February PineStraw 2018 by PineStraw Magazine

CONTINUING CARE REDEFINED! NEW! REFRESHED! LARGER!

Custom Designed Garden Apartments

Pick Your Own Colors and Flooring

Can Accommodate Most Requests

Moving from a larger home but don’t want to scale down too much? Want to pick your own colors and flooring? Come see what Quail Haven Village has to offer in spacious garden apartments. Enjoy the independence of your own home with the convenience of nearby services, activities, our Clubhouse and access to a full continuum of care. We handle the maintenance and upkeep of your home, as well as the housekeeping … so you can do the things you love.

Call Lynn at 910-295-2294

To Learn More and Schedule A Visitor visit QuailHavenVillage.com Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | 155 Blake Blvd. • Pinehurst

T HE

UN HU RRIED

PACE

O F C E N T U R I E S PA ST

FREE WITH EVERY TREATMENT The moment you arrive in Pinehurst, everything seems to slow down. Your pulse drops. Your mind clears. You forget all the worries of the day. And then your Spa treatment begins.

Located adjacent to the historic Carolina Hotel • Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina • 888.394.6440 • pinehurst.com *Applies to Spa treatments of 50-minutes or longer. Excludes salon services. Valid Monday-Thursday.

Book one Spa treatment and receive 20% off additional services.*

nickers K Knickers F

DF A R OYM

LIVE, ON

T D AOY

TNO I N GI H G HTT

L OLV I VE E ,, LS OP V EA , R S PK AL R KEL ,E ,

V A L EON N T VA IN L EE NT ’S I N ED ’ SADY AY

AND

E VAENR DY E VD E RA Y YD!AY !

L I N G E R LI I E N G E R I E S L E E P W S EL EAE R P W E A R L O U N G E LW O UEN A G ERW E A R M E N S

W MEE A N SR W E A R

B R A S B R E A S T

B R A S

B FR E OA R S TM FSO R M S

www.knickers-lingerie.com www.knickers-lingerie.com 910-725-2346 910-725-2346 Open Tuesday Open - Friday Tuesday - 11-5:00 Friday 11-5:00 Saturday 11-4. Saturday 11-4. Sunday and Sunday Monday and Monday closed. closed. 165 E. New Hampshire 165 E. New Hampshire Avenue Avenue Southern Pines, Southern NC Pines, 28387 NC 28387

February ��

FEATURES 69 Seeking the Moon

Poetry by Barbara Baillet Moran

DEPARTMENTS 17 Simple Life By Jim Dodson

26 PinePitch 29 Good Natured By Karen Frye

31 Instagram Winners 33 The Omnivorous Reader By D.G. Martin

70 Born to Sing

37 Bookshelf 43 Hometown

By Deborah Salomon How Three Tenors inspired Lucas Meachem to find his voice and opera stardom

By Bill Fields

45 In the Spirit

49 The Kitchen Garden

53 Mom, Inc

74 Our Katharine

By Tony Cross

By Bill Case Intrepid and fearless, the widow of James Boyd became the unflinching voice of the Sandhills

By Jan Leitschuh By Renee Phile

78 André of Ellerbe

55 Out of the Blue

By Bill Fields A giant of a man in a small town

By Deborah Salomon

57 Birdwatch

82 Starting Over

By Susan Campbell

By Deborah Salomon Living the “love thy neighbors” life

59 Sporting Life By Tom Bryant

91 Almanac

63 Golftown Journal By Lee Pace

92 102 109

Arts & Entertainment Calendar SandhillSeen PineNeedler

By Ash Alder Roses, rutabaga and simple pleasures

By Mart Dickerson

111 The Accidental Astrologer By Astrid Stellanova

112 SouthWords By Jim Moriarty

Cover photograph by

Simon Pauly

Photograph this page by John Gessner

Online Coupon Code: WinterWhiteSale2018

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Financing Available

134 Lawrence Overlook, West End

85 Cypress Point, Pinehurst

800 Lake Dornoch Drive, Pinehurst

Seven Lakes West. Lakefront home with optional Pinehurst Country Club membership. Home has 2-acres, gym, workshop, and guest quarters with kitchen. 5 bedrooms, 6/1 bathrooms.

Extraordinary golf view situated on over 5-acres with 5,500sf, 3 beds & 4/1 baths, this home has spectacular architecture. Living areas exhibit varied ceiling design.

CCNC. Stately golf-front residence on private 5-acres with 4 bedrooms ensuite and 2/1 bathrooms, geothermal heating and cooling, pool, and much more.

220 Merry Way, Southern Pines

805 South Diamondhead Drive, Pinehurst

35 Southern Hills Place, Pinehurst

17-acre private equine retreat in the heart of horse country. Over 3,500sf, barn rolling pastures, generator, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms.

Luxurious custom home with Lake Pinehurst views. 4,800sf with a chef’s kitchen, expansive layout, 2 wood burning fireplaces, multiple decks & patios. 4 bedrooms, 3/1 bathrooms.

CCNC waterfront home magnificently designed. 4,000sf with a renovated kitchen and family room. Natural light from the many windows, and skylights. 3 bedrooms, 3/1 bathrooms.

118 Saint Mellions Drive, Pinehurst

13 Granger Drive, Pinehurst

105 Gordon Point, West End

Custom-built waterfront home with floor-to-ceiling windows. High ceilings, mahogany front doors, 2 wood burning fireplaces, vaulted pine ceilings in kitchen. 3 bedrooms, 2/1 bathrooms.

Fairwoods on 7. Golf and pond views from this custom ranch overlooking #9 on #7. 3 bedrooms, 3/1 bathrooms, office, patio, triple garage. Beautifully landscaped with water feature.

Seven Lakes West. Unique lakefront home designed to captivate the lake views. Spacious living, 2 fireplaces, aluminum roof, maintenance free exterior. 3 bedrooms, 4/1 bathrooms.

11 Edinburgh Lane, Pinehurst

29 Devon Drive, Pinehurst

103 Lewis Point, West End

Renovated home on Magnolia’s 15th hole. New kitchen with stainless appliances, 3 updated bathrooms, hardwoods, large deck, stone fireplace in Pinewild. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms.

Pinewild. Timeless custom built golf front home. Large bonus room, workshop, 3-car garage, open kitchen, screened porch. 3 bedrooms, 3/1 bathrooms.

Seven Lakes West. Waterfront lot on Lake Auman in gated community complete with bulk head, 2 boat docks, boat lift, and swim ladder. Ideal spot to build your dream home.

$1,725,000 MLS 182888 Linda Criswell 910-783-7374

$1,450,000 BHHSPRG.com Scarlett Allison 910-603-0359

$1,250,000 MLS 184086 Deb Darby 910-783-5193

$975,000 MLS 184183 Marie O’Brien 910-528-5669

$759,000 MLS 185774 Frank Sessoms 910-639-3099

$895,000 MLS 177388 Scarlett Allison 910-603-0359

$695,000 MLS 178679 Kay Beran 910-315-3322

$595,000 MLS 183835 Marie O’Brien 910-528-5669

Pinehurst Office

$1,325,000 BHHSPRG.com Scarlett Allison 910-603-0359

$665,500 MLS 185313 Linda Criswell 910-783-7374

$544,000 MLS 184587 Kay Beran 910-315-3322

•

42 Chinquapin Road •

Pinehurst, NC 28374

$309,000 MLS 182042 Linda Criswell 910-783-7374

•

910–295–5504

188 North Erfie Drive, Pinebluff

696 Ashemont Road, Aberdeen

202 Starland Lane, Southern Pines

Immaculate single level with large below grade. Patio with firepit, hardwood flooring. Rear deck off living, dining, and master. 3,200sf. New roof 2017. 3 bedrooms, 2/1 bathrooms.

Horse farm on 7-acres at the end of a picturesque driveway. Fenced pasture, pond, work shop, 2-stall barn. Well built home with metal roof. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Longleaf. Golf front end unit with stunning views. Harwood floors, plantation shutters, window seat in dining room, new carpet, granite counter, trex deck. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms.

101 Rustic Drive, West End

10 Pine Tree Road #225, Pinehurst

10 Pine Tree Road #224, Pinehurst

Seven Lakes North. Open floor plan, fireplace, attic storage, 2-car garage, fenced yard. Home is less than 4 years old. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Furnished second floor condo with awesome view of the golf course. New HVAC in 2014, new roof in 2012. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Furnished condo with a beautiful view and upgraded tile work. Immaculate condition and rental ready. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

$275,000 MLS 184224 Deb Darby 910-783-5193

$195,000 MLS 184525 Laura Lycans 910-315-6353

$264,000 MLS 185590 Pam Jensen 910-528-1840

$175,000 MLS 183406 Pam O’Hara 910-315-3093

$259,000 MLS 185478 Jennifer Nguyen 910-585-2099

$109,000 MLS 180215 Pam O’Hara 910-315-3093

Every home is valuable. Get an instant home value estimate, market trends, comparable properties, and more at BHHSPRG.com

Southern Pines Office

• 105 West Illinois Avenue

•

Southern Pines, NC 28387

•

910–692–2635

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

Centerwood

The Log Cabin in The ViLLage

M A G A Z I N E Volume 14, No. 2 David Woronoff, Publisher Jim Dodson, Editor

910.693.2506 • jim@pinestrawmag.com

Andie Stuart Rose, Creative Director

910.693.2467 • andie@pinestrawmag.com

Jim Moriarty, Senior Editor

910.692.7915 • jjmpinestraw@gmail.com

Lauren M. Coffey, Graphic Designer

910.693.2469 • lauren@pinestrawmag.com

Alyssa Rocherolle, Graphic Designer

910.693.2508 • alyssa@pinestrawmag.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Deborah Salomon, Staff Writer Mary Novitsky, Sara King, Proofreaders CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Gessner, Laura Gingerich, Tim Sayer

CONTRIBUTORS Tom Allen, Harry Blair, Tom Bryant, Susan Campbell, Bill Case, Wiley Cash, Tony Cross, Al Daniels, Annette Daniels, Mart Dickerson, Clyde Edgerton, Bill Fields, Laurel Holden, Jane Lear, Jan Leitschuh, Meridith Martens, D.G. Martin, Diane McKay, Lee Pace, Jeanne Paine, Romey Petite, Renee Phile, Joyce Reehling, Stephen E. Smith, Astrid Stellanova, Angie Tally, Kimberly Taws, Ashley Wahl, Janet Wheaton

PS ADVERTISING SALES

Pat Taylor, Advertising Director

55 Shaw Road ~ Pinehurst Centerwood, a two story log cabin located in the heart of the Village of Pinehurst is truly the area’s most enchanting property. Built at the turn of the century and charmingly updated prior to the Depression, the cottage represents a genuine piece of Pinehurst’s history. Nestled privately on an exceptionally landscaped 1.3 acres, Centerwood retains it’s character with original hardwood floors, log walls, beamed ceilings, 4 fireplaces, two story entry hall and living room exhibiting charm in every detail. French doors from the living room open to a backyard terrace overlooking a lovely pool and garden house. A complete perimeter pathway through the gardens is breathtaking. The garage has a guest apartment with full bath. The property is unmatched in unique quality and appeal. Offered at $1,650,000.

To view more photos, take a virtual tour or schedule a showing, go to:

www.clarkpropertiesnc.com

Maureen Clark when experience matters

Pinehurst • Southern Pines BHHS Pinehurst Realty Group • 910.315.1080

Ginny Trigg, PineStraw Advertising Director 910.693.2481 • ginny@thepilot.com Deborah Fernsell, 910.693.2516 Terry Hartsell, 910.693.2513 Perry Loflin, 910.693.2514 Darlene McNeil-Smith, 910.693.2519 Patty Thompson, 910.693.3576 Johnsie Tipton, 910.693.2515 ADVERTISING GRAPHIC DESIGN

Mechelle Butler Brad Beard, Scott Yancey, Trintin Rollins

PS Darlene Stark, Circulation Director 910.693.2488 Douglas Turner, Finance Director 910.693.2497

145 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Southern Pines, NC 28387 pinestraw@thepilot.com • www.pinestrawmag.com

February 2018P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

285 N Bethesda Road

140 Pinegrove Road

Enchanting 1920’s country home in a garden setting on 4.09 acres. 4 BR, 4.5 BA with a guest cottage. Exquisite master wing, updated kitchen, 3 fireplaces. $998,000.

Exceptional renovated cottage in premier location. Beautifully designed in character with original architecture. 4BR, 3.5BA. $798,000.

101 Kirkhill Court

85 Lake Dornoch

70 Cypress Point Drive

310 Crest Road

120 N Highland

49 Chestertown Drive

5 acres overlooking the 9th Fairway of the Cardinal “Homewood’’ is a landmark Southern Pines estate Course in CCNC, a testament to fine taste in a on 7.4 acres of the most beautifully landscaped Southern setting. 5BR, 5 full BA, 3 half BA. $2,775,000. gardens in the state. 6BR, 7.5BA $1,675,000.

The best of everything in Pinehurst #9, National. Golf front CCNC with lake view. 4023 main Delightful Colonial Revival was designed by Aymar Embury Superbly built 2010 Forest Creek golf front home. Spacious light-filled rooms, antique heart pine floors house, 763 guest house addition. One floor, 5 BR, 6900 sq ft, golf simulator, elevator, wine II for the Boyd family in the 1920’s. Slate roof, 5 fireplaces, on three levels, 6BR, 6BA, 2 half BA. $785,000. 3 BR, 3.5 BA main, 1 BR, 1 BA guest. $995,000. cellar, veranda with stone fireplace. $1,999,000. hardwood floors, charming guest house. $889,000.

Maureen Clark

910.315.1080 • www.clarkproperties.com

110 N Highland Road

8 North South Court

Historic Southern Pines 1920’s Colonial Revival on 1.91 acres inWeymouth Heights. 6 BR, 5.5 BA, 5227 sq ft. Slate roof,3 fireplaces. $898,000.

Mid south Club golf front 15th hole. Southern Living home, 4 BR, 3.5 BA, brilliant design. $587,500.

60 Manigault Place

177 Cross Country

Private Horse Country estate on 16.7 acres This desirable 3BR, 3BA home located in Middleton Place is perfection on one level. Backing up to a large woodland area is very including lovely lake. Faulk designed 4BR, 4.5BA, 5640 sq ft home built in 1970. $1,425,000. quiet and a choice location in the walled community. $358,000.

25 Maple Road

920 E. Massachusetts

230 Inverrary Road

124 W Chelsea Court

30’s Dutch Colonial, restored in ’06 adding two The 100 year old Rambler Cottage has a premier location in the Village with an endearing garden. Exudes wings. 4 BR, 3.5 BA, walled patio with courtyard, guest house, main floor master. $790,000. signature Pinehurst charm. 4BR, 3.5BA. $795,000.

A bit of golf heaven offering exceptional Living made simple in a beautifully designed villa in Mid one-floor living on a premier golf front South Club. Two spacious light-filled bedrooms each have location. 3BR, 3BA. $610,000. generous bathrooms with double sinks. 2BR, 2BA. $278,000.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeSercies and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.Housing Opportunity.

Martha Gentry’s H o m e

S e l l i n g

T e a m

Moore County’s Most Trusted Real Estate Team!

din

pen

tLy

en rec

Pinehurst • $480,000

22 stoneykirk drive All brick 4 BR / 3.5 BA home located on .9 acres on a quiet street in nice, private setting. The master suite features tray ceiling, a sitting room w/deck access and over 200 square feet of closet space while the main level features beautiful updated kitchen.

tLy

en rec

soL

Pinehurst • $359,000

din

pen

southern Pines • $350,000

26 Lasswade drive Appealing 3 BR / 2.5 BA home on the 16th fairway of Magnolia course at Pinewild CC. Split bedroom plan offers gas fireplace, built-in book cases and vaulted ceilings. Kitchen has granite countertops and eating area that opens to the great room.

360 fairway drive Unique 5 BR / 3.5 BA Cape Cod style home in desirable Knollwood. Main living area has wood burning fireplace and flows nicely as natural light pours in. This home offers lots of space and is truly one of a kind. Just minutes from downtown Southern Pines!

Pinehurst • $379,000

McLendon hiLLs • $498,000

soL

Pinehurst • $330,000

60 horse creek run Attractive 3 BR / 2.5 BA home on 1.6 beautifully landscaped acres in Clarendon Gardens. The home speaks of quality throughout w/split bedroom plan, smooth ceilings, custom built-ins, and private backyard w/brick patio. Tons of curb appeal!

14 scioto lane Classic 3 BR / 2.5 BA home on the 18th fairway of Pinehurst #6. Interior has spacious living room w/entrance to the covered patio area, formal dining room and nice in ground pool! Enjoy great golf course views in this private location.

637 McLendon hiLLs drive Gorgeous 3 BR / 3.5 BA lakefront home in McLendon Hills. The kitchen features a large island, custom cabinets and huge walk-in pantry. Upstairs there are two add’l bedrooms and bonus room. Great home in gated community w/access to stables and riding trails!

Pinehurst • $318,500

seven Lakes west • $450,000

Pinehurst • $439,000

31 deerwood Lane Immaculate 5 BR / 3 BA home in Pinehurst #6 w/great upscale features and lots of storage! Bright and open, it offers high ceilings, hardwood floors, and lots of windows. Kitchen features custom cherry cabinets and granite countertops.

459 LongLeaf drive Beautifully designed custom built 3 BR / 2.5 BA waterfront home is bright and open! All rooms are spacious and well designed with the master suite on the main level and plenty of deck area for outdoor dining and entertaining.

105 taLL tiMbers drive Amazing 5 BR / 4.5 BA brick home in desirable Pine Grove Village offers great living space for a large family. In addition to a large living room, dining room and spacious family room, the sellers have added a master suite and a master bath w/adjoining study.

aberdeen • $335,000

McLendon hiLLs • $399,500

Pinehurst • $419,000

106 bonnie brook court Delightful 4 BR / 3.5 BA Charleston Style home in the picturesque side-walk community of Bonnie Brook. This unique home has been meticulously maintained and complete with white picket fence accents and upgrades throughout.

288 Mclendon Hills driVe Lovely 4 BR / 3.5 BA country home in popular McLendon Hills situated on 2 acres of gently rolling property. Lots of curb appeal w/large covered front porch and a great floorplan featuring spacious greatroom and upstairs area.

22 kiLberry drive Delightful 3 BR / 2.5 BA home on the golf course at Pinewild CC. Main floor is hardwood throughout and the floorplan is bright and open w/huge window walls from the living room to the deck while the kitchen offers lots of cabinets and counterspace.

IN MOORE COUNTY REAL ESTATE FOR OVER 20 YEARS!

Luxury Properties maRTHa genTRY’S Home Selling Team

Moore County’s Most Trusted Real Estate Team!

y so

ntL

e rec

tLy

en rec

seven Lakes west • $665,000

122 Mccracken driVe Beautiful 3 BR / 3.5 BA lakefront home on Lake Auman. The floorplan is very open with great views from almost every room. The kitchen features custom cabinets, granite countertops, walk in pantry and a butler prep area; a wonderful place to relax and enjoy lake views!

Pinehurst • $949,000

soL

Pinehurst • $560,000

tLy

en rec

soL

Pinehurst • $495,000

11 Village lane Attractive 4 BR / 3.5 BA Old Town Home complete with white picket fencing and fully fenced back yard. The interior is light and bright with an open living plan and an upstairs that flows beautifully. PCC membership option available for transfer.

205 nationaL drive Very nice all brick 3 BR / 2 BA home w/views of the 7th and 8th holes of Pinehurst #9. The home features split bedroom plan, private den/office off the foyer, lots of living space and centrally located close to shopping and dining….a must see!

seven Lakes west • $850,000

seven Lakes west • $749,000

80 braeMar road Incredible golf front home in Fairwoods on 7. This beautiful 4 BR / 5.5 BA home features top of the line finishes, mouldings, marble and hard-wood slate flooring. Wow guests with the gourmet kitchen, luxurious bedroom suites, wine cellar or cascading terrace overlooking the 15th green.

106 cook Point Gorgeous 3 BR / 3.5 BA waterfront home on Lake Auman, located on a point lot at the end of a private cul-de-sac. Beautiful panoramic views on three sides of the property and great orientation to the sun insures optimum enjoyment of morning sunrises and evening sunsets!

114 butterfLy court Exquisite custom 3 BR / 3.5 BA home on one of the most beautiful lots on the lake! Floorplan offers lots of living space w/gourmet kitchen and beautiful panoramic water views from almost every room!

Pinehurst • $698,500

McLendon hiLLs • $625,000

Pinehurst • $589,000

85 abbottsford drive Marvelous contemporary 4 BR / 2.5 BA home was honored as home of the year in 2006 in their price bracket. Located on the 13th green of the Holly Course, this is one of the most beautiful home sites in Pinewild, overlooking both golf and water with long views.

106 racheLs Point Drop dead gorgeous 4 BR / 3.5 BA Bob Timberlake design located on 1.8 beautifully landscaped acres that slopes gently to the water and includes an outdoor kitchen on the patio, a private dock and beach with a fireplace. A must see in McLendon Hills.

55 gLasgow drive Alluring 3 BR / 3.5 BA gem located in the gated community of Pinewild CC w/beautiful views of the 3rd hole of the challenge course. This home offers beautiful floorplan w/ soaring ceilings, cozy living area complete w/fireplace and designer kitchen.

Pinehurst • $695,000

Pinehurst • $649,000

Pinehurst • $598,000

28 kiLberry drive Grand 5 BR / 5.5 BA golf front home in beautiful Pinewild CC overlooking two greens, a tee and a natural pond. The French Country style home offers a spacious interior w/gourmet kitchen, Carolina Room overlooking a hillside water feature w/waterfalls, 2 pools and a guest suite w/private bath.

537 foxfire road Stunning 3 BR / 5 BA country home on 3.64 acres just minutes from the Village of Pinehurst. The expansive floorplan is light and open and features a custom designed fireplace and lots of windows overlooking the rear of the property.

19 McMichaeL drive Custom all brick 4 BR / 4.5 BA home w/lovely views of the scenic pond as well as the golf course. The gourmet kitchen has custom cabinets, granite countertops, tile backsplash, built-in desk area and a walk-in pantry. This is a wonderful home.

Re/Max Prime Properties, 5 Chinquapin Rd., Pinehurst, NC 910-295-7100 • 800-214-9007

MARThAGENTRY.COM • 910-295-7100 • Re/Max Prime Properties 5 Chinquapin Rd., Pinehurst, NC

Bathe in a Cloud of Oxygen

It’s all about the bubbles. Oxygen-rich microbubbles, to be precise. Our patented process supersaturates the water with billions of these little wonders, increasing oxygen levels by up to 70% and providing a truly unique and beneficial bathing experience.

Featuring MICROSILK® Technology — A new form of hydrotherapy

115 Davis Road • Southern Pines, NC 28387 • 910-692-2210 Visit our showroom online at www.hubbardkitchenandbath.com

SIMPLE LIFE

Angels Unawares

Extending kindness to strangers . . . whoever they happen to be By Jim Dodson

Mr. Pettigrew is about my age, maybe a

little younger, his hair turning gray. His truck was old, his trailer older — so old the dumping mechanism was rusted shut. We had to unload the firewood by hand.

“Sorry about that,” he said. “I’ll stack it for you.” I told him not to worry, I was happy to stack it myself. Up in Maine, after all, where I lived for many years, they say firewood heats you twice — once when you cut and stack it, again when you burn it. “You from Maine?” he asked “Nope. Just lived there for 20 years. I’m from here. How about you?” “Surry County. I’ve got 30 acres up there, or used to.” A large chocolate Lab hopped out of his truck and lumbered toward us. “That’s Fred. I better put him back in the truck or else he might wander into the street. He’s about the last thing I got these days. Sure hate to lose him.” My dog Mulligan charged toward Fred but soon both their tails were wagging. She’s a tough old lady and Fred was smart enough not to give her any guff. The afternoon was a sharply cold one between Christmas and New Year’s. The kids had all gone back to their busy lives, and I was in my annual postChristmas funk made deeper by a psychic hangover from a year that only Ebenezer Scrooge could love, a humdinger of relentlessly bad news — killer floods and record hurricanes, devastating wildfires, mass shootings, rising seas, melting icecaps, Russian meddling, a world on the brink of nuclear war, a Congress divided against itself, a president who thinks he’s a game show host. Being a rare fan of winter — too many years in Maine to blame — I wasn’t bothered that an Arctic deep freeze was on its way, just that I was out of decent firewood. Before Christmas I’d seen a hand-lettered sign advertising seasoned firewood by a small farmhouse out in the country, so I phoned. Sixty bucks a load sounded reasonable. He brought it that afternoon. As we worked, I asked how Mr. Pettigrew’s Christmas had been. He shrugged. “Not so good. But at least I’m alive.” He explained that he’d recently been diagnosed with kidney disease and had nearly died from cirrhosis of the liver just one year ago. He faced further testing in the New Year. “This time last year I was in the hospital, sure I was about to die. So I

signed over everything to my daughter,” he said. “I signed over everything I owned — even my land up in Surry County — because I wanted her to at least have something to remember me by.” When he survived, she refused to transfer his property back to him. In fact, she evicted him from his own house. “That’s a tough break,” I sympathized. “What keeps you going?” “One foot in front of the other,” he said with a shrug. “I’ve got a little disability to live off of and a place for Fred and me to stay. I’m able to do odd jobs and sell some wood off a piece of land I still own. I’m pretty grateful for that.” After a pause, chucking a piece of wood on the pile, he added, “Better enjoy this life now, I reckon. Never know when it’ll just go.” I simply nodded. A week before Christmas my good friend Chris passed away while sitting on his front porch reading the morning paper on an uncommonly warm December morning. Chris was only 54. Dogs were his best friends, too. Mr. Pettigrew looked about the same age as Chris. “You retired?” he asked me, snapping me out of my sudden wintry thoughts. “Nope. Just plain tired,” I joked, casually adding that I would turn 65 on the second day of February “if the Good Lord’s willin’ and the creek don’t rise,” as both Johnny Cash and my late Grandmother Taylor liked to say. “You don’t look anywhere near that old,” said Mr. Pettigrew. “I don’t feel anywhere near that old,” I said. “Just certain parts do.” Mr. Pettigrew laughed. It was a genuine laugh. I wondered if I could laugh like that if I had kidney disease and my daughter had taken everything I owned. We finished up and he thanked me for buying his wood. It was beautiful wood, well-seasoned red oak with some maple mixed in. I gave Mr.Pettigrew an extra twenty, petted Fred on the head and wished them both well in 2018, marveling at his grace under fire. He gave me his card and said, “If you need an extra hand with anything, you know where to find me.” I watched him drive off, grateful for having met Mr. Pettigrew. The next afternoon, an even colder one, another pickup truck pulled up in front of the house. An older man came to my door. His hair was white. He was well-spoken and polite. “I’m hoping, sir, if you could possibly help me . . .” Sometimes I wonder if the angels have a target on my back. When I was 9 and my brother 11, our father walked us through Lower Manhattan’s Bowery

PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 2018

SIMPLE LIFE

one freezing Saturday morning during a Christmas visit to see the homeless men sleeping on the frozen sidewalks. This was before homeless shelters were commonplace. My mother thought we’d just gone out for fresh bagels. We saw men with blue legs huddled beneath newspapers and cardboard boxes on sidewalk grates — and wound up buying a couple dozen warm bagels and distributing them. My brother and I eventually took to calling our old man Opti the Mystic because souls in need always seemed to find him — and take something away from his cornball belief that a small act of kindness can make all the difference in someone’s life. Since that day, either a curse or a blessing, probably a little of both, they seem to find me, too — people like Mr. Pettigrew and the gentleman at my door whose name I never asked. Friends gently chide me for giving any homeless person who asks whatever I have in my pocket. There are places these lost souls can go, they say. The poor are always with us, the Good Book reminds. Besides, they’ll just drink or smoke up whatever you give them. Not to mention that this world is full of scam artists, hucksters and thieves. Maybe they are right. But to this day, I’ve never regretted reaching into my pocket when someone has the courage to ask. As Opti might say, perhaps what you do even in the smallest way for another living creature, human or otherwise, you actually do for yourself in a way that only the universe may bother to take note of. The man at my door, at any rate, had a painful story about losing his job in Washington, D.C., and driving down to stay with his son in Carolina, hoping to find a new job. He hadn’t called ahead and his son was out of town. “The shelters are all full and I found a place that costs $60 a night. I’ve only got $20. Last night I had to sleep in my truck and the police told me not to do that again.” He apologized and, turning away, began to cry. I’ve seen enough tears in

this world to know they were as genuine as Mr. Pettigrew’s laugh. Both held notes of sorrow. I gave him what I had in my pocket. It came to $41. He accepted the money, wiped his eyes and offered me a weathered hand. “Thank you, sir. When I get a job, I will repay you. That I promise.” I told him that would not be necessary and asked him to wait a moment while I fetched another ten bucks from my loose change jar and gave him that, too. “Supper money,” I said, thinking of my late Papa — imagining him as one of those target-hunting angels standing beside me whispering Scripture in my ear. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some of us may entertain angels unaware. “Just curious,” I said to the man at my door. “How’d you pick my house?” He smiled. “I’m really not sure. Your house just looked like a kind house.” My wife got home after dark. I had an excellent fire going and poured her a glass of wine. She asked me how my day had gone. She always worries about my postChristmas funk. I told her the funk was gone. I was eager to face a new year with genuine optimism, in part because that I’d met a couple older gentlemen who helped remind me how grateful I am to be turning 65 with a good roof over my head and a little loose change in my jar. An early birthday gift to me, I joked. “Who were they?” “Have no idea. Just a couple elderly angels.” The next day, the second gentleman returned with a big smile on his face. “I just got a job at Lowe’s,” he declared. “I wanted to let you know. I will return that money.” I congratulated him and said that would not be necessary, though I still forgot to ask his name. PS Contact Editor Jim Dodson at jim@thepilot.com.

If Pinehurst Has it, Lin can get it for you! 6 sOdBuRy cT • cOTswOld PinEhuRsT stunning, custom Townhome with over 3000 square feet of single floor living space. Oversized garage with separate workshop in rear and large Bonus rm above. tons of storage! 3BDrm, 2 ½ Ba. Offered at $445,000.

110 E Mccaskill Rd • Old TOwn Custom Built in 1997 with all of the character expected in the historic Village of pinehurst. Carriage house over garage. Gourmet kitchen. 4BDrm, 3 1/2Ba. new price $550,000.

23 wEllingTOn dR • FOREsT cREEk

205 OakMOnT ciR • PinEhuRsT

perfect ‘’lock-it and leave-it’’ weekend getaway, seasonal 2nd home or year round residence. new sun room and new guest suite above the garage. ample storage! 4BdRM, 3 1/2 Ba. nEw PRicE $399,000.

Charming cottage, FrEshlY paIntED, with large open rooms in the heart of pinehurst. the deep front and back porches add lots of outdoor living space. Oversized garage. 3BDrm, 2 1/2 Ba plus Bonus rm. new price $300,000.

i F y O u wa n T T O k n O w P i n E h u R s T

you need to KnoW LIn 18

20 idlEwild • PinEhuRsT mOVE-In rEaDY. Gourmet kitchen with 3 ovens. all brick and rebuilt from top to bottom! lower level has man cave, workshop, 4th bedroom and en-suite bath. 4BD, 3Ba. new price $419,000.

1 BuR cT • PinEhuRsT • waTERFROnT all BrICK home with granite counter tops, cherry cabinets. Private cul-de-sec with protected Pond/wetlands. 6 BDrm, 5 Ba. Offered at $485,000.

lin hutaff, broker/owner, sps. ecertified • 910.528.6427 • www.linhutaff.com 9 1 0 . 2 9 5 . 0 0 4 0 O F F I C E | l I n h u ta F F @ p I n E h u r s t. n E t E m a I l | 2 5 C h I n Q u a p I n r D

February 2018P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

more YOU more ME …together.

FREE

FACIALOR STRETCH

60-MIN SESSION* with $125 in gift card purchases

Offer valid through Valentine’s Day

PINEHURST-SOUTHERN PINES Hwy 15-501 in Stein Mart Shopping Ctr Across from Outback Steak House (910) 693-1001 M–F 8a–9p | S 8a–8p | Su 9a–9p

*DISCLAIMER: Offer ends 02/14/18. Voucher redeemable at participating Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide by 05/15/2018. Not valid online for previous purchases. Min. $125 per transaction in gift card purchases. Voucher cannot be used the same day as the gift card purchase and cannot be combined with other offers. Session times include a total of 10 minutes of time for consultation and dressing, which occurs pre and post-service. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Prices subject to change. Rates and services may vary by franchised location and session. For a specific list of services, check with specific franchised location or see MassageEnvy.com. Gift cards are not redeemable or refundable for cash or credit except where required by law. Other rules may apply. Check with franchised location for additional details. Each location is independently owned and operated. ©2017 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC.

always a step ahead under contract

351 unitEd rd

raeford • Amy Stonesifer 4 bed • 2.5 bath • $180,000

26 ColdstrEaM ln

Pinehurst • Amy Stonesifer 4 bed • 3.5 bath • $335,000

428 PinECrEst Ct rd aberdeen • Amy Stonesifer 3 bed • 3 bath • $375,000

10 MErion CirClE

Pinehurst • Amy Stonesifer 3 bed • 2 bath • $250,000

693 s. ashE st

265 s. BEthEsda dr

35 turtlEPoint dr

southern Pines • Amy Stonesifer 3 bed • 2.5 bath • $292,000

southern Pines • Amy Stonesifer 4 bed • 2.5 bath • $315,000

Pinehurst • Amy Stonesifer 4 bed • 4 bath • $450,000

New ListiNg

new construction

26 villagE in thE Woods

104 Birdsong Ct

southErn PinEs • Amy Stonesifer 4 bed • 3 bath • $237,000

aberdeen • Amy Stonesifer 5 bed • 3.5 bath • $310,000

New ListiNg

under contract

340 Elk rd

10 MEdlin rd

southern Pines • Amy Stonesifer 4 bed • 3.5 bath • $320,000

155 Fox hunt ln

southern Pines • Kelly Curran 5 bed • 3.5 bath • $345,000

195 lakE hills dr

Pinehurst • Amy Stonesifer 3 bed • 2.5 bath • $300,000

10 goldEnrod dr

Pinehurst • Amy Stonesifer 4 bed • 3 bath • $465,000

whisPering Pines • Amy Stonesifer 3 bed • 3 bath • $345,000

New ListiNg

under contract

125 nEWington Way

1113 grEEnBriEr dr

aberdeen • Kelly Curran 3 bed • 2 bath • $249,900

Vass • Kelly Curran 2 bed • 2 bath • $199,900

serving Moore County and surrounding areas!

www.maisonteam.com Kristin Hylton 2017 was a fantastic year for Maison Realty Group! With over 30 million in sales, we are so proud of every single one of our agents. With that said, we would like to honor our Top Producer for 2017- Kristin Hylton! Kristin truly demonstrates what it entails to be a phenomenal agent. She is punctual, diligent and knows the market like the back of her hand. The amount of time she puts into her passion for selling homes is extremely admirable. She goes the extra mile to get to know her clients thoroughly before finding the perfect home for each and every one of them. Kristin, we are beyond glad to have you as part of our team and are thrilled to see how many more families you help find homes for in 2018!

Jacob Sutherland

Stewart Thomas

Bridget Hussey

Kati Hovarth

There are over 600 real estate agents in Moore County. amy stonesifer is among the top 3. Award-winning REALTOR® Amy Stonesifer got into the business of selling homes because she wanted to get out on her own. Six years ago, she realized she was becoming restless and needed new challenges beyond managing the household while her husband served in the Army in some of the most dangerous parts of the world. What started out as a simple midlife-career change quickly became one of Moore County’s fastest growing real estate firms. That’s because she realized there was an unmet need, one that she could intimately identify with: Soldiers and their families who need specialized individuals to take care of their homes while they’re away — and to sell them quickly when their assignments changed. As business boomed, she recruited the best of the best and built the Maison Real Estate Team – a team of highly talented, client-focused professionals who have the ability to meet military families where they’re at. Stonesifer’s disciplined, results-focused approach to buying and selling homes has become as much a mission as a business, one that gives back to the community and expresses deep appreciation for our men and women in uniform.

Buy, sell or rent through us- we do it all!

910.684.8674 | 135 E PEnnsylvania avE | southErn PinEs, nC 28388

Traci James

We Can Find It For You. Whatever Your Dream Home,

P er

w Ne

New Golf Front Listing in No. 6 Attached Pinehurst Charter Membership 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, and a Carolina Room Great Location on the 15th Green! 8 Juniper Creek, asking $340,000 Call Dawn Crawley: 910-783-7993

w Lo

e ric

ct ra

r de Un

nt Co

Great Price on this Pinehurst Condo Attached Pinehurst Charter Membership

Pineapple Cottage in Champions Ridge Mid South Style Patio Home Asking $359,000

Pinehurst No. 5 Golf Front Condo Pinehurst Charter Membership Attached

Golf Front Lot in Pinehurst No. 6 Attached Pinehurst CC Charter Membership 13 Beasley Dr. asking $80,000

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths Asking $139,000 151 Linville Gardens. Bright End Unit! Walking Distance to the Club and Village Call Pete Garner: 910-695-9412

3 Beds, 3 Baths - Lock and Leave! Stunning Customized Home with Golf Views 275 Champions Ridge, Southern Pines Call Dawn Crawley: 910-783-7993

ct ra

r de Un

nt Co

Middleton Place Townhome 54 Heyward Pl, Asking $310,000

2 Bed, 2 Bath Private Wooded Yard Close to downtown Southern Pines Call Elizabeth Childers: 910-690-1990

2 Beds, 2 Bath asking $129,000 Walk to the Club and the Village! Call Margaret Chirichigno: 910-690-4561

Great building Opportunity Call Betsy Auster 609-707-3047

Pinehurst resort realty Pinehurst Resort Realty is the preferred real estate company of Pinehurst Resort and Country Club, giving you direct resource into this Your Best Choice for Moore County world-renowned destination and Pinehurst Membership

The Preferred real esTaTe ComPany of The PinehursT resorT and CounTry Club. Visit Us in the Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst 1.800.772.7588 | www.PinehurstResortRealty.com | homes@PinehurstResortRealty.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

In Januaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winter wonderland, we were thrilled to see Penick Village living its mission to its fullest. Thank you to all our co-workers, their families, residents, and their families for together creating a loving family through all your actions. Each of you cared for, served one another, and truly created an amazing loving community when a storm threatened to disrupt our caring and loving environment. We thank each of you for assuring that our mission lived strong and well during that storm." - Jeff Hutchins, CEO, Caroline Hendricks, COO

A Faith-Based Not For Profit Life Plan Community (Continuing Care Retirement Community)

500 E. Rhode Island Ave. Southern Pines, NC (910) 692-0300 www.penickvillage.org

Featured Homes 1 Dunedin Circle

Pinehurst No. 6, Pinehurst Gorgeous water front home on a beautifully landscaped corner lot. Features a covered back porch with gas heater, covered patio off the kitchen, office with fireplace, wet bar, 3 car garage, solar panels, and more. 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 3,500+ Sq.Ft.

MLS# 184211 $545,000

454 Avenue of The Carolinas

The Carolina, Whispering Pines Nestled among towering pine trees, this welcoming home offers granite counters and bar seating in the kitchen, screened in porch, large backyard with garden area. 5-Star Energy Efficient. 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 2,800+ Sq.Ft.

MLS# 185183 $342,000

210 Grove Road

Pine Needles, Southern Pines Beautiful home with a fenced in backyard, large deck, and wrap around front porch. Hardwoods throughout, gourmet kitchen with double ovens, fireplace in living room, formal dining, office/study, large rec area, and bonus room. 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 4,000+ Sq.Ft.

MLS# 183524

$539,000

400 Manning Square

Walker Station, Pinehurst Beautiful new construction home with double front porches, large island in the kitchen, open living/dining area, main floor master suite. Neighborhood features a community pool, garden, and parks. 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, 2,200+ Sq.Ft.

MLS# 185573 $319,000

414 Meyer Farm Drive

Forest Creek, Pinehurst Custom built golf front home with open floor plan, featuring an expansive kitchen with large center island, screened in porch off the main living area overlooking the golf course, and guest suite over the garage. 10 Bedrooms, 10.5 Baths, 6,500+ Sq.Ft.

MLS# 183388 $875,000

360 Lake Dornoch Drive

Country Club Of North Carolina, Pinehurst Located on the 12th hole of the Dogwood Golf Course! This all brick home offers a grand entrance and lovely living room with French doors to a private deck and screened in porch. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 5,000+ Sq.Ft.

MLS# 184245 $730,000

Call today for a private showing of these beautiful homes!

130 Turner Street, Suite A Southern Pines, NC 28387 (910) 693-3300

Coldwell Banker Advantage Toll Free: (855) 484-1260 www.HomesCBA.com

100 Magnolia Road, Suite 1 Pinehurst, NC 28374 (910) 692-4731

The STory of The exoduS

Feb. 8 - April 6, 2018

Opening reception Feb. 8 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Gallery hours: Tues., Wed., and Fri.: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thurs.: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sat.: Noon – 4 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and March 4 – 12 & 30 – 31. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. “And Miriam the prophetesse, sister of Aaron, tooke a timbrell in her hande, and all the women came out after her with timbrells and dances.” “The Story of the Exodus” lithographs by Marc Chagall. Paris, New York: Leon Amiel, 1966. 50 x 37 cm, 285 ex. © 2017 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ADAGP, Paris

5400 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, N.C. 28311 | 910.425.5379 or 630.7000 | DavidMcCuneGallery.org THE ARTS & LECTURE SERIES IS SPONSORED BY “The Story of the Exodus” lithographs by Marc Chagall. Paris, New York: Leon Amiel, 1966. 50 x 37 cm, 285 ex.

Organized by The Art Company Pesaro, Italy.

Cumberland Community Foundation: David and Helen Clark Art Museum Fund and Community Arts Endowment

PinePitch Mardi Gras Party!

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN GESSNER

Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives invites you to celebrate Mardi Gras at its annual Holly and Ivy Dinner on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 13. The event will be held at the Holly Inn and includes a Mardi Gras menu and program. Mardi Gras attire is encouraged, but optional. Party favors include beads and a mask. The festivities begin with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., and dinner is served at 7:30. Tickets are $125 and are available at www. giventufts.org. Proceeds benefit the library and archives. The Holly Inn is located at 155 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst. For more information, call the Tufts Archives at (910) 295-3642.

The Rooster’s Wife Saturday, Feb. 3: Missy Raines and the New Hip. Seven-time International Bluegrass Music Award-winner for Bass Player of the Year Missy Raines heads up this all-acoustic ensemble that knows no musical boundaries. $15. Sunday, Feb. 11: N.C. Song Circle. N.C. Arts Council Artist Fellowship Award winners Wes Collins and Barry Gray join the dynamic Rebecca Newton (recently appointed CEO of Durham’s historic Carolina Theater) to present their songs. $15. Tuesday, Feb. 13: It’s a Mardi Gras party, with Creole fiddler Dennis Stroughmatt and Louisianastyle band Creole Stomp offering a vibrant blend of Celtic, Canadian and old time sounds. Laissez les bon temps rouler! $24, includes dinner. Friday, Feb. 16: Jack and the Vox. Victoria Vox and Jack Maher join forces to inspire audiences, young and old, through the power of song with stellar ukulele chops. $10. Sunday, Feb. 18: Josephine County. Four powerful traditional musicians combine for one exceptional musical experience from Ireland, Appalachia, Scotland and beyond. $15. Thursday, Feb. 22: WideOpenMic with Joe Newberry. $5. Friday, Feb. 23: Don Schlitz, Country Music Hall of Fame songwriter, performs with support from music maven Rebecca Newton and iconic North Carolina songwriter Nancy Middleton. Suggested donation: $20. Sunday, Feb. 25: Chaise Lounge, the Washington, D.C. area’s top jazz musicians, plays sparkling arrangements of standards and original tunes. $20. Doors open at 6 p.m. and music begins at 6:46 at the Poplar Knight Spot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. Prices given above are advance sale. For more information, call (910) 944-7502 or visit www.theroosterswife.org for tickets.

Hall of History Highlighted by memorabilia from the Carolinas’ greatest players and tournaments, the Carolinas Golf Association opens its Xan Law Jr. Hall of History on Feb. 10 in their building at 140 Ridge Road, adjacent to the Pine Needles Lodge and Country Club. There will be lockers dedicated to Billy Joe Patton, Harvie Ward and Peggy Kirk Bell. Other exhibits feature names like Donald Ross, Richard S. Tufts, Bob Drum, John Derr, P.J. Boatwright, Payne Stewart, Dustin Johnson and on and on. Copies of documentary evidence of shipments of clubs and balls from Scotland to Charleston, S.C., in 1739 and 1744 will be on display along with a kiosk where visitors can research results of any player participating in past CGA events. The opening is scheduled for 5 p.m., and the public is invited.

Chocolate — Food of Love On Saturday, Feb. 3, indulge yourself with someone you love (or like a lot) at Pinehurst’s “Chocolate Love Affair.” What could be more romantic than an evening stroll through the historic village, enjoying chocolate, wine and good food? Shops will be open, should somebody need a Valentine’s Day gift . . . After checking in at the Olde Town Realty, 601 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst, you will be directed to more than 18 different tasting stations offering samples of cakes, candies, chili and unique dishes with a chocolate flair. Tickets are $35 in advance, available at participating merchants in the village of Pinehurst, through Triangle Wines, by phone or online. (A limited number of walk-up tickets will be available for $40 after 4:30 p.m.) The delight begins at 4 p.m. and continues to 8 p.m. For tickets or more information, call (910) 687-0377 or visit www.InsidePinehurst.com.

Music — More Food of Love Something to Think About Since 1987, the Ruth Pauley Lecture Series has brought in extraordinary speakers from many walks of life to share their expertise and insights surrounding the issues that confront our society. On Thursday, Feb. 8, the topic will be “A Better America: Facing Prejudice Honestly,” with speakers Heather McGhee and Garry Civitello. McGhee is president of Demos, a public policy organization working toward political and economic equality. She appears frequently on Meet the Press and Hardball and writes for The New York Times, The Nation and The Hill. She and North Carolinian Garry Civitello will talk about how to combat prejudice in daily life. This presentation is free and open to the public and begins at 7:30 p.m. at Owens Auditorium, Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 6926185 or www.ruthpauley.org.

For Love of the Bard On Saturday, Feb. 10, the English-Speaking Union of the Sandhills will hold its ninth annual Shakespeare Competition, featuring drama students from high schools in Moore County. This competition helps students develop communication skills and an appreciation of language and literature as they explore the beauty of Shakespeare’s timeless works. Come and watch the students bring these classics to life and enjoy a performance by Sweet Tea, a critically acclaimed Shakespeare troupe. This event is free and open to the public. The competition begins at 2 p.m. in The Village Chapel, 10 Azalea Road, Pinehurst. For more information contact Bob Roman, romanbob@hotmail.com or call (910) 725-0333. Last year’s winner, Union Pines High School student Kyaa Torrence, from Cameron, went on to place as a semifinalist in the 34th annual English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition in New York City.

Come to the Carolina Philharmonic’s “Night at the Opera” on Wednesday, Feb. 7, and fall in love with the four guest soloists. Sopranos Bevin Hill and Young Mee Jun, tenor Michael Kuhn and baritone Kevin Wetzel will thrill you with some of your favorite arias, duets, trios and quartets from 10 operas, including Donizetti’s Don Pasquale, Bizet’s Carmen, Puccini’s La Bohème, and Mozart’s Don Giovanni. David Michael Wolff leads the Carolina Philharmonic in this dramatic concert, beginning at 7:30 p.m., at Owens Auditorium, Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Ticket prices range from $30 to $60, and Carolina Philharmonic offers military and student discounts. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (910) 687-0287 or visit www.carolinaphil.org.

Get Jazzed Prepare to be dazzled and delighted at The Arts Council of Moore County’s 33rd Annual Heart ‘n Soul of Jazz, on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Carolina Hotel. The AC’s annual fundraiser stars the Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet. Known for his flair for the dramatic, frequent touches of humor, inventiveness and musicality, trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis is one of the top performers, composers and producers in the world of jazz today. The doors will open at 7:30 p.m. for an 8 p.m. concert. The evening includes a “Meet the Artist” dessert reception. Tickets are $65–$75 and can be purchased by phone at (910) 692-2787; at the Campbell House, 482 E. Connecticut Ave. in Southern Pines; or online (with a charge) at Etix.com. The Carolina Hotel is located at 80 Carolina Vista Drive, in the village of Pinehurst. For more information, visit www.mooreart.

Back to the Classics What could be more inviting after a rowdy month of revelry than an evening of chamber music? The Arts Council of Moore County’s Classical Concert Series continues on Monday, Feb. 26, with the award-winning Escher String Quartet, an American ensemble based in New York City, where they serve as season artists of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. They also tour throughout the United States and internationally in Europe, Australia and China. The Quartet is well known for its recordings of Zemlinsky’s complete quartet cycle, and its collaboration in a complete presentation of Beethoven’s string quartets. The rich, blended sound of the Escher String Quartet is produced by Adam Barnett-Hart and Aaron Boyd on violin, Pierre Lapointe on viola and Brook Speltz on cello. The concert will be held at the Sunrise Theater, 250 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines, from 8–10 p.m. Tickets are $30 for Arts Council members; $35 for non-members.

www.firsthealth.org/heart

G O O D NAT U R E D

Love Your Heart By Karen Frye

our heart never takes a vacation. Pumping approximately 86,400 times a day, we trust that it will continue to work hard for us until we reach a ripe old age. There are practical things we can do to assist the heart in functioning its best and keep it going strong. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women, and it is also one of the most preventable. Be aware that the choices you make daily can drastically reduce your risk of developing heart disease, even if you have a family history. Eating more heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory foods and, of course, exercising top the list of smart things to do. A plant-based diet is a good one to follow, and the Mediterranean diet has many other benefits. There is the Keto, and the Paleo, and on and on. Find the one that fits you and your lifestyle. A little prevention will go a long way. Unfortunately, the Southeastern part of the U.S. takes the lead for the highest rates of heart disease. This part of the country has the highest rates of obesity, but the whole country is getting fatter. Increased consumption of refined sugar and carbohydrates are mostly to blame. The average consumption of sugar per person, per year is over 150 pounds. Obesity can be a contributing factor to practically every health malady, and a good diet and regular exercise are the best antidotes. Stress is another reason for deteriorating health. In fact, it can wreak havoc on you mentally and physically. While we can’t remove all the pressures of our lives, we can find ways to handle stress in a healthy way. Some simple ones are: yoga and meditation; taking a daily walk outside, and enjoying nature; knitting or singing — whatever you find that brings peace and calm feelings to you. While it’s always important to consult your doctor before adding any supplement to your diet, here are a few suggestions to help keep your heart healthy: Magnesium is a mineral that almost no one gets enough of in their diet. It helps to relax the arteries and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. Vitamin C does more for the heart than I ever realized. Animals don’t have heart attacks because they produce vitamin C that protects their blood vessel walls. We have to add it to our diet or eat enough vitamin C-rich foods to protect our arteries. Vitamin K — there are two forms. K1 is for normal blood clotting, while K2 is important for cardiovascular health. It transports calcium into the bones where it’s needed, and out of the arteries where it can cause atherosclerosis. Coenzyme Q10 is a metabolic enzyme produced by the body, but it may be beneficial to add it in supplement form, especially if you are over the age of 50 or have a history of heart disease. It combats oxidative stress in the cells and strengthens the heart. Omega-3 is a well-studied supplement for heart health. This essential fatty acid reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. We have a major imbalance of fatty acids in our diet from consuming too much Omega-6 and not enough Omega-3, creating more inflammation. Supplementing with Omega-3 also helps raise our healthy cholesterol levels (HDL). Your heart is so amazing. Keep it happy and healthy. PS

Karen Frye is the owner and founder of Nature’s Own and teaches yoga at the Bikram Yoga Studio.

TWO VALENTINE WEEKENDS for COASTAL LOVEBIRDS

Birds of a Feather Join us Feb 9-11 or Feb 16-18 Celebrate at our beautiful coast with a cozy room, a waterfront view, creative cuisine, and a scenic cruise. This gift for your favorite “fine feathered friend” is really something to chirp about! Photo courtesy of Wilmington resident Jeffrey P. Karnes, named by audubon.org as one of 15 Awesome Instagram Accounts for Beautiful Bird Photos.

blockade-runner.com

F SLEEP Exclusive 2018 Models! 100% Leather in 30+ Colors

milies in need get a good night’s sleep by Admiral ng your new $400 or off gently used mattress.

oundation (501 (c)3) is teaming up with Sweet Dreams to take your old mattresses

them to those in need. Too many people living in poverty or economic adversity

d a place to sleep night-to-night. By donating your new or gently used mattress Manual & Motorized

ady to buy a new one,Stockholm you start the process of giving someone a place to sleep. $400 off

Small, Medium, & Large Options

eams handles all the logistics, including pick up, Hans $400 off n, and the final delivery of the mattress to its cipients!

NFO ON HOW TO GIVE:

S4ALL.ORG

Your ChoiCe of firm, Plush or PillowtoP

123 BOULEVARD With STREET every mattress purchase, Spring Air, Sweet Dreams & Love Your Melon CHICAGO, will donate a hat to the consumer & to a child battling cancer. Sale ends February 28th IL 60622

S4ALLNC.ORG

WWW.SWEETDREAMSNC.COM

150 COMMERCE AVENUE Locally Owned & Operated SOUTHERN PINES,Since NC2002 28387

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO HELP 513-633-6936 IN 2017 WE HELPED 302 PEOPLE WHO ARE NO LONGER SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR!

Monday - Friday 9AM- 6PM • Saturday 9AM-6PM • Sunday Closed

I N S TA G R A M W I N N E R S

Congratulations to our February Instagram winners!

Theme:

Babies & Toddlers! #pinestrawcontest

Next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme: Where do you read your PineStraw? (shots of you or someone reading PineStraw)

Submit your photo on Instagram at @pinestrawmag using the hashtag #pinestrawcontest (Submissions needed by Friday, February 16th)

PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 2018 31

Follow the Pink Flamingo to

4909 Raeford Road, Fayetteville 910-423-0239 Tues-Thurs. 9:30-5, Fri, Sat., Sun- 9-6

DESIGNER AVAILABLE

THE OMNIVOROUS READER

The Last Ballad

Wiley Cash creates a model for other writers

By D.G. Martin

Readers of this magazine have come

to know and admire Wiley Cash as a regular contributor of poignant essays about his family, his work, and his writing.

In the October issue, he gave us a very personal report about the origins of his latest novel, The Last Ballad. He told us that for the past five years he had been “living in a 1929 world of cotton mill shacks, country clubs, segregated railroad cars, and labor organizers with communist sympathies. Everything I know about the craft of writing and the history, culture and politics of America, especially the American South, has gone into this novel.” Now that the book is out and Cash’s promotional book tour is drawing to an end, it is a good time to take another look at this remarkable story of blended fiction and important history. When Cash takes us back to 1929 Gaston County’s textile mill country, he forces us to confront real and uncomfortable facts about the brutal conditions workers faced. All the while Cash uses his storytelling gifts to create a moving tale about a real person, textile worker and activist, Ella May Wiggins. On the frame of this real character, Cash builds a moving story that puts readers in Wiggins’ shoes as she walks the 2 miles every evening from her hovel in Stumptown to American Textile Mill No. 2 in Gaston County’s Bessemer City, works all night in the dirt and dust and clacking noise, and then walks back to tend to the children she has left alone the entire night. Cash follows her decision to support the strike at Loray Mills, where her ballad singing at worker rallies mobilized audiences more than the speeches of union leaders. He relates how her actions also provoked negative responses from union opponents that led to her death. In the book’s powerful fourth chapter, Cash compresses the conversion of Ella May from oppressed textile worker to inspirational union hero into one evening. As she rides in the back of a truck from Bessemer City to a pro-strike rally at the Loray Mill in Gastonia, she tells Sophia, a union organizer, about her family’s struggles, the death of her beloved son, and “the weight of her children and their lives upon her heart.” “Hot damn,” Sophia says. “And you sing too?

“Hell, girl, we hit the jackpot with you. You might be the one we’ve been looking for.” That evening in Gastonia, in the shadow of the “colossus of the Loray Mill . . . its six stories of red brick illuminated by what seemed to be hundreds of enormous windows that cast an otherworldly pall over the night,” Ella May tells her story to the rally’s crowd and sings a song from her mountain youth that she adapted on the spot. She began, “We leave our home in the morning, We kiss our children good-bye. While we slave for the bosses, Our children scream and cry.” And after several more verses of struggle and woe, she concluded, “But understand, dear workers, Our union they do fear, Let’s stand together, workers And have a union here.” When it was over, “people cheered, whistled and pointed, called her name and chanted union slogans. Flashbulbs popped and illuminated ghostly white faces as if lightning had threaded itself through the audience.” By the end of the evening and the conclusion of the fourth chapter, Ella May has the makings of a legend and a target of the anti-union forces that will bring about her early death. In the book’s other chapters, Cash introduces us to people who shaped Ella May’s life: her no-good husband John, her no-good boyfriend Charlie, the Goldberg brothers who ran the mill where she worked, her African-American co-worker and neighbor Violet, the union strike leaders, a 12-year-old worker who loses half his hand when it gets caught in the mill’s machinery, and Wiggin’s children as they struggle through hunger and illness. We also meet an African-American railroad porter, Hampton Haywood, a communist union organizer. Ella May makes an unlikely friendship with Katherine, the wife of mill owner Richard McAdams. Katherine persuades her husband to sneak Hampton out of town to save him from a racist and antiunion lynch mob, risking Richard’s place in the elite social order — and his life. The picture Cash paints is an ugly one, showing conditions of Wiggins and her fellow workers to be only a step or two away from serfdom and slavery. Education for the workers or their children was a pipe dream, as Wiggins

Meymandi Concert Hall, Raleigh

Friday, February 23 7:30pm

an evening with authors

JOHN GRISHAM and JOHN HART

National launch for John Hart’s new book “The Hush” For more information and to buy tickets, visit naturalsciences.org/thrillers

PRESENTED BY

WRAL-TV, Business North Carolina, North Carolina Humanities Council

Downtown Raleigh

naturalsciences.org

@naturalsciences

February 2018P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

THE OMNIVOROUS READER

explained to U.S. Senator Lee Overman, when the union sent her to Washington to tell the union story. Overman had told a striker she should be in school. “Let me tell you something,” Wiggins shouted at Overman. “I can’t even send my own children to school. They ain’t got decent enough clothes to wear and I can’t afford to buy them none. I make nine dollars a week, and I work all night and leave them shut up in the house all by themselves. I had one of them sick this winter and I had to leave her there just coughing and crying.” In his first two best-selling novels, A Land More Kind Than Home and This Dark Road to Mercy, Cash had wide freedom to develop compelling stories and fashion endings that would surprise and satisfy his readers. But he lost this freedom with The Last Ballad. Historical fiction binds its authors to certain facts. There can be no surprise ending. Cash’s readers know from the first page that Ella May is going to be killed. In Cash’s case, however, the genre does not restrict his great gifts in character development or in developing rich subplots that give his readers a satisfying literary experience. As a bonus they come away with a deeper comprehension of Ella May’s experiences and those of the people on all sides of the Loray labor conflict. In his October article for this magazine, Cash, who grew up in Gastonia, explained what made writing about Wiggins a difficult task. “How could I possibly put words to the tragedies in her life and compress them on the page in a way that allowed readers to glean some semblance of her struggle?” Recently he told me, “I wanted to write a novel that was not only true to the facts, but I wanted almost more importantly to write a novel that felt true to the experience as I understood it. When I was writing this novel I was perfectly aware that these are real events. And the facts are all there. The facts in this novel, are indisputable. And I felt like, by getting the facts right, it allowed me a scaffolding to let the characters come alive.” So how did Cash do? I agree with Charlotte Observer writer Dannye Romine Powell, who called The Last Ballad Cash’s “finest” novel, one that she suspects “will serve as a model for any writer who wants to transform fact into fiction.” In creating this model for other writers of historical fiction, Cash met his challenge of putting into words Wiggins’ tragic life and the oppressive times in which she lived. And those words and the story they tell confirm Cash’s place in the pantheon of North Carolina’s great writers. PS D.G. Martin hosts North Carolina Bookwatch, which airs Sundays at noon and Thursdays at 5 p.m. on UNC-TV.

ExclusivE . TimElEss. c hic.

Village of Pinehurst 910.295.3905 Monday through Saturday 10 am - 5 pm

BOOKSHELF

February Books NONFICTION

FICTION The Great Alone, by Kristin Hannah The author of The Nightingale returns with a story of a family of three, Ernt, Cora and Leni, who move to the remote Alaskan wilderness in the 1970s. After years as a prisoner of war, Ernt is restless, tormented and given to rages. Leni is precocious and befriends a young, sweet boy whose family is on a collision course with her own.

The Potlikker Papers: A Food History of the Modern South, by John T. Edge The director of the Southern Foodways Alliance writes a people’s history that reveals how the region came to be at the forefront of American culinary culture, and the way issues of race shaped Southern cuisine over the last six decades.

Only Child, by Rhiannon Navin Hiding in a coat closet, Zach Taylor hears gunshots echoing through his school as a gunman takes 19 lives, irrevocably changing the close-knit community. While Zach’s mother goes on a quest for justice against the young gunman’s parents, Zach loses himself in a world of books and art, becoming determined to help the adults around him rediscover the love and healing compassion in their lives.

Everything You Love Will Burn: Inside the Rebirth of White Nationalism in America, by Vegas Tenold Embedded among three of America’s most ideologically extreme white nationalist groups for the last six years, journalist Vegas Tenold has watched these groups move from a disorganized counterculture into the mainstream. Tenold offers a terrifying, sobering look inside these newly empowered movements, taking readers to the dark, paranoid underbelly of America.

White Houses, by Amy Bloom Beginning with Lorena Hickok’s childhood and following her through Eleanor Roosevelt’s death, Bloom’s fiction brings a slice of history to life in this lively and heartbreaking biographical novel about the long-term relationship of the two women. The Hush, by John Hart Returning to the world of Hart’s The Last Child, it’s been 10 years since the events that changed Johnny Merrimon’s life and rocked his hometown to the core. Though Johnny has fought to maintain his privacy, books have been written of his exploits. Living alone in the wilderness outside town, Johnny’s only connection to normal life is his boyhood friend, Jack. The Hush is more than an exploration of friendship, persistence and forgotten power. It takes the reader to unexpected places, and reminds us why Hart, after five consecutive New York Times best-sellers, warrants comparison to luminaries like Pat Conroy, Cormac McCarthy and Scott Turow. An American Marriage, by Tayari Jones A masterpiece of storytelling, An American Marriage is a stirring love story and a profoundly insightful look into the souls of three people who must reckon with the past while moving forward — with hope and pain — into the future. Jones, the author of Silver Sparrow, writes a brilliant book that is both a joy to read and thought-provoking. Promise, by Minrose Gwin In the aftermath of a tornado that rips through Tupelo, Mississippi, at the height of the Great Depression, two women — one black, one white; one a great-grandmother, the other a teenager — fight for their families’ survival in this powerful novel. A story of loss, hope, despair, grit, courage and race, Promise reminds us of the transformative power of confronting our most troubled relations with one another.

The Leading Brain: Neuroscience Hacks to Work Smarter, Better, Happier, by Friederike Fabritius and Hans W. Hagemann Now in paperback, this book by a neuropsychologist and a leadership expert applies science-based strategies to achieve peak performance. Examples such as how to learn and retain information more efficiently, improving complex decision-making and cultivating trust and building strong teams are highlighted. Berlin 1936: Sixteen Days in August, by Oliver Hilmes From an award-winning historian and biographer, the 1936 Olympics told in the present tense, through the voices and stories of those who witnessed it. Berlin 1936 takes the reader through the XI Olympiad in 16 chapters, each opening with the day's weather and, with the help of translator Jefferson Chase, describing the events in the German capital through the eyes of a select cast of characters — Nazi leaders, foreign diplomats, sportsmen, journalists, writers, socialites, nightclub owners and jazz musicians. A Dangerous Woman: American Beauty, Noted Philanthropist, Nazi Collaborator — The Life of Florence Gould, by Susan Ronald From the author of Hitler’s Art Thief comes a revealing biography about a fabulously wealthy socialite and patron of the arts. In Paris, Gould entertained the Fitzgeralds, Hemingway, Picasso, Joseph Kennedy and Charlie Chaplin, with whom she had an affair. During the Nazi occupation she had affairs with Germans and became enmeshed in a money-laundering scheme for fleeing high-ranking officers. In New York after the war, her money bought her respectability as an important contributor to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

I T ' S T I M E TO S H OW T H E WO R L D YO U ' R E UNIQUE. START FROM THE TOP WITH BEAUTIFUL HAIR DESIGN. 210 NW Broad Street Downtown Southern Pines 910.692.2478 therefinerysalon.com

BOOKSHELF

Wallis in Love: The Untold Life of the Duchess of Windsor, the Woman Who Changed the Monarchy, by Andrew Morton Using never before seen records along with letters and diary entries, Morton’s biographical portrait of Wallis takes us through the cacophonous Jazz Age; her romantic adventures in Washington and friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt; her exploits in China and beyond; and her entrance into the strange wonderland of London society. During her journey, we meet an extraordinary array of characters, many who smoothed the way for Wallis’ dalliance with the King of England, Edward VIII.

One offor your a Kind

One in a Million

Renoir's Dancer: The Secret Life of Suzanne Valadon, by Catherine Hewitt Hewitt delivers a fantastic biography of the daughter of a provincial maid who found her way to Paris and became a part of the Impressionist art movement. Having affairs with many painters and a model for Renoir and others, Valadon was an ambitious, headstrong woman fighting to find a professional voice in a male dominated world. The Seabird’s Cry: The Lives and Loves of the Planet's Great Ocean Voyagers, by Adam Nicolson Seabirds have always entranced the human imagination and New York Times best-selling author Adam Nicolson has been in love with them all his life: for their mastery of wind and ocean, their aerial beauty and the unmatched wildness of the coasts and islands where every summer they return to breed. Over the last couple of decades, modern science has begun to understand their epic voyages, their astonishing abilities to navigate for tens of thousands of miles on featureless seas, their ability to smell their way toward fish and home. The Seabird’s Cry examines the science and the stories of seabirds and the current crisis of seabird decline.

148 East New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines Tues - Fri 11 to 5, Saturday 11 to 4 • (910) 692-3749

Come Celebrate With

SANDHILLS FARM2TABLE THE 2018 SEASON OUR 9TH YEAR OF

SUPPORTING LOCAL FARMERS THE FILM:

“SUSTAINABLE” SUNRISE THEATER FOLLOWED BY LOCAL BITES & SPIRITS AT 305 TRACKSIDE

A COMMUNITY EVENT OPEN TO ALL

THURSDAY, MARCH 1

6-9 PM

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE SUNRISE THEATER

$25 PER PERSON

SANDHILLSFARM2TABLE.COM | 910-722-1623 | INFO@SANDHILLSFARM2TABLE.COM @SANDHILLSFARM2TABLE

BOOKSHELF

Full Battle Rattle: My Story as the LongestServing Special Forces A-Team Soldier in American History, by Changiz Lahidji and Ralph Pezzullo Recognized as one of the finest noncommissioned officers to ever serve in Special Forces, Changiz’s story after more than 100 combat missions in Afghanistan and 24 years as a Green Beret is an amazing tale of perseverance and courage, combat and a man’s love for America. The memoir is a first by a Muslim member of Special Forces.

when you need us... we’re right here.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS The Word Collector, by Peter H. Reynolds Vociferous, effervescent, torrential, guacamole, dream. Jerome collected words. Short and sweet words, two syllable treats and multi-syllable words that sound like little songs. The more words he knew, the more clearly he could share with the world what he was thinking, feeling and dreaming. What happens when Jerome decides to share his collection changes not only him, but everyone around him. (Ages 4-8) If I Had a Horse, by Gianna Marino Horses are the world’s best teachers as seen in this stunning, simple yet profound little book. They teach patience, gentleness, bravery, kindness, friendship, persistence, tolerance and cooperation. Perfect for horse fans, art lovers and anyone in need of a little encouragement. (Ages 4-8) Tiny and the Big Dig, by Sherri Duskey Rinker From the author of the beloved Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site comes this plucky little picture book that proves even little folks can do great things when they just dig in and stick to it. Tiny the pup proves his determination to everyone in this cute story in the vein of The Little Engine That Could. (Ages 3-6) PS

Seeking a hospital to care for your family? Choose one with quality that’s verified by trusted outside sources. You won’t find another health system from the Triangle to the coast with the quality and scope of services offered at Cape Fear Valley. And you won’t find one as committed to your family’s health.

capefearvalley.com

Compiled by Kimberly Daniels Taws and Angie Tally. PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 2018

Spring is enjoyed most

by those who prepare in the winter

BRICKWORK

STONEWORK

FIREPLACES

OUTDOOR LIVING

910-944-0878

www.howellsmasonry.com 10327 Hwy 211 â&#x20AC;¢ Aberdeen, NC 28315

HOMETOWN

A Policeman’s Life

Duty and kindness serving the citizens of a small town

By Bill Fields

At a gathering

PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED BY BILL FIELDS

of my Pinecrest classmates a few months ago, men and women closing in on 60 like a restless Corvette, one of them pulled me aside early in the evening to tell me a story. During a stressful year that included some challenges, listening to his recollection turned out to be a highlight of 2017.

In the late 1970s, not long after we had graduated from high school, my friend had gotten in his car after a few too many drinks at a work party. Realizing his condition, he parked in an empty lot in West End. As my friend tried to sleep it off, my father, then a deputy sheriff working the second shift, came upon the car to check it out. Startled and scared, the driver roared away quickly. Blue lights on, Dad soon followed, and my friend was pulled over, more anxious than he had been a couple of minutes earlier. As my friend, an African-American, was recalling the encounter, it seemed like a scenario that these days all too often unfolds into disaster. But his tale didn’t have a bad ending. When my father walked up to the offending vehicle and pointed his flashlight at the driver, he recognized who was behind the wheel and let him explain what had taken place. There was no overreaction, no show of force, no ticket, no crisis. After a warning from my father and a promise from my friend to go straight home, that was it. An anecdote isn’t everything, but hearing it sure made my night. Dad came to law enforcement late, when he was in his late 40s, and it became a belated career after a series of jobs following World War II — farmer, gas station operator, clerk and factory foreman. He worked as a third-shift radio dispatcher in Southern Pines, then was hired as a patrolman in Aberdeen. He also had two stints as a Moore County deputy and, during the latter, when he was a warrant server, he got to drive the squad car home. Whether wearing Aberdeen blue or Moore County khaki, Dad looked sharp in his uniform, probably cocking his hat a few degrees more toward

jaunty than specified. Some of his fellow officers went for low-maintenance plasticexterior work shoes, but my father’s black ankle boots were leather that he kept beautifully shined with a sturdy brush that seemed older than he was. I was fascinated by the shorthand of the radio communications, the 10 codes. On the occasional snow-day morning when I was riding shotgun, there was nothing better than driving into the Town and Country shopping center and hearing Dad 10-20 at Cecil’s Steak House for breakfast. A few years later, riding through Aberdeen in my girlfriend’s orange MG en route from Chapel Hill on a sneaky trip to the beach, I knew Dad was on duty and got to the town limits hoping he was out of service having a meal. Being a cop — although Dad hated that word — in Moore County back then was a lot more Mayberry than Manhattan. Directing traffic after July 4th fireworks at Aberdeen Lake could have been as dicey as things got. I am not aware that he ever had to draw his .38 caliber service revolver. (He let me fire it once, at a tin can out in the country north of Southern Pines, and that was enough.) Dad was involved in one high-speed pursuit, when a car raced north at 100 miles per hour on Highway 1 until it took the Morganton Road exit and crashed at Memorial Field. Investigating bad car wrecks was the toughest part of the job. Once, on a day when Dad got home after dealing with a serious accident, he quickly corrected me when I mentioned that I wished I had been able to see it. He was an imperfect man, but being a policeman brought out his best. On a cool, dreary day in 1980, through a rain-dappled rear window of a Powell town car on the way to Pinelawn Memorial Park, I was reminded that others thought so too. Many officers from multiple area departments lined our route and blocked intersections, traffic not the reason for their presence. PS Southern Pines native Bill Fields, who writes about golf and other things, moved north in 1986 but hasn’t lost his accent.

memories...

Let us build your house! You build the

Value Makes the Difference www.bownesscustomhomes.com | 910-692-3782

The Song the World Knows. The Story It Doesn’t.

The Spectacular new national tour

MONDAY, MARCH 19 - 7:30 P.M.

TUESDAY, MARCH 13 - 7:30 P.M.

Givens Performing Arts Center

Group discounts for 10 or more. Purchase tickets at 910.521.6361 or uncp.edu/gpac.

COMING APRIL 6

February 2018P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

IN THE SPIRIT

The Face of Alley Twenty Six

Rob Mariani makes an impression with his delicious tonic made from scratch

By Tony Cross

PHOTOGRAPH BY TONY CROSS

If you’ve kept up with some of

my columns, you’re starting to see that in the world of spirits and cocktails, quality ingredients make for a better drink, from having a quality spirit (remember, quality doesn’t always mean pricier), all the way down to making a simple syrup from scratch. The market for small-batch ingredients is huge right now. I jumped on the train when I started bottling my own tonic syrup. Although I have one of the few local tonics on the market, there is a nearby company that started retailing their tonic syrup before me. I’m talking about Alley Twenty Six Tonic, created and packaged by the boys over at their bar in Durham. The first time I tried Alley Twenty Six Tonic, I was at a meeting with the

distribution company that carries my tonic syrup. One of their concerns was having similar syrups with the tonic from Durham. Luckily for me, our syrups are as delicious as they are contrasting. While my syrup has a more pronounced bitterness with baking spices, Alley Twenty Six Tonic has more of a sweet cola flavor with a touch of bitterness. The other major difference between the tonics is the fact that Rob Mariani, one half of Behind the Stick Provisions, has his syrup in way more places than I do. That’s an understatement. Rob is the kind of person who makes a big first impression. Tall and lanky, with an imperial, handlebar-style mustache and his signature flat/newsboy cap, he always has a smile on his face. I first met him a year and a half ago at a local distillery party, and most recently sat down with him in Durham over a few of his tonic drinks. Originally from Estonia, and raised in New York City, Rob didn’t find his passion for bartending until after moving to New Zealand in the beginning of the millennium. “I landed in Wellington and stayed there for a year. A friend hooked me up with some guys building a nightclub. I was doing construction, and at the end of the build decided that I wanted to learn to bartend there. My shift was from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. It was a blast. I was hooked.” Rob left New Zealand and found himself bartending at high-end restaurants in Washington D.C., including Agraria (now called Farmers Fishers Bakers)

PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 2018

Fall in Love with Taking Care of Yourself. Mind-Body-Spirit.

Testimonials 45 year old male • 6’4”

“Lost 33 pounds, lost /dropped 6 suit sizes since starting Pure Barre less than a year ago. In best shape since high school- 30 years ago. Went down to a waist size he has not seen since high school. Incredible workout for the professional with a career requiring a lot of sitting a desk during the day. Strongest Core EVER! Not embarrassed to wear a swimsuit or wetsuit at the beach or scuba diving.”

177 W. Pennsylvania Ave Mon 11-5pm | Tues-Fri 10-5pm | Sat 11-5pm 910.725.1010

57 year old female • 5’3”

“Lost 32 pounds since starting barre 15 months ago. Leaner and more tone. Significant drop in cholesterol levels 195 to 107 in a years time. Feel stronger.”

1764 Old Morganton Rd. ste 1764 • Southern Pines 910-246-2164 • southernpines@purebarre.com

February 2018P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

IN THE SPIRIT

with D.C. celebrity Derek Brown. Mariani relocated to Durham afterward and helped open Alley Twenty Six in the fall of 2012. Alley was launched by owner Shannon Healy, formerly of Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill. Healy and Mariani started making their own mixers and syrups from scratch. Healy’s recipe for their tonic syrup was a hit; that’s when the light bulb went on. Healy and Mariani launched Behind the Stick Provisions and started bottling their tonic syrup for retail. “The market for cocktail syrups was growing, and we wanted in,” says Rob. “We decided to launch our retail brand with tonic syrup because there were only a few on the market, and frankly, we liked ours better.” Rob took the original recipe, and slightly tweaked it for larger scale production. As tonic sales blossomed, Rob realized he would need to transition from behind the bar to Behind the Stick. “After 15 years of bartending, I saw this as a great opportunity to shift jobs in my industry career. I didn’t want to leave, I just didn’t want to work till 3 a.m. anymore,” he says. “This was the logical next step for me. Now I get to work with bartenders, distillers, home cocktail enthusiasts, and an amazing cross section of the industry.” And that he has. Just follow him on Instagram (behindthestickprovisions) and you’ll see the myriad places he pops up. As we sat down to talk, Rob had one of the barmen make me a daiquiri with his tonic syrup in place of simple syrup. As I finished it in four sips (absolutely delicious), he explained that his tonic will soon be in Moore County, hopefully by the time this column hits the street. He said he usually likes to substitute his tonic syrup in place of a traditional sugar syrup to give certain classics a spin. He also explained why he loves using his tonic in rum (and his love for rum). I found a new bestie. I’d lie if I said I didn’t sit there at least a little jealous while he told me of his adventures to Trinidad and Martinique to visit rum distilleries. He has an upcoming trip to Barbados in February, where he plans on learning more from different distilleries, such as Foursquare and Mount Gay. I know why rum is my favorite spirit, so I asked him why it’s his. “Rum is a versatile and misunderstood spirit,” he says. “It can be made from various forms of sugar — molasses being the most common — but pressed sugar juice for rhum agricoles has amazing earthy, grassy and funky notes that really bring the term ‘terroir’ to rum.” His recent “rum adventures” include scouting trips for places to live in the distant future. I can’t wait to visit my new bestie wherever the island may be. PS Tony Cross is a bartender who runs cocktail catering company Reverie Cocktails in Southern Pines.

Looking to Plant NewRoots?

Let Nikki & Jessica help you find your new home in the Sandhills NIKKI BOWMAN Broker/Owner 910-528-4902

JESSICA GERAGHTY Broker 910-585-5438

760 B NW Broad Street Southern Pines, NC www.realtyworldofmoore.com

retirement

by you

Now Accepting Applications for School Year 2018-2019 Serving Students PreK3-Grade 12 100% College Acceptance Tuition Assistance Available 3300 Airport Road • Southern Pines 910-692-6920 • www.ONealSchool.org

At The Village at Brookwood, you can craft and refine your unique retirement, enjoying the freedom to spend time with inspiring activities and creative people. A maintenance-free lifestyle at a Life Plan Community that is part of a respected health care system – that should be music to your ears. Call to schedule a visit.

Let us relieve the stress of downsizing, the move of an aging parent, death, divorce or relocation by providing the highest quality sale with the most professional service. Our staff will show respect not only to you and your family but also to the belongings entrusted to us.

800-282-2053

1860 Brookwood Avenue | Burlington, NC Proud to be a part of

VillageAtBrookwood.org 48

THE REGIONS PREMIERE ESTATE SALE SERVICE PROVIDER

Philip H. Huggins, AEL

910.670.1813 • 910.484.1601 howieandhuggins.com Licensed and Bonded Member Better Business Bureau Accredited Estate Liquidator ASEL

February 2018P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

THE KITCHEN GARDEN

Coming to a Field Near You?

How hemp may save the family farm

By Jan Leitschuh

There’s a new kid in town, one whose

arrival holds promise for Tar Heel agriculture. Don’t look for it to be a kitchen garden crop anytime soon, at least in North Carolina (although California allows six plants cultivated for personal use). Legally, you and I can’t grow it. But last summer, some N.C. farmers — including a Sandhills producer — cultivated this robust new crop in a groundbreaking pilot program.

Yep, we’re talking about cannabis. In North Carolina that “new kid” is industrial hemp. Last year saw the planting of legal hemp in North Carolina for the first time in decades. With the loss of tobacco as a cash crop, the state hopes hemp will fill the gap, especially in view of the strong and growing worldwide demand for hemp products. Before the cute comments about “wacky weed” begin, know that this agricultural program has the full support of our state government, in hopes of providing a sturdy and profitable crop for N.C. farmers. Demand for hemp products is high in the U.S., but until recently hemp production has been severely limited due to Federal Drug Enforcement laws. This climate is shifting. And some say that N.C. is strategically positioned to be the largest hemp-producing state in America in 2018. While industrial hemp is the same species as the stoner’s marijuana (Cannabis sativa), industrial hemp is the non-happy strain. The buzz has been bred out. The two crops differ by their tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. THC is the psychoactive chemical that causes the high from marijuana. So, no personal joy in the industrial version. Hemp must have less than 0.3% THC, and plants with more than that are considered to be marijuana. But word is slow to get around. One Sandhills farmer who grew about 15 acres under the pilot program prefers to remain anonymous because he had some theft of industrial hemp plants from his fields. Until the public at large understands that industrial hemp won’t get you high, this possibility remains an economic hazard for farmers. True story: I have hemp roots. At one point, during World War II, my

Minnesota grandfather was encouraged by the U.S. government to grow acres of hemp for fiber, to be made into rope for Navy ships. The hemp naturalized and spread along his prairie farm. When my cousin came to live with him during the late ’60s, she persuaded my grandfather — as far to the “stern elder” side of the generation gap as one could be — to dry a few leaves and smoke them in his pipe. He was disappointed: “I don’t see what all the fuss is about.” It was a low-THC industrial strain. The N.C. hemp industry is in its infancy, and is highly regulated. To grow legal industrial hemp, farmers are required to submit an application, submit to crop testing, demonstrate they make the majority of their income from farming, slap down a $250 licensing fee, and agree to participate in the pilot program’s research. The new N.C. Industrial Hemp Commission is responsible for developing rules and licensing for the pilot program. The Agricultural Act of 2014 allowed certain research institutions and state departments of agriculture to grow industrial hemp, as part of an agricultural pilot program. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services are all participants in the pilot program here. Research trials were planned at N.C. State research stations in Salisbury, Plymouth and Rocky Mount, and at the North Carolina A&T research farm in Greensboro. A 2016 change in the law made agricultural production of industrial hemp possible here under the pilot program, but it has taken until last summer for the rules and regulations to be in place. The first statewide crop — a small, strictly regulated one — was harvested last fall from the mountains to the sea. Hemp is and has been grown globally for millennia. Over 30 countries currently grow hemp for its stalks, seeds and flowers (the seed for N.C. originally came from an Italian strain). An impressive array of items can be manufactured from industrial hemp: fuel, seed oil and protein-rich food, clothing and other textiles, hemp plastics, fibers, hemp “milks” and beverages, paper, feed stocks, construction and insulation materials, even cosmetic products. Proponents say hemp can provide many of the raw materials we need as a society to function, and cleaner and greener. Hemp, for example, can provide four times as much pulp for paper with at least four to seven times less pollution than tree paper. Our first five U.S. presidents were all hemp farmers. Despite hemp’s long cultivation history, however, the best agronomic practices of producing it have been lost due to decades of prohibition. This has led to a new cottage industry: hemp “universities,” courses that teach growers the basics of quality production.

SAVORY VIEWS. No matter which course you choose.

Th e Te r r a c e & D i n i n g R o o m P o p’s L o u n g e

O P E N

T O

T H E

P U B L I C

1010 Midland Road Southern Pines, NC 28387 910.692.2114 • pineneedles-midpines.com •

17PNM030.TerraceAdFinal.indd 1

11/16/17 9:39 AM

February is American Heart Month Taking good care of your heart every month since 1952. Cardiology - Pinehurst 910-295 -9211 • Cardiology - Sanford 919-777-9005

Our specialties include: Gastroenterology/Endoscopy Cardiology Hematolog/Oncology Dermatology Primary Care Electrophysiology Pulmonary/Sleep Medicine Endocrinology & coming soon Rheumatology

New Patient Appointments Welcome Please call our New Patient Department (910) 235-2664 or (800) 272-5682

For more information and a complete listing of our physicians

visit our website www.pinehurstmedical.com

February 2018P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

THE KITCHEN GARDEN

Cannabis plants also produce cannabidiol, or CBD, an interesting phytochemical attracting strong medical interest lately. CBD oil is now legal in all 50 states, and is used to treat glaucoma, epileptic seizures, arthritis, neurological disorders, PTSD, depression, pain and other ailments. The oil is reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-nausea properties. It is sold in a number of locations locally. One company, Hemp, Inc., is interested in high-value CBD production, and has planted in Franklin and Nash counties, along with acreage in Kentucky, Colorado, Nevada and Oregon. The company recently bet large on N.C., building the largest industrial hemp commercial processing facility in North America in Spring Hope. The 70,000-square-foot facility also has a massive CO2 supercritical extractor, the state-of-the-art processing method for the CBD oil. The company contracts with local farmers to grow the product, which Hemp, Inc. then processes, packages and distributes. The company’s promotional material is glowing, perhaps excessively. “The family farm, once a staple of the American landscape, is fast disappearing,” says Hemp, Inc.’s brochure. The company CEO, Bruce Perlowin, envisions a 5-acre farm with a cloning room, a greenhouse and 5,000 high CBD hemp plants. “By showing farmers how to grow high CBD hemp, operate a greenhouse and turn a barn into a cloning room to earn $5000,000 a year, the small family farm can reappear in the American landscape.” In an article in the Rocky Mount Telegraph last summer, Perlowin said, “One plant equals one pound. If you don’t do anything but sell the bud to someone with a big extractor, you’re talking $50 to $500 a pound. What we do is a joint venture with local farmers to maximize their income.” The company even operates a Hemp, Inc. University to train its prospective growers. Whether these gold rush numbers bear out or not, the fact remains that hemp seems to be as economically viable, if not more so, than tobacco, which provided a strong chunk of income to many farm economies. N.C. tobacco producers have greenhouses and other equipment that could convert to hemp production. Who knows? A useful crop with myriad applications in our modern world, hemp holds out hope for replacing both tobacco and petroleum-based manufacturing with greener products. Stay tuned for further news as 2018’s harvest comes in next fall. PS Jan Leitschuh is a local gardener, avid eater of fresh produce and co-founder of the Sandhills Farm to Table Cooperative.

Contemporary • traditional • HandWrougHt

110 West pennsylvania ave. • Southern pines, nC 910.695.HarK (4275)

paulHarknessJewelry.com

Feel the Healing!

MASSAGE AND FACIAL SPA

Southern Pines 910-635-0322

10205 US 15-501 Hwy 43-A Pinecrest Plaza

Senior and Military Discounts Available! INTRODUCTORY ONE-HOUR

INTRODUCTORY ONE-HOUR

MASSAGE HOT STONE or FACIAL MASSAGE $ 95 95 $

59 79 *

A $99.95 VALUE!

A $119.95 VALUE!

Introductory offers cannot be purchased as gift cards.

Open 7 Days | Extended Hours | Walk-ins Welcome handandstone.com *Introductory offers valid for first-time visit only and not valid towards gift cards. Sessions include time for consultation and dressing. Rates and services may vary by location. **Upgrade with any one-hour massage service. Independently Owned & Operated. ©2017 Hand & Stone Corp. Franchises Available.

Introducing our new

r Visit us fo ’s e n ti n Vale rd a C t if G y Da ! ls ia c Spe

HIMALAYAN SALT STONE MASSAGE

Himalayan salt stones have been known to detoxify, help reduce insomnia, improve blood pressure, and relieve stress Upgrade your massage for just...

$30

IT’S ABOUT GIRL POWER...

FEELING READY TO GO OUT AND CONQUER THE WORLD. ____________ Margaret F., 11th grade ____________ It takes courage to find your voice — and use it. At Saint Mary’s, we believe in the greatness of girls. That’s why we offer AP and honors courses, leadership opportunities, real-world experiences, arts, 11 sports, and more — so girls like you can grow as young women of intelligence, integrity and purpose. The possibilities are endless.

WHERE WILL YOU FIND YOUR COURAGE?

To schedule a personal tour call the Admission Office at 919.424.4100. FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE

Serving girls, grades 9-12, boarding and day in Raleigh, N.C. www.sms.edu | 919.424.4100 | admission@sms.edu

Find out more about Margaret at www.sms.edu/margaret

February 2018P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

MOM, INC.

Look Out Below!

A day of schussing and moguls By Renee Phile

We’d talked about going the past

few winters. It’s one of those activities that seems fun but overwhelming. In theory, appealing, but the logistics are scary. Well, we decided this was the year. We were visiting my grandparents in the mountains — Boone, North Carolina. He woke me up early.

“How much longer? When can we go?” “David, we can’t go till one.” “Can we go early?” “It doesn’t even open until one.” The time ticked slowly (for David) and around 1 p.m., David and I — in our three layers of clothing, armed with gloves and hats and those knitted ski masks bank robbers wear in the movies — piled into my car. Up the mountain we drove. My grandparents drove their car, too, to get us checked in. This was their idea, after all. We peered over the houses on the mountain. It was snowy, steep, and gorgeous. Like in a jigsaw puzzle or calendar. Scary, too. The wind was ferocious. Halfway up the mountain, the traffic stopped, a foreshadowing of what was to come. We inched our way to the lodge. To say it was packed would be. . . let’s just say it looked like an Uber convention. It was 1/2 off lift tickets day, and the world loves a bargain. The whole world. All the times I spent at Walmart nearly having a panic attack from too many people dimmed by comparison. There were three lines that wrapped around halls and swirled around walls. Finding the end of one was the goal. Anxiety built. Some people were filling out forms, and my grandpa left the line to find some for us. These are the forms where you absolve the entire world of responsibility in the event you crush every bone in your body. When Grandpa stepped into the madness, I wondered if I would ever see him again. He returned with paperwork for David and me, with an extra set for the red-haired kid in front of us, who already had his skis. It was at this point my grandma said, “We are going to go home. Call me before you leave here.” Part of me envied them as they left. It was the part that screamed, “For godsakes, don’t leave me here!” on the inside. We chatted with our line mates. It turned out the red-headed kid was from a town close to Southern Pines. “Have you skied before?” I asked, already knowing the answer. “Yes, a lot, but this is the first time I have been here. You?” “I skied when I was his age,” I said, pointing to David. “This is his first time. We are going to need a lesson.” “Nahhh, we don’t need a lesson,” David chimed in, his phone out as he YouTubed How to Ski. “It’s easy, Mom.” I could remember nothing of the basics of skiing besides gravity. The red-haired kid said, “I can show you a few things; you probably don’t need a lesson.” I was unconvinced but agreed.

Time passed. Another 30 minutes, then another. David became grouchy, and I reminded him over and over that he was the one who really wanted to come. We helped each other out of our coats as sweat dripped down our faces. Finally, it was time to step up to the counter. A rush filled me. Almost two hours of waiting had ended. We paid for our lift tickets, skis, helmets and a locker, and the adventure began. The actual ski part could be summed up like. . . well, how about I share with you some texts that I found, yes found, on my phone later that night. Caren is my best friend from high school, and I had sent her a picture of David and me standing in the forever line. I must have left my phone somewhere and forgotten about it for a while. Caren: How was your Christmas? David: Good, this is David (smiley face) Caren: Hey David! Looks like y’all went skiing. Did you have fun? David: Yes we did, my mom fell every few feet though. Caren: Haha! That’s always fun (smiley face) David: Not for the people in her path. Caren: (2 smiley faces) David: She just about killed this one guy and took out about 6 others. Caren: (smiley face) Maybe she’d be better on a snowboard. I did awful on skis. David: Maybe you should go with us next time. So, I read through these messages that had been exchanged on my phone. While there is some truth in these texts, they are exaggerated, of course, and David failed to mention that he, too, nearly “killed one guy and took out about 6 others.” At one point he was just lying in the middle of the slope while others, trying not to use his body as a ski jump, zoomed by. (Don’t tell him I told you . . . ) Neither of us learned how to stop without falling or even move around without going straight down the hill. Both of us came home with bruises, hurt pride, but lots of laughter. Next time — and there will be a next time — we won’t pay attention to any red-haired kids. PS Renee Phile loves being a mom, even if it doesn’t show at certain moments.

SandhillS ClaSSiCal ChriStian SChool

Valentine’S day

Bowtie Ball February | 9 | 2018 6pm

FROM THE BOTTOM UP WITH

n | PinehursT | nC T h e Fa i r B a r

Join us for a special night of dining, dancing, and fundraising in support of excellence in Classical Christian education in the Sandhills.

sponsored by:

John & Elizabeth Stamas catering provided by:

For more info & tickets: bowtieball@sandhillsccs.org 910-695-1874 www.sandhillsccs.org

February 2018P��PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

OUT OF THE BLUE

Jeopardy! Jeopardy! My daily dose of after-dinner angst

FOOD

LITERATURE

VOCAB

BODY PARTS

FAMOUS DEAD PEOPLE

...OR OVER 50

$200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $400 $400 $400 $400 $400 $400

600 600 600 $600 $600 $600 $800 $800 $800 $800 $800 $800 $1000 $1000 $1000 $1000 $1000 $1000

$ people $ of a certain age$finish comparWhen By Deborah Salomon

ing aches and pains, medications and grandchildren, the conversation turns to Jeopardy! — hereafter known as J!. Odd, since few seniors appear as contestants. I mean, they don’t compare notes on 2 Broke Girls after eating the local diner’s Early Bird Special.

That’s because this backward quiz show, which debuted in 1964 (! indeed), serves as a barometer. Make that thermometer, since nobody’s sure what a barometer measures. And if they are, they can’t define barometric pressure. Can you? Anyway . . . I have learned much about myself and others from J!, things unrelated to the answers. First, deal with suave Alex Trebeck, who wears great suits and looks amazing for 77. His only fault seems to be a language affectation, mostly French, where he exaggerates pronunciation, meaning “See, I know what I’m talking about and you don’t.” He does, actually, since his mother was French-Canadian. I won’t excoriate his know-it-all attitude. Not hard, Alex, when answers are on the card you’re holding, with the foreign words spelled phonetically. As for the exclamation mark, the producers offer no explanation except emphasis — and to raise the question among people who notice, because all don’t. Then, “It’s the category, stupid!” Well-rounded, I’m not. Gimme food, literature, vocabulary, body parts, famous people dead or over 50, architecture, art, nursery rhymes and I’ll pop out answers, right or wrong, abetted by three stupefying (except for the toga party) years of high school Latin, since Latin is the root of everything. Do kids take Latin anymore? But pop culture, pop music, movies and TV shows I thought nobody

watched, American history, science (chemistry and biology didn’t stick), geography, math (got As, don’t remember a thing) put me under a dunce cap, in the corner, now considered child abuse. The occasional miracle happens: The answer to an obscure clue just bursts from my mouth. I can’t place where I heard or learned it. I call it “stray matter,” instead of gray matter. Right now, I can’t even remember an example — not a good sign. In fact, I’m much more likely to score in Final Jeopardy because I know, after years of watching, to seek the clue within the clue. Hello, Captain Obvious! Now, the real fun. Or, what happens when you watch alongside someone from a similar memory pool. The air crackles with unfriendly competition. Your reputation is on the line. And then a particle floating through the parietal lobe short-circuits the synapses, causing you to freeze with the answer just beyond tongue tip. This erodes confidence, may ruin a friendship. During these sessions I hear, “I do much better when I watch alone.” (Don’t we all?) How about, “I’d get ’em all on multiple choice.” (Better than nothing.) Remember, contestants study, practice with coaches. These hot shots know Indonesian inland waterways and English kings’ Roman numerals like I know, well, enough stuff to get the occasional thrill, especially during the junior championships. Last, I’ll confess a wicked pleasure: Spectrum airs the same episode of “Jeopardy!” at 7 and 7:30 p.m., on different channels. Watch the first, round up regulars for the repeat and show ’em who’s boss. (!!) Otherwise, don’t sweat the results. Win or lose, brain games keep mature minds sharp. And, eventually the big-money answer to Final Jeopardy will be Arthur Godfrey, ipso facto, Happy Rockefeller, carpe diem, vox populi, ad hoc, Daisy Mae or moratorium. PS Deborah Salomon is a staff writer for PineStraw and The Pilot. She may be reached at debsalomon@nc.rr.com.

T H E P E N I C K V I L L A G E F O U N D AT I O N

12 Annual

Art Show & Sale

All proceeds benefit the Penick Village Benevolent Assistance Fund.

OPENING NIGHT PARTY F E B R U A RY 2 3 F R I D AY / 6 : 3 0 P. M . THE VILLAGE HOUSE at PENICK VILLAGE Tickets: $65 (one) • $120 (two) Silent & Live Auction / Black Tie Optional

AN EVENING OF ART, MUSIC, WINE, HOSPITALITY AND GIVING

WEEKEND ART SHOW HOURS (free and open to the public)

Tickets / Information call 910.692.0492

February 24 / 25 Saturday 11a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday Noon - 3 p.m.

ArtShowPinestraw2018.indd 1

1/11/18 12:43 AM

Voted Best New Boutique

COME FALL IN LOVE With Our New Arrivals Stop by and see us! Follow us

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10a-6p I Sunday 1p-5p Across from Pure Barre and beside the new Duck Donuts and Lowes Foods 1752 Old Morganton Road / Southern Pines, NC 910.246.0635

February 2018P��PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

B I R D WA T C H

Love Bird

For the American woodcock, February is mating season

By Susan Campbell

February is the month for love — and

for the American woodcock, this is certainly the case! By midmonth this pudgy, short-legged, long-billed denizen of forest and field is in full courtship mode. Almost everyone, however, will miss its unique singing and dancing since it occurs completely under the cover of darkness.

American woodcocks, also called “timberdoodles,” are cousins of the long-legged shorebirds commonly seen at the beach. Like plovers, turnstones, dowitchers and other sandpipers, these birds have highly adapted bills and cryptic plumage. Woodcocks, having no need to wade, actually sport short legs, which they use to slowly scuffle along as they forage in moist woods and shrubby fields. This behavior is thought to startle worms and other soft-bodied invertebrates in the leaf litter and/or just below the soil surface. Their long, sensitive bills are perfect for probing and/or grabbing food items. And camouflaged plumage hides woodcock from all but the most discerning eye. And, speaking of eyes, American woodcocks have eyes that are large and strategically arranged on their heads. They are very high up and far back such that they can see both potential predators from above as well as food items in front and below them.

Beginning in late winter, male American woodcocks find open areas adjacent to wet, wooded feeding habitat and begin their romantic display at dusk. Their elaborate come-hither routine begins on the ground and continues in the air. Typically, the male struts around in the open area uttering repeated, loud “peeent” calls. He will then take wing and fly in circles high into the sky, twittering as he goes. Finally, the male will turn and drop sharply back to the ground in zigzag fashion, chirping as he goes. And like a crazed teenager, this is followed by repeated rounds of vocalizations. Where I live along James Creek in horse country in Southern Pines, displaying begins on calm nights in December. Some of these individuals are most likely northern birds that have made the journey to the Southeast retreating from colder weather. They may just be practicing ahead of some serious hanky-panky in early spring back up North. Regardless, females are known to visit multiple spots where males are known to do their thing before they choose a mate. So it behooves the males to display as often as possible to impress as many females as they can during the weeks that they are on the hunt for a mate. Although long hunted for sport, it was Aldo Leopold, the renowned conservationist, who implored sportsmen to better appreciate these little birds. They are well adapted for a forest floor existence, hidden from all but their mates come this time of the year. And, on rare occasions, from birdwatchers keen on getting a glimpse of the American woodcock’s antics come late winter. PS Susan would love to receive your wildlife observations and photographs at susan@ncaves.com.

Ready, Set, Spa. Relax, Rejuvenate & Renew

Botox • Facials • Restylane • Waxing • Massage • Anti-Aging Peels Cosmetic & General Dermatology • Body Treatments Laser Hair Removal • Microdermabrasion • Laser Vein Treatment Perfect Peel • Dermapen • Coolsculpting Icon Laser Facial Pigment & Wrinkle Removal NOW AVAILABLE! David I. Klumpar, MD Duke Trained Dermatologist & Medical Director, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Methodist University

Mia Piazza, LE Licensed Esthetician

Erica Garner, LMBT Licensed Massage & Body Therapist

Alisha Noffsker, LE Licensed Esthetician

As seen on

HGTV’S Love It Or List It!

Spa

The

at Carolina Skin Care 125 Fox Hollow Road

The Science Behind Beauty. Pinehurst NC 910.235.SPA1 (7721)

lavender

furniture, gifts & objects of interest Follow us on Instagram @ lavender_restylemarket

Check out our NEW/LARGER location... 135 NE Broad St. (next to Eve Avery) Winter hours: Tue-Fri 11am-5:30pm • Sat 10am-5pm (910) 315-1280

Appointments Available With Our Team

125 NE BROAD STREET DOWNTOWN SOUTHERN PINES 910-246-0552

February 2018P��PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

SPORTING LIFE

Gearing Down February is a month to take stock

By Tom Bryant

February, according to many of

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN GESSNER

my outdoor friends, is the dregs of winter. If you enjoy the great outdoors, there’s not much you can do that month. Most hunting seasons are closed, and it’s too cold to fish. If you play golf, a sunny day will let you on the course, if it’s not frosted over in the morning. But I’m afraid golfing never became one of my outdoor pursuits. I’d much rather be pursuing birds than following a little round ball. That’s not to say golf’s not a great sport, I’ve just never tried it. Too many other things appealed to me at a young, formative age.

So what to do in February? I use this down time to sort through and try to organize winter gear that I’ve accumulated over the years. I believe it was Gene Hill, the famous author and columnist for Field and Stream, who once stressed the importance of acquiring sufficient items for days afield. In essence, he said if you find an important piece of gear that fits your requirements to a T, you’d better buy two, because the gremlins, those who often throw curves to befuddle us folks who appreciate the finer points of outdoor gear, will quit making it. While going through hunting shirts that are hanging in a closet I dedicated to hunting and fishing apparel, I realized that Mr. Hill’s premise was exactly right. I have two heavy chamois shirts that I bought from a clothing outlet in Burlington about 30 years ago. Over time they have become buttery soft and a pleasure to wear. One is khaki, the other dark green. I wear them mostly when

duck hunting, and sometimes I’ll slip one on when I’m just hanging around the house. They are especially comfortable when I’m lounging by a blazing fire. I have other shirts designed for outdoor wear and they suffice on most occasions; but when I really want to be comfortable, I’ll pull out my old favorites. There are also a couple of wool mackinaw trousers; well, one is a pair of trousers and the other overalls. When all the red you can see on the outdoor thermometer is a little bit at the bottom, these are the most important pieces in my closet. I’ve spent many a day in a frozen duck blind, warmed by these amazing garments that have only gotten better over the years. My problem is I keep trying the new clothing dedicated to hunting and fishing, but nothing seems to come up to the high standards set by my old stuff. Maybe it’s because I’m used to the old and haven’t given the new a real chance; and maybe it’s because the old is broken in and well worn, but I’ve tried, and here’s a recent example. I have several other chamois shirts, some that I’ve purchased and some that were gifts. Initially, they were stiff as cardboard and after several washings they’ve shrunk to a size that would fit a 14-year-old. They are now in a pile, destined to hang on racks at Good Will. Hopefully, a 14-year-old will be able to use them. Coats seem to be cut smaller, T-shirts and underwear almost disappear after a few washings, and trousers have become restrictive and uncomfortable. I really don’t mean to sound like an old curmudgeon, disappointed in new gear. There are some items that more than fit my strict standards. L.L. Bean still makes good stuff. I have a pair of their boots that I’ve worn forever, and the good thing is when they are on their last legs I can send them back to the company and they will rebuild them. Same with Barbour coats. I’ve had one of their classic jackets for at least 20 years. I ripped the coat while grouse hunting in Michigan and thought it was a goner; but at the suggestion of a good friend, I sent it back to the factory and they repaired it almost as good as new. While on a recent duck hunt to Mattamuskeet, my hunting buddies and I commiserated about the lack of well-built hunting gear and how our choices

SPORTING LIFE

Jungle Love

Framer’s Cottage

162 NW Broad Street • Downtown Southern Pines • 910.246.2002 60

in apparel are decreasing. But more importantly, so are available localities for hunting and fishing. I’ll be the first to admit that we have seen a lot of sunrises in our sporting endeavors, as our ages will attest; but in the last few years, the decline of hunting space has diminished alarmingly. Black Creek Swamp, where I cut my hunting teeth on squirrels, is now bordered by a country club with huge houses and an 18-hole golf course. Now the creek is just a directed stream with rock borders, not a decent locale for any self-respecting squirrel. Four hundred acres of some of the best habitat for deer, turkeys, ducks and otters plus a creek full of bream and even a bass or two is a place I hunted and fished for over 20 years. Unfortunately, the land has been cut up into 10-acre mini-farms and sold to city folks who like to think they’re living in the country. Also suffering the same fate is Plimhimmon Plantation on the banks of the Tred Avon River in Maryland. For 15 years, we goose hunted that magnificent farm and have wonderful memories I wouldn’t trade for anything. My companions in the field and I could easily say, what the heck? We’ve seen it and done it and it’s unfortunate it’s gone, but what can we do? I have what I think is a good answer to that question: As geezers, we can continue to talk about it. As long as we do, those times and habitats will not be forgotten, and maybe some of them can even be reclaimed. There is a bright light on the horizon, though, and that’s the place where I go every winter to replenish my soul: Hyde County and Lake Mattamuskeet. The little town of Engelhard steps right out of the past. Located on the Pamlico Sound, the quaint fishing and farm village remains as it was many years ago. Karen and Dale Meekins are owners and hosts of the Hyde County Lodges, where we hang our duck-hunting hats and are as hospitable as you would expect them to be. Their families go way back in the area and are well known and respected as folks who honor the land and wild country and waters where they have made their home. I enjoy their company. Also, I have made a tradition of stopping by Gibbs Country Store in the morning as I’m leaving the area. It steps right out of the past, potbelly stove and all. I always get a cup of coffee from the never empty coffee pot, fill it half full and check out at the old register. Mr. Gibbs is usually there and will say, “That’ll be 50 cents.” He’ll then look in the cup. “Nope, you only got half a cup, give me a quarter.” As long as I’m able, I’m going to continue my annual trek to Hyde County. The visit never fails to improve my outlook for the future of the great outdoors. PS Tom Bryant, a Southern Pines resident, is a lifelong outdoorsman and PineStraw’s Sporting Life columnist.

February 2018P��PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Give her your heart

110 NW Broad Street Southern Pines, NC 28387

910-692-2388

The Largest Selection of Granite in the Area!

Having an experienced accountant at your fingertips gives you peace of mind.

Now just up the street in Sanford. Worth the short drive. Laser measuring allows for quicker turnaround time Pick the actual top itself – Not just a “sample”

Our firm, located in beautiful downtown Southern Pines, specializes in tax preparation, tax planning, and bookkeeping services for individuals and businesses.

See how your countertop will look before it’s installed

919-468-8450

www.worldstoneonline.com

3201 Industrial Drive • Sanford, NC 27332

Call, visit our website, or stop by today! (910) 692-7219 www.mholdencpa.com 244 SW Broad Street, Southern Pines

If you think the view is enticing, wait until you taste the food.

Th e C r e s t D i n i n g R o o m

O P E N

T O

T H E

P U B L I C

1005 Midland Road Southern Pines, NC 28387 910.692.7111 • pineneedles-midpines.com •

17PNM029.CrestAdFinal.indd 1

11/16/17 9:34 AM

Winter Specials $25 OFF All Hand Wax Packages – and –

$50 OFF

Complete Detail (910) 603-5379

• Luxury Car Care • Full Details • Engine Detailing 62

• Hand Waxing • Headlight Restoration • Paint Correction and More!

www.JsMobileDetailing.com JsMobileDetailing@yahoo.com

February 2018P��PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

G O L F T OW N J O U R NA L

The Homecoming

Putting guru David Orr brings his fantastic fundamentals back to Pine Needles

By Lee Pace

On a December afternoon, David Orr

peers around the building and the wall space at the Pine Needles Golf Learning Center at the far end of the resort’s practice range. There is an enlarged version of a vintage American Golfer magazine cover featuring Peggy Kirk Bell, who owned the resort for some 60 years prior to her death in 2016. There is a 1920s photo of the par-3 third hole at Pine Needles. There are assorted other charts and images tied to the business of golf instruction.

Finally, Orr finds an uncluttered spot with no decorations or adornments. “Here,” he says. “They can sign their names right here.” Over a decade of teaching putting and the short game to more than 60 Tour professionals from his previous headquarters at Campbell University in Buies Creek, Orr established a tradition of having his clients sign and date a wall in his putting studio. Justin Rose has been there. So have Hunter Mahan, Cheyenne Woods, Suzanne Pettersen, Edoardo Molinari and Trevor Immelman. “It started when I was working with some guys who were pretty much unknown, were trying to get established on the Web.com Tour or European and

Asian tours,” Orr says. “I told them, ‘I want your autograph before you become famous.’ Then I started working with guys further up the World Rankings — Justin and Hunter, guys like that. The wall kind of represents my development as a coach. It’s pretty cool.” Orr’s career as a swing coach and putting guru has essentially came full circle in the fall of 2017 as he relocated his Flatstick Academy teaching and coaching business back to Pine Needles, where he was on the instruction staff from 2000-04 and learned the business under the tutelage of Mrs. Bell and a staff that included Pat McGowan, a PGA Tour regular from 1978-91, and Chip King, who’s gone on to become director of golf at Grandfather Golf & Country Club. “This is a homecoming for me,” Orr says. “I think of Peggy every day. Every day. I stand on the range and look around and say, ‘Wow, every brick, every blade of grass — they’re here because of her.’ She built the dream. You cannot replace her. But it’s an honor to be back.” Kelly Miller, the CEO of the company that owns and operates Pine Needles and its sister resort, Mid Pines, plays frequently in top amateur tournaments and last summer needed some help with his golf swing. He invited Orr to drive down from Buies Creek and look at his swing — and talk a little business. Miller had been following Orr on Facebook and on Orr’s Flatstick Academy website and saw references to golfers traveling to Buies Creek for a lesson. “I thought, why not have those people come to Pine Needles if David is operating from here?” Miller says. He took a 15-minute full-swing lesson from Orr, who got Miller’s swing plane adjusted from laid-off to on-line, and threw out the idea. Miller proposed

G O L F T OW N J O U R NA L

CeLebraTe YOur LOve wiTh us vaLeNTiNe’s DaY!

VaLeNtiNe’S DiNNer SPeCiaLS, PriMe riB & other SPeCiaLtieS. Combining New Traditions & Classic Cuisine

Locally Owned & Operated for Over 25 Years

www.beefeatersofsouthernpines.com

Dinner Mon-Sat 5-10pm • Lounge 5pm-until Monday-Saturday 5:00pm-10:00pm 910-692-5550 • 672 SW Broad St. Southern Pines, NC

“WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK” VOTED THE WORLD’S MOST COMFORTABLE RECLINER

160-L Pinehurst Ave. Southern Pines, NC comfortstudio.net 910-692-9624

The Sandhills Original TEMPUR-PEDIC Showroom

Discover How Comfortable Life Can Be.

Nothing helps you relax and unwind like the unmatched comfort of Stressless®. You can feel the difference in our innovative comfort technologies, including BalanceAdaptTM, which allows your body to automatically and effortlessly adjust to your every move. Do your body a favor. Sit in a Stressless and let it discover the ultimate comfort that it has been missing.

LOCATED ON PINEHURST AVENUE BETWEEN ARBY’S AND LOWE’S HOME IMPROVEMENT 64

that Orr could still have the freedom to teach at Campbell, work with his professional clients and travel as he does around the world to speak at instruction conferences. But the rest of the time, he would use Pine Needles’ facilities for his individual and group lessons focusing on putting, chipping, pitching and bunker play. He would also operate multi-day shortgame schools and consult with the Pine Needles staff in running the resort’s well-known golf instruction programs. “This is a unique opportunity to get someone of David’s skill and reputation to come here,” Miller says. “David is certainly one of the top two or three putting instructors in the United States. He’ll bring some energy and an exciting niche to what we’re already doing.” Orr says his experience working at the top level of the PGA Tour has given him a sense of accomplishment that makes the move back to Pine Needles a comfortable one at this juncture of his career. He helped Rose with his putting and short game, and then watched as Rose won the 2013 U.S. Open. A year later, he followed as Rose went headto-head against another of his clients, Mahan, in the Ryder Cup. “I don’t have to prove myself any longer,” Orr says. “Early on, I was like a salmon swimming upstream. Now it’s cool to step on a practice tee on tour and think, ‘I don’t have to prove anything.’ I have so much fun working with amateur golfers and juniors. I can help some younger guys and borrow from my experiences the last 10 years.” Orr is a native of upstate New York, played college golf at Bridgewater in Virginia, and then graduated in 1991 from Oswego State in New York with a degree in political science. That summer he was working at a club in Syracuse and was impressed by the wad of hundred-dollar bills the head pro was making on the lesson tee. The idea of becoming a golf instructor lingered in the back of his mind the next several years as he played the mini-tours, and Orr eventually moved to Raleigh and worked at Cheviot Hills and North Ridge Country Club. “I was still playing some on the mini-tour in the mid-90s when I was giving lessons at Cheviot Hills,” he says. “I won one mini-tour event but was making more teaching than playing.” Orr joined Mrs. Bell’s teaching staff at Pine Needles in 2000 and learned over four years that there was more to teaching than simply applying the highly technical dictums from two of the enduring influences on his own swing — PGA Tour player Mac O’Grady and Homer Kelley’s book, The Golfing Machine. “I got to Pine Needles with a lot of science in my head and learned from Peggy the art of teaching,” Orr says. “‘How-to’ instruction doesn’t work all that well. The brilliant ‘ah-ha moment’ with

February 2018P��PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Given Tufts presents:

Spring 2018 Colloquium

Serving Moore County Since 1959

From Rio to Pinehurst ... HAROLD

LOCKLEAR CABINET & WOODWORK SHOP, INC. 910-521-4463 • locklearcabinets.com

Showroom at Kees • 104 E. Main St. • Aberdeen NC

Gil Hanse Golf Course Architect of the Olympic Course in Rio, Castle Stuart, Inverness, Pinehurst No. 4 and the Cradle, will talk about his adventures in golf

Cardinal Ballroom Tickets $100 Cocktails 5:30pm & Dinner 6:30pm Available at Tufts Archives or www.giventufts.com Questions: Call 910.295.3642

CARY SKIN CENTER Meet Our New Associate

ADAM A. INGRAFFEA MD, FAAD, FACMS • Dermatologic Surgeon and Fellowship Trained Mohs Surgeon • Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery • Board Certified Dermatologist • Mohs Fellowship completed at the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH. • Performed over 7500 Mohs surgical cases

Dr. Ingraffea is now available for your skin cancer treatment. Ask your provider for a referral.

910.295.1761

Cary Skin Center EXPERIENCE MATTERS 910.295.1761 www.caryskincenter.com Cary and Pinehurst, NC

G O L F T OW N J O U R NA L

Shop local & handmade at Downtown Southern Pines’

own pottery studio and gallery

Mon-Sat 10 to 5 or by appointment

Offering Pottery Classes Beginners to Advanced

Call for more information & class schedule

2 6 0 W. Pe n n s y l v a n i a Av e • S o u t h e r n P i n e s , N C • 3 3 6 - 4 6 5 - 1 7 76

Peg was her drumming it into my head that you need to get students to do something in order to learn it. I can remember, David, get them out there doing it. That was a huge turning point. I learned to make instruction palatable so that people could understand it and improve.” Orr left in 2004 to take classes in the Professional Golf Management program at Campbell and obtain his Class A-6 PGA status, which he did in 2007. He joined the Campbell faculty and became director of instruction for the PGM program, and during the late 2000s began doing extensive research into putting — from technique to equipment to green reading. One of his motivations to crack the putting code was the fact that his own putting ability had been, in his word, “terrible” over his competitive career. “I was terrible for many of the same reasons everyone else is,” he says. “You miss a couple short ones and you get down on yourself and all of a sudden you’re afraid. I used to avoid practicing putting. I changed putters and grips and changed my stroke. I’d go take lessons. The more I tried, the worse I got. That’s how I came to a turning point. I did the research and started teaching putting.” One of the significant developments for him was learning the SAM PuttLab system, which uses 3-D technology to analyze some 28 parameters of the putting stroke and displays the results in easy to understand graphic reports. He and Dr. Rob Neal of Golf BioDynamics pioneered research on the working of the hands, wrists, forearms and upper arms in the putting stroke. That research became the basis for Neal’s GDB 3-D System, which in the last decade has taken putting stroke and full-swing analysis to new technical levels. “My teaching method is based on research, not on theory,” Orr says. “I offer very little ‘how-to’ information. One of the things I learned from using SAM was, ‘Never guess what you can measure.’ That’s one of my policies: I don’t guess.” Orr evaluates each golfer and offers suggestions and direction based on analysis of three key skills to holing a putt: Can a player read a green? How good are they adjusting to speeds of greens? And are they able to start the ball on-line? “Those are the three skills — read, speed and line,” says Orr. “With each element, we take the guesswork out. We measure it. Then we take what you have and make it the best it can be. There is no perfect putting technique — except your own.” Orr turns 50 in 2018 and says he’s at the perfect place at Pine Needles to write the next chapter of his teaching career. Indeed, there’s a blank space of wall in his new putting lab just awaiting some signatures. PS Chapel Hill-based golf writer Lee Pace has been writing “Golftown Journal” since 2008.

February 2018P��PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

PAul B lAke

& A ssociAtes

Tara’s Jewelry

Inside

ESTATE LIQUIDATION & TAG SALE SERVICES Serving buyers and sellers in Moore and surrounding counties for over 30 years.

LICENSED & BONDED

Refer to The Pilot Newspaper for current sale dates & locations or go to ThePilot.com or estatesales.net

We have Valentine’s Day gifts everyone can appreciate

ESTATE LIQUIDATORS Paul Blake 910.315.7044 Chuck Helbling 910.315.4501

• Special Orders Available

Come see our full line of gold, silver, and platinum jewelry

(919)774-7196

Best Estate Sales Team

Kendale Pawn Shop

2715 Lee Avenue Ext., Sanford

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9am-6pm • Sat. 9am-4pm

(919)774-7195 www.kendalepawn.com

CARY SKIN CENTER Meet Our New Associate

ELIAS E. AYLI DO, FAAD, FACMS

• Dermatologic Surgeon and Fellowship Trained Mohs Surgeon • Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery • Board Certified Dermatologist • Residency completed in the Dept. of Dermatology at University Hospital, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine • Mohs Micrographic and Dermatologic Oncology fellowship in Georgia, under the direction of Dr. David Kent. • Performed over 7000 Mohs surgical cases

Dr. Ayli is now available for your skin cancer treatment. Ask your provider for a referral. 910.295.1761

Cary Skin Center EXPERIENCE MATTERS 910.295.1761 www.caryskincenter.com Cary and Pinehurst, NC

910.944.8887 www.keesappliance.com APPLIANCE CENTER

LIKE US ON

The local appliance store that goes toe-to-toe with the big box store prices.

104 East Main Street • Downtown Aberdeen

Whether you prefer Steak Diane at the Carolina Dining Room, Chipotle Jumbo Shrimp and Grits at the 1895 Grille, Grilled Salmon Salad at The Tavern, Taterman Tots at The Deuce or the Carolina Burger at the Ryder Cup Lounge, you’ll find

910.235.8415 • pinehurst.com The Tavern • Ryder Cup Lounge • Carolina Dining Room • 1895 Grille • The Deuce

exactly what you’re hungry for at Pinehurst Resort.

February ��

Seeking the Moon She wakes from darkness to moonlight’s glow, peers through windows in room after room. Where is the moon, silver all around, yet nowhere to be found? Stepping out to bright cold night, she bends back, almost falling, spies the moon at last, shining cream directly above, waiting all the white while, just to be seen. — Barbara Baillet Moran

Born to Sing How Three Tenors inspired Lucas Meachem to find his voice and opera stardom By Deborah Salomon

February 2018 P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

ucas Meachem sings lead roles at the Metropolitan Opera. Lucas Meachem struts the stage at the Paris Opera, San Francisco Opera, Los Angeles Opera, British Royal Opera, Hollywood Bowl, as well as premier concert halls throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia. Lucas Meachem belted out the national anthem at Los Angeles Clippers and New York Rangers hockey games. Lucas Meachem took home a Grammy in 2016. Lucas Meachem has been dubbed “opera rock star!” by music critics. Lucas Meachem, 6 feet 4 inches, is a rugged, blue-eyed, ebullient, earthy 39-year-old — a fan of karaoke and Elvis, an attentive son and tenderhearted clown, as comfortable in T-shirt as tux. Yet the former Whispering Pines resident, Union Pines Student Council president and football/basketball/soccer standout remains virtually unknown to Tar Heel audiences. Lucas had never performed locally until a recital at the Sunrise Theater, in September. No press, no home-state hero status. “Yeah . . . I wondered about that,” he says. Blame opera, not exactly a kingmaker like America’s Got Talent or The Voice.

PHOTOGRAPH LEFT BY LAURA GINGERICH, PHOTOGRAPH RIGHT BY MARTY SOHL

Opera! Its Golden Age peaked early in the 20th century, when ladies in tiaras and men in capes occupied boxes at the old Metropolitan Opera House in Manhattan. Then, opera was as much a social as musical event. Plump divas and temperamental tenors performed the classics by Verdi, Puccini, Wagner, Bizet, Strauss and Mozart. As high society waned, so did the opera scene. English librettos, supratitles and modern dress versions attracted a boutique audience who identify with ripped younger singers. Porgy & Bess, Evita, Les Miserables and smash hit Hamilton proved the success of opera by another name. Moot, for Lucas, who grew up on Led Zeppelin, The Who and Boyz II Men. At Union Pines he was athletic and popular but not Mr. Cool. “I was always the friend, never the boyfriend. I had acne.” He also had a barrel chest to support that booming voice. Lucas sang everywhere — in the house, mowing the lawn, in the church choir and school chorus where he caught the attention of choral director Anita Alpenfels: “He gathered such joy from music.” It’s an example, she says, of how public schools should tap into talent. She promoted the 15-year-old to advanced chorus, advised his mother to seek private instruction. Following his career, Anita noticed, “Lucas has remained grounded, not self-serving or full of ego. He has made an intimidating art form approachable.”

Despite Opera Carolina (Charlotte), Opera North Carolina (Raleigh) and

UNC School of the Arts A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute (Winston-Salem), opera wannabes don’t proliferate in the land of basketball and NASCAR. Early on, singing — especially classical music — didn’t seem a likely career. As a young teen Lucas worked part time installing pool liners. “I wanted to be a landscape artist like my stepfather (Vince Zucchino).” Or perhaps an architect, like his father, who lives in California. He even started a business with his grandfather’s old riding mower. Then, for his 16th birthday, Lucas received a 4-track recording device. “I’d lock myself in my room for the whole weekend.” Not recording arias, safe to say. “But I knew who the Three Tenors (Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, José Carreras) were from their tape.” Lucas attended Appalachian State — “the cheapest college I could afford” — where he studied vocal performance and music education, also discovering that “chicks dig karaoke,” which he mastered easily. The singing part of college was great, the studying, not so. In 1998, he and a buddy scraped together enough money for a Three Tenors concert in Charlotte. “We stayed at a Motel 6,” Lucas recalls. “Our seats sucked, but everything La Bohème else was really impressive.” And, just maybe, possible.

Soon after, Lucas ditched his drawl (“Nobody could understand me.”) and left App State for a summer program at Ohio Light Opera, a company specializing in repertory, which meant learning several parts — a trial by fire for most novices, less for Lucas, who has a “magic memory” that absorbs and retains music in a flash. There, he dated a harp player who was studying at the prestigious Eastman School of Music in upstate New York. When summer ended, Lucas visited her. His harpist, duly impressed, arranged for an audition. “At first the guy didn’t look at me. Then I opened my mouth and he sat up like, ‘Oh, my God.’” Lucas went home, packed his stuff and returned on a full scholarship, still never having witnessed the performance of a proper opera from out front. “The first one I actually saw was one I performed in.” Sounds almost like a plot in progress.

Lucas was recruited by the Yale School of Music, another stellar institution. “First they offered me a half scholarship. I told them I was poor and that I didn’t want student loans. We negotiated.” Guess who won. “I’m not good at the school part. I just wanted to get jobs singing.” Rather than complete a degree, Lucas followed his father’s advice: Do whatever gives you chills. When invited to join the San Francisco Opera as a prestigious Adler Fellow, Lucas jumped. The yellow brick road was fast approaching Oz.

Inside the rehearsal costume of Bohemian artist Marcello in Puccini’s La

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARTY SOHL

La Bohème

Bohème are sewn labels bearing names of famous baritones who have sung the role at the Met. Add Meachem to that list. “My goal was to sing at the Met by the time I was 30,” he says, with a wicked grin. Lucas made it in 2008, at 29, as a nobleman in War and Peace, a five-hour marathon sung in Russian. His reaction to stepping onto that famous stage: “Awe and joy.” Now, he is a regular; in 2015 he sang a leading role in Pagliacci for “The Met: Live in HD” seen on 2,000 movie screens worldwide, including the Sunrise. “These simulcasts allow more people to experience the excitement of the Met’s high quality performances . . . an easy, affordable method of checking out a new art form,” a Met blurb reasons. New, indeed, meaning instead of a stationary frontal view the camera moves around and up close, exposing facial expressions, agility and acting ability — Meachem fortes, all. Jitters aren’t a problem. “I have this burning desire to be onstage, to sing. I just love it.” However, tenors are usually the glamour boys and baritones the sidekicks or villains. The baritone may survive but rarely gets the girl. Not in this opera.

Enter, smiling, Irina Nedelcu-Erickson, born in Minnesota of Romanian refugee parents — petite, dark-haired, exotic, with flashing eyes and a milliondollar smile. When she settles at the piano, optics disappear. Like Lucas, music is her lifeblood. After piano lessons in Minneapolis, Irina’s parents sent the 15-year-old back to Romania for two years of serious instruction. Her education continued with noted teachers at universities in the U.S. and elsewhere. She became a soloist, an accompanist and voice coach. Irina and Lucas crossed paths in 2013 when he showed up a week late for rehearsal, yet “all confident.” “From that first night I knew he was the one,” Irina says. “He was a natural. He had an energy — very intellectual and smart, but funny and cool and handsome, passionate and unpredictable. I was floored. I deleted every guy in my phone.”

Lucas explains over sushi that he had just gotten out of a relationship. Irina became his accompanist, traveling the recital circuit, seeing the world from first-class accommodations while enjoying his teddy bearish joie de vivre. They married in July 2016, in Wilmington, N.C., celebrated their first anniversary by hitting 10 European countries in 10 weeks — from Greece to Albania, Hungary to Spain — combining gigs with sightseeing. “Lucas learned Romanian just so he could talk to my grandmother,” Irina says. What a life.

The supportive wife helps. But first, every opera star needs . . . Mom. Susan Zucchino, a longtime speech pathologist at STARS Charter School, oozes pride speaking of her firstborn. “Lucas was always singing, from the time he was 3 or 4,” she recalls. Maybe earlier: “I came out of the womb singing,” is his recollection. By the time he turned 12, Lucas and his two little sisters put on plays with costumes and props. “He was always easygoing, never went through a snarly phase — a good boy, kind and considerate, stood up for kids not in the group,” Susan says. The family listened to classical music but never opera. Now, Susan speaks confidently about roles and plots, venues and singers. She has attended music festivals and, overcome with emotion, applauded Lucas at the Met. “I did all I could to support him while he was in North Carolina,” she says. “But don’t forget, I was working and taking care of three younger children.” Lucas didn’t forget. He flew her to Paris and Rome for performances, Susan’s first trips abroad. “He had an apartment in Toulouse; he took me to the market — the cheese folks greeted us, they knew him already.” But really, how many grown men squire Mommy to karaoke bars in Paris? Or, for that matter, how many sons get a private after-hours tour of the Louvre, where “I had Mona Lisa all to myself.”

February 2018 P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Modern-day stars, be they opera or otherwise, must cultivate a fan base. An autograph scrawled on a concert program doesn’t suffice. Groupies demand an offstage presence, online. Not hard for Lucas, as pictured in dreamy promotional stills. Wanna watch him, from underwater, dive into the seas (catch that tat) off Albania and Malta? Eat a banana? Treat a cold? Emerge from his dressing room shower? Sing all four parts of Carol of the Bells? Wanna see his precious pooch Teemo (who stays with Irina’s family) board a plane in Chicago? Have a beer and flop on the bed in their new Minneapolis condo? Shop for a designer gown in Bucharest with Irina? Speaking of clothes, notice that Lucas prefers orange swimsuits, baseball caps and silver gray down jackets with mufflers round his golden throat. Don’t miss how he turned vegan and lost 50 pounds. “Lentil soup and ratatouille for dinner,” Irina smiles. These juicy details and reams more texturize his image on his website, Baritone Blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. Then, absorb his philosophy, poetically expounded, on life, love, everything in between, including, “It’s never over until you say it’s over.” Far from over for this baritone whose voice has not fully matured. “We plan four years in advance,” Irina says. “When Lucas’ voice gets bigger he will venture into Verdi — maybe 10 years before Rigoletto.” The title role in this tragic tale of the hunchback court jester who loses his daughter to a scoundrel is considered the pinnacle of the baritone repertoire. And if he manages to pull it off at the Met.

the back of the stage in Madrid, without the conductor noticing. Or botching a first audition at the Met because of a cold. Playing Figaro, his favorite role, in The Barber of Seville with various opera companies requires finesse, since directors and co-stars bring different interpretations. Hopscotching time zones 9 or 10 months a year takes its toll; flights are delayed, tempers flare. “When everybody else is being mean, I’m nice.” Unlike the baritone-role stereotype, Lucas isn’t a brooder. Rather, he is an upbeat philosopher and entertainer of the highest echelon who, thank goodness, doesn’t take himself too seriously. Offstage, anyway. For now, his goals are to stay booked, keep traveling, but with a bit more bye time. Baritones age into their roles better than tenors. And he’s not yet 40. “Even though I’ve sung at every major opera house in the world, I think every day there’s so much I haven’t accomplished. There are roles inside me that I have yet to sing.” And, despite admitting, “There’s nothing I love more than singing with my wife at the piano,” he allows, “I’m still chasing a dream.” PS Saturday, February 24 THE MET OPERA: LIVE IN HD. 12:30–3:25 p.m. La Boheme. Franco Zeffirelli’s classic production features an exciting young cast. This opera about starving artists falling in love in 1830s Paris is said to be the most popular opera in the world. Cost: $27. Sunrise Theater, 250 NW Broad St., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8501 or sunrisetheater.com

PHOTOGRAPH BY LAURA GINGERICH

Through a life packed with acclaim and applause, long-stemmed roses and Moet, Lucas, along with James Taylor, keeps a bit of “Carolina on my mind.” “The second I get off the plane in N.C. I feel it . . . there’s a palpable energy here. I love the smell of the pine trees” that surround Mom’s ranch-style house across from a lake in Whispering Pines. His travel schedule does not allow many trips South, which made the Sunrise gig arranged through the Arts Council of Moore County Classical Concert Series momentous. Lucas played to a full house, including many familiar faces who got a shout out from the stage. Ever the showman, their soccer goalie wore pink socks and patent leather shoes — hardly noticed when Irina appeared to accompany him wearing a clingy black lace gown. The program included Aaron Copland, German lieder, some Gershwin, a ballad from South Pacific and “Me” from Beauty and the Beast. His encore, dreamy Elvis: “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.” Before leaving, our hometown hero gave a master class at Union Pines. “He was so good at connecting with the students,” Anita Alpenfels says. “He gave them and the teachers a pep talk about staying focused and setting goals,” lessons that apply beyond opera.

Of course there have been regrets, disappointments, tense moments — like falling off PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 2018

Our Katharine

Intrepid and fearless, the widow of James Boyd became the unflinching voice of the Sandhills By Bill Case 74

February 2018 P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

n the depths of the Vietnam War, Washington Post ownerpublisher Katharine Graham agonized over her decision in 1971 to print the Pentagon Papers. The top-secret Department of Defense study leaked to both the Post and The New York Times established that multiple administrations had misled Congress and the American people regarding the government’s conduct of that war. The Post and Mrs. Graham were threatened with potentially dire consequences if they elected to publish the damning document. Mindful of the threat government retribution could pose to a free press, Graham persisted. Steven Spielberg’s movie about that decision, The Post, starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, will be shown at the Sunrise Theater in February, sponsored by The Pilot. At the time she made her fateful Pentagon Papers decision, Katharine Graham was in her eighth year as the Post’s publisher, having succeeded her talented but troubled husband, Phil Graham, who took his own life in 1963. Though management of the Post was a role Katharine Graham never imagined she would fill, she served that paper with distinction for 29 years and presided over its growth into a media giant. Graham’s ascendancy to the Post’s leadership due to her husband’s demise mirrors, writ large, the experience of another Katharine — Southern Pines’ own Katharine Boyd. In February 1944, her husband of 27 years, 55-year-old James Boyd, The Pilot’s editor and publisher, suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage. His death presented a daunting challenge for the patrician daughter of New York tycoon (and Grover Cleveland’s secretary of war) Daniel Lamont. Prior to James Boyd’s death, Katharine’s primary activities in Southern Pines had involved raising the couple’s three children, riding to the hounds, gardening, and entertaining James’ literary friends like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sherwood Anderson, Thomas Wolfe, Paul Green and Maxwell Perkins at the couple’s home, Weymouth, built by the Boyds in 1922. Her previous writing experience had “consisted of doing editorials one year for the Sandhills Daily News, a small sheet whose fiercely Republican subscribers eventually got fed up with my writing and I was politely fired,” as she later put it. She did, however, have one advantage. Since her husband suffered from writer’s cramp, Katharine often took down his dictation of novels, stories and poems. “My real training in writing was gained through the experience of watching my husband work; learning something of his respect for words and feeling for style. Any facility I . . . acquired is due to him.” And James Boyd’s style was a first-rate exemplar. During his heyday of 1925 until his death, few could better him, having practically invented the historical novel. His first book, Drums, published when Boyd was 37, became a best-seller and was lauded by reviewers at the time as perhaps the finest novel written about the American Revolution. Boyd authored four other historical novels and numerous short stories for literary magazines. After acquiring The Pilot in 1940, he wrote prodigiously for the paper.

In one respect at least, Katharine Boyd’s new responsibilities at her smalltown newspaper were more all-encompassing than those of Katharine Graham at the Washington Post. Boyd now served in the dual roles of publisher and editor, personally contributing columns and editorials to the weekly. She took over writing her deceased husband’s popular “Grains of Sand” column. At first, Katharine could not bear to remove James’ identification as the paper’s publisher from the masthead. Only after the passage of several months did she start listing “Mrs. James Boyd” as publisher. It took another year before the masthead was changed to identify the publisher as “Katharine Boyd.” New to newspaper work, Katharine adjusted to its unceasing deadlines and the unfamiliar jargon. In her “Grains of Sand” column in 1968 she wrote that the paper’s business manager, Dan Ray, would periodically come to her office with questions that would “send scaredy-cat shivers” down her back. One such inquiry during her first days at The Pilot occurred when Ray asked her, “We’re all set; you got the jumps?” Katharine indignantly and furiously shouted back, “Of course I’ve got the jumps! I’ve had them ever since I took this job. Talk about jumps — I do nothing but shake.” Ray guffawed in response, “Are you crazy? Why the ‘jumps’ are the continuations onto other pages.” Katharine had been on the job for only a few months when she intrepidly waded into turbulent waters with a controversial editorial castigating the Republican Party’s bigwigs after its 1944 convention. The staunch Democrat railed against the GOP’s leaders. “They want to swing America into the role of big business which they themselves personify,” she wrote, thundering on that their leaders’ “imperialistic tendencies, coupled with the propaganda constantly fed our people by the Republican-supported press, are straws in an evil wind.” There followed a blizzard of protests from readers who were aghast that their local paper was dipping its toes into the thicket of national politics. It was pointedly noted by one reader that the previous editor had confined his political editorials mostly to local issues. Another letter writer argued, “We can get all the politics we need from the BIG CITY DAILIES. Can’t we have our nice home paper free at least from the partisan brand?” But Katharine Boyd refused to back down. “The policy of The Pilot has not changed,” she responded. “It has always stood for what it considered best in the community and in the nation. It has supported no political party over another except as one or another stood for things, which The Pilot believed. It has tried to represent fairly the great issues of the times and to take a stand on what it considered the right side of those issues. It is the hope of the present editorial board that it may always continue to do so.” That early brouhaha aside, Boyd learned to love the daily hum of newspaper life. One of the paper’s longtime staffers, Mary Evelyn de Nissoff, reflected that “(I)t was a familiar sight to find her (Katharine) seated on a high stool or standing hunched over the proof-reading desk, her nose pressed against the galleys she held in hands badly crippled by arthritis, proofs of editorials she had

written or stories someone else had written. She wanted to know, even though she had another editor or two or three, what was going into her paper.” Katharine later recalled her biggest thrill on the job came when the newsboys got their papers and rushed to hawk them. “The number of boys — 12 to 20 — stand ready to go as the big moment approaches,” she wrote. “ First the shop people do a football charge, plunging through the crowd with enormous piles of papers in their arms, each pile to go to one of the various stands around town. Then the great moment is here and each boy picks up his pile and off they go, on the run! They swarm out the big high door at the back, run like antelopes around the corner, whooping. They take a deep breath and start to shout ‘PILOT!’” She also reveled in expressing herself journalistically. Katharine’s first-person accounts of her tours to Scotland and Egypt graced the paper’s pages. Her musings in “Grains of Sand” won awards. She leaped at the chance to travel by train with fellow Democrat Adlai Stevenson during the final swing of his ill-fated 1952 presidential campaign. She filed daily reports of the campaign’s doings with The Pilot. Coincidentally, Katharine Graham later dated Stevenson after her husband’s death. Graham revealed in her autobiography Personal History that Stevenson collapsed and died in 1965 shortly after spending “at least an hour” in her London bedroom, and leaving behind his tie and glasses. Like Mrs. Graham, Katharine Boyd could not, or would not, sidestep the major controversies of her day. After Southern legislators crafted a document known as the “Southern Manifesto,” urging defiance of the Supreme Court’s landmark Brown v. Board of Education school desegregation decision in 1954, Boyd unhesitatingly condemned the Manifesto, believing that adherence to it would only lead to lack of respect for the rule of law. She applauded the brave decision of local congressman Harold Cooley not to sign it. The Pilot’s editorial page stated, “The sooner the South accepts the fact that the Supreme Court’s decision is lawful under our Constitutional system of long standing, the sooner we will see the current rising tide of emotionalism subside and the sooner we can get on with the work of finding peaceful and reasonable ways of meeting the problems presented by the segregation ruling.” She became incensed when Birmingham’s police chief turned the hoses and dogs on civil rights marchers. An angry Katharine excoriated Alabama’s governor with this invective: “In refusing to treat the marchers as human beings and as citizens, in encouraging the brutality of the police and the mob spirit of that mountain area, Governor Wallace and those behind him are playing with a fire whose fuel is from the same source that fed the fires of Dachau.”

Katharine Boyd at her home with the Moore County Hounds 76

Katharine Boyd with Governor Adalai Stevenson Mrs. Boyd even criticized North Carolina’s legendary senator Sam Ervin, whom she felt had not done enough to afford access to the ballot for AfricanAmerican voters. “Senator Ervin knows as well as anyone else that thousands of American citizens are being denied the right to register and vote by unfair, so-called literacy tests, intimidation and subterfuge of one sort or another. Yet here he is using every stratagem to defeat a simple, workable, and fair law to eliminate a situation that is nothing less than a national disgrace.” Similarly, in expressing her contempt for legislators’ claims that they were simply complying with the wishes of their constituents by opposing federal intervention in the registration of voters, Boyd remarked that these representatives “never seem to consider that Negroes are their constituents too.” Katharine exhorted local businesses to hire African-Americans and pay them well. She combined practical and moral arguments to make her pitch. “Aside from the economic benefits certain to accrue to any community or area or state which uses its full human potential well, there is a moral issue which can no longer be denied: ‘to give men and women their best chance in life.’ Can any goal be more American than that?” While the paper flourished during Katharine Boyd’s tenure declining health would force her to sell The Pilot in 1968 to veteran newspaperman Sam Ragan, although she did stay on for a time as a con-

February 2018 P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

The dedication of the Boyd Room at the former Southern Pines Library. Left to right: Dr. Julian Boyd, James Boyd, Jr. Katharine Boyd and Paul Green. tributor. Ragan, who came to know and admire Mrs. Boyd, later summed her up this way: “Katharine Boyd was both tender and tough-minded in her views and outlook. She was gentle, generous, and gracious, but she could be equally strong against sham and hypocrisy.” Mary Evelyn de Nissoff remembered Boyd as being shy but nonetheless gregarious. “She liked her friends around her, sometimes in masses, as they gathered for her Christmas ‘sings’ in her big, hospitable home, Weymouth, and sometimes, one or two at a time.” While Katharine Boyd enjoyed an outstanding career at The Pilot, her achievements as its editor and publisher are dwarfed by her acts of philanthropy that continue to enrich the lives of residents of Southern Pines, Moore County and North Carolina. Her unflagging contributions of time and treasure to charitable institutions such as Moore Memorial Hospital, St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Sandhills Community College, the Southern Pines Library, the North Carolina School of the Arts, the North Carolina Symphony, Penick Village and the American Ballet Theatre are unparalleled. Her deeding of 400 acres of wooded land to the State of North Carolina in 1963 for establishment of the Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve provided a permanent refuge for wildlife and a lasting benefit for our environment. Katharine died in 1974. Her bequest of Weymouth and its surrounding 200 acres for charitable purposes led to the establishment of the Weymouth Center, which supports North Carolina’s writers and recognizes their literary achievements, thereby serving as a lasting tribute to the legacy of both James and Katharine Boyd. Her friend Jane McPhaul remembers her as a person who provided “ad-

vanced leadership” to civic causes despite never having held elective office. Noting her qualities of fearless independence and leadership, McPhaul has always considered Boyd a wonderful role model for women. She recalls her as a person who “stood on her own two feet” in a time when society often expected women to take a backseat. While their times in charge of their respective newspapers did overlap from 1963 to 1968, it is doubtful that Katharine Boyd and Katharine Graham ever met, though they had much in common. Borne of prominent families, they each leaned in the direction of the Democratic Party, Katherine Boyd more emphatically so. Both relished entertaining friends, including numerous national figures. And despite the enormous disparity in circulation of the two newspapers for which they labored, the two Katharines shared a similar philosophy regarding how papers, of all sizes, should be run. It is a philosophy celebrated in Spielberg’s upcoming movie and captured in the pithy Sam Ragan quote still carried on the editorial page of every edition of The Pilot:

A long time ago, a wise old editor said, the function of a newspaper Is “to print the news and raise hell.” I haven’t been able to improve upon that definition. -Sam Ragan, Editor and Publisher, 1968-1996

Pinehurst resident Bill Case is PineStraw’s history man. He can be reached at Bill.Case@thompsonhine.com.

André of Ellerbe A giant of a man in a small town

By Bill Fields

n a mild December morning at Dixie Burger in Ellerbe, North Carolina, several customers of a certain age at a corner table are remembering someone who once sat among them, shooting the breeze and drinking coffee. “Was grand marshal at the racetrack and lifted a girl on each arm like it was nothing.” “Used to be booths in here, but he wouldn’t fit.” “Ate 12 chickens in one day.” When he wasn’t wrestling, making a movie or otherwise being André the Giant, the man sometimes called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” lived in Ellerbe for more than a dozen years. He enjoyed his time in the Richmond County town of about 1,000 people and loved to kill part of a day at the shortorder restaurant, whose tall hamburger sign is the most visible landmark on Main Street. “André could sit there and talk to people,” says Jackie McAuley, who was a close friend. She, along with her first husband, Frenchy Bernard, a former pro wrestling referee, managed André’s home and cattle ranch on Highway 73. “They treated him just like anybody else they would have seen in town. It wasn’t, ‘Oh, can I have your autograph?’ He was just an average person when he was home in Ellerbe.” Notwithstanding the mannerly small-town treatment André René Roussimoff received, he was as close to being an average person as Ellerbe is to the Eiffel Tower. André the Giant — who died Jan. 27, 1993, at age 46 — was one of the most recognizable individuals of the 20th century. He was a genuine giant who emerged from the obscurity of his family’s farm in rural France, carrying armoires on his back up three flights as a Paris furniture mover, to become an iconic professional wrestler who drew large crowds around the globe and gained even wider fame playing Fezzik, the rhyme-loving giant in the 1987 romantic-adventure-comedy film The Princess Bride. Standing 7 feet 4 inches — although there were skeptics who contended the wrestling hype machine bumped up his height so that he could be billed as the world’s tallest man — and weighing 520 pounds when he passed away of congestive heart failure, Roussimoff had acromegaly, a disorder that causes the pituitary gland to produce too much growth hormone in adulthood, resulting in unusual bone growth, including in the hands, feet and face. His acromegaly was never treated, André refusing medical help when his condition was diagnosed, first during a visit to Japan in the early 1970s and

again about a decade later at Duke University Hospital. Doctors there saved his life after fluid built up around his heart and wanted to operate on the pituitary gland to correct his acromegaly, but André, whose paternal grandfather also was outsized, wouldn’t agree to the procedure. “He said, ‘That’s how God made me,’ and he wasn’t going to change,” McAuley says. To be around André once was to never forget his unique size. His neck was 2 feet in circumference. It was nearly a foot around his wrist. A silver dollar could pass through one of his rings. In an exhibit devoted to André the Giant at The Rankin Museum of American Heritage in Ellerbe, a pair of his size 26 wrestling boots are on display. “Occasionally I could buy him T-shirts,” says McAuley, “if I could find 5 XL.” The Giant’s clothes were mostly custom tailored in Montreal or Japan to accommodate his 71-inch chest. Nellie Parsons, who ran Pate’s Cleaners in Ellerbe for 30 years, created custom hangers to accommodate the extraordinary width of his dress shirts. In 1983-84, Burke Schnedl was a pilot for a charter service at what then was called Rockingham-Hamlet Airport and flew André to wrestling matches in cities throughout the Carolinas and Virginia — Greenville, Fayetteville, Richmond — in a twin-engine Cessna 402. “We had to take out a seat in the back so he could get in,” Schnedl recalls. “The doorway is not that big, and he would have to turn kind of sideways. It had a bench seat on the side. André sat there and used a seat-belt extender to cover a space where two people normally would sit. He was just a lot of guy. When you shook his hand, it was like putting a single finger in a normal-sized person’s hand.” By the time André was 12 years old, he already stood 6-foot-2 and weighed about 230 pounds, too large for the bus that transported schoolchildren in his village of Molien, 40 miles outside Paris. The playwright Samuel Beckett, who lived nearby in a cottage that Boris Roussimoff, André’s father, helped him construct, filled the void by driving André in his truck. Before long André, the middle of Boris and wife Mariann’s five children, had outgrown not only vehicles but the sleepy landscape he saw as an impasse stopping his ambition to be famous. Boris Roussimoff didn’t understand, and at 14 André quit school, left home and set out on his own. “His father told him he would be back soon working on the farm, and André had something to prove,” says Chris Owens, a repository of André the Giant knowledge who authors a Fan Club page on Facebook and has been intrigued by Roussimoff since he was a boy in the Midwest and saw him wrestle televised matches. “He didn’t want to stay in rural France. To me, he was always a guy going after his dream who became a classic success story.”

February 2018 P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

ILLUSTRATION BY HARRY BLAIR

As a teenager in Paris, André’s preferred game was rugby, although he also got immense pleasure from pranking friends by rearranging their parked small cars while they were dining or drinking. He got 7 or 8 inches taller and gained nearly a hundred pounds before he turned 21, impressing professional wrestlers who noticed him training in a gym. They introduced him to their game, taught him some moves, and by the mid-1960s André René Roussimoff was getting paid to perform as Jean Ferre, Géant Ferré, The Butcher Roussimoff and Monster Eiffel Tower — and he was loving all of it. “Many men were afraid to go in the ring with him, especially after he reached his 20s, because he was so large and strong,” André’s first manager, Frank Valois, told Sports Illustrated in 1981. “For all his height and weight, he could run and jump and do moves that made seasoned wrestlers fearful. Not so much fearful that he would hurt them with malice, but that he might hurt them with exuberance. He was incroyable.” Promoters sent him to Great Britain, Germany, Australia, Africa and eventually Japan, a country

where he first wrestled as Monster Roussimoff and would have some of his most avid fans the whole of his career. He began to be billed as André the Giant in 1973 by Vince McMahon Sr., founder of the World Wide Wrestling Federation, who discouraged André from being very active in the ring — even though his body at that point still allowed it — and to play up the fact that he was an immovable mountain of a man. “He was taught to wrestle as a giant,” says Owens. “He had a limited set of moves, and his matches generally were kept fairly short.” Under McMahon, André made a large six-figure annual income and became the most famous professional wrestler in the world who traveled the majority of each year for two decades, his luggage belying his size. “He carried an unbelievably small bag for his wrestling gear,” says McAuley. “I don’t know how he packed as much as he did in that small bag. But if he was packing up at a motel and something didn’t fit, he would leave it behind. There were things left all over, I’m sure. I hope the maids discovered what they had.” André was a creature of habit on the road because there was enough ducking and crunching just getting around that he didn’t like improvising unnecessarily. “If you gave me the name of the town he was in,” says McAuley, “I could tell you what hotel he stayed at, what restaurant he ate at and what bar he went to, and pretty much be right every time. There was security that came with the habit. He knew his size and where he could fit and couldn’t fit. If he had been going to a certain motel for 10 years and everyone else started going to a fancier place, he’d go to his usual one.” Wherever André the Giant went, he amazed people with how much he could eat or drink if he was in the mood. There are stories of his ordering every entrée on a menu, as McAuley witnessed one summer day in Montreal in the mid-1980s as she and Frenchy dined with André and several others. “We were at a small Italian place,” McAuley recalls. “André was in a good mood. He told the waiter he would like one of everything. The waiter said, ‘Seriously?’ Frenchy said, ‘Seriously.’” Pro wrestler Don Heaton told the Los Angeles Times after the Giant’s death. “Everything came in twos,” he said. “Two lobsters, two chickens, two steaks . . . ” There were nights of 100 beers, 75 shots, or seven bottles of wine lest any course of a special meal feel lonely. “I can report with confidence that his capacity for alcohol is extraordinary,” Terry Todd wrote in his classic in-depth 1981 Sports Illustrated profile of Roussimoff. “During the week or so I was with him, his average daily

consumption was a case or so of beer; a total of two bottles of wine, generally French, with his meals; six or eight shots of brandy, usually Courvoisier or Napoléon, though sometimes Calvados; half a dozen standard mixed drinks, such as bloody Marys or screwdrivers; and the odd glass of Pernod.” Actor Cary Elwes recounted the making of The Princess Bride in his book As You Wish. He recalled going out barhopping with André in New York City after the movie’s premiere. The Giant’s beverage of choice that evening, as it sometimes was when they were filming in England, was what André called “the American,” a combination of many hard spirits. “The beverage came, as expected, in a fortyounce pitcher, the contents of which disappeared in a single gulp,” Elwes wrote. “And then came another. And they kept coming while I gingerly sipped my beer. We talked about work and movies, about his farm in North Carolina where he raised horses, his relatives back in France, and of course, about life. André was a man unlike any other — truly one of a kind.” This unique character ended up living in Richmond County after coming with FrenchCanadian Adolfo Bresciano, who was billed as Dino Bravo in the ring, to visit his step-daughter, Jackie Bernard (later McAuley) in the late 1970s. She and her husband, Frenchy, lived on farm property in Ellerbe. André bought a nearby home, a three-story structure. “We lived there and took care of things,” McAuley says. “If Andre needed something, Frenchy or I would get it. He just had the house for

February 2018 P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

several years, with some cows and horses. Then the property down the road came up for sale, so we bought the ranch. Then he worked on getting the wooded property in the middle. André was in a bar in England once talking to a pilot who had Texas longhorns back home. So Andre decided we should have Texas longhorns, too.” Some believed that Andre’s residence must have been built for his colossal frame, but it wasn’t. “Nothing could be further from the truth,” says McAuley. “The stairs were narrow. It was three floors. He didn’t care to have a house that was adapted to him because his life was in the real world. You’re not going to raise the light or the ceiling fan, because they’re not going to run into it. It becomes second nature. We really only did two things: We raised the shower faucet, so the water would hit him on the top of the head instead of the middle of the back, and we ordered him a large chair.” André would often sit in his chair with McAuley’s miniature dachshunds tucked by each tree trunk of a leg. He loved riding an all-terrain vehicle around his property. In the summers, André favored gym shorts, sometimes with a T-shirt, sometimes not. He was an expert cribbage player, owing to his good math mind and so many hours playing before wrestling matches. He didn’t venture far from his property when he was home, but loved his iced coffee at Dixie Burger, weekend meals at Little Bo Club in Rockingham, cookouts at neighbors’ homes, and checking in the hardware or feed stores. McAuley says she never heard her friend talk about any regrets, that he never second-guessed anything in his life. “I have had good fortune,” André told Todd in 1981, “and I am grateful for my life. If I were to die tomorrow, I know I have eaten more good food, drunk more beer and fine wine, had more friends and seen more of the world than most men ever will.” In addition to the scary episode of fluid buildup around his heart in 1983, he began to have other health problems during his years in Ellerbe. André had neck and back issues and surgeries, and he sustained a broken ankle in a 1981 match, wrestling on it for days until the pain became too much. To accommodate his size, the largest cast ever prepared at Boston’s Beth Israel Hospital was utilized. An opportunity to be in The Princess Bride came along at a good time, since wrestling was becoming increasingly difficult because of André’s deteriorating body. “He could feel his wrestling career closing down,” McAuley says. “He had been so agile when he was younger. It was tough to watch him wrestle near the end of his life because of how hard it was for him to get around.” André had acted before — including portraying “Bigfoot” in a two-part episode of The Six Million Dollar Man — but he loved being part of the months-long production of The Princess Bride as Fezzik. “Doing Princess Bride gave him the most happiness,” says McAuley. “He’d call home and

talk about all the silly tricks he was pulling, especially the week or so that Billy Crystal was there.” Around the set, as in his adopted hometown in North Carolina, André impressed with his disposition despite his acute pain. “You could tell he was in tremendous pain, but would never complain about it,” actress Robin Wright remembered in As You Wish. “You could see it in his face when he would try to stand up from a seated position. But he was just the most gentle giant. So incredibly sweet.” André never tired of watching The Princess Bride, but some of his friends did. “He drove the wrestlers crazy,” McAuley says. “Over in Japan, on a bus from the hotel to the matches, the boys would wait quietly until eventually he’d pull out the tape and say, ‘Let’s watch my movie again.’ They’d say, ‘Please boss. Not again.’ But they’d watch.” The same year that The Princess Bride came out, André the Giant was headliner at WrestleMania III, where he was body-slammed and defeated by nemesis Hulk Hogan in front of a record crowd of 93,173 at the Pontiac Silverdome. He wrestled the last of his 1,996 matches (a record of 1,427388-181) on Dec. 4, 1992 in Tokyo, his physical condition worsening. “His walking was compromised,” Owens says. “His posture had changed. He constantly needed something to hold on to or somebody to help him keep his balance.” André’s last Christmas in Ellerbe was much different than the joyous first one a dozen years earlier. “He was just not himself,” McAuley says. “His color didn’t look good. I remember standing next to him and patting his stomach, which (had gotten larger). It didn’t dawn on me then that the first time that happened was ’83.” In January 1993 André flew to France to be with his dying father. He stayed over after his dad’s death to be with his mother for her birthday on Jan. 24. On the 27th, André enjoyed a full day with boyhood friends from Molien. A driver was scheduled to pick him up at the Paris hotel where he was staying at 8 o’clock the next morning.

André didn’t pay attention to clocks, seldom wore a watch, and rarely was late. But he was not there to meet his driver, and he didn’t answer the phone in his room. “The chain was on the door but they could see André in bed,” McAuley says. “The sheet was perfectly neat around him. He must have died as soon as he laid down, because André was one, when he woke up in the morning, the linen would be all shuffled around and when I would go to make his bed, I’d basically have to start over because the sheets would be in all different directions.” The Roussimoffs were told André’s body was too big to be handled by any local crematoriums. A custom casket was constructed, and McAuley flew to France with her sister to accompany the body back to the United States so that André’s desire to be cremated, set forth in his will, could be carried out. Before returning, she visited Molien to meet André’s mother — “She was shorter than me and just adorable” — and siblings. McAuley brought photo albums, pictures of “girls André knew” and his daughter, Robin Christensen Roussimoff, born in 1979, with whom he had little contact — a handful of visits and regular holiday phone calls. McAuley flew to the Seattle area once hoping to make André’s wish of a visit by his daughter to his North Carolina home a reality, but Robin, a young girl intimidated by the thought of a long trip to an unfamiliar place, declined. André was returned to the land he had come to know so well on Feb. 24, 1993. Big-time wrestlers and small-town residents alike attended the ranch service, and after folks had spoken their remarks and paid their respects, Frenchy Bernard got on a horse with a saddlebag containing Andre’s ashes. In death as in life André Roussimoff was larger than most. His remains weighed 17 pounds after cremation, nearly three times more than a usual adult male. They were spread in silence so different from the mayhem of the arenas and gyms where he had worked, finding their place, just like the man had. PS

STORY OF A HOUSE

Starting Over Living the “love thy neighbors” life By Deborah Salomon Photographs by John Gessner

resh. Stylish. Practical. Now. When newlyweds Jennifer and Eric Ritchie renovated and furnished a charmingly unremarkable home on a Pinehurst No. 6 cul-de-sac, they brought absolutely nothing from their previous marriages or homes: no furniture, no memorabilia. “Not a dish, not even a towel,” Jennifer says. “We know where everything came from and it’s ours.” They did bring plenty of ideas and the experience Jennifer gained as a Realtor specializing in military relocations. They weren’t planning to occupy the house for long; it would be a buy-and-flip investment. But as the project progressed they fell in love not only with the house but also the neighbors. “That’s why we stayed,” she explains. Socializing began the day they moved in, when two children arrived bearing cake. Since then, life is a never-ending block party, with holidays celebrated communally. “We visit our families beforehand so we can be here.” Gates were inserted into

February 2018 P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

fences enabling rescue pups Max and Molly to romp with next-door dogs. Their yard became activity central when, to an in-ground pool (raised to 4 1/2 feet uniform depth, for safety) the Ritchies added a stone fireplace beyond the spacious deck. “It’s cinder block and stone, not a kit,” Eric announces proudly. If a ball game is on, no problem. Each outdoor area has a TV. Professional mosquito spraying and two patio heaters encourage year-round comfort. “We love to entertain,” Jennifer says. More likely 30 friends and colleagues for a barbecue than intimate dinners although with this couple’s enthusiasm, anything goes.

oth Jenn and Eric have military connections. Her father was Army, Eric is a Navy veteran who served in Desert Storm. Neither brings a homestead imprint. She grew up on several bases, including Fort Bragg, and in Ohio. Eric describes his boyhood home in Albemarle as a plain N.C. ranch with dark paneling and a pool. Eric works with tactical communications equipment for the military. Jenn’s experience in real estate honed her eye. This house was on the market for only a day before they grabbed it for over asking price. She could see beyond pink and gold bathrooms and a wet bar in the living room. This house, built in 1996 was in good shape, well-located and priced attractively. The layout suited them: a master bedroom wing with a second bedroom for a joint office, since they both work from home. A guest bedroom on the opposite side for visiting family, including Eric’s 23-year-old son. They removed a Jacuzzi tub from the master bathroom to make room for an oversize shower and installed a floor resembling distressed planks. White paneled kitchen cabinets were retained, granite countertops and a tile backsplash added. Now the room pops, even without the customary Wolf stove and SubZero refrigerator. A breakfast nook overlooking the pool became a sitting room. Jenn chose pale neutrals — dusty sea green and sandy beige for the walls, to set off darker brown furnishings. Crown moldings? Jenn shakes her head. At just under 2,000 square feet spaciousness is created by light streaming through tall paned windows with eyebrow arches. “Our (previous) house was much bigger but we didn’t need all that space,” Jenn says. An hour after the closing, workmen were pulling up carpet to install a charcoal grayish engineered wood flooring that not only sets the contemporary tone but is practical with dogs and a pool. The entire renovation took only 28 days.

o far, so good. Now add personality from a couple unfettered by convention: After planning a wedding at the Fair Barn Jenn and Eric decided to run away to Hawaii and marry on the beach, minus family and friends — which explains the string of numbers and symbols painted on a narrow board hanging from the dining room wall. “We collect co-ordinates from everywhere we go; these are from Hawaii, where we got married,” Jenn explains. Another strip represents their Pinehurst home. As for overall motif, the Ritchies chose farmhouse — a popular genre promoted by online furnishing sites — which means angular lines, simple materials, peeling paint and rough, distressed woods. Over the dining room table hangs a light fixture resembling a weathered tulip-shaped metal bucket of mysterious origin. “I didn’t want it to look like anyone else’s” Eric says. The kitchen pantry door — once half of a French pair — was cut down to fit, with defects left intact. Their king-

February 2018 P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

sized bed employs a larger door as headboard. Jennifer painted the living room coffee table turquoise and Eric fashioned office shelf supports from plumbing pipe. “I show Eric what I see on Pinterest and he does it.” Because everything is new or freshly rejuvenated — and purchased in a swoop — the appearance could be a Crate & Barrel, Wayfair or Pottery Barn layout. Heavens, no. “Everything’s local,” Jennifer says — some new, some repurposed, many unique pieces from décor shops in Aberdeen where they shopped together on weekends. Growlers (“our ‘thing’”) collected from North Carolina breweries and travels march across a kitchen soffit shelf. Which leaves the couple’s final stamp — framed signage, slogans, sayings and messages hanging from walls, embroidered on pillows, everywhere. Some are large, in bold print, like ANTIQUES over the guest room sleigh bed. Others are site-appropriate: Happiness is Homemade, in the kitchen. Laundry, over the utility room. Flea Market, Best Day Ever, Eric and Jenn 9-2-16 (wedding) and, sweetly, All You Need is Love. American flag representations appear more than once. Photos of pottery and elephants remind them of a recent trip to

Thailand. A giant “R” stands by the front door. Might this be the only home in Pinehurst fielding but one antique — a plain oak sideboard in the dining room, from Eric’s great-aunt? This summer they will tackle the exterior . . . maybe a new front door. Jenn wants to paint the brick and put up cedar shutters. She will add shrubs to the crape myrtle and white birch on the half-acre lot. Obviously, the Tufts family did not build enough Old Town “cottages” to satisfy today’s affluent retiree/renovators. Neither did architect Aymar Embry design sufficient pied-à®-terre in Weymouth to accommodate history buffs. Therefore the great majority of people, many militaryconnected, who settle in the area need something else. Eric and Jennifer Ritchie found it on a tiny cul-de-sac in a large development of houses priced moderate to more. Their finished product, perfectly “staged,” would sell in a flash, at a substantial profit. Nothing doing. “If it weren’t for the friendship with neighbors, we wouldn’t still be here,” Eric says. “We all help each other,” Jenn adds. “You can’t replace that.” PS

February 2018 P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Homestyles

Home Friends

is where we treat our like family and our Family like friends

the

ANTIQUES of

Cameron Sullivan’s Antiques

Hooch

Pamela Powers January A custom color pencil portrait of a beloved pet makes a purr-fect gift for Mother’s and Father’s Day! Accepting orders now!

910.603.2888

www.pamelapowersjanuary.com Follow us on Instagram @justruffspetportraits

Whether you need a few things to revamp a room or a complete overhaul, One Eleven Main can help!

Voted Best Furniture Store

11 Antique Shops 2 Great Lunch & Coffee Spots All in the Historic Village of Cameron Off Hwy 1 Between Sanford & Southern Pines on Hwy 24/27

101 North Poplar St, Aberdeen, NC • (910) 690-7922 Follow me on Facebook and Instagram

910.245.7001

www.antiquesofcameron.com

Fresh Flowers Same Day Delivery Send Flowers Anywhere Weddings & Events

Landscape Design, Installation and Maintenance

• Accessories • Artwork • Furniture • Lamps • Rugs

Irrigation Landscape Lighting Landscape Renovation Water Features & Koi Ponds Meditation & Healing Gardens And more… Visit our website for a full list of services:

www.pinescapes.com

910-315-6051 Barry Hartney

710 S Bennett St • Southern Pines Tuesday - Saturday 10 to 5:30 910-725-0975 www.one11main.com

120 W. Main St. Aberdeen • 910-944-1071

Horticulturist N.C. Certified Landscape Contractor “The finest in quality landscape in the Sandhills for 19 years”

February 2018 P�� PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

The flowers of late winter and early spring occupy places in our hearts well out of proportion to their size. – Gertrude S. Wister

By Ash Alder

February morning . . . The coffee is freshly ground, and you hold in your hands the last grapefruit from the bushel. Remember how your grandma used to eat them? And how, when the birds started singing, she would visit the camellias, maybe cut one for the green vase on the windowsill? Suddenly you feel like dancing. Sliding in your socks across the cold kitchen floor, sweet memories flicker like the warm crackling of vinyl. You put on the coffee. Slice the grapefruit. Reach for the sugar bowl. In the cupboard, on the highest shelf, you notice the little green vase. The birds are singing, and you are waltzing to the windowsill. Won’t be long, now, until the camellia flowers. The waltz of winter is one of the simple pleasures.

Sweet as Pie The last full moon rose on Jan. 31; the next rises March 1. No full snow moon this month, but the new moon falls on Feb. 15, the day after Cupid strikes. Cold as it’s been this winter, perhaps we can call it the new snow moon. And if the god of the great wintry winds gifts us with more of it, you’ll want to have the (coconut/almond) milk and honey on hand for snow cream. Friday, Feb. 16, marks the celebration of the Chinese New Year. Cue the paper lanterns. This lunar New Year is a time to clean house and create space for good luck to arrive. In the spirit of the Earth Dog, a little advice from man’s best friend: Be happy; be loyal; live from the heart.

Washington and the cherry tree is a myth, it’s true that cherries were one of the president’s favorite foods. Chill some to sweeten a romantic evening, or if you feel inspired to bake pie, make a date of it. Calling in a sacred partner? A Japanese love spell suggests tying a single strand of hair to a blossoming cherry tree. No lie.

Roses & Rutabaga Red roses say I love you, but nothing says our love is eternal like the whole fragrant bush. February is generally a good month to plant roses. And if you’re already playing round in the garden, consider popping a few early rutabagas into the ground. Also known as the swede, this root vegetable is believed to prevent premature aging, improve eyesight and, because it’s loaded with vitamin C (one cup contains 32 milligrams), it’s an excellent immune system booster. Maple-glaze them. Roast them with brown butter. Or if you’re craving savory, they, too, make good pie.

Tree Wisdom The ancient Celts looked to the trees for knowledge and wisdom. According to Celtic tree astrology, those born from Jan. 21 – Feb. 17 associate with the rowan (mountain ash), a tree whose wood has long been used for spindles and spinning wheels. Rowans are the philosophers of the zodiac. They are visionaries, eccentrics, and like Aquarians, are often perceived as cool or aloof. But that’s just because they’re busy dreaming up a whole new world. Rowan people are most compatible with ivy (Sept. 30–Oct. 27) and hawthorn (May 13–June 9) signs. In the Ogham, a sacred Druidic alphabet, the symbol of the rowan represents insight, protection and blessings.

Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle. . . a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream. – Barbara Winkler

National Cherry Pie Day is celebrated on Feb. 20. Although the old chestnut about George PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 2018 91

Arts Entertainment C A L E N DA R

National African-American Read-In 2/

Raising the Roof 2/

them to Scotland from Sept. 16 through 25, 2018. Come to this information meeting for details. Shaw House 110 W. Morganton Road, Southern Pines. RSVP requested. Info and RSVP: (910) 692-2051.

OUTPOST BOOK SALES. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday–Saturday. The February monthly sale at the Given Book Shop features romances. The author sale features Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb and Nicholas Sparks. Buy one, get one free. Stop by and stock up and help support community programs. Given Outpost/Book Shop, 95 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 585-4820 or 295-6022.

SCULPTURE EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION. 3–5 p.m. The Hastings Gallery in the Boyd Library at Sandhills Community College is exhibiting the sculptures of new art faculty, Heea Crownfield. The opening reception is free and open to the public. There will be an artist’s talk at 3:30 p.m. The exhibition will be on display from Feb. 1 through March 2 and is open during the Boyd Library hours. Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info: Lori Lorion, Program Coordinator @ (910) 695-3879.

Continuing through April 21, 2018

CHAGALL ART EXHIBIT. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. “Chagall: The Story of Exodus.” Lithographs by early modernist artist and illustrator Marc Chagall. David McCune International Art Gallery, Methodist University, 5400 Ramsey St., Fayetteville. Admission free. Info: (910) 425-5379 or www.davidmccunegallery.org.

Wednesday, January 31 & Thursday, February 2

ART CLASS. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Getting Your Values Right, taught by Betty DiBartelomeo, designed to teach you how to observe values and connect them to give you a good composition for a painting. All levels and media. $80. Artists League of the Sandhills, 129 Exchange St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-3979 or artistleague.org. Info: (910) 944-3979 or artistleague.org.

Thursday, February 1

SCOTLAND TRIP INFORMATION MEETING. 2 p.m. The Moore County Historical Association invites you to accompany

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.

JOY OF ART STUDIO. The Month of the Heart begins with lots of arts and creative events in the theme of the heart and love for children, teen girls and women. Unless otherwise specified, classes are held at Joy of Art Studio, 139 E. Pennsylvania Ave., B, Southern Pines. Info: Contact Joy at (910) 528-7283 or see schedule of workshops, art classes and mini retreats at joyof_art@msn.com or www.facebook.com/Joyscreativespace/.

The Ultimate Bridal Showcase

FIRESIDE COLLECTIVE AT THE CAMEO. 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7) Tickets: $12 (in advance). Cameo Arthouse Theater, 225 Hay St., Fayetteville. (910) 486-6633 or www.cameoarthouse.com. NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY. 8 p.m. Grant Llewellyn conducts the joyful Dvorák’s “Serenade for Strings,” the highenergy rhythms of Kilar’s nature-inspired “Orawa,” Jennifer Higdon’s jaunty “To the Point,” and the world premiere of a new concerto by composer and longtime NCS musician Terry Mizesko. Pre-concert talk in the Pinecrest High School Band Room at 7 p.m. Lee Auditorium, Pinecrest High School, 250 Voit Gilmore Lane, Southern Pines. Info and tickets: (877) 627-6724 or www. ncsymphony.org. MUSIC AND MOTION STORYTIME. 10:30 a.m. For all children, especially ages 2 through 5. This event incorporates stories and songs along with dancing, playing and games designed to foster language and motor-skill development. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 6928235 or www.sppl.net. NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN READ-IN. 5 p.m. Celebrate Black History Month with the students from Southern

Pines Primary and Elementary Schools and community members as they read aloud from their favorite selections of AfricanAmerican literature. Please be prompt. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235.

Thursday, February 1 — 18

TEMPLE THEATRE. The Odd Couple, by Neil Simon. In this hilarious play, two friends, one a slob and the other a neat freak, decide to share an apartment. It doesn’t go well. Call for times and ticket prices. Temple Theatre, 120 Carthage St., Sanford. Info and tickets: (919) 774-4155 or www.templeshows.com.

Thursday, February 1 — 25

CAPE FEAR REGIONAL THEATRE. Seussical the Musical. Wednesdays through Sundays. A musical extravaganza featuring Horton the elephant the Whos, the Cat in the Hat, and more. Call or visit website for ticket and time information. Cape Fear Regional Theatre, 1209 Hay St., Fayetteville. Info and tickets: (910) 323-4233 or www.cfrt.org.

Friday, February 2

SANDHILLS WOMAN’S EXCHANGE REOPENING. 10 a.m. Come in for unique gifts created by over 60 artisans and great lunches prepared by Chef Katrina at the best little gem in the Village of Pinehurst. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but you can shop from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Sandhills Woman’s Exchange, 15 Azalea Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 295-4677, or www.sandhillswe.org or check us out on Facebook. FUN WITH SHADOWS. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Exploring shadows with various activities and a craft. For preschoolers. Child must be accompanied by an adult. Program fee is included with Garden Membership or admission, to be paid at the door. Preregistration required at www.form.jotform.com/60596183169970. Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville. Info: (910) 486-0221 (ext 20) or capefearbg.org.

February 2018 P��PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

CA L E N DA R FUN FRIDAYS. 5–7 p.m. Pinehurst Parks and Rec’s monthly group outing for ages 14+. This month: Cooking Class. Cost: $20/ resident; $40/non-resident. Meet at Recreation Room, 300 Kelly Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 295-1900 or pinehurstrec.org.

Sunday, February 4

LIVE MUSIC. 7–10 p.m. Kathryn Palmer performs at the Wine Cellar & Tasting Room, 241-A N.E. Broad St., Southern Pines. Free to the public. Info: (910) 692-3066.

WEYMOUTH CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES. 3–5 p.m. Blue Mountain Ensemble. The program includes colorful instrumentation (flute, piano, cello and violin) and music from diverse periods. Reception to meet the musicians follows. Tickets: $10/Members; $20/Non-member; students under 18 free, Tickets available at the Weymouth Center office, in person or by phone 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Monday-Friday; or at the door. Weymouth Center for Arts & Humanities, 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-6261 or weymouthcenter.org.

GALLERY OPENING AND RECEPTION. 6–8 p.m. “Strong and Fragile.” This Arts Council of Moore County exhibit features the works of three Triangle artists, Constance Pappalardo (watercolors), Madonna Phillips (mixed media collages), and Marjorie Pierson (color photography, digital collage and mixed media). Their work will be on display through Feb. 28. This reception and gallery is free and open to the public. Campbell House Galleries, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-2787 or mooreart.org.

Friday, February 2 — 23

ART EXHIBIT OPENING RECEPTION. 4–6 p.m. “We are… Students of the Arts.” This exhibition showcases the work of individuals who have taken classes or workshops at the Artists League of the Sandhills during the past two years. The Exhibit opens on Friday, Feb. 2, and the sale continues through Feb. 23. Artists League of the Sandhills, 129 Exchange St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-3979 or www.artistleague.org.

Saturday, February 3

GIVEN KIDS. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Take Your Child to the Library Day. A love of reading and books starts with pictures, stories and rhymes. Sign up your children (age 5 years and older) for their first library card. Library cards are free for everyone. Given Memorial Library & Tufts Archives, 150 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 295-6022. FAMILY CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. This event includes chef demonstrations, chocolate classes, family-friendly events as well as plenty of tasting opportunities. Downtown Historic District of Pinehurst. Info and tickets: (910) 687-0377 or online at www.InsidePinehurst.com. NATURE TALES. 10–10:45 a.m. and 11–11:45 a.m. “Wiggle Worms.” Preschool story and nature time with a different natural science theme each month. No cost for program, but pre-registration is required at www.form.jotform.com/51535008872152. (Admission to garden not included in program.) Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville. Info: (910) 486-0221 (ext 20) or capefearbg.org. CHOCOLATE AND WINE WALK. 4–8 p.m. Sample your way through the historic village of Pinehurst with chocolate everything, cakes, candies, chili, beef and more at 18 different tasting locations. Tickets: $35, available at participating merchants in the Village of Pinehurst and by phone and online. Check in at Pine Crest Inn, 50 Dogwood Road, Pinehurst. Info and tickets: (910) 687-0377 or online at www.InsidePinehurst.com. THE ROOSTER’S WIFE. 6:46 p.m. (doors open at 6). Missy Raines and the New Hip perform. Cost: $15 in advance. Poplar Knightspot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-7502 or www.theroosterswife.org. LIVE MUSIC. 7–10 p.m. James Villone performs at the Wine Cellar & Tasting Room, 241-A N.E. Broad St., Southern Pines. Free to the public. Info: (910) 692-3066.

NATURE STUDY PROGRAM. 3 p.m. Weymouth WoodsSandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Road, Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-2167 or www.ncparks.gov.

BOLSHOI BALLET LIVE FROM MOSCOW IN HD. 12:55 p.m. The Lady of the Camillas. Chopin’s romantic piano score accompanies this tragic story of Marguerite, an ailing courtesan seeking love and redemption. Svetlana Zakharova plays Marguerite. Tickets: $25. Sunrise Theater, 250 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8501 or 692-3611 or sunrisetheater.com.

Monday, February 5

EVENING STORYTIMES. 5:30 p.m. Children ages 3 through 3rd grade and their whole families are invited to enjoy a session that incorporates stories and activities that foster a love of books and reading, with tips for winding down after dinner and getting the week off on the right track. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www. sppl.net.

Tuesday, February 6

NATURE TALES. 10–10:45 a.m. and 11–11:45 a.m. “Wiggle Worms.” Preschool story and nature time with a different natural science theme each month. No cost for program, but pre-registration is required at www.form.jotform.com/51535008872152. (Admission to garden not included in program.) Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville. Info: (910) 486-0221 (ext 20) or capefearbg.org. ACTION AT THE OUTPOST. 6–8 p.m. Create Art for your Sweetheart. Join local artist Jordan Baker and create a painting for your special someone. Refreshments available. Cost: $25, including all supplies. Seating is limited. Given Outpost 95 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 585-4820; reservations: www.theartifactshack.com.

Wednesday, February 7

EQUESTRIAN EVENT. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Winter Schooling Day (SJ & D). Winter Schooling Days offer Dressage, Hunter Ring, and Jumper Ring schooling only. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford Drive. Info: (910) 875-2074. ART CLASS (ALL MEDIA PAINTING). 1–4 p.m. Wednesdays through Mar. 14 (6 sessions). For all levels of experience, artist Eileen Strickland covers basic information on materials, techniques, color theory and composition. Cost: $52/resident; $104/ non-resident. Pinehurst Parks and Rec, Recreation Room, 300 Kelly Road, Pinehurst. Info and pre-registration: (910) 295-1900 or 295-2817. REC-ING CREW SOCIAL CLUB. 4–5:30 p.m. February activity: Valentines Crafts. Light refreshments will be served. Must pay club dues in advance to participate. Dues payment covers all six sessions. Cost: $15/resident; $30/non-resident. Recreation Room, 300 Kelly Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 295-1900 or pinehurstrec.org.

L’Elisir d’Amore SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 AT 12 PM THE LADY OF THE CAMELLIAS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4 AT 1PM THE FLAMES OF PARIS SUNDAY, MARCH 4TH AT 1PM

Puccini’s La Boheme SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 AT 12:30 PM

CAROLINA PHILHARMONIC. 7:30 p.m. “A Night at the Opera.” Four guest soloists perform arias, duets, trios and quartets from the world of opera. David Michael Wolff leads the Carolina Philharmonic in this dramatic concert. Owens Auditorium, Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Tickets: $30/general reserved. Call for others. Info: (910) 687-0287 or www.carolinaphil.org.

Wednesday, February 7 & 8

ART CLASS (OIL PAINTING). 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Oil Painting with Courtney, taught by Courtney Herndon. Using a limited number of paints, students will learn to mix colors and concentrate on value and composition, painting wet into wet for a loose, impressionistic style. Cost: $110. Artists League of the Sandhills, 129 Exchange St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-3979 or artistleague.org.

Thursday, February 8

ART CLASS (OIL PAINTING). 1–4 p.m. Thursdays through Mar. 15 (6 sessions). For all levels of experience, artist Eileen Strickland covers basic information on materials, techniques, color theory and composition. Cost: $52/resident; $104/non-resident. Pinehurst Parks and Rec, Recreation Room, 300 Kelly Road, Pinehurst. Info and pre-registration: (910) 295-1900 or 295-2817. GATHERING AT GIVEN. 3:30 and 7 p.m. “Instagram.” Learn about one of the fastest growing social media networks. Free and open to the public. Given Memorial Library, (3:30 p.m.), 150 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst; and Given Outpost (7 p.m.), 95 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 585-4820 or 295-6022. MEET THE AUTHOR. 5 p.m. North Carolina favorite Barbara Claypole White, author of The In-Between Hour and The Perfect Son will be in house to talk about her new book, The Promise Between Us, a tale of redemption, renewal, and the promise of love. A Q&A and book signing will follow. The Country Bookshop, 140 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-3211. RUTH PAULEY LECTURE SERIES. 7:30 p.m. “A Better America: Facing Prejudice Honestly.” Heather McGhee with Garry Civitello offer insight into how to combat prejudice in daily life. This event is free and open to the public. Owens Auditorium, Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 692-6185 or www.ruthpauley.org.

Friday, February 9

OPEN STUDIO. 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Life Drawing. There will be no instruction given and you must bring your own supplies and materials. Members are encouraged to work creatively in any media they choose whether it’s watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastels, colored pencils, charcoal etc. $15. Artists League of the Sandhills, 129 Exchange St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-3979 or artistleague.org. NATURE STUDY PROGRAM. 10 a.m. “Marvelous Mammals (For Wee Ones).” Find out what all mammals have in common and which mammals live here in the Sandhills. Activities include reading a book, playing some games, and making a craft — all geared towards 3- to 5-year-olds and meant for parents to do with their children. Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Road, Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-2167 or www. ncparks.gov. VALENTINE’S DAY BOW TIE BALL. 6 p.m. Sandhills Classical Christian School fundraising event. This exceptional evening includes dining, dancing and fundraising. Cost: $125/person. The Fair Barn, 200 Beulah Hill Road S, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 695-1874 or www.sandhillsccs.org.

Ticket s on ! Sale Now

at the

Located in Beautiful Downtown Southern Pines

250 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines, NC • 910-692-8501

CA L E N DA R LIVE MUSIC. 7–10 p.m. Wine Cellar & Tasting Room, 241-A N.E. Broad St., Southern Pines. Free to the public. Info: (910) 692-3066.

Friday, February 9 — 11

19TH ANNUAL MID PINES MEN’S INVITATIONAL. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Offering two divisions (Open and Senior), this tournament is one of the most prestigious team events to kick off the tournament season in the Southeast. Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club, 1010 Midland Road, Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8611 or www.pineneedles-midpines.com.

Saturday, February 10

ART CLASS (BLOCK PRINTING). 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Taught by Lynn Goldhammer. Cost $75, supplies included. Artists League of the Sandhills, 129 Exchange St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-3979 or artistleague.org. NATURE STUDY PROGRAM. 10 a.m. “Hike the Solar System.” Join the Wildlings program series (for 6- to 10-year-olds) to create a half-mile-long scale replica of our Solar System. Get a sense for how far apart our space neighbors really are (Hint: Really Far). Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Road, Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-2167 or www.ncparks.gov. THE MET OPERA: LIVE IN HD. 12–2:43 p.m. L’Elisir d’Amore. This comic gem from Donizetti stars Pretty Yende as the spirited Adina and Matthew Polenzai as the simple peasant who falls in love with her. Cost: $27. Sunrise Theater, 250 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8501 or sunrisetheater.com. WOMEN OF THE PINES FUNDRAISER. 1 to 5 p.m. “Taste and Tour.” Learn how Dick and Kathy Newcomb transformed the 100-year-old Sacred Heart Church sanctuary into a home, enjoy tea and chocolate treats, and meet local artists and representatives from Starworks Glass. Tickets: $20 in advance, available at Lady Bedford’s, Given Library and Country Bookshop; $25 at the door. WOTP is a 501(c)(3) public charity. 35 McLean Road, Pinehurst. Info: maryhilge@aol.com.

SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION. 2 p.m. The English-Speaking Union, Sandhills Branch, will sponsor their annual Shakespeare Competition at The Village Chapel. Students from area high schools will perform, and the Shakespeare Troupe Sweet Tea will make a special appearance. Refreshments will be served following the announcement of the winners. The Village Chapel, 10 Azalea Road, Pinehurst. Info: Bob Roman: romanbob@hotmail.com or (910) 725-0333.

Sunday, February 11

SUNDAY FILM SERIES. 2:30 p.m. This film for adults is about a boy and his mom who try to rescue their neighbor from abuse. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235. NATURE STUDY PROGRAM. 3 p.m. “Weymouth Goes to the Dogs.” Weymouth Woods is a great place to exercise and bond with your pup, so leash up your favorite four-legged friend and join us this Sunday for a leisurely 1-mile dog walk around the park. (*Please ensure your dog remains on leash and is friendly to other dogs and strangers.) Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Road, Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-2167 or www.ncparks.gov.

BALLROOM DANCING. 6:30 doors open, free lesson at 7, dancing till 9:30 p.m. USA dance will hold its monthly dance on the second Saturday of the month at the Southern Pines Elks Lodge. Please join us for an evening of music and conversation. Elks Lodge, 280 Country Club Circle, Southern Pines. Info: (919) 770-1975.

WEYMOUTH CENTER LECTURE. 4 p.m. “The Politics of Sex, Misogyny and Religion.” In this first of a three-part series on Banned Books in America, Larry Allen will give an overview of the history of banned books in American and how it parallels the development of the nation. This event is free and open to the public. Weymouth Center for Arts & Humanities, 555 E Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-6261 or weymouthcenter.org.

LIVE MUSIC. 7–10 p.m. Tyler Godfrey performs at the Wine Cellar & Tasting Room, 241-A N.E. Broad St., Southern Pines. Free to the public. Info: (910) 692-3066. FAYETTEVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. 7:30 p.m. “1867-2017: A 150-Year Celebration Concert.” In this sesquicentennial performance, the FSO will explore the influence of African Americans on music composed during the last 150 years, including works by Joplin, Gershwin, and Still. Guest artist will be worldrenowned soprano Angela Brown. Pre-Concert Talk with the FSO Music Nerd is at 6:45 p.m. Seabrook Auditorium, Fayetteville State University, 1200 Murchison Road, Fayetteville. Info and ticket prices: (910) 433-4690 or www.fayettevillesymphony.org or explorepinehurst.com.

THE ROOSTER’S WIFE. 6:46 p.m. (doors open at 6). Wes Collins, Barry Gray, Rebecca Newton. Cost: $15 in advance. Poplar Knightspot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-7502 or www.theroosterswife.org.

Monday, February 12

HOMESCHOOL IN THE GARDEN. 2 p.m. “ MudWasp Science.” Learn about mud wasp ecology, including life cycles and feeding habits. See how they build their mud nests, and dissect some nests to see what’s inside. For ages 8+. Child must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is included with Garden Membership or admission, to be paid at the door. Pre-registration is required at www.form.jotformpro.com/63465945071966. Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville. Info: (910) 486-0221 (ext 20) or capefearbg.org.

HEART ‘N SOUL OF JAZZ. 8–11 p.m. The Arts Council of Moore County presents the 33rd Annual Heart ‘n Soul of Jazz starring the Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet. Delfeayo Marsalis is one of the top trombonists, composers and producers in jazz today. Tickets: $65-$75. Pinehurst Resort, 80 Carolina Vista Drive, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 692-2787 or www.mooreart.org.

Every Home has a Story, a Beginning, a Middle and an End.

Pinnock Real estate

let us help you with all your Real estate stories.

www.PinehurstHomeSearcher.com

& Relocation services, inc.

(910) 692-6767 | 115 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines, NC 28387

www.SearchMooreCountyHomes.com

Featured Home

151 JuniPeR cReek Blvd – PinehuRst

32 BiRdie dRive – WhisPeRing Pines

$339,000 – charming golf Front all one level home with 3BR/2.5Ba, gourmet kitchen and sPectaculaR vieWs of Pinehurst #6 golf course! Wonderful back patio! a Must see! Mls#172916

235 Pine Ridge dRive – WhisPeRing Pines

$225,000 – great location, less than a mile from Whispering Pines cc and two lake beach access areas! This two-story 3BR/2.5Ba home sits on half an acre with great new kitchen! Mls#183516

$289,000 – Beautiful Brick one level home with open floor plan, 3BR/2.5Ba, large dream kitchen on half acre private lot! Many updates and walking distance to lake or golf! Mls#185838

265 Queens cove Way – WhisPeRing Pines $200,000 – Fantastic 3BR/2Ba home in great neighborhood! This home sits on 0.50-acre lot and offers a welcoming front porch, spacious deck and fenced backyard! Price to sell!!! Mls#185434

31 Ridge Road – FoxFiRe

$279,000 – gorgeous golf Front 3BR/2Ba home sits on 0.87-acre lot on a cul-de-sac! This home has it all including a bonus room, screened porch & covered back porch to enjoy the views! Mls#183829

609 PinehuRst tRace dRive – PinehuRst

$210,000 – adult living at its finest! This all Brick, one level home offers open floorplan, 3BR/2Ba, relaxing screened porch and large two car garage with great hoa amenities! Mls#185646

February 2018 P��PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

CA L E N DA R SANDHILLS PHOTO CLUB MEETING. 7–9 p.m. Members Presentation Night. Hannah Center at The O’Neal School, 3300 Airport Road, Southern Pines. Info: www.sandhillsphotoclub.org.

Monday, February 12 — 16

FEBRUARY LADIES GOLFARI. Each day will be a mix of instruction, both on the lesson tee and on the golf course, and relaxing in the company of friends. Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club, 1005 Midland Road, Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7111 or www.pineneedles-midpines.com/ladies-golfari.

Tuesday, February 13

HOLLY AND IVY DINNER. 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Mardi Gras at the Holly Inn with an authentic menu and program. Mardi Gras attire is encouraged. Tickets: $125. 155 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 295-6022. THE ROOSTER’S WIFE. 6:46 p.m. (doors open at 6). Mardi Gras with Dennis Stroughmat and Creole Stomp. Tickets: $24, includes dinner and le bons temps roulez. Poplar Knightspot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-7502 or www.theroosterswife.org.

Wednesday, February 14

ART CLASS (PASTEL). 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Soft Pastel-Dramatic Lighting Pastel Paintings, taught by Betty Hendrix. Students will use a dark sanded pastel paper to create a chiaroscuro type image. Cost: $55. Artists League of the Sandhills, 129 Exchange St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-3979 or artistleague.org. NATURE STUDY PROGRAM. 2 p.m. “Valentine’s Day Hike.” Do something new this year and come out for a hike. Single, happily coupled, or too young to care… you’re all welcome on this 1.5-mile hike to show your love for Weymouth Woods! Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Road, Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-2167 or www.ncparks.gov. SCC JAZZ BAND. 7 p.m. The Sandhills Jazz Band performs its Valentine’s Day Concert. This concert is free and open to the public. Owens Auditorium, Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 692-6185.

Thursday, February 15

MUSIC AND MOTION STORYTIME. 10:30 a.m. For all children, especially ages 2 through 5. This event incorporates stories and songs along with dancing, playing and games designed to foster language and motor-skill development. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 6928235 or www.sppl.net. DOUGLASS CENTER BOOK CLUB. 10:30 a.m. This month’s book can be picked up at the Southern Pines Public Library or at the Center. Meetings are held at the Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376 or (910) 692-8235.

Thursday, February 15 & 22; March 1 & 8

ART EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS: “EXPLORING DRAWING.” 9-11 a.m. for children ages 10–12, and 1:30–3:30 p.m. for ages 13–16. This course, taught by Ellen Burke on four Thursdays, is designed for home-schooled students. It includes 8 hours of instruction in drawing, art appreciation, portfolio building, and an opportunity for students to draw in class and exhibit their work. Cost, including materials: $110/child; $100/each child for siblings, due at registration. Hollyhocks Gallery 905 Linden Road, Pinehurst. Info and registration: Ellen Burke (603) 966-6567.

Friday, February 16

THE ROOSTER’S WIFE. 6:46 p.m. (doors open at 6). Jack and the Vox. Tickets: $10. Poplar Knightspot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-7502 or www.theroosterswife.org.

Upcoming

AUTHOR EVENTS

New York Times best selling authors are coming to Southern Pines!

Stop by the Country Bookshop to see and talk to them about their latest books. These events are free and open to the public.

February 2 at 4:30 pm

Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle & Emily Jenkins Upside-Down Magic

From New York Times bestselling authors Sarah Mlynowski (Whatever After Series), Lauren Myracle (Life of Ty), and Emily Jenkins (Toys Go Out) comes the next book in the offbeat series about a group of misfits who set out to prove that life on the other side of ordinary has its charms. Nory Horace can turn herself into a kitten. But sometimes she adds in a bit of dragon and, well, accidentally turns into a dritten. Oops? Her friend Andres Padillo can fly high… but then he can’t fly back down again.

March 12 at 5:00 pm

MINROSE GWIN Promise

In the aftermath of a devastating tornado that rips through the town of Tupelo, Mississippi, at the height of the Great Depression, two women worlds apart– one black, one white; one a great-grandmother, the other a teenager– fight for their families’ survival in this lyrical and powerful novel

“Gwin’s gift shines in the complexity of her characters and their fraught relationships with each other, their capacity for courage and hope, coupled with their passion for justice.” – Jonis Agee, bestselling author of The River Wife

LIVE MUSIC. 7–10 p.m. Scott Grote and Johnathon Robinson perform at the Wine Cellar & Tasting Room, 241-A N.E. Broad St., Southern Pines. Free to the public. Info: (910) 692-3066.

Saturday, February 17

EQUESTRIAN EVENT. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Pipe Opener II CT. Divisions: CT: Green as Grass–Adv. Dressage Test of Choice: Any. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford. Info: (910) 875-2074.

The Country Bookshop

140 NW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 910.692.3211 www.thecountrybookshop.biz thecountrybookshop

CA L E N DA R NATURE STUDY PROGRAM. 10 a.m. “Trail Sisters Hike.” N.C. State Parks is helping promote the 10K Women Trail Project through a series of Trail Sisters hikes around the State. So bring your moms, daughters, sisters, aunts, nieces, grandmas, and friends out for a 2-mile walk to enjoy the fresh air. Weymouth WoodsSandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Road, Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-2167 or www.ncparks.gov. TRAIL. 3 p.m. All 6th–10th graders are invited to get creative for the Bad Art Gallery as part of the Teens Reading and Investigating Life series. All sorts of wacky materials will be available for creating the best “worst” piece of art. Prizes will be awarded. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www.sppl.net. 18th ANNUAL RAISING THE ROOF FUNDRAISER. 6:30 p.m. doors open, show at 7:30. A variety show to benefit the Sunrise Theatre, featuring all local talent. Tickets: $15/regular, $20/VIP. Sponsored by Sweet Dreams Mattresses and more. Sunrise Theater, 250 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-3611 or sunrisetheater.com. BLACK HISTORY MONTH FILM TALK. 7 p.m. “True To Yourself.” Presented by the Arts Council of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Keynote speakers are famed casting director Winsome Sinclair and award-winning actress Tichina Arnold speaking on their careers, lives, challenges and more. Tickets: $20/general; $10/students. Seabrook Auditorium, Fayetteville State University, 1200 Murchison Road, Fayetteville. Info: (910) 323-1776. LIVE MUSIC. 7–10 p.m. The Whiskey River Band performs at the Wine Cellar & Tasting Room, 241-A N.E. Broad St., Southern Pines. Free to the public. Info: (910) 692-3066.

Saturday, February 17 & 24

ART CLASS. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. The Mystery of Mediums, taught by Harry Neely. Two days of exploring four categories of mediums to see how mediums can change your artwork. (For oil painters with

some experience, but all painters can profit.) Cost: $80. Artists League of the Sandhills, 129 Exchange St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-3979 or artistleague.org.

Sunday, February 18

SUNDAY KIDS MOVIE. 2:30 p.m. Enjoy a free showing of an animated movie about sea creatures searching for a home. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235. NATURE STUDY PROGRAM. 3 p.m. “Great Backyard Bird Count.” Learn how to participate in this worldwide citizen science project and help count birds at the feeders behind the Visitor Center. No birding experience necessary. Weymouth WoodsSandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Road, Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-2167 or www.ncparks.gov. WEYMOUTH CONCERT. 3 p.m. Young Musicians Festival Finalist Concert. Talented young musicians from seven counties compete for this outstanding honor. Free and open to the public. Call for information on how to enter. Weymouth Center for Arts & Humanities, 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-6261 or weymouthcenter.org. THE ROOSTER’S WIFE. 6:46 p.m. (doors open at 6). Josephine County. Tickets: $15. Poplar Knightspot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-7502 or www.theroosterswife.org.

Monday, February 19

WOMEN OF WEYMOUTH LECTURE AND MEETING. 9:30 a.m. Coffee; 10 a.m. Presentation and meeting. Teah Ward, Ph.D., will speak on “Brain Food and Overall Health and Well Being.” Free and open to the public. Weymouth Center for Arts & Humanities, 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-6261 or www.weymouthcenter.org. EVENING STORYTIMES. 5:30 p.m. Children ages 3 through 3rd grade and their whole families are invited to enjoy a session that

incorporates stories and activities that foster a love of books and reading, with tips for winding down after dinner and getting the week off on the right track. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www. sppl.net. SIP & PAINT WITH JANE. 5–7 p.m. Join local artist, Jane Casnellie, for a fun painting class suitable for all levels, including beginners. No experience necessary and all materials included as well as your wine. Take home your own masterpiece. Cost: $35. Call Jane at (910) 639-4823 to sign up. Hollyhocks Art Gallery, at 905 Linden Road, Pinehurst. www.janecasnellie.com.

Tuesday, February 20

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MOORE COUNTY. 11:30 a.m. Luncheon and meeting. John Nagy and David Woronoff of The Pilot newspaper talk about the role of the press today. Everyone welcome. Cost: $13. Reservations required. Little River Resort, 500 Little River Farm Blvd., Carthage. Info: (910) 944-9611 or owegeecoach@gmail.com. JAMES BOYD BOOK CLUB. 2 p.m. The Blood of Emmett Till, by Timothy B. Tyson. Free and open to the public. Weymouth Center for Arts & Humanities, 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-6261 or www.weymouthcenter.org. LIT WITS. 5:30 p.m. Join the library’s newest book club for 11- to 15-year-olds. You can check out your copy of the book, A Diamond in the Desert, by Kathryn Fitzmaurice, at the library from Feb. 1 through Feb. 19. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www. sppl.net.

Wednesday, February 21

WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE READING. 5:30 p.m. Ed Southern will read from Parlous Angels, a short story collection. The reception to meet the author is sponsored by St. Joseph of the Pines, this event is free and open to the public. Weymouth Center for Arts &

Dining Guide Where European Tradition meets Southern Charm

The Bakehouse & Cafe Celebrating 70 Years of Baking Excellence Chocolate Covered Strawberries • Special Valentine’s & Occasion Treats

ZestySweet andTart February Pairing Special

Serving Lunch & Dinner Beer & Wine List Available Bakery

Tues-Sat 8am-3pm | Sun 11am-3pm

Breakfast

Tues - Sat 8 - 10:30am

Lunch

Tues-Sun 11am-2:30pm

910.944.9204 | 120 N. Poplar St. Aberdeen

9671 NC Hwy. 211 East Lower Aberdeen, NC

910-944-0826 Tuesday-Thursday 12am- 9pm Friday & Saturday 12-10pm Closed Sunday & Monday

Lemon Olive Oil and Wild Blueberry Balsamic Vinegar 15% OFF 30 balsamics • 26 olive oils • olive oil skin care specialty oils • pastas • herbs & spices

thepinehurstoliveoilco.com

105 Cherokee Rd • Village of Pinehurst

910.986.0880

February 2018 P��PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Dining Guide

IT’S TIME FOR SWEET TREATS AND FEELIN THE BEATS

Karaoke every Fri. & Sat. 8pm-Midnight Classic Soul” Feb 10th. $10 tickets with 2 Glasses of Champagne & Dessert

1005 Monroe St. Ste. K, Carthage, NC (910) 947-2447 • tosg@mail.com www.TOsportsgrill.com

910-295-4118 • Midland Country Club • Midland Road

Extraordinary Food in a Comfortable, Casual Atmosphere Chef Driven American Fare 11am - 10pm Mon • Tue • Wed • Thu • Fri • Sat • and YES SUN & MON TOO!

(910) 246-0497 • 157 East New Hampshire Ave • Southern Pines, NC • www.ChapmansFoodAndSpirits.com

Like us on

CuStOm deSigned

Engagement &Wedding CuStOm deSigned Jewelry

PineServices

Giving families

a brighter future

Engagement &Wedding Jewelry

with

compassionate home care. one-of-a-kind N Sandhills Blvd Let us 1902 make your Aberdeen, NC 28315 fine jewelry here in 910-692-2020 one-of-a-kind Southern Pines by www.feccweb.com Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00 fine jewelry here in master craftsman Southern Pines by Jeffery Lomax. master craftsman Jeffery Lomax. Let us make your

24 hour, 7 days a week availability

NC Licensed & Nationally Accredited Home Care Agency

110-B Applecross Road Pinehurst, NC 28374

910-246-0586

YOU CAN PLAY BETTER GOLF It is said that golf is 90% mental. So what does hypnotherapy have to do with it? Are you stressed?

Cialis

TOO COsTlY?

Hypnotherapy is all about making the mind-body connection . The more your body is aligned with your mind, the more in sync you feel while stepping up on the tee, the more likely you will execute that swing you’ve been perfecting.

Come make the mind-body connection. Give me a call and watch that little white ball go straight down the fairway.

Cash price for Cialis 2.5mg #30 is $320.

“Hypnosis Works”.

We make the active ingredient Tadalafil in troches for as little as $38 per month.

(910)-215-5563

cynthiachi14@gmail.com.

Dannar Hypnotherapy Clinic www.hypnotherapistpinehurst.com

J Ed WeSigned ELSMITHE.COM Cone-of-a-kind uStOm jewelry here in Engagement fine &Wedding Jewelry Let us make your Southern Pines by one-of-a-kind master craftsman fine jewelry here in Jeffery Lomax. Southern Pines by EANING OW CLcraftsman WINDmaster & G IN H AS W Jeffery Lomax. PRESSURE

Jeff Lomax Master JewelerLet us make your

Instead of negative thoughts - will I slice or hook? Hypnotherapy will help you make a shift in the mind. Hynotherapy and hypnosis will give you a different perspective and a renewed outlook.

Call today with any questions. Call or email to book your appointment today for a free consultation or to set up an appointment.

Engagement &Wedding Jewelry

950 Old Hwy 1 SOutH SOutHern PineS, nOrtH CarOlina 910.692.9543 950 Old Hwy 1 SOutH SOutHern ineS nOrtH C arOlina C1 uStOm deSigned 950 OldPUS H, wy SOUtH 910.692.9543 Jewelry ineS JSEOUtHern W E L SPEngagement M I T, nHOrtH E .&Wedding CCOarOlina M 910.692.9543

Are you trying too hard??

Questions? Visit our Website

C ustom DesigneD CuStOm deSigned

Requires a prescription from a prescriber.

Where Smiles and Solutions Meet

PRECISION • Pressure Washing

one-of-a-kind • Deck Cleaning950&OStaining 950 Old Hwy 1 SOutH ld Hwy 1 SOutH SOutHern PineS, nOrtH CarOlina fine jewelrySOutHern herePin ineS, nOrtH CarOlina • Gutter Cleaning 910.692.9543 910.692.9543 Let us make • Roof Stainyour Removal

Southern Pines by Painting master •craftsman JEWELSMITHE.COM JEWELSMITHE.COM Jeffery Lomax. FREE ESTIMATES • FULLY INSURED

Owner 910-986-0034

Mon-Fri, 8:30a-6p • Sat, 8:30a-12p 120 MacDougall Dr, Seven Lakes 910-673-7467 • www.7lakesrx.com

DENNIS CLAPP

Visit www.ERforyourcar.com

180 Short Street Southern Pines, NC

910-585-6772

950 Old Hwy 1 SOutH SOutHern PineS, nOrtH CarOlina 910.692.9543

JEWELSMITHE.COM

online @

www.pinestrawmag.com

February 2018 P��PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

CA L E N DA R Humanities, 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-6261 or weymouthcenter.org.

Wednesday, February 21 & 22

ART CLASS (ALL MEDIA). 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Portraiture 1 and 2, taught by Betty DiBartelomeo, for intermediate to advanced students. Focus is on capturing a likeness through keen observation and by breaking a photo into values. All media. Cost: $100. Artists League of the Sandhills, 129 Exchange St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-3979 or artistleague.org.

Ever wonder where the best birthdays happen?

Thursday, February 22

THE ROOSTER’S WIFE. 6:46 p.m. (doors open at 6). WideOpenMic with Joe Newberry. Cost: $5. Poplar Knightspot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-7502 or www.theroosterswife.org.

Friday, February 23

THE ROOSTER’S WIFE. 6:46 p.m. (doors open at 6). Don Schlitz performs. Cost: $20 suggested donation. Poplar Knightspot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-7502 or www.theroosterswife.org. LIVE MUSIC. 7–10 p.m. Tom Compa performs at the Wine Cellar & Tasting Room, 241-A N.E. Broad St., Southern Pines. Free to the public. Info: (910) 692-3066.

Friday, February 23 & 26

ART CLASS (CALLIGRAPHY). 1–4 p.m. Basic calligraphy, taught by Barbara Sickenerger. For beginners—right hand only. Cost: $65. Artists League of the Sandhills, 129 Exchange St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-3979 or www.artistleague.org.

Celebrate your child’s big day with a birthday party at Discovery Place Kids! Create an unforgettable experience with seashells, fossils, science and more. Book your birthday adventure for ages 1 and older today.

Saturday, February 24

STEAM SATURDAY. All day. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) This program is for children grades K–5. Experiment and craft tables will be out all day. From 11 a.m. to noon, join the library staff for a special Winter Olympics event. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www.sppl.net.

Downtown Rockingham | discoveryplacekids.org

THE MET OPERA: LIVE IN HD. 12:30–3:25 p.m. La Bohème. Franco Zeffirelli’s classic production features an exciting young cast. This opera about starving artists falling in love in 1830s Paris is said to be the most popular opera in the world. Cost: $27. Sunrise Theater, 250 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8501 or sunrisetheater.com. LIVE MUSIC. 7–10 p.m. Cousin Amy Deluxe String Band performs at the Wine Cellar & Tasting Room, 241-A N.E. Broad St., Southern Pines. Free to the public. Info: (910) 692-3066.

All Shows 6:46

Friday, February 23, 24 & 25

MUSICAL THEATRE. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m., Sunday. Chicago, presented by the Sandhills Community College Musical Theatre. Tickets: $18, available online. Owens Auditorium, Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info and tickets: (910) 692-6185 and www.sandhills.edu/chicago.

Sunday, February 25

February

THE ULTIMATE BRIDAL SHOWCASE.12–4 p.m. Visit with vendors (venue, photography, bakeries/catering, wedding planners, DJs and more). Enjoy food and drink samples, garden tours and door prizes. Tickets: $8/pre-sale online or in person at CFBG or Five Entertainment; $10/at the door day of event. Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville. Info and registration: (910) 486-0221 and www.eventbrite.com/e/ the-ultimate-bridal-showcase-2018-tickets-39404222089 NATURE STUDY PROGRAM. 3 p.m. Weymouth WoodsSandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Road, Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-2167 or www.ncparks.gov. BUILD COMMUNITY @ YOUR LIBRARY. 3–4 p.m. Johanna Schubert, a Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Scholar and cognitive-behavioral therapist, will speak about working with organizations such as Red Cross and the United Nations to reduce PTSD for humanitarian aid workers and how her studies will influence world peace and

Saturday, Feb 3: Missy Raines & the New Hip Sunday, Feb 11: N.C. Song Circle

Tuesday, Feb 13: Mardi Gras Party — with Dennis Stroughmatt & Creole Stomp Friday, Feb 16 Jack and the Vox

Poplar Knight Spot 114 Knight St., Aberdeen 910.944.7502 theroosterswife.org

Sunday, Feb 18: Josephine County

Thursday, Feb 22: Open Mic with Joe Newberry

Friday, Feb 23: Don Schlitz with Rebecca Newton and Nancy Middleton Sunday, Feb 25: Chaise Lounge

CA L E N DA R reconciliation. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235.

for Arts & Humanities, 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-6261 or www.weymouthcenter.org.

Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

THE ROOSTER’S WIFE. 6:46 p.m. (doors open at 6). Chaise Lounge performs. Cost: $20. Poplar Knightspot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-7502 or www.theroosterswife.org.

MUSICIANS JAM SESSION. 7 p.m. Bring your instrument and your beverage, or just come to enjoy. Free and open to the public. Library, Weymouth Center for Arts & Humanities, 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-6261 or www. weymouthcenter.org.

Tuesday, February 27 & 28

BABY BUNNIES STORYTIME. 10:30 and 11 a.m. (two sessions) This storytime, reserved for ages birth to 18 months, will engage parents and children in early literacy brain-building practices. Programs will be offered Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27. Limited to 20 babies per session. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www.sppl.net.

ART CLASS (OIL PAINTING). 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Beginning Oil Painting, taught by Charlie Roberts. Cost: $90. Artists League of the Sandhills, 129 Exchange St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-3979 or www.artistleague.org.

TAI CHI FOR HEALTH. 10–11:30 a.m. Practice this flowing Eastern exercise with instructor Rich Martin. Cost per class: $15/ member; $17/non-member. Monthly rates available. No refunds or transfers. Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville. Info and registration: (910) 486-0221.

WEEKLY EVENTS

Wednesdays

Monday, February 26

HOMESCHOOL IN THE GARDEN. 2 p.m.: “Canvas Painting.” Instructor Patty Speights teaches how to paint a beautiful piece of art using acrylics on canvas. Canvas, paint, brushes, and easel are provided. For ages 8+. Child must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $20/Members; $25/Non-members. Limited to 16 children. Pre-registration is required at www.form.jotform. com/73546078990974. Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville. Info: (910) 486-0221 (ext 20) or capefearbg.org. WINE AND ART APPRECIATION. 5:30–7:30 p.m. Exploring Art Through Observation and Conversation VIII. Join art educator and local artist Ellen Burke, whose topic will be “Inspiration, Emulation and Rebellion; the Artist as Teacher and Student.” Cost: $20, including wine and light snacks. Proceeds to benefit the Sandhills Community College Guarantors Program. Hollyhocks Art Gallery, 905 Linden Road, Pinehurst. Info and registration: Ellen (603) 966-6567 or Jane Casnellie (910) 639-4823. CLASSICAL CONCERT SERIES. 8–10 p.m. The Escher String quartet, comprised of Adam Barnett-Hart and Aaron Boyd on violin, Pierre Lapointe on viola and Brook Speltz on cello. Tickets: $30/Arts Council member; $35/non-member. Sunrise Theater, 250 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines. Pre-concert dinner at Wolcott’s ($37pp). Info: (910) 692-2787 or www.mooreart.org.

ART CLASS (WATERCOLOR). 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Watercolor on Rice Paper, taught by Pat McMahon. Come try an exciting new technique with watercolor. Cost: $40. Artists League of the Sandhills, 129 Exchange St., Aberdeen. Info: (910) 944-3979 or www.artistleague.org.

Sundays—Saturdays

PRIVATE AND GROUP COOKING CLASSES. 6:30 p.m. (most classes). Private classes available Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Group classes held Wednesdays through Saturdays, providing hands-on instruction. Brunch classes on Saturdays. See website for specific menus and prices. Reservations and pre-payment required. Prices: $45–$55/person, includes meal, instruction and recipes. Brunch: $35. The Flavor Exchange, 115 E. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines. Info and menus: (910) 725-1345 or www.theflavorexchange.com.

Tuesdays

BROWN BAG LUNCH/GAME DAY. 11:30 a.m. Bring your lunch and enjoy fellowship and activities, including card games, board games and the Wii. The Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

TAX HELP. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Trained A.A.R.P. volunteers will offer this free service at the Library on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from Feb. 3 through Apr. 14. Clients must register onsite, and there are no prior appointments by phone. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235.

YOGA IN THE GARDEN. 6–7 p.m. Improve flexibility, build strength, ease tension and relax through posture and breathing techniques for beginners and experts alike. Free for CFBG and YMCA members, $5/non-members. Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Showroom: Greensboro, NC (ID# 1114) Publication: O’Henry Size: 1/2 Page, 536 N. Horizontal Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville. Info and registration: (910) 486Mondays Contact:February Tim Koehler Deadline: 08-10-2017 Live Area:0221 9” x NO BLEED (Must register one day prior). Email Tuesday, 27 ex.5.25” 36 or capefearbg.org. Phone:AFFILIATE (XxX) XXX-XXXX Lisa Bobbit BRIDGE. 1–4:30 p.m. A card game played by four people in questions to mzimmerman@capefearbg.org. YOUNG MEETING. 6 p.m. Preparing for SoundsPub Contact: XXXXX@rebathpro.com two partnerships, in which “trump” is determined by bidding. onEmail: the Grounds. Come enjoy meeting young professionals and Email: ohenryadvertising@gmail.com BRIDGE. 1–4:30 p.m. A card game played by four people in Phone: (336) Douglass617-0090 Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., working on this fun project. Everyone welcome. Weymouth Center two partnerships, in which “trump” is determined by bidding.

We do it all, so you can love it all.

10% OFF

Natural Stone

Offer valid for 30 days. Cannot be combined with other offers. Some restrictions apply.

We design beautiful, functional spaces—and provide the quality products to finish the look. Best of all, our licensed, insured, locally owned and operated Re-Bath teams complete projects in days, not weeks. Schedule your free in-home consultation today.

Proudly serving Proudly serving the theTriad. Triad. Visit our showroom showroomat at2701 2701 Branchwood BranchwoodDr., Dr.,Greensboro, Greensboro,NC NC27408. 27408.

336-525-9583

REBATH.COM

NC GC License No. 59212

Complete Bathroom Remodeling Tub & Shower Updates Aging & Accessibility Solutions

100

February 2018i��PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376. READ TO YOUR BUNNY PRESCHOOL STORYTIME. 3:30–4 p.m. Especially for children ages 2–5, this storytime focuses on stories, songs and fun, with a special emphasis on activities that build language and socialization skills to prepare for kindergarten. Dates this month are Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Stay for playtime. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235.

Thursdays

MOORE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Fruits, vegetables, meats, crafts, flowers, plants, baked goods and more. Armory Sports Complex, 604 W. Morganton Road, Southern Pines. Info: (910) 947-3752 or www.moorecountync.gov or www. localharvest.org. GIVEN STORY TIME. 10:30–11:30 a.m. For ages 3 to 5. Wonderful volunteers read to children, and everyone makes a craft. Free and open to the public. Given Memorial Library, 150 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 295-6022. MAHJONG (Chinese version). 1–3 p.m. A game played by four people involving skill, strategy and calculation. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376. CHESS. 1–3 p.m. Don Hammerman instructs all levels of players. You need a chess set to participate. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376. TAI CHI FOR HEALTH. 6–7:30 p.m. Practice this flowing Eastern exercise with instructor Rich Martin. Cost for single class: $15/member; $17/non-member. Monthly rates available. No refunds or transfers. Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville. Info and registration: (910) 486-0221.

PineNeedler Answers from page 109

3 7 9 6 8 5 2 1 4

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays

HISTORY OF PINEHURST TOUR. 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. (1 hour & 15 minutes each). Also by request. Experience the Home of American Golf on a guided windshield tour with Kirk Tours and learn about Mr. Tufts and some of Pinehurst’s celebrity patrons. Cost: $20/person. Departs from Pinehurst Historic Theatre, 90 Cherokee Road. Info and registration: (910) 295-2257 or kirktours.com.

Fridays

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME. 10:30 a.m. Reading selections are taken from the shop’s inventory of children’s literature, from the classics to modern day. The Country Bookshop, 140 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-3211. BRIDGE. 1–4:30 p.m. A card game played by four people in two partnerships, in which “trump” is determined by bidding. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376. JAZZY FRIDAYS. 6–10 p.m. Enjoy a bottle of wine and dancing with friends under the tent with live jazz music, provided by The Sand Band (Feb. 2 and 9), Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot (Feb. 16), and The Sand Band (Feb. 23). Cost: $15/person. Ages 21 and older. Reservations and pre-payment recommended for parties of 8 or more. Food vendor on site. Cypress Bend Vineyards, 21904 Riverton Road, Wagram. Info: (910) 369-0411 or www.cypressbendvineyards.com.

Saturdays

T A B P A P R

B O W L

E E R I E

T T R E A A P

A L S O

B E T T E A R G E N C T H A O T U T S E T L

2 4 6 3 7 1 8 9 5

1 8 5 9 2 4 6 3 7

4 3 8 1 6 7 9 5 2

5 6 7 8 9 2 3 4 1

9 1 2 5 4 3 7 6 8

H I S M O T H T E N S E A S E G E R A R A S H O T C E I G H T T R I A L E G R E E H E A A L R I A T T E R S H R E C E H A G A R L Y Y O N

I N S P I R E T R O O P

8 5 4 7 3 9 1 2 6 N O M I N A L

7 2 3 4 1 6 5 8 9 D O E R

V E R V K E O W M T I O M W E

6 9 1 2 5 8 4 7 3 I E S E L L E A G A I N

T Y P E

A N V E I T D

Photo: #scandalouslyunpunctual and @mjengelman

CA L E N DA R

Have a Heart Food Drive

Please help us support the Coalition. Feb 1st - 13th we’ll be collecting your favorite brands of cereal and deliver just in time for Valentines! Bring 4 boxes and enter to win a $100 gift card!

@shopmorganmiller

340 E. Massachusetts Ave Southern Pines | NC 28387

166 NW Broad St. | Southern Pines 910.692.5356 | Mon - Sat 10-5 shopmorganmiller.com

PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 2018

101

Don McLeod, Beulah Warren

SandhillSeen

Johnny Burns, Suzanne McCain

Shaw House Members Party Thursday, December 7, 2017 Photographs by Diane McKay

Dr. John Monroe, Robert Stolting, Ruth Stolting Allen Butler, Dorothy Shankle

Marie Hardister, George Hoffman

Christine Bagley, Louis Compo, Patricia McDuff

Grace Snelgrove

102

Jim Jones

Jane Clark, Dr. David Bruton

Steady Meares, Liz Meares, Elaine Schwartz

Dr. Jim Tart, Dr. John Monroe

February 2018 i��PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

SandhillSeen

Heather Kiser, Dr. Andy Kiser, Elizabeth & John McClain

The Tin Whistles Christmas Event Tuesday, December 12, 2017 Photographs by Eden Holt

Jan & Marjorie Ludwig, Donna & Mark Janasek Al Barbero, Flo Bitowf, Ruth & Jeff Holm

Dave & Pam Hampton

Murray & Tricia Williamson

Barb & Fred Nuenishoff, Roger & Pinkie Castanien

Phyllis & Dale Perdue Dr. Jianfeng, Daniel, Bei Tang Zeng

Francis & Nan Corcoran

Bill & Pat Tomasetti Abby Pruczinski, Ben Bridgers, Anna Fitzpatrick, Jay Biggs

Ron & Diana Plys

John McClain, Donna & Bill May

103

THe 2018

Holly & Ivy Dinner

Celebrating

Mardi Gras

When it comes to local, take our word for it.

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

No, really.

at The Holly Inn

Cocktails at 6:30pm • Dinner at 7:30pm $125 Per Person Tickets available January 5, 2018

A Special Benefit for the Given Memorial Library & Tufts Archives

MARDI GRAS attire is encouraged, but optional Make your reservations at www.giventufts.org For more information call 910-295-6022

Your Insider’s Guide to The Pines

CHECK OUT OUR UPDATED WEBSITE FOR ALL THE INTEL YOU NEED TO THRIVE IN THE PINES.

itsthesway.com

104

February 2018 i��PineStraw : The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

SandhillSeen

Jennifer Seals, Jamie & Beth Gawthrop

Adam Thomas, Claire Elgart

All Academies Ball Friday, December 29, 2017

Photographs by Corinne & George Walls

Anabell Motley, Greg Motley, Mary Laci Motley

Jean, Chase, Shari & Darrell Guthrie

Michael Godwin, Fallon Wulff, Zac Tilley, Jenna Judge, Shannon Wulff Caitlin Ledford, Timothy Kilpatrick

Jason & Paige White

Charlene & Manley James

Rebecca Laying, Landon, Hazel & Myron Roddenberry

Justin Titgen, Lizzie Auzenne Wayne & Dorothy Heinold

Manley James Jr., Lauren Chiuchiolo

Tomas Aguilar, Anita Edwards, Cara Edwards

105

er b Exc hange St. • A

12 9

en •

944-3979

Arts & Culture

ery treet GallTS

S Exchange

N TUDE S RE…S WE A THE ART018 OF y 2-22, 2 ay,

d r Februa eception: Fri 0 pm gR 6:0 Openin 2, 4:00 pm ry Februa H IS

MARCE ARTS H O F RT , 2018 : h 2-29

Marc g Reception 6:00 Openinh 2, 4:00 pm ay, Marc Hours:

Gallery to 3 pm e Street n Exchang- Saturday Noo Monday Frid

Sign up for 2018 Workshops Conquering the Mystery of Color: A Workshop with Laine Francis • March 5-7, 2018 Figures with Watercolor and Gouache: A Workshop with Kate Worm • March 26-28, 2018 Painting from Photos: A workshop with Laine Francis • May 23-25, 2018 Painting the Landscape: a workshop with Jeremy Sams • September 25-27, 2018