your favorite tree helps to raise funds for those in need within our community. First viewing party is held on Dec 3 from 6-8pm. For more Information please contact: Libba Fairleigh libbafairleigh@gmail.com or Sue Conlon themontevista@aol.com FIBER ARTS ALLIANCE First Tuesday of the month; 12 noon West Asheville Presbyterian Church Open to anyone interested in any form of fiber arts. No membership requirements. Bring bag lunch. For info, call 683-6563

BILTMORE CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVENINGS Through January 2; begins at 5:30pm Biltmore Estate Tour America’s largest home by candlelight and the glow of fireplaces, decorated for the holidays and music, by reservation only; 800-411-3812 biltmore.com

LIFE LIMITING ILLNESS SUPPORT GROUP Tuesdays; 6:30pm-8pm 1439 Merrimon Ave Free weekly support group for adults managing the challenges of cancer, diabetes, heart disease & autoimmune diseases. For more info call Lauren Griffin, LPC at 386-801-2606, WildPrecious.Life

DECK THE TREES Dec 3 - 31 Monte Vista Hotel, Black Mountain Beautiful & unique hand-decorated trees

HER NOBEL WORDS Through March 2016; 11am -5pm aSHEville Museum An exhibit on the 16 women to have won

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the Nobel Peace Prize. These women fought to make the world a better place and were honored for their incredible achievements by the Nobel Committee. These are their words. aSHEvillemuseum.com BREVARD MUSIC CENTER FREE CONCERTS 1st Monday of each month October May (except January); 12:30pm Brevard Music Center, in partnership with Brevard College, presents free concerts to the public at the Scott Concert Hall at the Porter Center on the Brevard College campus. brevardmusic.org DAAD FIRST FRIDAYS First Friday of every month; 5-8pm Downtown Asheville Art District Explore 23 galleries & museums featuring changing exhibitions, opening receptions, artist talks & demonstrations all located within a half mile radius in the Downtown Asheville Art District. April through December. ashevilledowntowngalleries.org 2015 NATIONAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION DISPLAY Through January 03, 2016 The Omni Grove Park Inn Smells of Gingerbread are in the air! The

gingerbread display has become a true family holiday tradition. From the very young to the very young at heart, the reaction to this magical experience is the same - one of wonder, awe and delight. $10 parking. omnihotels.com/hotels/ asheville-grove-park MADE IN WNC Tuesday - Saturday; 10am-6pm (Until Jan. 9) Center for Craft, Creativity & Design Work by 24 regional textile, ceramic, and furniture studios and four regional artists. craftcreativitydesign.org/made-in-wnc OUTWARD HOUND HIKES Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday; 9am Brother Wolf Animal Rescue The Outward Hounds Hiking Club is a great way for the dogs in BWAR’s care to get a break from the hustle and bustle of the adoption center and get the necessary exercise to help them stay physically and mentally fit. bwar.org NC ARBORETUM WINTER LIGHTS November 20 – January 2; 6-10pm nightly Walk through lighted garden exhibits that illuminate to the sounds of holiday favorites, tickets must be purchased in advance. 828-8484866 ncwinterlights.com

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

LADIES WORKOUT ASHEVILLE Classes Mon-Sat from 6:30am - 6:45pm 802 Fairview Rd #1000 Tons of classes for women only, including: ZUMBA, Kickboxing, Spinning®, Choreographed Step, Core-Training, Bootcamp, Yoga & More! Circuit & Cardio Equipment, Free Weights, Traditional Sauna, Far-Infrared Sauna, Thermal Massage Migun Bed, FREE Child Care, Personal Training, Nutrition & More! ladiesworkoutasheville.com BEND AND BREW Saturdays 12:15pm-1:15pm The Bywater Yoga for beer lovers. $15/person which includes 45 minutes featuring all levels of yoga class and a beer tasting after class is over. yogatours.net HANDS ON! A CHILDREN’S GALLERY 318 N. Main St, Hendersonville Hands On! offers an affordable, educational and fun way to spend the day with your children, grandchildren, and students ages 1 – 10. This is a safe gathering place where kids can be kids while learning is nurtured. For a list of classes go to handsonwnc.org

ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY YOGA Monday-Sunday, Hourly classes, 8 Brookdale Rd. Suite A A donation based yoga center offering yoga classes, special community events, teacher trainings, student immersions and workshops. All classes are FREE with a suggested donation of $5-$15 for those able to pay. ashevillecommunityyoga.com YOGALATES Mondays: 12-1pm Pardee Rehab & Wellness Center A blend of mind-body strength, balance, core and flexibility movements with clear, compassionate instruction for all levels. Movements are done in sitting, lying and standing positions. Mats provided. $8 per class. rehab.pardeehospital.org WOMEN’S FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CLASSES OnTrack WNC Offices 50 S French Broad Ave, Asheville The Women’s Financial Empowerment Center provides OnTrack WNC’s full range of financial counseling & education services with a women-centered approach, responding to women’s unique needs & perspectives, to help you reach your financial goals. Most classes are free. Preregistration is required for all classes. Call

828-255-5166 to register. ontrackwnc.org LEARN TO MAKE YOUR OWN JEWELRY Taught by Designer Roberto Vengoechea. This course will teach you how to hand fabricate a silver ring. You will learn a variety of jewelry and metal working techniques including forming, sawing, piercing and stone setting. You take home your finished piece. No experience necessary. For further information or to schedule your class: call 828-669-0065 or 828-279-7778 visionsofcreation.com NYS3 STUDIO COURSES 2002 Riverside Dr, Asheville NYS3 Studio offers New York quality training in the film and theatre arts in the mountains of North Carolina. With 5 careers tracks and 16 instructors- with over 350 years of industry experience- NYS3 offers amazing learning opportunities for anyone that is interested in learning or extending their craft. nys3.com

DRINK & PAINT!

Saturday, December 5; 2-4pm Weinhaus Enjoy beer or wine while you paint Monet’s Bridge Over Waterlilies! A talented artist will guide you step-bystep in creating your very own work of art! All materials will be provided and no experience necessary! Reserve your spot at paint-bug.com

Wa nt to list you r event? Submit your event online at: sophiemagazine.com/calendar or send it to us via email at: calendar@sophiemagazine.com

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