February Life in Our Foothills

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

LIFE IN OUR

FOOTHILLS

FEBRUARY 2019

Bonnie’s World Saluda artist and writer offers glimpse into her studio — and life

FEBRUARY 2019

MIRROR, MIRROR

Landrum shop offering big-time fashion in a small town 1$4.95 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

THAT’S AMORE

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Share The Love

Our agency consists of agents who either grew up in the area and elected to stay here or agents who grew up somewhere else and selected to move here. Whether by election or selection, it is their love for this area that makes our agents excited about helping buyers or sellers experience that same feeling.

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285 N. Trade St. • Tryon 828-817-0942 Kathy@KathyToomey.com

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Experienced agents licensed in both NC & SC • Members of Carolina MLS & Greenville MLS Active members of the community & sponsors of Tryon Beer Fest, Tryon International Film Festival, Carolina Foothills LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS Chamber of Commerce, Summer Tracks, Tryon Little Theater, Foothills Humane Society and Tryon Fine Arts Center

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WELCOME LIFE IN OUR

Kindle your love for what you do

I

t’s February, which means love is in the air.

It’s that special time of the year, where we spend an evening showering that special person in our lives with the attention and affection they deserve for sticking by us, through thick and thin.

While you can argue how Valentine’s Day has become overly commercialized, there is nothing wrong with taking a day to recognize some of the most important

relationships we will ever have.

Almost as important as building and maintaining our romances is deepening the other passions in our lives.

Far too often, we fall into a rut, a routine, in our daily lives — wake up, make breakfast, get ready for the day, drop the kids off at school, head into the office, pick up the kids, grab something from the supermarket for dinner, get the kids tucked into bed, maybe watch a show or two on Netflix, get a couple hours of sleep — rinse, wash, repeat.

While there’s nothing wrong with working and raising a family, without a little extra something in your life, you begin to feel a bit empty inside. You can sense a lack of spark, a drive to become the best you can be at something or a zeal to make the world a better place.

If you think you aren’t doing anything meaningful or useful to society at your current job, perhaps it is time to consider doing something else.

If you always dreamed of being your own boss, take the plunge and start your own business. If you decided to put off those extra few years of schooling you need to become a lawyer or a doctor, consider enrolling in classes again.

If a change in career isn’t in the cards, though, you can always fall in love with a new hobby. With the world’s knowledge at your fingertips, be it behind a keyboard or a touchscreen, it is easier than ever to pick up a new skill, be it photography, painting, coin collecting, programming, etc.

Or maybe your passion is in volunteering. The number of nonprofits and charities located here in the Foothills may seem limitless at times, so there is no shortage of ways to give your time to a worthy cause.

In this issue of Life in Our Foothills, you will find several profiles on people who are following where their passions have led them.

Take Saluda’ Bonnie Bardos, who has spent the past 25 years working on her paintings and musing about the affairs of her beloved adopted hometown, or Landrum business owner Kay Spiegel, who has taken the reins of one of the town’s most beloved clothing stores and turned it into something her own.

We hope you find something to love in the pages ahead.

Ted Yoakum, Managing Editor ted.yoakum@tryondailybulletin.com 2

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

FEBRUARY 2019

General Manager Kevin Powell Managing Editor Ted Yoakum Marketing Magan Etheridge Trish Boyter Production Gwen Ring Distribution Jeff Allison Jamie Lewis Alex Greene Administration Heather Holbert Contributors Mark Levin Vincent Verrecchio Steve Wong

Life in Our Foothills is published monthly by Tryon Newsmedia LLC. Life in Our Foothills is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Tryon Newsmedia LLC. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Please address all correspondence (including, but not limited to, letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to Editor, Life in Our Foothills, 16. N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, or email to ted.yoakum@tryondailybulletin. com. Life in Our Foothills is available free of charge at locations throughout Polk County and upstate South Carolina, and online at TryonDailyBulletin.com. Subscriptions are available for $35 per year by calling 828-8599151. To advertise, call 828-859-9151.

FEBRUARY 2019

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CONTENTS

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26

16

06

12

24

February calendar of events

14

Get to know the Rotary Club of Tryon

Social Life

Foothills Featured 08

Upstairs Artspace 40th anniversary celebration gala

10

Tryon Christmas Parade

Tryon Midnight Polk County Middle School Health Center grand opening

16

In the Studio

Saluda’s artist and writer sees changes ahead

Club Corner 26

A magic mirror in Landrum

Classic Couture offering big-time fashion in a small town

ON THE COVER: “The Blue Dress,” a painting by Saluda’s Bonnie Bardos. Learn more about the eclectic artist and writer in this issue’s In the Studio feature, beginning on page 16. Artwork courtesy of Bonnie Bardos

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36 36

Food in the Foothills

TIEC’s Campagna serves world-class Italian food, no matter the season

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Quick Bites

Local chef shares hearty pasta recipe, perfect for winter

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Five Questions for...

Ryan Griffin, Saluda Outfitters

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Parting Glance 54

Marketplace 56

Advertiser Index FEBRUARY 2019

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SOCIAL LIFE Winter Bird Hike

Red-Carpet Artist of the Year Show opening reception

Paint Your Pet in Fiber Workshop

Through March 15

Chase Away the Blues Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon

Through March 16

Winery Comedy Tour Mountain Brook Vineyards, 731 Phillips Dairy Road, Tryon

Members’ Gallery Show “Puttin’ On the Ritz” Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tryon Painters and Sculptors, 78 N. Trade St., Tryon

10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 2 Needle felted “painting” class Foothills Equestrian Nature Center 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon

10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 2 Woods in the winter program Foothills Equestrian Nature Center 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon

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5:30 p..m., Saturday, Feb. 2

“Pirouette,” installations by Leah Mulligan Cabinum, and “Look Before You Leap,” Kara Bender and Kevin Isgett Upstairs Artspace, 49 S. Trade St., Tryon

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2

9 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 7

Winter Bird Hike Foothills Equestrian Nature Center 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon

6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 8

Red-Carpet Artist of the Year Show opening reception Tryon Arts and Crafts School 373 Harmon Field Road, Tryon Show runs through March 15

7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 8

Saluda Community Singers Winter Concert Downtown Saluda, exact location TBD

9 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 9

Chasing Tool Workshop with Ashley Gilreath Tryon Arts and Crafts School 373 Harmon Field Road, Tryon

10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 9

Fused Glass Workshop with Karoline and John O’Rourke Tryon Arts and Crafts School 373 Harmon Field Road, Tryon

Feb. 14 through Feb. 17

Thursday-Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.

Tryon Little Theater presents “Mamma Mia!” Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon

6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 15

Paper Marbling with Japanese Sumi Ink Workshop with Ayako Abe-Miller Tryon Arts and Crafts School 373 Harmon Field Road, Tryon

Feb. 16 through March 9

Showcase of Excellence Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon

4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 17 Family Concert with Redleg Husky Foothills Equestrian Nature Center 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon

10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 23 Paint Your Pet in Fiber Workshop Tryon Arts and Crafts School 373 Harmon Field Road, Tryon

6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23

$100 Patron Lounge Food & Drinks Included

$30 General Admission Food & Drinks Available

Daddy Daughter Dance Stearns Gym, 231 W. Mills St., Columbus

7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 24

Rich Nelson Band concert Tryon Theatre, 45 S. Trade St., Tryon

FEBRUARY 2019

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FOOTHILLS FEATURED

Upstairs Artspace 40th anniversary celebration gala Photography by Ted Yoakum A pillar of Tryon’s storied history with the arts celebrated a major milestone on Dec 17.

Upstairs Artspace hosted a gala to celebrate the modern art gallery’s 40th anniversary at its location in downtown Tryon. Artists, art lovers, public officials and others in the community gathered to check out the gallery’s silent art auction, view a timeline of the institution’s history and enjoy some hors d’oeuvres.

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

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FOOTHILLS FEATURED

Tryon Christmas Parade Photography by Ted Yoakum A little less than a week before the big day itself, hundreds lined up along Trade Street to welcome a little bit of Christmas magic rolling into Tryon Dec. 19. The town hosted its annual Christmas parade that evening, which featured a festive procession of floats, decorated vehicles and people marching on foot through downtown.

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

VINEYARD & SANCTUARY Vineyard and Home to Rescued and Special Needs Equines from Across the United States The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run Columbus, NC • 828.863.2017 FEBRUARY 2019

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FOOTHILLS FEATURED

Tryon Midnight Photography by Ted Yoakum The Tryon Downtown Development Association hosted its annual Tryon Midnight block party the evening of Dec. 31, with attendees enjoying free food and music during the block party held in front of the town’s clock tower. Despite the fact the rain began to pour again right before the 10 p.m. ball drop, nearly everyone in attendance stayed to witness the Tryon tradition — and remained as Dean Trakas and Andy Millard dropped the ball a second time minutes later in honor of the late Jim Jackson, a beloved fixture of Tryon for decades.

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

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FEBRUARY 2019

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FOOTHILLS FEATURED

Polk County Middle School Health Center grand opening Photography by Ted Yoakum Officials with Polk County Schools, Polk County Local Government and Blue Ridge Health gathered at Polk County Middle School Jan. 14 to celebrate the newly opened Polk County Middle School Health Center. The facility, located inside a renovated classroom inside the Mill Spring school, is designed to help the school’s nursing and support staff identify and treat student health issues.

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

FEBRUARY 2019

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IN THE STUDIO

Welcome to

BONNIE’S WORLD Saluda’s artist and writer sees changes ahead STORY BY STEVE WONG, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK LEVIN

S

aludian Bonnie Joy Bardos is an artist.

It shows in her canvases, her house, her writing and every other aspect of her life.

But she has a feeling that something is about change.

“At this point in my life, in middle age, I’ve come to understand and appreciate that I have evolved into my art,” she says. “There’s no longer a separation — it’s my driving force, my life.

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“Currently, my house is on the market. I thought for so long I’d die here. The house and I just belong together, but it’s getting harder, to be cold in winter, to survive, and it needs someone with money in their pockets to bring it back to life.

It’s one of Saluda’s original homes, around 125 years old.

“To me, it’s magical, but I’ve had to realize not everybody sees the magic when they walk through, ‘tire-kicking,’ as I call it, as they size up what it’ll need. I guess we’re both fixer-up-

“White Crane”

FEBRUARY 2019

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pers, my house and I! Truly, I think it’s a treasure, like me — a jewel in the rough!

“Every 10 years or so, I go through a metamorphosis — divorce, changes and upheaval. Perhaps letting go of what I love most is that next transition. I don’t yet know where this change will take me, but my old saying is ‘wherever you go, there you are.’

“I might rent a little place around Saluda, if I can find one that takes a good dog and a cat, or we’ll just wait and see.

Warmer climes call my name, too. As long as I have a good dog, paints and a place to garden, I might just be OK!” At 59 years old, Bonnie is a woman with flair enough to share.

Keep in mind her 10-year-old-plus website/blog is headlined “Bohemian Artist: Painting & Thought.” It is pretty much an ongoing and detailed cyber reflection of the artist, featuring pictures of and words about her home, travels, art, life.

In real life, she is always nicely put together and not afraid to color her hair purple, put on bright lipstick and wear clothes and accessories that are organic, colorful and matched to her own sense of style. She might be right when she says, “I’m a hippie at heart.”

Although she likes living alone, she has a welcoming and open personality that invites everyone to be a friend. She calls 18

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

herself a “social introvert.”

About 25 years ago, Bonnie moved to Saluda, “not knowing a soul.” She moved into one Saluda’s oldest and most historic homes on Greenville Street. It’s the two-story house across the street from the fire department, the one with a yard overflowing with interesting plants gone slightly wild, a fish pond, mixed-media art scattered about, a beheaded statue of Jesus, bottle trees with inverted cobalt blue bottles and a front porch that serves as her studio on nice days.

To some, it might be a bit much, but that’s Bonnie — a bit much, more than what is needed, but certainly intriguing.

Inside the home is more — much more — of the same eclectic decor and artsy lifestyle. Walking through crowded and colorful rooms with strings of twinkling lights and paper Chinese lanterns, Bonnie readily admits, “I like stuff, and it gets me trouble.”

There are many works of art of her own and by other artists throughout the house. Some are finished, some in process.

Stained glass in the windows. An assortment of house plants. Statues. Art supplies. Antiques. Family heirlooms.

A little of this, a little of that. Christmas trees that look nice no matter the time of the year. Whatever suits Bonnie’s fancy.

Books. She’s suspicious of people who don’t have art and books in their homes.

Most people will identify Bonnie through her art, her writing or both.

For years, she has written a weekly column, “Saluda News and Notations,” for The Tryon Daily Bulletin. She often starts off with a mindful quote by someone important and then gives her personal take on a topic of her interest. She is poetic, funny and insightful to the world around her.

Her personal take is the bonus to a column that otherwise just lists what’s currently happening in Saluda.

Bonnie’s art is usually recognized by two ongoing phases of her paintings. Her landscapes — “Esto Perpetua” — are surreal, but not in a harsh Salvador Dali-way; more in a softer, peaceful, impressionistic, Claude Monet-kind-of-way.

Her favorite landscape is a view of a field and forest, set back far enough for the sky to play a vital role in the painting’s composition. Sometimes, a single color will dominate.

Most often, the trees create a sort of barrier, almost like sentinels guarding what’s unseen beyond. But they blend into the sky and the field to create an inviting lushness that only nature can supply.

Nearly always, there is light. It might be the sun, but more likely it is a source of light from the unknown. But it’s always there, always illuminating a world of her imagination.

“My heart breaks daily over the affronts done to this planet, and think often of Viktor Frankl’s ‘Man’s Inhumanity FEBRUARY 2019

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“Spirit Guides” 20

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

To Man,’” she says. “Around 15 years ago, one evening, when I was standing outside painting on the back deck, a pink sunset and golden light suffusing the world. I knew then I’d make a series of these paintings that depict nature, no trace of mankind in them.

“They have something to say; and my belief is nature is sacred. She will carry on, with or without humanity. There’s always a sense of deep peace, a soul to these paintings.

“I am troubled that we are going back to the Dark Ages, continuing to pillage and rape the earth’s bounty, taking-taking-taking without giving back. Greed, deceit, destruction of environment, disregard for human rights and hate are at a full boil these days. My only hope is this chaos brings change and opens minds.

“Humanity must lose the entitlement so many feel is their right. None of us need all the things we have. Things do not make us happy is the truth of it. When do we wake up and use what the earth has already given us — solar power, good earth, and a more gentle existence?

“Daily, I add to my compost bucket and haul it out to the compost bin. It thrills me to do that little thing, all my life.

Even if I won the lottery — ha! — I’d still have my compost bin, still drive a beater, and still be making art. And probably still have paint on my clothes and hands.”

Then there’s the whimsical paintings, collections of paintings that are layered and layered with leaves, flowers, birds, butterflies, ferns, three circles, bunnies and words that are so obscure they are easily missed. These canvases are often crowded and dense with symbols and images of nature, and, rightfully so, there’s often a lot of green.

These are pretty and happy paintings, and the light tends to saturate the composition rather than come from a source.

Sometimes the painting’s focus is obvious — a bird or bunnie.

Other times, the chaotic vastness of nature can be vibrantly overwhelming.

“I’ve said I’d make the ‘Esto Perpetua’ landscapes the rest of my life. Since then, I’ve added in ‘Songs of the Earth’ and other series that all connect,” Bonnie says. “Over the years, I’ve shown painting and sculpture in the Carolinas, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and elsewhere.

“Around here, I show at the Purple Onion, Whimsical World Gallery in Landrum, Tryon Arts & Crafts. I often have open studio at my art house for those who want to see where I live and work. My paintings live in England, France, the U.S. and Mexico. Perhaps other countries, too. I don’t always know where [my] work ends up, but I love finding out.

“Now and then, I win awards. The last one was first place for ‘Gaia: Earth Mother,’ a large sculpture I did. The best award I get [is] when people truly connect to the work — and feel it, sometimes with tears in their eyes. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Her friends say Bonnie lives in “Bonnie World… a metaphysical world floating between here and there,” she confides.

Brunson’s & Furniture Center

Patio Shoppe

FEBRUARY 2019

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“Live”

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“Inner Peace”

“As soon as I saw a photo of Bonnie Bardos I knew we were destined to be friends,” says her good friend, David Cedrone, owner of Whimsical World Gallery. “We were formally introduced by our mutual artist friend, Toby Wolter, owner and operator of Details USA of Landrum. Toby had coordinated a studio tour at Bonnie’s home with the intent of curating a group show, which was held at the Whimsical World Gallery April 2018.

“Bonnie’s home was filled with vibrant color, paintings, sculptures, plants, lights and a vast collection of art be fellow artists. One of my most treasured visits. After two successful shows with Bonnie, I continue to display some of her works at the Whimsical World Gallery.”

“Saluda has been the best place I ever lived — the sense of community here, the caring for one another like a large sprawling family,” Bonnie says. “The amount of craftspeople and artists of all genres. The old-timers, the feel of a small town with a big heart, as I have written about so many times in my Tryon Daily Bulletin column over the years.

“Just balm to the heart, especially someone that came here 25 years ago not knowing a soul, and created/found her ‘family’ among many friends. Good people have helped me so often to keep on this road of art. Just when I’m about to fall down, there someone is — believing in me and pulling me up once again, and again! Couldn’t have made it this far without others.”

As an artist of many talents and with depth of soul, Bonnie has the words that best describe her life.

“I love art; I need art; I breathe art,” she recently wrote.

“Influences are eclectic, from prehistoric goddess forms to modern-day Chagall. Nature is a lifelong influence as well: observing the lift of a bird wing, the songs and notes I see among branches, water flowing, trees, rocks, shapes, how clouds float overhead, the blue of a robin’s egg, the grace of all things.

“I don’t aim for realism or any kind of perfection in my own work, preferring to keep the delicious wabi sabi of imperfection. I’ve come to value my own imperfection, as well along this journey we call life.

“Poetry, art, writing for me have become who I am. Art is me, I am art. Now, years ago, that wasn’t necessarily true.

Years ago, I asked ‘Why me?’ Now I say, ‘Thank You. Thank You. Why not me?’ I’m just grateful for everything good and bad now. I live in the now.

“My dogs and cats taught me that wisdom.” • Steve Wong is a writer living in the peach orchards in Gramling, South Carolina. He can be reached online at Just4Wong@gmail. com.

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CLUB CORNER

How to join Any interested member of the community is encouraged to attend a weekly meeting, which he or she is welcome to attend. We meet most Thursdays at noon. The schedule is listed in our website, rotary cluboftryon.org.

There, you will easily find members to talk to you about the club and become your sponsor for membership (no secret handshakes required).

Get to know the

ROTARY CLUB OF TRYON ANSWERS PROVIDED BY FRED HARTLEY

Name of organization Rotary Club of Tryon Years of operation 91 Current membership 55 Current leadership President: Fred Hartley President Elect: Stacey Lindsey Treasurer: Dave Cornelius Secretary: Judy Lair Foundation President: Barbara Smith Webmaster: Dave Scherping Scholarship Chair: Michael Baughman Past president and designated rotary district governor for 2021/2022: Ken Shull

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

What is the primary mission of your organization?

Rotary Club of Tryon is a member of Rotary International. We are an organization founded and structured on the idea of development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service.

Locally, we support youth literacy through Reading is Fundamental, where we read and give books to local elementary students. We grant financial scholarships for post high school education to Polk County students. We annually sponsor and support students to attend an awayfrom-home leadership camp, this year in Black Mountain.

We support service activities with grants from our foundation.

Some are international such as Polio eradication (for which Rotary is renowned), Alzheimer’s research and grants. Currently, we are participating in a wheelchair distribution program in Bolivia.

Others are local, as the foundation responds to requests for support for local needs.

The resources to do these things come from individual Rotarian donations and fundraisers. Shrimpfest and holiday nut sales are two of our major activities.

Fundraisers are the vehicles to allow all community members to join in the good works.

How does the organization make the Foothills a better place?

The Foothills is a better place because of the services and activities listed above. But more importantly, Rotary provides a home for community members who choose to share the fellowship of those who also want to multiply the potential of the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self ” in a friendly, nonpolitical environment seeking what is “beneficial to all concerned.”

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864-457-4115

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FEBRUARY 2019

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FEATURE

A MAGIC MIRROR in Landrum

Classic Couture offering big-time fashion in a small town

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY VINCENT VERRECCHIO

A

t the corner of Rutherford and Shamrock streets in Landrum, the straight lines of black and gray bricks of Classic Couture’s exterior are an intriguing contrast to the patterns and colors framed in its gallery of windows.

The architecture is intended to connote classic in the sense of quality recognized over time. The women’s fashions on view meet the definition of the French word “couture,” literally translated as dressmaking or sewing.

Inside, the selection of women’s clothing and accessories is

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inspired by CoCo Chanel, as interpreted by owner Kay Spiegel.

A photo of Chanel hangs on the wall behind the service counter.

After World War I, the famed French fashion designer was remembered for liberating women from the “corseted silhouette” and popularizing a style of unencumbered physicality and sportive confidence. At Classic Couture, she is quoted above the fitting room door, “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” A full-length mirror hangs to the right of the doorway.

In a 1937 movie, a magic mirror is asked, “Who is the fairest

Kay Spiegel FEBRUARY 2019

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Diane Trescott and Helen Gilbert

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one of all?”

The answer for Kay is that if you like what you see, there is no need to ask for such a comparison.

She agrees with designers Yves Saint Laurent and Oscar de la Renta. Laurent believed, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” De la Renta said, “Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.”

“Clothing contributes to my self-image and self-esteem, and I imagine that’s true for many other women,” Kay says. “When customers come out of the fitting room and look into the mirror, I want each one to be happy with themselves and what they see...recognizing and appreciating their unique and personal style.

“That’s perhaps the core challenge of the business. If a customer asks ‘how do I look?’ or ‘what do you think?’ I will answer truthfully and, as necessary, as tactfully as possible. Something like ‘that’s really you’ or ‘this may suit you even better.’ Meeting all of the other challenges in this business are preparation for this personal contact with a customer.”

Kay’s first challenge was to realize in October 2017 that longtime Landrum business owner PJ Steinman was serious about retiring and wanting Kay to buy PJ’s Fashions.

“I laughed when PJ first mentioned it. I had been her frequent customer for several years, and my qualifications were simply a lifelong love of clothes. I knew what I liked, and liked her and the lines she carried, but my career had been in banking for 35 years. I knew about making loans but absolutely nothing about a retail clothing business.”

As a little girl in Hiddenite, North Carolina, Kay remembers playing with paper dolls and growing up wearing a frequent change of fashionable, made-to-measure clothes. Kay’s mom was

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FEBRUARY 2019

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a seamstress, and even though it was in a little out-of-the-way town, best known for its gemstone mine, she stayed current on fashions for her customers.

“But me? In later years, mom would joke that I couldn’t sew in a zipper,” Kay recalls. “No matter, PJ was convinced that I was the one.”

If PJ had a crystal ball, Kay didn’t find it after she and her husband, Harvey, purchased the business and the building downtown.

They were committed as a team, but Harvey was an industrial engineer and owner of Turnamics, a precision machining company. He knew about turning and threading stainless steel and milling titanium but had nothing to contribute about the comfort of Modal fabric or the feel and drape of bamboo cotton.

His company did fabricate the metal CC logo over the entrance and the ornamentation on railings on the stairs to the gallery level. Contributing to the family effort, his graphic designer daughter, Stephanie, created the logo and develops ads for her stepmom.

“I wanted the challenge of doing things I thought I never could,” Kay says. “The challenges are so many and so frequent that I don’t know where one starts and stops, or if it’s only an ongoing cycle of worry, determination and sense of accomplishment.”

Then, there was the whole challenging issue of inventory.

What brands, styles, fabrics, colors, and sizes to stock as

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Diane Trescott and Kay Spiegel

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separates or ensembles? How much to stock based on predicted turns? When to freshen the window displays?

What to position at the front of the store? How much jewelry? How many purses?

“I really learn most of this by listening to our ladies,” Kay says. “There’s no rushing that. Fortunately, PJ was with me through the fall buying season to get up and going. She introduced me not only to many of her customers but also to the independent sales representatives who come to the store with merchandise. I was fascinated when a van would pull up with samples.”

As many as 20 representatives come routinely, with four or more lines each. Going forward, Kay will begin attending the Apparel Show in Atlanta to see up to a thousand lines across the price spectrum.

“Pricing is a complex challenge,” she says. “I want my customers to think of my store as classy, but at the same time, I want my prices to be to the customer’s advantage. If I am having a season’s end sale, I need to know how much of a discount to offer.”

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

“I am learning the economics of the clothing industry. I’m learning about competing with mass merchandisers and online retailers.”

Kay perceives her customers as wanting to feel the fabric, see the flow and to talk leisurely, face-to-face, with a person who cares about what they want and how they want to see themselves. From Kay’s experience as human resources director for Turnamics, she knows the importance of employees to the success of her business.

“I was fortunate that Helen Gilbert, who had been with PJ, simply refused to leave rather than retire at 86,” she says. “In July, a stranger walked in the door. Diane Trescott said she was new to the area, looking for a job and had been in the boutique business for 25 years in Cleveland.

“I had known Angela Miller for 15 years and, when she agreed to handle the behind the scenes operations, I was free to do more of what I really enjoy, helping a customer and seeing her smile when she looks in the mirror.” • A photo waits in all things, all places, and everyone with a passion has a story to be told.

That’s the perspective Vince Verrecchio, lightly retired ad agency creative director, brings as a writer and photographer contributing to Life in our Foothills. He can be reached at vincent. verrecchio@gmail.com.

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FOOD IN IN THE FOOTHILLS FOOD THE FOOTHILLS

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A delicious stroll

ALONG THE COUNTRYSIDE TIEC’s Campagna serves world-class Italian food, no matter the season STORY BY STEVE WONG, PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TRYON INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CENTER/TED YOAKUM

I

n the off-season, lunch at Campagna — the Italian restaurant at Mill Spring’s Tryon International Equestrian Center — is simply wonderful.

The atmosphere is bright, open and tasteful. The service is polite, friendly and attentive. And the food is authentic, plentiful and not-too expensive.

Getting the best seat in the house is not problem — because you may very well be the only customer in the

spacious dining room. That was my experience on a Friday last winter.

I could not have had a better lunch, but then again, I’m one of those people who doesn’t mind eating alone in public. During a 1.5-hour lunch, two or three parties of diners ate in the restaurant, which can seat and serve 180 people.

“Where is everyone?” I asked Pat Gray, a nice family man who manages both Campagna and Legends Grille,

the venue’s highest-end restaurant.

“During your lunch on Friday, the restaurant was slow,” he confirmed.

“During the busy season, the restaurant is more hustle and bustle, but never impersonal. Servers still spend time helping the guests and cook times are consistently good. While less crowded during the slower times, this only allows the staff to spend more time personalizing the dining experience.”

He, the chef and wait staff were all FEBRUARY 2019

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very attentive to my wants and needs.

Campagna, which means “countryside” in Italian, is one of five sit-down restaurants at TIEC. The others are Blue Ginger Sushi & Noodle, Legends Grille (top of the line), Roger’s Diner (burgers and such) and Siesta Cantina.

There’s also a coffee shop and general store, which has ice cream and a deli. All of them are way-above average to casual high-end and are designed to accommodate the discerning palate of the well-to-do and well-traveled clientele who frequent TIEC during the warm-weather months for international horse shows and events.

Along with the other restaurants, Campagna is easy to get to, near the main entrance of TIEC’s park. It’s about 12 miles or a 10-minute drive from Columbus.

The Mediterranean-style building has a stacked-stone facade and curved-clay roofing tiles. There is a large screenedin patio for those hardy souls wanting to enjoy the Carolina heat and humidity. The young and thin Italian cypress trees will someday give the building that extra touch of Italian landscaping.

You enter into a foyer, greeted by the reception desk.

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This opens up into the large dining room, with a small bar to the left and the open kitchen to the back.

Your choice of seating is diverse, with two rows of roomy dusty rose-colored booths flanking the middle of the room, which can accommodate various arrangements of tables and chairs. In the front of the room are high-top tables and chairs, and along the right side are smaller, more intimate tables for two.

The wallcoverings are faux marble, with a mix of subtle yellow and off white shades. Most of the lighting is recessed, but open globes with electric candles hang above the booths.

Large windows on two sides let the sunshine in. It is a very open environment — a great place to see and be seen.

The back of the room is the open kitchen, with darkgreen tiles lining the wall. The cooking staff bustles about with pots and pan and dishes. To the right is the wood-fired oven, its mouth a gaping and stirring blaze, perfect for cooking pizza.

On special occasions, the room is configured to accommodate entertainment, such comedians or musicians. In the off-season, specials to draw in local patrons have included

all-you-can-eat crab legs (on Sundays), an Endless Pasta Bar (on Thursday evenings) and half-priced bottles of wine (also on Thursdays).

A couple of big-screen televisions hang over the bar, but, thankfully, the volume is low enough not to be heard by nearby diners.

“We are trying to offer as much variety in dining as possible as we build a local business,” Gray says. “Our goal is to show the community that we have different reasons for guests to come out to dine, and to increase frequency. There is a large part of the local community that is very interested in the type of cuisine that our restaurants have to offer. As a resident of Polk County, I am proud of the feedback I get from my friends and neighbors who enjoy the variety of restaurants that we offer.”

A nice environment is important, but the food is what makes or breaks a restaurant.

Keeping diners happily fed is Executive Chef Yvonne Edgett, a personable and knowledgeable professional who cooks and serves the authentic recipes handed down to her by her grandmother.

“Chef Yvonne’s Italian menu has struck a chord with the local pasta crowd,” Gray says. “She is a chef in the true sense of the word. She is a leader with impeccable standards. She has a passion for Italian food that our guests have rallied around.”

When visiting a new restaurant, I make it a point to let the chef decide what I am to eat. Chef Yvonne used this opportunity-to-impress to almost kill me with kindness and delicious pasta dishes. Her selections were taken mostly from the lunch menu, but some came from dinner offerings.

Both menus can be found on the restaurant’s Facebook page, which has just over 300 likes and a 4.5 out of 5 rating.

Fifteen reviewers on TripAdvisor give it a 3.5, and four reviewers on Yelp give it a 4.5.

“My career in the culinary field started in the ‘80s,” the chef says. “After coming to the conclusion that my passion was food, I put myself through culinary school in Boston.

“My love of food comes from my family. I grew up in a family that would sit around the table on Sunday and share a meal that my grandmother started cooking at 6 a.m. On my mother’s side, I come from an Italian background, and

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family and food were one. “[I grew] up in the Trippani family and [learned] from my grandmother, mother and my aunts. The recipes that I was taught I have carried with me through the years and applied here at Campagna.”

Chef Yvonne started me with two slices of bruschetta, toasted crostini bread topped with a slather of whipped Gorgonzola cheese, halved yellow and red heirloom cherry tomatoes, drizzled with dark balsamic vinegar and scattered with fresh basil confetti, all on top of green arugula leaves. The colorful and symmetrical presentation was on a plain white plate, making it simply elegant.

This made for an arresting and fresh start of the meal. The burst of freshness in the first bite was underscored by the richness of the cheese and accentuated by the tang of aged vinegar. The crusty bread gave the appetizer an earthy crunch.

The spinaci salad came next. On the bed of baby spinach leaves rested small cubes of fresh pink watermelon, dried cranberries and candied walnuts and almonds, with a lemon dressing. The mingling of the flavors — fresh fruit, sweet nuts, earthy 40

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

berries and fermented cheese — was surprisingly subtle, considering the elements.

The not-sweet-not-sour lemon dressing tied the different flavors together, just not too tightly. The slice of buttered toast allowed me to refresh my taste buds between bites.

What followed was a parade of four pasta dishes, each very different and, in true Italian form, more than I could ever eat in one sitting (yes, I took home such worthy leftovers).

The “Cavatappi Al Forno 21” — a super rich and meaty Bolognese sauce with beef-and-pork meatballs on corkscrew pasta, topped with ricotta and parmesan cheese and crusty bread crumbs. It will stick to your ribs.

“Fettuccine Con Pollo E Spinaci” — al dente fettuccine pasta and not-your-classic alfredo sauce, with sautéd spinach and slices of roasted chicken breast. I noticed something different about the flavor of the sauce and noted the pasta was not “swimming” in butter, as if often the case when alfredo sauce starts to separate.

The flavor was still rich and strong, but it was thanks to extra virgin olive oil rather than butter, Chef Yvonne said. A daring but delicious tweak to a classic recipe.

“Linguine Al Pomodoro” — this was my favorite! Linguine pasta with cherry tomatoes in a hearty garlic coating of olive oil.

No cheese? It didn’t need it.

It might look oily, but it’s not. It’s earthy and hearty, and the strong roasted garlic flavor will make you sit up and take notice. The waitress told me that once people try this dish, they always get it again. I know I will.

“Linguine Al Limone E Gamberi” — taken from the diner menu, this seared shrimp and white wine sauce dish is for the more delicate palate. The blend of garlic, lemon and wine is simple, subtle and surprisingly uniform. Like all the pasta dishes, this one was freshly made and presented nicely without irrelevant decorations.

Against my protest, Chef Yvonne ended my meal with a large cannoli filled with creamy ricotta cheese, spiked with the citrus of fresh lemon and orange. The overflowing ends of the shell were coated in mini chocolate chips, and the whole thing was dusted with powdered sugar and topped with slivers of candied citrus peel.

A few fresh blueberries rolled around on the sides, giving me just a little tasty relief from the richness of filled pastry.

It was all that you ever want in a cannoli: creamy, flavorful, rich, crunchy and a reminder of just how wrong it is to eat this well.

In addition to the pasta dishes, the lunch menu also offers two soups, three salads, four paninis, pizzas and two entrées. A modest selection of wines is available, but I had iced tea.

In European fashion, I was offered an espresso or sparFEBRUARY 2019

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kling water, but declined due to overindulgence.

“My philosophy about cooking is like my grandmother, keep it simple,” the chef says. “Simple ingredients make perplex flavors.

“To narrow down my most popular dish is difficult: our guests return and always try something else on the menu.

And they fall in love with my food all over again. My Alfredo is different from any other, rich and creamy. And everything that you see on the menu is all made from scratch.

“What makes dining at Campagna special is that you feel like family. We treat everyone like family, and make them feel special. And giving our guest the best dining experience possible.

“What I truly love is meeting people from all over our country and the world. I enjoy going out to tables and speaking with our guests, learning about them and their questions about food.

“People should look at Campagna as more than just an Italian restaurant, they should visit us and see what else we have to offer like daily specials that myself and my staff create, the outstanding service and exceptional dining experience.”

The test of a restaurant is to ask yourself: “Will you go back?” Given the opportunity, I will.

I personally hate crowds and having to wait for a table, though. But I love great food, like I had at Campagna.

During the warmer months, when equestrian events are hosted almost nonstop, it might get pretty hectic.

“We are busiest during the warm weather months, when we have large horse shows,” Gray says. “When we have 1,200 horses on property, that brings riders, grooms, owners, families, trainers and more. Many of the equestrian sport guests are used to great food and hospitality, so the stakes are high.

“We try to meet their demands at every level for every occasion. During these heavy traffic times, reservations can be very helpful, but never required. We will go on a wait almost every night during the busy months, but almost everyone who is willing to wait will get a table.

“During the warm weather months, we are consistently open throughout the week for lunch and dinner. During weeks with no horse events, this changes. The best way to find out our hours of operation is to call our call center at 828-863-1000.” • Steve Wong is a writer living in the peach orchards in Gramling, South Carolina. He can be reached online at Just4Wong@gmail. com.

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QUICK BITES

Stick-toyour-ribs good Local chef shares hearty pasta recipe, perfect for winter

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SMOKY PORK “ALFREDO” WITH KALE, ONIONS AND ROASTED RED PEPPERS

Sarah McClure

H

ome cooks looking to spice things up at the dinner table this month will be in luck, as Sarah McClure, head chef and co-owner of Landrum’s Southside Smokehouse, is sharing this pasta recipe with Life in Our Foothills readers. With tasty pappardelle noodles, topped with a load of smoky pork and tossed with a tangy, zesty sauce, this hearty pasta dish is sure to heat things up in the dining room during the cold winter days ahead.

ABOUT SOUTHSIDE SMOKEHOUSE Specializing in “traditional American comfort food with a twist,” Southside Smokehouse’s menu has everything from North Carolina barbecue to Louisiana Cajun and Creole, along with other Southern staples, like fried chicken or shrimp and grits. Head Chef Sarah McClure — one of South Carolina’s 2018 chef ambassadors — and her team are always hard at work on creative and eclectic weekly specials. Specially-prepared steaks, seafood, pasta, pizzas, sandwiches, tacos and more all make appearances on its frequently rotating menu.

Southside Smokehouse is located at 726 S. Howard Ave., Landrum, and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday. For reservations or more information, call 864-457-4581 or visit southsidesmokehouse.com.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Start to finish: 40 minutes Ingredients 1 pound pork shoulder, cubed, deboned and half the fat removed 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon granulated garlic 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper Dash of white wine Directions Season cubed pork with smoked paprika, granulated garlic, salt, pepper and brown sugar. Use 1 teaspoon of each, or enough to coat lightly.

Brown cubed and seasoned pork in a hot cast iron pan on the stove using a bit of oil.

Deglaze with a dash of white wine and transfer the pork and drippings/scrapings to the Instant Pot. Add ½ cup of water.

Pressure cook for 30 minutes on high. Natural pressure release as time allows.

Remove and shred.

Pasta Start to finish: Approximately 8 minutes Ingredients 2 nests of fresh-frozen pappardelle pasta Directions Place pasta in a pan with just enough water. Cover and boil until al dente.

Sauce Start to finish: Approximately 3 minutes Ingredients 1 cup heavy cream

2 large eggs 1/4 cup sweet tomato-based barbecue sauce 2 tablespoons of Creole mustard 1 heaping tablespoon of highquality smoked paprika 1 teaspoon of chipotle pepper Salt, pepper and granulated garlic to taste Directions Whisk ingredients together until combined.

Sauté/Assembly Ingredients 1 small yellow onion, sliced Small spoonful of minced garlic 1 cup kale, destemmed and sliced very thin ½ cup canned roasted red pepper, diced Splash of white wine ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish Seasoned breadcrumbs (optional) Directions Sauté the onion. Add the garlic. Add the kale and red peppers once the onions are soft and lightly browned.

Once these ingredients have cooked down, deglaze with white wine and add the cooked pasta, a bit of the pasta water sauce and ¼ cup shredded parmesan. Cook until the sauce has thickened.

Add the cooked and shredded pork to the pasta.

Toss to combine, and plate.

Top with a bit of fresh parmesan and seasoned breadcrumbs, if desired.

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QUICK BITES

Warm up with

sweet and savory comfort food

I

f chocolate for dinner sounds too good to be true, it’s because chocolate is usually associated with decadent desserts.

However, it can also take comfort food to a whole new level when paired with savory ingredients like red meat.

A bit of bittersweet cocoa powder helps balance out the richness of red meats like duck. Although it’s leaner and lower in saturated fat than other red meats, duck has a bold flavor and texture similar to steak.

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In this mocha-rubbed Duck Breast recipe, cocoa powder, ground coffee and savory spices are rubbed onto the meat before it’s seared and smothered with a luscious sweet cherry and red wine sauce. The toasty, nutty flavor of coffee complements the cocoa, while dark sweet cherries, red wine and toasted almonds complete the sweet and savory dish.

Find more comfort food recipes and tips for cooking with duck at mapleleaffarms.com.

MOCHA-RUBBED DUCK BREAST WITH CHERRY AND RED WINE PAN SAUCE Start to finish: 2 hours, 45 minutes Servings: 4 Mocha Rub Ingredients 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika 1/2 teaspoon ground coffee 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder 4 duck breasts, thawed

Cherry and Red Wine Pan Sauce Ingredients 2 tablespoons reserved duck fat 1/2 cup minced shallots 3/4 cup dry red wine 1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar 5 ounces frozen dark sweet cherries, thawed and halved 5 sprigs fresh thyme Salt, to taste Ground black pepper, to taste Toasted sliced almonds, for garnish

Directions To make mocha rub: In small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, coffee, salt, pepper and cocoa powder.

Set aside.

Pat duck breasts dry and score according to package directions. Use half of rub on meat side of breasts. Cover breasts and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

In cold sautĂŠ pan, place duck breasts skin-side down.

Place pan over low-medium heat 8-12 minutes, or until fat is rendered and skin is crisp and brown.

Turn breasts over and sprinkle remaining rub on skin side. Cook breasts 1-2 minutes skin-side up. Turn breasts back to skin-side down 1-2 minutes to caramelize rub.

Reserve approximately 2 tablespoons duck fat for

sauce.

Heat oven to 350 F. Place duck breasts skinside up on rimmed baking sheet; bake 5-6 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 155 F. Let breasts rest 4-5 minutes before slicing. Temperature will rise during resting period to reach 165 F. To make cherry and red wine pan sauce: Place saute pan with reserved duck fat over medium heat.

Add shallots and cook until softened. Add wine to pan to deglaze. Stir in balsamic vinegar, sugar, cherries and thyme sprigs; simmer until reduced.

Remove thyme sprigs.

Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Serve sauce over cooked duck breasts. Garnish with toasted almond slices.

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QUICK BITES

Three steps to a

healthier you

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S

tarting a diet or diving headfirst into a workout plan may be the first steps to enhancing your personal health, but once you’ve started down the path to better fitness and nutrition, it’s important to find ways to stay on track.

Instead of burning yourself out on a diet that’s too stringent or with workouts that are too intense, moderate your healthy lifestyle and use simple tricks to avoid falling into bad habits. Consider these tips from celebrity trainer and food coach Valerie Waters, author of “Red Carpet Ready,” to help ensure you stick to your plan.

Bank your fitness. Interruptions in life happen frequently. Travel, for example, whether for business or pleasure, can disrupt workouts and access to nutritious food. To allow a little room for a missed workout or a special meal, put some fitness in the bank by tightening your diet a couple weeks ahead of your trip. You can also put some extra effort into workouts by adding intervals,

additional weight or simply going a little longer.

Strategy trumps willpower. While willpower is certainly part of maintaining a diligent healthy lifestyle, strategizing can be of even more importance. Planning a full day or even week of meals can help you curb cravings and avoid indulging in extra, unnecessary calories. Instead of whiteknuckling through afternoon cravings at work, try bringing a go-to snack like figs, which are filling, portable, rich in antioxidants and fat-free.

Eat simply. Eating foods as close to their natural state as possible can help you avoid consuming excess sugar and fat. Plus, by incorporating more natural foods and snacks into your routine, you’re less likely to eat items loaded with preservatives or ingredients you may not even recognize.

Focus on lean protein, fruit, veggies and nuts available in recipes like this farro and fig salad with arugula and feta.

Find more nutritional tips and information at californiafigs.com.

FARRO AND FIG SALAD WITH ARUGULA AND FETA

Servings: 6 Ingredients 1 cup semi-pearled farro 2 cups water 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium shallot, minced (2 tablespoons) 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon dried turmeric 3/4 cup figs, stemmed and chopped (6-8 figs) 2 cups arugula 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese (about 1/2 cup) Directions In medium saucepan over high heat, bring farro and water to boil. Lower heat to simmer, cover with lid and cook until farro is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, 10 minutes.

In large bowl, whisk lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, shallot, mustard, salt, pepper and turmeric. Add farro, figs and arugula; toss well. Crumble feta over top and toss again.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

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FIVE QUESTIONS FOR...

Five questions for…

Ryan Griffin, Saluda Outfitters

R

yan Griffin, owner of Saluda Outfitters and Green River Eddy’s Tap Room, is a western North Carolina native. He received a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering technology and a master’s degree of project management from Western Carolina University. He opened his entrepreneurial business in early 2017. A Boy Scout who enjoyed hiking the Appalachian Trail on numerous occasions, he always had to travel a distance to acquire the proper gear for his outdoor adventures. After moving to Saluda full time in 2016, he realized a need for an outdoor adventure center in the Saluda and Green River Gorge area and opened Saluda Outfitters, hiring a staff of qualified individuals to operate the store.

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What kind of products and services does Saluda Outfitters offer local outdoor enthusiasts?

Saluda Outfitters offers quality outdoor apparel, from underwear to outerwear, coats, hats and everything in between. We are the only shoe store in Saluda carrying hiking shoes, boots and sandals from name brand companies like Chaco, Keen and Salomon. Campers, whether backpacking or car camping, can find the gear they need at our store. As a Giant bicycle and Pyrahna kayak dealer, we offer quality products for water and bicycle enthusiasts.

What makes the store standout from big box outdoor retailers?

Locally owned and operated, our store offers boutique-grade attention to detail, and our friendly and experienced sales staff enjoys providing the one-on-one attention that makes shopping for particular needs fast and easy. We encourage shoppers to take their time, relax and enjoy their shopping experience.

Photo courtesy of Chad Blotner

How can you help someone who is just getting started with their outdoor adventures find the right equipment for their journey?

Our staff consists of well-trained outdoor enthusiasts who can provide expert advice on selecting the right equipment for the shoppers’ particular interest. We help each customer define exactly what their needs are and then help them find the right fit in quality and price point.

What kinds of outdoor activities would you recommend to people who want to explore the Saluda area?

The Saluda area has a lot to offer individuals looking for a day, weekend or week of outdoor fun. In proximity to this historic town is the Green River, which is conducive to numerous whitewater activities such as kayaking, tubing and paddle boarding. The area has hiking, road and mountain biking and walking trails, including the Palmetto Trail. Other fun activities include repelling, bouldering and zip lining, as well as camping and fly fishing.

Is there anything you would say to encourage people to stop by the store and experience the world of outdoor recreation?

Customers visiting Saluda Outfitters are in for an outdoor adventure experience. To add to the cozy atmosphere of the rustic log cabin retail store that has its own gas fireplace and comfy leather couch, we added an expansive deck last spring to accommodate a live music venue. There is also a uniquely designed tap room, Green River Eddy’s, with a bar in a river design and named for the numerous river eddies on the nearby Green River.

The tap room features 14 locally brewed craft beers as well as domestics and wine. And the Big Hungry food truck operates during spring and summer with a menu of freshly made foods.

Trusted in the Industry.

Rooted in the Community.

• SINCE 1931 •

EQUINE | FARM + RANCH | LIFE AUTO | HEALTH | BUSINESS TRYON 2536 LYNN RD, STE A | 828-859-6700 HENDERSONVILLE 225 6TH AVE W | 828-692-9171

pennyinsuranceagency.com

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

PARTING GLANCE

An ‘ice’ way to say goodbye Life in Our Foothills’ own Trish Boyter captured this picturesque scene outside Cabin Fever in Saluda earlier this winter. We thought this would be “cool” way to end this issue. See you next month!

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Marketplace Foothills Magazine • 828.859.9151

Real Estate for Sale: 10 Miles from TIEC •5 Homes •35 Acre Farm •Airport -All by ownerwww.avionre.com Acts Home Health Hiring CNA’s Full-Time and PRN, 1:1 Client Ratio, Competitive Pay Apply at www.acts-jobs.org or Call: 828-894-2142 Local busy repair shopAdvanced AutomotiveNow hiring Full-Time Automotive Technician.

Benefits offered! Call 864-706-1604 HOUSE FOR SALE 3BR ALL NEW!! Just completed total remodel Sunny View Community Must See!! $159,500 Call For Details: 828-6254820 C.N.A $1,000 Sign-On Bonus 2nd $2 shift diff 3rd shift $1 shift diff RN/LPN $2000 SignOn Bonus 7p-7a FT PT 3p-11p and 11p-7a C.N.A II PT Weekends.

Please apply in person at Autumn Care of Saluda 501 Esseola St. Saluda, NC 28773.

Bathliners of the Carolinas Bathtub Refinishing Porcelain,Fiberglass & Ceramic Tile Guaranteed 35 Years Experience Call us NOW!!! 864-9157297 www.bathliners. com Call Bill the Painter for all your painting needs!

We also do drywall repair and wood repair! 32 years experience. Like Bill the Facebook!

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CUSTOM STONE & BRICK MASONRY •Decks •Water features •Lighting effects •Landscaping. Call Craftsman Services now to schedule your personal consultation.

864-978-2283 email: Craftsman1211@gmail. com No Experience Necessary!!! Now Hiring Seamstresses •Training provided •Pay based on experience •Seasonal over-time •Excellent benefits! Apply in person at: 212 N. Lyles Ave Landrum, SC Now Hiring Experienced Gutter & Downspout Installers Pay based on experience Call Robie at: 864303-5955 Carolina Gutter Helmet 20yr Local Specialty Home Improvement Company Bush Hog Work done on Saturdays. 6” bush hog with 4WD tractor.

Call 828-674-7940 Craftsman Services.

YOUR most trusted name for remodeling and repairs. For more information e-mail: craftsman1211@gmail. com Or call: Tel: 864-9782283 Maintenance Unlimited For all your home maintenance needs. We can fix everything but the kitchen sink... no wait, we can fix that too! 828447-0669 or 828-8174284

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828-894-6183 Deal Asphalt & Paving •Driveways •Parking Lots •Asphalt Seal Coating GC Licensed Contractor Free Estimates Call 864-4730194 or 864580-9892 dealasphalt@ yahoo.com DIXON AC & HEATING • Your HVAC Service & Repair Expert • Serving the Tryon area for 30+ years. Call (828)863-0555 Dominguez Tree Service, LLC • 828-4607039 Free Estimates • Insured • Stump Grinding • No Job Too Small • Bucket Truck Available ERIKA BRADLEY, REALTOR® 828.702.5970 YOUR LOCAL REALTOR HELPING YOU BUY/SELL IN WNC! ERIKAB@C21ML. COM CENTURY 21 MOUNTAIN LIFESTYLES 640 GREENVILLE HWY, HENDERSONVILLE, NC 28792 Epperson’s Tree Service • Complete Tree Service •Dangerous removals •View Cutting •Lot Clearing •Tree Trimming •Crane Removals Serving NC for 25yrs Fully Insured ISA Certified Arborist (828)606-4980 828-817-2580 garywcorn@gmail. com First Real Estate, Inc 2512 Lynn Road Tryon, NC 28782 www.

TryonRealEstate.com

GOOD BY STUMPS Stump Removal Fully Insured Free Quotes! Call Ron at 828-447-8775 Now Accepting Applications for Several Positions • Class A CDL Drivers • Heavy Equipment Operators • Landscape Supply Yard Associates www. hensonsinc.net Click on Employment Opportunities 828-8595836 HOLT’S GRADING “No Job Too Small” •Land Clearing•Retaining Walls •Riding Ring & Repair•Fencing •Landscaping•Sod & Irrigation •Driveways•Tree Work All Types Brandon Holt: 828-899-0116(Cell) 828-899-0338(Office) Sales & Service Associate HomeTrust Bank Now Hiring! •Sale & Service Associate Full-Time(40hr/wk) in Columbus •Sales & Service Associate PartTime(20hr/wk) in Tryon Apply on-line: www. hometrustbanking.com/ careers EOE/Protected Veterans/Individuals w/ Disabilities Now Hiring: Hospice of the Carolina Foothills: •Case Manager RN FullTime •RNs & CNAs for Crisis Care as needed Visit www.hocf.org Email hr@hocf.org EOE 1BR/1BA APARTMENT FOR RENT - TOWN OF TRYON. Charming historic home with garage space. Private location. All utilities

& cable included.

References required. $950/month. Brokerowned. 828-817-0755 Part-time security position at premier retirement community in Hendersonville, NC. Tuesday/Wednesday/ Thursday, 4PMMidnight. Country club atmosphere, friendly environment. One free meal included with each shift worked. Please apply in person: 333 Thompson Street, Hendersonville NC 28792. No phone calls, please.

Full-Time Housekeeping positions available at premier retirement community in Hendersonville, NC. Excellent benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, paid time off. Country club atmosphere, friendly environment, competitive pay. One free meal included with each shift worked. Please apply in person: 333 Thompson Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792. No phone calls, please.

Cook position at premier retirement community in Hendersonville, NC. Country club atmosphere. Full-time, excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, paid time off, competitive pay. One free meal included with each shift worked. Apply in person: 333 Thompson Street, Hendersonville NC. No phone calls, please.

Full-time 1st shiftMaintenance position at premier retirement community. Country club atmosphere, excellent benefits, friendly work environment. Excellent benefits, competitive pay.

Complimentary meals for each shift worked.

Please apply in person: 333 Thompson Street, Hendersonville NC 28792. No phone calls, please.

Full-time driving position at Lake Pointe Landing premier retirement community.

Country club atmosphere.

CDL, passenger stamp & medical examiners card are required. Please apply in person: 333 Thompson Street, Hendersonville NC 28792. Excellent benefits including: medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, life insurance. Paid vaction and sick time. Free meal included for each shift.

Competitive pay, friendly work environment. Come join our winning team!

CNA positions available at premier retirement community in Hendersonville, NC. Fulltime positions. Excellent benefits: Medical/dental/ vision/life, short-term disability, PTO. Country club atmosphere, friendly environment, competitive pay. Free shift meals.

Please apply in person at: 333 Thompson Street, Hendersonville NC 28792. No phone calls please.

HIRING CNA’s, PCA’s & Experienced Med Techs (cert. req’d). Weekday & weekend. Background check & drug screening req’d. APPLY IN PERSON. Laurel Woods Assisted Living & Memory Care, 1062 W. Mills St, Columbus, NC 28722.

No phone calls.

Private House Cleaning. Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly or 1 Time. 15 yrs exp.

References upon request.

Free In-home Estimates!

Marjorie 828-817-6350 KARATE CLASSES Won Moo Do • Children & Adults REGISTER NOW!!

4:00pm-6:00pm Grace Community Center, Tryon Call 864-382-9313 FOR SALE BELOW RECENT APPRAISAL 7 minutes to TIEC. Home, 15 acres, barns, storage shed, great horse farm or grape vineyard potential.

Call Robin: 828-231-5069 Mitch Contracting Serving your demolition needs since 1918. We offer roll-off waste containers for home and commercial use. Call 828252-0694 or visit us at www.mitchcontracting. com.

HAY FOR SALE • Alfalfa / Orchard Mix -orTimothy Hay for Sale. Call 828-817-4970 Nelon-Cole Termite and Pest Control- Locally Owned and Operated.

Pest control including termite, general, carpenter bees/ants, mosquitoes, moisturecontrol including waterproofing, mold/ mildew remediation, indoor air quality and odor control, termite & water damage, repairs.

828-894-2211

For Lease or Sale: Commercial/Industrial Metal Buildings, 43,200’, High/Low Docks, Offices, Spindale, 3 phase.

Properties UnlimitedCommercial Division: 828-287-0750 HOUSEKEEPER: Pavillon, a private residential treatment facility for adults recovering from alcohol and substance abuse seeks a full-time housekeeper. A Pavillon housekeeper provides housekeeping services to all areas on the campus. Required: -High School Diploma or GED -2 years commercial housekeeping experience -Valid driver’s license & good driving record -Pass drug test & background check -Willingness to work some weekends.

Print and complete online application at www.

Pavillon.org and fax to 828-694-2326. EOE. FULL-TIME DISHWASHER Washing/ sanitizing, storage/ rotation of food/supplies in accordance with sanitary procedures/ standards. HS Diploma/ GED, 1 year fine dining/ hospitality/commercial foodservice experience, some weekend work required. Benefits include: medical/dental/life/longterm disability insurance, generous PTO, 401k.

Download application: www.pavillon.org Fax to 828-694-2326 or email to: humanresources supportteam@pavillon. org Background check/ drug test required.

PSR PLUMBING •Service•Repair•New Installations•Commercial & Residential Local, licensed plumber with 10+ years experience Call Lou at: 864-326-5051 or visit facebook.com/PSRPlumbing POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS •Full-time Bus Driver/Custodian Sunny View & Tryon Elementary Custodian-$12.07/ hour Bus Driver-$13.74/ hour+$.25/hour •After-school Workers/ All Schools $10.00/ hour •Substitute Bus Drivers-$13.74/ hour •Substitute Bus Monitors-$11/hour •Food Service Worker Substitute $8.28/hour Visit: www.polkschools.org/ employment Call:828894-1001 $10 Off Winter Preventative Maintenance (Reg $75) Rutherford Heating and Air 828-287-2240 Rojas Maintenance & Gardening: •Fall Cleanup •Leaf Blowing •Tree Trimming •Landscaping •Mulch Services FREE ESTIMATES!!! Horacio Rojas: 864-518-6793 NOW HIRING!!! Help needed in a 4 horse barn in Gowensville, basic horse care required 5-6 days a week, prefer 4pm7pm shift 864-895-8715 OR 864-360-5286 7-K Garbage Service Monthly • Weekly One Time Service We Pick It Up! 828-894-9948 hyatt2658@yahoo.com Owner - Suzette Hyatt STEPS TO HOPE HELP WANTED: PRN Shelter Staff Position.

Responsible for crisis intervention, answering crisis phone & text lines.

3-5 hours per week working nights and weekends. Valid driver’s license and background check required. Bi-lingual applicants preferred.

Mail resume to: Director of Client Services, Steps to HOPE, PO Box 518, Columbus NC 28722 or email to cm@ stepstohope.org NOW HIRING!! Full-time line books & dishwashers.

Must be able to work all shifts and weekends.

Looking to fill positions ASAP. Apply at: 101 East Rutherfordton Street, Landrum Fifth Wheel 32 Ft. 2007 Sundance by Heartland Three Slides. Fully Loaded Like New $14,500 OBO Call: 864-804-0035 or 864-895-1278 WARRIOR MET COAL NOW HIRING Located in Brookwood, AL Immediate need for experienced: •Underground Miners •Electricians •Maintenance Foreman •Supervisors Apply online: www.warriormetcoal. com Meditation FREE Every Wednesday. Qigong class: 6:30-7:00p.m.

Meditation: 7:007:30p.m. Come to one or both. No charge, just locals coming together. In Tryon. Call for directions.

828-273-4342

FEBRUARY 2019

55

ADVERTISER INDEX

The Book Shelf 21

Laurel Hurst / Laurel Woods

23

Brunson’s Furniture Center

21

McFarland Funeral Chapel

19

Caitlyn Farms Event Center

1

New View Realty

Carolina Storage Solutions

35

Odean Keever & Associates Inc.

Inside front 43

Carruth Furniture 41

Parsec Financial 9

Cason Builders Supply 51

Penny Insurance 51

The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant

29

Polk County Transportation 43

EcoView Windows, Doors, Siding

25

The Sanctuary at Red Bull Run

11

Harper Eatery & Pub

5

ServiceMaster of Polk County

41

Heartwood Contemporary Crafts

33

SG Power Equipment 25

Henson Building Materials

25

Southside Smokehouse 47

Hilliard Lyons 23

St. Luke’s Hospital

Home Technology Consultants 29

Tryon Builders 56

Hospice of the Carolina Foothills

Tryon Fine Arts Center

Inside back

Lake Pointe Landing

3

Back cover 7

Wells Fargo Advisors 13

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Call 828-859-9151

FEBRUARY 2019

57

ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL PAIN CENTER EXCEPTIONAL CARE, CLOSE TO HOME.

Why t ra ve l l o n g d i s t a n ce w h e n t h e b es t i s r i g h t h e re?

My hospital for world-class pain management.

St. Luke’s Hospital understands that it’s less stressful to stay close to home when you’re suffering from acute or chronic pain. That’s why we offer world-class pain management right here in Polk County. We’re here for you, so you don’t have to drive long distance.

Exceptional care, close to home.

828.894.0978

SaintLukesHospital.com 48 Hospital Drive, Suite 2A Columbus, NC 28722