Life In Our Foothills January 2021 by Tryon Daily Bulletin

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

life IN OUR

FOOTHILLS January 2021

January 2021

Spreading the Love

Why I Love the Foothills

Everyone has a story

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FROM THE EDITOR

Kevin Powell General Manager

On the cover

Columbus Fire Department

Columbus fire chief Tony Priester (Story on page 32)

Photo by Macy Cochran

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

s we flip the calendar to January, everything seems to be either calming down, or just getting started. The beginning of the new year is nice and easy since the holidays are over. Everyone begins their resolutions they have committed to. Normal work schedules resume. School is back in session. For me, a recent college graduate, I begin the New Year turning the page from school to that of the real world and with that, becoming an adult. What lies next for me? Find a job? Moving out on my own? Get married? Start a family? Bills? Ugg. I’m not sure I am ready to begin this adult thing. Well, hopefully this fresh, new issue of Life in Our Foothills will invite you to take a moment, kick back your feet, and enjoy some local stories about how some people in our community came to be known. The ladies at P3 Consignments in downtown Landrum are inspiration to all still trying to find their resolution. Perhaps you want to start donating to the Humane Society. Maybe you’re an animal lover simply looking to share your kindness with some precious kitties. If that’s the case, P3’s is certainly the place you want to be. Up the hill in Saluda, Melanie Talbot came to our lovely Foothills without the slightest idea she would create one of the best restaurants in town–– more precisely, one of the very best barbeque joints in Western North Carolina. Everyone has a story, and hers started in the fashion industry and has continued on to Green River Barbeque. The hidden heroes of our Foothills possibly were not able to get a break from their jobs during the bustle of the holidays. In fact, many emergency workers have to be away from their families during the holiday, birthdays and other family get togethers. Chief Tony Priester of the Columbus Fire Department knows and understands this. The question is, is it really a job if your passion is saving the lives of those in need? The beauty January is being able to step forward and see how far you’ve come since this time last year. These stories show the progression of simply growing. So, go on and make your resolutions. It’s never too late to start. Just make sure you stick to them! Macy Cochran Contributor, Guest Editor and recent graduate ready to take on the world

Staff

life IN OUR

General Manager Kevin Powell Graphic Design Jullia Zeleskey

Administration Courtney Smith

Marketing Ben Bouser

Distribution Jeff Allison Jamie Lewis

FOOTHILLS Life in Our Foothills is published monthly by Tryon Newsmedia LLC. Life in Our Foothills is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Tryon Newsmedia LLC. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Please address all correspondence (including, but not limited to, letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to Editor, Life in Our Foothills, 16. N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, or email to kevin.powell@ tryondailybulletin.com. Life in Our Foothills is available free of charge at locations throughout Polk County and Upstate South Carolina, and online at www.tryondailybulletin.com. Subscriptions are available for $30 per year by calling 828-859-9151. To advertise, call 828-859-9151.

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Contributors Mark Levin, Writer and Photographer

Mark is retired from a career in education. In addition to the classroom he has had a lifetime of experiences earning a buck as a photographer, videographer, author, musician and camp director. You can follow his blog about people and places in the foothills at www.FoothillsFaces. com or check out his new podcast he enjoys with a friend of 50 years at www.garyandmark.com.

Vincent Verrecchio, Writer and Photographer

When not working in advertising as a copywriter, art director, photographer, creative director, and agency owner, Vince was on a horse with a camera in his hand somewhere in North America, Europe, or Africa. Now lightly retired from advertising, for more than 40 years, he writes about whatever strikes his fancy, looks for interesting photos everywhere and wanders the Foothills on a horse.

Macy Cochran, Writer and Photographer

Macy Cochran is a recent graduate from North Greenville University with a degree in English. She is a lover of books, coffee and binge watching sitcoms from the 90’s. As a creative writer, she often spends her time working on her novels, poetry and short stories.

Jimmi Buell, Writer

Jimmi is an extension agent for the Polk County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. She teaches cooking and nutrition classes with a focus on improving health with better food choices. She can be reached at jimmi_buell@ncsu.edu or 828-894-8218.

Pebbles, Writer

Pebbles is the “spokespony” for HERD, or Helping Equines Regain Dignity, a local nonprofit that saves equines from dire conditions and in many cases slaughter. She dictates her monthly columns about her adventures, and what a rescue organization does, to Heather Freeman. Pebbles and Heather can be reached through HerdRescue.org

Jullia Zeleskey, Photographer and Graphic Designer

Jullia has always had an passion for art and design. These two interests have blossomed into a career she can enjoy on a daily basis. As a photographer, her keen eye for that unique shot are showcased in the Tryon Daily Bulletin, Life in Our Foothills and Visitors Bulletin magazines. Most weekends, she can be found spending time outdoors hiking or mountain biking a trail off the beaten path or sipping a vanilla latte. LIFE OUR FOOTHILLS 6 6 LIFE IN IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Contents 10 Hollywood comes to Tryon 12 Spreading the Love

P3 Consignments in Landrum

22 Why I love the Foothills Barry Pryor

24 Everyone has a Story Green River BBQ

32 A Leader and His Team Columbus Fire Dept Chief Tony Priester

40 Brake a leg Pebbles

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Green River BBQ Photo by Macy Cochran

45 The Last Meal Quick Bites

46 Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos

48 Marketplace 50 Ad Index

Quick Bites

47 Parting Glance

Chief Tony Priester Photo by Macy Cochran

A Love for Jewelry Photo by Macy Cochran

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Hollywood comes to Tryon By Macy Cochran

Alaina McCall, Pricilla Rodrigueztomas, and Ellie Pressley

Amani Camacho, Lisa Novyen, and Zoe Kahermanes

Trade Street in Tryon hosted its annual Christmas parade on December 18. But this year, there was an exciting twist. The town was a buzz with a motion picture being filmed. Actors Kate Dailey and Bo Yokely performed on camera for the filming of a Christmas movie to be shown on the Hallmark Channel. The movie is expected to premiere November 21, 2021, just in time for next year’s Christmas.

Baylon and Rosie Kathleen Sousa and Joyce

Toni Hesla

Jane and John Hart 10

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Kate and Kevin Swerdlin

Mayor Alan Peoples

Cavin, Simon, and Keats Behan

Kate Dailey and Bo Yokely

Skye Spinner, Tatem Johnson, and Angel Bermen

Kevin and Rosemarie Sprouls Ryan, Addie, and Lindy Buss

Doug and Deb Clements

Bella and Patrick Clifford JANUARY 2021

Spreading the Love to Animals in Need The Story behind P3 Consignments in Landrum

Karma, one of the three shop cats, waits for a customer to finish talking.

Founders and managers of P3 Consignments Yvonne Bebber (left) and Kelly Vinesett

Writer & Photographer Mark Levin Even though they were both from Charlotte, Kelly Vinesett and Yvonne Bebber had to move to Landrum to get to know each other. Little did they know when they met that their friendship would lead to the founding of a 501c non-profit that would benefit countless animals in need. This past October, their P3 Consignments celebrated its fifth year in downtown Landrum. This is no ordinary consignment shop. The profit the shop earns goes to ten area animal rescue programs. No one is paid. Not even Kelly and Yvonne. This is truly a labor of love for the dynamic duo who are now paying it forward with much-needed 12

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

help for animals in need. You might have met them when they managed the old Vera Consignment store in Landrum. Kelly and Yvonne met each other when their older boys were students at O.P. Earle Elementary School and they were serving as room moms. The thought of creating a place in Landrum where people could help animals and be helped themselves was their idea and P3 Consignments was the answer. While Kelly and Yvonne handle the business aspect at P3, it’s the volunteers who make it all work. Even in the midst of the pandemic, volunteers still show up to see that the swarms of visitors get helped.

P3 Mission Statement:

To give financial support and recognition to local area welfare groups that promote humane practices for both animals and the people of our community. The store is so inviting that tourists and locals alike return as regular customers. Many first-time visitors don’t realize the good that their purchases do, but once they learn…spending money seems to be a pleasure.

Hobo Cat quilt square above entrance to the store. In “hobo language,” a drawing of a cat meant, “Kind-hearted woman inside.”

JANUARY 2021

All ten of the beneficiary organizations P3 supports have wonderful success stories. “Paws, Prayers & Promises” started up at about the same time as P3 and maintains a board of their successes in the store.

Kelly and Yvonne enjoying a rare break next door at Southern Delights. 14

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

You can recognize the shop by the quilt block of a cat over the awning. It’s part of the Foothills Quilt Trail, and the block chosen for P3 is called “Hobo Cat.” Back in the day, folks who hopped trains and were constantly on the run from the local constables, sheriffs or townspeople needed a way to communicate in a special “hobo code.” A drawing of a cat meant, “kind-hearted woman” inside. That quilt block was the perfect choice for the store that’s filled with kind-hearted women. Not only is a cat a good symbol for the store, visitors get welcomed by one, two or all three of the shop cats when they enter. Karma, Jynx and Toto have the run of the store and do their best to encourage shoppers to open their wallets as they open their hearts. The three shop cats have their own lair downstairs they can retreat to, but they prefer being upstairs where the action is. The cats also encourage shoppers to take a look at their buddies their friendly kittens looking for a home who inhabit the cattery located in a specially built habitat in the front window. Those kittens are supplied by Dana Mayer, director of Paws, Prayers & Promises – one of the beneficiaries of P3. It’s a win-win situation. Each year, over 100 kittens and cats get adopted through this effort alone. The store has a wide assortment of items mostly geared toward women. However, kids and men will find something they can’t do without. They also have some items just for your pet. Most items come in as donated thrift pieces which provides the most bang for the buck for the animal welfare beneficiaries. Some items are on consignment which helps guarantee that there are always many top-quality goods to be found. Yvonne and Kelly are also buyers and do purchase new items for resale to help round out the selection. Lucky shoppers stopping by on a Tuesday have discovered “Fresh Bake Tuesdays” and are able to buy a variety of scrumptious treats prepared by volunteers.

Yvonne with shop cat Jynx

The store is constantly turning over merchandise so there’s always something new to see. Yvonne and Kelly price things to sell just so they can keep up with all the donations that come their way. The basement serves as the staging area where new items are received, processed, and priced. Karma, Toto and Jynx make sure everything runs smoothly. P3 also gets items donated from Amazon on a regular basis. These items can’t be sold but can be donated to people in need including pet food for those who need help providing for their animal members of their families. Paws, Prayers & Promises arranges the food giveaways and P3 is the distribution center for these events. People often ask, “What do the three Ps stand for?” Without hesitation, the ladies answered, “Positive, Powerful, Persistent.” It’s a fitting description of the drive Yvonne and Kelly have shown in following their passion for helping animals. Never did they expect this dream of theirs would have such profound impact on the community. Over the past five years, the area animal welfare organizations have received over $60,000 from the efforts of Yvonne and Kelly and the volunteers. P3 impacts so much more than just the animals. Volunteer Jeanne Godwin comment, “I wanted a chance to volunteer where it helps the animals. It gives me a chance to get out of the house, be social, and help others.” 16

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Kelly with shop cat Toto

Kelly Vinesett

JANUARY 2021

Customers Margaret Ann West from Woodruff, SC and Pat Smeal from Laurens, SC enjoy finding all the discoveries in the shop and helping the animals in need and local economy all at the same time.

Volunteers Jeanne Godwin and Hannah Newman Ginger Happy Quilts display

Volunteer Cynthia Richman who comes in every Wednesday and arranges the outfits on the walls says, “As an animal lover, especially cats, it’s rewarding to know you’re helping raise money for the animal organizations in the area. It also provides a time for personal gratification, using whatever creativity I have to style outfits for the shop. It’s fun meeting new people too. There is no downside to volunteering.” Kelly Vinesett and Yvonne Bebber aren’t ones to sit by resting on their 18

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

laurels. They are too busy to project too far into the future, but they do have even bigger dreams. They would love to see the time come when they can hire a manager to run the dayto-day operations of the store so they can take this to the next level. The kind-hearted ladies inside hope to start a foundation to help raise even more money to benefit even more animals (and people) in need. And I can assure you these two are positive, powerful, and persistent and this foundation will happen.

Business Info P3 Consignments & Thrift is located at 112 East Rutherford Street in downtown Landrum, SC. 864-457-3694 They are open Tuesday through Saturday, 11- 4. Email is: P3Consignments@gmail.com.

The Animal Rescues P3 Consignments Supports: Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital Angel Fund www.bonniebraeveterinaryhospital.com Foothills Humane Society www.foothillshumanesociety.org Forever Dream Senior Dog Sanctuary www.foreverdreamseniordogsanctuary.org Lennie’s Kids www.lennieskids.org Paws, Prayers & Promises www.pawsprayersandpromises.org Pet Tender Angels www.pettenderangels.org Po’ Kitties www.pawsprayersandpromises.org/po-kitties Puddin Pie’s Place www.puddinpiesplace.org Service Dogs for Veterans www.sd4v.org The Hounds of Peaceful Place The Hounds of Peaceful Place Rescue & Sanctuary (on Facebook) Yvonne Bebber

54 McFarland Drive Hwy. 108 Tryon, NC 28782

(828) 859-9341

www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

Volunteer Cynthia Richman comes in every week to style outfits for the shop. She hangs them like works of fine art.

P3 Consignments is housed in a Landrum historic building. The ceiling is made of embossed tin. Dark Corner Country Store used this space prior to P3 taking over.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

JANUARY 2021

Why I Love the Foothills

Q&A

Barry Pryor By Macy Cochran As a man who once aspired to be a journalist, he’s become one of the well-known faces of Henson Building Material. But mostly, he has become a well-known member of the community. “Henson tries very hard to support the community,” Pryor says. If the opportunity rises to help the community, Henson looks for a way to help and to give in any way they can. These days, Barry focuses on building the company now that his nest is empty and it’s just him and his wife at home. Having been in the lumber business for thirty-two years, though, he knows the ins and outs of Henson like the back of his hand. “I appreciate the community’s support,” he says. “One thing I must say is that we have a wonderful team here at Henson. We’ve got a great group of people.” Barry Pryor

What’s your favorite part about having grown up in the Foothills?

I actually grew up in Spartanburg, but I spent a lot of time in Landrum because my family lives up here. My favorite part, though, would have to be the mountains. And the people are so genuine, and they’re so nice and kind. That’s one of the things that makes it so special to live here. I’ve lived in Landrum for five years, and I’ve always had family here, so I was blessed when I got this job at Henson.

Are you planning on staying here? Why?

It’s my goal to be in Landrum for the rest of my years. I want to stay because of the people and for the way of life that makes this area so great. Also, I raised my kids in this area and never lived outside of South Carolina except when I was in and out of state for college. It’s home to me.

Tell us about your time at Henson

Well, I started school at a small college called Montreal in North Carolina, then I studied at USC Upstate, and then at Limestone on and off. I never finished, and I don’t know if I’ll go back, but I might one day. I was pursing journalism; I love to write. I wanted to be a sportswriter, but I started working in the lumber business, and I’ve been doing it for thirty-two years, now. I’ve been with Henson for six and a half years. I began as a lumber wholesaler, then left that business briefly, but I got back into it. I’m not a craftsman, but I make a good seller of woodwork. 22

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

What about this community inspires you?

I know I keep going back to this, but it’s the sense of the people in this area. They want to stay local; they want to be involved in the community, and they want to be a part of the community. The Chamber of Commerce and local mayors––people like that do a good job of keeping things that way around here. This area is home to me because of the people. My grandparents and mother were raised here, too. It’s a giving community in itself which I love.

What do you do in your free time?

I have two sons and one daughter, but now that my daughter has moved to USC Columbia for college, we’ve got an empty nest. Free time now is about building Henson’s business. I’d like to get back into golf when I retire, but during my time now, I like to spend time with my wife, Lynn. We’ve developed dates nights like we used to before we had kids. They came with us everywhere, and we loved having them around.

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Everyone Has A Story Green River BBQ 37 Years Later Writer & Photographer Macy Cochran

At one point, Melanie Talbot was just a young, inexperienced twenty-four-yearold who wasn’t afraid of anything when she opened Green River BBQ She’s not that person anymore.. She was no chef and definitely had no involvement in the food business. The idea to open a barbeque restaurant wasn’t her own, even. It was inspired entirely by her family’s big barbeques they’d throw years ago. Flashforward thirty-seven years, and Melanie is still going strong at Green River BBQ with her loyal staff. The manager of the restaurant has been with Melanie since she was fourteen, and now in her early thirties, she takes care of the details while Melanie pops in and out regularly. When Melanie opened Green River BBQ, Saluda’s only place to eat was the lunch restaurant at Thompson’s Store. “At the time, we were the second restaurant to open in Saluda,” she says. Green River is Melanie’s first and only restaurant endeavor. But she didn’t exactly see herself taking this path all those years ago.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Folksy BBQ hot spot serving smoked meats and beer on tap.

She resided in Charlotte and moved to Saluda once her ex-husband’s family settled here. “I’ve been in Saluda for thirty-eight years, and I’ve owned this place for thirty-seven,” she says. “Originally, I was supposed to just stay here long enough to wait for the restaurant to take off. Then, I was going to look for a job somewhere in Greenville.” The restaurant, she claims, was going to be in the hands of her ex-husband because Melanie was pursuing the fashion business. She’d already managed clothing stores and had tons of experience in the industry, but she left fashion to help her husband. “Running this place is my life, now. It’s all I know. My days of wearing heels and skirts and hose are gone,” Melanie states. 26

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

At the start of her journey, she’d never done anything like this, but since Saluda has such good quality of life, she wanted to open this new door in a community that would welcome her. “When we opened,” she says, “there were very few barbeque restaurants in western North Carolina.” In fact, Green River BBQ was one of the first to open in the area since there were none south of Saluda, in Polk County, or in Hendersonville. “That was true of many things at the time, though.” In the thirty-seven years of being owner of her popular Saluda restaurant, it hasn’t always been a breeze. “I’m fortunate to have great staff, but I face what everyone else faces, too. They have good work ethic here, so I’ve never worried about being short staffed.”

JANUARY 2021

She says, “The people, customers, staff––they all bring me joy. What I love about them is how genuine everyone is and how fun. I live in an area where, in a world of negativity, I see positivity.” Melanie often draws her inspiration from the great cooks and chefs such as Rachel Ray and David Chang. “I love the inspiration they bring, and I love food. I’ve learned how to cook all genres of food, all ethnic food, so I’ve learned a lot from them.” While Melanie lives a cozy life in downtown Saluda, peacefully walking to work every day, opening a restaurant in a small town has its challenges. Being a barbeque restaurant, though, makes her place a destination restaurant, as she calls it. “People drive a distance to eat barbeque, but who’s going to drive all the way from Asheville just to eat a burger? Saluda brings in people from all over because of all the outdoor activities,” she says. “We’ve got hiking, ziplining, biking. People gravitate here. The restaurant is most successful in Saluda because of the activities. And being in a small town like this, the residents and other store owners support small places like mine.” The true challenge is wintertime and the time change because it slows people down from visiting and participating in outdoor activities. “But it gives us a nice break,” Melanie adds. Outside, she has renovated the patio and is expecting in the next few weeks to add heaters, a fresh coat of stain, and more decorations. Once the renovations to the patio are complete, she’s going to lastly haul out again the classic Green River BBQ sign so customers can snap pictures in front of it.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

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The restaurant started small, and as time went on, she slowly began adding a bar, an extension to the indoor seating area, and finally, an outdoor patio. A while back, Melanie took a trip to Indonesia and witnessed the impoverished community and horrible litter build-up. When she returned to Saluda, she minimized the use of all styrofoam and plastic at Green River BBQ, and only uses straws for take-out orders. “I want my customers to have a great experience. I hope they enjoy the food and the staff. Everyone here has a story,” Melanie says. “And everyone here wants to hear that story.”

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Columbus Fire Department Chief Tony Priester

A Leader and His Team

Columbus fire chief Tony Priester came to Columbus Fire Department and didn’t looked back. He’s been at CFD for sixteen years, he’s been chief for six years, and when he first decided to volunteer as a firefighter, he chose CFD and never left. Chief Priester is an ordained minister, coinciding perfectly with his idea that firefighting is a mission. By day, he’s a micro-processor at Michelin. By night, the chief. “I’ve held every office at Columbus Fire Department,” he says, though not bragging at all. After sixteen years, he went all the way from being a volunteer to the highest position thanks to ex-CFD chief Jeff Tennant and ex-Tryon FD chief Tank Waters for teaching him, helping Priester become the chief he is today. “At a young age, my mom and dad liked helping people,” Chief Priester says, “and God’s given me the ability to balance everything. My wife has been great in understanding what it takes to be a firefighter. We sometimes miss anniversaries, birthdays, holidays…But I’m always fortunate to help the community and do mission work here.” It all began many years ago when the fire search was looking for a missing person in the area, and Chief Priester wanted to do all he could to help find that person. “That’s how it started,” he says. The chief at the time was very welcoming of Priester, likely noticing his compassion to help those in need. “Being a firefighter––it’s knowing that God’s given me the ability and hands and knowledge to help others. I felt led to do it. When I say something, I take action,” he says. “It’s a calling I have, and it’s taken a lot to be chief. I can’t do what I do without the support of my firefighters. We’ve got great staff of men and women here.” Currently, Columbus Fire Department has eight full-time, career firefighters, six part-time, and forty-two volunteers. When Chief Priester began at CFD, there were only three paid firefighters. Now, there are volunteers whose ages span from fifteen years old to eighty-one years old.

American flags hang in all directions of the Columbus Fire Department

JANUARY 2021

“And let me tell you,” Priester says, “the older ones can run laps around me sometimes.” Since his time as Chief, CFD has included an addition for sleeping quarters, bought the first ladder truck in the area, and succeeded in expanding in many other areas. The courage to run into a fire, Priester says, derives from knowing that he and his team are professionally trained and are covered in the safest gear possible. “It’s a passion to do that,” he claims. “We know God has His hedge of protection around us, and our training is a major factor in what we do.” Back when he began working as a volunteer firefighter, homes and automobiles were crafted differently, burning differently than homes and cars burn now. “Our training had to adapt, and the fire service has evolved into a business that has to keep up with the housing market,” Priester points out. He volunteers for this dangerous position because, like he says, it’s a passion he has for his fellow citizens. “If I were a person needing help, I would hope they’d help me.” But being Chief is a tiresome job and highly stressful, physically and mentally. “Being Chief, though, you can always see the difference you make in someone’s life,” he says, so the stress is worth it. “When you’re coming up the levels of fire service, you’re always in the mindset when a call comes in to just fight the fire. As Chief,” he says, “you’re responsible 34

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for everyone on the scene including bystanders. You’ve got more responsibilities.” Also, there’s the paper work, staying in contact with federal government, staying within budget, et cetera. When he’s not Chief or working at Michelin, though, he’s fishing or going to car shows, raving over his old high school car––the ’65 Ford Falcon. “But my main passion are my grandbabies,” he admits. Back at the station, he’s got a team to keep together, and to keep a team together takes teamwork. Mostly, it takes a patient leader. A leader like Chief Priester. “I try to look at a person and see his strengths and weaknesses and lead him in the direction of his strengths,” Priester says. “If there’s concerns or issues, a good chief doesn’t take sides. I listen to both sides, because sometimes on a fire scene, it gets hectic and there’s tension. We get back and laugh about the chaos, though.” Despite the chaos and danger and harshness of a firefighter’s life, being able to interact with the community makes it all worth it, Priester states. “We do the Christmas parade, the Halloween stroll, we sponsor the Easter egg hunt. My young volunteers drive me to want to protect the young ones in the community,” he says. “Being a minister, I like that missionary work.”

Front View of Columbus Fire Department

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But the hardest part of being a firefighter is getting a call in the middle of the night or working in rain, snow, the heat simmering up from the asphalt of the interstate. “It wares your body and mind,” he says. Fatalities in house fires or car accidents weigh heavy of firefighters, though they do every single thing possible to help protect and save everyone in the community. The stress management team is there for firefighters to share their issues with at the end of the day. “I call them and talk to them and speak what’s on my mind,” Priester says. “My team debriefs here, and we’re quiet, or we talk. We do whatever we need to.” Risking his life for a stranger is no task in the moment of an incident. “There’s adrenaline to help the person in need. When you get back home, it hits you what you’ve faced, what you did,” he adds. Chief Priester’s message to the community is to always remember firefighters in your prayers and to always remember CFD is coming to help. “We give it our all,” he says. “If anyone out there is interested in volunteering, it’s worthwhile. It gives you another group of friends and another opportunity to help those in need. I want to thank citizens of Polk County for the support in the past and for the continued support.” Chief Priester goes on to say, “God inspires me to do this, and He leads me to this for a reason. I think sometimes it’s not for fire service; it’s to be a mentor to some people, a listener.” Exactly what every group of people need is a mentor, a listener. A Chief who loves them as his family.

CFD’s new drone to help locate smoke and people in a burning house.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Columbus Fire Department Chief Tony Priester

JANUARY 2021

CFD’s newest fire engine. 38

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Appointments

Willow with Volunteer Bill McClellan

It is time for us to stride forward into 2021. For a lucky few, 2020 was actually a good year. There were businesses that prospered in the pandemic. Some people found love, bought a beautiful home or welcomed a new life into the family. As I look back and ponder, the Chinese calendar’s Year of the Rat, 2020, was a mixed bag of questionable feed. The well-wishing term “Break a Leg” came into play as many of us moved into new uncharted territory. Last year had some monumental catastrophes.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Break a leg By Pebbles

2020 was super wet. Tons of rain brought lush grass and destructive flooding. Summer lingered and was sultry. Hurricanes rolled over warm oceans, bringing violent weather all the way to the Carolinas. The biting flies were hostile. Fires in the West devastated vast landscapes. They forever changed the lives of those who lived in the paths of their racing flames. On a more positive note, in my realm, HERD yearling pony Sedona became my pasture mate. We two princesses get along splendidly. We are similar in size, and I love her. She

follows my every lead. We love to gallop around and kick up our heels after a rain. Napping under the stand of oaks, with our tails swishing, is another favorite pastime. Sedona’s mother, Arizona, relocated, leaving my pasture last April when her belly swelled larger than a barrel. When we rescued her, Sedona was a wee baby, about four months old, nursing at her side. We had no idea Arizona was bred back to a Haflinger stallion. I knew it was only a matter of weeks until her new foal would arrive. She was so grumpy and pushy with

Pasture mate Sedona with Pebbles

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EQUINE | FARM + RANCH | LIFE

me. I begged my mistress, Heather Freeman, to give her a private paddock for birthing and raising the next baby born into our rescue, Helping Equines Regain Dignity (HERD). We were graced with a lovely foal, Willow, on May 20, 2020. Willow is perfect. Born a chestnut with a big blaze and tall white stockings, she is now a coveted red roan color, and full of life. She was the greatest gift for us last year. We also welcomed 30 horses into our fold. Despite the world turmoil, we had to stick with our mission, rescuing as many equines as we could house and feed. One that really stood out is Annie Oakley. We discovered Annie in a Tennessee kill pen. A black and white Overo paint standing 15.1 hands, this two-year-old mare had presence. She was also petrified of people. That was captured vividly in her photos on Facebook. She was not halter broke to lead more than a few hesitant steps. HERD purchased her, and she was delivered to Heather in January 2020. It took months of coaxing, but eventually she softened to the human touch. We slowly began groundwork training. What made our jaws drop in awe was her movement. Never have we saved a horse that literally floated on air. To watch her freestyle trot was pure poetry in motion. HERD volunteers Valerie Lowe and Bill McClelland built a challenging obstacle course to train our horses. A bridge, teeter totter, a two-tiered bank jump, and three challenging pool noodle obstacles topped their list. After a few weeks, Heather and Annie had the course conquered. When she passed the scary tarp test, off she went up for under saddle lessons and refinement with Beth Harrill.

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JANUARY 2021

Four River Valley Pony Club riders attain upratings

The Hoofbeats of the Carolina Foothills

Appointments Annie Oakley Pebbles Jan Column

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS Willow having a ball with her mother Arizona

The timing could not have been better for Annie’s departure to enhance her education. Heather took her young mare Inca out on a trail ride on April 22. It happened to be Earth Day and Heather’s birthday. At the end of a perfectly marvelous ride around the lake, a neighbor’s dog escaped its yard and attached Inca as Heather returned from the ride. Three crow hops and mighty bucks later, Inca scared off the dog and managed to launch Heather onto her left hip. My mistress arrived home in our RTV thanks to her husband Scott Homstead. She could walk with pain. Surgery was required to repair the damaged broken leg and bed rest followed. It was a manageable mishap.

On Aug. 15, River Valley Pony Club hosted a Horse Management Rating at the home of Richard and Amy Moore of Campobello. Sheila Grymes, Graduate B Pony Clubber, served as the examiner for this testing. Four club members achieved uprating at the testing: • Abby Billiu from D1 to D2-HM. Billiu is the daughter of Kristen Billiu and James Petro of Campobello. • Krista Just from D1 to D2-HM. Just is the daughter of Abbie and Ken Just of Pickens, S.C. • Rebecca Price from D2 to See page 27 D3-HM. Price is the daughter of for more River Laura and Chris Price of Tryon. Va l l e y P o n y • Ben Firby from D3 to C1- Club news and HM. Firby is the son of Helen and pictures. Mike Firby of Tryon. To earn the Horse Management (HM) Rating, these members passed an examination that tested horsemanship knowledge. Each candidate had passed one to three previous standardized rating tests since joining Pony Club. Each of the Pony Club rating levels is more difficult than the preceding one, and requires Pony Club members to learn more about horses and their care and to become increasingly accomplished riders and teachers of riding and horse care to younger members. The top rating, ‘A,’ is reached by fewer than one in 300 and denotes a highly competent and knowledgeable horseperson. The leaders of River Valley Pony Club are Dawn Dingwell, joint DC, of Campobello; Abbie Just, joint DC, of Pickens, S.C.; Kathi Brian, treasurer, of Inman, S.C.; Cathy Cockman Taylor, secretary, of Campobello; Helen Firby, parent

Annie Oakley floating on air

Baby Willow a 2020 blessing for Pebbles

Fast forward to July. HERD welcomed more new horses over the summer to rest with us and start training. Heather got back in the saddle the end of July and resumed enjoying life among the horses. Cool Joe, baby Leo, Stocking Stuffer, and Braveheart all joined us to recover here in our care. Summer zoomed by and fall rolled in with October. The daily clip was right on track until October 26. Once again Heather hit the trails for a three-hour ride on Night Lark. Bill joined her on his HERD rescue horse, Joe Black, with Valerie astride her new horse, Stocking Stuffer, whom she renamed Reba for her lustrous red hair. All was glorious as the trio returned off the trail.

Sedona with Pebbles

Then Night Lark must have stepped on something that scared her, and she launched into a life-threatening leap off all fours that sent Heather flying 12 feet. This time, the damage was far more severe. There was no getting up from this disaster. The ambulance came quickly. Heather’s right femur had shattered. The bone also dislocated from the hip socket. Thank heavens for HERD volunteers Bill and Valerie. They resumed all the daily feeding chores, grooming, care, and oversight while Heather remained in the hospital. She finally returned home to undergo a difficult recovery process under Scott’s watch. Timing is everything. Annie Oakley, one of Heather’s personal favorites, was adopted to Kathleen Foster in Green Creek, NC while Heather was bedridden. HERD was delighted and somewhat surprised that all the horses we intercepted from slaughter and retrained in 2020 found amazing homes by the year’s end. This was a wonderful gift to end a challenging year. What I think we all learned is to expect the unexpected. Here is hoping 2021 is a breath of fresh air with smoother riding ahead, and if we are lucky, no more broken legs!

Artichoke Soup By Pebbles

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of olive oil ½ of a large white onion, with skin peeled and then diced 4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped 2 celery stocks, chopped 1 large white potato, peeled and diced into small cubes 1 12-ounce bag frozen artichoke hearts, defrosted 3 cups vegetable broth 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (can add more if love more lemon favor) Pepper to taste Sour Cream, 6 teaspoons, one per serving for garnish.

Instructions: Sauté the onion in olive oil over medium heat in a soup pot, stirring for 2 minutes. Add garlic over low to medium heat, cooking until fragrant, roughly another 2 minutes. Add celery and sauté 2 minutes. Add potatoes, artichoke hearts, broth, thyme, and salt. Bring to a boil and then cover, lowering heat. Simmer until potatoes are tender, roughly 15 minutes. Next step is to blend in a blender, in two batches for a full minute each, the contents of the soup pot making sure the soup is silky. If still fibrous, blend a bit longer until it coats the spoon smoothly. Then return soup back to pot on low heat. Squeeze in the lemon juice. To serve, pour into bowls and swirl a teaspoon of sour cream into each portion for presentation. Serves six as a nice first course for dinner.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Quick Bites

The Last Meal By Jimmi Buell

This month I will be retiring, and this will be my last article for the Foothills Magazine. It has been wonderful researching and writing for this publication over the years. I’m stepping away from a job I have loved for 20+ years. Working in the field of health promotion has been my passion. How many of us can actually say we retired from a job that we truly enjoyed? Talking about healthy eating and teaching cooking classes has felt more like a hobby than a job. No, I won’t stop cooking; it simply won’t be my career anymore. I will be moving on to new adventures, whatever that may entail. As I wind down my time at the NC Cooperative Extension of Polk County, I’ve been thinking about what meal would be my last. Funny, I know. What is my favorite meal? There are so many! I love most types of food (although I’m not a big fan of sushi). I guess I would have to say that Mediterranean meals are my favorite. Grains mixed with vegetables and fruit and nuts on top make me happy. If I had to choose a meal to prepare for my last meal, it would be some combination of those ingredients. So, the final two recipes I’ll share with you are definitely near the top of my “last meal” list. Thank you for letting me share my passion for health and nutrition with you through these articles. Remember to stay healthy and safe. See you around our Foothills!

Mango, Black Bean, and Quinoa Salad Ingredients: 1½ cups chopped, peeled ripe mango 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt added black beans, rinsed and drained ½ cup cooked quinoa 1 cup thinly sliced red onions 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh salsa 2 tablespoons lime juice (approximately 1 lime) ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss gently. Serve immediately, or chill until serving. Kachumber Salad with Peanuts Ingredients: 2 large tomatoes, chopped 1 large English cucumber, chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, minced 1 mango, diced 1 cup diced pineapple ¼ cup chopped mint leaves 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper Juice of 1 lime (approximately 1½ tablespoons) ½ cup Spanish peanuts Directions: Toss all ingredients together except the peanuts. Chill, and top with peanuts when ready to serve.

JANUARY 2021

Quick Bites

Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos Yield: about 8 servings

Ingredients

Directions

• 3 whole ancho chiles • 3 whole pasilla chiles • 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled • 2 to 3 chipotles in adobo sauce • 1/2 medium white onion, roughly chopped • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tablespoons honey • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar • Kosher salt • 2 teaspoons dried oregano, preferably Mexican • 3 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth • 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder (untrimmed), cut into chunks • Freshly ground pepper • 2 bay leaves • 1 cinnamon stick • Corn tortillas, warmed, for serving • Assorted taco toppings, for garnish

Put the ancho and pasilla chiles and the garlic in a bowl; add 2 to 3 tablespoons water. Microwave on high until soft and pliable, 2 to 3 minutes. Stem and seed the chiles; peel the garlic. Transfer the chiles and garlic to a blender. Add the chipotles, onion, 2 tablespoons olive oil, honey, vinegar, 1 tablespoon salt and the oregano to the blender; puree until smooth. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high heat; add the chile sauce and fry, stirring, until thick and fragrant, about 8 minutes. Pour in the broth and reduce until slightly thickened. Season the pork all over with salt and pepper and transfer to a large slow cooker. Add the bay leaves and cinnamon stick, then pour in the sauce. Cover and cook on high until the meat is tender, about 5 hours. (Or cook the meat in a large Dutch oven, covered, for 1 hour 45 minutes at 350 degrees; uncover and cook 30 more minutes.) Discard the bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Shred the pork with 2 forks; season with salt and pepper. Serve the shredded pork in the tortillas, along with toppings.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Parting Glance

Hogback Mountain behind morning December fog (Submitted by Macy Cochran)

SUBMIT A PHOTO with a caption and have the chance of being featured in Life in Our Foothills. Subject: Parting Glance 2021 to kevin.powell@tryondailybulletin.com

JANUARY 2021

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

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JANUARY 2021

Advertiser Index 9

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Parsec Financial

Carolina Storage Solutions

Penny Insurance

Carruths Furniture

Polk County Transportation

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St Luke’s Hospital

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WORKING HARDER to Keep You Healthier

Great experiences make all of the difference.

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Through much hard work, St. Luke’s has earned 5-Stars for patient experience. There are 6,146 hospitals in the United States. And we are one of only 266 hospitals nationwide to earn this distinction.

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When our experiences exceed expectations, great things happen; the team gels—culture changes. And the community embraces what we do. Because we are working harder to keep you healthier, great things are happening at St. Luke’s.

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