Can’t Eat Your Favorite Foods? Uncomfortable Fit? Loose Dentures?
All-On-4 Teeth in One Day Can Help! www.kuhndennst.com (910) 692-4450
1902 North Sandhills Blvd., Suite H Aberdeen, NC 28315
In just one visit to our dental office, we can replace your missing or broken teeth with a beaunful and stable solunon. Most panents are good candidates, even with recession or bone loss. In just one appointment, we only need to place four dental implants to replace an ennre arch of impla teeth. Walk out of our office with a brand-new set of comfortable, stable teeth. Contact us today to get started.
Call (910) 692-4450
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs: 7:30AM-3:30PM
www.kuhndennst.com (910) 692-4450
Merry
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Welcome to The Cottages - an up-and-coming community in Moore County. You’ll find these homes will boast high-end finishes, inside and out, and no design features will go untouched. This community will feature single family homes in a 2,000 to 2,600 square foot range. These home are brought to you by award winning Bartlett Construction!
More About The Cottages at Midland • Talamore & Mid-South Membership • Lawn Maintenance Included in HOA • Natural Gas Homes for Tankless Water Heaters, Range, and Fireplace
• Energy Efficient Homes
The features are attractive and endless!
Prices Starting in the Upper $300’s
For more information on The Cottages at Midland, please contact Jennifer Ritchie, REALTOR® with Everything Pines Partners, LLC.
910-987-5565 JenniferRitchieHomes@gmail.com
Bartlett Construction, LLC
*Lot availability according to the map is subject to change
Talent, Technology & Teamwork! Moore County’s Most Trusted Real Estate Team! CT TRA
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PINEHURST • $450,000
WEST END • $360,000
WHISPERING PINES • $360,000
22 KILBERRY DRIVE All brick 3 BR / 2.5 BA golf front home nestled in quiet and serene location in popular Pinewild CC.
401 MOUNTAIN RUN ROAD Gorgeous 4 BR / 3.5 BA home in great location w/ open layout, bonus room and attached 3 car garage perfect for a growing family!
210 FOXCROFT ROAD Attractive 4 BR / 2.5 BA move-in ready home in popular Foxcroft community. Interior is beautifully spacious and freshly painted.
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PINEHURST • $395,000
70 SHADOW CREEK COURT Beautiful 4 BR / 3.5 BA two-story townhome in Forest Hills community w/gorgeous layout and tons of appeal.
43 LASSWADE DRIVE Charming 4 BR / 2.5 BA one-story brick home in Pinewild CC. Beautiful floorplan that is open with lots of natural light throughout.
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SEVEN LAKES WEST • $363,000 139 LONGLEAF DRIVE Completed new construction in beautiful 7LW. Open floorplan on one level with 3 BR / 3.5 BA and nice oversized kitchen.
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PINEHURST • $343,900
PINEHURST • $336,500
675 LAKE FOREST DRIVE SE Custom 3 BR / 3.5 BA brick and vinyl shake home in beautiful location w/lake Pinehurst across the way. Truly beautiful and unique home!
220 SURRY CIRCLE DRIVE N. Gorgeous 3 BR / 2 BA new construction on large corner lot in the heart of Pinehurst. Great location close to the historic Village.
860 ST. ANDREWS DRIVE Charming 3 BR / 2 BA golf front home w/fabulous views of 2nd hole of Pinehurst #5. Home has been beautifully updated w/quality workmanship!
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Luxury Properties Moore County’s Most Trusted Real Estate Team!
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PINEHURST • $785,000
PINEHURST • $585,000
PINEHURST • $775,000
20 WALNUT CREEK ROAD Custom 5 BR / 4.5 BA home w/over 5500 sq.ft of luxury living. Located in desirable Fairwoods on #7 this home offers open layout w/pool and patio in large backyard.
12 ABINGTON DRIVE Elegant 5 BR / 4 BA Southern Living style custom home. Home is situated on private wooded lot across from Pinewild CC.
26 OXTON CIRCLE Appealing 4 BR / 3.5 BA home in great location w/ spacious layout, gorgeous with views of golf and water. Tons of appeal inside and out.
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PINEHURST • $620,000 52 PINEWILD DRIVE Stunning 4 BR / 3 BA home in Pinewild CC w/versatile floorplan. With 2 large bonus rooms and fantastic outdoor space.
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18 KILBERRY DRIVE Beautiful 3 BR / 2 Full BA 2 Half BA brick home situated high on slightly sloping wooded lot. Luxury tile flooring and high ceilings are among the special features this home offers.
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PINEHURST • $835,000 126 BROOKFIELD DRIVE Stately 5 BR / 4 BA home in picturesque Forest Creek community w/postcard-like golf views among massive curb appeal and Southern Charm!
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SEVEN LAKES WEST • $1,050,000
PINEHURST • $1,400,000
90 MAGNOLIA AVENUE Attractive 3 BR / 3.5 BA home in quiet cul-desac. A stately private oasis w/winding drive, grand entryway, spacious layout and beautiful views!
199 MORGANWOOD DRIVE Breathtaking 4 BR / 3.5 BA place to call home nestled among the pines. Home is spacious w/ amazing layout w/tons of curb appeal and detail throughout!
13 LAKESIDE COURT Stunning 4 BR / 4.5 BA custom lakefront home on Lake Pinehurst. Layout is open and light w/ expansive view of Lake Pinehurst – Pinehurst living at its finest!
Re/Max Prime Properties, 5 Chinquapin Rd., Pinehurst, NC 910-295-7100 • 800-214-9007 • Re/Max Prime Properties 5 Chinquapin Rd., Pinehurst, NC
www.ThEGENTRYTEAM.COM
• 910-295-7100
December ���� FEATURES 77 Worksock
Poetry By Shelby Stephenson
78 A Spin Around the World Christmas in Distant Lands
88 Christmas Stories By Daniel Wallace Somewhat but Mostly Not True
92 Hope &Healing The promise of a new day
102 Grand Traditions
History, N.C. pride and personal touches in the mansion
109 Almanac
By Ashley Wahl
DEPARTMENTS
15 20 23 27 29
Simple Life By Jim Dodson PinePitch Instagram Contest Good Natured By Karen Frye The Omnivorous Reader
By D.G. Martin
33 Bookshelf 35 Hometown By Bill Fields 37 Home by Design By Cynthia Adams
42 Weekend Away
By Jason Oliver Nixon
47 In the Spirit By Tony Cross 51 The Kitchen Garden
6 PineStraw PineStraw
By Jan Leitschuh
54 The Creators of N.C. By Wiley Cash
61 63 64 71 110 115 119 120
Out of the Blue By Deborah Salomon
Birdwatch By Susan Campbell The Naturalist By Todd Pusser Golftown Journal By Lee Pace Arts & Entertainment Calendar SandhillSeen PineNeedler By Mart Dickerson Southwords By Matthew Moriarty
Cover photograph by Tim Sayer
The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
We Make Your Holiday Shopping Easy…
Opulence of Southern Pines and DUXIANA at The Mews, 280 NW Broad Street, Downtown Southern Pines, NC 910.692.2744
at Cameron Village, 400 Daniels Street, Raleigh, NC 919.467.1781
at Sawgrass Village, 310 Front Street Suite 815 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 904.834.7280
www.OpulenceOfSouthernPines.com Serving the Carolinas & More for Over 20 Years – Financing Available
Storybook Cottage
in
Weymouth
M A G A Z I N E Volume 16, No. 12 David Woronoff, Publisher Andie Stuart Rose, Creative Director
910.693.2467 • andie@pinestrawmag.com
Jim Moriarty, Editor
910.692.7915 • jjmpinestraw@gmail.com
Alyssa Rocherolle, Graphic Designer
910.693.2508 • alyssa@pinestrawmag.com
Lauren M. Coffey, Graphic Designer
910.693.2469 • lauren@pinestrawmag.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Jim Dodson, Editor Emeritus Deborah Salomon, Staff Writer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
John Gessner, Laura Gingerich, Tim Sayer
CONTRIBUTORS Jenna Biter, Harry Blair, Tom Bryant, Susan Campbell, Bill Case, Mallory Cash, Wiley Cash, Tony Cross, Brianna Rolfe Cunningham, Mart Dickerson, Bill Fields, Laurel Holden, Sara King, Jan Leitschuh, John Loecke, Meridith Martens, D.G. Martin, Jason Oliver Nixon, Mary Novitsky, Lee Pace, Todd Pusser, Joyce Reehling, Scott Sheffield, Stephen E. Smith, Angie Tally, Kimberly Taws, Daniel Wallace, Ashley Wahl, Claudia Watson, Renee Whitmore ADVERTISING SALES
Ginny Trigg, Advertising Director 910.693.2481 • ginny@thepilot.com
610 Old Field Road • Southern Pines This 1920’s cottage occupies a great location in Weymouth, with an easy walk to downtown or the state park a block away. Built in 1923, and renovated from the studs in 2000, the home features original heart pine floors, 4 BR, 4 BA, open floor plan, fireplace and 3300 sq ft. Additions include a cozy back porch, paneled foyer and master bath with dressing room. Large backyard, .09 acre, features stone terraces and walkways, basketball court. Guest house with fireplace, 2 BR, 1 BA 780 sq ft. New Listing Offered at $795,000.
To view more photos, take a virtual tour or schedule a showing, go to:
Maureen Clark
www.clarkpropertiesnc.com
when experience matters
Pinehurst • Southern Pines BHHS Pinehurst Realty Group • 910.315.1080 ©2015 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of American, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC.
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PineStraw
Jennie Acklin, 910.693.2515 Samantha Cunningham, 910.693.2505 Terry Hartsell, 910.693.2513 Erika Leap, 910.693.2514 ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Emily Jolly • pilotads@thepilot.com
ADVERTISING GRAPHIC DESIGN
Mechelle Butler, Scott Yancey
PS Steve Anderson, Finance Director 910.693.2497 Darlene Stark, Circulation Director 910.693.2488 SUBSCRIPTIONS
910.693.2488 OWNERS
Jack Andrews, Frank Daniels Jr., Frank Daniels III, Lee Dirks, David Woronoff 145 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Southern Pines, NC 28387 www.pinestrawmag.com ©Copyright 2020. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. PineStraw magazine is published by The Pilot LLC
The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
CHANTICLEER COTTAGES UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Chanticleer at Forest Creek • Pinehurst
Mid-January completion date on these French Country Cottage designs by Mark Parsons: 126 Chanticleer UNDER CONTRACT $556,500. Gourney at 125 Chanticleer $548,500. Gourney at 130 Chanticleer UNDER CONTRACT $548,500. Welsummer at 121 Chanticleer $548,500. 122 Chanticleer SOLD $495,000
Maureen Clark
910.315.1080 • www.clarkproperties.com
Under Contract
5 Merion Place • CCNC • Pinehurst
140 North Valley • Southern Pines
Rambling, fun-filled home on 5 acres, has it all for family living: 2 family rooms with fireplaces, 4 BR, 4.2 BA, guest apartment, main floor master, 5500 sq ft., 3 car garage. $899,000
Loblolly, a Southern Pines historic treasure, located on a quiet, tree-lined street, is a lovely combination of unparalleled building elegance embraced by comfortable living features. 5BR, 5BA, 8,050 sf. Offered at $1,490,000
451 Old Mail Road • Southern Pines
123 Pinefield Court • Southern Pines
The jewel of Moore County’s horse country, Fox Hollow Farm is secluded on 10.52 acres with easy access to thousands of acres of equestrian land. 4BR, 4.5BA, 5,276 sq ft.
Built in 2006, this 6580 sq ft residence on 8 acres includes 5 BR, 6.5 BA, theater room, billiard room, open living plan, wine cellar, 3 car garage and outdoor kitchen. Gated privacy. Offered at $1,900,000
Berkshire Hathaway HomeSercies and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.Housing Opportunity.
Always a Step Ahead
Introducing a brand new Caviness a brand new Caviness LandIntroducing development in Aberdeen, NC. Land development in Aberdeen, NC.
Pre-Selling Now!
Pre-Selling Now! Winds Way Farm Winds Way Farm Set among beautifully manicured grounds with a spectacular wooded
Set among grounds with a spectacular wooded backdrop. Eachbeautifully home is setmanicured upon ½ acres lots with access to an immaculately backdrop. Each home set uponcovered ½ acresBBQ lotsarea. with Open accessfloor to anplans immaculately presented pool andisopen-air are presented pool and open-air covered BBQ area. Open floor plans are generously proportioned and flow effortlessly throughout from the living generously proportioned and flow effortlessly throughout from the living room through to your private covered patio where you can enjoy the stunning room through to your private covered patio where you can enjoy the stunning views. soft-touch cabinetry areare just a a views.Gourmet Gourmetkitchens kitchenswith withdouble doubleoven ovenand and soft-touch cabinetry just couple these homes. These coupleofofupgraded upgradedfeatures featuresthat thatcome comeasasstandard standardwith with these homes. These brand and brandnew newhomes homesprovide provideall allthe theelements elementsfor forrelaxing, relaxing,comfortable, comfortable, and easy-care discover a new way ofof life. easy-care living. living.See Seeour ourfloorplans floor plansand and discover a new way life.
Serving Moore County and Surrounding Areas! 910.684.8674 | 120 N ASHE ST | SOUTHERN PINES, NC 28387
www.maisonteam.com
MLS 201620 184 ENFIELD DRIVE Carthage, NC • $293,500
MLS 201617 171 ENFIELD DRIVE Carthage, NC • $301,500
MLS 201622 188 ENFIELD DRIVE Carthage, NC • $313,500
MLS 201693 715 WINDS WAY Aberdeen, NC •$327,900
MLS 201524 260 LAKEVIEW DRIVE Southern Pines, NC • $30,000
MLS 201623 195 ENFIELD DRIVE Carthage, NC • $338,500
MLS 199382 349 R SANDS ROAD Aberdeen, NC • $160,000
MLS 203022 555 N MAY STREET Southern Pines, NC • $359,000
MLS 202820 142 LANCASHIRE LANE West End, NC • $420,000
MLS 201005 436 MCLENDON HILLS DRIVE West End, NC • $534,999
MLS 202762 7 NEW DAY WAY Carthage, NC • $450,000
MLS 202045 420 FOXCROFT CIRCLE Jackson Springs, NC • $142,000
Buy, Sell or Rent through us - we do it all! 910.684.8674 | 120 N ASHE ST | SOUTHERN PINES, NC 28387
If Pinehurst has it, Lin can get it for you! Go to LinHutaff. com ER UND
315 N BEULAH HILL ROAD • OLD TOWN Elegant, historic, formal, “Cotton Cottage”. Restored Historic home with large Master Suite, indoor pool and elevator. New 3 bay garage. 6BD, 5 ½ BA. Offered at $1,250,000.
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22 KIRKTON COURT – PINEWILD Beautiful home on the LAKE in Pinewild CC. Situated on nearly two acres with gorgeous landscaping, brick walkways, a fountain and private dock. Gourmet kitchen. 5 BD, 3BA, 2 Half baths. Offered at $825,000.
64 STONEYKIRK DRIVE • PINEWILD Design or quality was not spared. Two Master suites on main level. Gourmet kitchen. Expansive wrap around deck. Separate living quarters on lower level. 4BD, 4 1/2BA. Offered at $825,000.
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14 GREYABBEY DRIVE • PINEWILD Stunning, golf front, contemporary home with walls of glass. Amazing gourmet Kitchen boasts Miele and Thermidor appliances, Miele stainless hood. Superb. 5BD, 4 ½ BA. Offered at $795,000.
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175 MIDLAND RD • OLD TOWN Completely renovated throughout including kitchen open to patio and pool with outdoor fireplace. Separate office on main level. Large rooms are light and bright. Handsome Master and Master bath. 4BD, 2BA, 2- 1/2BA. Offered at $750,000.
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6 SQUIRES LANE • PINEHURST NO 6 Contemporary masterpiece with walls of windows to enjoy 10th Hole of Pinehurst No 6. “WOW” factor of golf, fairways, pond and lush fairway. 3BD, 2 ½ BA, plus office. Offered at $650,000.
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4 BANGOR LANE • THE WOODLANDS Fabulous location just a short golf cart ride to the Club. Located on the 15th Green of Pinehurst No 4. All brick with beautiful gardens and private back yard. 3BD, 2 ½ BA. Offered at $395,000.
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1 GLEN ABBEY TRAIL • PINEHURST NO 6 Wonderful home on corner LOT with Pinehurst CC Membership. Seller did all the upgrades buyers are demanding. Great deck to extend outdoor living. 3BD, 2 ½ BA. Offered at $339,000.
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1 ROCKLAND COURT • DORAL WOODS LIKE NO OTHER. Surrounded by Golf overlooking 6 holes of Pinehurst Country Club’s original Course No. 1. Perfect for golfers & horse lovers. 3BD, 2 ½ BA. Offered at $679,000.
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12 TROON DRIVE • PINEWILD Custom, white brick home with great kitchen, cozy breakfast area overlooking deck open to large family room. Woodworking shop in lower level. 4BD, 3BA. Offered at $484,000.
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1 STANTON CIRCLE • COTSWOLD Stunning home in Cotswold. All brick, custom, with large rooms. Handsome kitchen and sun filled Carolina Room with private courtyard. Bonus rm with chair lift. 3BD, 2 ½ BA. Offered at $380,000.
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215 KNOLL ROAD – LONGLEAF CC Spacious townhome overlooking fairway and pond with high ceilings and lots of natural light. Hardwood floors, updated kitchen, master bath. 3BD, 3 1/2BA, plus office. Offered at $249,000.
Lin Hutaff’s PineHurst reaLty GrouP Village of Pinehurst | 910.528.6427 | linhutaff@pinehurst.net
SIMPLE LIFE
Becoming My Father And, luckily, his father, too
By Jim Dodson
A dear friend I hadn’t seen in far
too long and I were having lunch outdoors, safely distanced. She sipped her lemony mineral water and noted her relief that a grueling year was finally drawing to a close.
“If ever a year could make you feel old,” she said with a thoughtful sigh, “this was it.” I agreed, sipping my sweet tea, pointing out that I am living proof of this sudden aging phenomenon. “How’s that?” I replied that I was — quite literally — turning into my father and grandfather before my very eyes. This was either scary or wonderful. The jury was still out on the matter. She laughed. “I think you were probably just born old. Besides, you’re more of an old soul than a grumpy old man.” This was nice of her to say. I hoped she’s right. In fact, I hoped this sudden aging awareness might not be the result of the year’s tumultuous events — a worldwide pandemic, collapsed economy, record hurricanes and wildfire, to say nothing of a presidential election that ground us all to a pulp — and was merely a case of finally growing old enough to appreciate the way our lives unfold and how we are shaped by the people who came before us. For the record, two years ago I officially joined the great Baby Boom horde marching resolutely toward their Medicare and Social Security benefits. Between us and my morning glass of Metamucil, however, I really don’t feel much older than I did, say, 20 or 30 years ago, when I built my own post-and-beam house on a coastal hill in Maine and spent my children’s college funds creating a large faux English garden in the northern woods. In my 30s and 40s I could work hard all day in the garden — digging holes, planting shrubs, mowing the lawn, rebuilding old stone walls — and simply require a good soak in our huge Portuguese bathtub and a couple of cold Sam Adams beers to put my aging body right. As my 50s dawned, shortly before we moved home to Carolina 15 years ago, I even tagged along with renowned Raleigh plantsman Tony Avent and a trio of veteran plant hunters half my age to the Great Karoo desert and some of the most remote places of South Africa in search of exotic plants. We were gone five weeks in the bush, much of
The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
that time out of touch with folks back home, politely dodging black mambas and angry Cape baboons. I came home filthy and exhausted, bloodied and gouged, punctured and sprained in places I didn’t even know I had. In short, it was glorious — the most fun I’ve ever had researching a book — and it only took me a case of beer and a full week of soaking in the bath to fully recover. Four years ago, as senior citizen status officially loomed, my wife and I decided to downsize and move from the Sandhills to my hometown in the Piedmont, prompting a friendly debate over whether we should move to the old neighborhood where I grew up or the 10 rural acres I had my eye on outside the city. “I know exactly what you have in mind,” said my younger wife. “You want 10 acres so you can build another post-and-beam house and create an even bigger faux English garden. Problem is, 65 is not the new 25. I know you well. You’ll rarely come in the house and work yourself to death. I’ll come home some afternoon and find you face down in the Virginia creeper.” I laughed off such a silly notion, pointing out it would either be English bluebells or maybe the winter Daphne. She was not amused. We moved to my old neighborhood a short time later. Truthfully, I think about my old woodland garden in Maine and that wild African adventure sometimes when I’m working in the modest suburban garden where I now serve as head gardener and general dogsbody, a simple quarter-acre that I’ve completely re-landscaped with or without the FedEx guy in mind. As a sign of how time may finally be catching up with my botanically abused body, however, it now takes three cold beers, a longer soak in the tub, two Advil and a short nap to get me up and moving without complaint. I suspect my days of sweet tea consumption are also dwindling in favor of mineral water with lemon. In the meantime, the evidence mounts that I am becoming my father and grandfather before my own eyes. Maybe that’s not, as I’ve already said, a bad thing, after all. My father’s father, from whom I got my middle name, was a lovely old gentleman of few words who could make anything with his hands, a gifted carpenter and electrician who worked on crews raising the first electrical towers across the South during the Great Depression and later helped wire the state’s first “skyscraper,” the Jefferson Standard Building in downtown Greensboro. Walter Dodson wore flannel shirts with large pockets and smoked cheap King Edward cigars. He gave me my first toolbox one Christmas PineStraw
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SIMPLE LIFE
and showed me how to cut a straight line with a handsaw that I still own. In the evenings, he loved to sit outside and watch the birds and changeable skies, sometimes humming hymns as he calmly smoked his stogie. Walter’s wife, my spunky Baptist Grandmother Taylor, knew the Gospels cold, but I don’t think Walter ever darkened the doorway of a church. Nature was his temple. His son, my old man, Brax Dodson, was an adman with a poet’s heart. He loved poetry, American history, good bourbon, golf with chums and everything about Christmas, not necessarily in that order. He sometimes smoked a beautiful briar pipe he brought home from the war and moderated a men’s Sunday school class for more than two decades. A man of great faith, he’d experienced unspeakable tragedy during his service in Europe but never spoke of it. Instead, he lived his life as if every day was a gift, always focusing on the positive, the most upbeat character I ever knew. My nickname for him, in fact, was “Opti the Mystic,” owing to his unwavering goodwill and embarrassing habit of quoting long-dead sages and Roman philosophers when you least expected it, especially to my teenage dates. I never appreciated what a gift he gave me until I turned 30. Lord, how I miss that man. Regardless of where you come down on the nature v. nurture debate, one doesn’t need a deep dive into Ancestry.com to understand that each of us owns pieces of the people who came before us. If we are lucky, the best parts of them live on in us.
Having reached an age where there are more years in the rearview than the road ahead, I take some comfort in suddenly noticing how much I really am like Opti and Walter, good men who lived through hard times — and even tragedy — but never lost their common touch or appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Like Walter, I dig flannel shirts with large pockets, church hymns, quiet afternoons in my garden and sitting beneath the evening trees watching birds feed and skies change. I miss going to early church on Sunday mornings. But nature is my temple, too. For the time being, that will suffice. Like Opti, I have a thing for poetry, American history, good bourbon and golf with chums, even quotes by long-dead sages and Roman philosophers that never failed to embarrass my children when they were teenagers. Just like my old man, I love everything about Christmas. Some gray afternoon this month, I’ll even fire up one of his favorite briar pipes just for fun, a little ritual that makes me feel closer to my missing father, my kindly ghost of Christmas Past. There’s one more important way I connect with Walter and Opti, who were anything but grumpy old men. Both had wise and spirited wives who shaped their thinking and made them better people. I have a wife like that, too. Maybe there’s hope for me yet. PS Contact founding editor Jim Dodson at jwdauthor@gmail.com
Lin gets Results! toP 1 % of Moore Country reaLtors toP 1 % of u.s. reaLtors
ENERGY. EXPERIENCE. EFFORT. WWW.LINHUTAFF.COM
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Lin Hutaff’s PineHurst reaLty GrouP Village of Pinehurst | 910.528.6427 | linhutaff@pinehurst.net The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
A West Coast Lifestyle Boutique CoolSweats in the Village of Pinehurst • 910.295.3905 105 Cherokee Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374
B H HS PRG .CO M
10 Village Green Road, Pinehurst $2,989,999
5 bed / 4/2 bath Emily Hewson (910) 315-3324 Pamela O’Hara (910) 315-3093
Original schoolhouse on 1st fairway of #2 golf course. Totally renovated. Enclave blends tradition with luxury amenities. Garage apartment.
MLS 182223
Emily Hewson (910) 315-3324 Pamela O’Hara (910) 315-3093
$1,495,000
4 bed / 5/2 bath Kathy Peele (312) 623-7523
This home performs perfectly for grand scale entertaining to casual everyday living all on one level. Dramatic wine cellar, home theatre, game room. A home you’ll never want to leave! Designed by Stagaard & Chao. Expansive terraces.
178 Lost Trail Drive, West End $875,000
4 bed / 4 bath
Jennifer Nguyen (910) 585-2099
Prime Old Town location. 2.23 commercial acres next to Pinehurst Brewery. Located on McCaskill and Magnolia roads. Zoned VMU — Village Mixed Use.
62 Pinewild Drive, Pinehurst $475,000
3 bed / 4/1 bath Kay Beran (910) 315-3322
MLS 198787
Fabulous golf front home with pool in Pinewild. A custom, contemporary with three bedrooms, 4/1 baths, twostory living room, formal dining room, family room, and more. The deck and back garden area is an entertaining delight.
Peaceful horse farm and certified wildlife habitat. Custom home with wrap around porch, main floor master suite, and basement. Four stall barn, riding area, and private trails.
MLS 196830
MLS 202572
250 E McCaskill Road, Pinehurst $785,000
228 Meyer Farm Drive, Forest Creek
1495 N Moore Road, Robbins $295,000
4 bed / 2 bath Debbie Darby (910) 783-5193
Stunning home on 1.88 acres. Completely updated, meticulously kept. Across from N Moore High School.
MLS 203083
MLS 203255
550 E Hedgelawn Way, Southern Pines
$148,000
Karen Iampietro (910) 690-7098
6.2 acres close to downtown Southern Pines and Ft Bragg. Bring your own builder and create your dream home!
MLS 202633
112 Haddington Drive, Pinehurst $89,000
Jackie Ross (904) 613-4480
Stunning lot with panoramic views of the 12 th fairway and green in Forest Creek. Conveniently located near the main gate and Clubhouse. Membership not required.
MLS 201087
Forest Creek Golf Club, Pinehurst Kay Beran (910) 315-3322
Visit us at Forest Creek today to see homes and lots in this premier, gated community. Ask about our new homes in Chanticleer! Our on-site sales team is available to meet you or call for an appointment.
Pinehurst Office • 42 Chinquapin Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 • 910 -295 -5504 | Southern Pines Office • 167 Beverly Lane, Southern Pines, NC 28387 • 910-692-2635 ©2020 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC.
nickers K nickers K F R O M D A Y T O N I G H T F R O M D A Y T O N I G H T
HAVEAAJOYOUS JOYOUSHOLIDAY HOLIDAY HAVE ANDAAHAPPY HAPPYNEW NEWYEAR YEAR AND FROMUS USTO TOYOU! YOU! FROM GiftCards Cardsand and Wrapping available. Gift Wrapping available.
L LI NI N GG E R I EI E E R S SL LE E E P P WW E A R R E A L LO OU UN N GG E W E A E W E R A R M ME EN N S S WW E A R R E A BB RR AA S S B BR RE EA AS S T TF O R M S S F O R M
Holiday Hours Holiday Hours December 1-23: 11-5 December 1-23: 11-5 December 24: 11-3 December 24: 11-3 December 25-28: CLOSED December 25-28: CLOSED www.knickers-lingerie.com www.knickers-lingerie.com 910-725-2346 910-725-2346 150 E. New Hampshire Avenue 150 E. New Hampshire Avenue Southern Pines, NC 28387 Southern Pines, NC 28387
PinePitch
TRUST BUT VERIFY: As our communities deal with the challenges presented by the novel coronavirus, please be aware that events may have been postponed, rescheduled or existed only in our dreams. Check before attending.
Bryant House Birthday Bash Rain or shine, bring the family to celebrate the 200th birthday of the Bryant House, combined with Heritage Day, on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., at 3361 Mt. Carmel Road, Carthage. There will be live music, Christmas cheer, war interpretations and craft demonstrations. For additional information call (910) 692-2051 or go to www.moorehistory.com.
Tour de Trees OK, 2020. No Christmas parades. Check. No New Year’s parties. Check. But the town of Southern Pines will still have festive trees lining its streets for the holidays, courtesy of local merchants and civic organizations. Consider it an opportunity for a bit of socially distanced holiday cheer and, while you stroll around town, a little window shopping.
Open House Enjoy a winter wonderland of holiday décor and gifts at Hollyfield Design, 130 E. Illinois Ave., Southern Pines, beginning Friday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Christmas pet photos will be available on Dec. 6 from 1 – 3 p.m. Get digital files in exchange for donations of cat food for Animal Advocates of Moore County. Sunday hours will be 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information call (910) 692-7243.
Shaw House Tours The historic Shaw House, the Garner House and the Sanders Cabin at 110 W. Morganton Road in Southern Pines will be open for tours and Christmas gift shopping Thursdays and Fridays beginning Dec. 3 from 1 – 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Moore County Historical Association and help preserve our heritage. For additional information call (910) 692-2051.
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All Dressed Up (And Nowhere to Go)) Peruse vintage fashions from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the Poplar Knight Spot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. The Rooster’s Wife and Moon Vintage Goods will put on a socially distanced trunk show of fashions ranging from the ’70s to the ’00s. There will be eggnog and gift wrapping. Limited to 20 shoppers at a time. For information go to theroosterswife.org or call (910) 944-7502.
Holiday Concert The Sandhills Community College Holiday Concert will feature choral and piano arrangements to get everyone in the holiday spirit. The concert will be live streamed from the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Dec. 6, beginning at 4 p.m. You can find it on YouTube at a web address too confusing to contemplate but easy to search.
A Cuppa The Sandhills Women’s Exchange, 15 Azalea Road in Pinehurst, is having “Tea Time at the Cabin” on Sunday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. There is limited seating of only 16 guests. There will be a second seating from 2 – 4 p.m. The cost is $50 per person. For information and reservations call (910) 295-4677.
Nothing Runs Like a Reindeer The annual 5K Reindeer Fun Run through the downtown neighborhoods of Aberdeen takes place on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 7:15 a.m. – 12 p.m. The run is for all skill levels, from walkers to trotters to people who are in distressingly good physical condition. For information call (910) 693-3045 or go to www.reindeerfunrun.com. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
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From our Family to Yours,
Happy Holidays!
––––––––– as seen in –––––––––
A
fter 17 moves with the Army, Mark Myers may have settled down in Woodlake, but the longtime pilot has no plans to stay grounded. He and his wife, Missy — along with their four kids and their 15-passenger van — are the team behind Balloons Over America, flying 1,500 feet over Cameron, Carthage, Sanford and beyond. In the four years they’ve owned the business, the couple has towed their balloons to festivals from Germany to Statesville, N.C. They flew passengers 5-10 times a month in their former home of Westminster, Maryland; and this month, they’ll be traveling to a festival in Albuquerque with On the Fly, a balloon in a traditional diamond weave. You Become the Wind For Mark, whose resume is filled with 36 years of aviation certifications and awards, learning to pilot a balloon was just one more experience to add to his LinkedIn page. The official FAA certification is “Lighter than Air,” — appropriately named, Missy says, because in the ballon “you become the wind.” “Every balloon flight is an adventure. You can plan all you want, but the wind may decide it’s doing something else. Sometimes it’s good for us to be a little spontaneous and just go with it.” If that sounds scary, take a cue from Missy — who’s just a little afraid of heights.
The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
“There’s no wind in your face. You don’t have that feeling of acceleration or deceleration. The air is stable; most people will be 3-6 feet in the air and don’t realize they’ve left the ground. The experience is really unique and different, because it’s not at all what you think.” It’s that Bucket List Item Rides for up to four people typically last around an hour, and Mark can take you up in the clouds or keep you low enough for a high-flying bird’s-eye view. As for exactly how long you’ll be up or where exactly you’ll land? Well, you Type A person, that’s a bit out of your control. “We don’t do many things in our lives anymore that we don’t plan to the last second,” Missy says. “Ballooning lends itself to not being a planned event. Most people, once they’re up, are happy to be relieved of that burden. Everything just seems so peaceful and our repeat customers want to experience that easy, relaxing feeling.” For a lot of reasons (cost being one of them) ballooning is something most do once or twice. An hour in Mark and Missy’s balloons will run you $300 per person. Why? Well, look at that big-ass balloon on the ground behind them. They’d have to pay us $300 just to roll that thing up. You’re also paying for fuel, insurance, and Mark’s expertise. “Generally, it’s just someone who’s looking for a completely new experience,” Missy says. “It’s that bucket list item.” PS PineStraw
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2020 ‌ And It’s Gone!
We want to thank our community for all of your support in this unprecedented year. We wish you a blessed 2021!
Cathy Larose 910.690.0362
Amanda Bullock 910.315.2127
Anja Richardson 910.639.4247
Ann Benton 910.295.7732
Barry Wilson 919.770.3208
Beverly Gentry 910.975.0399
Bob Barmore 910.528.9536
Bob Koechlin 303.475.9628
Marcus Larose 910.528.2244.
Ally Christman 850.333.9559
Cindy Perry 937.478.1873
Cristin Bennett 336.202.2858
Dean Casacca 910.660.1069
Dean DiBerardino 910.724.1162
Debbie Ramos 757.472.5739
Deborah Leonard 910.818.9651
Delina McKnight 727.348.5493
Doug Marshall 518.281.7370
Faith Freyer 727.859.3799
Frank Murphy 540.623.3132
Gary Tanner 910.992.6001
Greg Sasser 910.315.6227
Hollie Rittermeyer 816.510.9686
James Shannon 910.748.7424
Jennifer Vance 910.995.9791
Julia Simmons 919.741.3806
Ken Beckwith 910.690.0784
Ketra Duchesne 706.575.0935
Kim Sullivan 910.783.5322
Kristin Mueller 910.691.1041
Kristin Reuter 321.288.7046
Kristy Dougherty 609.213.4242
Larry Bergin 910.633.7215
Laurie Kornegay 808.763.1269
Leilani Medlin 910.690.1404
Len Murry 910.585.0104
Leslie Riederer 910.690.2827
Liz English 910.639.1616
Maria Shahvari 910.690.8634
Mary Margaret McGuire 910.783.6997
MaryAnn Faraci 910.315.3481
Meredith Morski 803.944.2541
Cassie Trawick 757.775.4870
Quent Neptune 910.691.8000
Alexander Jacoby 910.603.2103
Ron Infinger 704.609.3835
Tara Brunner 240.832.9474
The Home Team NC 910.684.3339
Tia Bosco 910.603.4003
Tim Mueller 910.691.1039
Sandhills Real Estate Partners Sherree-lee Sferra Southern Partners in Moore 336.287.8085 910.315.4033 910.236.3030 910.610.5303 910.546.7704
Tomas Stevens 910.303.4933
Tony De La Paz 910.237.2555
Tracy Murphy 910.633.9553
Tag Leon 910.315.1462
Victoria Adkins 910.992.8171
910-693-3300 | www.HomesCBA.com 130 Turner Street, Southern Pines, North Carolina 28387
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G O O D NAT U R E D
Swedish Bitters The long-life elixir
Tantalizing burgers
By K aren Frye
This is the story of a 500-year old European
with a side of up and down.
remedy that rejuvenates vital organs, improves regularity, aids in digestion, and cleanses entire bodily systems. The original recipe of 11 herbs was the work of the “Luther of Medicine,” a Swiss/ German named Paracelsus (whose full name was Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim) in the 1500s.
The formula for his elixir, lost for almost 200 years, was rediscovered in the 17th century by two Swedish physicians, Dr. Claus Samst and Dr. Urban Hjärne — hence the name Swedish Bitters. Hjärne lived to be 83, and Samst died at the ripe old age of 104, in a riding accident, no less. It’s worth pointing out that life expectancy in the 17th century was 20-40 years. It was Maria Treben — a distinguished Austrian herbalist — who brought Swedish Bitters to the world’s attention. As a refugee in Czechoslovakia, she became ill with typhoid fever in a camp in Bavaria and was hospitalized for more than six months. Soon after her release, and while she was still very ill, her husband and family took her to Austria. A woman there heard of Maria’s suffering and, wanting to help, brought her a small bottle containing a dark, strong-smelling liquid. Along with that bottle of Swedish Bitters was the manuscript written by Samst explaining how the bitters heal every illness. Maria was skeptical that a few modest drops could help her regain her health, so she put the bottle aside. Eventually she changed her mind and decided to give the bitters a try, and her symptoms disappeared. Treban later put together a book about the maladies Swedish Bitters could help. Health Through God’s Pharmacy is still the best source of information on the many ways to use the bitters to improve one’s health and add years to one’s life. Prevention is better than a cure, and using bitters as a daily tonic may ward off something that could lead to a health crisis. Our ancestors used herbs as treatments, so the list of the uses of the Swedish Bitters formula is long. Internally, it’s used to improve digestion and relieve pain. Nearly every malady you can think of is mentioned in Treben’s book. There are even uses as topical applications to alleviate skin diseases. An herbal tonic that’s been around as long as Swedish Bitters and is still highly regarded earns a certain level of trust. It may be the missing ingredient to improving your health. PS Karen Frye is the owner and founder of Nature’s Own and teaches yoga at the Bikram Yoga Studio. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
I n - Th e - R o u g h L o u n g e
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THE OMNIVOROUS READER
Mountain Redux The return of Ron Rash’s classic character
By D.G. Martin
What is it about
Waynesville, the small mountain city west of Asheville?
Two of our state’s most admired novelists set their best books in the mountains near Waynesville: Cold Mountain, by Charles Frazier, and Serena, by Ron Rash. Both books are gems with memorable characters and descriptive language that flows like poetry. Both deal with cruel and brutal destruction of life and land: Cold Mountain by war, Serena by the clear-cutting of ancient mountain forests. Having written about Frazier recently, it is time to give attention to the work of Rash. His latest book, In the Valley, gives us nine new short stories and a novella that revives the main story in the classic Serena. From its beginning, North Carolina has been the scene of environmental destruction that accompanied the creation of great wealth and employment opportunities. The importance of tars and pitch to our economy gave us our Tar Heel nickname and destroyed vast forests of longleaf pine. In the early part of the last century, our mountain regions opened their treasured forests to massive clear-cut operations that destroyed some of the state’s most beautiful and important natural landscapes. Serena was set in the time of the Great Depression in the immense forests near Waynesville. The leading characters were the owners of a Boston lumber company that was systematically cutting all the trees on the thousands of acres that it owned. The background of systematic forest destruction was a perfect backdrop for Rash’s epic story of love, hate, ambition, ruthlessness and revenge. His novel opens at the railroad station in Waynesville. Pemberton, the leading partner in the lumber company, returns from Boston with his new bride, Serena. Her striking appearance and arrogance immediately awe Pemberton’s partners and most of the employees, who have come to meet the couple at the station. Also at the station are a rumpled mountain man and his pregnant teenage daughter, Rachel, whose unborn child was fathered by Pemberton. The mountain man accosts Pemberton with a Bowie The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
knife. In the ensuing fight, Pemberton sinks his own knife into the chest of the mountain man, who drops his Bowie knife and dies. Serena, showing the dominating character that will carry the novel to its end, picks up the Bowie knife, hands it to the dead man’s daughter and says, “By all rights it belongs to my husband. It’s a fine knife, and you can get a good price for it if you demand one. And I would,” she added. “Sell it, I mean. That money will help when the child is born. It’s all you’ll ever get from my husband and me.” Serena was ambitious and dramatically attractive, riding a white horse and displaying her well-trained eagle. She and her husband were determined to get rich by clear-cutting thousands of acres of North Carolina mountain forestlands, destroying a rich, stable and precious environment. Rash made Serena a symbol of corporate greed and anti-environmentalism. Serena was also driven by personal passions. She was determined to eliminate her husband’s illegitimate son and the child’s mother, Rachel. This assignment went to Galloway, a one-armed employee utterly devoted to Serena. Galloway’s efforts, chronicled in the book’s dramatic last pages, were nevertheless a failure. The boy and mother were safe, and Serena was off to exploit the forests of Brazil. Some critics compare the tale to Shakespeare’s Macbeth — the ambition of Serena and Pemberton to dominate, own, and exploit, leading to the same sort of triumphs and ultimate “bloody handed” tragedy. Maybe it’s a stretch to compare Rash with Shakespeare, but his vivid writing takes the reader by the hand and makes him a participant in the action, not just an observer. I found myself jumping aside to escape a falling tree that killed a lumberman. I panicked with a character who lost her way in the pitch dark of a mountain night. I died with one of the book’s characters as rattlesnake poison crept up our legs. Serena established Rash as one of America’s leading authors. New York Times book reviewer Janet Maslin named Serena one of her “10 Favorite Books” of 2008. A novella that is part of Rash’s new book, In the Valley, brings Serena back from Brazil to North Carolina to take charge of a logging project. Galloway also returns to take on Serena’s murderous assignments, including the search for Rachel and her son. PineStraw
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OMNIVOROUS READER
Readers will again be impressed and horrified at Serena’s determined and brutal efforts that destroy more of the environment and decimate the logging crews. Rash’s writing is firmly connected to his concerns about threats to the preservation of the environment. In an interview with Mountain Times Publication’s executive editor Tom Mayer, Rash explained, “I’m seeing now this peril for the national parks. There’s a lot of push to change what is considered wilderness that can be mined or timbered. My hope is that this (story) would remind us how hard won these national parks were and what they were fighting against.” The new book is a bonus for fans of Rash’s short fiction. There are nine finely tuned short stories. All deal with mountain people like those he knows from growing up in or near the mountains, or from his long years teaching at Western Carolina University. These are folks that Rash clearly cares for and worries about. But the time settings vary, giving readers a look at mountain life over hundreds of years. The opening story, “Neighbors,” is set during the Civil War in the mountain community of Shelton Laurel. A Confederate foraging and raiding party targets the farm of a young widow and her two children. The Confederates assume she is a Union sympathizer and prepare to burn her house and barn. Rash captures the meanness and ugliness of war and punctuates his point with an ending that surprises the reader and darkens the tale. “When All the Stars Fall” deals with a poignant breakup of a father and son’s construction business because their value systems are different and incompatible. In “Sad Man in the Sky,” a helicopter pilot who sells 30-minute
rides takes on a troubled but inspiring passenger. In “L'Homme Blesse,” a mountain college art professor explores the connection between the artwork of a Normandy invasion veteran and the images on the walls of ancient caves in France. “The Baptism” is the story of a country minister responding to a worthless wife abuser who wants to be baptized. The story has an unexpected and satisfying ending. A young female probationary park ranger in “Flight” encounters a bully who blatantly fishes without a license and breaks all the park’s rules. Her daring retort is illegal but satisfying. A struggling late-night storekeeper in “Last Bridge Burned” helps a troubled woman who stumbles into his store. Years later he reaps an interesting reward when he connects with the same woman, who has been transformed. In “Ransom,” a wealthy college student survives a lengthy kidnapping only to face more challenges resulting from the warm relationship she developed with her kidnapper. Set 60 years after the Battle of Chickamauga, “The Belt” tells how a belt and its buckle that saved a Confederate soldier’s life during that battle has now saved the life of his great-grandson. Rash’s fans will appreciate this short volume of some of his best writing. For those unfamiliar with his work, In the Valley would be a great beginning place. PS D.G. Martin hosts North Carolina Bookwatch Sunday at 3:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 5 p.m. on UNC-TV.
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BOOKSHELF
FICTION
December Books
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, by Marie Benedict In December 1926, Agatha Christie goes missing. Her husband, a World War I veteran, and her daughter have no knowledge of her whereabouts, and England unleashes an unprecedented manhunt to find the upand-coming mystery author. Fresh Water for Flowers, by Valérie Perrin Violette Toussaint is the caretaker at a cemetery in a small town in Bourgogne. Casual mourners, regular visitors and sundry colleagues — gravediggers, groundskeepers and a priest — visit her to warm themselves in her lodge, where laughter, companionship and occasional tears mix with the coffee she offers them. Miss Benson’s Beetle, by Rachel Joyce From the bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry comes an uplifting, irresistible novel about two women on a life-changing adventure, where they must risk everything, break all the rules, and discover their best selves. Big Girl, Small Town, by Michelle Gallen Majella is happiest out of the spotlight, away from her neighbors’ stares and the gossips of the small town in Northern Ireland where she grew up just after the Troubles. She lives a quiet life caring for her alcoholic mother, working in the local chip shop, watching the regular customers come and go. Then her grandmother dies and Majella’s predictable existence is upended. NONFICTION The Berlin Shadow: Living with the Ghosts of the Kindertransport, by Jonathan Lichtenstein In 1939, Jonathan Lichtenstein’s father, Hans, escaped Nazi-occupied Berlin as a child refugee on the Kindertransport. Almost every member of his family died after Kristallnacht and, upon arriving in England to make his way in the world alone, Hans turned his back on his German Jewish culture. As Hans enters old age, he and Jonathan set out to retrace his journey back to Berlin. Nerve: Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Eva Holland Since childhood, Holland has been gripped by two debilitating phobias: fear of losing her mother, and fear of heights. Finding the nerve to face down her fears, Holland not only shows us how to grapple with our own, but invites us to embrace them as a way to live happier and feel more alive. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
I Cook in Color: Bright Flavors from My Kitchen and Around the World, by Asha Gomez Best known for her easy mix of cooking traditions from the American South and her homeland of Kerala in Southern India, chef Asha Gomez continues to evolve her unique cooking style.
CHILDREN’S BOOKS Meerkat Christmas, by Emily Gravett Sunny the Meerkat wants Christmas to be PERFECT. So, he sets out to find snow, and Christmas trees, and the most amazing dinner. But something is still missing, and he may just have to go all the way back home to discover just what it is. Everyone’s Christmas will be just perfect with this fun holiday read-together. (Ages 3-6.) Counting Creatures, by Julia Donaldson The much-loved author of the Gruffalo and Animalphabet is back with this clever, beautiful title, just perfect for nature lovers and animal lovers alike. (Ages 4-7.) Find Fergus, by Mike Boldt Oh, Fergus. He just doesn’t GET hide and seek. After hiding among moose, polar bears and skinny trees, Fergus finally discovers the perfect hiding place. But when it’s time for the game to be over, Fergus is nowhere to be found. Oh, Fergus. (Ages 3-6.) Cat Kid Comic Club, by Dav Pilkey Fans of the wildly popular Dog Man books will be inspired to dream up their own stories and unleash their own creativity as they dive into this new graphic novel adventure. (Ages 9-12.) Five More Sleeps ’Til Christmas, by Jimmy Fallon Every kid knows it’s the nights before Christmas that are the hardest. The excitement, the toys dreamed of, the anticipation! This fun Christmas countdown book is the perfect way to help giddy tots get through those last five nights before the big day! (Ages 3-8.) Exploring the Elements, by Isabel Thomas Everything in the world is made of 118 elements, and this fun title is an artful and accessible guide to each and every one of them. Sections include the design of the periodic table, graphically stunning layouts featuring each element’s letter symbol, atomic number, attributes, characteristics, and uses. This little gem is the perfect gift for that kid who appreciates something interesting and unusual. (Ages 9-14.) PS Compiled by Kimberly Daniels Taws and Angie Tally. PineStraw
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WINTER SALES
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HOMETOWN
The Greatest Gift The season of a lifetime
By Bill Fields
Like all of us, my
PHOTOGRAPH BY BILL FIELDS
father had his moments. He could be short or overly critical about things that didn’t — or shouldn’t — matter much. These lapses didn’t overwhelm the good of the man, but they were there. Every December, they seemed to vanish.
Dad was happiest around Christmas, and not just because of a free ham from work or a fresh bottle of brown from the ABC Store. He weighed less that time of year, regardless of how much of his homemade fudge or my mother’s “Trash” (an addictive baked snack mix of cereal and nuts, flavored with Worcester sauce) he ate. With the tree up and lights placed around the front door, the extended forecast for Dad’s mood was pleasant and calm. He preferred an all-blue display inside and out, although he wasn’t Jewish, Catholic nor had gone to Carolina. The color had a soothing effect unless you touched one of the big glass bulbs late in the evening; then it seemed the Christmas miracle was how the cedar (1960s) or white pine (1970s) hadn’t turned into kindling. We made do with a faux fireplace, enhanced with plastic logs illuminated by amber lights that flickered thanks to a spinning wheel. The real flames were in the backyard grill. Dad loved to cook out, even in winter and especially around Christmas, when there was more likely to be steak than hamburger. A flashlight was a necessary tool, lest he have to return outside to make sure Mom’s ribeye was as done as she liked it. With the exception of assembling some toy with a lot of parts when I was little, Dad liked everything about Christmas. He enjoyed procuring the fruit, nuts and candy that went under the tree, and the little gifts that filled the red felt stockings my sister sewed, our names in green glitter. He was happy when carols came on the radio. We wore out our Monopoly set, and when he worked at the The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
Proctor-Silex factory, it was natural for him to be represented by the iron. Family poker games were a holiday staple, and Dad overruled Mom and bought the proper set of chips I had eyed at Hill’s downtown. His last Christmas, 1979, weak and frail with cancer, he still found the strength to play a few hands. That Dad’s birthday also was in December, celebrated on the 20th of the month, contributed to it being a special season for him. Not until a dozen years ago, nearly three decades after he died, when I went poking around a cluttered records room in Carthage, did I truly understand why. He knew he was adopted, and we knew too, but details, if known, were never shared. Then one afternoon in the county seat, in the fall of 2008, searching for his history and my own, I made a discovery in the court records from March 5, 1921: “FIRST: That on or about the 14th day of December, 1920, as petitioners are informed and believed, one George Parker found upon the roadway, or near thereto, in the County of Moore, near a place known as Frix, an infant newly born, manifestly abandoned by its mother.” “SECOND: That the said Parker states that he is ignorant of the parentage of said child, and the parentage of said child is unknown to petitioners . . . and that notice of this petition and motion be given and served upon George Parker, the only person known to petitioners to have any rights or interest in the matters alleged in the petition.” After finding the newborn and caring for him, Parker gave the child to William and Chattie Fields a handful of days before Christmas. The couple, who had lost their grown daughter, Sadie, to diabetes, named their gift William Eugene Fields. If a certain mystery accompanied Gene through life, so did the love of the people who took him in a hundred years ago. As much as Dad loved the holiday season in my lifetime, his best Christmas had to be his first. PS Southern Pines native Bill Fields, who writes about golf and other things, moved north in 1986 but hasn’t lost his accent. Bill can be reached at williamhfields@gmail.com. PineStraw
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www.pinehurstsurgical.com
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HOME BY DESIGN
The Speed Queen Let’s hope she’s as simple as advertised
By Cynthia Adams
Cliff Ginn was in a lather about washing machines.
He owns a small textile-related business and, having weathered many storms given the tumult of the industry, has mastered self-control. But today he is more agitated than, well, his dying washing machine’s agitator. I listen sympathetically while handing over the UPS package I’d accepted for him while he was out at appliance stores. “I want a dumb washing machine,” he states flatly. “I want the Volkswagen Beetle of washing machines!” A Dapper Dan, Ginn could care less about washing machine style or function. “Why should it care if my cotton is from Egypt or from Mississippi? Or, if my cashmere sweater is virgin or not? I do not judge.” A de-wrinkling feature perhaps? No thanks. “If I want to de-wrinkle something, I will just throw it in the drier with a wet rag.” On he went with the questions. “Must the washer and drier match?” he asks plaintively. No.
The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
Well, maybe. “I do like for my shoes and belt to match.” Ginn complains about the steep learning curve for gadgets on his 2020 Volvo sedan. He definitely isn’t looking for a washing machine that requires him watching YouTube. He was searching for the simplest machine to be found. One with an on and off button, he jokes. No fancy panels or electronic controls. Nothing that will die or confound him. He even sat down and wrote an angsty rant about it: “This is a year when I bought a new car with electronics that would make a 16-year-old-boy drool. And the prospect of having to buy a new iPhone . . . But back to the washing machine. It’s asking too much of me. Why so many choices and features.” (He was too distraught to insert question marks.) Simplicity of design was what Ginn sought. One such simplified machine still exists. It lacks the high-profile brand awareness of Maytag, Miele, LG or GE. Its name is Speed Queen. “Speed Queen!” he exclaims days later, over the phone. He was keeping me informed of his progress and had just discovered this brand at an old-school appliance store. In a very short while, Ginn called to report back. “I am on my way to do something every grown man dreads,” he says with the resignation of the already beaten. “And it’s not a colonoscopy.” PineStraw
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A long pause. “It’s buying a washing machine.” I knew appliance angst well. An ill-fated encounter with a smart washing machine occurred more than 20 years ago in Genoa, Italy. I travelled with my friend, Dixie Hodge, to the home of Pat and Loren Schweninger. We were to stay there while they were away.
“Call the Candy Man”
Take extra moments to celebrate the season with family, friends and community, especially in this uniquely challenging year. Michael D. Ritter
Senior Vice President - Investment
Steven J. Menendez
Senior Vice President - Investment
Lauren Corum Client Associate
110 Turnberry Way | Pinehurst, NC 28374 | 910.693.2430 www.fa.wellsfargoadvisors.com/mrrg Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured / NO Bank Guarantee / MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and nonbank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2020 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR-1120-00790
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Arriving at the Genoa train station, my friend was suddenly distracted by a mob of gesticulating, chattering women who lifted her wallet. We were shaken, but gathered ourselves and trundled on with our cases. The Schweningers’ rental, on a hillside overlooking the port city, was memorably reached via funicular. I emptied all my clothing into their Italian-made, front-loading machine before dinner. I had no idea how to operate the machine, guessing at the foreign settings. What seemed like hours later, my clothes — all my clothes — were still washing away. Back home, my old top-loader would have been long finished. After madly pressing buttons, it chugged to a stop — with all my soggy clothes inside clearly visible through the machine’s window. The door could not be opened. I knocked at the neighbor’s door, trying to explain that the machine was broken. Did they have any knowledge of washing machines? Or at least that’s what I attempted to ask, using a pastiche of English and terrible Italian. Her reply was in English: “Call the Candy Man.” What? Turns out the machine was by Italy’s most popular brand — Candy. Candy was the first to bring front-loading machines to the Italian market. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
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HOME BY DESIGN
Home is the
Heart of the Holidays May your home be filled with all the joys of the season!
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Broker 910-585-5438
NIKKI BOWMAN
Broker/Owner 910-528-4902
760 B NW Broad Street Southern Pines, NC www.realtyworldofmoore.com
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Their website states (in a convoluted translation) that the brand has been “part of Italian industrial history since 1945, when it launched the Model 50, the first washing machine thought for the households.” The “thought for the households” is a charming touch — versus, what? Thought for use outside the home? With my travel funds depleted and my friend’s wallet gone, I counted my lire. How much was a house call going to cost? Quick answer: all the lire I had. The next morning, the Genovese Candy Man spent about two minutes looking at the machine. He pushed two buttons, the spin cycle began, and he grinned. Clean clothes. Cleaned out pockets. Now both my friend and I were cashless in Genoa. It was several years before I could be persuaded to consider a water-conserving front-loader. As for Ginn? It isn’t about the cash. He is a true believer in good design in both his wardrobe and his home. He admires and collects art. Italian-made shoes. Buttery-soft leather coats. German and Italian sports cars. He and his girlfriend admire the finer things in life, and he has even written her poetry in Italian. But Ginn has technology fatigue. He does not want to study the manual to decipher sleek electronics. He wants knobs to turn and buttons, as we say in the South, “to mash.” Ginn has discovered he is a top-down kind of appliance man, one who believes — and plans to invest — in the simplest possible washing machine. One that is top-loading, with an old-fashioned clothes agitator that stops whenever you open the lid to toss in one more thing. Design simplicity at its finest. “I don’t ask to save the planet,” he wrote to me later, “only to have white boxers.” It will cost Ginn, of course. Simplicity doesn’t come cheaply. But the smart money is on the Speed Queen. PS Cynthia Adams is a contributing editor to PineStraw and O.Henry. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
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W E E K E N D A WA Y
Urban Wonderland
The Madcap gents hightail it to bustling Greenville By Jason Oliver Nixon
Recently, at High Point Market, John and I ran into a Greenville native and friend and, over drinks, we discussed the state of downtown HP.
“You think downtown High Point struggles,” our pal said. “Greenville was worse back in the day. Twenty years ago, you just wouldn’t go to most of downtown. And now it’s really breathtaking. The restaurants, the shopping, the river walk and access to nature . . .” Intrigued, John and I did our homework. Once the self-pro-
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claimed textile capital of the world, Greenville, S.C., languished for decades when fabric firms moved overseas. Happily, a visionary urban revitalization master plan kicked off in the 1990s and continues to transform this once-uncut gem into the poster child for what a small-scale city downtown can become. Families love it. Foodies love it. BMW has its international manufacturing HQ here. Find Michelin’s U.S. headquarters there, too. It’s super walkable, super dog friendly. Heaps of nature make hiking and biking ideal. Expect loads of art galleries and working artist studios. Furman University. Cultural venues that range from the Children’s Museum of the Upstate to the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum, plus a world-class performing arts center. And a smattering of charming, newly sprucedup towns surrounding the city make for great day trips. So on a crisp late fall afternoon, John and I piled into the Subaru The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
W E E K E N D A WA Y
and set sail for the three-hour drive to this mythical city in the northwest corner of South Carolina. We left the pups behind. Home base for the weekend was The Westin Poinsett, a historic, 12-story property smack in the middle of Main Street’s hustle and bustle. The Poinsett has had a seesaw history since its 1925 opening. After decades as a glittering hostelry it eventually morphed into a retirement home. And then, in the late 1970s/early 1980s, it was abandoned and regularly vandalized. Now, in a beige-on-beige sort of way, the Poinsett sparkles anew after its late 1990s restoration. Speaking of hotel design, downtown Greenville lacks a good oneoff boutique hotel: It’s all Hyatt Place and Aloft (perfect for folks with dogs), Hilton and Hampton Inn. Fortunately, a sleek AC Hotel by Marriott will soon open just down from the Poinsett, and construction of the high-style Grand Bohemian Greenville, perfectly situated at the base of Reedy River Falls, approaches completion. Checked in, John and I hightailed it for sunset cocktails at the stylish UP on the Roof bar situated, incongruously, atop the Embassy Suites downtown. We wanted a birds-eye view to kick off the weekend festivities, and that’s just what we got. John and I sipped artisanal cocktails and took in the stunning vistas of downtown and the surrounding mountains. After drinks, we walked a few blocks to Urban Wren, a newly opened eatery tucked into an urban neighborhood blossoming with brand-new lofts next to the still-busy Norfolk Southern tracks. Think an interesting, slightly vexing menu that travels from Italy to Asia and India with a few stops in between. Pair the far-flung menu with cement floors and an edgy Brooklyn vibe that caters to a young, stylish, and, apparently, moneyed crowd. “Wow, $44 for salmon,” I blurted. John harrumphed and commented on how packed the restaurant was. Jammed, in fact. Even during a pandemic, the Greenville restaurant scene bristles with electricity. And residents are truly passionate — and vocal — about their dining-out likes and dislikes. A Greenville friend checked in, “You have to go to ASADA and Fork and Plough. And you must have cocktails at EXILE and the Swordfish (Cocktail) Club. You will love Willy Taco Feed & Seed and Bar Margaret. And lunch at Afghan restaurant Aryana is a must. Have a glass of rosé and the pickled beet and pear salad at Passerelle Bistro overlooking the falls to take in the view but be sure to get off the beaten path — there are so many amazing options further afield.” And so John and I mapped out a plan. Saturday morning kicked off with superlative pastries and lavenderscented lattes at French-owned Le Petit Croissant cafe and from there we walked Main Street to the baseball stadium and back across the Reedy River. The transformation of Falls Park on the Reedy is the crown jewel of the city’s impressive revitalization. Once all but hidden by a 1960s-era highway bridge, the stunning, mist-kissed falls are now part of a vast river walk that is populated with walkers and bikers who enjoy the numerous cafes and shops and taking in the views from the architecturally stunning pedestrian-only Liberty Bridge. We stopped at the wonderful M. Judson Booksellers next to the The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
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W E E K E N D A WA Y
Poinsett, explored Mast General Store, and popped into superlative men’s store Rush Wilson Limited. The sidewalks were bustling. “It’s so nice to see so many people out and about,” mentioned John. “It almost feels ‘normal.’” After exploring downtown, we hopped into the car and visited the buzzy parking lot sale at The Rock House Antiques. We stopped at the Hampton Station dining and entertainment complex and considered lunch al fresco but realized we were perhaps too old for the man bun and tattoos/ax throwing/mac and cheese scene. Instead, we visited the charming Greer, a vest pocket-sized town that, like Greenville, has been lavished with much urbanplanning love. We were smitten with the blocks-long burg, explored Plunder for antiques and lunched upon crepes at Barista Alley. We drove to the nearby Hotel Domestique, a Provençal-style inn that caters especially to cyclists, and ogled the stonework and postcardperfect nature views at the 1820s-era Poinsett Bridge. We stopped in the town of Travelers Rest, an epicurean’s delight at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside Greenville. So many restaurants! Driving back into town, we stopped for dinner at the James Beard-nominated working farm-cum-eatery Oak Hill Café and lapped up a terrific local cheese plate and duck confit with spaetzle. Sunday morning was languid and began with a Tuscan-inspired lunch on the balcony at Main Street’s Jianna, where a glass of montepulciano paired perfectly with spot-on people watching and a shared plate of pasta.
Phone buzzing, it was our Greenville friend texting a slew of other restaurant and must-visit ideas. “You need to meet artist Joseph Bradley. Try the cheese at Blue Ridge Creamery. Brunch at Topsoil. And I think you’d like the lunch counter at the Pickwick Pharmacy.” Ah, so much to see, so little time. And so many reasons for a return visit. With that in mind, John and I turned off our phones and spent the afternoon on the river walk with a picnic blanket and a pile of books and magazines. The distant roar of the falls only added to the bliss. PS The Madcap Cottage gents, John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon, embrace the new reality of COVID-friendly travel — heaps of road trips.
Thank you to our clients for a wonderful 2020!
We can’t wait to see what 2021 holds. Sandhills Real Estate Partners partner with the best lender in town!
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www.AlphaMortgageAdvantage.com
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THE ONLY LIMITATION IS YOUR IMAGINATION
Don’t Let the Grinch Steal Your Christmas ◆ Build Your Fireplace Big Enough for Santa’s Visit! ◆ BRICKWORK
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FIREPLACES
OUTDOOR LIVING
910-944-0878 46
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www.howellsmasonry.com 10327 Hwy 211 • Aberdeen, NC 28315 The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
IN THE SPIRIT
Straining for a Gift? Wu-Tang Clan to the rescue
By Tony Cross
PHOTOGRAPH BY TONY CROSS
There’s al-
ways that one person who’s impossible to buy for. My father is a struggle during the holidays; he has a habit of buying himself what he would like a month or so before Christmas. Maybe if we just stopped buying him gifts altogether, he would stop that nonsense. So much for hindsight. Even if you’re a great gift giver, here are a few recommendations that probably haven’t crossed your mind. All are unique and will hopefully stand out. Mover & Shaker Co. Raekwon Cocktail Strainer, $105 Calling all Wu-Tang fans: I saw this advertised a few months ago, and I splurged immediately. With my wallet. Cocktail company Mover & Shaker has teamed up with legendary MC (Emcee), Raekwon, from Wu-Tang Clan, on a signature cocktail strainer. They’ve only made 300, so you’ll have to act fast. Go to moverandshakerco.com. It’s shaped like the Wu-Tang “W” and has “chef The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
RAEKWON” etched on it. If I had never seen this, and someone gifted it to me, I would be thrilled. Even if that hard-to-buy-for-person isn’t the biggest cocktail fan, having this piece could change their mind. If they love Wu-Tang, of course. A few weeks after receiving my strainer, I went live with my company’s promotion of bottled cocktails. One in particular we call “Surgical Gloves,” named after a Raekwon track. I made a little video and posted it on our social media sites. The next morning, not only did I have a message from the Chef, himself, he also shared it on his Instagram stories. I screamed like a little girl.
Crude Bitters Attawanhood #37 and No No Bitters Based out of Raleigh, local business Crude Bitters has plenty of great bitters to choose from, but these two seasonal bottles don’t stay on the shelves long. The Attawanhood #37 and No No bitters couldn’t be more different. They’re the spice rack in a cocktail smorgasbord and, depending on whom you’re buying for, one might complement that person’s cocktail palate more than the other. This is what they say about their seasonal bitters: “Attawanhood is a variation of a classic aromatic with a tart cherry in the forefront. Named after the street our founder grew up on (a fun “A” name like the classic bitters you many know). Stone fruit, silkiness, with sharp bitterness and dark spice bite. For classic and modern cocktails.” In addition to the tart cherry, there are flaPineStraw
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IN THE SPIRIT
vors of cinnamon and cloves as well. They describe their No No bitters as, “A tasty mix of sweet and hot peppers. You don’t want these bitters. They’re a spicy meat-a-ball-a. Blending bhut jolokia, guajillo, habanero, Scotch bonnet, jalapeño, bell, and more. We craft this to add a sweet pepper flavor, one you can taste, and then it finishes with a slow capsaicin burn.” Visit your local wine shop, or wherever local mixers are sold to grab yours. If your local establishment doesn’t carry Crude, ask them to! Until they do, you can place an order over at crudebitters.com.
The Spirit of Haiti-Clairin
Framer’s Cottage
162 NW Broad Street • Downtown Southern Pines • 910.246.2002 48
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Clairin, a native rum to Haiti, is one of my newest fascinations. If you are buying a gift for a rum fan, look no further. Oh, and when I say “rum fan,” I don’t mean flavored Bacardi or Captain Morgan’s. This is the real deal. Previously, I’ve raved about The Spirit of Haiti’s Michel Sajous clairin. That bottle comes in at a whopping 51 percent ABV, but when used in a daiquiri, it’s pretty damn tasty. No, it’s really tasty. Since then, I’ve become enamored with their Clairin Vaval. My new favorite, hands down. Still high proof, coming in at 48.7 percent ABV, this is my Ti’ Punch rum. Distiller Fritz Vaval uses 100 percent Madame Meuze sugar cane juice — Vaval’s family has owned their distillery since 1947 and has 20 hectares of land planted with varieties of this type of sugar cane. According to the spiritofhaiti.com, “It’s fermented naturally with wild yeast and distilled in one continuous copper column still with 10 trays and a homemade condenser made from a gasoline can.” Small batches. Beautiful packaging. Exquisite rum. Odds of finding this in any of our local ABC stores is probably as good as bumping into Fritz on the street. Go online and grab a bottle as soon as possible to ensure arrival by the 24th. The Spirit of Haiti distributes three other types of clairin, so if this one’s a winner, you can grab another variety next go-round. PS Tony Cross is a bartender (well, ex-bartender) who runs cocktail catering company Reverie Cocktails in Southern Pines. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
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IMAGINE YOUR HOME TOTALLY ORGANIZED
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THE KITCHEN GARDEN
Peppermint Temptation And a holiday home remedy
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . . With candy canes and silver lanes aglow — Meredith Willson By Jan Leitschuh
For some, it’s Christmas cookies. For
others, it’s eggnog, shortbread and complementary spirits.
You might still be eating Halloween candy, but for me, it’s peppermint, in all its calorie-laden glory, that represents the culinary high point of the holiday season. Peppermint ice cream. Mocha mint lattes. Chocolate mints. Peppermint bark. My Christmastime, scaleaware caution and catnip. Starting around Halloween, you can't escape peppermint temptation in the stores. The Holiday Mint M&Ms and candy canes beckon. It's easy to forget that these processed, sugary treats derive their flavor from a simple herb. Peppermint is a sterile hybrid (Mentha p× iperita) of watermint (Mentha aquatic) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). I’m also deeply fond of a very close cousin, chocolate mint. The distinct peppery-cool flavor is a mixture of chemicals. The plant makes volatile aromatic compounds, and stores them in specialized “hairs” on its leaves. These leaves distill readily into concentrated oils. The United States produces more than 70 percent of the world’s supply of peppermint. The Pacific Northwest leads in mint production — conditions in Washington, Oregon and Idaho are ideal for producing high quality oil. Fields of peppermint are mowed down like hay, dried, then steam-distilled to extract the oil. Peppermint flavoring is complex, a mixture of menthol with numerous other molecules. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
Candy canes and peppermint patties use just a small sector of mint oil demand. The majority of mint oil (90 percent) is split equally for flavoring chewing gum and dental products (toothpaste and mouthwash). Mint oil is big business, worth approximately $200 million annually. Peppermint is one of the oldest (and best-tasting) home remedies for indigestion. A nice cup of peppermint tea soothes winter chills, and mint is used in many sleepy-time blends. Recent research conducted at the University of Cincinnati has shown that sniffing mint improves concentration — several Japanese companies now pipe small amounts through their air conditioning systems to invigorate workers and improve productivity. Mice and other rodents don’t care for the smell of mint. Some homeowners use it as a perfectly safe and natural pest control method. Plant mint around areas they might use to get inside, or put peppermint oil on cotton balls and place in holes and cabinets. Even though it doesn’t produce seeds, peppermint is a prolific propagator via vegetative growth of stolons (plant biology word of the day). In the case of mint, stolons are runners just below the soil surface that can establish their own root system and plant. Because mint is very good at this, it can be quite invasive once it gets established. For your home herb garden, I would suggest growing it in a container to keep it corralled. For commercial production, certified disease-free rootstocks are used and continue producing good yields of high quality oil for about four years. How did peppermint come to be associated with Christmas? The colors of red and green abound, and the peppermint herb itself carries half that load proudly in green. The traditional peppermint candy cane colors are, of course, red and white. Aside from peppermint's frosty, refreshing taste, it seems that the candy cane may actually be to blame for the Yule association. According to an online story, in 1670, a choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral handed this candy out to children at their living Nativity to keep the kids occupied. “The candy was shaped to look like a shepherd’s staff,” wrote PineStraw
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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
THE KITCHEN GARDEN
the blogger Eric Samuelson. “The peppermint flavor probably wasn’t introduced for another 200 years. They became popular to hang on Christmas trees in the United States. So I think this is how mint became associated with Christmas. Starting with the candy cane, other mint flavored candies were introduced over the years until mint became one of the flavors of Christmas.” To incorporate a little peppermint into your Christmas, you could put a few drops of peppermint oil in a shallow dish on a warm spot to scent a room. Perhaps give your favorite gardener a pretty pot of peppermint to refresh their gray January, or dry some of your mint to give as a gift of tea. If you have mint in your garden, some usable leaves still might be hanging around. Peppermint extract also offers an added benefit for the holiday season. If you’ve eaten too many of those spectacular holiday treats when the baking is done, add a little of your homemade peppermint extract to a cup of tea — soothing for an upset or overstuffed stomach.
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Homemade Peppermint Extract 1 cup fresh peppermint leaves or, fresh chocolate mint leaves 1 tablespoon cacao nibs 1 cup vodka (80-100 proof) Wash mint leaves and remove any discolored leaves. Roughly chop leaves. Bruise lightly by striking with a mallet to coax the oils from the leaves. Fill a half-pint jar loosely with chopped mint leaves and pour vodka over the leaves to completely cover, leaving at least half an inch of air at the top. Tightly seal the jar and give it a good shake before storing in a cool, dark place. Allow the extract to steep for 3 to 4 weeks, shaking the jar every couple of days to agitate the leaves. Once desired strength has been reached, strain the leaves from the extract using a fine strainer or cheesecloth. Squeeze to get all the intense goodness. Return the extract to the jar for storage — or transfer into an attractive jar or bottle as an unusual and crafty holiday gift! PS Jan Leitschuh is a local gardener, avid eater of fresh produce and co-founder of Sandhills Farm to Table. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
Bespoke window treatments, pillows, bedding, & more.... If you can dream it, we can make it.
MILL END
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Est. 1936
STORE
Tues. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 2706 Bragg Bvld., Fayetteville 910-483-2375
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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
T H E C R E AT O R S O F N. C .
Art in Service
Rosalia Torres-Weiner’s flowers blossom By Wiley Cash Photographs by Mallory Cash
People begin arriv-
ing at 2 p.m. sharp on a Saturday afternoon at the Compare Foods Supermarket on Sharon Amity in east Charlotte: elderly men and women, families with small children, single mothers with babies on their hips — each of them carrying a distinctly different painting of bold, colorful flowers on 8x10 canvases. A few people appear uncertain, others seem excited to discover the source of the mystery that has brought them together. A message on the back of each painting has instructed them to arrive at this location on this day and at this time.
Over the past several days, the paintings — a hundred of them, in fact — have been found scattered around the Queen City on park benches, at bus stops, and inside laundromats, places that one does not expect to find works of art, especially art of this caliber. The artist, Charlotte’s Rosalia Torres-Weiner, is waiting for them, sitting on a folding chair outside her boldly painted art truck. The art truck is a repurposed delivery truck that, before the pandemic, Torres-Weiner used to deliver art supplies and arts education to Charlotte’s underserved Latinx communities. Today, those communities are coming to her. Some people arrive speaking Spanish, others English, but TorresWeiner, who was born and raised in Mexico City, moves effortlessly between the two languages, greeting everyone with a warm smile that cannot be denied, even by the mask she wears due to the continued rise in coronavirus cases in North Carolina, where Charlotte’s Latinx population has been particularly affected. Over the summer, Charlotte’s WBTV reported that Hispanic people make up about 10 percent of North Carolina’s population, but The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
they comprised roughly 46 percent of the state’s coronavirus cases. According to Atrium Health, 25 percent of Hispanics who were tested were positive for COVID-19, while testing for other groups returned positive rates at only 9.5 percent. Torres-Weiner, a self-described “artivist” whose work is fueled by service to her community, felt called to respond to the devastating effects of the COVID crisis. “All my work comes from the community, and while I obeyed the orders to stay home, I realized that I needed to do something,” she says. She soon found herself asking: “What can I do to produce art and help the Latino community?” This question led to an idea, and the idea eventually grew into action. Torres-Weiner’s husband, Ben Weiner, who works in technology, has grown accustomed to his wife coming up with these kinds of ideas, ideas that put her art to work in service of the community. He lovingly refers to these moments of inspiration, which he envisions as tiny black beans that grow into something larger, as frijolitos, and he has dubbed his wife’s visionary projects as “Frijolito, Inc.” As usual — and as her husband probably predicted — Torres-Weiner’s ideas on how to confront COVID grew. One day, while bouncing ideas off a friend who is also part of Charlotte’s Latinx community, Torres-Weiner decided that she would find a way to distribute sanitization supplies to underserved communities. Her friend told her that was a great idea, but what people really needed was food. Mothers and fathers were dying of COVID, leaving behind spouses and children who needed support. Yes, they needed supplies to protect their bodies, but they also needed food, especially children, who were going to bed hungry, their physical pain compounded by the emotional pain of losing a parent to the coronavirus. Pain and beauty: Torres-Weiner was motivated by one and desperate to spread the other, and she recalled a quote from the impressionist painter Claude Monet, “I must have flowers, always, and always.” She knew how to spread beauty, and she decided to paint a hundred 8x10 canvases with bold, colorful flowers. But she knew she needed help finding a way to address the pain people were feeling. Frijolito, Inc. sprang into action. Although she has made a living as a professional artist, TorresPineStraw
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The Country Bookshop presents
The Country Bookshop is teaming up with AmeriCorps ArtistYear Fellow, Alexis Lawson, to host a poetry contest. After such a long year, we want to give you a space to let your voice be heard. The winner of our contest will have their poem featured on the Bookshop’s Ad in PineStraw Magazine. All are encouraged to submit their best unpublished, original poems
Guidelines of Submissions
• Any form of poetry is accepted (Free verse, Rhyme, Haiku, Lyric, etc). • Short poems are encouraged, no more than 20 lines • Poems should be appropriate to display in public settings and for all ages • One poem entry per person • To submit: • Standard 8.5 x 11 in paper • 12pt Time New Roman • A Cover Page included ◆ Title of piece ◆ Name ◆ Age ◆ Address ◆ Phone number ◆ Email
Send Submissions to: Alexis.Lawson@artistyear.org Subject: Poetry Contest Or Deliver to: The Country Bookshop 140 NW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387 By submitting your work, you are agreeing to public display and publication in PineStraw Magazine
VIRTUAL EVENT February 3rd, 2021
A conversation with
John Hart – and –
John Grisham about the The Unwilling
Visit our website for more information Tickets available on ticketmesandhills.com
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140 NW Broad St. • Southern Pines, NC • 910.692.3211 • www.thecountrybookshop.biz • thecountrybookshop
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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
T H E C R E AT O R S O F N. C .
Weiner went to college for business administration. “My sister became a lawyer, my other sister became a doctor, so when I told my mother I wanted to be an artist, there was not a choice,” she says. But sometimes mothers know best, and Torres-Weiner admits that her business background has provided the tools she needed to find funding and partnerships for her art projects. For her latest, she reached out to Google Fiber. With their support, Torres-Weiner was able to ensure that for each painting she painted, its new owner would have access to a gift bag containing hand sanitizer, masks, soap, and other items. Also, each bag would contain a $50 gift card to Compare Foods Supermarket. As is often the case when Torres-Weiner executes a plan, her husband is on-site today. Each time someone arrives with their newfound art in hand, Torres-Weiner checks the number on the back of the painting and calls it out to her husband, who is inside the art truck, where the gifts bags are waiting. Out of the 100 paintings Torres-Weiner distributed across Charlotte, 89 find their way back to their creator, and although the new owners get to keep the paintings, many of them cannot believe their good fortune. Surely there is a catch, some of them ask. Others try to return their paintings, certain that such beautiful art cannot have been passed on to them for free. If you ask Torres-Weiner why she feels compelled to use her art to support her community, she will respond by telling you that this is a community that has always supported her from the moment she and her husband arrived in Charlotte from Los Angeles in the mid-1990s. “I remember when we moved here,” she says, “and we
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T H E C R E AT O R S O F N. C .
saw a church on almost every corner of the city, and we saw everyone playing baseball and taking their kids to activities, and my husband and I looked at each other and said, ‘This is our city. This place is going to embrace us.’ And it did. We’ve been here 26 years.” But others in the city were not as convinced as Torres-Weiner that Charlotte was the place for her and her art. “When I started painting my colorful art, someone said, ‘You need to move to Santa Fe or San Francisco.’ I’m glad I didn’t listen.” Another time, while she was working on a mural in Washington, D.C., she told someone that she was ready to return home. They asked if she was heading back to Mexico. “No,” she said. “I’m going back to Charlotte, North Carolina. That’s my home.” But home changes, and artists adapt, and Torres-Weiner has adapted, easily blending her Mexican cultural heritage into her work as a Mexican-American artivist living in Charlotte. By way of example, she references cuisine and how foodways can merge cultures and bring people together. A few years ago, while standing in line at a walk-up Mexican restaurant that had long been a secret kept within the Latinx community, Torres-Weiner noticed the diversity of people waiting with her, and she struck up a conversation with a Black man who was standing behind her. He saw the paint on her clothes, and he asked if she was a painter. She said she was. As a matter of fact, she had painted the nearby mural of the Lady of Guadalupe on Central Avenue. The man told her the neighborhood had once housed primarily Black families, and before that White
Charlotteans had made it their home. Now, the neighborhood was home primarily to members of the Latinx community, and TorresWeiner explained that she was painting the mural to welcome them to Charlotte. While they waited for their lunch, TorresWeiner and the man continued to talk about old landmarks, how communities change, how they maintain their hospitality, how they can welcome anyone who is looking for a home. Rosalia Torres-Weiner’s career has taken her all over the world, and her work has been featured in major museum collections and ended up on the cover of a United States history textbook. But no matter where she goes or where her work is showcased, Charlotte remains home. “Last year, I was selected to represent North Carolina as a Mexican artist when an event was organized in Mexico City that invited one artist from each state in America to represent the arts,” she says. “And when they chose me as North Carolina’s artist, I was so proud.” The day’s event has ended. The confused and curious people who arrived with a gorgeous painting in one hand are leaving with a bag full of groceries and COVID supplies in the other. No one is more pleased than Torres-Weiner. It is obvious that her day of service has regenerated her, guaranteeing that she will soon find another way to put her art into action to serve her community. What else can an artivist do but create and serve? “It’s my food, it’s my air,” she says. “It is my Christmas.” PS Wiley Cash and his photographer wife, Mallory, live in Wilmington, N.C. His latest novel, The Last Ballad, is available wherever books are sold.
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OUT OF THE BLUE
A Different Kind of Christmas Searching for our better angels
By Deborah Salomon
Prediction: Christmas will be tricky this year. Parades are iffy or off. Office parties face extinction. Caroling spreads COVID’s aerosolized particles. Can department store Santas fit masks over fake facial hair?
My upbringing afforded a different kind of Christmas — one that provokes criticism, some justified. This was the secular Christmas celebrated in New York and other large cities, in the late 1940s, when the Yanks came marching home to open arms, jingle bells and roastedchestnut vendors on every street corner. This “Christmas spirit” was enjoined by people of all faiths, or none. It was slammed as commercial, a sacrilegious riff on the real thing. My father came from an ultra-orthodox immigrant Jewish family. My mother was raised Southern Baptist, in Greensboro. My father rebelled against the rules while holding tight to the cultural/culinary part. He laughed as Hanukkah became the “Jewish Christmas,” because it falls sometime in December. No matter, as long as he had a plate of latkes, the signature Hanukkah food. My mother did not seek church affiliation. But they both loved Manhattan Christmas. That meant a tree, gifts, fruitcake and the holiday show at Radio City Music Hall. For me, it also meant standing in line to see the animated windows at Fifth Avenue department stores. They were magical, musical, depicting Christmases of yore, when ladies wore long skirts and tight bodices and gentlemen, waxed whiskers and wainscots. Some added sugar plum fairies, ballerinas, ice skaters on mirror ponds. Music tinkled from outdoor speakers. Oh, how I wanted to jump into those scenes, like Alice into the looking glass. Because, sadly, my childhood was less than storybook. That changed, somewhat, when we moved to Asheville. I was 11. My parents joined the Reform temple. I attended Sunday School and High Holiday services. We still exchanged gifts, sent cards to friends, hung a holly wreath on the door. No tree. My husband was Jewish; we raised three children in a 99.9 percent Jewish neighborhood, home to many Holocaust survivors. No trees, wreaths or lights except for the electric Hanukkah menorah (candelabra) in the window. I became expert at celebrating Jewish holidays at the table and elsewhere. My homemade crispy mini-latkes replaced fruitcake and eggnog, which The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
was fine, although I missed some trappings of a secular Christmas, just not silly songs round the clock. In Asheville I noticed that the Jewish community delivered Christmas dinner boxes for the needy, volunteered at hospitals and nursing homes so employees could have the day off. Jewish people do that in many places, as well as “eating Chinese” at the only restaurants that stay open. Therefore, for 35 years as a newspaper reporter I worked every Christmas. This took the form of a 24-hour Yule Log. I logged in at midnight Mass, the bus depot, rode the pre-dawn ferry across Lake Champlain, ice skating, fancy hotel buffets, afternoon movies and anything else I could find. I did that here for a while, beginning with a candlelight service on Christmas Eve, ending at Neville’s, after the last turkey carcass had been picked bare. Lately, I’m limited to the Project Santa bike giveaway early on Christmas morning. What a glorious sight: hundreds of shiny new bikes for children Santa bypassed. I wept, as did many volunteers who postponed holiday brunch to help each child find the right wheels, while Brenda Lee blared “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” I understand why the devout deem secular Christmas offensive. But I was a lonely only child, star-struck by the beauty. And now, during December, I don’t see why charitable acts and goodwill toward all should belong to a single faith. Therefore, I will forever roast chestnuts with Nat King Cole. On my playlist “Feliz Navidad” rates up there with anything Billy Joel. Because whatever motivates people to perform kind deeds deserves respect. For sure, Christmas will be tricky this year. More unemployment, illness, poverty, isolation. Fewer turkeys, toys and trees. A perfect setting for practicing humanity — secular or sacred. In 1966, Broadway lyricist Jerry Herman wrote a song for “Mame,” set in 1929, at the onset of the Great Depression: We need a little Christmas, Right this very minute Candles in the window, Carols on the spinet . . . For I’ve grown a little leaner, Grown a little older, And I need a little angel, sitting on my shoulder . . . We need a little Christmas . . . right now! Works for me. PS Deborah Salomon is a contributing writer for PineStraw and The Pilot. She may be reached at debsalomon@nc.rr.com. PineStraw
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS F R O M Y O U R FA M I LY AT
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B I R D WA T C H
Winter Visitors You’ll know this clever nuthatch by its color and its call
By Susan Campbell
Every few winters, an irrup-
tion of wintering finches wings its way to the Southeast. This is definitely shaping up to be one of those years. Thousands of songbirds native to the far north, such as pine siskins and purple finches, are already pouring in, looking for food all over North Carolina.
The first waves were observed in late September, signaling that there’s already a dearth of red spruce, balsam fir, Eastern hemlock and other small, oily and protein-rich native seeds across the northern tier of states. These birds will move farther and farther south in coming months. Some, such as the red-breasted nuthatch, have their breeding grounds way up in the boreal forests of Canada. Although pairs can also be found in northwestern North Carolina at altitudes of upwards of 3,000 feet year round, some nuthatches may cease their quest southward when they happen upon a well-stocked birdfeeder. If it’s your feeder, don’t be surprised if they take up residence in your yard for the duration of the season. And are they ever entertaining for the lucky hosts! The red-breasted nuthatch is closely related to our resident brownheaded and white-breasted nuthatches with which many of us are so familiar. They defend their nest cavity fiercely from other birds as well as climbing predators. They have also been documented using resin and pieces of bark around the nest entrance for protection. Such skillful tool usage is remarkable, so it’s no surprise that red-breasted nuthatches can be very successful breeders. However, if the weather is good and food is abundant in summer, they can easily outstrip the local mast crop by late summer. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
These animated little birds have a gray back, a prominent eye stripe and rusty flanks as well as a reddish breast, as their name implies. Red-breasteds are also quite vocal, calling repeatedly a distinctively nasal “yank yank” that sounds like a tiny tin horn being blown from the treetops. Both sexes will call, but unmated males are the most vocal. They give a very definite warning of their presence — even to larger birds, which they are not afraid to challenge for food. Red-breasted nuthatches spend their time crawling over the branches of pine trees looking for seeds in cones as well as insects active in the needles and outer bark. Stock your birdfeeder with sunflower seeds, which they love. With their long, wedge-shaped bills, they can readily shell and gobble down black-oil sunflower seeds or they store them in a crevice for later. These little birds also love peanuts and suet. Individuals can be quite aggressive, driving other nuthatches away with strong body language and harsh vocalizations. In the Sandhills and Piedmont, where we have such good nuthatch habitat, you can find them almost anywhere in a good winter. The best way to locate a red-breasted is to slowly walk through a pine stand and listen. They rarely resist giving themselves away. But in the absence of repeated, nasally calls, scan nearby chickadee or titmouse flocks. These northern visitors are known to frequently associate with other small-bodied seedeaters. If you spend just a little time in the woods over the coming weeks, chances are you’ll spot some of these clever winter visitors! PS Susan would love to receive your wildlife observations and/or photos at susan@ncaves.com.
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T H E NAT U R A L I S T
Among Kings and Killers Abundant life on an island at the end of the world
Story and Photographs by Todd Pusser
Words cannot describe it. Photo-
graphs will never do it justice. It has to be experienced, firsthand, to fully appreciate the sheer scale and magnitude. Standing before me, as far as the eye could see, were thousands upon thousands of penguins, all packed tightly together, each bird over 3-feet tall and weighing 25 pounds.
The immense rookery was full of frenetic energy, with birds constantly coming and going, tending to young, and greeting one another with rapid head nods and throaty, guttural calls. It was a complete sensory overload, a bit like standing in the middle of Times Square during a pre-COVID rush hour. I was on one of the most remote spots on the planet, about as far away from humanity as one can get, witnessing one of Earth’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Lying just north of Antarctica and surrounded by the nutrient-rich waters of the southern Atlantic Ocean, South Georgia is a crescent-
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shaped island, 100 miles long, and full of rugged, 10,000-foot tall snowcapped mountains. A British territory, the island was first observed in 1675 by London-born Antoine de la RochÊ, whose ship had been blown off course while traveling from South America to England. The 150,000 pairs of king penguins stretched from the shoreline all the way up the side of a mountain that was flanked by two broad, icy glaciers. The rookery on Salisbury Plain, near the northwest corner of South Georgia, is the largest on the island and one of the largest in the world. King penguins are the world’s second largest species of penguin, surpassed only by their close cousins, the emperor penguins, who prefer to nest on the icy continent of Antarctica just to the south. Their regal-like plumage, befitting their common name, is composed of a layer of densely packed black and white feathers (to help shield against the cold) and a brilliant orange facemask. Working as a naturalist for a tour company that specialized in travel to remote locations around the world, I had landed on the beach earlier that morning with 10 other passengers. As we carefully made our way along the sandy shoreline, dodging a caravan of penguins returning to the beach from an offshore foraging venture, we paused The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
to watch a pair of massive southern elephant seal males (so named for their immense noses) bellow territorial warnings to one another. Southern elephant seals, like king penguins, are creatures of superlatives. As the largest seal on the planet, males can grow to 16 feet in length and reach weights of 4 tons. Scattered among the elephant seals and penguins are hundreds of Antarctic fur seals. Most were sleeping, stretched out on their bellies on the sandy beach, but some were sitting high up on tussocks of tall grass, surveying their surroundings. Looking a bit like domestic dogs, with dense fur coats, small heads and pointed snouts, Antarctic fur seals, as well as the larger elephant seals, are living testaments to the resiliency of Mother Nature. When the famous sea captain James Cook landed on the island in January 1775, claiming it for the British crown and naming it after King George III, he found the land to be barren and inhospitable. However, he reported on the vast numbers of seals found along its The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
rugged shores. Within five years, commercial ships from Britain and the United States descended upon the island in droves to hunt and harvest the abundant pinnipeds. Elephant seals were killed for their oil and the fur seals harvested for their coats. In just a single year, one British vessel took 3,000 barrels of oil and over 50,000 fur seal skins. That kind of hunting pressure was not sustainable, and soon seal populations were nearing total collapse. Commercial sealing activities folded because there were simply not enough animals left alive to the make the business profitable. In 1972, international laws were established to protect marine mammals around the world, and since that time, populations of elephant seals and fur seals have made a remarkable recovery. As we toured the immense penguin rookery, one young fur seal caught my eye. Unlike the other seals on the beach, which were dark brown, this one was a striking honey-blond color. This pale condition, likely a recessive genetic trait akin to albinism, is rare in fur seal PineStraw
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T H E NAT U R A L I S T
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populations and occurs in just 1 percent of the population. Our group stopped and aimed long telephoto lenses at the youngster, who seemed just as curious about us as we were about him. Glancing out to sea, just beyond the blond fur seal, I caught sight of another superlative creature flying high above the waves. With a wingspan approaching 12 feet, the wandering albatross is Earth’s longest-winged flying bird, inspiring generations of sailors with its immense size and ability to glide effortlessly through the air in the strongest of gales. Later in the day, we would stop on nearby Prion Island, a small islet in the bay, to observe wandering albatrosses on their nests. Albatrosses, penguins and seals, oh my. South Georgia is truly one of the great wildlife meccas on the planet. Even the waters surrounding the island host a tremendous diversity of life. Just the day before, as our ship approached the island from the west, we stumbled upon one of the greatest concentration of marine creatures I have ever seen in 25 years of sailing the high seas. Under a brilliant blue-sky day, with only a light breeze blowing across the surface of the ocean, we stumbled upon an immense gathering of whales. As far as the eye could see, the tall blows of fin whales, the second largest animal on the planet (capable of reaching lengths over 80 feet and 70 tons), rose above the surface of the water. Dozens of the immense creatures were in view at any one time. Scattered here and there among the fin whales were rotund southern right whales and the occasional humpback whale. As our ship transited carefully through the area, a long line of seabirds, consisting of prions, petrels and albatrosses, followed. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
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T H E NAT U R A L I S T
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A small group of hourglass dolphins rushed over to play in the wake left behind by the moving vessel. Life was everywhere. We had crossed the Antarctic Convergence, a zone where the cold currents from Antarctica meet the warmer waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The meeting of these currents can vary from year to year and our ship just happened to be in the right place at the right time. The sighting of the day happened just after noon, when a large group of killer whales approached the ship. Killer whales (a bit of a misnomer, as they are not actually a whale but rather the largest member of the dolphin family) have striking panda-like black and white markings, and when a mother and her calf surfaced close to the bow of the ship, numerous oohhs and aahhs erupted from passengers and crew alike. The group of 20 or so killers accompanied the ship for the better part of an hour and left a lasting impression on all those onboard. I frequently look back at the images I took during my time around South Georgia. To witness such an abundance of wildlife, especially during this day and age, when so much of the natural world is feeling the negative effects of humanity, was an extraordinary privilege. It also offers a glimmer of hope for the future. If our society — all seven billion of us — can achieve the economic and political resolve to mitigate the decline of the natural world, humans and the other wild creatures that call this planet home, will flourish. PS
Naturalist and photographer Todd Pusser, who grew up in Eagle Springs, N.C., works to document the extraordinary diversity of life both near and far. His images can be found at www. ToddPusser.com. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
G O L F T OW N J O U R NA L
Best Buys
Golf under the Christmas tree
By Lee Pace
PHOTOGRAPH BY LEE PACE
We’ll soon utter good riddance,
bon débarras (French), buon viaggio (Italian) and buen viaje (Spanish) to this dud of a virus-tainted year of 2020. Fortunately, some good emerged from the rubble — the golf course has proven a reasonably safe refuge from Zoom calls, nose swabs and political backbiting. Golf Datatech, a golf industry research firm, reports a 25 percent jump in rounds played over a year ago in the month of September, and year-to-date rounds are up nearly 9 percent nationally. Many golfers report their “COVID handicaps” are a hair lower because they’re playing more golf. I did my part and spent a few bucks along the way, figuring I can’t take it with me, and I might as well pump up a sagging gross domestic product. Herewith are a few of my favorite purchases from 2020. Maybe they’ll spawn a Christmas gift idea. For game improvement: the Flyt Chipping/Pitching Sleeve
The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
(pronounced like flight). Brad Smith, a former pro on various developmental tours worldwide, concocted the device after noticing the fundamental differences in the chipping and pitching motions of elite players versus mid-handicappers and up. The sleeve covers the right hand, wrist and arm just past the elbow (of a right-handed golfer) and takes out any hinging action of the wrist and elbow. You simply move your arms and chest back and through in a triangle motion with absolutely no hand action. A tip from an instructional video to keep the chest down and moving through the shot is the secret sauce. I am still working on getting distances and trajectories honed, but contact has never been as consistently pure by replicating the motion and feel. Highly recommended. For foot comfort while walking the course: Sketchers GO-Golf shoes and Bombas Tri-Block ankle socks. There is nothing more important to the walking golfer than good shoes and socks. Who among us hasn’t slogged up 18 with a painful blister borne of rigid shoes or poorly constructed socks? I’ve tried a pair of the True Linkswear Knit shoes and they are among the lightest and most comfortable I’ve worn, but they’re not waterproof. So if you troop through the dew on a summer morning, you’ll be soggy all day. These Sketchers shoes are waterproof and featherweight, and their spikeless traction outsoles feature multidirectional cleats and lugs that provide superior traction. The Bombas socks are made of a cotton/poly blend; they don’t slip, have no irritating toe seams and have a “blister tab” — a tiny cushion that sits directly where the shoe hits the leg. PineStraw
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G O L F T OW N J O U R NA L
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You’ll be tuckered out after walking 18 holes, but your feet won’t be squealing. For a total sell-out to technology over minimalism: Peakpulse Rangefinder. I swore I’d never stoop to using an artificial measuring device (and even said so in this space in a September 2009 piece titled “The Golf Curmudgeon”). But I airmailed wedge shots on the same hole on consecutive Sundays back in June because I was too lazy to find a sprinkler head. I tried a Bushnell Phantom GPS but found it cumbersome to mount to my bag or belt (and too easy to pop off), then opted for the Peakpulse. It’s easy to use, accurate and reasonably priced. I simply reach into my bag as I approach my ball, pull out the rangefinder and give the flag a quick shot. For my winter golf comfort: a reverse stripe hoodie from Linksoul. Players like Justin Thomas and Erik van Rooyen have normalized wearing a hoodie on the golf course, and my annual resolve to play more winter golf (and annual rejection thereof) prompted the idea for a stylish and comfortable outerwear piece. Generally I am more homed in on the color of Stitch and Johnnie-O and find Linksoul’s color palette too earthy and muted, but this light gray piece (“Deep Lake” in their catalog) looks great with stone-color trousers on the course and jeans off it. That’s exactly what company founder John Ashworth had in mind — create a transitional wardrobe based around a Southern California coastal environment; every piece works whether you’re walking onto the first tee or into a boardroom. For my lightest and coolest golf bag ever: a customized bag from FlagBag Golf Company. A course superintendent in California named Josh Smith had the idea a year ago to take flags used on hole flagsticks and turn them into golf bags, figuring that three flags stacked one on top of another and stitched together would be the right amount of material. Josh and his brother Matt went into business together and manufacture the bags in a shop in Portland to individual customers’ specifications. I acquired flags from six of the courses to be featured in my upcoming book that University of North Carolina Press will publish in the spring of 2021 and asked the Smiths to turn them into a bag. It features Pinehurst No. 2, Palmetto GC, Eagle Point GC, Old Town The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
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Hugh McColl’s Chapter Two The twenty years Hugh McColl’s spent since stepping down as Bank of America CEO is a primer for anyone who believes irrelevancy is a part of retirement. This is the story of how McColl, at 85, remains essential in a city that bears his imprint, from building Uptown to investing social capital in all corners of the community. A new book by Howard E. Covington Jr. NEW FROM
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GC, Grandfather Golf and CC and Old Chatham GC and weighs only 2 pounds. It’s bare bones — one pocket, no umbrella holder, no stand. “Less is more,” Smith says. “It ties into minimalist golf. Minimal strokes wins in golf. Minimal wins in architecture, swing thoughts and golf bags.” For my reading pleasure: a vintage hardback copy of The Heart of a Goof by P.G. Wodehouse. I have more than a dozen yellowed paperbacks from the Jeeves/Bertie Wooster library of novels by Wodehouse, the British humorist from the early 1900s, as well as his two golf books, The Heart of a Goof and The Clicking of Cuthbert. My favorite is The Heart, in which from his perch on the veranda at a fictional club, The Oldest Member ruminates and tells stories on the vagaries of golf and its adherents. The opening salvo in this book tells of a “goof” named Jenkinson, “one of those unfortunate beings who have allowed this noblest of sports to get too great a grip upon them, who have permitted it to eat into their souls, like some malignant growth.” It’s a book worth re-reading every year or so, and I thought it should assume a more distinguished spot in my library in the form of a hard-cover edition from The Classics of Golf vintage book collection. That this version includes a foreword from the esteemed Herbert Warren Wind makes it all the more special. And for my nesting pleasure: a trio of vintage, golf-themed railroad travel posters. As we’re spending more time at home, I thought my office could use a makeover with these throwback images from the early 1900s. Back in the day, railroad companies spent much of their advertising budgets commissioning beautiful and intriguing paintings to promote their destinations and routes. Now these giclee prints depicting venues in France (Vichy), Scotland (Cruden Bay) and Switzerland (St. Moritz) give me wistful longings for the days we could easily get on a plane to play golf and then shake hands after that final putt on 18. PS Lee Pace has written about the Sandhills golf scene for more than 30 years and currently is working on a 25-year anniversary book for Forest Creek Golf Club. Contact him at leepace7@gmail.com. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
December ���� Worksock If I could round up stockings I’d take all the holey ones from Mama’s box of sewings, My father’s, first, the heel ragged as a monkey’s face. I’d hang that sock again for him And pray Santa would put an orange Or some nuts down in the thin And frayed toe, then arrange One real coconut with peeling skinned Off to let him know The love he held for me I hold for him. We were not poor — just didn’t have much money. Christmas meant longing: That chance to fill me with sunny Trances when I would skip the fields And pray for days that Jesus would not appear. I was never ready to see Him Alive instead of in a sermon nailed to a dogwood tree. Before sunup on Christmas day The plankhouse hummed with joy. In my stocking: raisins, a few English walnuts, toy From a Cracker Jack box I’d run A store with: I’d “sell” my brother a Mary Jane From his sock that Mama darned in a ray of sun.
— Shelby Stephenson
Shelby Stephenson was North Carolina Poet Laureate from 2015–2018. His most recent book is More.
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A Spin Around the World Christmas in Distant Lands Photographs by Tim Sayer Costuming by Mary and Marcie McKeithen, Showboat
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he symbols of holiday spirit can involve more than a jolly old elf with a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly. You can be naughty or nice in every corner of the globe.
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Netherlands
As Cosmo Kramer would say, “Giddyup!” In 1642 Dutch explorers named their first church in Manhattan after Sinterklaas, the patron saint of children and sailors who comes riding into town decked out with a bishop’s red hat and carrying a jeweled staff. He knocks on doors delivering bags of goodies. In the 21st century celebration Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam on a boat from Spain — where he spends the rest of the year — on Dec. 5. Olé, old fella. USDF bronze and silver medalist, Charlotte Brent, poses with Anna, owned by Jennie Acklin
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United Kingdom
Throw the big, fat goose on the table, slather yourself in Yorkshire pudding and pull out that dusty old volume of Charles Dickens. You might see a Santa in a red suit on the streets of London, but the traditional British Father Christmas is decked out in a hooded green suit, his head crowned with a wreath of holly and a dash of mistletoe — the colorful touch of pagan mythology. Ian Drake, manager of The Sly Fox Pub
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Germany
The legend of Krampus, spread across much of Central Europe, dates back to the 12th century. In early December, youngsters began hearing whispers about a dark creature with horns and fangs who carried a bundle of switches used to swat misbehaving children. On Krampusnacht — Dec. 5, the day before St. Nicholas Day — he’d come into town with chains and bells and steal away bad children in a basket. The next day St. Nick would reward all the good children with presents in their shoes. Fill ’er up. Phillip Shumaker, Existing Industry Expansions manager, Economic Partnership of North Carolina
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Norway
Dressed like a garden gnome, the gray-bearded julenissen was once a barn devil who protected the farm like a rabid Chihuahua. While these days it may live in a forest or a field nearby, the julenissen brings gifts from the North Pole on Christmas — not down the chimney but through the front door. And don’t forget the porridge with a little butter on top. This gnome can go sideways in a heartbeat. Local fisherman Bennett Rose
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Austria
Christkind, or Christkindl, is the giver of gifts. An angelic figure with long, often curly, blond hair and golden wings, she leaves them under the tree (or maybe on the doorstep) on the last day of Advent, Dec. 24. This second Santa grew out of the Reformation in the 16th and 17th centuries. Children never see the Christkind in person — on delivery day, that is. In some places, her departure is announced by the ringing of a tiny bell. Come and get it.
Veronica Lloyd, owner and manager of Monkees
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France
Anyone who remembers the Coneheads from Saturday Night Live knows that things are a little different in France. Père Noël wears a red cloak with a hood and brings toys to good children after evening Mass on Christmas Eve. Children don’t leave milk and cookies but might set out a glass of wine. Père Noël travels with Père Fouettard — the whipping father — who handles the misbehaving little tykes. Local carpenter Laurent Rocherolle
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Italy
La Befana is the good-natured hag who flies around on her broomstick on the night of Jan. 5, the Eve of Epiphany. She’s covered in soot because she enters houses through the chimney carrying a bag filled with candy and gifts for good children and coal for the naughty ones. According to the legend, she gave the three wise men shelter but declined to join them on their trip to Bethlehem. She’s been trying to catch up ever since. Kathryn Galloway
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Sweden
The tomte is a powerful little guy who’s got your back. Traditionally the protector of the farmer and his family, your typical tomte is no taller than half the size of a grown adult. If you get him angry he has the power to drive you mad. The jultomten is a tomte who showed up sometime in the late 1800s bringing gifts at Christmas. Leave him a bowl of porridge on Christmas Eve with a small cut of butter on top. Secret Santa
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China
What do they say, a billion Chinese can’t be wrong? They can’t be entirely without Santa, either. Though the Christian population hovers around 2 percent, Dun Che Lao Ren, the Christmas Old Man, still makes an appearance. Gifts are pretty much confined to New Year celebrations, but Santa shows up in malls and markets and is a frequent photo op. In a few households, children hang muslin stockings to be filled with treats and gifts. Manny Samson, former post commander VFW
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Christmas
Stories, Somewhat but Mostly Not True By Daniel Wallace
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Illustration by Ippy Patterson
he oldest family Christmas story I know is about my great grandmother, Nona. This is the century before last. Nona was a widow. As far as anyone could tell, Nona had always been a widow — some said she was born one. The truth is that her husband, my great grandfather, perished much too young in the salt mines of northern Alabama, leaving her alone with a brand-new baby, my grandfather, Ewing. As everyone who knows anything knows, Alabama was once home to the largest salt deposits in North America, something having to do with the shallow Cambrian seas that once covered the entirety of the state. But the mines were deep and dangerous and only the bravest of men ventured into them. After the salt mine tragedy, Nona was penniless but proud, foraging for food in the forest to feed herself and her wee child. They moved into a straw hut abutting the tail end of the Appalachian mountain range. It was all they could afford. All Nona had was an old milk cow, named Deuce, and Deuce was about a day away from becoming their last supper when Nona had an idea. Ever resourceful and with a will of pig iron, she became a milk lady. In the beginning she only had enough milk to service a few homes, delivering it in old tin cups. But after making her first few sales she upgraded, got a cart, some bottles, and before the sun was up she loaded the cart full of as many bottles as she could, pulled by the source of it all, Deuce. With her profits she purchased another cow, and another, and soon she became the most popular milk lady in town; but then again she was also the only one.
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Even though she was making enough to feed herself and young Ewing, she was still too poor for a tree, and their hut — one tiny room, shoebox-small — was too teeny for even a shrub. But as she was reported to say right from the start, “We do what we can with what we might have.” She said it in the way that people who come from nothing say that sort of thing, all matter of fact, followed by a brief shrug of the shoulders. So this is what happened on Christmas morning. Nona took Ewing off into the forest, pulled on a cart by the ever-loyal Deuce. And there they sat beneath the tallest, most majestic pine in the forest, an ancient giant of the Pinus clan, a tree so big it’s visible from space, they say. And there she would make a prayer, share some milk and give her son his present. As has been told to the subsequent generations of immeasurably spoiled and ungrateful children, Ewing was thrilled with his interesting pine cone or a rock in the shape of a shoe. But here is what was remarkable about that Christmas, and every Christmas they shared. They never spent it alone. One by one all the animals of the forest would creep up, join them there, slinking out of the forest-dark like shy friends. Deer, raccoons, wild hogs, bluebirds, hawks, turkeys, forest mice, coyotes, snakes, skunks, sometimes even a cougar or bobcat. Nona particularly loved a black bear she called Susie. They’d all keep their animal distance, but close enough for Ewing to see the warm steam of their collective breath. So the Christmas present really wasn’t a pine cone at all, nor a rock, it was the presentation and a celebration of the awesome myriad of life. She was actually giving Ewing the whole world. I met Nona when I was three days old and she was 101. A week later she died in her sleep and Deuce followed soon thereafter. In honor of her passing no one in town drank milk for a month.
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nd now to her son, Ewing, my grandfather. Ewing was nicknamed “Dumbo” as a child, due to his larger-than-life ears. He was actually quite brilliant and used his ears to good effect: not only could he wear large hats; he could also hear everything. He could hear an owl sigh. He married my grandmother Lucille when he was but 18 years old, after he fell in love listening to her hum. Like his mother, Ewing was an inventive and resourceful entrepreneur. Would it surprise you to know that Ewing was the man who invented the boiled peanut stand? This is almost
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a true fact and let no one tell you different: the very first ever. He built it out of pallets and tree branches, using rusty nails pulled from old barns, and set it up on the side of the busiest road out of Cullman, a meager dirt road that disappeared after a hard rain and had to be repaved with more dirt next time the sun came out. His peanut stand was the most modern thing around at the time and people went no matter if they liked peanuts or not. Peanuts grew wild in Cullman. An underground forest of them in Ewing’s backyard became an underground goldmine. The first stand was a great success — boiled peanuts from a roadside stand! What a concept! — and that success led to a second, a few miles down the road. He hired his cousins and cousins of cousins, friends of his cousins and their sons and daughters and soon the stands were everywhere, from Alabama down through Mississippi, sweeping into Louisiana and Florida, up through Georgia and finally into the Carolinas. Very few people know that most boiled peanut stands back then were franchises, but that’s what they were in the beginning. A little part of every peanut sold found its way back to my grandfather’s pocket, and though he never became a rich man he was able to move his bride Lucille out of the thatched hut and into a proper house in town. Christmas was a magical time in my grandparents’ home. My father got all kinds of presents: peanuts, tiny cars made of peanut shells, and best of all, peanuts painstakingly carved by Lucille, intricate portraits of Washington and Lincoln, or detailed landscapes of the French countryside, all from her imagining what it might be like. Find one today and it’s worth more than a Fabergé egg. Alas, most of them were eaten. Lucille and Ewing saved and saved and eventually built an actual restaurant serving a great variety of foods. It was the only restaurant for 50 miles in any direction. Some people had never seen a restaurant before; many weren’t even familiar with the concept. Ewing and Lucille had to teach them to use a menu and then how to order their food from the lady in the pale blue frock. The good citizens of Cullman and beyond caught on quick. People take restaurants for granted, but they shouldn’t. Restaurants are everywhere now, sure. But it wasn’t always like that. You may have my grandparents to thank for that. Maybe not. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
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ith boiled peanut money my grandparents bought a house big enough for a tree and money at the end of the year to buy something for my dad, Eron, their only child. One Christmas morning my father got a pocket watch. On another he got a knife. The next, a bulky jacket, and then a pair of shoes — three sizes too big, for growing into. On his 16th Christmas they gave him a suitcase, on his 17th a compass. He saw where this was going. Year after year he had gotten one single thing until he got all the things he needed to make a life of his own and when he was 18 years old set off for the wider world. On his first Christmas morning alone my father woke before the sun came up, fell into the Mississippi River and floated 200 miles down stream to the Gulf of Mexico on a raft hastily assembled from twigs and mud grass, and was finally rescued by one of the bravest and most intrepid sailors ever to roam the Gulf of Mexico in an old shrimp trawler: Joan Pedigo, the woman who would become my mother. They fell in love in about three-quarters of a second. Family followed almost as quickly: me and three sisters, dogs and cats and a snake and a bird. Still: struggling. Lots of mouths to feed. It was my mother who had the idea for the salted peanut, which brought the two biggest industries in town — salt and peanuts — together for the first time. How no one had thought of it before her was a mystery. Thanks to the salted peanut for a period of years we were a family of not insignificant wealth. Later, a bigger company, the one that made complimentary peanuts — really nice people, for the most part — would put us out of business. But until then every Christmas we traveled to a different country in the world. We’d plan our trips out beginning on January 1, studying the language, the mode of dress, learning their customs and histories: Mongolia, Argentina, Gabon — you name it. One cold Christmas we spent with Eskimos in Greenland. Atelihai means hello, but that’s all the Inuit I remember. Because of my parents and Christmas our family has been almost everywhere there is to go. Name a place. Yep. Been there. Name another. Been there too.
Christmas! Christmas seems made for tall tales: look at the big red one that persists to this day. These days our own Christmases aren’t quite as big as the ones that preceded it — no bears, I am sorry to say — but they are just as beautiful: North Carolina, where we have lived for the last 40 years or so, makes sure of that. Until this year for decades running my family has produced postcard-worthy Christmases: the tree, the lights, the boxes wrapped in shiny paper, all of us gathered together next to the hearth beneath what felt like a dome of warmth and love. But Christmas is not the same this time around. The pandemic has put a chink in our plans. Our clan is distant and scattered, and we do so many things in the world: we’re lawyers, doctors, construction workers, stage designers, Navy men and women, judges, paralegals, writers, scientists, artists, animal trainers. Every one of us knows a little bit about something, and together — could you bring us all together — we’d know practically everything. My second cousin is training snow-white pigeons to fly back and forth between our many homes, carrying Christmas greetings; another is perfecting the hologram, so even if we’re not together we will look like we are. But then I think back to Nona, and those misty mornings she spent beneath that towering pine, with mountain lions and turtles, et al; of my father, floating down the Mississippi clinging to a twig and a blade of grass. Which is just to say that yes, Christmas will be different this year, but it’s different almost every year, in one way or another. It’s what Nona said: We do what we can with what we might have: to hope and work for better times while making these times the best they can possibly be. That may be the story of our Christmas this year, but it may also be the story of all our lives. PS Daniel Wallace is author of six novels, including Big Fish (1998) and, most recently, Extraordinary Adventures (2017). His fourth novel, Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician, won the Sir Walter Raleigh Prize for best fiction published in North Carolina in 2009, and in 2019 he won the Harper Lee Award, an award given to a living, nationally recognized Alabama writer who has made a significant lifelong contribution to Alabama letters. He lives in Chapel Hill where he directs the Creative Writing Program at the University of North Carolina.
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Hope & Healing Photographs by John Gessner
We’ve all had bad days. Occasionally it’s been a tough week. And some months are better than others — blistering heat in August and ice storms in February come to mind. But an entire year gone off the rails? Geez. There is little doubt that 2020 carved out a special spot in our psyches for wretchedness. Seemed as though if it could go wrong, it did. It’s been an alphabet soup of catastrophe and, as we all know, the letter C stands for COVID. But the end is in sight. The sun will come up tomorrow. And who better to remind us of the promise of that new day than the faith community that surrounds and embraces all of us?
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Rev. Debra L. Gray Pastor Blacknall Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church
Attorney and author Bryan Stevenson, in his public appearance at Davidson College in 2019, declared proximity to be important in addressing the problem of inequity in our society. This is not natural, nor easy. Ethnic and socioeconomic divides disunify our nation. Yet the unforeseen challenges of this year have devastated the lives of all of us. It is in this place of pain and frustration that we have now begun to experience proximity. The images of the inexplicable deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd and others are embedded in our minds, not to be forgotten. We have all been affected. We have all been hurt. We are all forced to accept the new norm of masks and social distancing. We understand others’ hurts because it is the same as ours. I am reminded of the story of Moses. Scriptures tell us when Moses died, it was God who buried him. The Creator of all the Earth got close to the lifeless remains of this man to put him in the ground, where only God knows the place. Our God can still get close to our dead places. Welcome His proximity into your life as we walk this journey together.
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Rev. John Jacobs The Village Chapel
Yes, we’ve had a tough year, but that doesn't have to define us. Circumstances beyond our control need not control us. Unsuccessful responses to crises need not defeat us. Abraham Lincoln called us the “almost chosen people,” in contrast to the Jews, as God’s chosen people. Well, are we? I believe we are. Our hope in 2021, and the years to follow, must be in where it has been before: “In God We Trust.” Considering the fact there are many who will be grateful to see this past year retrospectively, hopeful that 2021 will bring welcome changes for the better; for many, reasons to cheer 2020 are nonexistent. Some might even find scant chance for redemption in the year to be remembered for racial unrest, lawless destruction in our cities, political polarization, and a pandemic virus leading to shutdowns affecting the economy, jobs, schools and churches. No one has been unaffected negatively by our responses to the pandemic. And yet, the bleakest prospect would be to think that nothing can be learned and changed by these 2020 experiences. God help us if we ignore a redemption that can restore our faith in the Creator of this world — the God who has promised to make all things new; the God who can take our sins and mistakes and redeem them for good. In this country the rest of the world still calls “new” — and as God's “almost” chosen people — therein lies our hope, in God’s redeeming grace, our only hope, that will take us from this crisis to the next, and from here to eternity.
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F. Javier Castrejón San Juan Diego Catholic Mission, Robbins
Les saludo con mucha alegría. Este año 2020 ha sido un año diferente como todos los demás, sólo que este año nos ha dejado tristezas en algunas familias y nos ha presentado retos difíciles. Pero al mismo tiempo, este año nos deja una gran enseñanza, que sólo unidos todos como verdaderos hermanos, sin distinción de raza, pueblo o nación, podremos vencer las dificultades, el egoísmo, el racismo, la indiferencia y la irresponsabilidad deben desaparecer de nuestras vidas en este 2021. Todos nosotros debemos ver este nuevo año como una nueva oportunidad para corregir nuestros errores pasados y saber que todo lo que yo haga en beneficio de los demás ayudará a que todos vivamos mejor y así cuidar nuestra casa común, que es este mundo en el cual vivimos. Nada malo podrá vencernos si nos mantenemos unidos. No olvides volver tus pasos a Dios y vivir su mandamiento de amarnos unos a otros como Él nos ha enseñado. Mis mejores deseos para este 2021. Dios te bendiga. I greet you with great joy. This year 2020 has been a different year like all the others, only this year has left us sadness in some families and has presented us with difficult challenges. But at the same time, this year leaves us a great lesson, that only united as true brothers, without distinction of race, people or nation, can we overcome difficulties, selfishness, racism, indifference and irresponsibility must disappear from our lives in 2021. All of us must see this new year as a new opportunity to correct our past mistakes and to know that everything I do for the benefit of others will help us all live better and thus take care of our common home, which is this world in which we live. Nothing bad can defeat us if we stick together. Do not forget to turn your steps to God and live his command to love one another as He has taught us. Best wishes for 2021. God bless you. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
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Rabbi Ken Brickman Sandhills Jewish Congregation — Beth Shalom
Each week the Jewish Sabbath begins at sundown with the lighting of two candles to remind us to bring light and hope into the world, just as day turns to night. In recent months, the restrictions caused by the pandemic, the illness itself and the grief of those who have lost loved ones to the virus have often made it seem as if the light of that hope has been diminished and a pall has been placed over the world. As we approach the holiday season, people of all faiths will celebrate by lighting lights, whether it is the candles on the Hanukkah menorah or the multicolored lights that adorn homes throughout our community.
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PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED BY RABBI KEN BRICKMAN
As the year ends, we hope and pray that these lights will rekindle the sense of hope for a new year in which we can resume our lives as they were when we celebrated the holidays last year. Ring in the New Year not with the usual resolutions, but with the commitment to bring light into our world by working to realize our shared vision of a just and more humane world.
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Rev. Colette Bachand Penick Village
When my children grew old enough to know who Santa was, their father and I had to make an important decision. Would the gifts under the Christmas tree be wrapped by Santa or unwrapped? When their dad was little, Santa brought unwrapped gifts, but in my house as a child, Santa’s gifts were wrapped. There was a special feeling that came with discovering wrapped gifts. There was mystery, anticipation and most of all trust. Trust that something amazing lay beneath the colorful wrapping and bows. There was a moment when everything in the world felt possible. Underneath the wrappings could be a new bike, a record player, roller skates, or even better, the outfit guaranteed to impress the boys at school. This is a year we need to believe that underneath the Christmas tree, anything and everything is possible. We need to hold on to anticipation because we’ve waited too long for things to feel normal. We need the guarantee that the outfit we wear when COVID is over will be our victory garment because we made it through with God by our side. In the end, my girls got gifts wrapped by Santa. This year, I need a reminder of those wrapped gifts because they held within them the promise of things to come, even when we didn’t know what that was. The mystery of wrapped gifts is the promise that under the Christmas tree is everything we need. Under the tree is God, the God who wishes to dwell among us and because of that, we will be OK. For now, the mystery must be enough. In due time, we can unwrap the gift.
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Rev. Terry Yasuko Ogawa Congregational Church of Pinehurst
If we are Christian, we follow the God who is Love itself (I John:4). After a year of physical distance, isolation and divisiveness, I think the path to unity requires that we each admit that we are not defective, but broken. There seems to be a desperation to deny our ongoing hurts, which prevents acknowledgement of our neighbors’ pains. The problem is, when we do that, the pain leaks out, and often gets taken out on others in resentment. Recognizing others’ trauma does not diminish the significance of your own trauma, even if they are not equivalent. The God of Love has healing for us all. There is room at the table for each and every one. And we are called to make sure that our neighbors get to the proverbial feast as well. We have work to do. The work of justice, the work of kin-dom building, is ongoing. Use the gifts God has given you to the best of your ability, and let your light shine. Recognize that others’ lights deserve to shine too. Hope lies in being the best disciples of Love we can be. And recognizing that if others are following their own paths of compassion, well, God loves them too.
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Emily Whittle and John Bowman Community of Mindful Living in the Pines
During this year our human family has been confronted with monumental challenges and suffering. Together we continue to face an expanding pandemic; a societal crisis in terms of racial injustice, poverty and class inequality; severe economic challenges; and climate crisis. Today we all have a role to play in the rising tide of collective awakening to racial injustice, systemic inequalities and climate justice. As we honor our emotional experience at this moment and care for what is arising in us, we are invited to examine our lives and our community and help move our world toward a more inclusive and compassionate society. One of the greatest challenges we face now is how to be calm and peaceful in these crises. Mindfulness practice and mediation can be a source of peace, healing and transformation, and it must go hand-in-hand with deeply looking into all aspects of our daily lives and its social structures to examine their ethical and moral foundations. When we act from a place of being, of stillness and peace, we can be moved into compassionate action. At this moment it is essential that we stand up and speak out against racism and for racial justice, just as it is for gender, class and climate justice. We must have the courage, patience and openness of mind to look deeply into the root causes of these injustices, and listen deeply to those who are suffering, and learn how we are each contributing, individually and collectively. This can be a source of peace, healing and transformation for the world and us. May we all be filled with loving kindness, may we all be well, may we be calm and at ease, may we all be safe and happy. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
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Muhammad A. Lodhi Masjid Al Madina
PHOTOGRAPH BY JIM MORIARTY
As believers, we trust that the prevailing pandemic and accompanying challenges faced by humanity cannot exist without the knowledge and permission of Almighty God. Every hardship is a test from our Lord as He says in the Holy Quran, “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits but give good tidings to the patient. Who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to God, and indeed to Him we will return.’” COVID-19 is a test from God. A test to see whether we reflect, show patience, and thank Him or continue with our usual ways. There is no one who can remove adversity from us except God, who is known as Al Rahman and Al Raheem, the most merciful to His creation. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, taught us that God tests those people He loves. He further advised to recognize and acknowledge God in times of ease and prosperity, and He would remember us in times of adversity. We should turn to God and beg His forgiveness, show our allegiance, and spread goodness. May the Controller of affairs protect us all from any harm.
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Pastor Nathaniel Jackson Christ Way Deliverance Church In these very different times Dear God what can “I do” in these times To make things better for someone Although I am aging Put me in places and mold me To make someone’s day brighter and bring a smile Although I am growing in years Help me to help the young reach their goal If not their lifetime goal A goal that makes things better for the moment Dear Lord Help me cheer up someone’s day That they are smiling as I walk away Lord help me Offer a hand up that will last Not just a hand out Bless this our country and our world Keep us safe and free from all sickness Help us find more love, peace and happiness Not just at this Christmas season but all year long Help us find salvation in Jesus Christ our savior In Jesus’ holy name I pray
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Grand Traditions History, N.C. pride and personal touches in the mansion Photographs by Keith Isaacs
The tree in the ballroom often celebrates a community cause; past years have included a military tree and an education tree. 102
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Cardinals and dogwood on the tree in the men’s lounge.
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O
ne of the many inconveniences endured because our world has bent to the reality of the coronavirus is that North Carolina’s Executive Mansion will be closed to the public during the holiday season. While the interior decorations will be scaled back, this year’s focus will be on the mansion grounds, with colored illuminations on all four sides, garlands and wreaths on the fence and gates. The two front parlors will each have a large tree in the window, decorated with white lights. And festive trees will be displayed in the center second floor window and the center third floor widow. Just because we can’t tour the mansion in person in 2020, however, doesn’t mean we can’t imagine it in all its splendor. During a more typical year, the week after Thanksgiving, the mansion closes, and for five days staffers work tirelessly to transform the ornate Victorian home from its everyday splendor to a magnificent winter wonderland. These photographs show the governor’s home in more normal times. Giant, live trees — from N.C. farms, of course — are the focal points. They’re displayed in four rooms on the first floor, usually the men’s lounge, ladies’ parlor, ballroom and sunroom, as well as in second- and third-floor windows above the home’s main entrance. Evergreen garlands wrap columns and banisters, locally-grown poinsettias fill every nook, and oversized arrangements mixing greenery, baubles, ribbons and more are atop every available
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The powder-blue dining room is set with state china for special occasions.
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The tree in the ladies’ parlor is typically decorated in traditional Victorian style to match the home’s architecture.
surface. Outside, millions of lights twinkle, and blinking orbs shine from the limbs of enormous trees. Traditionally, the first spouse takes charge of the holiday decor, aided by a team of volunteers and input from the N.C. Arts Council. The planning ordinarily starts in July, and while some elements may repeat from one year to the next, “We never want it to look the same within the governorship,” David Robinson, the director of the Executive Mansion, who has managed the home for eight years, has said. Each first family puts their own touch on the decor. For the Coopers, it has meant hanging stockings that first lady Kristin Cooper made for her family, as well as displaying a Christmas village scene she’s collected over time, complete with a tiny replica of nearby Krispy Kreme. “Mrs. Cooper always puts it together herself,” says Robinson. While the dazzling trees would normally get the biggest oohs and aahs, it’s the details that will be missed this year: sprigs of mistletoe hung from chandeliers (sometimes cut from the mansion’s grounds), decorations made by local artists and nods to North Carolina’s state symbols woven into the decor. Robinson loves the atmosphere the holiday decorations create: “It’s my favorite time of year.” Even if this is a year like no other. PS The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
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A L M A N A C
December n D
By Ashley Wahl
ecember is here and, with it, the sound of a single cricket. One distant, mechanical song. A message transmitted across space and time. The stars are out. You cannot sleep. And so, you listen. Months ago, when the crape myrtle scattered her crinkled petals like pink confetti upon the earth beneath her, an orchestra of crickets filled the night with a song thick as honey. And months from now, when the vines are heavy with ripening fruit, they will sing again, knitting an afghan of sound by moonlight — gently tucking you into bed. On this cold December night, the cricket transmission grows clearer. You follow it like a single thread of yarn until you receive it: There is no end, the cricket sings. Only change. Somehow, this message brings you comfort. December isn’t an abrupt or happy ending. There is no hourglass to turn. No starting over. Just a continuum. An endless stream of light and color ever-shifting like a dreamy kaleidoscope. December is sharing what’s here: our warmth, our abundance, what we canned last summer. This year and the cold have softened us. We feed our neighbors, feed the birds, open our hearts and doors. The camellia blossoms. Holly bursts with scarlet berries. From the soil: gifts of iris, phlox and winterflowering crocus. The cricket offers his song — a tiny thread guiding us toward the warmth of spring — and we listen. This listening, too, is a gift. Sometimes it’s all we’ve got. And, sometimes, that listening is itself a simple thread of hope.
December’s wintry breath is already clouding the pond, frosting the pane, obscuring summer’s memory . . . – John Geddes The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
You Gotta Eat Your Spinach, Baby
Fortunately, many nutrient rich greens thrive in our winter gardens. Especially spinach. And what’s not to love about it? Enter pint-sized Shirley Temple, ringlets bouncing as she marches past a small ensemble to join Jack Haley and Alice Faye centerstage: “Pardon me, did I hear you say spinach?” she asserts with furrowed brow and her punchy, sing-songy little voice. “I bring a message from the kids of the nation to tell you we can do without it.” And then, song: No spinach! Take away that awful greenery No spinach! Give us lots of jelly beanery We positively refuse to budge We like lollipops and we like fudge But no spinach, Hosanna! And now for the opposing view: In the 1930s, the spinach industry credited cartoonist Elzie Crisler (E.C.) Segar and his muscly armed sailor man for boosting spinach consumption in the U.S. by 33 percent. But why-oh-why did he eat it from a can? Longer shelf life, no doubt. Also, cooked spinach contains some health benefits that raw spinach does not. Raw spinach is rich in folate, vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin and potassium, but it also contains oxalic acid, which can hinder the body’s absorption of essential nutrients like calcium and iron. According to Vegetarian Times, eating cooked spinach allows you to “absorb higher levels of vitamins A and E, protein, fiber, zinc, thiamin, calcium and iron.” In other words: You gotta eat your spinach, baby.
Starry, Starry Night
Well, this is perfect: The Geminid meteor shower will be peak from mid-evening December 13 until dawn December 14 — a new moon. That means the show will be unobstructed from moonlight, and if conditions are right, you might catch up to 120 meteors per hour. Some believe this prolific shower ramps up every year. We’ll see. Regardless, may we allow this celestial pageant to remind us of the wonder and beauty that so often graces us. And don’t forget to make a wish. PS
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Arts Entertainment C A L E N DA R
Outdoor Story Time
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Cookie Jars
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Although conscientious effort is made to provide accurate and upto-date information, all events are subject to change and errors can occur! Please call to verify times, costs, status and location before planning or attending an event.
craft supplies and activity sheets. Please check www. giventufts.org for library hours for pickup. Given Memorial Library, 150 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 295-6022 or info@giventufts.com.
JOY OF ART STUDIO. Holidays at the Joy of Art Studio. Create Christmas cards, paint a winter landscape, make special gifts for that special person and paint an angel mother and daughter. Private lessons and small groups available. Classes are held at Joy of Art Studio, 139 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Suite B, Southern Pines. Info: (910) 528-7283 or www.joyof-art. com or www.facebook.com/Joyscreativespace/.
LITTLE READERS. Little Clips for Little Readers features fun rhymes, songs and literacy tips for children ages birth to 5 and their parents and caregivers. Look for these videos posted weekly on SPPL’s Facebook and YouTube channel. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 6928235 or www.sppl.net.
GIVEN BOOK SHOP. The Given Book Shop is open to the public on a limited basis. Those who wish to enter must wear a face mask, have their temperature taken and abide by rules of social distancing. For those not wishing to enter the bookshop, a “to-go” request form can be found at www.giventufts.org/book-requestform/. Please check www.giventufts.org for up-to-date information on the status of open days, hours of operation and book donations. The Given Book Shop, 95 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 585-4820. GIVEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY. Given Memorial Library is open on a limited basis. Those who wish to enter must wear a face mask, have their temperature taken and abide by rules of social distancing. Please check www.giventufts.org for up-to-date information on the status of open days and hours of operation. For those not wishing to enter the library, “to-go” orders can be placed by phone or email. Go to the online catalog. Check for availability, then call (910) 295-6022 or email info@giventufts.com. Staff will fill request and contact with instructions on pickup. Given Memorial Library, 150 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst. LIBRARY READING PACKETS. Given Memorial Library has reading packets available, which include
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MOORE ART SHARE. The Arts Council of Moore County and Given Memorial Library invite citizens of all ages to share their art with the community by submitting it to an online publication. Submissions can include visual arts, music, theater, short stories, videos, photography, recipes and more. Info: (910) 692-2787 or www.mooreart.org. WEYMOUTH CENTER. The Weymouth Center has tentative events dependent upon the directives of the governor’s office. Visit www.weymouthcenter.org for upcoming event information. TAKE AND MAKE BAG. Kids in grades K - 5 are invited to pick up a take-and-make bag featuring projects, experiments and crafts. These bags will feature all the materials and instructions for activities based on science, technology, engineering, art, and math. New bags are available on Wednesdays on a first come, first served basis. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 6928235 or www.sppl.net. DIAL A STORY. The Southern Pines Public Library has revamped this classic service by offering a variety of stories, ranging from children’s books to poetry, and more. Easy to use from any
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phone; just call (910) 900-9099. Choose a line, sit back, and enjoy listening to a story read by the SPPL librarians. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www.sppl.net.
Tuesday, December 1 OUTDOOR STORY TIME. 9:30 - 10 a.m. This outdoor story time is designed for ages birth through 3 years. Space is limited. Register 24 hours in advance. There will also be story times on Dec. 3, 8, 10 and 15. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235.
Thursday, December 3 SHAW HOUSE TOURS. 1 - 4 p.m. The Shaw House and properties are open for tours and gift shop purchases. The Shaw House is open Thursdays and Fridays from 1 - 4 p.m. Info: (910) 692-2051.
Friday, December 4 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Come to a winter wonderland of holiday decor and gifts for everyone on your list. Christmas pet photos will be available on Dec. 6 from 1 - 3 p.m. Get digital files in exchange for donations of cat food for Animal Advocates of Moore County. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. There will be refreshments and good cheer. Hollyfield Design, 130 E. Illinois Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7243. HOLIDAY DRIVE THROUGH. 5 - 8 p.m. Come enjoy a holiday drive through event where families can view Christmas scenes on display, pick up a treat bag for their kids and drop off letters to Santa. Cannon Park Community Center, 210 Rattlesnake Trail, Pinehurst. Info: www.vopnc.org/christmas2020. CANDY HUNT. 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Bring a flashlight for The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
CA L E N DA R an outdoor candy hunt for children ages 4 - 10. Enjoy crafts and activities and win cool prizes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Memorial Park, 210 Memorial Park Ct., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 6927376 or www.southernpines.net.
Saturday, December 5 REINDEER FUN RUN. 7:15 a.m. - 12 p.m. The 5K Fun Run curves through the downtown neighborhoods of Aberdeen. It is for everyone from serious runners to recreational walkers and pets. Downtown Aberdeen, 100 E. Main St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 6933045 or www.reindeerfunrun.com. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA. 8:30 - 10 a.m. The Sandhills Woman’s Exchange will host a morning visit from Santa. There will be a second breakfast seating from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. The breakfast will have limited seating so call ahead for reservations. There will be pancakes, sausage, fruits, cookies and beverages. Cost is $25 per person. Info: (910) 295-4677 or www.sandhillswe.org. HERITAGE DAY. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Bring all the family to celebrate the 200th birthday of the Bryant House combined with Heritage Day. There will be live music, Christmas decorations, war interpretations and craft demonstrations. Free and open to the public. Takes place outdoors, rain or shine, and the event will follow social distancing recommendations. Bryant House, 3361 Mt. Carmel Road, Carthage. Info: (910) 692-2051 or www.moorehistory.com.
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Come browse and shop the handmade winter scene collection, lit Christmas trees and woodland angels. There will be holiday decorations and refreshments available as you shop. The open house continues through Dec. 12. Thomas Pottery, 1295 S. NC-705, Seagrove. Info: www.thomaspottery.com.
Sunday, December 6 WRITING GROUP. 3 p.m. Interested in creating fiction, nonfiction, poetry or comics? Connect with other writers and artists, chat about your craft and get feedback on your work. All levels are welcome. The session will meet via Zoom. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. To join email: lholden@sppl.net. HOLIDAY CONCERT. 4 p.m. The Sandhills Community College Annual Holiday Concert will include a blend of choral and piano holiday arrangements to get you into the Christmas spirit. Live streamed from the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center website at www.youtube.com/channel/ UCtDQ0UdD2zr4WeQb_-w_Dig.
Tuesday, December 8 DRESS UP TO STAY IN. 5:30 – 9 p.m. Peruse festive vintage fashions for celebrating safely at the Poplar Knight Spot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. Join the Rooster’s Wife and Moon Vintage Goods for a trunk show of fashions from the ‘70s to the ‘00s. Eggnog and gift wrapping. Limited to 20 shoppers concurrently,
with masks. For information go to theroosterswife.org or call (910) 944-7502.
Thursday, December 10 BECOMING A BOOK FAIRY. Tune in for a video featuring librarian Mary Howard. Book fairies leave books in well-traveled locations for strangers to find. Pick up a grab-and-go kit starting on Dec. 10 and kick off your own book fairy adventures. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www.sppl.net.
Friday, December 11 THEATER SHOW. 6:30 p.m. The Encore Center will have a performance of Elf the Musical, Jr. performed by the youth actors. There will be additional performances on Dec. 12 at 2 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $8 - $15. Masks are required in the theater. The Encore Center, 160 E. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 725-0758 or www.encorecenter.net. ADULT THEATER SHOW. 9 p.m. The Encore Center will have a late-night show for adults called Christas, FL. performed by the youth actors. There will be additional performances on Dec. 12 at 9 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15. Masks are required in the theater. The Encore Center, 160 E. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 725-0758 or www.encorecenter.net.
Sunday, December 13 TEA TIME. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The Sandhills Woman’s
Arts & Culture
910-944-3979
y Happ ys! a Holid
Gallery • Studios • Classes
“See How It’s Done” Instructor’s Demonstration Day & Art Exhibit Sunday, Jan. 10 • 2 - 4pm
“Tranquil Illumination” by Carol Gradwohl
26th Annual Fall Exhibit & Sale Nov. 5 - Dec. 18
Gallery Hours: Monday - Saturday 12-3pm
Art Exhibit Jan.10 - 28 Happy 2021! Join us for a fun afternoon and enjoy light refreshments while chatting with our instructors as they demonstrate the medium they will be teaching in 2021. Classes include: Drawing, Pastels, Colored Pencil, Oil, Acrylics, Acrylic Pouring, Alcohol Ink, Mixed Media and Collage
See a complete class and workshop list on our website. 129 Exchange Street in Aberdeen, NC • www.artistleague.org • artistleague@windstream.net
The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
Thank you for your ongoing support over the years.
Please help us continue to deliver all the gifts of Weymouth Center: Conservation, Art, Literature, Music, and History.
www.weymouthcenter.org Bridge Donations P.O.Box 939 Southern Pines, NC, 28388
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CA L E N DA R Exchange is having Tea Time at the Cabin. There is limited seating of only 16 guests. There will be a second seating from 2 - 4 p.m. Cost is $50 per person. Sandhills Woman’s Exchange, 15 Azalea Road, Pinehurst. Info and reservations: (910) 295-4677.
Tuesday, December 15 COOKIE JARS. Teens can pick up Holiday Cookies in a Jar while supplies last. The mason jars will have ingredients and a recipe to make two dozen cookies. Limit one per household. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www.sppl.net.
Friday, December 18 WINTER READING CHALLENGE. All ages are invited to register on the Beanstack app or on the website and log each book read from Dec. 18 - Jan. 31. At the start of the challenge, all registrants earn a swag bag full of fun winter treats. At the end, a prize will be awarded to everyone who completes the challenge. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 6928235 or www.sppl.net.
Saturday, December 19 ART SATURDAY. 2 - 4 p.m. The Arts Council of Moore County presents “Moore Artful Women.” Artists Beth Garrison, Paula Montgomery, Fay Terry and Mary Wright present their works. Masks required. Campbell House Galleries, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 6922787 or www.mooreart.org.
You d i D ow? Kn
Tuesday, December 29
Tuesdays
PAGE TURNERS. 10:30 a.m. Southern Pines Public Library’s newest book club will meet via Zoom. The book for December is The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abi Waxman. Can’t make the live meeting? Head over to the SPPL Page Turners Facebook Page to post your thoughts and interact with group members. Info: (910) 692-8235 or email lib@sppl.net.
TABLE TENNIS. 7 - 9 p.m. Enjoy playing this exciting game every Tuesday. Cost for six months is $15 for residents of Southern Pines and $30 for non-residents. For adults 55 and older. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.
WEEKLY EVENTS Mondays
TAP CLASS. 1:30 - 3 p.m. For adults 55 and older. All levels welcome. Cost per class: $15/resident; $30/ non-resident. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info and registration: (910) 692-7376.
INDOOR WALKING. 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Improve balance, blood pressure and maintain healthy bones with one of the best methods of exercise. Classes are held at the same time Monday through Friday. Ages 55 and up. Cost for six months: $15/resident; $30/non-resident. Southern Pines Recreation Center, 210 Memorial Park Ct., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376. WALKING WITH EASE. 10 - 11 a.m. Participants will learn how to walk safely, improve flexibility, strength and stamina all while getting into shape. Classes are held every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for six weeks. Ages 55 and up. Cost: $15/ resident; $30/non-resident. Southern Pines Recreation Center, 210 Memorial Park Ct., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376. TAP CLASS. 1:30 - 3 p.m. For adults 55 and older. All levels welcome. Cost per class: $15/resident; $30/ non-resident. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info and registration: (910) 692-7376.
Dr. Edward Monroe DDS IS LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN SOUTHERN PINES
Wednesdays
FARM TO TABLE. Join Sandhills Farm to Table Co-op by ordering a subscription of local produce to support our local farmers. Info: (910) 722-1623 or www.sandhillsfarm2table.com.
Thursdays FARMERS MARKET. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Southern Pines farmers market has a variety of fresh produce, baked goods and more, 604 W. Morganton Rd., (Armory Sports Complex), Southern Pines.
Fridays TAP CLASS. 10 - 11:30 a.m. For adults 55 and older. All levels welcome. Cost per class: $15/resident; $30/ non-resident. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info and registration: (910) 692-7376. PS
Happy Holidays from the
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330 West Pennsylvania Ave, Southern Pines 910-695-3334 • www.edwardmonroedds.com
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163 Beverly Ln, Southern Pines, NC • 910.693.2111 Saturday & Monday 10-3 • Tuesday-Friday 10-5 facebook.com/ClothesHorseofSPines
The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
Offering the Latest Technology in Security System Protection.
There Is No Place Like Holmes!
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~ Gifts for everyone ~ Custom baskets 130 E Illinois Ave Southern Pines (910) 692-7243
The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
112-year-old family-owned business LOCAL 5-DIAMOND MONITORING STATION
127 Hay St., Fayetteville, NC • 1-800-426-9388 • www.HolmesSecurity.net
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Mid-State Furniture of Carthage
403 Monroe St. Downtown Carthage 910-947-3739
Follow us on
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Paul E. Gauthier D.D.S. WE ARE ALL HERE FOR YOU DURING THIS PANDEMIC. If you need routine care or other treatment we will keep you safe as we always have.
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Dedicated to continuing the tradition of Family Dentistry since 1947
1650 Valley View Road • Southern Pines, NC Adjacent to Hyland Golf Course on US 1
910-692-0855
www.WindridgeGardens.com Wed - Sat 10AM-5PM and Sun 1PM-5PM Design, Delivery and Installation
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This year we may be far apart, But loved ones can still bring joy to your heart. Southern Pines Family Dentistry
655 SW Broad St Southern Pines 692-6500
910-241-4752 GeneracNC.com
THE GENERATOR GUYS The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
SandhillSeen
Grace & Fern Yancy
Shaw House Yard Sale
Benefitting Moore County Historical Association Saturday, October 17, 2020 Photographs by Diane McKay
Ellen Evans, Christina & Elizabeth Turpela
Andrew Stetson, Ethan Floyd Suzzie Wein, Jacquie Jordan
Claire & John Kinyon
Tina Jenkins
Stephanie & Makena Howard
Bayler & Stephanie Dill
Cole & Olivia Mohr
Alisa Thompson
Isaiah & Chanda Walker
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Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc
Serving the plumbing, heating & air conditioning needs of the Sandhills since 1948! License # 670
Homes, Churches, Businesses, Schools
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Call us for all your commercial and residential HVAC and plumbing needs. The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
125 Fox Hollow Road, Suite 103 Pinehurst, NC 28374 910-684-8808 | 919-418-3078 | teslahrc@gmail.com Anna Rodriguez • Confidentiality is ensured.
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ENJOY THIS FESTIVE CONCERT STREAMED TO YOUR HOME!
Holiday Favorites WITH BRASS & ORGAN
WED, DEC 23 | 8PM Celebrate the splendor of the holidays with festive music! You’ll enjoy Silent Night, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, and Carol of the Bells with the glorious sounds of our North Carolina Symphony brass, plus special guest organist David Jernigan and vocalist Lindsay Kesselman. Concert Sponsors: First Citizens Bank, Highwoods Properties
Streaming concert tickets just $20! ncsymphony.org | 877.627.6724
Tabletop, Home Accessories, Custom Upholstered Furniture, Jewelry & Accessories, Personalized Gifts & Monogramming Available
710 S Bennett Street • Southern Pines Tuesday - Saturday 10 to 5:30 910-725-0975 • www.one11main.com
December 3 & 6
Elvis: That’s The Way It Is Special Edition Cameo Art House December 11
A (virtual) Night with the Makers Online
910.693.2516 • info@ticketmesandills.com 145 W Pennsylvania Ave, Southern Pines
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SandhillSeen
Katrina Denza
Brunch on the Grounds
Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities Catering by Thyme and Place CafĂŠ Sunday, November 1, 2020 Photographs by Diane McKay
Glenda Kirby, Bill & Valerie Mountcastle
Christian & Leslie Philip, Annmarie Cannan
Sue Huston, Dale & Susan Henn
Kurt Kreuger, John Talton
Beverly Reynolds, Mary Ellen Cravotta, Karen Samaras, Kathryn Talton
Marianna Grasso, Beverly Reynolds
Carole McFarland, Donna Engelson
Katherine & Bo Bozarth
Charlie Coulter, Ashley Van Camp
PineNeedler Answers from page 119
Claudie & Jack Wells
The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
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Pine ServiceS Vintage Watches Wanted
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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
December PineNeedler By Mart Dickerson
Season’s Greetings!
Season's Greetings!
ACROSS Across 59. “I had no ___!” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1. Works in the garden 60. Scream 1. Works in the garden 15 14 5. Kind of wool 61. Stared at 5. Kind of wool 10. Chap 62. Media output 18 17 10. Chap 14. About (2 wds) DOWN 20 21 15. Bacteria14. discovered About,by(2 wds) 1. Sacred Theodor Escherich 15. Bacteria discovered 2. Sundae topper, perhaps 23 16. Acknowledge 3. Biblical birthright seller by Theodor Escherich 17. Ballet move 25 26 27 28 4. High-pitched choir 16. Acknowledge 18. Endured members 34 33 19. Japanese soup 17. Ballet move 5. Rentor 20. Letter closing (2 wds) 18. Endured 6. Be part of the cast of 37 36 23. Long, long time 19. Japanese soup (2 wds) 24. Spam spreader 7. Night light 40 39 Letter closing, 25. 1960s’ 20. pot-head 8. (2 Alliance wds) 42 43 28. Watched a friends home, 9. Facial hair e.g. (hyph) 23. Long, long time 10. Reproductive cell 45 33. Pool shot 11. Wicked 24. Spam spreader 34. Military squad 47 48 49 50 12. Like a busybody 25. Prize 1960's 35. 1969 Peace grp. pot-head 13. Duo 55 54 Watched a friends 36. Eastern28. sashes 21. Appear 37. Fold-outhome, sofa ie (hyph) 22. Gift on “The Bachelor” 58 57 38. Slog 33. Pool shot 25. Highlanders, e.g. 39. ____ the lineMilitary squad 61 60 26. Forbidden 34. 40. Bluffer’s game 27. Architectural projection 35. 1969 Peace Prize 41. Even if, briefly 28. Bigot grp. 42. One who melts metal 44. Hurt 29. Aroma Eastern 44. Desert 36. or plains small sashes 30. Loam-like 60. Scream 46. Automatic transmission 13. Duo pools of37. water setting Fold-out sofa31. Hawaiian greeting 61. Stared at 47. Defensive spray 21. Appear 45. “Dig in!” 38. Slog 32. Bustles (hyph) 46. “Frankly, my dear, I don’t 48. And others, for 62. Media output 22.short Gift on "The 39. ____the line34. Salad veggie, for short give a ____” 49. Mountain goat’s perch Bachelor" 37. Coming-of-age movie 47. Season’s Greetings! 40. Down Bluffer's game 50. Praise, as Caesar 25. Highlanders, e.g. “The Summer of ___” 54. Computer info 51. Pie a la ____ 1. Sacred 41. Even if, briefly 38. Cooking banana 26. Forbidden 55. Railcar 52. Again 40. Brandy flavor 2. 42. Sundae topper, One who melts 56. Steak sauce (hyph) 27.others Architectural 53. Caribbean and 41. “___ for the poor” perhaps metal 57. Tea berry projection 54. Calendar square 43. Go off the3. track 44. Biblical birthright Desert 58. Forgo, as your right or plains 28. Bigot
seller small pools of water 29. Aroma 4. Hi pitched choir 45. "Dig in!" 30. Loam-like members 46. Frankly, my dear, I 31. Hawaiian greeting 5. Rentor don't give a ____ 47. Season's Greetings! 6. Be part of the cast of, 32. Bustles, (hyphp) 34. Salad veggie, for (2 wds) 54. Computer info Sudoku: short 7. Night light Puzzle answers on page 117 Fill in the grid so 55. Railcar Coming-of-age every37. row, every Mart Dickerson lives in Southern Pines and welcomes 56. Steak sauce, (hyph) 8. Alliance movie"The column and every Summer of suggestions from her fellow puzzle masters. She can be 9. Facial hair 57. Tea berry 3x3 box contain ___" the reached at martaroonie@gmail.com. 10. Reproductive cell numbers 1-9. 58. Forgo, as your right 38. Cooking banana 11. Wicked 59. "I had no ___!" 40. Brandy flavor The Art & Soul of the Sandhills 12. Like a busybody
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41. "___ for the poor" 43. Go off the track 44. Hurt 46. Automatic transmission setting 47. Defensive spray 48. And others, for short 49. Mountain goat's perch 50. Praise, as Caesar 51. Pie a la ____ 52. Again 53. Caribbean and others 54. Calendar square
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SOUTHWORDS
The Tinsel War By Matthew Moriarty
If there is one thing my father and I
You see, my older sister, Jennifer, and I are the offspring of a mixed marriage. My father loves tinsel on our family Christmas tree. My mother absolutely loathes it. Naturally, some years ago, Jennifer and I were forced to pick sides. I went into Dad’s camp. My traitorous sister sided with Mom. The battle lines were drawn. This type of conflict can tear any normal family apart. Luckily, ours isn’t that normal. Family legend holds, for instance, that back in the “old country” brothers Cormac and Connor Moriarty actually split the family in two over whether it was appropriate to add a cinnamon stick to a burning log of peat. So, at least in terms of important holiday decisions, we have a long history of this sort of thing. On the eve of a duel to settle the cinnamon issue once and for all, the story goes, both died simultaneously of acute liver failure, leaving matters to their argumentative progeny. Thus remains a simmering conflict. The brothers were too poor to buy a cinnamon stick anyway. But I digress. Knowing how hard family conflict could be on one’s organs, we eventually entered into an uneasy treaty. As a compromise, Mom agreed that every other year would be a tinsel year. On the face of things, this would seem the perfect compromise. However, time being linear and memories being not, it seems that every year in November the same debate erupts over whether last year was a tinsel year. I’m still convinced that Dad and I got chiseled out of few good tinsel years. So, why do I love Christmas tree tinsel? Um . . . good question. I really don’t know. It’s terribly tacky stuff. It can take an otherwise beautiful Christmas tree and turn it into a monument to white trash tastes. It melts onto the lights, sticks to the dog and generally gets everywhere. It feels, in a word, kind of creepy. The only logical conclusion is that I love tinsel because I inherited it from my dad. Just to be sure, I called him up and asked him why he likes Christmas tree tinsel. “It’s part of the overall experience,” he explained. “Why do you like the leaves to turn in the fall? It’s part of the overall experience.” I pressed him for a better answer. Give me something tangible, I pleaded. “Well, it’s home entertainment as well,” he offered, “when the cats yack it up.” There we go, I thought. In the interest of family fair play (and so as not to unduly fan the flames), I also asked my mom why she hates tinsel.
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“How many reasons do you want?” she replied. “For one, it gets all electrified. It grabs onto the cats and they drag it all around the house.” (Editor’s note: You may wish to find a comfy seat. She’s just getting started.) “They eat it and you have to pull it out of their butts. You can’t vacuum it. It winds its way around the vacuum and you have to flip it over and pull it out by hand. It’s so nasty. Children play with it and you look at them and see little pieces of shiny junk sticking out of the corners of their mouths. You pull it out and it’s a foot long. Yuck.” “Anything else?” I asked her. “Those are a few reasons. I could name others.” She went on unstoppably about finding mysterious pieces of tinsel on the carpet in July (“Where has it been the last six months? I have no idea.”) and about its other horrible tendencies to infest every nook and cranny of our home. She was still ranting about tacky tinsel when I had to hang up. One year my mom attempted to end this protracted war by buying static-cling-free tinsel. It was oddly translucent strips of plastic that looked and felt nothing like real tinsel. The peace offering actually had the opposite effect. Dad and I hated the “fake tinsel” and demanded a do-over the next year. That spring, Mom found a bird’s nest made out of the stuff. I’m glad something found a decent use for it. About five years ago, with Jennifer and me out of the house, my mom somehow won a decisive battle. The exact details of the skirmish are lost to history, but one thing is for sure: We haven’t had a tinsel year since. That is, until now. That’s right. It’s a tinsel year. I asked my dad, just to make sure. “Matty,” he says, “it’s always a tinsel year. What the hell’s the matter with you? What kind of question is that? Go ask your mother.” So, to be on the safe side, I also asked Mom. “No,” she replied, as if I must be joking. “Of course not. It’s never a tinsel year.” PS (This column originally appeared in the December 2007 edition of PineStraw. Matt’s father feels that, if ever there was a tinsel year, 2020 must be it.) The Art & Soul of the Sandhills
ILLUSTRATION BY MERIDITH MARTENS
agree on this holiday season, it’s that this is going to be, unquestionably, a tinsel year.
Buyer, Purveyor & Appraiser of Fine and Estate Jewellery 229 NE Broad Street • Southern Pines, NC • (910) 692-0551 Mother and Daughter Leann and Whitney Parker Look Forward to Welcoming You to WhitLauter. @whitlauter_jewelers
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