Sophie sept oct 2016

September /

ctober 2016

sophisticated. stylish. sassy.

ING R U T A E F

Celebrating 42 Years of Compassionate Healthcare

SophieMagazine.com

2 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

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September / October 2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

stylish. sophisticated. sassy

Feel Beautiful for Fashion

The Sulfite Scare

Andy Hale gives us the answer to “What’s really causing your wine headaches?”

Inspiring stories of 4 women whose lives have been changed by the YWCA.

39

6

10 Women of WNC

Captured by photographer Jennifer Mesk.

The Gift of a Child

Beautiful handmade maternity gowns by Sew Trendy.

11 Gardening For Your

26 Can We

Betty Sharpless explains how

Lauren Griffin,

Health

gardening is an inexpensive exercise program.

12 Caring For

Community

22

Talk?

40

M.A., LPC helps us with managing technology in our daily lives.

42 Concerning

14

18 Unworthy Fashion

S usan Reinhardt says she is a fashion hoarder and can’t part with her bell bottoms.

20 Garden

Bloomers

B etty Sharpless tells us how we can “work smarter, not harder” in our garden.

Our Community

43 Make A Cozy Quilt In 45 Minutes or Less

how Hope Chest For Women provides support and needed funds for area women.

Photographs by Audrey Goforth

Images from the recent fashion photography event.

Carolyn Comeau tells

Costume Drama: A Fashion Show

FashMob VIII: Find Yourself

36 Betty’s Book Review

“Game Of Queens” is a great book for a rainy weekend.

IT/PRODUCTION MANAGER Jeff Ruminski CREATIVE EDITOR Debi Manfre CALENDAR EDITOR Carrie Harder CREATIVE SERVICES Carrie Harder Rachel Hoeft Randy Whittington CONTRIBUTORS Meg Hale Brunton Carolyn Comeau Lauren Griffin, M.A., LPC Andy Hale Susan Reinhardt Betty Sharpless FASHION COORDINATOR Angela Ramsey PHOTOGRAPHERS Katy Cook Max Ganly Audrey Goforth Jennifer Mesk PROOFING DIVA Karen Shepard ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Pam Hensley Rick Jenkins Rose Lunsford Crystal Pressley CLASSIFIED SUPERVISOR Angela Frizzell SALES ASSISTANT Jayme Pressley

MAHEC

Celebrating 42 years of compasionate healthcare.

Asheville Fashion Week

27

CIRCULATION MANAGER Sam Howell

37 Meg’s Movie Review

“The Lobster” receives 2 out

Photographs

by Max Ganly Photography

of 10 stars.

46 Things to Do

36

An expanded calendar of activities around WNC.

Let’s Get Cooking with Sweet Potatoes Debi Manfre shares 5 easy recipes for this tasty vegetable.

38

50 Sophie Celebrates You!

52 Real Men Read Sophie

eet Paul Lloyd owner of Café M 64 in Downtown Asheville.

COVER CREDITS: Photograph by Max Ganly Photography • Designer: Angel Blanco, Hello New York Collection 2017 Model: Hana Allen • Hair:Jana Burn, Chasity Simonds, Mrz Blacc Hall • Makeup: Beth Nichols-Thurmer • Cover design by Rachel Hoeft 4 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

GENERAL MANAGER/PUBLISHER Patricia Martin Betts

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.

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sophiemagazine.com Sophie-Magazine sophiemagavl 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.

from the publisher If you live in Western North Carolina, then you must love the Fall season above all because of the exceptional natural beauty of our environment and climate, and I am no different. However this year I’m holding on to the Summer months as long as I can, just as I hold on to the final days with my university bound daughter. Along with change, comes a time to reflect on all the memories and fun times we shared together.

This summer brought fashion to Asheville on a whole new level. The ACT Costume Drama show was once again a breathtaking display of creativity from local designers. If you missed Asheville Fashion Week, in it’s second year, we have some of the highlights to share with you and hope you will remember to support it next August.

As you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so mark your calendar for the 4th annual Here’s Hope Luncheon and Fashion Show, October 22nd. Sophie Magazine is thrilled to share the survival stories from some of the women who have been helped by the local nonprofit, Hope Chest for Women. We also teamed up with the YWCA of Asheville to showcase the inspiring stories of four women whose lives have been changed by their involvement with the YWCA. Also in this issue are gardening words of wisdom from our favorite local gardener, Betty Sharpless. Susan Reinhardt hits a nerve with her confessions from a fashion hoarder, which so many women can relate too. And we celebrate American Business Women’s Day September 22nd by featuring local women business owners that I encourage you to do business with.

Everyone on the Sophie team hopes you enjoy this issue as much as we do!.

Patricia Martin Betts Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 5

Feel Beautiful for Fashion Sophie Magazine & the YWCA of Asheville teamed up to bring you the inspiring stories of four women whose lives have been changed by the their involvement with the YWCA. These ladies were treated to an elegant fashion makeover by Biltmore Bride & Merle Norman.

Photos shot at the YWCA Asheville by MAX GANLY PHOTOGRAPHY

JO HALL is 81 years old with an extraordinary smile, her inner youth showing through her eyes.

Retired since 1992, Jo worked at the VA Hospital for 30 years – 21 of those as a nurse in the operating room. She now spends her time teaching two Silver Sneakers group fitness classes per week at the YWCA, volunteering with multiple organizations, and caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with dementia when he was 70. She is diabetic herself, but says, “If I don’t exercise, I get stiff! And then I don’t feel well. I have to keep moving.”

Jo’s list of current and past volunteer positions is extensive. She’s donated her time to Pack Place, the ABCCM Medical Clinic, Surgical Service Waiting area, Mobile Mammograms, the Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women, and the Buncombe County Health Department among others. When asked why she dedicates her available time when not caring for her husband to volunteering, she replies, “The more informed you are, the better you can take care of yourself! I make sure that they are taking their medicines!”

We know that her extensive volunteering is due to her big heart and love for taking care of people. She has been an inspiration to many here at the YWCA. We all want to be like Jo when we grow up!

Jo’s 3 secrets to staying young: keep busy • keep moving • help others

Clothing & accessories by

Hair & makeup by

800 Fairview Rd • Asheville 828.299.7403 • biltmorebride.com

800 Fairview Rd • Asheville 828.299.7403 • mnprom.com

6 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

HILAREY CAMUSO is 28 years old and currently works for the City of Asheville in the Parks & Rec department.

She was born into a fit family, though as the youngest of three sisters, she says, “I have been overweight all my life.

Food was my enemy.”

After losing both her parents within 4 years of each other, Hilarey was motivated to create some goals of her own, she was ready for a new beginning. She joined Weight Watchers and then the YWCA after attending with a friend and falling in love with the “small family vibe.”

She started with small goals (“Eating more fruits and vegetables and no soda!”) and began to work out 3 times a week, taking Boot Camp and Tabata classes.

By January, she had set a New Year’s resolution to run her first 5K. “In February I had lost 100 lbs and I decided to reward myself by getting a Personal Trainer, not CAKE!” Joseph helped her start running. She set her sights on a June race at Carrier Park. By June she had lost 138 lbs! Her sister joined her for the run and Hilarey beat yet another goal, finishing with a time of 37 minutes and 38 seconds.

Hilary says her life changers were the Boot Camp and Tabata classes at the YWCA. “The people in the classes are so empowering and applaud your accomplishments. I went from feeling like a victim to being honest with myself. And to believing I deserve to be healthy and happy.”

Hilarey’s success tips: omit fast food

portion control • food journaling • meal prep Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 7

“

This has changed how I live my life.

“

ANNIE LONG was active in the YWCA’s Diabetes Wellness & Prevention program in 2010 and 2011, but due to various circumstances, she stopped attending. Fast forward a few years and Annie was facing many obstacles keeping her from the YW and from caring for her health in general: she had a full time job, she moved out to the mountains, she was “feeling lazy”, her wife had her own health issues... the list went on. Then last year, Annie’s sister passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. The loss took a great toll on Annie. “I was paralyzed by grief. I spiraled downhill really fast; I didn’t care what happened. I didn’t care if I got out of bed… I was eating indiscriminately. I was trying to console and comfort my anguish with chips, doughnuts, and candy.”

After five months of misery and depression, Annie’s wife got her attention and pushed her to call the YW. She joined in January during the “New Year, New You” special promotion. “The obstacle of my sister dying led to the catalyst of me getting here… once I started coming, my obstacles were the same but from a different point of view because I had a motivation and a connection.”

For Annie, the weekly support groups in the Diabetes Wellness & Prevention program have been enriching and rewarding. Support group has given her a number of immediately useful ideas, suggestions and solutions for living in a healthier way. Tips and direction from the YW’s personal trainers and fitness counselors have also inspired and opened her eyes to healthier habits. “This has changed how I live my life... When I get here I don’t have any stress. I know I’m in the company of people who are happy to see me. It’s all good energy here.”

8 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

NANCY HERERRA-MENDOZA is a pic-

ture of strength. A single mother of son Fernando, this 20 year old has overcome many obstacles and keeps on going. While an honors student at Erwin High School, Nancy learned she was pregnant. Through the support of her family, school, friends and the MotherLove program at the YWCA of Asheville, Nancy graduated in the spring of 2014 with a healthy 1 year old son and a Certified Nursing Assistant credential.

After graduation, Nancy was still living at home with her parents and working two jobs trying to make ends meet. CNA jobs had hours that didn’t fit with her mother’s schedule, and child care was prohibitively expensive. Nancy found a part time job at the YWCA’s Empowerment Child Care center where she could bring Fernando to work with her when her mother was not available to watch him. Transporation to and from work was a challenge, so Nancy learned how to drive and coordinated with her brother to share his car so they could both get to work. Things settled into a nice routine.

But that changed when Nancy was injured in a domestic confrontation in the spring of 2015. The young mother was thrown into a daunting system of attorneys, doctors and uncertainties and faced a devastating emotional and financial challenge. After months of arguments, denials, court dates and dental appointments, Nancy was able to find her confidence again and is now receiving compensation for the thousands of dollars in medical bills she incurred.

While healing from her assault and still working at the YWCA, Nancy enrolled in a program called Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World™. She attended group sessions for 16 weeks and finished with a plan for her future.

“The class helped me to make a plan to buy a car, and now I own one!” Now that Fernando is older, Nancy is ready to renew her goal of pursuing a career in the medical field. She has plans to enter AB-Tech through Goodwill in the Fall. She has been promoted to a fulltime lead teacher position in the Empowerment Child Care Center and is implementing new ideas every day. •

Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 9

PEOPLE

“I think more people should know basic self-sufficiency. How to grow food, for example, and other tasks. Just be independent in general.”

wnc WOMEN of

“My daughter is the number one person that has impacted who I am and how I interact in the world. I feel like there are a million lessons that I’ve learned from being a parent. Just a mad love that teaches you all kinds of amazing things.”

Photographed by Jennifer Mesk, HumansOfAsheville.net

“I’m a school nurse. One of the things I love about this job is helping, getting to know the kids. What breaks my heart are children who aren’t used to anyone really listening to them, really hearing what they say. Unfortunately, some of them don’t get that at home. They are surprised that someone wants to hear how they’re doing.”

10 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

If you could go back in time is there anything that you’d do differently?

“I would have done more community service. I think that aspect of my life was something I neglected while I was in graduate school. I wish I had the scope to know that community engagement/activism was something that I could always do even if I was busy.”

Gardening For Your Health!

P ​

HOME & GARDEN

By Betty Sharpless | Photo by Debi Manfre

ick up any magazine, including Cooking Light, Food and Wine, AARP and even Sophie! In every issue there is a mention of gardening your way to better health through exercise and fresher, more flavorful foods. Gardening is the number one hobby in America for several years now. Unlike Alpine skiing, it is inexpensive and available year round. Unlike ballroom dance competition, you get immediate results! ​The trick with any hobby or exercise program is to start small, making a manageable plan to ensure you are not overwhelmed by the project.

Taking the time to learn some basics is also a good idea, before investing heavily in gardening equipment. A great way to do this is to volunteer with a community garden group, such as The Lord’s Acre in Fairview or Grace Presbyterian church’s amazing urban vegetable gardens on Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville. That way you are only buying gloves, a sun hat and ibuprofen for your initial investment while you learn from other more

experienced gardeners the basics of home gardening. A great side benefit is that volunteers often go home with fresh veggies of their own. ​Once you are sure you want to jump in, don’t be fooled into buying big expensive and hard to maintain equipment. The point of home gardening is to get exercise. All you will need is a good round shovel, a regular wheelbarrow and time. As your hobby grows, so will your favorite tools and gadgets, but none of these have to have a motor. ​As with an exercise program, warm up a little before digging or lifting. Take time to stand up and stretch when weeding. Drink LOTS of water and again stretch a little afterwards…and I don’t mean stretching out on a hammock! Start small and work up to a little more garden time each week. We are lucky enough to garden year round in Asheville, so no excuses! ​One word of caution: Gardening and good food are addictive.

Betty Sharpless is a professional freelance gardener, writer and quilter who spends her one day off a month…gardening in her own back yard.

Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 11

PEOPLE

Caring For Community: Hope Chest for Women Provides Support and Needed Funds for Area Women

By Carolyn Comeau

Lori Ledford with the family dog, L.J.

T

he path toward healing from illness is not without its bumps, and every patient travels a different route. This especially applies to those with a catastrophic diagnosis, like cancer.

Sadly, a near universal and unfortunate side effect of a cancer diagnosis is financial stress.

Chemotherapy, surgery, and costly prescription medications create a kind of “perfect storm” in patients’ lives, and all of a sudden, they don’t have the funds to fuel their vehicle to get to a doctor’s appointment, are in arrears with utility payments, or simply need money for food.

A local nonprofit, the Hope Chest for Women, exists solely to aid breast and gynecologic cancer patients with these formidable challenges, and Western North Carolina is so much better for it.

The organization has grown from a small entity founded by Dr. Nathan Williams, gynecologic oncologist at New Horizons Women’s Cancer Care, when he became concerned as his staff relayed stories about the needs of many patients that were not being met by insurance or other social programs. He founded the nonprofit in 2003 to provide a source to help meet those needs, which is now led by Executive Director Sara Laws and supported by a small staff and a core group of passionate volunteers.

They perform an incredible amount of outreach and provide referral services, education, and financial support – all on a modest budget. Still, 12 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

the Hope Chest for Women manages to distribute in excess of $30,000 annually, on average, to women in need in Western North Carolina’s 22 counties, 48% of whom are Medicare/Medicaid patients, or uninsured. 52% of the women they serve have private insurance, and many have never applied for assistance. The Hope Chest teaches them how to find resources and aims to remove the stigma about needing assistance.

Every Hope Chest for Women client has a unique story; Lori Ledford, of Fletcher, and Lake Lure resident Patsy Dickey are no exceptions. Each discovered the Hope Chest for Women in their own way and were aided in their healing by another potent medicine – a pet. Clinical studies have proven that pet ownership contributes to lower blood pressure, hastens physical and emotional recovery, and even ups our levels of the “feel good” hormone Oxytocin.

Lori Ledford was initially a donor to the Hope Chest for Women on behalf of A. C. Reynolds High School, where she’s served as Volleyball Coach for the past nine years. Some of her students’ families were dealing with breast cancer, so she started an annual game called Volley for the Cure, whose proceeds benefitted those affected by the disease. Ledford’s grandmother is a breast cancer survivor, so it’s a cause that touches her heart.

She donated proceeds from the early games to individual families, but eventually found the Hope Chest for Women online. “I wanted to find a local organization we could support that really helped people; with large organizations, you wonder what percentage of contributions go directly to patients, or if it’s mainly applied to administrative costs.”

In a cruel twist of fate, Ledford found herself diagnosed with breast cancer at 41 in 2015, after a completely normal baseline mammogram the previous year. She had multiple surgeries and credits her faith in God, family, and her doctor, David Cobb, MD, with getting her through the experience.

Ledford emphasizes that it’s hard to explain to

the uninitiated how stressful insurance and financial worries become during a medical crisis. “We experienced these difficulties, and the Hope Chest for Women came through again, but this time for us. They’ve always been willing to help,” she says, obviously touched.

The Ledford family’s 80-pound yellow Labrador Retriever, L.J., played as important a part in her healing as husband Greg, whom she describes as “her rock,” and her son Levi, 21, and daughter Logan, 19. Not only was “L.J.” unusually affectionate and attentive to Lori immediately before she was diagnosed, he became lethargic, almost sensing what was to come. “He gave me extra love when I didn’t even know I’d need it, before we had all the facts. And he never stopped,” she says.

Patsy Dickey’s road to the Hope Chest for Women was nothing short of serendipitous, even divinely inspired, according to her. She’s a two-time breast cancer survivor; first diagPatsy Dickey nosed in 2010, she endured surgery and treatment and in August, 2011, was declared cancer free. In March, 2013, Patsy experienced a coughing fit she couldn’t stop while attending church. She was hospitalized with pneumonia, but tests revealed the cancer was covering her lungs, kidneys, and had entered her bones.

“My doctor gave me two choices: I could contact hospice because I was a stage IV patient, or I could try a new chemotherapy pill. I chose the pill because I knew God wasn’t through with me yet!” she exclaims. Between March and July,

2013, Dickey was hospitalized six times, and the bills flooded in. “I had so many bills, I thought of buying a bigger mailbox,” she jokes. “But I knew I couldn’t take all that on then.”

Since Dickey often felt cold, she kept the house warm, and her gas bill topped out at $1,300, putting her at risk for a service shutoff. The money simply wasn’t there. She called the gas company and in an amazing coincidence, the employee she reached attended a church that was affiliated with the Hope Chest for Women.

Dickey found the Hope Chest for Women website, applied for help, and quickly learned she’d get assistance. “I’d never received public assistance – I’m used to giving – and thought lots of people probably needed help more than me.

I prayed about it,” she explains. She goes on to share an important lesson her Department of Social Services supervisor imparted many years ago at the start of her 25-year career there: “Remember to treat people applying for assistance how you’d want to be treated. Imagine if you were on the ‘asking’ side of the desk. That stayed with me all these years.”

Dickey raves about how quickly and well things went after she applied for assistance from the Hope Chest. “I applied, they called me shortly afterward and told me I was approved and I’d be warm again!” she shares. “They gave me hope,”

Dickey adds, a reminder of how the organization got its name.

She credits her family, pastors and beloved 9-year-old granddaughter Makayla, with getting her to today. “I moved in with my mother; there were times I needed to be fed and bathed. This chemo pill has really worked well and I need to be on oxygen, but I’m still here at 54 – people call me the miracle lady!”

When asked whether she has a pet, Dickey replied she does, but not the usual kind – hers is of the stuffed variety. Her granddaughter was only 7 the second time Dickey was diagnosed, and a stuffed dog named “D” was Makayla’s favorite stuffed toy since age 3. “She wouldn’t part with it, brought it everywhere with her. When I felt sick, she’d ask me what was wrong and put “D” on whatever part of me was hurting. So I guess you could say I had pet therapy too,” Dickey relates fondly.

Join the amazing Hope Chest for Women staff, volunteers, and supporters for this year’s Here’s Hope Luncheon and Fashion Show, their biggest fundraiser. This will be their fourth Here’s Hope event and will again be hosted by local celebrity Victoria Dunkle, and catered by Chef Lisa from the Ingle’s Chef’s Kitchen. Live music will accompany the models – all cancer survivors – as they strut their stuff. Tickets are available online at

hopechestforwomen.org or by calling Pat Hock at (828) 708-3017. Event organizers are seeking sponsors and silent auction and raffle donations.

How Animals Help Heal Companion animals depend upon humans to be safe, healthy, and thriving. What they return to us is unconditional love that can literally help us heal from physical and psychological illness and trauma. A large body of scientific evidence proves that interacting with animals lowers blood pressure, speeds physical recovery, and heals PTSD and other psychological stress disorders. In the presence of an animal, the level of oxytocin rises in the human brain. Oxytocin makes us feel happier but it also speeds physical healing. It is true that animals need us and our care, but in so many ways animals heal us. It is a bond that builds our humanity and sometimes even saves our lives.

–– Tracy Elliott, Photo credit: Pam Burgess Executive Director Asheville Humane Society

Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 13

FASHION

Directed by Sara Fields Photography by Audrey Goforth

I

n its fifth year, Asheville Community Theatre fundraiser Costume Drama: A Fashion Show wowed another sold-out audience with fashion designs created in the categories of: Plastic, Paper, Light, and – a new category this year – Artistic License: Fashion Inspired By Famous Works of Art. The entries provided a breathtaking display of creativity - each one as unique and interesting as its designer. The show winners were: Sandy McDaniel (Light), Olivia Mears of Avant-Geek (Artistic License), and Conrad Booker from Philadelphia, PA (Plastic). Designer Tricia Ellis won Best of Show for her submission in the Paper category. The gown was created from pages of her favorite books (including Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Harry Potter and the dictionary).

The show raised over $30,000 through ticket sales and the addition of a silent auction. The money raised will go toward community arts programming at Asheville Community Theatre.

BEST IN SHOW DESIGNER: Tricia Ellis CATEGORY: Paper Model: Devon Kelley Mott Hair: Mason Zimmer of Ananda Makeup: Makeup at the Grove Arcade

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Category WINNER: Light Designer: Sandy McDaniel Model: Jenna Goforth Hair: S andy McDaniel Makeup: Erika Stuttz

FASHION

CATEGORY WINNER: Artistic License DESIGNER: Olivia Mears of Avant-Geek MODEL: Aislin Freya Pax MAKEUP: Zack Russell of Makeup at the Grove Arcade Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 15

FASHION

CATEGORY: Light DESIGNER: Rosanne Capone MODEL: Camille Reid HAIR: Wesley Bolden MAKEUP: Sydney Blair

CATEGORY WINNER: Plastic DESIGNER: Conrad Booker from Philadelphia, PA MODEL: Rachel Luca MAKEUP: Erika Stuttz 16 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

CATEGORY: Plastic DESIGNER: Sheila Thibodeaux MODEL: Ryan Moore HAIR & MAKEUP: Amanda Rae of Adorn Salon

FASHION

CATEGORY: Artistic License DESIGNER: Kayren McKnight MODEL: Caroline Miller HAIR: Sandy McDaniel MAKEUP: Britney Rice w/Flawless: Asheville Airbrush Makeup Artistry

CATEGORY: Paper DESIGNER: McKinney Gough MODEL: Haley Elizabeth Bohon HAIR: Holly Hillar at Leau de Vie MAKEUP: Vanessa Sogan

CATEGORY: Plastic DESIGNER: Olivia Mears of Avant Geek MODEL: Olivia Meadows MAKEUP: Iliana Guardado of Audacious Beauty Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 17

ENTERTAINMENT

By Susan Reinhardt

M

y closet looks as if the Big Bad Wolf, festering with a nasty case of bronchitis, coughed and blew lung winds of 100 miles per hour through the door.

It’s a disaster and filled with some major atrocities. I’m referring to clothes dating from all the way back to the ’70s and in sizes ranging from a 4 (divorce days) to a 14 (pregnancy and postpartum years).

I realize 90 percent of my entire wardrobe needs a gallon of gasoline and a flick of the Bic. But being a fashion hoarder, I can’t part with anything – even bell bottoms that haven’t buttoned since 1981.

My thinking is rather practical: Asheville is one of the few places in this country where pretty much anything goes, right?

I mean walk downtown and take a seat. You’ll see a fash-

ion parade dominated by tie-dye, flowing Earth Mama frocks and skirts (even on men), and everything in between.

It’s almost as if you really can’t go wrong, and no one is judging unless your side meat, belly rolls and bra fat are pushing fabric boundaries to the point of bursting. Speaking of which, there’s a certain big-box store (I won’t name it, but come on…we all know which one I’m talking about) where butt cracks, cleavage and a fleshy spillage just don’t matter. Toss all that corpulent bounty into a pair of sweats six sizes too small, and it’s time roll down some prices along with those waistbands.

While I don’t consider myself a Fashionista, I refuse to wear certain clothes.

Number one being sweat pants. Number two, flats. I’m a high-heels type, even at nine months pregnant with both of my kids.

One might say I was semi-thrilled when tennis shoe companies began revealing new lines of sneakers, soles rising a good four inches.

I’d call that hiking in style, albeit rather perilous. We women know heels work better (easier) than diet and exercise at whittling off pounds. Platforms, wedges and spikes tend to stretch the fat and elongate the feminine form.

This brings me to the shoe area of my closet.

Certain women are as addicted to shoes as Walter White’s thugs from “Breaking Bad” are to blue meth. And while I have about 200 pairs, in various stages from new to decomposing, I only wear about two of those pairs.

Same with my wardrobe. I likely slip into the same couple of outfits every day of the week. Just because the fabric is stretchy, and I’m too lazy to put for the effort or lose enough weight for haute-couture sheaths and pencil skirts.

Used to be my daughter, now 18, wouldn’t even walk in public with me.

Now that she’s gotten older, I think she realizes that there’s nothing wrong with thrift-shop treasures or a mom who wears more Lycra and animal prints than Fran Drescher from “The Nanny.”

On one side of my teensy walk-in is what I call normal clothes. Normal for Asheville, but definitely not the kind of threads a woman might wear in say, Charleston, Buckhead or the Myers Park area of Charlotte.

For the geometrically challenged, a closet has four sides. Each side of mine has its own theme. There’s all black for my work as a makeup artist. There’s the business lady side for the rare occasions I dress like a proper Southern woman heading to vote Republican. And there’s a third side for hipster, granola attire one might wear at a Bernie rally. The final rack is a mishmash of clothing from the Carter then Reagan eras.

Underneath all these garments, squeezed tighter than pressed tuna, are shelves caving from the weight of jeans and pants of all sizes.

My wedding getup, worn in Jamaica during the Hubby No. 2 marriage, is somewhere in this hodgepodge. And so is my favorite treasure – a dress custom-designed by Asheville’s own R. Brooke Priddy, a gown I wore a few years ago for my husband’s 50th birthday.

One of these days I’m going to seriously, really, truly, actually, maybe then maybe not, clean the whole thing out. Surely someone might enjoy my Spandex zebra-striped leggings circa Whitesnake’s heyday.

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

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Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 19

HOME & GARDEN

GARDEN BLOOMERS

Smarter, Not Harder

By Betty Sharpless | Photo by Debi Manfre

I

t’s no secret we are all getting older! However, that is no excuse to not get involved in gardening and eating as locally as you can: from your own yard. Even folks in their 70s and 80s are getting into eating a little more locally. The trick is to make your garden friendly to your mature body and what it can and can’t do. ​Even before I turned 60, the motto for all my workers (including me) was to “Work smarter, not harder”. While when we were young we could stubbornly push our bodies past difficulties and heavy work, nowadays our strongest muscle may be our brain. There is no reason to use muscle when wheels, levers and proper planning can do the work for us. As a woman, I have always had to use these tools; now as an older adult they are essential. ​One of the plans I have already put into place

in my extensive back yard garden is to raise the level of my raised beds to an easy sitting level, to limit how far my back needs to bend to tend to my beds. Thanks to early and heavy mulching, once the beds are planted, they pretty much take care of themselves, leaving all the harvesting to happen on a standing upright level. ​Another easy addition to my gardening was to add taller pots of greens and herbs to my east facing front porch. This is a perfect example of “no excuses” gardening. Among my geraniums and coleus are basil, beet greens and Swiss chard. I also have parsley, chives and oregano in the pots leading up to the porch. Not only can these be harvested easily to add healthy greens to every meal, you can pick them in your pajamas for Sunday brunch and no one will be the wiser! Sadly, I am often making “dinner” around 9 o’clock at

Betty Sharpless is a professional gardener, quilter and writer who really does pick veggies in her pajamas in North Asheville.

20 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

night, right after I put the hens to bed. With the greens so accessible, I am way more likely to chop some into my pasta, eggs or soup. ​If you are like me, every magazine you read tells you the same two things to do to improve your chances at a longer, and more importantly, better life: eat more fresh green vegetables and exercise more.

It will help with dementia, diabetes 2, arthritis and bone density…. you name it! By planning now and setting up easy to harvest small gardens close to your kitchen, you are laying the groundwork (so to speak) for a better quality of life in your golden years. Now add a simple exercise plan (walking, line dance, square dance or one of Asheville Park’s free classes) and you are on your way to a better quality of life. Since scientists all agree we are going to live longer than our parents, we better get started.

Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 21

FASHION

The

Gift of a

Child WRITTEN BY CYNTHIA MCABEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATY COOK

Stacey Gown- Hand Made Vintage Lace Ruffle in Dusty Pink $156.00

22 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

FASHION

P

arenting is one of life’s greatest investments, full of generational blessings for years to come…

From conception to birth, a mother is keenly aware of the growing child within her producing a myriad of changes along the journey. Transcending any other life experience, she is both exhilarated and exhausted in the growth process.

A mother nurtures and cares for her child from the beginning, and so begins the amazing bond between a mother and her baby.

The baby hears and becomes accustomed to the mother’s heartbeat and voice, learning of comfort and love while still being formed in the womb.

As the pregnancy journey comes to an expected end, parents realize the biggest blessing of all when they look into the face of their newborn baby and gain a clearer perspective for this very important beginning.

The gift of a child is an invaluable treasure -- to be forever kept in the depth of a thankful heart.

Colette Gown- On the Shoulder Sleeve in Moss $108.00 June Natural Floral Crown $34.00

Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 23

FASHION

T he investment of family is one of life’s richest gifts to be enjoyed.

Kelly Gown- Off the Shoulder Cap Sleeve in White $104.00 Brooklyn Crystal Sash $34.00 Rhinestone Barefoot Sandals $18.00

24 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

All Men’s Ralph Lauren Clothing provided by Belk in the Asheville Mall All Children’s Clothing & Accessories by H&M

FASHION FA S H I O N C R E D I TS : PHOTOGRAPHY BY:

828.442.0337 katycookphotography.com ALL MATERNITY GOWNS & ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY:

sewtrendyaccessories.com Customer Service Email: sewtrendycustomerservice@gmail.com facebook.com/sewtrendyaccessories Instagram @sewtrendyaccessories HAIR & MAKEUP BY:

Brittanny Craig

MANICURE/PEDICURE BY:

Linda Morrison

Asheville Mall • 828.296.9463 FASHION COORDINATOR:

Angela Ramsey

PHOTO SHOOT ASSISTANTS:

Charlie, Cynthia & Laura McAbee MODELS:

Clint, Angela & Colton Ramsey SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PHOTO SHOOT LOCATION:

31 White Rose Lane • Asheville 828.407.0040 olivettenc.com Clara Gown-Vintage Ruffle and Infinity Top in Plum with a Satin Slip $210.00 Floral Crown in Marble Plum $49.99 Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 25

LIFE SKILLS

Can We Talk?

Connecting Heart-ToHeart

By Lauren Griffin, M.A., LPC

I

do not believe technology is bad. In fact, I’m a huge fan of technology and use it daily as a tool in my life. I find it helpful to confirm appointments, notify others of my arrival status, share errand lists, and keep up with news. Learning to effectively manage technology is an important tool for your life skills toolbox. Let’s look at how to connect with one another in ways that support our relationships.

How many times in a day do we connect deeply with the people who matter most to us? Are we losing our ability to connect face-to-face as we depend more on technology or does technology enhance our connections to others?

In my work, I have seen how emotional communication through technology can lead to misunderstandings. How arguments over text damage intimacy and trust. I have witnessed the loss of marriages and

friendships over the use of technology for important conversations. Consider using technology as a tool for non-emotional content and avoid using it for conversations involving intimacy and emotional topics.

Technology use affects relationships at all stages of life. I’ve seen teens and adults experience challenges with technology and relationships. To illustrate, Josette, 43, is in a committed relationship of 15 years and has experienced how easy it is to disengage from face to-face communication through technology and how her ability to connect in person began to weaken. When I began working with Josette and her partner, face-to-face communication was at a minimum. They were no longer connecting in the way they had earlier in their relationship. Both partners were experiencing a sense of loneliness and distance and both were heavy technology users who frequently discussed emotional topics via text.

Learning to differentiate between the use of technology as an appropriate tool in their relationship and when face-to-face communication was a better choice, allowed them to reconnect in a meaningful way. Their work returned the connection that fueled the first 13 years of their relationship. Let’s look at three of the skills they used: z accountability z listening z reflecting

Accountability Our feelings really are our responsibility; we are accountable for them. It all happens so fast. Others are making us have feelings of anger or hurt. Our responses to others’ words and behaviors are processed so quickly it appears that they caused our feelings. Learning to be accountable for our feelings is important and empowering and it frees ourselves from feeling victimized by others. A simple way to express accountability is in the form of “I” statements. The most effective “I” statements are a feeling followed by a need or desire. Here is an example: “I am angry that you ignored the bills. I need to feel like I can trust you.” Stating our feelings face-to-face to the person who needs to hear them builds a foundation of trust in the relationship.

Listening Many successful people attribute their successes in life to their ability to listen and understand others effectively. Does hearing what is said mean listening is happening? Listening is taking in what is said without interrupting verbally or nonverbally or thinking about what you want to say. Listening requires focus and awareness of verbal and non-verbal messages. Effective listening supports positive relationships and is a fundamental building block of success.

Reflecting Reflecting builds empathy and understanding. It’s about communicating your understanding of your partner’s message. It involves two basic steps: seeking to understand the message, then offering the message back, including feelings that were shared, to confirm it has been understood. Reflecting helps reduce misunderstanding in relationships.

Josette and her partner continue to use these tools and they report feeling more connected and fulfilled in their relationship.

Consider adding these skills to your life skills toolbox as a way of building intimacy, understanding and empathy in your relationships. Applying these tools will create tremendous shifts toward healthier, happier and more rewarding interactions.

Lauren Griffin, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice in Asheville. Connect with her online at WNCcounseling.com or call for a complimentary phone consultation at (828) 782-3388.

26 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

Celebrating

42 Years

of Compassionate Healthcare for the Entire Family

Great-Grandmother to Grandson: Family spanning four generations trust their care to MAHEC

“We feel like they’re a part of our family. They treat you like family, the way you want to be treated by your doctor.”

– Gary, MAHEC patient

Over the last 42 years, MAHEC has proudly been a part of the WNC family. Whether it’s delivering babies, providing compassionate care for the elderly, or giving back people’s smiles, we continue our tradition of award-winning care.

From newborn through geriatric medicine, families are our top priority.

Family Healthcare the Way It Used to Be and Still Is DR. AMY SANTIN, family practice physician at MAHEC Family Health Center at Cane Creek, delivered Katie’s baby less than two years ago, but she also knows Katie’s husband, his mother, his grandmother and several other family members spanning four generations. This close-knit family lives on the same street just around the corner from the Cane Creek office and found the doctors know them almost as well as they know each other.

“We feel like they’re a part of our family,” says Gary, Katie’s father-in-law. “They treat you like family, the way you want to be treated by your doctor – The way it used to be back when I grew up.”

Donna, the grandmother, was the first patient of the group. Needing a doctor and living only a mile away,

she decided to give MAHEC a try. That was nearly a decade ago.

“I’ve been there ever since,” she says. “I’ve been very happy there.”

From Great-Grandmother to Grandson - Care for the Entire Family When Donna’s daughter, Cheryl, found herself dissatisfied with her own doctor, she took her mother’s advice and switched to MAHEC. Along with her came her husband, Gary. Soon, their son, Nate, and his wife, Katie, began researching obstetrics practices when she became pregnant and discovered that

MAHEC fit their needs as well. It wasn’t long before baby Noble entered the scene, not to mention various other family members that have since become MAHEC patients.

“I think it’s the reason that doctors go into family medicine,” says Dr. Santin. “It’s just a joyful way to practice medicine. You really get to know the whole family, and that ultimately makes treating the patient in front of you much easier when you understand them within their whole family context.”

Comfortable and Confident in Each and Every One The family also loves how they know all the doctors there and feel confident in the care from each and Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 27

every one of them. Cheryl accompanied Donna on several doctor’s and hospital visits, and it was a relief to her to see a doctor she also knew and trusted to take care of her mother. The entire family feels a sense of security in knowing that the tension during any emergency could be lessened because they know all of the doctors they may see.

Part of that confidence stems from the feeling that they’re truly cared about and not just another patient. Whether it’s how Dr. Benjamin Gilmer gave Donna a recipe for a homemade version of Gatorade when he saw her for dehydration; or how Dr. Mike Coladonato came back the following day with a game plan after a night of research for Cheryl’s reoccurring infection; or the fact that Katie and Nate felt a personal connection when Dr. Santin gave them her cell phone number; they know they can count on their doctor.

“I think it’s great having a group like that where the whole family can go and feel comfortable and get good healthcare,” says Donna.

Family Centered Cesarean – Engaging in a Birth Experience ASTRID ENTERED THE world through an emergency cesarean – a terrifying ordeal for her parents, Hadley and Grayson, and an experience that robbed them of those precious moments of seeing their baby being born. It had simply been the only way to keep mom and baby safe.

Although grateful for a healthy child, it was a blow to learn a cesarean would be medically necessary for their second baby as well. Naturally, Hadley felt nervous after the first traumatic experience and requested the two doctors who had safely delivered Astrid, confident in their abilities: Drs. Rongrong Fan and Laurel Berry of MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists.

Walking Through Step

By Step Hadley received the option of a Family Centered Cesarean where healthy patients expecting healthy babies have the options of seeing their baby being born 28 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

Creating Amazing Birth Stories: Drs. Laurel Berry and Rongrong Fan delivered both Astrid and her baby brother, Björn. and skin to skin contact with the baby immediately after delivery. Like many patients, this was exactly what Hadley and Grayson felt they missed with the first cesarean.

“

From the very start, they wanted to make sure this birth was going to be a really good one, and that really meant a lot to me.

“

“There’s no reason not to offer this, even if it’s in the middle of the night on a weekend,” says Dr. Kiran Sigmon, physician at MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists.

“We ought to be able to accommodate the birthing experience for them.”

Hadley wrote out a list of her birth preferences and both doctors answered all her questions and made sure all her needs were met. Dr. Berry even walked her through the hospital the weekend before surgery to explain every step of the process and approximately how long each would take.

“From the very start, they wanted to make sure this birth was going to be a really good one, and that really meant a lot to me,” says Hadley. “The Family Centered Cesarean didn’t begin with walking into the surgery room. It began the first day I walked into MAHEC and was treated as a human being.”

More of a Birth Experience, Less of a Surgical Experience When the morning of the surgery came, Hadley felt confident in her doctors and the procedure and knew what to expect every step of the way. But as she walked into the surgery room, she found herself frightened and shaking. Grayson would not be scrubbed in until she finished being prepped for surgery. That’s when one of the nurses stepped in, held her hands, and did something Hadley did not see coming.

“She just began telling me some of the most ridiculous jokes I’ve ever heard,” she says. “And it just really helped.”

Throughout the surgery, Drs. Berry and Fan chatted casually with her, explaining everything that was happening to help keep her at ease; Grayson sat beside her, holding her hands; and nurses brought her more blankets when she felt cold. Then it finally came time for that birth experience they wanted so badly.

Hadley was not even sure at first whether she wanted to see the birth, worried it would be scary or weird, but now treasures the memory and is glad she did.

“There was this one moment where they lowered the curtain so I could watch him being born, and it was just so amazing,” she says. “They pulled him out, covered in goop, and he just came out screaming. It

was so beautiful and wonderful, and I felt so grateful to be able to see that.”

Baby Björn entered the world screaming on May 23, 2016 and was immediately placed on mom’s chest.

Instead of the baby being removed for drying and vitals, the new family can bond while many of those procedures are done right there at the table.

“We can make it more of a birth experience and less of a surgical experience,” says Dr. Sigmon.

One of the nurses even used Grayson’s phone to take pictures of the family. Grayson said that instead of a situation where they felt powerless in an operating room, they had an experience they can look back on and remember.

Amazing Birth Stories “I felt really well cared for,” says Hadley. “I felt treated very well, I felt listened to, I felt heard, and I felt like I was treated like a human being as opposed to a patient on a table. That’s what I remember about the environment the most is being surrounded by people who really cared.”

Hadley and Grayson had the great birth experience they had hoped for, and with the skin to skin contact, Björn transitioned better. Hadley went straight to breastfeeding in the recovery room and feels that even the bond between siblings was easier because it was a positive experience for everyone. Dr. Sigmon sees these results frequently from Family Centered Cesareans.

“Now over three years later, we’re having amazing birth stories over and over again where patients are sending us words of gratitude because of a very memorable birth experience, which they may only have one of in their life.”

“

We can make it more of a birth experience and less of a surgical experience.

“

What’s Different About a Family Centered Cesarean?

• Option of seeing baby being born • Option of skin to skin contact with baby immediately after delivery • For healthy moms having healthy pregnancies and expecting healthy babies • More of a birth experience, less of a surgical experience • Partner in room to share the experience

• • • •

Choice of personal music during procedure Dimmed lights for a more welcoming environment Drying and assessment done on mom’s chest to allow for bonding Better transition for baby – great support of breastfeeding and helps postpartum depression

The School Nurse: Caring for Each Individual Child’s Need KALEA IS ONE OF OVER 28,000 public school students in Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools with a health condition. Whether there are daily medications that need to be taken, severe allergies to keep an eye on, diabetes to be managed, or a variety of other health conditions ranging in severity, parents place their children’s care in the hands of the school nurse.

“School nursing is about keeping students healthy, in their seat, and safe so they can learn,” says Alice Elio, school nurse supervisor.

Kalea and her mother, Melissa, are quite familiar with that. Kalea has Type I Diabetes, requiring her blood sugar to be checked every four hours and inject insulin every time she eats. Now a junior at Enka High School, she primarily manages it on her own, but it was a much larger concern for Melissa when Kalea was younger. Luckily, they had Kim Owenby, school nurse, to rely on for her care.

“On the days Kim was at school, I didn’t worry about anything,” says Melissa. “She’s been very supportive for me, especially when Kalea was younger. When you get diagnosed with Type I Diabetes it’s a life changing event, and she counseled me a lot of times.

She has actually become a family friend.”

School nurses are responsible for not only knowing how to treat each individual child’s health needs, but also for making sure their teachers know how to as well in case of emergencies. If a student has an emergency action plan from their medical provider, the school nurse reviews that with school staff who may care for the student during the day, and also train staff on any procedures the students may require.

“Kim has learned how Kalea’s body reacts rather than others,” says Melissa. “Everybody is different.

She informs the teacher on her specifically and all the other students that may need her assistance. She knows about them all and takes the time to do her job well.”

Part of that job is communicating with both the parents and the students’ medical providers. Even during the summer Kim has called to check on Kalea outside of school and keep informed of any changes in her medical needs.

A Partnership for Better Health With the transition this past year of MAHEC now facilitating school health programs, school nurses have more support and resources in caring for students and better coordination of services along a health continuum. They now have access to additional dental and medical consultations to ensure all students are being cared for optimally. MAHEC also provides more continuing education for nurses and can better address the increasing student population with a need for specialized care.

Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 29

This past school year, Kalea spent a week in the hospital, missing school, but Kim was able to get her missed days waived and made sure Kalea was caught up on all her schoolwork.

“Normally while I’m at school I manage my diabetes pretty well so it’s not like I’m always having to visit the nurse,” says Kalea. “But every time I’ve ever needed her, like if I’m out of supplies or anything like that, she’s always there.”

School nurses are now MAHEC employees contracted by the Department of Health to provide services to both Asheville City & Buncombe County Schools.

This has been a transition year, so you may have seen changes in your school nurse coverage throughout the school year.

MAHEC has been actively bringing on new school nurses to fill the gaps that took place during the transition. You can check with your school to find out who your school nurse is at the start of the school year.

Treating Each Individual Child’s Health Needs: School Nurse Kim Owenby checks on Kalea after volleyball practice. Kim ensures even the coaches have training on Kalea’s condition.

IN THE 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR:

9,724 different identified health conditions 5% of all students were on daily medication 252 students required daily or as needed procedures

Oral Health: More Than Just Teeth and Gums OF COURSE POOR ORAL HEALTH can lead to pain, cavities, and even loss of teeth, but it can also impact conditions or diseases within the body that might not be associated with the mouth. These can include diabetes, some heart conditions, and pregnancy!

“The mouth can be seen as a ‘gateway’ to the rest of the body and an indicator of overall health,” says Dr. Jessica Planer, faculty dentist at MAHEC Dental Health Center and Center for Advanced Training.

Not only is it important to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly to reduce any negative impact on the rest of your body, but dentists may be able to catch other issues by noticing any changes in your mouth. Mouth ulcers, bleeding gums, or bony changes seen on an x-ray can be indicators of other health conditions that may need to be checked out by a physician. With the MAHEC Family Health Center and Ob/Gyn Specialists on the same campus as the dental office, MAHEC can take care of patients with a wide variety of healthcare needs.

From Mom to Baby You may be aware that pregnancy can cause changes in a woman’s oral health (bleeding or swollen gums

30 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

are common), but did you know the unborn child can also be affected? Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by bacteria, and this bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and possibly affect the unborn child. MAHEC treats women during all stages of pregnancy, keeping their safety and that of their baby as top priority. Oral health is still just as important after the baby is born though.

“A mother with tooth decay or gum disease can pass the bacteria that cause these diseases in her own mouth to her child’s mouth,” says Dr. Planer. “Sharing utensils and kissing are common ways this can happen. Hopefully you can see that a healthy mouth is not only good for mom, but good for her child too!”

“

“They have really gone above and beyond to make sure I am comfortable and that I have a painless experience. MAHEC gave me my smile back and you have no idea what that means to me!”

– Tina, dental patient

“

Creating Good Oral Health Habits From the Start Dental care for the entire family is important, and MAHEC provides comprehensive dental care for adults and children ages six and older.

“Sometimes parents wonder why this is important, especially since baby teeth just ‘fall out,’” says Dr. Planer. “Visiting a dentist on a regular basis will help establish a healthy pattern of dental check-ups and cleanings for your child.”

The pattern helps children become comfortable with the dental office, and it’s often easier and less costly to fix any problems that are caught early, like tooth decay. Problems with baby teeth can affect the permanent teeth lying underneath. Setting a precedent for good oral health from the start will help with good overall health of the child, adolescent, and adult, and MAHEC is here to help!

For more information about MAHEC, please visit:

www.mahec.net

Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 31

September 22 marks the 1949 founding date of the American Business Women’s Association, the mission of which is “to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership; education, networking

32 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

support and national recognition”. This holiday was recognized in 1983 and 1986 by Congressional resolution and a proclamation issued by President Ronald Reagan. It commemorates the important legacy and contributions of the more than 68 million American working women and 7.7 million women business owners.

Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 33

34 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

Mammography Your questions answered

BY JENNIFER SELLERS

I

t can be a challenge to sort through all of the information—and misinformation—on mammograms. To help you better understand this important screening tool, Helen Sandven, MD, medical director of breast imaging at Mission Hospitals, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about mammography.

Q. At what age should a woman start undergoing regular screenings for breast cancer?

A. The most lives are saved when women begin screening at 40 years of age. This is not controversial. Statistics from The National Cancer Institute show that 20 percent of breast cancer deaths can be averted if screening begins at age 40 rather than age 50.

Q. How frequently should a woman have a mammogram?

A. Yearly screening saves the most lives. This is not controversial. Data from 2015 showed a 38.5 percent mortality reduction when patients were screened every other year. However, annual screening led to a 53.4 percent reduction in breast cancer deaths.

Q. Are there any risks associated with mammography?

A. There are features of breast imaging that some patients see as disadvantages: - potential stress and cost associated with being called back for additional testing - potential pain and cost associated with negative biopsies - radiation exposure

Studies and surveys have found that most women agree that early detection outweighs these risks. The vast majority of women choose to manage their stress and proceed with additional testing rather than risk a cancerous tumor enlarging. In regards to radiation, we work hard to keep radiation amounts as low as possible. The risk of radiation-induced breast cancer in patients who have had 20 or more years of mammograms has been estimated at 1 in 100,000.

Q. What is overdiagnosis?

A. Overdiagnosis is the identification of a disease that would never harm a patient, even if left untreated. This happens as a result of precaution.

At present, breast-imaging science doesn’t have a way to differentiate “killer” cancer cells from “quiet” ones. The quiet cancer cells are rare, and the medical community has chosen to treat all cancers as if they were the killer type until we can find a way to tell the difference. There’s little argument that invasive cancers will become the killer type, so supplemental screening for breast cancer has focused on finding invasive disease. Both tomosynthesis (3D mammography) and screening breast ultrasound find additional invasive cancers in women with dense breasts.

Q. Why are dense breasts problematic, and how can this issue be addressed?

A. Women with dense breasts are at a disadvantage on two fronts: 1) they have an increased risk of breast cancer (approximately double the risk) and 2) the density of their breasts makes it harder for breast cancer to be detected during routine mammograms. Recent studies have shown that screening breast ultrasound is more likely to

find small, invasive cancers in women with dense breasts than screening with tomosynthesis. However, both methods find more cancers than standard mammography in dense-breasted women.

[CTA] To get your mammography questions answered, schedule an appointment with the Mission Breast Center by calling (828) 213-XRAY (9729).

High-Risk Breast Cancer

BY JASON SCHNEIDER

The new Mission Breast Program High Risk Clinic educates women about their personal risk for breast cancer and offers screening to help detect breast cancer at its earliest—and most treatable—stage. Awareness is key.

“There are many risk factors for breast cancer with the strongest being female gender and age. For many women, sorting through these risks can be daunting,” said Michelle LeBlanc, MD, of Western Carolina Women’s Specialty Center, an experienced care provider for women with breast cancer and is a member of the Mission Breast Program.

Each woman will have a risk model calculation based on her family history and personal risk factors. “She will receive a breast exam, a review of any previous breast imaging, and a summary of recommendations for screening and risk reduction,” said Dr. LeBlanc. If genetic testing is indicated, she will be seen by a genetic counselor.

The clinic is located at the Hope Center, 100 Ridgefield Court, in Asheville. To schedule an appointment at Western Carolina Women’s Specialty Center, call (828) 670-5665 or visit mission-health.org/breastprogram.

Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 35

ASHEVILLE FASHION WEEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAX GANLY PHOTOGRAPHY Taking place August 3-6, this year’s Asheville Fashion Week event featured an impressive 90 ft runway and an equally impressive slate of designers: from local Ashevillians to designers from around the southeast who were attracted to the event.

Sponsored by Gage Models and Talent, the event brought valuable publicity and awareness to the Asheville fashion community that has been growing and thriving in recent years.

For more information on Asheville Fashion Week and to see more pictures, go to sophiemagazine.com

36 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

Designer: Angel Blanco, Hair: Jana Burn, Chasity Simonds, & Mrz Blacc Hall, Makeup: Beth NicholsThurmer, Model: Ina Marie Owens, Gage Models & Talent Agency

RIGHT: Designer: Be Well Couture by Kristin Alexandra Tidwell, Hair & Makeup: Devynn Potter, Model: Julia Gurley, Gage Models & Talent Agency BELOW: Designer: Angel Blanco, Hair: Jana Burn, Chasity Simonds, & Mrz Blacc Hall, Makeup: Beth Nichols-Thurmer, Model: Emily Chaput, Gage Models & Talent Agency

FAR RIGHT: Designer: Brooke Ullman, Model: Amber Culeton ABOVE: Designer: Angel Blanco,Hair: Jana Burn, Chasity Simonds, & Mrz Blacc Hall, Makeup: Beth NicholsThurmer, Model: Ginger Wilde, Gage Models & Talent Agency

RIGHT (RED DRESS): Designer: Garic Stephens. Hair & Makeup: Hana Allen, Model: McKenzie Harrill, Gage Models & Talent Agency BOTTOM RIGHT: Designer: Angel Blanco, Hair: Jana Burn, Chasity Simonds, & Mrz Blacc Hall, Makeup: Beth Nichols-Thurmer, Model: Cori Depew, Gage Models & Talent Agency Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 37

HOME & GARDEN

LET’S GET COOKING BY DEBI MANFRE

Super Healthy Although they’re soft and creamy enough to be put in pies and called dessert, sweet potatoes are also a surprisingly nutritious vegetable.

One medium sweet potato will provide well over 100% of your daily needs for vitamin A, as well as 37% of vitamin C, 16% of vitamin B-6, 10% of pantothenic acid, 15% of potassium and 28% of manganese.

Sweet potatoes are also an excellent gluten-free option for those who are looking to replace carbohydrates in their diet.

DID YOU KNOW...

{

Sweet potatoes are North Carolina’s official state vegetable. North Carolina is the leading producer of sweet potatoes in the United States, producing about 40 percent of the national supply.

{

Despite the terms sweet potato and yam often being used interchangeably, they are actually not even botanically related.

Yams are almost exclusively grown in Africa and are more dry and starchy compared to a sweet potato.

FIVE WAYS TO ENJOY SWEET POTATOES

1

Curried Carrot, Sweet Potato, & Ginger Soup

Heat 2 teaspoons of canola oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped shallots; saute 3 minutes or until tender. Add 3 cups of 1/2 inch cubed, peeled sweet potato, 1 1/2 cups of 1/4 sliced carrots, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 2 teaspoons curry; cook 2 minutes. Add 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Pour half of soup in a food processor; pulse until smooth.

Put pureed soup in a clean pot over low heat.

Repeat procedure with remaining soup. Add salt and pepper to taste.

2

Fettuccine with Sweet Potatoes, Bacon & Rosemary

3

Baked Sweet Potato with Peanut Thai Shrimp Topping

4

Homemade Vegan Baked Sweet Potato Tots

5

Sweet Potato Cake

Preheat oven to 425º and cook 6 slices of bacon on a baking sheet until crisp, about 10 minutes. Cook 12 oz. of fettuccine in salted, boiling water until al dente. While pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in skillet over medium high heat. Add 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes that are peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces, along with 2 cloves of chopped garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until potato is tender. Drain cooked pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water. Return pasta to pot. Add potato mixture and 1 cup freshly grated parmesan to the pasta and stir over medium-low heat adding pasta water in small increments, until cheese is melted and the sauce is a nice light consistency. Add crumbled bacon, 2 tablespoons of chopped rosemary, freshly ground black pepper and toss. Serve with additional grated parmesan.

Bake or microwave 1 medium sized sweet potato until tender. Thaw 3 ounces pre-cooked, deveined shrimp. Quickly sauté shrimp in 1 teaspoon olive oil along with 1/2 cup shredded carrots and 2 tablespoons chopped red onion until just heated. Stir in 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon peanut butter and Sriracha sauce to taste. Split open the baked sweet potato and top with the shrimp mixture. Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro.

Preheat oven to 375º. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 lb. of sweet potatoes to the water and cook until tender. Drain and allow to cool. Once cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes. Shred the peeled potatoes with a box grater.

Add the grated sweet potatoes to a large bowl with 1/4 cup of brown rice flour, a 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and a 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Combine well. Roll and squish the potatoes into tot shapes. Makes about 24. Place them on a baking sheet coated with vegetable oil spray. Bake for 30 minutes until crisp on the outside.

Preheat oven to 325º. In the bowl of an electric mixer on medium speed combine 2 eggs, 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato, 1/4 cup molasses, 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar and a 1/2 cup of oil for about 2 minutes. Sift together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 3 teaspoons ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Fold dry ingredients into the sweet potato mixture to combine well but do not over mix. Pour batter into a greased and floured 9x9 inch square baking pan and bake for 30-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve.

38 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

HOME & GARDEN

What’s Really Causing Your Wine Headaches?

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By Andy Hale

o there you are, reading wine labels in your favorite shop, Flavors of gooseberry, kiwi and a soft, lingering finish of…whatever, when you notice two words that make you stop. Contains Sulfites. What are sulfites anyway, why does every bottle seem to sheepishly confess to containing them and should you be worried about them?

What are Sulfites?

Sulfites are Sulfur Dioxide (S02), a naturally occurring preservative that is used in winemaking, and also widely used in the food industry. They have been added to wine since ancient Roman times to prevent bacteria that could make your favorite Chardonnay taste like a wet-dog covered in sour-apples. All wines contain sulfites, even if the bottle says there were none added. Sulfite labeling is only required in the US, so the bottle you had on your last trip to Europe also had sulfites in it, even though it didn’t admit it. They are unrelated to Sulfa drugs, so they fortunately won’t bother that allergy.

Are Sulfites Dangerous?

According to the FDA, about 1% of the population is sulfite-sensitive, but this mostly aggravates the symptoms of severe asthma, which can be very serious. There have been several studies that tried to show that sulfites cause headaches but none have ever found any relationship between the two.

Sulfites aren’t just found in wine, they are in a lot of the foods you eat. The most sulfite-packed jug-wine only contains about as much S02 as a soda, less than a can of soup or packaged orange juice, and half as much as French Fries! Dried fruit is the worst offender of all, containing ten times the amount of sulfites in wine! If you can eat raisins without getting a headache, sulfites are probably not causing your wine related agony.

headache, runny nose or itchy eyes in this case. If this sounds like your wine experience, try a histamine blocker, such as your favorite allergy medication before you pop that cork.

I also point the finger at mass-produced, cheaply made wines usually found in the gas station, drug store, or grocery. Like processed foods, these are increasingly becoming a manufactured product. You can legally add dyes to darken the color, Silica Gel to de-foam the wine, Gum Arabic to soften the tannins and sugar to sweeten it until it masks the off-flavors. Drinking a few sips of that stuff makes my head pound! Grab one that is traditionally made instead.

Keep in mind the most common reason for a wine headache is just drinking too much of it.

Try not to over-indulge, eat something and drink plenty of water and hopefully wine won’t be such a…well, headache.

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

What’s Causing my Wine Headache Then?

Some people have reactions to tannins, the mouth-drying, astringent part of red wine, also found in black tea, soy sauce and even chocolate. If red wine gives you a headache but whites do not, tannins could be the cause.

Sugar and alcohol can also cause headaches. They require a lot of water to break down, and if you aren’t hydrated enough, your body might pull the moisture it needs from your head! Keep a glass of water nearby while you drink and see if your headaches go away.

Also, some people have a histamine reaction to aged food and drink, such as wine, tofu and dried meats. You could experience a Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 39

FIND YOURSELF

On July 21st, scores of fashion enthusiasts met at Salvage Station for an an evening of networking and creating. FASHMOB is the most widely talked about fashion photography event. Duncan Chaboudy, photographer and owner/operator of Studio 250, is the mastermind behind this creative undertaking.

ian Summers Rabjohns • Model: Jill Photographer: Tracey ry n at Ironic Embroide Designer: Ida Bostia

Photographer: Mark Robertson • Model: Alan Malpass l: Samantha Singleton n Chaboudy • Mode Photographer: Dunca KiTTy c CtI uture / InTerGala Designer: KatDog Co

40 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

Photographer: Sarah Hooker • Model: Belle Crouse MUA: Iliana Guarded, Audacious Beauty

Photographer: Alex Headrick - Harlequinn Photography Photographer: Jeff Haffner • Model: Sarah Johns Designer: Accentuates Clothing by Diane Gardner

Photographer: Viv

an Williams

Photographer: Max Ganly Photography • Model: Tammy Mattox Designer: ARTeries by Stina • MU: Iliana Guardado • Hair: Brandi Allison

Photographer: Wendy Olsen • Model: Na'ama Ella Asido Designer: Grateful Threads • Makeup: Iliana Guardado

Photographer: Beth Scott • Model: Laura Hammond Stylist/ designer: Beth Scott • Hair: Hannah Sherlock Photographer: Myriah Wood • Designer: Olivia Mears

Photographer: David Gale • Model: Brook e Jagger • Designer: Brooke Ullman MUA: Iliana Guarded, Audacious Beauty • Earrings: Feathered Gypsies Boutique

Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 41

CONCERNING OUR COMMUNITY Raise Your Hand Benefit Auction & Gala On October 1st the Western North Carolina AIDS Project will host their 28th annual Raise Your Hand Auction and Gala.

This elegant evening event features catering by Chef Anthony Cerrato of Strada Italiano with a delicious cocktail hour and dinner menu. The silent auction will showcase a variety of fantastic donated items including local art, incredible travel experiences, select wines, handcrafted jewelry, and more. Guests will then enjoy a wonderful dinner and live auction with renowned auctioneer Andrew Brunk, of Brunk Auctions. The live auction feature item is the 2016 Signature Piece winner (pictured above), a beautiful alcohol ink on aluminum, “Distillation Series- Green Blue” by local artist Constance Williams. WNCAP also will be honoring Harry Brown, a volunteer and WNCAP Champion, as the 2016 Honorary Chair. All proceeds raised at the Auction go directly to the many programs WNCAP has in the Western North Carolina region. For more information about WNCAP or Raise Your Hand, or to purchase tickets please visit wncapgala.org.

Students Gain More Than Cooking Skills Through Culinary Program St. Gerard House recently welcomed a new beginning for the organization’s Feed the Need program, which provides opportunities for young adults with autism to learn living and vocational skills.

With the help of a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Henderson County, participants now gather each week in a fully-equipped teaching kitchen to prepare and enjoy nutritional meals.

“Already we have students making huge strides,” says Program Coordinator Julia Matthews. “Cooking is a basic skill for daily living, so enabling them to take ownership of their food leads to significant increases in self-esteem and independence.”

Feed the Need participants gain valuable living and vocational skills, as well as a unique sense of community. This opportunity to plan, organize and manage time as part of a team is vital for individuals with autism, who sometimes find it difficult to socialize with others.

“Something magical happens when you sit down to share a meal,” explains Matthews. “We’ve seen even the most reserved participants begin to laugh and talk as they share in the satisfaction of eating something they cooked themselves.”

Upon its founding in 2010, St. Gerard House served children ages two through seven. Six years later, the organization’s track record of provid42 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

ing joy, understanding, and meaningful outcomes for families facing autism throughout the region led to a demand that exceeded capacity. The teaching kitchen is one piece of a capital campaign that will provide new facilities, programs, and scholarships to meet the unique needs of individuals aged eight through adulthood.

One in 58 children in North Carolina is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder; a rate that is above the national average. In addition to Feed the Need vocational training, St. Gerard House offers a variety of programs providing year-round individualized instruction, family support, consultative services, and more.

For more information on St. Gerard House and upcoming opportunities for involvement, visit stgerardhouse.org, or call (828) 693-4223.

Friends of the Smokies Wins $250,000 Historic Preservation Grant Friends of the Smokies announced it will receive a $250,000 grant provided by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Great Smoky Mountains National Park qualified for the grant as one of the top nine most voted for parks in the Partners in Preservation: National Parks campaign.

Friends of the Smokies will apply the grant to help restore Clingmans Dome Observation Tower and will receive the grant by September 2016. Great Smoky Mountains National Park expects to begin work on the project in 2017.

“We are so thankful for the community support during this competition,” added Jim Hart, Friends of the Smokies’ president. “Our friends helped spread the word and their votes kept the Smokies among the top spots right from the beginning. We’re excited to put this grant money to work.”

A decade after its inception, Partners in Preservation, a community-based initiative created to raise awareness of the importance of preserving historic places, honored the National Park Service Centennial by directing its efforts to historic sites within national park units in need of preservation support.

Twenty different park sites with unique histories, reflective of the diverse communities and experiences that comprise our nation’s cultural fabric, participated in the campaign. The nine winning sites accumulated the most votes throughout the campaign, which was hosted by media partner National Geographic, from May 25 through July 5.

Seeking “Blanketeers” The local chapter of Project Linus, a national non-profit organization which donates handmade blankets to children in crisis, is seeking volunteers to create blankets. The new “blanketeers” can contribute knitted, crocheted, quilted, no-sew fleece or flannel blankets.

During the past 16 years our local chapter has distributed over 57,000 hand made blankets 12 counties in western NC and there is still a need for additional blankets.

If interested contact, Ellen Knoefel, chapter coordinator, at (828) 645-8800.

In 45 Minutes Or Less ow many times have you thought to yourself: “I am not creative enough to make a quilt,” “I don’t have time to do all that sewing,” “I can’t follow a pattern.” Well, now you can rethink these beliefs and make a unique, quilt top in less than 45 minutes. The best part is that even an inexperienced individual can do it and get a great result.

In order to show how easy it is to make a quilt, members of the Asheville Quilt Guild (AQG) will demonstrate how to “design” and make a quilt! On the first day of the 34th Annual Asheville Quilt Show, Friday September 30, at 3 p.m. Two teams of AQG members will work at fast forward speed to show you how to make a quilt starting from “Jelly Rolls.” No, we do not mean the calorie rich variety, but 2 1/2” wide rolls of precut fabric with unique colors and designs “built in.”

The teams will create two finished quilt tops 30 minutes! After the tops are finished they will be “quilted” and then donated to a community organization. This activity is part of the Guild’s mission to ‘encourage the art quilting in the general public’. Everybody that attends can cheer on a team and hopefully, if you have

never made a quilt before, you will be inspired to make your own “Jelly Roll” quilt! All you have to do is choose a jelly roll, get out your trusty sewing machine, and start sewing!

In order to introduce children to the art of quilting the show will run a “Kids Sewing Station” where kids, under the guidance from an AQG member, can select their own fabric and make his or her own unique pillow to take it home. In addition, all day every day, there will be a children’s “Treasure Hunt” where they can search for features and items within the quilts on display.

The judged Quilt Show will be open from September 30 through October 2 at the WNC Agricultural Center in the Davis Center. This year’s show theme is “Quilts: Colorful, Creative and Cozy” and will display over 300 quilts entered in 17 categories, and three special exhibits. There will be demonstrations, a silent auction, gift shop, vendors, on-site lunch, abundant parking, and handicap accessibility.

The entry fee is $7.

An example of a “Jelly Roll” quilt top you can make in under 45 minutes.

Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 43

ENTERTAINMENT

BETTY’S BOOK REVIEW

S

“Game Of Queen,” by India Edghill

44 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

“Game Of Queens”

horter days mean less time in the garden after dinner and more time for my favorite secret guilty pleasure: READING! I have just finished a most delightful and lush reading of “Game of Queens” by India Edghill. The title caught my eye on the 14 days only library shelf. Unlike Game of Thrones, this book is based on the (sort of historical?) story from the old testament of Queen Esther and how she single handedly saved all the Jews in the royal city of Shushan in ancient Babylon. I knew a bit about the story from participating in the fun Jewish holiday of Purim and eating three-cornered cookies called Hamantaschen, but the rich history leading up to her brave act was a mystery to me.

I also did not know that there was a queen previous to Esther who played a part in this historical event.

Queen Vashti was taken at age 10 to be the child bride of the child prince who would eventually become Esther’s husband. Unlike many of today’s politicians, Vashti and Esther worked together for a common good.

I love reading historical fiction. I have never been a serious history buff, studying dry facts, but when history is told through personal experience I eat it up. Ms.

Edghill did an amazing job of giving each of the three narrative voices their own personality and take on the events occurring throughout the story. Her descriptive prose of the times, the fashions and the castles were just a joy to read.

While I was sad to finish this lovely book, I was delighted to see that Ms. Edghill has written four more, so it’s back to our wonderful library system for a second and third helping. I really recommend this as a curl up for a rainy weekend book. You won’t want to stop reading once you start.

Betty Sharpless is a professional gardener, writer and quilter who has been known to sneak a page of a book at the corner of Patton Avenue and Louisiana Avenue.

MEG’S MOVIE REVIEW

H

aving won three awards at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, the Indie-film-attending world was pretty excited for Greek born writer/director (co-written with Efthymis Filippou) Yorgos Lanthimos’s film, “The Lobster,” to be released in their hometowns. It has been hailed as a romantic comedy for people who hate romantic comedies. As someone who likes a good romantic comedy, I hated “The Lobster” with a passion.

“The Lobster” is set in an alternate reality, in which human beings’ only purpose in life is to find a mate and to remain together. If you don’t find a significant other, however, or if you get divorced, you have a limited amount of time to pair up with someone. Otherwise, you are turned into an animal to live out the rest of your life alone in that state. This is the case for the lead character David, played by Colin Farrell (“S.W.A.T.”), whose wife leaves him at the beginning of the movie for another man. So, he attends a matchmaking program

“Maybe I’m too optimistic of a person to fully appreciate this film, but I was not impressed.”

ENTERTAINMENT

“The Lobster” based out of a coastal resort.

Through this program, the single people not only try to develop relationships with each other but are also sent on hunting excursions to capture the escaped single people who are living in the wilderness, so that they can be brought back and turned into animals.

I will admit that it is a clever comment on the pressures from society to get married. When filmmakers make a movie like “The Lobster,” where the audience is asked to accept such an absurd version of reality, they are also asking for a great deal of tolerance from their viewers. The audience is basically being told to be patient with a bizarre story and to bet that the writers have put together something so fantastic and entertaining that it will be worth their indulgence. For me, the ridiculous plotline of the film made for a few decent laughs (mainly at the desperate individuals, who are trying so hard to find even the smallest thing in common to base a lifelong relationship upon), but was mainly just awkward, dark and weird.

Speaking of darkness, the plot of the movie allows for a great deal of senseless violence towards animals that the writing would have had to be pretty stellar to make up for.

Seriously, there is Border Collie stomping! I ask you, who needs that image in their head? The movie is also filled with some truly excellent actors who are frustratingly-underused in their parts, such as Rachel Weisz (“The Mummy”), John C. Reilly (“Walk Hard”), and Olivia Colman (“Broadchurch”). This is partially due to a blatant lack of character development to the point that most characters don’t even get names.

I couldn’t help but feel that “The Lobster” was written by a very bitter individual who wanted to vent about how single people are isolated from society and made to feel that there is something wrong with them. He also wanted to make the statement that all romantic relationships are based on the shallowest of connections and ultimately, lead to emotional or even physical disfigurement and self-mutilation. Maybe I’m too optimistic of a person to fully appreciate this film, but I was not impressed.

Admittedly I was not the target audience of “The Lobster,” but I found it to be silly, slow, dark and too jaded to be fun. While I had a few laughs, I had way too many eyerolls to make it worthwhile.

I give “The Lobster” two out of my 10 stars for originality. I will be very let down if I hear “The Lobster” mentioned with Oscar buzz this year.

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.

Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 45

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER HAVE EVENT? HAVEAN AN EVENT? SEPT WILD & SCENIC FILM

01

FESTIVAL Join MountainTrue for the 6th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival, featuring the year’s best short-form nature, wilderness and outdoor films. The festival focuses on films which speak to the environmental concerns and celebrations of our planet. T uesday, September 1, Sierra Nevada

Brewing Co. 7-10pm. For info visit mountaintrue.org

02 04

ASHEVILLE AERIAL ARTS PRODUCTION Becoming features dance and theater combined with stunning aerial acts on Silks, Lyra, and Trapeze, along with the thrilling Doubles Trapeze and the introduction of their new Aerial Net act. Audiences will be captivated by these expert athletes and artists defying gravity.  Friday-Sunday,

September 2-4, Asheville Community Theatre. Friday & Saturday: 7:30pm, Sunday: 2:30pm.

For tickets and more information, visit ashevilletheatre.org

46 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

Nut Gap farm. Purchase tickets at hickorynutgapfarm.com

A four-day celebration to recognize the importance of the apple industry to Henderson County and NC. A street fair on Historic Main Street and surrounding event venues with continuous free entertainment, arts & crafts, local apple growers selling apple products, children’s & youth activities, special shows, exhibits, open houses, festival food, and the King Apple Parade.

2-5, For visit

SEPT IGNITION NIGHT

A reverent evening around a fire deeply within YOU! Join Tina FireWolf and remember your primal power - that you are the Guru, Shaman and Healer!

Sink beneath the chatter to allow your Soul to sing and drum you alive! S aturday,

September 3, 7:15pm.

Tiggs Pond Retreat Center - Zirconia, NC. RSVP required for details Tina@ TinaFireWolf.com

SEPT WATERFALLS CRAFT

09

SEPT NC MOUNTAIN STATE FAIR

09 18

The third largest fair in NC celebrates the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including agriculture, music, crafts, art, food, entertainment, display of livestock, competitions, & midway amusement rides,

 Saturday & Sunday, September 1718, 10am-5pm. For directions visit OpenStudioTourHC.com

 September 9-18, WNC Agricultural

Center. For schedules & more information, visit wncagcenter.org

SEPT WEST ASHEVILLE

10

GARDEN STROLL This year’s Stroll will be in the general area of Vance School, extending down Sulphur Springs Road to Malvern Hills Park and Sand Hill Road to the Hominy Creek Greenway. Kick off ceremony at 10:30am at Vance.  September 10, 11am-4pm. For more info, visit westashevillegardens.com

SHOW

Juried creations by local and surrounding area artisans.

Handmade quality arts and crafts including fabric, paper, glass, wood, metal, clay, and other materials.

Annual tour of the Grove Park/ Sunset Mountain Neighborhood featuring 10 magnificent homes.

 September 9, Masonic Lodge, 174 E

 September 11, 11am-5pm. Tickets are

Main St, Brevard. 9am-4pm. For more info call 828-384-1226

HENDERSON COUNTY This free, self-guided tour features 36 fine art & craft studios throughout Henderson County.

Studios will be open for visits with plenty of artwork to view and to purchase. Five art corridors fan out from the center of Hendersonville and guide brochures with directions can be found at the Henderson County Travel & Tourism Center and at various outlets throughout Henderson County.

17 18

02 05

03

SEPT BECOMING: AN

 Thursday, September 15, 6pm. Hickory

SEPT OPEN STUDIO TOUR OF

SEPT NC APPLE FESTIVAL

September Downtown Hendersonville. times and event locations, ncapplefestival.org

15

DINNER A fiery night of Argentinian Asado at Hickory Nut Gap Farm.

This dinner will feature four HNG meats, served with traditionally prepared empanadas, sides, and salads. The dinner will also feature wines by Bodega Gratia.

Submit your events online: sophiemagazine.com/calendar or send events via email: calendar@sophiemagazine.com

F riday-Monday,

SEPT ARGENTINIAN ASADO

SEPT TOUR OF HOMES

11

$20 in advance. $25 day off tour. For more info, visit gp-smna.org

SEPT ASHEVILLE GREEK

23 25

FESTIVAL Sample traditional Greek foods like Lamb Shank, Pastichio, Spanakopita, Gyro & souvlaki and pastries like Baklava, Kourambiethes, Galatoboureko and Loukoumathes, while enjoying the music, dancing and shopping at the 30th annual Greek Festival. F riday-Sunday,

September 23-25, Friday & Saturday 11 AM- 9 PM & Sunday 11 AM-4 PM. 227 Cumberland Avenue. For more details, call 828253-3754 or holytrinityasheville.com/ greek-festival

SEPT FALL KIDS FISHING

24

TOURNAMENT

This semi-annual catch and release event at Lake Julian Park is open to any children ages 15 and under. Prizes and free hot dog lunch after the tournament. S aturday, September 24, 8:30-11:30am.

$10. Lake Julian Park. For more details 828-684-0376

SEPT NATIONAL PUBLIC

24

LANDS DAY Enjoy free entrance to all national parks and free tours of the Sandburg Home National Historic Site in honor of the National Park Service’s 100th birthday. S aturday, September 24. For more

details neefusa.org/public-lands-day

SEPT HENDERSONVILLE

24

OKTOBERFEST Polka dancing, games, food, beer and Dachshund racing! S aturday,

September 24, 1-6pm.

Southern Appalachian Brewery. For more details sabrewery.com

SEPT LOCAL HERO YARN

29

LAUNCH Local Hero is a locally sourced, milled & dyed yarn celebrating individuals who serve our local community through their commitment to justice, equality & creativity. Launch event will include stories from farmers, mill staff, and dyers as well as hearing from each of the first 4 local heroes to be honored with the yarn: Rev. Amy Cantrell of Beloved House, Franzi Charen of Asheville Grown Business Alliance, DeWayne Barton of Hood Huggers International & Barbara Vassallo of Mountain Lady Farm Project.  Thursday, September 29, 7-9pm.

Jubilee, 46 Wall Street, Asheville. For details visit purlsyarnemporium.com

SEPT STUDIO B CUSTOM

29

FRAMING & FINE ART OPEN HOUSE An open house celebrating 10 years in Asheville, 35 years in business & 45 years of custom framing.  Thursday, September 29, 3-8pm.

Studio B Custom Framing & Fine Art, 61 N. Merrimon Ave, Suite 109. galleryatstudiob.com

\

OCT ART ON MAIN

SEPT FIESTA HENDERSONVILLE

25

experience the best of Latin American countries in their own backyard! journey through over 20 represented countries and experience their people, music, art, food & culture.

01 02

Shop for fabulous fine art and fine craft, and see live art demonstrations during this two day outdoor festival!

S aturday & Sunday, October 1 & 2, 10am5pm. Historic Main St, Hendersonville.

Learn more at acofhc.org

 Sunday, September 25. Visitor Center,

Downtown Hendersonville. For more information, visit holacarolina.com/ fiesta-hendersonville.html

SEPT OPEN HOUSE

25

Timber Hall, a new event venue in Leicester, welcomes you to a tour of their new facility as well as a meet and greet with some of their local vendors.  Sunday, September 25, 1-4pm. Timber Hall, 349 North Turkey Creek Rd, Leicester. Visit timberhallevents.com

who will emcee. Proceeds will benefit the Literacy Council’s programs to help people rise out of poverty and get better-paying jobs to support their families.  Friday,

October 14, 6-9pm.

Renaissance Asheville Hotel. $75. For tickets & info: litcouncil.com

OCT SANDY MUSH CYCLE TO

01

FARM This year the Sandy Mush ride will start and finish at the New Belgium Tasting Room.

This ride will provide participants with a tour of local farms by bicycle, stunning scenery, tasty food samples crafted by the farms, and products for sale at every farm. After Party at New Belgium with live music. S aturday, October 1, 8am-5pm. Learn

more at cycletofarm.org

OCT COLORFEST

01

Featuring some of the best fine artists and fine crafters in WNC; plus foods and entertainment. Artisans will be displaying authentic Cherokee art, pottery, jewelry, photography, loom beading, hand made soaps, many kinds of needle work, Christmas ornaments, pine cone wreaths, candles, rustic furniture, chair caning, baskets & more. S aturday, October 1, 10am-4pm.

Learn more at visitdillsboro.org

OCT RAISE YOUR HAND

01

BENEFIT AUCTION & GALA O. Henry’s presents Raise Your Hand Benefit Auction & Gala for the Western North Carolina Aids Project. 6pm: Cocktail reception & silent auction. 8pm: Live auction & dinner. S aturday, October 1, 6pm. Asheville

OCT ASHEVILLE COFFEE EXPO

01

Co-organizers Stu Helm (“The Food Fan”) and Angie Rainey (from CoffeeCrate. co) present a family friendly event celebrating all things coffeerelated, with vendors, demos, contests & competitions for baristas & the public alike!  Sat, Oct 1, 10am-2pm. In & around

PennyCup Coffee Co, Ralph St. FREE.

Event Center. Tickets $125 on sale at wncapgala.org or (828) 252-7489

OCT AUTHORS FOR

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LITERACY DINNER & SILENT AUCTION New York Times bestselling author Wiley Cash will keynote the Literacy Council of Buncombe County’s annual event. Cash will be joined by his brother Cliff Cash, a comedian

OCT SOUTHEAST WISE

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WOMEN HERBAL CONFERENCE A weekend for women to learn, celebrate and connect.

Share inspiration, celebration and practical learning about earth-based healing and women’s health. Lake Eden offers a beautiful, serene backdrop for over 60 workshops and classes in herbalism, nutrition, personal growth and natural healing.  Friday-Sunday, October 14-16. Lake Eden. For details & online registration visit sewisewomen.com

OCT HERE’S HOPE LUNCHEON

22

& FASHION SHOW Live music will accompany the models – all cancer survivors – as they strut their stuff to some wonderful live music.  Saturday,

October 22, 1pm.

Asheville Event hopechestforwomen.org

11amCenter

OCT BONFIRE AVL:

STORYTELLING FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS A conference focuses on storytelling for business leaders.

Professionally diverse and experienced speakers. Participants will work alongside workshop facilitators to find authentic stories that will engage their target audiences, excite customers & staff, and align with the organization’s social media, online content, merchandising, and marketing.

27 28

T hursday & Friday, October 27 & 28.

Goodwill Corporate Training Center.

For info, visit bonfiresessions.com Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 47

ONGOING EVENTS CASON RANKIN’S “SPIRIT PEOPLE”

September 1-30 Cason Rankin’s “Spirit People” will be featured. The public is cordially invited to a reception on Friday, Sept.

23, 5:30- 8 pm, during which Rankin will demonstrate development of her semi-abstract spirit figures.  Art Works Brevard; Hours: 11am-5 pm Tuesday - Saturday. 828-553-1063

NORTH MAIN MUSIC

Saturdays through September 24 Free concert on the sidewalk at 536 N. Main Street in Downtown Hendersonville. Many North Main merchants open until 7pm or later.  536 N. Main St, Hendersonville, 5pm. thegreenroomcafe.biz

RHYTHM & BREWS

September 15, October 20 Free outdoor concert series featuring different bands each month. Azalea Parking Lot on King Street between 3rd & 4th Avenues, bring a chair.  Historic Downtown Hendersonville.59pm. For more info, call 828-233-3216 or downtownhendersonville.org

LIVE AFTER FIVE

BEARFOOTIN PUBLIC ART DISPLAY

September 1 – October 22 Public art display featuring fiberglass outdoor bear sculptures decorated in different themes on the sidewalks of Main Street, Hendersonville.  Downtown Hendersonville. 828-233321 or downtownhendersonville.org

ELIADA’S ANNUAL CORN MAZE

September 14 - October 23 Family friendly fun featuring jumping pillow, cow train, hayride, corn cannons, story trail, spider web climb, tube slides & more! 100% of proceeds benefit the children at Eliada.  Eliada Homes, Asheville; Hours: Wed

& Thurs: 9am-3pm, Fri: 9am-8pm, Sat: 10am-8pm, Sun: 10am-6pm. eliada.org

Fridays & Saturdays through Oct 29 • Antler Hill Village, Biltmore Live music, food, wine & beer, and fun for the whole family. Access included w/ Biltmore admission. Passholders can bring guests after 5pm. biltmore.com

 Baker Exhibit Center, NC Arboretum. ncarboretum.org 48 | Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview. 6-9pm.

Admission is $5, kids under 10 are free. hickorynutgapfarm.com

PRIDE & PREJUDICE

September 2-24 The Montford Park Players round out their summer season at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre with this classic romantic tale from one of Great Britain’s most beloved authors, Jane Austen. All of the beauty and splendor will be there in this locallypenned adaptation.  Fri-Sun: 7:30pm. Hazel Robinson Amphitheater, 92 Gay St, Asheville. montfordparkplayers.org

September 16: Cracker, The Dirty Badgers Visit with locals and visitors, enjoy free live music in downtown Asheville, and support local businesses and entertainers. Downtown Asheville (N. Lexington Ave at I-240 overpass). 5-9pm. Free; $2 wristbands for beer & wine. ashevilledowntown.org

DOWNTOWN ART WALK

September 2, October 7 (First Friday Every month April - December) Visit 25 galleries, museums, and jewelry studios within a half mile radius of downtown with exceptinoal art and activities.

FRIDAY NIGHT BARN DANCE

Fridays through October This is an all-ages event at Hickory Nut Gap farms, so bring the kids for dinner and dancing! Dinner will be served from 5-8 pm in the kitchen and local beers will be served outside.

From Bluegrass to Nola Jazz to Swing, there’s something for everyone!

9/2: The House Hoppers (Swing) 9/9: Haw Creek Sheiks (String Band)

good actor GREAT and what it takes to make the most of your natural talent. Perfect for novice actors, those who have been out of the game for a while, veteran actors with little or no technique training and those who just want experience with a different school of thought. Asheville Community Theatre. $150. ashevilletheatre.org

THE VILLAGE POTTER A range of classes for adults designed to welcome the beginner, welcome back the prodigal potter, guide a new enthusiast to the next steps and offer mentorship for those wanting to explore their skills and learn from a generous community of artists. The Village Potter, 191 Lyman Street, #180. For current class offerings and to register call 828-253-2424 or visit thevillagepotters.com

WOMEN’S FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CLASSES The Financial Empowerment Center at OnTrack WNC offers a full range of financial counseling & education services with a women-centered approach, responding to unique needs & perspectives, to help you reach your financial goals.

DOWNTOWN AFTER 5 CONCERT SERIES

Asheville. For more information, visit ashevilledowntowngalleries.org

September 24 – January 8, 2017 This exhibit explores familiar bugs and their environments through 6 giant-sized insect displays, including a praying mantis & caterpillar, interactive displays & educational materials.

The Big Barn, Hickory Nut Gap Farm,

 For more information, biltmore.com

5-8pm. Various galleries, downtown

THE WORLD OF GIANT INSECTS

9/16: Resonant Rogues (Jazz & Folk Traditions) 9/23: Sparrow & Her Wingmen (Vintage Swing) 9/30: The House Hoppers (Swing) 10/7: Haw Creek Sheiks (String Band) 10/14: Spring Mountain Shiners (Square Dance) 10/21: Sour Mash String Band (Square Dance) 10/28: The House Hoppers (Swing)

 OnTrack WNC Offices, 50 French

COSTUME AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY: 1990-2015

Through September 28 UNC Asheville hosts the U.S. premiere of the international exhibition in various galleries & spaces on campus.

Includes more than 1,500 costume designs by more than 300 designers from 31 countries, and features artists’ drawings, digital renderings, videos and actual costumes. UNC-Asheville, For more info, contact Igor Roussanoff at iroussan@unca.edu

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS ACTING TECHNIQUE FOR ADULTS

September 20-November 15 Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm Jeff Catanese takes a techniquebased approach to help you find your voice, get rid of bad acting habits and become a stronger and more dynamic actor. Find out what makes a

Broad Ave. Most classes are free, pre-registration required. Call 828255-5166 to register. ontrackwnc.org

YOGALATES Mondays: 12-1pm A blend of mind-body strength, balance, core & flexibility movements with clear, compassionate instruction for all levels. Movements are done in sitting, lying and standing positions.

Mats provided.  Pardee Rehab & Wellness Center, 212 Thompson St, Hendersonville. $8/ class. rehab.pardeehospital.org

WILD ABUNDANCE CLASSES

A variety of classes offered March through November including: Essentials of Homesteading and Permaculture, Ancestral Foods Cooking Classes, Women’s Basic Carpentry Class & more!  For complete class listings and more information visit wildabundance.net or call 828-775-7052

Sophie SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 | 49

COMMUNITY

Sophie

Park Ridge Health is bringing Psychiatry to its primary care offices through an innovative model of care. K ATH RY N NORFLEET, M.D. is joining Park Ridge Health Primary Care Behavioral Health. Dr. Norfleet will work closely with her primary care colleagues as she rotates among three of Park Ridge Health’s largest outpatient facilities

RiverLink Board of Directors has announced that Executive Director, KAREN CRAGNOLIN, will be stepping down from her current position and transitioning to a new role of Strategic Property Transition Consultant. “We are fortunate that after 30 years at the helm, she will be staying on with us in this new role.” said Esther Cartwright, Chair, RiverLink Board of Directors.

UNC Asheville is pleased that ANNIS LYTLE was slected as our Outstanding Administrative Support Person. She has had an integral role in the work she does representing Institutional Effectiveness. She played a critical role over the past two years in SACS reaccreditation, Institutional Effectiveness and the implementation of the SACS Quality Enhancement Plan.

Girl Scout Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont is pleased to announce that KATHERINE PODRAZA, Asheville, earned her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. Her project focused on leadership murals to help students better understand behaviors that impact their decisions.

Asheville Chamber staff member TIM LAMPKIN has been selected by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives to participate in the third cohort of the Fellowship for Education Attainment along with about 20 other chamber professionals from across the country.

After 30 years as the Voice of the River, Asheville-based RiverLink will have a new leader.

GARRETT ARTZ, co-founder of Connect Enka, a walking and biking advocacy group in Enka-Candler, will take over as Executive Director.

Exit Realty Vistas is proud to announce the Top Producer, Top Seller, and the Top Lister for the month of July, MARIE REED. Marie has earned all three of these titles more than one time this year so far.

Give yourse lf a sh out out!

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Photo credit: Bob Ware of SlowGlassPictures

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REAL MEN READ SOPHIE Paul Lloyd • Owner of Café 64 on Haywood Street in Downtown Asheville • Married with 1 son • Likes live music, golf and fishing • Has been living in Asheville for 17 years • Originally from Plymouth, NC

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