life in our foothills
FEATURE
September 2013
Lifeinourfoothills.com
On target Youth connect with sport of old
PetroJoe September 2013
Collecting history
Vision in
Vines S E PT EMBER 2 0 1 3
1
FEATURE
Enjoy Independent Apartments, Rental Patio Homes, or Ownership Villas, Assisted Services at The Bridge at Lake Pointe Landing or Skilled Nursing and Rehab on our beautifully manicured 50 acre campus in the heart of Hendersonville. Experience amenities that include fine dining, a pool, theatre, exercise room, billiards room, libraries, housekeeping and laundry services, 24 hour nursing services, and more. True maintenance-free living!
2 LIFEINO URFO O T HIL L S. C O M
FEATURE
S E PT EMBER 2 0 1 3
3
Editor’s note
F
or a small cluster of communities the foothills boasts a range of culture. In a large metropolitan area one might think only of culture as relating to art, theater, lectures and classical music. Some might add into consideration gourmet food and fashion. The cultural richness we delight in here encompasses those elements, as well as a number of other pursuits. One might even say the foothills and the variety of people that call the area home are leading a cultural renaissance just taking hold in many other communities around the country. We’re at the forefront of reviving old traditions and a simpler lifestyle but putting our own twist on those ideas for a modern world. We grow our own food and flock to the farmers markets for locally grown shiitake mushrooms. We’ve got citizens like Joey Whiteside who travel the country reviving pieces of our history – turning antique road signs into wall art. In our own homes we create havens for items others have discarded – making new uses for them or displaying them for others to enjoy. Youth in the community have revived a local interest in the sport of archery and are enticing their friends and family to join in the fun. We relish the agricultural history of this area and have invited in visitors from across the country to sip juice of the grapes once again thriving in our soil. Starting in the 1920s celebrities flocked to Tryon for they knew the uniqueness of this area. We should cherish the beauty of not only the landscape of our home but the fascinating people who make it so interesting.
Samantha Hurst, Editor
samantha.hurst@tryondailybulletin.com
on the cover Steve Burney, top left, with members of the Green Creek Archery Club – Rick Burney, Matt Lowman, Josh Streaker and Phil Burney.
Photograph: Erik Olsen Cover design: Samantha Hurst
4 LIFEINO URFO O THIL L S. C O M
PUBLISHER Betty Ramsey EDITORIAL Samantha Hurst Leah Justice Gwen Ring CONTRIBUTORS Barbara Childs Gillian Drummond Robin Edgar Kirk Gollwitzer Kiesa Kay Erik Olsen PRODUCTION Samantha Hurst Gwen Ring MARKETING Harry Forsha Kevin Powell Lenette Sprouse ADMINISTRATION Jessy Taylor DISTRIBUTION Jeff Allison Jonathan Burrell Ethan Price
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 Inc. [the Publisher]. 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 Street, Tryon, N.C. 28782. Life in Our Foothills is available free of charge at locations throughout Polk County and upstate South Carolina. Please visit lifeinourfoothills.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $35 for one year by emailing subscribe@lifeinourfoothills.com or by calling 828-859-9151, ext. 101. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@lifeinourfoothills.com or by calling 828-859-9151.
features 24 PetroJoe
Joey Whiteside and family traverse the county seeking remnants of our culture's history.
30 A vision in vines 36 44 Purple Onion On target
Green Creek Archery Club introduces youth to ancient sport.
Parker-Binns Winery connects visitors with nature & vino.
At the Purple Onion in Saluda fresh – music, food, atmosphere – is a way of life.
48
The Mushroom Lady
52
The Winesetts
Whitney Blake encourages a love of mushrooms.
A haven for history.
CONTENTS
36 62
APPOINTMENTS 61 Equestrian events
48 COLUMNS 58 Country Living
Three goals to keep in mind when creating the perfect living space.
IN EVERY ISSUE 8 Out & About
Our foothills paparazzi grabbed photos of you and your neighbors at the Tryon Garden Club gala and serving others at the Outreach supply drive.
10 Short Stories
Learn more about the Green Creek Heritage Festival, Ache Around the Lake and Chardonnay popcorn. 6 LIFEINO URFO O T HIL L S. C O M
62 Sarah Holmberg
Equestrian artist Sarah Holmberg crafts memorable pieces from paper mache.
66 About Gerald Pack
A one-on-one with notable equestrian Gerald Pack.
68 Ashley Parsons
Parsons has big achievements in sight.
70 Alison Smith
Rider looks forward to more time in the saddle.
72 Dr. Lindsey Boone
Getting to know the relatively new face at Tryon Equine Hospital.
73 Dudley the Donkey
Monthly Contributors Barbara Childs
Barbara Childs is a freelance writer for Appointments. She has authored two children's books, "Sammy and the Cow Bird" and "Dear Bianca, Yours, Rudyard." Child's horse Bagheera and she were the National Champions of the USA in 1987. She also served on the Illinois Dressage and Combined Training Board of Directors for 11 years. Sutton is the horse she loves and rides today.
Gillian Drummond
Growing up and moving around the world taught Drummond three things; that change is positive, there are wonderful people everywhere and you can always create a home. She moved to Tryon in 2010 and opened her decorating business. She has been in the field for over 35 years. Her mission is to be your guide in creating a beautiful, comfortable haven.
Robin A. Edgar
Freelance journalist Robin A. Edgar writes for local, regional and national publications from her home near Lake Lanier in Tryon. She also conducts life writing workshops around the country based on her book, In My Mother’s Kitchen: An Introduction to the Healing Power of Reminiscence.
Kirk Gollwitzer
Kirk Gollwitzer is a freelance writer frequently writing articles for Google News Service, and other media organizations. After a successful career in business, Kirk found his true passion in telling a story through writing, photography and video. Kirk has a passion for music and major interest in sports. He is also writing a novel which will be adapted to a screenplay.
Erik Olsen
A native of Germany, Olsen began learning about photography at a very early age. Over the years, he worked in the TV news industry until making the decision to transform his expertise into a business. Today, he is blessed to follow his given passion and pursue what he loves for a living, filmmaking and photography. Winner of CNN's iReport award.
Deadlines Life in our Foothills publishes the last Thursday of each month. The deadline to submit content for the consideration of staff is the 1st of each month for the following month’s magazine. The staff of Life in our Foothills has the right to edit any and all content before inclusion in the publication. Please send your items to samantha.hurst@tryondailybulletin.com.
An Authorized Agency for
FEATURE OUT & ABOUT
Left: Geoff Achison will be in concert with Randall Bramblett. Below: Top of the Grade concerts continue in Saluda.
CALENDAR September September 5, 7 p.m. Landrum Library Fall Fest ETSU Pride Band Landrum Library September 6, 8 p.m. Geoff Achison/Randall Bramblett Tryon Fine Arts Center September 6 – 8 Green River Games The Green River Games is a multi-sport competition celebrating the terrain in and around the infamous Green River Narrows. Like the event’s Facebook page to stay up to date on details. September 7, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. FENCE Community Garage Sale Contact: 828-859-9021 FENCE September 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Green Creek Heritage Festival The 15th annual Green Creek Heritage Festival depicts life 100 years ago through arts and crafts, an antique car and tractor show, a fireman’s barrel roll and food. Info: Krista Haynes, 828-8170194 8 L IFEIN O URFO O T HIL L S. C O M
Green Creek Community Center September 7, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Dichroic Fused Glass Jewelry with Deborah Harmon Learn how to make your own brilliant dichroic fused glass cabochons. Tryon Arts & Crafts School September 7, 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. Astronomy Program Wild Duck Star Cluster Info: Jessie Willard 864-4572615 FENCE on Hawk’s Ridge September 8, noon – 5 p.m. Dichroic Fused Glass Jewelry with Deborah Harmon Learn how to make your own brilliant dichroic fused glass cabochons. Create fused glass pieces. On day two, make your cabs into unique wire wrapped jewelry. Tryon Arts & Crafts School September 10, 10:30 a.m. Tryon Garden Club classes Medicinal Plants and Shrubs June Ellen Bradley takes students on a walk-about to make a medicine on the trail. Info: 828-749-3031 Pearson’s Falls
September 11, noon Homeward Angels White Dove release Landrum Fire Department September 12, 7 p.m. Landrum Library Fall Fest The John Henrys Landrum Library September 12, 1 – 5 p.m. Kudzu Baskets Class Mill Spring Ag Center September 12, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Saluda Top of the Grade Concert Geoff Achison Old Skate Park, Saluda September 13, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Saluda Top of the Grade Concert Old Skate Park, Saluda September 14, 1 – 5 p.m. Kudzu Baskets Class Mill Spring Ag Center September 14, 5 – 7 p.m. Tryon Painter & Sculptors Wildlife Show 26 Maple, Tryon September 14, 5 – 8 p.m. Tryon Gallery Trot Multiple galleries throughout town offer works by local, regional and national artists. Tryon
September 14, 5 – 7 p.m. Charlie Ward Memorial BBQ Charlie Ward thanked his loyal customers by holding an annual barbecue. Saluda continues to hold the barbecue in September each year. Pavilion at McCreery Park, Saluda September 14, 5 p.m. 100 x 100 Canvas Project Opening Reception Upstairs Artspace September 19, 7 p.m. Landrum Library Fall Fest The Wilhelm Brothers Landrum Library September 21, 8 a.m. St. Luke’s Foundation Ache Around the Lake Take a run around Lake Lanier for the Ache (8K or 5 miles) or the Ouch (2-mile fun run). Lake Lanier September 21, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tea Bag Art workshop with Bonnie McLain McLain will teach how to make these embellished gift boxes as well as a never-ending card. Tryon Arts & Crafts School September 21, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Farm Tours Self directed working horse farm tours. The event allows
Left: Green Creek Heritage Festival - Sept. 7. Below: Ache Around the Lake runners in 2012.
visitors to visit horse farms in the area on the third Saturday of each month. Collinsville
September 28, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Beginning Lampwork with Kim Adams Tryon Arts and Crafts
September 21, 6 p.m. Rotary Club of Tryon Shrimp/Sausage Fest Harmon Field
September 28, 6 p.m. Upstairs Art Gallery 100 x 100 Canvas Project Closing Reception & Auction Upstairs Artspace
OUT & ABOUT
October 5, 8 p.m. October 13, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tryon Little Theater My Way Tryon Arts & Crafts Fall TLT Workshop Festival Tryon Little Theater Tryon Arts & Crafts School
October 6, 3 p.m. October 13, 3 p.m. Tryon Little Theater My Way Foothills Music Club Gala TLT Workshop Tryon Fine Arts Center Tryon Little Theater October 18, 6 – 8 p.m. September 21, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. October 8, 10:30 a.m. PAC For Lands Sake Dinner Kaleidoscope Paper Art with September 28, 8 p.m. Tryon Garden Club classes – & Auction Bonnie McLain Tryon Little Theater My Way Shrubs and Vines; Natives and FENCE Tryon Arts & Crafts School TLT Workshop Invasives Tryon Little Theater John Vining leads a lesson on October 20, 3 p.m. September 26, 8 p.m. identification. Fall Drama Tour PerforTryon Little Theater My Way September 29, 3 p.m. Info: 828-749-3031 mance TLT Workshop Tryon Little Theater My Way Pearson’s Falls Tryon Fine Arts Center Tryon Little Theater TLT Workshop Tryon Little Theater October 11, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. October 21 September 27, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Saluda Top of the Grade 5th Annual Golf Fundraiser Saluda Top of the Grade September 29, 3 p.m. Concert Tournament Concert Mary Comerford Memorial Old Skate Park, Saluda ICC Foundation Old Skate Park, Saluda Classical Quintet Location TBA Landrum Presbyterian Church October 12, 5 – 8 p.m. September 27, 8 p.m. Tryon Gallery Trot October 25, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tryon Little Theater My Way Multiple galleries throughout Saluda Top of the Grade TLT Workshop October town offer works by local, re- Concert Tryon Little Theater October 3, 8 p.m. gional and national artists. Old Skate Park, Saluda Tryon Little Theater My Way Tryon September 27, 8 p.m. TLT Workshop October 29, noon – 2 p.m. David Finckel, Wu Han and Tryon Little Theater October 12-13, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Big Brothers Big Sisters Phillip Setzer - Piano Tryon Arts & Crafts Fall Bowl For Kids’ Sake Tryon Concert Association October 4, 3 p.m. Festival Tryon Fine Arts Center Tryon Little Theater My Way Tryon Arts & Crafts School October 31, 5 – 7 p.m. TLT Workshop Halloween Stroll September 27 Tryon Little Theater October 12, 5-7 p.m. Landrum David Lichman Lecture Tryon Painter & Sculptors Info: www.davidlichman.com October 5, 8 p.m. Member Show Opening RecepBroadway’s Next tion Hit Musical TPS 26 Maple, Tryon Tryon Fine Arts Center S E PT EMBER 2 0 1 3 9
e g a t i r e Festival H SHORT STORIES
• SEPT. 7 •
The 15th annual Green Creek Heritage Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Green Creek Community Center. In the spring of 1999, Dr. Don McIntyre, then pastor of Green Creek First Baptist Church, birthed the idea of a festival depicting life in Green Creek 100 years ago. His desire was to offer to the community a day of fun, with a look back at how our ancestors lived their daily lives. The festival was held at the Green Creek Community Center with demonstrations given of the tasks inside and outside a turn of the century home. Antiques were on display and area history was shared with young and old. Today, the board of directors oversees the plans for the festival. The ideas from the first festival are still in place with many artisans demonstrating various crafts. Parking and admission are free. The only costs are for food and the purchase of craft items. ‘The Edge of Polk Cross-Country 5-K’ will be held again on Thursday, Sept. 5. Preregistration is requested and information can be picked up at Medicap Pharmacy in Columbus. Onsite registration will also begin at 6:30 p.m. with the race beginning at 7 p.m. Registration will include a free supper meal ticket. Also, on that night there will be a ‘Poor Man's Supper’ consisting 10 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M
of ham, pinto beans, cornbread and dessert from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. New this year will be an archery competition, sponsored by the Green Creek Archery Club, as well as classes for both children and adults. Preregister for the archery tournament, by contacting Steve Burney at greencreekarchery@gmail.com. If your civic club, church, school or scout troop would like to participate in the parade, register with Francine Costner at 828-863-4065. The finale to the parade is the “Firemen’s Barrel Roll Competition” now in its eighth year. There will also be an antique car, truck and tractor show again this year. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and requires a registration fee. You can pre-register for this event by contacting David Waldrop at 828-863-4071. Last year more than 70 cars were on display and more are expected this year. The Craft Fair, organized by Susie Kimbrell, includes many crafters on site showing and selling their wares. Contact Kimbrell at 828-863-4896, if you would like to reserve a booth. Also, If you are an artisan that would enjoy demonstrating your craft, contact Krista Haynes at 828-817-0194. David Wallace will again cook the barbecue this year and David Page of Green Creek will smoke the chicken
SHORT STORIES
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Lefty Flynn, F. Scott Fitzgerald, David Niven and Lady Astor.
leg-quarters. Barbecue plates and sandwiches will be offered, along with hotdogs, ice cream, popcorn, lemonade, drinks and bottled water. Proceeds from the sale of food will go to the Community Center, a nonprofit community organization. Ten percent of all proceeds are designated to a college scholarship, which is awarded to a Green Creek resident each year. Many of the same activities will be available this year including great gospel, country and bluegrass music, storytellers and a health fair. Watch the Tryon Daily Bulletin for more information in the coming weeks. For more information or to volunteer to help with the festival please contact Krista Haynes, Festival Chairperson at 828-8170194. •
Every other Tuesday this fall, beginning Sept. 17, Tryonites and those who love Tryon can take a journey through a series of films about the town. Held at the Tryon Fine Arts Center, these films will focus on Tryon in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s and how the area was visited by a number of celebrities traveling here as part of the social circle of Mr. and Mrs. Maurice B. Flynn. Maurice attended Yale University, where he played football and, according to legend, acquired the nickname Lefty for being a left-footed kicker. In 1913, while still a student, he married a socially unacceptable chorus girl and, even though the couple spilt up after just 11 days, he was expelled from the university because of his indiscretion. In 1916 Lefty marched down the aisle again, this time with Blanche Shove Palmer, with whom he had two children, including a son, John “Bud” Palmer who earned fame as a professional basketball player and as a sportscaster. Lefty moved to Hollywood in 1919, where he appeared in heroic roles in more than 40 silent films. While still an actor, Lefty and his third wife, Nora Langhorne Phipps, purchased Little Orchard, a residence that still exists in Tryon. Tryon had been previously visited by members of the Langhorne family from Virginia, of whom the most notable member, Nancy, found her fame and fortune in England, becoming Lady Astor and the first woman member of the British Parliament. Nancy continued visiting the Flynn’s during their years in Tryon, as did Nora’s daughter, Joyce Grenfell, who would become a celebrated British actress and comedienne. Other frequent guests at Little Orchard, as well as Oak Hall Hotel and the Pine Crest Inn, were F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, and the British actor David Niven. • S E PT EMBER 2 0 1 3
11
g n i p p o P with SHORT STORIES
flavor
Green Creek Winery has popped up with another enticing snack flavored by local wine. The winery now offers Chardonnay Kettle. The popcorn is wine infused and seasoned with sea salt. Winery owner Alvin Pack said it’s certified organic, GMO free and “delicious.” The corn used for the popcorn is hand picked and
shelled by Amish growers in western Wisconsin. It’s blended, popped and packaged right here in Polk County. “We started giving tastings several weeks ago to see what people would think and it’s had great response,” Pack said. A burst of inspiration hit Pack after visiting Populence, a gourmet popcorn company in Greenwich Village of NYC.
One of that company’s top picks on their website is a Sauvignon Blanc Kettle. Pack went with Chardonnay. “It’s a really unique taste – it has some lemon in it, it has some sugar in it and Chardonnay of course,” Pack said. “We’ve sold a lot of it already and it’s been a lot of fun.” One of the most popular foods in the United States,
The Popcorn Board says Americans eat about 16 billion quarts a year. Another American favorite – ice cream – gets a unique twist at Green Creek, too. “We’ve had a tremendous response to our ice cream too, which we now make on our own here,” Pack said. A 3-ounce package of Chardonnay Kettle costs $5 at Green Creek Winery. •
“Super-Natural Woman” Oct. 12 The upcoming “Super- Natural Woman” Conference is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. at the Carolina Event & Conference Center. Gary and Anita Morton of Landrum will lead a Praise and Worship service before the message and Greg Klouda from Rutherfordton, N.C. will minister on the violin. Joy Keith, vocalist, (from Tryon) will be the special musical guest. Joanne Gentry Midyette from Columbus will share the message entitled, “From Manna to Hannah to Top Banana.” This message focuses on the topic of trust and features stories of Miriam, Hannah and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Midyette and her husband, Bert (an ordained minister), will conduct a special prayer and healing service at the end of 12 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M
the message for anyone desiring prayer. The meeting will conclude by 12:30 pm. No child care will be provided. Midyette has taught women in churches for more than 30 years. Her teaching style is laced with humor and personal experiences. Midyette has a gift of presenting the deep truths of the Bible in a simple, easy-to-understand form. The “Super-Natural Woman” Conferences are designed to teach women from all denominational backgrounds. Midyette’s desire is to inspire women to study the Bible for themselves and to deepen their personal relationship with God. The Carolina Event and Conference Center is located at 374 Hudlow Road, Forest City, N.C. •
Ache Runners and walkers expect to ache and ouch after participating in the eighth annual Ache Around the Lake Run/ Walk Sept. 21. The event, which benefits St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, will begin at 8 a.m. at Lake Lanier in Tryon. The Ache (8K or 5 miles) was founded as a charity foot race in 2006 by Scarlette Tapp and Katie Malone. The founders lived and often ran at Lake Lanier, the site of this annual, 8-K, USAT&Fcertified race and the accompanying “Ouch” (a two-mile fun run). The Ache boasts gorgeous mountain lake views, moderate weather and a challenging USAT&Fcertified course. In 2012, there were 300 race participants and 30 race sponsors. This year, participation in the Ache Around the Lake or Ouch race will support the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) lab at St. Luke’s Hospital in Columbus and the goal is to raise $30,000 to help cover the costs of the simulated kitchen, tub, shower, curb and vehicle, as well as support other projects throughout the ADL Lab. Activities of daily living are the self-care activities an individual usually performs in his or her
SHORT STORIES
Around the Lake • Sept. 21 •
home or common outdoor environments. They are the routine things a person frequently does such as feeding, bathing, dressing and grooming. They often incorporate the areas of work, homemaking and leisure activities. There is a discounted registration cost for each race before Sept. 10. The price increases after that date until race morning. T-shirts will go to the first 200 registered participants. Visit www.achearoundthelake.org to register or learn more. •
S E PT EMBER 2 0 1 3
13
FOOTHILLS FEATURED
1
3
2 5
4
St. Luke’s Medical Building grand opening Almost 200 people attended the grand opening reception July 10 to mark the opening of the renovated St. Luke’s Medical Building, home for Rosenberg Bone and Joint and for the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation. 1. Participating in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting were Meshelle Colvin, executive director of the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, Brian J. Rosenberg, MD, staff and foundation board members. 2. Amy Norville, Glenda Richards and Allison Price. 3. Art and Caroline Brown. 4. Julie and Fred Foy. 5. Robin and Dr. Brian Rosenberg. 6. Dale and Patty Holl. 14 LIFEI NO URFO O T HIL L S. C O M
6
FOOTHILLS FEATURED
2 2
1
1
3
4 4
4 5
6
Outreach Supply Drive
On Saturday, Aug. 2 volunteers and staff of Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry provided about 300 kids with supplies for the new school year. The supply drive is held annually to make sure all students have the items they need to help them learn..
7
1. Carol Browning with Gail and Lee Stockdale. 2. Alice and Wally Oskirko. 3. Gail Polaski and Donna Butler. 4. Pat Grimwood and Lib McKeller. 5. Alex Thompson and Mathew Reedy. 6. Cody Cook and Lindsay Pruette. 7. Vennie Abrams and Stephanie Gilbert. S E P T EMBER 2 0 1 3
15
FOOTHILLS FEATURED
2
1
3
5
4
6
Tryon Garden Club marks 85th anniversary
Community guests came out Saturday, Aug. 10 to help the Tryon Garden Club celebrate its 85th year. The event included an art show of locals artists' work related to Pearon's Falls, which the club owns and operates. 1. Pat Gass and Jane Templeton. 2. Janet Sciacca and Judith Gosser. 3. Anne Day and Laura Weicker. 4. Emily Clark, and Andy and Linda Haynes. 5. Carole and Chris Bartol. 6. Kathleen Carson and Bill Crowell. 16 L IFEINO URFO O T HIL L S. C O M
FOOTHILLS FEATURED
2
1
3
6
1
4
7 5
Dining Out for Hospice
A total of 38 restaurants participated in the second annual Dining Out for Hospice event benefitting Hospice of the Carolina Foothillls. As of early August, 18 restaurants had donated $5,000. For more information, visit www. diningoutforhospice.org
4 8
8
1. Dr. & Mrs. Martin Fischer at Giardini’s. 2. Jason Cole. 3. Hannah and Matthew Lee at Bronco's. 4. Liam Daniels at Carolinas’ Harvest House. 5. Farrell Atkins and Patty Otto. 6. Todd Philpott at Wolverine Pizza. 7. Cindy Turner at Purple Onion. 8. Silas Powell at Bronco’s Mexican in Inman 9. Letty Kimbrell at Bojangles. S E PT EMBER 2 0 1 3
17
FOOTHILLS FEATURED
2
1 4
3
Back to School
Landrum Middle School students went back to school Monday, Aug. 19 along with their fellow students in District One schools.
5
1. Makayla Hollifield and Lucy Sandahl. 2. Wil Watry and Delorean Dixon. 3. Debbie Camp. 4. Cristina Leon, Crystal Parris and Alycia Mills. 5. Adam Sikes, Dalton Lucas and Braeden Hutchins. 6. Adam Powell, Zachary Dyer, Ben Painter and Keith Blackwell.
6 18 L IFEINO URFO O T HIL L S. C O M
FOOTHILLS FEATURED
7
8
9 11
10 12
7. Corene Greene, Devon Walger, Zoie Burgess and Faith Barnwell. 8. Marah Israel, Marley Dickson and Emily Hodge. 9. Sean Riorden, Lexi Caudle and Ruby Mullet. 10. Kevon Green, Sierra Hooper, Brianne Johnson and Cree Waters. 11. Rachel Blakeney. 12. Alexis Page, Ali Ayers and Makena Israel. S E P T EMBER 2 0 1 3
19
FOOTHILLS FEATURED
1
2
Tryon Gallery TROT
The weather finally cooperated long enough for Tryon Gallery TROT organizers to bring out the live entertainment and carriage rides through downtown Tryon on Saturday, Aug. 10. 1. The Trophy Husbands. 2. Sampson and Elizabeth Holzschuh. 3. Tim, Lilly, Jennifer and Layla Ballew. OPPOSITE PAGE: 4. Brandi Thompson, Erin Thompson and Alli Halbkat. 5. Carolyn Ashburn, Sherril Wingo and Joan Feagan. 6. Jon Matheis and Harrison Fortier. 7. Sydney Walraven and Sampson.
20 LIFEI NO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M
3
4
5
6 7
A Capital Senior Living Community
FOOTHILLS FEATURED
1
2
Star Wars Origami at The Book Shelf in Tryon Children of all ages enjoyed making origami Star Wars characters at The Book Shelf in Tryon, Aug. 8. 1. Abel Casas and Tyler Denton. 2. Alder Daniel. 3. Ian Stafford. 4. Cameron Tappe. 5 . A completed origami characters.
4
2
Learn more about LIFE in our Foothills.
$35
for one year, 12 issues.
SIGN UP TO BE THE FIRST TO RECEIVE THIS MONTHLY PUBLICATION DIRECTLY TO YOUR MAILBOX. CALL 828-859-9151 TODAY.
Life in our Foothills is the premier lifestyle publication for features, events and happenings in your foothills. S E P TEMBER 2 0 1 3
23
24 LIFEI NO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M
FEATURE
Petro Joe
a traveling t reasure hunt Written by Kiesa Kay Photographed by LeaH JUsTiCe
M
om and Pop stores and gas stations used to line the back-roads and state highways of this country, places where kids could buy cold soda pops while their parents
filled up the gas tank. Logo signs decorated the walls, advertising all kinds of special products. Now, people zip along the interstates and many of the locally owned businesses have fallen to the wayside. Joey Whiteside and his wife, Olivia, preserve that history, so a simpler time won’t
S E P TEMBER 2 0 1 3
25
PETRO JOE be forgotten. “My wife grew up in the Sidney Lanier house in Lynn, built in 1864, and I grew up in the Whiteside house that used to be the post office, built in
treat – a big breakfast at the Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg, Tenn., and the Oregon Dairy in Pennsylvania. When Joey goes near St. Louis, he stops at Carl’s on Route 66. On Labor Day weekend, Olivia goes with Joey to set up in Hillsville, Va. Once a year, Joey takes the whole family to the Amish country in Pennsylvania. Elliott, 9, and StorieLane, 7, enjoy the meets, and Oakley, age 4, likes trains. 1859,” Joey Whiteside said. Scottlynn, who’s a year and a “Our families shared a passion ½ old, enjoys going along for for antiques, furniture built to the ride. last a hundred years or more. “Elliott collects and likes to We believed in a hard work go to shows and find deals,” ethic and uniqueness. People Joey said. “He appeared in a gave their work their all, taking 5-minute television show in pride in products built to last Iowa.” many generations.” Joey’s interest in memorabilJoey spoke from Des ia began when he was a youngMoines, Iowa, a thousand miles ster. He built his collection from home, where he was of baseball cards, buying and attending the largest gas and selling at a flea market in Forest oil swap meet in the nation. City and at the Thunderbird People came from all over Drive Inn. As he got older, he the country and as far away got out of collecting. Then, he as New Zealand for the meet, and Olivia saw a roadside sign where they’d swap and aucsticking out of a trashcan that tion gas and oil station signs, said, “Samson Lane.” It struck pumps, soda pop machines a chord, as they had a bulldog and other memorabilia, called named Samson eight years ago. petroliana. He drives his They saw a Dr. Pepper sign at F450 diesel truck to meets in the Pickens Flea Market, and Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, got to thinking seriously about Ohio and Tennessee. turning a historical hobby into On the long journeys, he a business venture. listens to Christian contem“For a while, we specialized porary music and modern in selling series books online, songs by groups like Pearl Jam like Hardy Boys and Nancy and ColdPlay, but he drives Drew. You have to do a little along the back roads when he bit of everything to make a livcan. Each stop has a special ing doing this,” Joey said. “You
You have to think outside the box and be willing to travel. The good stuff isn’t always sitting outside your own back door.
26 L IFEINO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M
FEATURE have to think outside the box and be willing to travel. The good stuff isn’t always sitting outside your own back door. Sometimes, you have to go find it.” He went to his first big show, Dixie Gas, in Newport, Tenn. and had a lot of great finds. “It was a mind-blowing experience,” he says. “It’s usually lucky to find one or two pieces at a flea market, but at these big events, you can find many more.” He has found a lot of special memorabilia, including an original Hwy. 9 sign from the late 1930s and an original Hwy. 64 sign. He’s on the lookout for what he calls the Holy Grail, a U.S. 74 sign from the 1930s. With his business, www. petrojoe.com, he searches for items for people from across the country. “I like getting out and finding that needle in a haystack,” Joey says. “Some things I can find within half an hour, and the challenge can be getting someone to sell it after you find it. It gets competitive, and collectors can be serious people. It can be hard to get someone to pry loose of the good stuff.” Joey considers his work to be sharing things from the past, and linking younger people today with the ethics of that time, including the value of a dollar and the cultural history of the country. “Things have changed so much since I was a kid, and since I-26 was put in. Everyone zips along the highway, missing the best parts of America,” he said. “It’s really important to take those back roads and look
storieLane, Olivia, scottlynn, elliot, Oakley and Joey Whiteside in their garage surrounded by signs.
around, supporting our Mom and Pop shops. We’re lucky we still have McGuinn’s in Sunny View here.” Express in Tryon helps him ship items to across the country. Metal items are less likely to be found in this particular area than in some other places, because people here had deep patriotism during World War II and often melted down their metal to help with the war
S E P TEMBER 2 0 1 3
27
PETRO JOE
elliot Whiteside.
28 LIFEI NO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M
effort. “People were doing whatever they could to help with that war effort, so it’s harder to find some things in this area,” Joey said. Many times, people don’t even realize they have treasures in their own homes. Sometimes it’s better to leave barn dust ason the items when you take them for as sessment, because incorrect cleaning can reduce value. “It’s especially true for metal items,” he said. “Cleaning correctly can add value, polbut you can kill the value by cleaning, pol ishing away value when you make it look brand new.” Items also can be repurposed to become something altogether artistic and new. For example, when his parents’ Fiat couldn’t be restored, Joey and Olivia turned the hood into a hanger for pots and pans. at“We flipped over that trunk and at tached hooks to it to hang pots and pans,” he said. “It makes a nice accent for the house, and that type of thing could be a good accent for any man cave or game room. Today, we may live in a toss-away generation, but with a little imagination, we can repurpose and recycle.” Owning a family business requires sacrifices, and Joey said it was particularly difficult to miss a child’s birthday when it occurred at the same time as an essential
business meet. Joey and Olivia don’t work 9 to 5, but they work many hours and they work hard. “My dad always told me, ‘Son, when you get older, if you can, try to find a way to work for yourself,’” Joey said. “I’ve worked for other people and made some money, and I have
Son, when you get older, if you can, try to find a way to work for yourself. a degree in public relations from Appalachian State University, but a lot of times, work doesn’t feel like work. I feel blessed to do this type of work and I really enjoy it.” The work includes knowing authentic items from fakes, Joey said. He guarantees his finds, and he has to watch out for fraudulent items. “The biggest threat to the collectibles market would be people who deceive people,” he said. “No matter what it is, some people see money and care too much about it.” Joey’s own ethics and upbringing don’t go that route. He and Olivia are raising their children to believe in honesty and good values. “I believe in treating other people as you would like to be treated,” Joey said. “Sometimes it isn’t only the choice of doing the right thing, but the choice of doing the best right thing.” He attributes his happiness to having a strong, loving wife as his partner in business and in life. They share a deep faith in God and they really enjoy their family time, he said. Although the family goes to meets together when they can, sometimes he has to go alone. “I do everything I can, but my wife makes everything work. She takes care of our home, ships things across the country, helps tote things and cleans up the barn dust right there with me,” he said. “She is awesome. I don’t mind when I have to leave for a little while, but I always look forward to coming back home. It’s the perfect place to be.” •
GREEN CREEK ARCHERY CLUB
30 LIFEI NO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M
FEATURE
On TARGET in Green Creek Written by Samantha Hurst Photographs by Erik Olsen
C
utting through the air of a balmy afternoon in Green Creek, an arrow leaves the grasp of a shooter and strikes with a pop into a plastic
target. “There’s something about shooting distances,” said Chris Ellis, standing amidst a row of archers aiming up to 90 meters away in a field S E PT EMBER 2 0 1 3
31
GREEN CREEK ARCHERY CLUB behind the Green Creek Community Center. “You wait and you wait … and then you hear it.” The “it” is the pop of the arrow whizzing through the air and striking the target. Members of the Green Creek Archery Club meet every Tuesday and Thursday behind the Green Creek Community Center. The Junior Olympic Archery Development program offers youth age eight to 20 an opportunity to discover the sport and grow to become better archers. Introductory JOAD classes teach the fundamentals of proper shooting form; as the young archer develops, they will learn more advanced techniques. Steve Burney’s sons, Phil and Rick, mentioned an interest in the sport to their father, and he ran with that spark. At first, Burney purchased his sons plastic bows, and had them practice in the back yard to get their form inline. Then their interest, and a bit of good fortune, connected them with Jim Vennera – a level 4 National coach. Levels go up to five. JOAD offers both recurve and compound archers the opportunity to learn range safety and proper shooting technique. Vennera teaches youth and adults on both based on their comfort and interest level. Vennera said that becoming good at the sport takes persistence and patience. He said every detail counts toward whether or not they hit their target; preferably right in the center. “Their front hand, their back hand, their stance, their aim – it all comes into play,” Vennera said. Vennera explains as a coach, his job is to watch for even the subtle elements that might affect a team members’ ability to shoot well. As competitors meet their scoring goals, club members receive lanyards when they are awarded their first pin. Each time they reach a new level of shooting, they receive new pins – gold silver, bronze – to fill that lanyard. “They aren’t doing it for me, they aren’t doing it for their dad; in this sport, they are doing it for them; It’s their sport,” Vennera said. The shooters work to ensure their arrows hit as close to center as possible, with outer rings garnering fewer points, of course. “They’ve got to practice; it doesn’t just come to you when you pick up the bow,” Steve Burney said. “But man, when they finally get it, it really shows.” When they decided to launch the club in November 2012, the Green Creek Community Center opened its gym doors for practice. By February, the group was attending the indoor national competition. 32 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M
Steve and Rick Burney.
Jim Venner
FEATURE
rra.
Phil Burney. S E P T EMBER 2 0 1 3
33
GREEN CREEK ARCHERY CLUB
Matt Lowman.
Josh Streaker. .
34 L IFEINO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M
FEATURE Green Creek Archery Club members have participated in a handful of tournaments now. They’ve travelled to Conyers, Ga. to compete in the 2013 Georgia State JOAD Target Championship. More than 70 archers competed in that tournament. Phil Burney won the bronze medal in his age group of the Olympic recurve division. Rick Burney made it to the quarterfinal elimination round in the compound division. Josh Streacker placed fourth in his age group, shooting a bare bow in the Olympic recurve division. The difference between a bare bow and an Olympic Recurve bow is that the Olympic Recurve has a sight and stabilizer attached to it, among other things, while a bare bow is just that-with no aiming aids. For an archer, making it to the Olympics is the pinnacle of the sport. Streacker said he first learned about archery through books like the Lord of the Rings. He locked onto actually taking lessons after discovering more about it in modern times. “I went to a county festival in a park where I saw something a little like this,” Streacker said. “What pushed me over the top was finding out it was an Olympic sport … I’d like to make it to the Olympics, but that will take a lot of practice.” Most of these youth, however, don’t have such lofty ambitions for what started as a backyard hobby. They do, however want to do well each time they draw a bow. “It’s fun to see all of that come together [the right equipment and a considerable amount of practice] to make the arrow go farther or faster,” said Rick Burney. Shawn Streaker said he feels the sport has heightened his
son’s self-image. “When he shoots he gets real focused,” Streacker said. “He was very shy before but he’s starting to gain some self confidence. Ellis said one of the most encouraging things about archery is there are few limitations on who can participate. “Anyone can do it – any age; even if you are in a wheelchair, you can shoot,” Ellis said. Vennera said he’s even got 93-100 year olds who have committed to visit the seniors center in Rutherfordton to shoot. Vennera said he sees archery as another way for a person to connect with nature, learn a new skill and improve on themselves. He said he believes the character traits an archer learns in both
What pushed me over the top was finding out it was an Olympic sport … I’d like to make it to the Olympics, but that will take a lot of practice. practice and competition – hard work, dedication, critical thinking – help them in life too. “Back when we grew up, that’s what you did – you were never inside, you were always outside,” Vennera said. “You learned lessons from life that way and these kids are learning valuable lessons.” Steve found himself drawn into archery as well after taking his sons to lessons for about four months. Now even his wife Ava comes out to shoot on days when the weather is nice. Anyone interested should call Steve Burney at Medicap Pharmacy at 828-894-6112 for more information. •
S E P TEMBER 2 0 1 3
35
PARKER-BINNS WINERY
This row of Chardonnay grapes will be ready for harvest this month.
36 L IFEINO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M
vines
FEATURE
a vision in
Writtten by SAMANTHA HURST Photographed by ERIK OLSEN
S
tretching their limbs, entangling with one another down long rows across 7 acres, grape vines connect people with nature at Parker-Binns Winery. “I wake up every morning and walk out on the deck with my coffee and think, Wow, we live in a beautiful park,’” said Bob Parker, who owns the winery with his wife, Karen. The Parkers purchased 35 acres, just off Hwy. 108, in 2006. Shortly after, they cleared out an old field, replacing overgrown weeds with grape vines. In 2010 they bottled their first wine – a fruity Chardonnay aged in stainless steel barrels – and in 2012 they opened their tasting room. “People drop in from Ohio, Texas, Michigan and sit down for a glass of wine and conversation with people from just down the road – Columbus, Mill Spring, Tryon,” Bob said.
Bob and Karen Parker.
S E P TEMBER 2 0 1 3
37
PARKER-BINNS WINERY
The winery is 8 miles exactly, Bob says, from the I-26 exchange and 3 miles from Hwy. 9. Yet the winery still gets visitors every weekend from people – practically their next-door neighbors – who just found their way to this refreshing escape. Bob and Karen Parker are excited about more people finding their way here as they add elements to the overall experience of the winery. “We sort of started from scratch. So we’ve been slowly building,” Karen said. Karen leaves the envisioning to Bob. “I am very passionate about creating things,” said Karen. “I get total fulfillment out of creating something and that’s why I’m more of a worker bee.” Bob’s vision for the property and his own handiwork constructed stairs drawing guests up to a two-level deck that directs their gaze over a panorama of nature. Bees and butterflies flit amongst zinnias bursting in rich hues of oranges, fuchsia, red and gold. Two large brickovens, available to guests for toasting pizzas to perfection, sit side by side. A pergola soon to be covered in ivy vines will create a shaded setting for one to sit and sip under. “It’s limitless really,” said Bob. “We have a list of things that keeps us getting up every morning and I think that keeps us going … you can’t buy what we get from this place.” Both Bob and Karen have a background in food and beverages from business ventures on the Jersey Shore and in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Their last venture enhanced their aptitude for soil and cultivating plants as wholesale growers of palm trees and hardwoods. “Here we’ve combined food and beverage with agriculture,” Bob said. The ground here too lends itself to growing grapes but does so in a way other regions can’t claim. “I think in North Carolina the wine is truly vintage because the weather is different every
38 LIFEI NO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M
FEATURE
Bob’s vision for the property and his own handiwork constructed stairs drawing guests up to a two-level deck that directs their gaze over a panorama of nature.
S E P T EMBER 2 0 1 3
39
PARKER-BINNS WINERY
TOP: Bob Parker built these brick pizza ovens so guests at Parker-Binns Winery could not only enjoy the fruit of their vines but also dinner. ABOVE: Lulu, formerly known as Coffee, has her own wine - Loco Lulu for sale at the winery. Sales of the wine, $16 a bottle, provide $1 in donations to Lennie's Kids.
40 L IFEINO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M
year,” Karen said. “In California the weather is the same, so they can create the same wine year after year. I think the fact that we can’t makes each year’s wine exciting.” North Carolina is steeped in winemaking history. The state is home to America’s first grape, plus the state grows every major type of grape grown. With the moderate temperatures of the Thermal Belt, the area suits grapes well, which is why Tryon was known for its grapes throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s. In fact, as the Parkers began clearing trees and working this property, they uncovered a thick glass bottle, caked with dirt that reads, “The Pacolet Grape Juice Co. Tryon, NC.” Parker-Binns Winery bottles seven varieties of wine – Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Muscato, Chambourcin and Petit Manseng wines. Chardonnay grapes are the first to bud and the first to harvest. In late July the Chardonnay grapes had just ventured into veraison – on the brink of ripening – as they gained more sugar and dropped in acidic content. These grapes must ferment for a week to 10 days, and age six to eight months in stainless steel tanks. The fruity flavor that eventually flows forth will be ready to entice taste buds by next spring. Karen said she favors the unoaked Chardonnay best
North Carolina is steeped in winemaking history. The state is home to America’s first grape, plus the state grows every major type of grape grown.
PARKER-BINNS WINERY
TOP: Lulu suns in the grass below a row of grape vines. RIGHT: Inside the tasting room at Parker-Binns Winery wine enthusiasts can find a plethora of wine-related items such as hats, cork boards and signs. There is also a selection of the wine made at the winery.
42 LIFEI NO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M
www.uscupstate.edu (864) 503-5000 Parker-Binns Winery's Chardonnay.
because it maintains the fruity grape flavor. The reds grown here, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, will age one and ½ to two years. Juice for one of the most popular wines at ParkerBinns doesn’t drip from vines on the property. Instead the blackberry wine is made from fruit gathered from a farm in Henderson County. The Parkers are also experimenting with 10 gallons of raspberry wine. The Parkers also sell Loco Lulu, affectionately named after a rescue dog they took in. Lulu, once named Coffee, was one of Lennie Rizzo’s Special Cases – a neglected animal badly in need of a forever home. Lulu now happily serves as the winery’s mascot. For every bottle purchased of her sweet red Loco Lulu ($16 a bottle), the Parkers donate a $1 back to support Lennie’s Kids. All of these wines can be tasted when one drops by the vineyard. Tastings are available Thursday through Sunday 1-6 p.m., and by appointment. Bob and Karen said they personally host the tastings for the added charm of customers being able to interact with someone passionate about how the grapes are grown. “People want a personal feelings – an uncorporate experience,” Karen said. “They want to talk to who is making the wine, they want to talk to who is working the vineyard.” •
Which circle would you rather run in? 38%
OF INVESTORS WITHOUT A PLAN THINK THEY HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO LIVE COMFORTABLY IN RETIREMENT.**
93%
OF ENVISION® PLAN HOLDERS SAY THEY WILL RETIRE ON THEIR OWN TERMS*
Wells Fargo Advisors’ unique Envision planning tool helps us get to know your specific needs and goals in order to create your tailored investment plan. Monitoring your progress is easy. You’ll always know if you’re on track to reach your financial goals. Find out how having an Envision plan can help you live the life you planned. Call today. *RESULTS ARE BASED ON A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY HARRIS INTERACTIVE FROM JUNE-JULY 2011 AMONG1004 INVESTORS WITH FINANCIAL ADVISOR RELATIONSHIPS. **THESE FINDINGS ARE PART OF THE WELLS FARGO-GALLUP INVESTOR AND RETIREMENT OPTIMISM INDEX CONDUCTED FEBRUARY 3-12, 2012 FROM A SAMPLING OF 1,022 RANDOMLY SELECTED INVESTORS. NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE OR SUCCESS. NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER CLIENTS.
Michael Ashworth, CFP® Branch Manager Senior Vice President – Investment Officer Steve Collie, CFP® Associate Vice President – Investment Officer Raymond McLees Financial Advisor Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT FDIC Insured
187 N. Trade Street Tryon, NC 28782 828-859-9499 1-800-688-9499
u NO Bank Guarantee
u MAY Lose Value
Envision® is a brokerage service provided by Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. ©2012 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. Member SIPC. Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered broker-dealers: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company. All rights reserved. Envision® is a registered service mark of Wells Fargo & Company and used under license. 0312-1323 A1527 [88511-v1]
PURPLE ONION
Purple Onion
Cornhusk roasted Sunburst Mountain Trout.
Where fresh is a lifestyle
44 LIFEI NO URFO O THI L L S. C O M
W
Writtten and photographed by MARK SCHMERLING
hen Susan Casey was a youngster, “We ate right out of the garden. Fresh has always been part of my life.” As long-time owner of the Purple Onion, where fine dining and a sense of community meet at 16 Main Street, Saluda, Casey offers the restaurant’s clientele many selections featuring fresh local produce and other locally-sourced ingredients. Fifteen years ago this November, when the restaurant was born, Casey had no plans to operate a restaurant. Her sister, Lynn Casey bought the Wise Child Bistro at this location “It (the name) didn’t fit,” said Susan. “My youngest sister suggested ‘Red Onion,’” Susan Casey recalled recently. “We were going to be ‘The Red Onion,’ but there was a ‘Red Onion’ in Boone. So, we became the Purple Onion,” she continued, not realizing at the time, that San Francisco sported an already famous “Purple Onion” restaurant.
FEATURE
At the time, recalled Susan Casey, Lynn, who’d been an accountant for many years, was to be the owner, and “I was supposed to be a consultant.” That December, Lynn traveled to Raleigh, and “came back in love,” and her days as owner became numbered, recalled Susan. By March of 2000, Susan had become the owner.
I watch the front door. It seems like every other customer gets a hug from one of the staff. While Lynn was still the owner, Susan said that someone advised her, “’Your bonus (as an accountant) is more than you’ll ever make in this business.’” “But,” continued Susan Casey, “She wanted a sense of community. Our thought was to create a gathering place where after-home and work people could gather for camaraderie, good food and live music.” Though business was slow at first, “We still had good times,” said Susan. Now that the Purple Onion has a steady business comprised of local residents and visitors, that personal attention is still evident. “I watch the front door,” said Susan. “It seems like every other customer gets a hug from one of the staff.” And, “often with live music,” she continued, “people are dancing between tables while eating. Live music is featured Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. (Visit www.purpleonionsaluda.com for updates on performances.) According to Susan Casey, the Purple Onion’s core menu is “loosely Mediterranean based,” including tabouli, hummus and baba ganoush, with pita and feta. “We sell more salads than anything else,” she notes. Wild salmon in season is a favorite. Favorite entrees also include wild salmon with watermelon salsa over forbidden black rice, and cornhusk roasted sunburst mountain trout. Red meat lovers can order grilled rib eye. Beef is sourced from a third-generation farmer
Chef Jeremy Edwards holding the trout dinner.
Salmon. S E P T EMBER 2 0 1 3
45
PURPLE ONION
TOP: Purple Onion Owner Susan Casey. Bottom: The Purple Onion's Razzberry layer cake, and the cake being held by Mary Margaret Burdett, with the dessert display behind her.
46 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M
Front of building, including historic marker.
in Wilkes County, rabbit is procured locally, and pork is North Carolina-raised. About six to eight local farmers supply produce for “The Onion.” Casey said she believes in sourcing produce locally. “I’ve grown in that direction as I’ve been able to afford.” One of the restaurant’s features is pizza, including those with gluten-free crusts. Starters, salads and sandwiches complement the entrées. In addition, “We do a lot of really good craft beers,” including Bells of Kalamazoo, Michigan and North Carolina brews. “I think we have a really good wine list,” Casey added, with some sixty selections. Along with its varied menu, which changes about four times a year, the Purple Onion offers eight varieties of organic fair trade coffee beans from Little River Roasting in Spartanburg. The Purple Onion also serves as an informal gallery, representing some ten local artists whose work is displayed on the walls. “We sell a lot, too,” noted Casey. Restaurants are known as challenging business ventures. How has the Purple Onion done so well for so long? Hard work is a major factor. So is a personal touch. A typical summer day, says Casey, involves some 12 to 16 hours of work. In addition, she notes, “It (the restaurant business) has to be in your blood. There are a lot of adrenalin rushes. Recognizing regular patrons is something Casey instills in new staff members The support of her husband, Stony Lamar, also helps. Lamar, a sculptor, currently has a show in Asheville Summer hours at the Purple Onion are Monday through Saturday: lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m; and dinner from 5-9 p.m. Sunday brunch is served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. From September through April, it’s closed Sundays and Wednesdays. Seating at the Purple Onion is ample, with capacity for about 60 inside, and 60 outside (About 40 of those latter seats are covered). “Occasionally,” said Casey, “I will sit down outside with friends and family and think, ‘Wow, it’s pretty nice out here.’” •
MUSHROOM LADY
The MUSHROOM LADY Growing a better world in the dark
Shiitake Mushrooms freshly harvested.
48 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M
FEATURE Written by Steve Wong Photographs by SAMANTHA HURST
W
The Mushroom Lady Whitney Blake.
ith the nickname “The Mushroom Lady,” Whitney Blake had to be an interesting person, the kind of person you might find in her garden banging on logs with a hammer in hopes of stimulating the Shiitake mushrooms to come forth. If only lightning would strike the ground, that might do the trick. As a woman of a certain age with many talents and interests, Whitney takes Shiitake mushrooms very seriously in a casual sort of way. Sure, she has about 200 four-foot-long oak logs seemingly scattered about her shaded side yard, among the ferns and hostas. Her log cabin with solar panels sits in a low damp spot near Lake Lanier between Landrum and Tryon. Sure, sometimes she might talk to her logs and soak them in water and label them with dates and other organizational notes. She’s not above giving them a little music to grow on. She especially likes piano by Franz Liszt. But at the heart of her little mushroom growing enterprise, Whitney knows from experience that the mushrooms will sprout forth from the inoculated logs when the time is right and not a moment sooner. If anything, one of her best growing practices is to just “ignore, but casually acknowledge” the logs and the mushrooms that lurk within. Patience is a virtue Whitney and her mushroom logs know well. There is a cycle to Shiitake mushroom growing: after drilling about 20 holes in her logs and seeding them with commercially available spawn, its takes six to 17 months before Whitney can expect to see the reddish/brownish caps on stems pop out through the bark. Depending on the season, temperature, light, rain and mood of Mother Nature, she can expect a new flush of mushrooms about every eight weeks. And then it’s time to celebrate, take her mushrooms to market, and enjoy the fleshy and earthy fruits of darkness that have intrigued foodies for centuries and currently sell locally for about $14 per pound. A good flush will yield about 5 S E P T EMBER 2 0 1 3
49
MUSHROOM LADY
Whitney Blake and Herb Coon.
50 L IFEINO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M
pounds of mushrooms. The local demand for right-off-the-log mushrooms is high, and Whitney has no trouble selling what she grows. If anything, she has a hard time not meeting the demand. Most of her crop (along with her specialty mushroom butter) is sold to Ken’s Fine Meats & Seafood Market in Landrum. But what really caps her stem is to tote one of her mushroom-covered logs to the Saturday farmers’ market and have people ooh and ah over the novelty. Crowds gather to watch her snip off the mushrooms and sell them along with cooking advice. Whitney came into the mushroom business through her business partner Herb Coon, who is better known as the man behind Herb’s Halfway House in Columbus. As business partners, he’s the muscle and she’s the marketing.
Whitney came into the mushroom business through her business partner Herb Coon, who is better known as the man behind Herb’s Halfway House in Columbus. He’s very hands-on with cutting logs and providing experience and technical advice; she’s the face, making the contacts and promoting. Together, so far, theirhobby-turned business is only yielding a few hundred dollars a year. HW Mushroom Cave (H for Herb; W for Whitney) is today just a 25-by 40-foot shady spot and an unfinished basement producing enough mushrooms to keep friends and family hungry for more, but in the coming years, the business plan is for a lot more. They eventually want to have about 500 logs in year-round production of six different varieties of Shiitake mushrooms. As mushroom enthusiasts, Whitney and Herb believe most things go a little better with a little Shiitake. Aside from tasting as close to nature as you can get, the Shiitake mushrooms, like the egg and broccoli, are one of nature’s most-perfect foods. Nutritionally dense, high in B vitamins and minerals, low in calories and fat, Shiitake mushrooms are said to be good for everything from your sex life to your immune system, heart disease and cancer. When Whitney and Herb say, “fungus is our friend,” they mean it in all-so many ways. As the locally dubbed Mushroom Lady, Whitney truly enjoys her little niche market of making the world a tastier place one cloudy and wet day, one hammer or lightning strike, one oak log, one Shiitake mushroom at a time. •
WINESETTS
The
winesetts A
Written and photographed by LeneTTe sPrOUse
home for trinkets and treasures. Dean and Maxine Winesett about a decade ago fell in love with an enchanting house situated on the corner of South Lyles Avenue and Mallory Street. Once known as the Mallory House, this 1924 built home was designed and fashioned by Mr. Mallory, owner of Shamrock Mill. Nanny Mae Mitchell lived at this address next and some still refer to it as the Mitchell House.
52 LIFEI NO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M
FEATURE
This stunning abode pauses many a passerby with its nod to a simpler time and attention to detail. “The porch caught my eye first with its wrap around and iconic columns,” says Dean. “They aren’t what they appear you know. The columns are metal fluted, the capital (top portion) is cast from terracotta and the base is cast of steel.” The Winesetts both retired from Hilton Head, S.C. Dean as an architect and Maxine an elementary school teacher. Both grew up in parts of South Carolina and each wanted to live their retirement years near the mountains. With two sons grown, memories of camping trips off the Blue Ridge brought them Landrum’s way in their search. Dean’s list of must-haves was small – a front porch, sidewalks and an easy walk to downtown and church. Maxine wanted land in the country and had visions of Dean riding a tractor as she rode horses … The horse
Dean and Maxine Winseett.
S E P TEMBER 2 0 1 3
53
WINESETTS
Inside the Winesett home. ABOVE: Living area. RIGHT: Built-in architectural accents are carried throughout the home.
54 L IFEINO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M
FEATURE isn’t far from the porch Dean dreamt of, as they linger out front on the veranda with friends. Formerly all white, the Winesetts enhanced the home’s drama by painting it brown with red window sashes.
A mannequin of old, she gives Dean the opportunity to display one of his first loves, clothes. The brick dwelling is drapped in what looks to be terracotta tile roofing but is actually turned metal to mimic the roofs of the old Charleston homes. Selling to its period of English Arts and Crafts, Dean has dressed the inside in all period furniture. “It’s a little bit fancier than the American Arts and Crafts movement that started several years after England’s,” Dean explains. “Furniture during this time was centered around incorporating art and high quality craftsmanship back into furniture after a very ornate period prior.” With every step through this home, one’s eye is met with a cacophony of delights. Persian and Navajo rugs line the floors and some walls. Shelves of antique toys, antique pottery, antique boxes selected for their patinas, Southwestern Kachina dolls and Carolina art tantalize each gaze. To the right of the front door, dressed in her finest sits posed a very statuesque porcelain skinned beauty, Dean affectionately calls Veronica. A mannequin of old, she gives Dean the opportunity to display one of his first loves, clothes. She sits amid more than 2,000 turn of the century arts and crafts books. Each collected for the ornate graphics both inside the pages and displayed on the spines. This extensive collection
ABOVE: Veronica, a mannequin sits in the Winesett's library. RIGHT: Pottery the couple has collected adorns the home.
S E P TEMBER 2 0 1 3
55
WINESETTS
began when the Winesetts lived in Hilton Head. Dean had a book propensity and loved the elaborate spines and pictures, only now in this home has he had an adequate place to display his collection. The library was merely a room until his two sons, Lem and Jennings, built bookshelves and hung deep sconces. “I love it because of the character the library offers and the lighting,” Dean says. Antique toys sit sprinkled among shelves as well as Hummel statues, and elaborate stained glass lights. The great room is designed around entertaining. Comfortable chairs near the fire, candles for warm lighting and lots of seating all conversational distance. Maxine is quite the cook and loves to entertain. On this particular day the table is set for a birthday party for Maxine. Dean has constructed a village setting with mountains of antique boxes and antique toys. “I always do the table, “ he says. “At times I pencil out the idea, other times it comes as I am arranging.” Coffering ceilings oversee every room downstairs with the Dining area within the Winesett home.
56 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M
2013/2014 main stage series added touch of fine architecture of the period. The beams are bent curved and faux painted to look like walnut. Maxine’s favorite room is the sunroom. Here she practices her art, though she will fervently explain she is no artist. Framed pieces of her work hang throughout the home and in this room as well. “This room is the closest thing to being outside,” Maxine says as she thumbs through her portfolio to show her latest project. “It’s like being outside, inside … And the lighting is beautiful.” When Maxine can escape outside she sets out on her beloved horse. “I love riding the miles and miles of FETA trails with friends and being so close to home,” Maxine said. “I am so fond of Landrum and its small town feel and that everything is walking distance.” The house in all has three bedrooms, two baths and six fireplaces all spread out over two stories. It offers a cozy over garage apartment out back that overlooks the lush courtyard where Maxine cultivates another of her loves, gardening. “Every time we travel back from a journey, I see White Oak Mountain and I know I am coming home, where I belong,” Maxine says with a peacefully sigh. •
Friday march 28, 2014 8:00 pm
cATherine ruSSell
blues and jazz powerhouse, “One of the outstanding singers of our time.” – wall street journal
Saturday november 2, 2013 8:00 pm
cAShOre mAriOneTTeS
“Master puppetry, beautiful music, illusion and artistic insight” – new york times Saturday October 5, 2013 8:00 pm
BrOAdwAyS’ nexT h!T muSicAl
an entirely improvised musical comedy show! “Hilarious!” – new york times
Friday, May 9, 2014 • 8:00 pm
SuTTOn, hOlT & cOlemAn
Grammy Award winners Holt, Sutton and Coleman “blaze a new path while carrying on the legacy of Doc Watson.” – merlefest Sunday march 9, 2014 4:00 pm
cAlAdh nuA
Traditional Irish musicians with an innovative contemporary flair
All tickets $28 per show. Buy Season Tickets now and save 18%! 34 Melrose Avenue, Tryon, NC 828-859-8322 tryonarts.org
630 Fifth Ave W Hendersonville, NC 28739 828.693.0747 Asheville | Spruce Pine | Burnsville
866.693.0747
labordegroup.com
main stage sponsor
Robert P. Laborde, MD
Board Certified | Fellowship-Trained Retina Specialist Macular Degeneration Diabetic Eye Disease
Stephen J. Capps, MD, MPH Board Certified Cataract Surgery | Glaucoma Ophthalmology
COUNTRY LIVING
elegantcasual
Functional
Written by Gillian Drummond Photographs submittted
A
number of things came together just as I was contemplating writing this month’s column. First, I had the pleasure of visiting with some friends in their unusual home, which they built four or five years ago. It is a model for how to use design and style to create a house that functions well. Second, I found an old issue of House & Garden which was all about luxury, and last I saw the movie “De-Lovely” on television. Not only were the sets and interiors beautifully done, but they showed an elegance that has nothing to do with pretension. As the thoughts of these three experiences tumbled around in my mind, I realized that each of the elements they represent is truly part of my design philosophy: functional in design and style, elegant but not pretentious, and comfortably casual with touches of luxury. I recognize that these three goals are what
58 LIFEI NO URFO O THI L L S. C O M
most of my clients are looking for and what I work with them to achieve. I’d like to show you what I mean by describing my friend’s house in detail. It is a weekend and vacation home that sits in the middle of acres of beautiful hay fields. From a distance, you’d think it was a farm. Up close, it looks like a group of very well-kept sheds. However, after you walk up the stone path and through the door you enter a well-proportioned “living room” with very high ceilings. The house has a clean, simple Shaker style. The largest building contains one large room – a living room, dining room, library and kitchen all in one. The room functions so well as the heart of the house, a gathering place for family and friends. It has a fireplace at one end with comfortable furniture surrounding it, a big table for meals or projects, and large windows on either side with wonderful views. The room is decorated around a wonderful old Persian rug. A wall of floor-to-ceiling books and a mix of modern and country furniture and antiques give great warmth and elegance to the space. The art and accessories have been collected over time and are both modern and old.
COLUMN
This wonderful combination of old and new makes it feel as if it has all evolved over time. The master suite and the guest house are each in their own “shed” on either end of the main room, but connected to it. This design ensures that you are never on top of your guests, and it gives guests the feeling of being on their own. It’s a nice separation: when you want privacy you have it, and when you want to come together you can do so in the great space of the large living area. The attention to detail is what brings the element of luxury to this house. The pantry -- long and narrow with shelves on each side – is right off the kitchen. Everything is within reach – no wall cabinets in the kitchen. A small, elegant, well-stocked bar is maintained in the living room and another on the screened porch. There are beautiful materials used everywhere. Heavy linens and cottons that make wonderful slipcovers look casual but neat and clean. Silky cotton sheets on the beds that are not only the best quality, they are ironed! Down pillows, comforters, and mattress pads are used on all the beds. Is there anything more luxurious than a good night’s sleep? Every aspect in the creation of this house has been well thought out. There are three outside living spaces. A slate patio on the east side of the house is surrounded by wild flowers and fields; it is a perfect place for breakfast and lunch. Another patio on the west side has a great view of the mountains; it is heavenly for cocktails. A screened porch separates the main house from the guest house, is open on both its east and west sides, and has a fireplace - just the place to enjoy a brandy and some coffee after dinner while watching a spectacular sunset on a cool evening. However, when choosing the materials for our own homes, how often do we focus on looking for a bargain? So often our pride comes from getting something as cheaply as possible. Yet the end result when we buy the best quality we can afford is so different. This house is by no means large or pretentious. Not everything is expensive. However, every detail has been well thought out and executed with style. It is not about price. It is about having good things, not a
lot of stuff. It’s about finding things that are well designed and have great quality. I ended my lovely few days in this home with a sense of having my own design philosophy reinforced. Just as in the movie “De-Lovely,” elegance does not have to be pretentious. Just as in House & Garden, luxury is a vehicle to please the senses. Just as I experienced in every corner of my friend’s house, comfort, functionality, and simple elegance can come together so beautifully in a home. One of the first things I did when I returned home was to put this philosophy to work again with fresh energy. I had a room that had been sitting idle for a long time, stacked with books and equipment. One by one I sorted through the books and by the end of the week I had created new functional space that looked attractive and felt comfortable, ready for me to use and enjoy. My visit prompted me to ask, what can I do to make my house even better? Keeping in mind these three cornerstones, I’d like to ask you the same question: What can be done to make the space in your own home ever so much more comfortable, elegant and functional? Gillian Drummond has her design studio in Tryon, N.C. You can visit her website at www.drummondhouseco.com and reach her at info@drummondhouseco. com or 828-859-9895. S E P T EMBER 2 0 1 3
59
FEATURE
60 LIFEI NO URFO O THI L L S. C O M
APPOINTMENTS
Chilly taking a little afternoon rest. Barbara Childs takes care of this sweet old pony for Rina Davenport. Barbara said their daily routine includes bath and grooming in the afternoons, a banana treat and then naptime. She believes the pony is about 38 or 39 years old, but still loves to run and play with the big horses out in pasture. Photo submitted by Barbara Childs.
appointments All things equestrian
UPCOMING EQUESTRIAN EVENTS Sept. 1 Hunter Pace: Friends of FENCE: FENCE benefit Contact Dot Moyer at dot.moyer@ gmail.com
Sept. 14 – 15 Borderline Dressage at FENCE. Contact Kay Whitlock 910692-3504.
at Garrison Arena, Clemson, S.C. Contact Dottie Davis at 828891-4372 or larryanddottie1@ bellsouth.net.
Sept. 14 Harmon Hopeful at Harmon Field. Contact Lauren Allen at 828506-2335.
Sept. 20 – 22 Paul Belasic Clinic at Blue Moon Farm. Contact Sophie Clifton at sophie@ montana.net.
Sept. 21 Hope for Horses Benefit "Run for the Horses" Endurance Ride Contact www.natrc.org.
Sept. 14 Foothills Riding Club Show at Riverbend Equestrian Center. Contact Margo Savage at 828863-4924.
Sept. 20 – 23 Buck Brannaman Clinic at Garrison Arena, Clemson, S.C. Contact Dottie Davis 828891-4372 or larryanddottie1@ bellsouth.net.
Sept. 21 – 22 TR&HC Horse Trial at FENCE. Contact Laura Weicker 828-863Sept. 28 – 29 0480. Carolina Carriage Club Pleasure Driving Show at WinSept. 21 – 22 dridge Farm. Carolina Carriage Club PleaContact alicia@windridgeservices. sure Show at Harmon Field. Contact Margo Savage 828-863- com. 4924.
Sept. 14 Hunter Pace for South East Children’s Home at Scot’s Grove. Contact www.wchpace.org
Sept. 20 – 23 Buck Brannaman Clinic Horsemanship Clinic 1 and 2
Sept. 28 – 29 Carolina Carriage Club Show at Harmon Field. Contact Price Story. Sept. 28 – 29 Friesian Kuering Horse Show at FENCE. Contact horseshow@FENCE. org. Sept. 28 – 29 David Lichman "Advancing Horsemanship Clinic" Contact www.davidlichman.com.
S E P T EMBER 2 0 1 3
61
HOLMBERG
Paper mache artist Sarah Holmberg.
62 L IFEINO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M
papermache
APPOINTMENTS
Equestrian life Written by BARBARA CHILDS and JANET CUMMINGS Photographed by ERIK OLSEN
S
arah Holmberg, equine artist, welcomes friends into her classic Tryon horse country home filled with paintings, sculpture, photographs and warmth. Her studio is housed in a large light-filled rustic addition overlooking white stables, green pastures and a gray mountain backdrop. But Sarah sees many shades and variations of color outside her windows since becoming an artist. “I saw more once I started sculpting and painting; being an artist opens your eyes,” Sarah says. Sarah fills this place with her energy and passion for horses, dogs, the riding life, art and our unique community in the foothills. She was raised in Westchester, N.Y., where she trained with Gordon Wright and Barney Ward and competed in junior hunters and equitation. There she met Phyllis Eifert, while competing with Phyllis’ daughter at horse shows. Phyllis later became instrumental in mentoring her as a paper mache sculptress when their paths crossed in Tryon.
S E P T EMBER 2 0 1 3
63
HOLMBERG
The paper mache pieces tell a story, especially about the light-hearted moments of the riding life.
64 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M
APPOINTMENTS
Sarah moved to Tryon in 1986 where her father-in-law, Bud Holmberg, was Master of Foxhounds(MFH) with Tryon Hounds (TH), and where her husband, Kerry, is currently master. Sarah has been a field master with TH for many years and rides her two seasoned hunt horses. She began her artistic career working with her husband, Kerry, and TH huntsman Chip Anderson making maps of Tryon hunt country and then transforming them into artworks. She then worked with Phyllis Eifert to further develop artistic maps of Tryon Hunt Country and Foothills Equestrian Trail Association (FETA) Country. These are available for sale
from Sarah, and are now collector’s items. Phyllis Eifert is an internationally known artist and sculptors still living in Tryon, and she became a generous teacher sharing her knowledge of paper mache sculpting with Sarah for over two years. Sarah then went to another well known equine artist, Joan Macintyre, also living in Tryon, for help with learning to paint, especially the details of horses eyes, hooves, ears, muscles and veins. Joan Macintyre was influenced by the great British equestrian painter Sir Alfred Munnings and shared that influence with Sarah. “She helps me see differently as I paint and sculpt and put new life and form and
color into my works,” Sarah said. “Joan is always there for me. I have a better handle on my paper mache too because of Joan.” Painting is Sarah’s next quest; she is still learning to paint. The paper mache pieces tell a story, especially about the light-hearted moments of the riding life. Sarah uses natural elements such as moss, bark, seeds, leaves and branch; there is nothing artificial in her creations depicting a moment of joy and humor in the equestrian life. Many of the paper mache works have a hunt theme with hounds and riders. Sarah has created and sold more than 100 paper mache pieces.
Sarah's paper mache works and her paintings can be viewed at Lisa Otto's Horse and Home store in Landrum, where Sarah recently participated in an open house featuring her works, along with those of Joan Macintyre. Interest in Sarah’s work is growing as it was featured recently in well known galleries and shops such as Cross Gate in Wellington, Fla.; Horse Country in Warrenton, Equine Devine in Aiken, S.C. and Farmhouse in Landrum. You can see her work on her website www.uniqueequestrianartists.com, and on Facebook “Sarah S Holmberg Equine Art.” You may contact Sarah directly at: maplel1000@aol.com. •
Ask for us by name! hospice care for the people you care about
~ Competent, comforting care so loved ones can stay at home, and family can be family again
~ Professional staff on call 24/7 so you never feel completely alone ~ Inpatient care at our Hospice House in Landrum where the responsibilities of caregiving fall completely on us
~ One of the few non-profit hospice providers in the area, keeping the focus on patients and families ~ Our services include professional staff, medicines, equipment and supplies — covered through Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance — relieving the family of more healthcare debt
Serving families in Polk, Spartanburg & Greenville Counties
828.894.7000 864.457.9122 www.hocf.org
FEATURE
COLUMN
about
Gerald and Betsy Pack with five-year-old future Grand Prix jumper Quidam’s Naturale, aka Diesel.
Gerald Pack Written and photographed by Judy Heinrich
Regular readers of Appointments have seen many articles written by Gerald Pack – but not much written about him. That’s because, while he’s a great and entertaining talker, he’d rather discuss the horse history of Tryon and people he admires than focus on his own accomplishments. But the fact is, he’s been a leader in just about every facet of our horse community and many of its organizations. Pack is a Polk County native, as he puts it “born, bred and raised here.” Both his parents were from third-or fourth-generation timber families and they continued raising timber, along with beef cattle, sheep, goats and six children on their Happy Valley Farm. The family rode for pleasure, working cattle and foxhunting. Gerald’s first pony came when he was five, “a Shetland stud who bit me on the chest first thing.” Pack loved riding and became the family’s official trainer when they got into pony breeding and sales. He grew accustomed to asking where his pony was only to find out “another little boy needed that one.” The reality of a professional horseman, learned early. Pack moved up from Shetlands to Welsh ponies and then horses, competing at local shows and the two big annual shows at Harmon Field. Those were held on Wednesdays, with schools closed, cars surrounding the old hedge ring, and Tryon Riding & Hunt Club hosting a big barbecue for everyone. “Riding in a Harmon Field show then as prestigious as places like Devon and Wellington are 66 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M
now,” Gerald remembers. Pack won a lot and was recognized as a good horse trainer at an early age; his horses sold quickly. He rode for Tryon professional J. Arthur Reynolds who ran his own boarding and training facility, continuing to show and win against top riders. In 1959 Pack won the prestigious ASPCA Maclay Cup Final for equitation, followed in 1960-61 by the Christopher Wadsworth Trophy for the most outstanding young rider in the US and Canada. “That’s the one I was most proud of,” Gerald says. “It wasn’t given for one discipline, it recognized an all-around rider who showed, foxhunted, did Pony Club and so on.” He was also the US Pony Club’s top rider at the time. Gerald considered college and even visited Princeton, “but there were no horses. I decided not to go to college because it didn’t have anything for me – I always wanted to be in horses.” Having made his choice, Gerald wanted to get educated by the very best. Among the many professionals he worked with were the legendary Gordon Wright in Gowensville; British rider and dressage instructor Lockie Richards; and rider/judge Hans Senn of Austria and the Spanish Riding School. After those years of what he jokingly calls “slavery,” Gerald returned to Polk County to partner with George Webster on a farm where The Traces is now located, training, showing, instructing and hunting there before opening his own Stoney Knoll Farm. Pack foxhunted from an early age and was known to ride his show horses to the hounds. He helped Gordon Wright start Greenville County Hounds in 1963 and became Joint Master in 1974-75. He got the hunt recognized by the Masters of Foxhounds Association and trained current Tryon Hounds Huntsman Jordan Hicks along the way. He also bred Greenville’s hounds for 40 years and finally, upon his retirement, helped the hunt merge with Green Creek Hounds in 2005. It was through foxhunting that he met his wife, Betsy, an avid equestrian and UK-certified instructor, who was a
FEATURE guest at a Tryon Hounds hunt where Gerald was whipping in. Friends set them up on a blind date and after a one-year courtship they married in 1970, “in the dead of winter because we weren’t showing or hunting then,” he recalls. They showed and won all over the country until their two sons came along: Lewis is now a judge, show announcer and owner of Harmon Classics show management company, and Stephen is a grand prix rider and owns a training, showing and sales barn in Bucks County, PA. Over the years Gerald and Betsy have done just about everything in the horse business: showing, training, instruction, importing young horses and a little breeding. They’ve seen their riders and horses qualify for Harrisburg, the Garden, Devon and Wellington, and reach Top 3 at Spruce Meadows. To protect their farm from future development, the Packs placed the entire property in a conservation easement with the Pacolet Area Conservancy, of which Gerald is a board member. Protecting the things dear to him is a recurring theme for Pack. When the local horse industry seemed on the verge of dying in the 1970s, he helped organize the Blue Ridge Hunter Jumper Association (BRHJA) to improve the quality and variety of hunter jumper shows offered here and regionally. “We wanted to offer quality, family-oriented, affordable shows,” he explains. “We brought a tremendous amount of people into Columbus and Tryon. If parents got tired of the show, they could go uptown and look at arts or antiques or get something to eat.” Even more important to Pack, the BRHJA was instrumental in helping preserve the symbol of Tryon’s horse history that he most values: Harmon Field. Pack crafted the arrangements under which BRHJA leases Harmon Field for shows, thus not only covering the horseshow related costs but also paying for the ball fields and other areas. Fellow horse professional Lee Cone, who has known and worked with Pack for years, said, “Gerald was very outspoken on the importance of maintaining the horse side of Harmon Field and constantly worked with the Harmon Field commission to maintain it. His leadership in saving Harmon Field and building that show facility through the BRHJA is his most important contribution to the county, out of many.” Today Gerald continues with a very active lesson program that includes beginners just wanting to learn as well as advanced riders. “I believe every person and every horse deserves a chance,” he says. “I’m not under the gun to show against the top people in the world – I’ve been there, done that. But if I can give someone pleasure at whatever level, why should I not help them? My whole thing is to try and promote the quality of the horse business and the horse community here and to see it survive with that quality. That’s what life is about for me.” •
Come Let Us Design Your Backyard Paradise.
Custom Outdoor Kitchens Custom Decks and Pergolas Custom Cabanas Patio Furniture Grills Home Accents Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
122 Rainbow Lake Rd. (Beside Lowe’s) • Boiling Springs • 864.599.5215
We offer special discounts to Military, Law Enforcement, & Firemen...
Thank you for your faithful S E P Tservice! EMBER 2 0 1 3
67
Written by Barbara Childs Photographes submitted
Parsons pursues
higher levels
68 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M
Ashley Parsons has the golden road of success before her as she opens a new door in her career that will carry her through the dressage levels of International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) partnership with her mount Remy. Parsons has her bronze and silver medals and is focusing on her gold as her horse teaches her about the exercises and movements required for the tests and exercises. "Remy is teaching me a lot about how to ride the FEI tests," says Parsons. Parsons is based at the Kemper Penny facility in Green Creek, and here are the horses she loves, trains and shows. The horse she is most excited about is Faldegarden's Del Piero or “Monty” as he is called in the barn. Monty was originally a hunter who sustained an injury and was turned out for two years. A client of Parsons, Sydney Hines, bought him and slowly put him back into work with Parsons. “It wasn't easy! He was overweight and out of shape, so we had to go really slow. To top it off he would buck if you asked him to move forward,” Parsons said. “I have been riding him now for two years and we have developed a wonderful working partnership. He tries so hard for me everyday and has acquired an incredible work ethic.” Parsons said she started showing him last year at second level, and then moved to third this past season in Wel-
APPOINTMENTS
lington, Fla. where the duo scored well. She said she hopes to take him to the fourth level in the fall. “Our goal is Grand Prix in the next couple of years. As everyone knows, it takes a village to get a horse to the top of his sport," said Parsons. Another horse that Parsons has in training and is coming along well, is a 5-year-old mare named Fontyne. Fontyne is by Fidertanz, out of a Don Bedo mare, and is also owned by Sydney Hines. Parsons and Hines found her as an unbroken 4-year old. “I started her undersaddle in the spring of her 4-year old time. Unfortunately she sustained an injury, but she is back in work and doing fantastically,” Parsons added. “She is a most incredible young horse I have ever ridden. She has top class gaits, and she is sensitive but sensible. That magic combination we all strive for in dressage. She will be one to look for in the show ring in the coming years.” Parsons thought she was such a nice mare, that she bought her 3/4 sister who is now 3 years old. Parsons also has a gelding she rides and trains, Al Forno, who was given to her by Pam Silverman and Diane Ritz. Al Forno, or “Remy” has competed at the Grand Prix level. Parsons says he is a tough horse to maintain physically and mentally, but she is learning a lot from him. Parsons showed Remy at the Prix St. Georges level in Florida last season, and she hopes that he will continue to teach her more about riding an FEI horse. Lastly Parsons has a very special horse she rides, trains and shows. He is an Arabian gelding named Aascent or "Ace" as he is called in the barn. Gretchen Enright owns Ace. “Ace is the sweetest, hardest working little horse I have ever ridden,” she said. “He was diagnosed with Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing's disease. He foundered as a result. Now, after two years off with rest and healing time he is back in the show ring.” Ace pulled a 72.8 percent at First Level during his first show, and he beat 19 warmbloods in the class, Parsons said. “Our goal is to qualify him for the Arabian Sporthorse Nationals and hopefully win a National Championship with him,” Parsons added. •
“Our goal is Grand Prix in the next couple of years. As everyone knows, it takes a village to get a horse to the top of his sport.”
SMITH
“I now have a babysitter, so you will see me out there.”
70 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M
he r sadd l e
Smith back in Written by BARBARA CHILDS
APPOINTMENTS
Alison Smith fell head over heels in love with horses from the first time she rode and galloped her pony, Ginger Snip. She now owns and rides the great love of her life, Camross, who has been with her through the thick and thin of eventing. Camross was Smith’s first grown up horse, and Smith rode him from novice through advanced 3-day levels of eventing. Since riding Ross, Smith has changed from a pre-teen to an adult rider, and now they ride together with her 2-year old near. Smith hopes to hunt Ross this fall. “There are no words to express the kind of love and trust he gives me," said Smith. Camross is an Irish Thoroughbred Cross. At 27 and semi-retired, he has had a career as an advanced eventer. Smith's other horse is Star, a Percheron thoroughbred cross. He is 13-years old, a handsome dark bay with intermediate eventing skills. He has a sweet personality, but is a classic squirrel spooker! Smith's goals include her love to start eventing again after taking a few years off for her medical training and having two babies. "I now have a babysitter, so you will see me out there," says Smith. Smith loves living here in the Pacolet Valley where the environment and equine choices for horses and riding are abundant. "I love the foothills! After living in Texas and having the nearest vet 1.5 miles away, and he was more comfortable delivering cattle than helping horses and addressing lameness. I have a great farrier and vet and feel blessed, and I do not take this for granted,” Smith said. “I have lived without both for many years. The best part is the people here. It is great to have neighbors who want to ride out and look at deer, enjoy the sunshine, and hack
through the woods and trail to view the gorgeous landscapes of nature. What peace and blessings these gifts bring.” Smith enjoys doing anything with horses from working in the barn to riding. She is working with Star and conditioning him for some eventing challenges. Camross will be looking forward to the hunt field in the fall. “Like everyone, my challenges are keeping these two horses sound. Whenever they are feeling good, I count my blessings and take good advantage of it," said Smith. Smith lives here with her husband, Jeff, a pain management physician in Spartanburg.
Smith's two little boys Sutton, 2, and Saddler, 8 months, help Smith in the barn and keep her company while she mucks stalls. Smith grew up in Crested Butte, Colo. Her father bought a horse, and he decided she and her brothers should take a few lessons. Then he bought another horse to keep his horse company. When a local eventer came to her barn, she thought Smith's father had stolen her horse because she owned the only grey horse in the valley. Well 20 years later, and after taking lessons in riding and jumping from this eventer, Smith is still here and loving all of her riding days of peace and the beauty of natural landscapes in the Pacolet Valley. •
S E PT EMBER 2 0 1 3
71
BOONE
W
Written by BARBARA CHILDS
settles in at tryon equine
72 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M
hen Dr. Lindsey Boone spent years showing horses, but she never considered becoming a vet until she met Dr. Anne Baskett, who took an interest in her. Boone, the new Tryon Equine Hospital veterinarian, went to college with plans to enter medical school. One day after riding, Baskett asked Boone what she was going to do over the summer between high school and college. That was a turning point for Boone. Not only was she offered the opportunity to ride horses all summer, she was invited to spend the summer with Baskett and her husband Bill Hay at the equine clinic. “The first time I saw a horse undergo colic surgery, I knew what I wanted to do. I changed my major to pre-veterinary sciences after my first semester of college, and I never looked back," said Boone. Boone graduated from Clemson with her bachelor of science. She then went on to attend vet school at the University of Georgia (DVM). Boone proceeded to pursue her internship at the University of Texas A&M in large animal medicine and surgery before returning to the University of Georgia for a surgical residency and a PhD. Boone's present goals include connecting with the horse community here, and being able to serve the needs of local equestrians and their horses. "There's nothing better than helping a horse to feel well and whole again. My future goals include pushing myself to be the very best surgeon where I can potentially pursue sports medicine with a rehabilitation certification," said Boone. Boone said she loves being able to heal horses and have them able to be sound and working again. That is what she enjoys about her profession and its rewards. The most challenging part is not being able to help and save them all. Boone retains her passion for eventing. She still owns her first event horse, which she found and bought in this area. Her horse is 25-years old, a PercheronxTB cross mare. Boone evented her through the Novice level. She is currently ensuring that she has a very happy and well-settled retirement. •
DUDLEYupdates
W
APPOINTMENTS
Written by BARBARA CHILDS
ell, the secret is out, and it's all curled up and sleeping or has passed to the big rainbow above. It's black and furry with a big white stripe from head to tail. The barn manager is now peering at it in the culvert by the front gate,” says Madeline. "That my dear donkey friend sounds like skunk to me. Let us approach very carefully," says Dudley with authority. "Ah, look! he has opened one eye and gazes with a feral look of please go away. And he has just farted." Now, with that life force observation, I shall untie this bundle of equine news and events for your attention. • Be careful of the persimmons. They are ripening, and horses love to eat them. This is a risky combination with potentially fatal outcome, colic. Please don't feed your horses persimmons. • There is a beautiful bay pony that needs to be adopted through FERA and the Humane Society. She is 14.1 hands, about 7 or 8 years old, sweet and pretty, but not broke to ride. She would make a great companion pasture mate or a worthwhile project for a skilled, patient rider. Contact Vard Henry or FERA bmh43@ windstream.net 828-863-4444 • The Southeast Keurig for the Fresians will be held at FENCE Sept. 28-29. If you'd like to help, contact Michelle Sumner at Dark Knight Stables. This will be a first time event for the area here. Michelle@darkknightstables.com • Robbie Hambright is working on a Newsletter for TROT. The fall season begins on Tuesday, Sept. 3. The advanced volunteer training session will begin on Sept. 7 and finally, the annual TROT Horse Show will be on Saturday, Nov. 23. • Olivia Gould is a current C2/ HB member of the River Valley Pony Club, and she will soon attend Midway College in Midway, Ky. She will pursue equine studies there and has been awarded a full tuition scholarship as well as an athletic grant, which is a riding scholarship. This is for the Midway
Intercollegiate Dressage Team. Gould is testing for the C3 in August. She also plans to join the Keenland Pony Club in Lexington, Ky. where she can remain active in pony club while in college. Gould currently trains with Amy Barrington. We wish her the best in her years of riding and learning ahead. • Pam Stone's modest Stone's Throw Farm is currently full and busy with a waiting list for training. Stone has backed dressage sales this summer, re-training an ex- jumper and teaching clinics. Stone is looking for a working student for light stall and grooming duties, who may need, in this rainy weather, lifeguard credentials. Contact: Stonesthrowfarmdressage@ gmail.com. • Holly Hansen is looking for a good working student for her classical dressage school on Phillips Rd. in Green Creek. Contact her if interested. hhclassical@sbcglobal.net • Hansen is hosting a clinic for Stephanie Grant Millam on Saturday, Sept. 14 at her farm. Millam was a long time student of Nuno Oliveira, and she has just completed her book, Legacy of the Master, published by Xenophon Press. Millam will bring several copies of her book to this clinic, and she will be available to answer questions during her book signing. • We are all sending our healing thoughts and prayers to Suzanne Strickland who is recovering from a broken ankle due to a horse falling on her. We wish her healing and rest so she is back on her feet and riding again soon. • The Cinderella story of Snowman and Harry de Leyer will be made into a film. This is the story of the rags to riches open jumper, Snowman. This is not a movie about the world of show jumping. It's a wonderful human interest story that will appeal to the fans of Seabiscuit and Secretariat. Snowman jumped out of his paddock at a private girls boarding stable and came to Harry time and again. When he reclaimed Snowman and started training him as a show jumper, the American Show Jumping scene of Madison Square Garden began to make history. Harry de Leyer is 85 years old and known as the "Galloping Grandfather" today. •
Don't let the big storms and heavy summer rains get you down. Madeline here says this is the perfect storm of textures and flavors that will rock your world as you await the rainbows and welcome the sunshine back. This is a crowd pleaser that your family and company will think it was handmade by the gods! This serves 14. Listen for the magic word: more!
Sweet Macaroni Salad 1 16-ounce pkg. elbow macaroni 4 medium carrots shredded 1 large green bell pepper chopped 1 medium red onion chopped 2 cups mayonnaise 1 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup apple cider vinegar 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper Cook macaroni, drain, rinse in cold water. Combine macaroni, carrots, bell pepper and onion. Whisk the mayo, condensed milk, sugar, salt, pepper and vinegar. Pour over macaroni mixture and refrigerate overnight. •
S E P TEMBER 2 0 1 3
73
PARTING GLANCE
Diane Hayden took this shot of the path at Pearson’s Falls and submitted it for a Parting Glance shot. The Tryon Garden Club will host a series of classes at Pearson’s Falls in september. see this month’s calendar to learn more. if you would like to submit a Parting Glance shot, please email it to news@tryondailybulletin.com.
h t a p r a e l c A
74 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M
FEATURE
This is
Your
neighborhood.
Spacious 1 or 2 BR apartments • All utilities furnished (except phone) Full activity calendar/Scheduled transportation • Delicious noon meals & housekeeping Beautifully landscaped grounds/common areas • A caring & dedicated professional staff 24 hr. on-call nurse and emergency call system No entrance fees
White OakVillage-Tryon Retirement Community
70 Oak Street, Tryon, NC www.whiteoakmanor.com For more information, please call Suzanne Keim at (828)859-5871 today.
independent living apartments
assisted living
skilled Snursing E P T EMBER 2 0 1 3
75
For Exceptional Care, Close to Home