Life In Our Foothills, January 2017, Tryon Daily Bulletin by Tryon Daily Bulletin

life in our foothills

JANUARY 2017

START, RUN, THRIVE! Women entrepreneurs grow local businesses

January 2017

MARGO SAVAGE Leaves tall boots to fill

CORINNE GERWE Saluda mystery writer

TED TRAVERS

Chainsaw artist creates a buzz

Welcome to LIfe in Our Foothills

Welcome to this month’s

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

lipping the page in the calendar from 2016 to 2017 represents a change for many people, a new beginning. I am very happy and excited to say that I will start the new year as the general manager for the Tryon Daily Bulletin. With this comes new challenges and opportunities that I anxiously await. A daunting task to many, but the opportunity to take the reigns of this publication is something I readily accept. Since 2010, Betty Ramsey has been the instrumental leader of the Bulletin. Unfortunately for us, the time has come for her and her husband Gary to move back to Virginia, closer to their children and grandchildren. Betty’s new beginning will be as publisher of the Farmville Herald in Farmville, Va. This is a new chapter of her life that she is very excited to begin. Many people have asked me if I am ready. My answer to them is a confident, “Yes, and I am looking forward to it.” I am definitely ready for the challenge. Besides, when you have a great newsroom, a great pressroom, great marketing consultants and great customer service already in place, what more could I ask for? We print the Tryon Daily Bulletin, Life in Our Foothills, Visitor’s Bulletin and various special sections throughout the year for you, our dedicated readers. Without you, there would be no us. This great small town community is what we are all about. Local is what we are about. It’s why my wife, Krystal, and I moved here eight years ago to raise our family. Betty, thank you for your kindness, your leadership, your mentorship, and your friendship. There is no way to measure how much I have learned over the last three and a half years working with you. We all wish you much luck as you turn the page to the new chapter of your life. You will be greatly missed!

JANUARY 2017

General Manager Kevin Powell Editor Claire Sachse Contributors Gillian Drummond Judy Heinrich Carol Lynn Jackson Leah Justice Linda List Michael O’Hearn Mark Schmerling Vincent Verrecchio Jennifer Wilson Steve Wong Marketing Magan Etheridge Production Gwen Ring Administration Erika Anton Distribution Jeff Allison Jamie Lewis Austin Howell Ryan Williams

on the cover

Kevin Powell, General Manager kevin.powell@tryondailybulletin.com

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 o reprint materials) to: Editor, Life in our Foothills,16 N. Trade Street, Tryon, N.C. 28782, or email to claire.sachse@tryondailybulletin.com. Life in Our Foothills is available free of charge at locations throughout Polk County and upstate South Carolina. lease visit lifeinourfoothills.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $35 for one year by calling 828-859-9151. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@lifeinourfoothills.com or by calling 828-859-9151. 2

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Kniticality was founded on Amy Johnson’s love of creative expression. Since opening the mountaintop facility in 2012, her customer base has grown 83 percent, 60 classes are now available, and the showroom and classroom space has expanded to accommodate more than 2,500 varieties of yarn, tools, and inspirational examples of knitting and crocheting. Photo by Vincent Verrecchio.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

Calendar

he excitement and colors of the fall and holidays have passed, temperatures continue to drop, winter has settled in. For those who feel like venturing out, there are some wonderful events going on this month – from music and art shows, to movies and workshops – that will make a trip away from hearth and home worth it.

VICKI VAN VYNCKT AND MARIE KING

Through January 10

January 14

January 17, 5:30 p.m.

VICKI VAN VYNCKT AND MARIE KING

TRYON PAINTERS AND SCULPTORS MEMBERS SHOW RECEPTION

“THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS”

Holy Cross Gallery 150 Melrose Ave., Tryon 828-859-9741 January 3, 7 p.m.

“EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN”

Landrum Library, Asbury St. The quiet life of a terrier named Max is Tryon Painters and Sculptors, upended when his owner takes in Duke, 78 N. Trade St., Tryon a stray whom Max instantly dislikes. Featuring mini artwork 10 inches or 864-457-2218. smaller, on display through Feb. 25. January 20, 5-7 p.m. tryonpaintersandsculptors.com or 828859-0141. SIERRA HULL

Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon January 17, 12 p.m. A senior chef lives with his three grown LIVE@LANIER WITH daughters and the middle one finds her GEORGE COMPARETTO future plans affected by unexpected events and the life changes of the other Lanier Library, 72 Chestnut St., Tryon household members. tryonarts.org or Comparetto will enthrall with the histories, mysteries and curiosities of the 828-859-8322. Polk County Historical Association Museum. lanierlib.org or 859-9535. 4

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon Bluegrass roots inform and inspire this soundscape, but bluegrass does not define or limit Hull. This is not bluegrass music, or chamber music, or pop music. This is original music, from a virtuoso who tells the truth and speaks from herself. 828-859-8322 or tryonarts.org.

Calendar January 20, 6 p.m.

January 22, 3 p.m.

PETRIE WINDS

TRILLIUM TRIO

Tryon Fine Arts Center Landrum Methodist Church 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon 227 N. Howard Ave. Tryon Concert Association presents Music In Landrum presents another Petrie Winds as part of the popular free afternoon concert. TGIF Concert Series. 828-859-8322 or musicinlandrum.org. tryonarts.org. January 22, 4 p.m. January 21, 10:30 a.m. THE MOON AND YOU

SEEING WITH NEW EYES

Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center Ben Mullinax will show participants how to use photography to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, and show examples of how changes in lighting, time of day, shadows, perspective and viewpoint makes this possible. 828-859-5060 or Pacolet.org.

Foothills Equestrian Nature Center 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon At its core, The Moon and You is a charismatic husband-and-wife team. Melissa Hyman plays cello, Ryan Furstenberg plays guitar and banjo, and both sing with “voices that sound like they were made for one another.” fence.org or 828-859-9021.

TRILLIUM TRIO

“THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS”

LIVE@LANIER WITH GEORGE COMPARETTO LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

In This Issue

FOOTHILLS FEATURED 08 St. Luke’s Annual Donor Appreciation Holiday Celebration

12 Tryon Christmas Stroll 14 Santa Surprises Lanier Library Party 16 A Season of Parades 22 IN GOOD TASTE Sticking to it: Resolve to enjoy the good life

24 FIRST DAY HIKES IN NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA 22

Celebrate state parks and healthy living

26 MAKE YOGA A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION 29 Q&A WITH CORINNE GERWE Unraveling the mystery of a writer’s process

32 START, RUN, THRIVE! Entrepreneurs use SCORE’s free brainpower to “jump smart” small businesses 6

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

In This Issue

Tryon Fine Arts Center presents

38 MUCH ADO Change: It’s more than a cliché, it’s a way of life

41 WHEN THE SAWDUST FLIES Chainsaw artist creates a buzz in Tryon

44 IT’S ALL ABOUT THE HORSE

SIERRA HULL

2016 INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC ASSOCIATION

Mandolin Player of the Year

Tryon International Film Festival adds equine category

Saturday, January 14, 2017 8 pm

46 SOME TALL BOOTS TO FILL

I think she’s endless … Talent like hers is so rare, and I don’t think it stops. It’s round. – ALISON KRAUSS

Volunteer extraordinaire Margo Savage takes a break

50 COUNTRY LIVING Color inspirations for designs in the New Year

TICKETS: $35 Adults, $17 Students*

UPCOMING 2016-2017 MAIN STAGE SEASON • George Winston, Saturday, March 25 • J. Mark McVey, Saturday, April 22 SEASON SPONSOR

EVENT SPONSORS Kirby Innovative Fund

34 Melrose Ave, Tryon 828-859-8322 tryonarts.org * PLUS 6.75% NC SALES TAX AND TICKETING FEES LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

Foothills Featured

Annual Donor Appreciation Holiday Celebration

Submitted by Jennifer Wilson St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation held their annual donor and physician holiday celebration Friday, Nov. 18 at LaurelHurst. The evening affair was catered by Pat Strother’s Impeccable Taste Catering and accompanied by live music by Emma Wilson, Judy Sublett and Stephanie Murdock. The event was a wonderful evening of fun, food, and dancing. This annual celebration is an opportunity to show how grateful we are for our donors and physicians throughout the year. 1. Art Brown, Rachel Ramsey, Caroline Brown 2. Andrew Morris and Carolyn Jones 3. Amy and Bruce Norville 4. Beth and Digit Laughridge 5. Walter and Arlene Kolker 6. Jennifer and Joel Wilson 7. Virginia and Elon Clark 8. Andy and Linda Haynes 9. Jean Shumway and Rachel Ramsey 10. Eric and Cathy Moore 11. Bob and Judy Lair 12. Drs. Fred and Belynda Veser

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Foothills Featured

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

Foothills Featured 13. MiMi and Roger Traxler 14. Mary Duncan and Alan Duncan 15. Marion and JoAnn McMillan 16. Lori and Jay Geddings 17. Kathy Woodham and Steve Wong 18. Joe and Marce Crowder 19. Jennifer Wilson and Meshelle Colvin 20. Meshelle Colvin and Larry Wassong 21. Mary Sasser and George Alley

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Foothills Featured

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

Foothills Featured

Tryon Christmas Stroll Photos by Mark Schmerling Sponsored by Tryon Downtown Development Association, the annual Tryon Christmas Stroll held Dec. 2 ushered in the Christmas season with caroling, holiday cheer, special sales, music, a marshmallow roast, warm drink samplings, and, of course, a visit from Santa. 1. Front row: Susie Kocher, Frances McCain, Pam McNeil, Monica Jones. Second row: Mike O’Steen, Joel Perkin, Chris Tinkler, Terry Ackerman, Gail Stockdale, Lee Stockdale. Back: Brian Holcomb. 2. Jordan Carr, Makenzy Carr, Santa, Draven Sheppard, Dezi Thomas 3. Elena Greve and Mini-Morris 4. Brandi Hunt, Stephen Brady 5. Alan Peoples 6. Terry Ackerman and Gail Stockdale 7. Chris Tinkler 8. Jamie Carpenter, Crys Armbrust, Ann Troppmann, Kathryn McMahon, Happy McLeod 9. Lauren Cason

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Foothills Featured

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

Foothills Featured

Photographer and library board member Harry Goodheart has provided unretouched photographic proof of the unprecedented visit. At left, Sandra McCall, librarian and Santa’s helper for gift distribution, readies number 8 of the 12 Gifts of Christmas..

Confirmed historic first: Santa surprises Lanier Library party Submitted by Vincent Verrecchio All photos courtesy of Harry Goodheart Early reports have now been confirmed by eyewitnesses that Santa Claus did show up unannounced at the Lanier Library Members Christmas Party on Saturday, December 10. “The clock struck 4 and there he was, ho-ho-ho-ing in the stacks,” claims Ken Yeager, board president of one of only 16 remaining membership libraries in the United States. “No one can remember Santa ever having come to Lanier Library. Afterwards I checked and could find no written record of a such a visit in 14

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

our entire history since 1890.” John Diekmann, IT Committee chair and board member, corroborated the report saying that the jolly fellow had a list and was checking it once and then twice while mingling with members. “I think it was obvious that he found members to be overwhelming nice. There were 12 surprise gifts by the fireplace for a fundraising raffle...the launch of our drive for the $10,000 New Book Acquisition Fund.” Tim Boyce, board treasurer, adds, “Members participated generously in the raffle with more

donation tickets than anticipated dropped into Santa’s bag for the drawing. It was a good start to reaching our new book goal, thanks to the participants as well as other friends of the library who donated the raffle gifts.” Allegedly, no one at the party could say with certainty that Santa, after drawing the twelfth ticket and wishing all a good night, was last seen heading toward the fireplace and chimney in the periodicals room. An anonymous source, however, offered a guarantee that “the big guy’ll be back.” •

Foothills Featured

Bell ringer and Library President Ken Yeager calls the party to order in preparation of the 12 Gifts of Christmas Benefit Raffle, The drawing of 12 donation tickets from Santa’s bag kicked off the year-end fundraising drive for the $10,000 New Books Acquisition Fund.

Santa had a list of who was naughty and nice, and Lanier members were reportedly overwhelmingly nice. Library member Joe Burgess seems to like Santa’s report.

Lanier Library member Ann Wiedman responds to the question of what she thinks about Santa’s first ever visit to the annual members Christmas party.

Members young, old, and in between, and those who will be forever young, reportedly enjoyed the festivities, fellowship and the abundant food and drink. Drew Bailey couldn’t resist the temptation of a cupcake. LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

Foothills Featured

A season of parades Photos by Michael Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hearn and Leah Justice From storybook and movie characters, to fire departments and church youth groups, to dance teams and the familiar Hillbilly Clan #2, there is room in the Columbus, Landrum and Tryon Christmas parades for just about anyone who is in the Christmas spirit.

Columbus Christmas Parade

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Foothills Featured

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

Foothills Featured

Landrum Christmas Parade

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Foothills Featured

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

Foothills Featured

Tryon Christmas Parade

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Foothills Featured

22336 Asheville Hwy Landrum SC

864-457-4115

www.hensonbuildingmaterials.com LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

In Good Taste

Stick to it:

Resolve to enjoy the good life

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

WRITTEN BY CAROL LYNN JACKSON

or many people around the world, January offers people a chance to make a fresh start with a new year. The resolutions run far and wide

including making resolutions to stop making resolutions. Yet the usual suspects “I vow this year to pay closer attention to my…” usually end with “health,

fitness, finances, or relationships. Nielsen ratings last year revealed this in the top five, and number one is no surprise to most of us.

Stay fit and healthy

37%

Lose weight

32%

Enjoy life to the fullest

28%

Spend less, save more

25%

Spend more time with family and friends

19%

Why do we find it so hard to stay fit and healthy? Again we have the usual suspect sort of answers: Sedentary work and lifestyles, over-eating and drinking, under exercising and so on. As a columnist who writes primarily on local food offerings in the community, if you hope to stay fit and healthy, lose weight and even spend less and save more, take a locally sourced plant’s eye view of the world, and align yourself with Step One toward health and fitness success. This is the year to do it!

A terrific read, guide, and overall mentoring book, “Forks Over Knives” is a whole-food plant-based information missive that also helps lay out a plan and recipes for a healthier meal plan in your lifestyle this year. The book results from the film of the same title and claims that most lifestyle related diseases can be controlled and even reversed by greatly limiting meats and dairy through boosting daily intake of plant-based, whole grains, tuber and starchy vegetables and legumes.

Sourcing these items is more accessible than ever in the foothills, both in their raw commodity form and through prepared grab and go snacks and meals. Many local food entrepreneurs are finding easier access to facilities and marketplaces in the area. It’s easy to find them as you consult downtown storefronts, organizers of farmers markets, Polk County Cooperative Extension, direct farm sales, CSA programs and our office of Agricultural Economic Development. •

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

First Day Hikes

FIRST DAY HIKES IN

NORTH AND SOUTH

CAROLINA Celebrate state parks and healthy living

f getting in shape is one of your New Year’s resolutions, then lace up the hiking boots, grab your coats and hats, and head out to one of many North and South Carolina State Parks for the annual First Day Hike. These hikes can be just the incentive to start you on your fitness goals. Some Jan. 1 hikes are ranger-guided, others are on your own – but either way, there is no admission charge. (So, that means, no excuses!)

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Park visitors who participate in First Day Hikes are encouraged to share their experiences through comments and photo posts on social media with the hashtag #FirstDayHikes. For information on North Carolina’s parks, including the First Day Hike at nearby Chimney Rock State Park, visit ncparks.gov. If an adventure to South Carolina is in your plans, check out SouthCarolinaParks.com. Member of the armed forc-

es? You’re invited to participate in a friendly competition to see which branch can cover the most miles. Check in with the park ranger when you arrive for more details. The Park Service’s First Day Hikes are part of a national movement by the America’s State Parks program to get more people out into the great outdoors on New Year’s Day and to rediscover the beauty and significance of their natural heritage. A win-win! •

Trusted in the Industry. Rooted in the Community. • SINCE 1931 •

Photo by Claire Sachse

HENDERSONVILLE 225 6TH AVE W | 828-692-9171

pennyinsuranceagency.com

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

Yoga at FENCE

MAKE

Yoga A NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

RESOLUTION

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Yoga at FENCE WRITTEN BY LINDA LIST

f one of your New Year resolutions includes getting in shape, you might consider joining a yoga group. Yoga can provide mental and spiritual fitness through breathing and meditation, and physical fitness with stretching and exercise. Last fall, FENCE started free yoga, thanks to a Free Community Events grant from the Polk County Community Foundation. And FENCE is the perfect setting for a stress reducing exercise. The short drive to their center, through the quiet countryside of open fields and groves of trees, creates a calming prelude to the class. The fireplace in the great room, although not lit, suggests warmth and coziness. The view of the woods and mountains from the large windows along one wall, offers escape from the oft-felt mayhem of everyday life. Rhonda Giles has been the teacher and class sizes can vary from a few to eight or ten men and women attendees. “I focus on fitness in my classes and each week can vary. Some weeks we concentrate on Yin Yoga that

holds one pose for an extended period of time. Another week the exercises might flow more from one pose to another. Yoga is like a ‘fountain of youth’ as it is good for the body and joints. Focus is on breathing, in and out through the nose into the belly. The deep breathing helps to clear the mind,” Rhonda says. Attendees bring their own mats. They are most often barefoot, unless the room is cool, and then socks can be worn. Clothes are generally easy, stretchable fabrics, so there is no restriction to movement and stretching. Yoga focuses on full body flexibility and deep breathing. The room is kept dark, setting the atmosphere, and soothing music is played during the exercise. Some exercises have specific names for the pose such as “table top,” “downward dog,” and “trees.” People are able to work at their own level, some being more agile and limber than others. FENCE ended their classes in December with hopes of receiving a new grant in 2017. It’s suggested that interested parties call 828-859-9021 in the spring to inquire about classes restarting. •

OTHER YOGA VENUES There are several other venues in the Landrum and Polk County area offering yoga, although there is usually a charge. Rhonda also teaches classes at Tryon Health and Fitness in Tryon, 828-859-5935. ProFitness, Columbus, offers a yoga class, 828-894-0277. Landrum Library holds free classes every Monday evening from 6:30-7:30, 864-457-2218. Saluda has several venues including the Saluda Center, 828-749-3794. Check saludalifestyles.com for other Saluda classes. Additional locations can be found by doing a Google search for Polk County Yoga Classes and Landrum Yoga Classes.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Unraveling

THE MYSTERY

INTERVIEW BY MICHAEL O’HEARN PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CORINNE GERWE

nce upon a time, in the quiet town of Saluda, there lived a mystery novelist by the name of Dr. Corinne Gerwe. An Ohio native, she recently released the second book in what she hopes will be a 10-part series, called “Murder in a Moonlit Mason Jar,” set in the fictional town of Serena which is based upon the real town of Saluda.

Once a clinical associate professor at Clemson University with a doctorate in neuropsychology from Clemson and post-doctorate from Harvard, she said mystery novels allow her to delve deeper into the minds of humans as she writes her books. Gerwe lives in what used to be the First Baptist Church built in 1888 at the top of Church Street overlooking Saluda. LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

Question & Answer

What got you interested in writing in the first place? I’ve been writing all my life. When I was young, I was always writing poetry and things like that. I came by it naturally. My father was always writing in navy logs about what happened every day. My grandfather wrote a book and he was an artist. So I think it was inside of me to do it. I always thought it would be a wonderful thing to be a writer, but through most of my life I ended up working, and life takes over and takes you into other things.

hospital and be institutionalized, and it affected him deeply and dramatically. I felt a kinship with him along with the Irish background. I think I had an approach to my work, rather than a clinical approach, as an investigator. I found that I would work with patients as Sherlock Holmes did working a case. How does a person turn into a monster from a young child? How do my heroes take the shapes they take? How do they stay on the right side of things?

There had to have been a turning What “other things” are you referpoint for you from working in the ring to? hospitals and writing case studies to My father was a WWII veteran and sitting down and becoming a profeshe suffered PTSD at that time. It was sional novelist. What was that turndiagnosed as shell shock and due to ing point? his illness we went from a fairly stable In 2001, a drunk driver killed my family to him having a lot of problems. husband David. I guess 2001 would be He ended up in the VA and when I the catalyst for everything that folDr. Corinne Gerwe and her dog Alfie live in was young I started going there belowed. I had finished my book “The Saluda in what used to be the First Baptist cause he was there a lot, and ended up Orchestration of Joy and Suffering” Church. Gerwe said the town and people of getting into the field of psychology. I and I was also published in a prestiSaluda inspired her to write her latest novel went to school and worked on the side “Murder in a Moonlit Mason Jar.” gious journal at the time, and so it until I eventually got my doctorate. was quite something for me. The only Throughout the years and working reason I was educated at the time was Why are you a mystery novelist as in the hospitals with people sufferbecause of the hospitals and the docopposed to any other genre? ing from those kinds of symptoms tors who made sure that I kept on. You I began to do research on high-pro− PTSD and other addiction related would have never said I would become file people and found out it wasn’t just a writer so it was a big thing. [issues] because addiction kind of people who suffered from war experigoes hand in hand with it − I started I remember walking out the front ences who had behavioral issues and writing case histories on my patients. door telling David that I had just conditions, but it can come from many got the book published. That was in I would have the medical chart but experiences, like from your childI thought it didn’t really reflect these March, a week before he walked out people. I would go home at night and hood. All through my life, and even the door and he and a coworker were as a child, I was really influenced by write a more in-depth case history on on their way to Edneyville, and the Sherlock Holmes. I love the Sherlock each one of them and ask them a lot car veered across the double yellow of questions. I became fascinated with Holmes stories and actually ended up line and he was killed instantly. I was, doing a case history on Conan Doyle the stories of each individual person at the time, working at a hospital in prior to their war experiences and adult in “The Orchestration of Joy and Suf- Asheville in the psychiatric ward. I fering” because he had something in conditions. I eventually wrote a book thought I would die from this and common with me. I found out when called “The Orchestration of Joy and I had to stop everything and I loved Suffering” and that’s when I was doing I was young that his father also had him very much. He always supported problems and would end up in the some serious clinical writing. everything I did. 30

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Question & Answer

In the idyllic mountaintop town of Serena, two seemingly accidental deaths send Police Chief Jeff Farley into the dense forest on a chilling investigative journey, where he finds a legacy of property ownership, illegal moonshining, and the ancient art of hoodoo practice that have kept intruders at bay since the early settlers made claim to the land.

What happened next? I got a call from the National Peace Foundation and they knew everything about me and asked me if I would take this job to go into the northern Urals of Russia to set up clinics because there was a heroin and AIDS epidemic going on there. This was in the mining region run by the SUAL Corporation. Our government had supported the mining region since WWII and Roosevelt had sent money to keep it going because it’s the second largest aluminum producer in the world. For military, that’s crucial. They found me because I have an article out there about high-risk youth and they wanted somebody who knew something about addictions. I told them, you don’t understand, I can’t even get out of this chair. The lady said she would call me back in an hour. She did and asked me if I ever studied the Chinese calendar and I said no. It’s used not only in China but in Russia as well, and she said it was the Year of the Snake, which meant if your whole world is turned upside down during the Year of the Snake, your next 12 years is destined. She said we would like your next 12 years. I thought, well, they might as well have it because I couldn’t see my future. The week of 9/11 I was on a plane for the northern Urals. Gerwe spent nine of those 12 years in Russia and returned to the U.S. in 2010. She then published the first mystery novel in her 10-part series called “The Strange Case of the Doyle Diary Murders” in 2014. “Murder in a Moonlit Mason Jar” was published in 2016. Both can be purchased on Amazon or through her website www.corinnefgerwe.com. • LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

START, RUN,

THRIVE!

Entrepreneurs use SCORE’s free brainpower to “jump smart” local small businesses

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

SCORE

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY VINCENT VERRECCHIO

he local mentors of SCORE come together one by one in a borrowed conference room in Columbus. If this were a movie, this could be the clichéd scene where specialists, each with a different expertise, walk in singly and purposefully until reaching a number seemingly too small to meet the scripted challenge. The challenge for the 13 mentors of the WNC SCORE Chapter, Polk County Branch, is the ongoing revitalization of the Polk County and Landrum economy through personal contact with entrepreneurs and nonprofits to help them start, run, and thrive. Literature for the chapter puts it in terms of offering to help “Jump Smart Your Small Business.” Bill Kerns, chapter chairperson and retired small business entrepreneur, says, “We offer brainpower, free to anyone who is running a small business or who has the courage and passion to start one. These people are our neighbors who dream, strive, risk so much...they don’t have to go it alone.” “Part of that recognition is due to our very active free seminar series with ICC,” says Bill. “We’ve had topics such as how to write a business plan, obtain financing, better use of social media...this month, on the 19th, it’s writing a marketing plan, and on February 21, it will be how to be your own advertising agency.” In monthly branch meetings, mentors review current client activity, brainstorm new seminars, and plan what to do next when they go out the door. The experts that head out include a business lawyer, informational technologies teacher, social media professional, accountant, consumer marketer, advertising agency owner/creative director, sales manager/trainer, commercial banker, ag-business banker, hospital administrator, a vice president of research and development, market researcher, and a successful owner of multiple small businesses. Clients cover a broad range of businesses from retail to manufacturing, services to restaurants, and cultural organizations to animal rescues. For example, there’s the high school English teacher who started a soap company, and the hospital administrator who opened a yarn boutique that offers classes in knitting and crocheting. At left, members of the WNC SCORE Chapter, Polk County Branch, meet monthly, focusing specialized expertise on the revitalization of the Polk County and Landrum economy. Areas of expertise on this day include, clockwise from left: information technology (Dan Norris), accounting (Carol Browning), business law (Mike Frye), small business management (Bill Kerns), commercial banking (Tom Stenson), internet and social media (Terri Morrin), product research and development (Terry Lynch), and marketing communications (Vince Verrecchio on ladder with camera above the open chair). LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

SCORE

Since first converting her grandmother’s hot water heater into processing equipment, Tawana Weicker’s product line has consistently expanded, now to three formulas and nine products in over 300 stores.

More than managing a company, Tawana Weicker loves hands-on experimentation for ongoing product development, such as her two new non-GMO formulas. 34

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

FROM ELIZABETHAN POETRY TO ECO-FRIENDLY SOAPS Tawana Weicker always loved science and liked working with machinery, but at 32 she was teaching Elizabethan poetry, grammar, and composition. One of her responsibilities was reviewing senior project research papers. The one written by a young woman about bio-fuels changed Tawana’s life. The student had learned bio-fuel processing from her uncle and the next step for Tawana, when not teaching, was to learn from the same uncle. Eventually Tawana and her husband tipped over her grandmother’s old water heater and re-wired it as their first “reactor” to split fatty acids and glycerine from used frying oil. Her experiments developed into a soap business.

“Can I do this?” she remembers repeatedly asking herself as students cheered her on, the art teacher across the school corridor created her logo, and her husband, who works pouring concrete, praised how her formula cleaned his hands while moisturizing work-dried skin. “I had no expertise in business and after many false starts with paid consultants, I learned about SCORE. Real people from my community... not selling anything. Such accessible expertise. I got help in branding, trademarking, legal issues, marketing and business planning. I felt they really cared.” Today, Warhorse Cleaners and Soaps are three eco-friendly formulas and nine products in over 300 stores. Two new non-GMO formulas are in development.

SCORE

Mentor Beth Rounds (left) applied her corporate strategies experience to help Tawana Weicker (right) plan for increasing sales and distribution of existing products as well as those in development (foreground).

Mike Frye (left) combines his business law experience with Bill Kern’s (center) knowledge in start-ups to help Tawana Weicker further clarify her thinking about investors in the growing business she started with an enthusiasm that exceeded her finances.

WHAT SCORE STANDS FOR Service Corps of Retired Executives, SCORE, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration, founded in 1964. The relevance of “retired” in the acronym has diminished since the corps has expanded to include active business professionals. There are now more than 11,000 volunteers, donating more than 2 million hours a year in mentoring and educational programs. Of the more than 300 chapters from New York City to Los Angeles, a few have been recognized as reaching the Platinum Level of performance. In 2016, the WNC SCORE Polk County Branch achieved that honor. LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

SCORE

Amy Johnson, founder/owner of Kniticality, says, “My first contact with SCORE was with Bruce regarding financials. Don joined shortly thereafter.” Bruce Hunt (left) is a retired BB&T senior vice president. Don Hofmann (right) is a retired consumer marketing executive. Don says, “We use what Amy has done as one of our case studies on how to start, run, and grow a business right.”

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

SCORE FROM HOSPITAL DESK TO KNITTING BOUTIQUE On a mountaintop, a brief drive from downtown Saluda, Kniticality is more than 1,100 square feet of knitting and crocheting showrooms and classrooms. Shoppers and students will find more than 2,500 varieties of yarn, tools, and inspirational examples of the art. Founder/teacher Amy Johnson has an MBA in hospital administration but had no love for managing regulatory and quality compliance in the political environment of a large hospital. “I love creative expression,” she says. “I fondly remember crocheting with my grannies, and more than 18 years ago started knitting. There’s an immediate reward with every stitch, seeing an idea take form in the texture and color in your hands.” She also loves to share what she knows, making the math of stitching accessible to the beginner and exciting the imagination with artistic challenges for the veteran. “After starting the business, my first contact with SCORE was with Bruce regarding financials. Don joined shortly thereafter to help in my marketing planning. He helped me prioritize what could be done realistically, and provided creative input. What I still really appreciate is how they pay attention and treat me with respect as an equal.” Bruce Hunt is a former BB&T senior vice president in Atlanta and Don Hofmann is a retired advertising and consumer marketing executive. Since opening in 2012, the Kniticality customer base has increased 83 percent, classes total 60, and 450 square feet have been added to expand a communal knitting room overlooking the valley. Explaining his motivation, Bruce says, “There’s a sense of satisfaction in helping someone succeed. And in retirement, I don’t want to feel that my days of productivity are over.” Don explains, “I can attribute successes that I’ve had to mentors and help I received along the way. This is my chance to give back.” Bill, speaking for himself, says, “I feel good in getting in and sharing the challenge with entrepreneurs and seeing them do well.” Speaking for other mentors in the branch, he adds, “I’ve heard terms such as ‘the right thing to do,’ ‘sense of purpose,’ and ‘energizes me.’ I think we all identify with the ‘energizing’ idea and see ourselves as an unlimited free energy source of practical, proven thinking for our local business community.” For more on SCORE contact Bill Kerns at 828-553-0201 or billkerns291@gmail.com. More information about the organization is online at score.org. • LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

Much Ado

CHANGE It’s more than a cliché, it’s a way of life

Photo by Claire Sachse

WRITTEN BY STEVE WONG

s much as I hate to admit it, I hate change. I try to put on a good front as the kind of guy who can roll with the punches, but deep down inside, I love my well-worn ruts of life. Nothing will derail my day faster than waking up outside of my give-or-take-10-minutes window of 6 a.m. or brushing my teeth after my shower, rather than before, like normal people should do. As someone once said, “If you’re not changing, you’re dying.” I tried to find out who actually coined that axiom, but it seems that every bestselling business-by-the-book guru claims this notion in one quotable version or the other. If you have a 38

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

framed poster of this cliché with a camouflaged chameleon hiding in full view hanging in your office, please don’t tell me. The only thing I hate more than change is inspiring business advice cross-stitched in 70-point script type. But change is upon us here, dear readers, here in the Carolina Foothills, and roll with punches we must. During the recent holidays, I found myself on the streets of Saluda, Tryon, Columbus and Landrum often, and I noted (and I admit, liked) a great many changes that I saw. These towns have always been quaint and slow to change, qualities that moneyspending tourists love. For those who actually live here and need to make

a living, quaint and slow-to-change make for great brochure copy but they don’t always pay for the printing costs. On a deeper economic level, locals know the perception of quaint will bring people to town, but craft beer, fine food, authentic lodging, and upscale shops will bring them back. Each of these towns has established and continues to hone its livable and marketable quality of life characteristics. At the top of the grade, Saluda is postcard picturesque, and on any given visit, Main Street is lined with cars with both in-state and out-of-state tags. The same can be said for Landrum and its bustling Rutherford Street.

No-nonsense Columbus is perfectly poised off the interstate and benefits from travelers who need a latte and taste of locally sourced food. Probably the most notable changes for the better have been in Tryon, where last year’s disruptive street repairs have resulted in several new stores, art galleries, and eating establishments − making the town much more walkable, a social trend that is gaining ground among Millennials, Gen Xers, and Boomers alike. I applaud the artists, restaurateurs, bed and breakfast owners, entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, brewmeisters, and behindsthe-scenes civic-minded worker bees, who risk so much investing their time, talents, and money to make life in the foothills a better place first for local citizens, second for visitors. This is a fine point of distinction − catering to locals versus tourists − I think these towns do better at than say some of our bigger neighbors, who seem to bend over backwards to attract tourists and ignore the wants and needs of the residents. Some tourism consultant once had the gall to say that cities and towns that want to bring in new tourism dollars must first provide great quality attractions, shopping, and entertainment to the people who actually live in the community. Simply put: a great place to live is a great place to visit. I believe true progress is made when a substantial cart follows a workhorse, rather than forcing a painted pony to push a gussied-up little red wagon filled with hype. As I reflect on the then and now, and anticipate what 2017 will bring, I am optimistic about the Carolina Foothills. I see change that is based on the true character of our communities. Evolution is change based on need and in most cases is subtle, painless, and leads to a better life. “Change is the only constant” is another one of those phrases that people use when they have nothing original to add to the conversation. Enough said. • Steve Wong is a writer and promoter living in the peach orchards of Gramling, S.C. who says, “Yes, my columns are all about me, but it is my hope that by reading them, you’ll find insights into yourself.” He can be complimented or ridiculed at Just4Wong@gmail.com.

Tony Walters Barbara Claussen We are members of the National Association of Realtors® and have a combined experience of 55 years, ranging from Berlin to Nova Scotia, and now to our beautiful Carolina foothills.

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

When the

SAWDUST Flies

Chainsaw artist Ted Travers creates a buzz in Tryon 40

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Ted Travers

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL O’HEARN

rive by Tryon Mountain Hardware in Lynn and you might be lucky enough to see local woodcarving artist Ted Travers working on his latest creation in his “workshop” in the parking lot. You might also suddenly think it’s snowing outside after seeing all of the sawdust flying around in the air as Travers uses his chainsaw like a paintbrush to deftly carve a log down into one of his many creative pieces, such as a bear, fireplace mantel or bench. A native of the Branson, Missouri area, Travers said he grew up around woodcarvers and enjoyed going to Silver Dollar City to watch them wave their chainsaws like magic wands to create new works of art out of trees. His days as a woodcarver began when he was 17 years old on a beach in Florida. “I had carving tools and carving experience since I was a child and I moved down to Florida to see if I could make a living out of it,” Travers said. “I sat on the beach, and after about a week, I had run out of money. I only sold a couple of carvings so it wasn’t looking too good.”

“I said to myself if this guy wants top dollar for all of my carvings to use in his restaurant, I think I’m going to make it. I wasn’t sure if my skill level was good enough to cold turkey make it. I was prepared to get a carpentry job if necessary to supplement as a part-time job,” Travers said. Travers added that he didn’t always want to be just a woodcarver; he also wanted to be a priest. “If you had asked me at the age of 5, and people on occasion did, I would say every time even still as a teenager, that His profession took a turn in the right direction when a man approached I wanted to be a woodcarver and a priest,” Travers said. He was raised in him and asked how much it would cost to buy all of the pieces Travers had the Catholic Church and at a Catholic school and “just thought the God thing in his inventory. At the time he had was cool.” mainly seashells and turtle carvings, “I had an interest in the God factor about 25 pieces in the collection. and asked all sorts of questions,” he At first, Travers thought the man had to be joking but, as it turns out, he said. Being a woodcarver is something was building a restaurant and wanted Travers said he “hit right on the head,” to use Travers’ pieces as part of the but he didn’t become a priest as an décor. adult after all. He joined a non-denomFrom there, Travers launched his inational church at the age of 21 and business, Adventures in Art, Inc., and he has had a hand in either starting he knew he would make a career out or assisting men’s youth groups. He of it after meeting with the restaurant now works with the New Testament builder.

Opposite page: No two pieces are alike because of texture, grain, color and type of wood. Here, Travers creates a small bear. LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

Ted Travers

Ted Travers carves sculptures and other items at his workshop in the parking lot at Tryon Mountain Hardware in Lynn including bears, Indian faces, mailboxes and fireplace mantels. 42

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Ted Travers The Town of Tryon recently commissioned Travers to do a carving overlooking Trade Street and the downtown area next to the clock tower. Travers completed the work on the carving in November and Town Manager Zach Ollis said he is interested in having Travers complete more pieces for the town in the future.

Christian Fellowship in Landrum and established a young adult group for the 18- to 30-year-olds. “I almost got the priest part with just a little variation. I wanted to get married and have a family and I’m glad I did.” The bears and Indian faces are two of Travers’ most popular pieces, but he also carves pieces like benches, mailboxes and fireplace mantels. He believes he is the only woodcarver within 100 miles to custom make mantels for sale.

He added he is available to go to people’s properties to collaborate with homeowners to determine what works best for their homes during the remodeling or building process. “I’ve been making a lot of the bears because they are cute and adorable and they are really easy to make,” Travers explained. “Now that I am 57, I don’t have that 30-year-old amazing body that is resilient to pretty much anything, so in making these small bears I can use my small saws. Eventually I’ll

have to stop making those.” “If someone were to come to me and say they saw a piece the previous week and wanted me to make one exactly like that, I would say, ‘Sorry, I can’t,’ because each piece is unique. But I can make something similar,” Travers said. “God basically made it, I just highlighted it in. My customers are 99 percent of the time excited, polite and nice. They dig what I’m doing and it’s really fulfilling as a job.” • LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

APPOINTMENTS

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about

THE HORSE SUBMITTED BY KIRK GOLLWITZER

Tryon International Film Festival adds equine category

Tryon International Film Festival

s 2017 approaches, the Polk County Film Initiative (PCFI) is taking significant strides to ensure that the third annual Tryon International Film Festival will be the most comprehensive, open-minded and innovative ever. All because of the imagination and cunningness of today’s independent filmmakers, the management team of the film festival (TRIFF17) has already begun sculpting the architecture of its upcoming edition. TRIFF17 proudly announces the dates of the upcoming festival to be held from Oct. 27-29, 2017 in Tryon, and introduces a new equestrian category dedicated to the health, preservation and wellbeing of the horse, with the tagline “It’s all about the horse.” All genres of films, including documentaries, which respectfully highlight the beauty, health and welfare of the horse, will be considered. The festival employs a strategy of direct sourcing of film projects from around the world. This level of film recruitment has resulted in fabulous works from industry favorites like Robert Redford, daughter Amy Redford and Cecilia Peck. Whether the film genre is drama, comedy or environment, TRIFF17 will continue to encourage and promote women filmmakers throughout the world, before, during and after each festival run. Many filmmakers from past festivals will be called back as judges, educators and industry supporters. TRIFF17 will continue to invite local filmmakers to highlight their grassroots efforts, but staff operations will boldly continue to attract and recruit filmmakers, actors, and artists from the world stage, both within the indie-film sector, television, online, interactive, virtual and postcinematic release.

TRYON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2016

For more information, find the Tryon October 9 International Film Festival8 on&Facebook, or online at www.tryoninternationalfilmfestival.com, or call Beau Menetre at 404-379-5762 or Kirk Gollwitzer at 864-414-7765. • FILM SCREENINGS WORKSHOPS

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R YO N TBUILDERS

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

Margo Savage

Some

TALL BOOTS to Fill

WRITTEN BY JUDY HEINRICH PHOTOS SUBMITTED

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Margo Savage

Margo (left) and your writer were Hunter Pace partners a decade ago with patient saints Amber and Missy (Photo by Lou Smith).

n her almost 20 years as a Polk County resident, Margo Savage has been not just a volunteer, but a leader of volunteers, especially among the horse community and in animal welfare efforts. Which is somewhat ironic because she came to all three of those things – volunteering, horses and even pets – late in life. Now as Margo steps back from volunteering to focus on her family, we want to recognize the positive impact she has had on our community and – ulterior motive here! – let people know where a few holes will need to be filled in some important local organizations.

BACKSTORY Growing up in a military family with the requisite overseas travel, Margo says that her childhood pets were limited to goldfish and a parakeet. When she entered the working world she chose a career with Sears, Roebuck and Co., in Chicago. Margo was a buyer for Sears and her success in numerous areas led company management to make her a troubleshooter for departments that were under-performing. Her specialty was to analyze trends, change things up and sometimes give senior management the bad news that a given department simply wasn’t

sustainable without major changes in direction. One change in Margo’s personal direction was meeting and marrying Sears co-worker Terry Savage. Their lives changed again when they decided to leave big city living for the suburbs of Chicago, choosing a new neighborhood with homes connected to a dedicated green space. Because all of the property buyers there were going through the same home-building process, fast friendships were formed. Once their houses were completed, Margo and a good friend were bored and thought it would be fun to take LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

Margo Savage ballroom dancing lessons Margo’s most recent with their husbands. The show challenge was behusbands did not agree. ing the dressage steward Looking for a different for the area’s biggest hobby, the two women equestrian competition signed up for a series of to date, the American eight beginner riding lesEventing Championsons at a barn just a halfships held at Tryon mile from their homes. International Equestrian This was Margo’s first-ever Center in September. experience with horses. With Cathy Berlin as And thus the die was cast. second in command, the Margo went to the pair was responsible for barn every day after work, set up, recruiting and took hunter lessons, and organizing more than did local shows with a 100 dressage volunteers, group of other career and doing the necessary women in their 30s. Of paperwork for 600+ ridcourse she soon got a Margo (left) welcomes a volunteer to the AECs check-in (Photo by Kent Holden). ers on 700+ horses over horse of her own, which three days of dressage Terry didn’t mind because tests. They then spent it freed his weekends up for golf. VOLUNTEERING two more days helping FRC officer AnThat worked well for a while until Margo said she had been here about nie Lane-Maunder, who was volunteer increasing development starting push- a week when Bertie Phayer suggested organizer for the AEC’s show jumping. ing out local horse farms and the she volunteer at Foothills Humane Savages finally got their fill of the area’s Society (FHS). “I had always been EYE ON IMPROVEMENT brutal winters. They both decided to interested in volunteering and adOne thing that has remained the take early retirement and began looking mired people who did, but when I was same in Margo’s life is her habit – for a location that combined warmer working, I didn’t have any time. Now honed during her Sears career – of lookweather, less development and a horse- that I was retired I felt like it was time ing for new and better ways to make friendly community. They initially for me to pay back.” She got involved something successful. It’s apparent in all looked in Kentucky but the horse with FHS in the fall of the year, after of the organizations she’s volunteered activities there didn’t click with Margo. horse show season, and the following for. Their next target – the Tryon area – spring she also began volunteering at As president of Foothills Humane definitely did. They bought a property the horse shows for what is now the Society in 2005, Margo led the implewith an existing house and barn, added Foothills Riding Club (FRC). mentation of changes that took the an outdoor ring and covered arena, “I made some suggestions for how organization from a substandard live took on a few boarders, and have been things could be done differently at the release rate of just 15 percent toward there ever since. horse shows, so I was asked if I wanted a new goal of becoming a “guaranteed When Margo’s father passed away, to work in the office and make those adoption center.” Working toward that Margo and Terry invited her mother kinds of changes. That was about 15 goal years ago helped set FHS on the to leave Florida and live with them, years ago. Then Wendy Cochran, who road to its current status as a no-kill adding a private suite to their home. had been running FRC’s benefit shows, shelter. “Mom” has now been there for 17 was about to move out west and told Margo also started a new arm of years, sharing her cooking talents me I was ready to handle the shows FHS, the Foothills Equine Rescue Assisalong the way – something enjoyed by myself. So I ran the FRC shows for tance, or FERA. This group works with Margo, Terry, and the many area volun- about 14 years.” She has also served the Polk County Animal Control officer teers who have watched for her baked FRC as secretary, treasurer, president and Animal Cruelty Investigators to resgoodies in show offices. and newsletter editor. cue and support neglected, abandoned

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Margo Savage and abused equines in the area. When she was asked to serve on the board of what was then the Foothills Dressage and Combined Training Club, Margo recognized that the organization needed to broaden its membership to establish a pool of volunteers who could staff the shows at which its active dressage competed. The club was expanded beyond its core dressage competitions to attract new members in different riding disciplines. As the Foothills Riding Club, the organization is larger than ever at about 300 members, and hosts regular educational and recreational activities, clinics, a dressage schooling show series and XC schooling day. From proceeds raised throughout the year, FRC awards four scholarships and two annual donations to local non-profits (one animal-related and one general).

TIME FOR A BREAK Margo has now eased out of her volunteer work, although as recently as early December she took a six-hour training course for Animal Cruelty Investigators, a team she’s been on since 2009. But her immediate focus will be on family and farm. Her mom will turn 93 in 2017 and, while she’s in great health and still tends her garden, she deserves some time to just relax and enjoy herself and her extended family. Terry has shouldered many barn and farm responsibilities while Margo focused on volunteer activities that often bordered on full-time jobs. Although his doctor said the daily farm work got him in “the best shape he’d ever been in,” Terry, too, is ready for a little downtime. And Margo is ready for some rides

of her own rather than organizing and scheduling rides for others. She’ll soon be heading out on the local trail systems. Asked if she thought she’d miss volunteering, Margo exclaimed, “I already do miss it – a lot! I used to say I’d go stark raving mad with nothing to do. But it’s the right time to focus on family.” That said, we wouldn’t be surprised if another “right time” comes along for Margo to be back in the volunteer ranks, where she will surely be thinking up ways to make things better. In the meantime if you’ve got some time to spend volunteering, no doubt the Foothills Riding Club, Foothills Humane Society, FERA, the Animal Cruelty Investigators – or any other local organization – would be happy to hear from you. •

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

Country Living

COLOR INSPIRATIONS for designs in the New Year

WRITTEN BY GILLIAN DRUMMOND

he trend for 2017 is, to quote Iris Apfel, a multi generational style guru, 95, and one of my mentors when I was a young designer in New York, “More is more and less is a bore.” The recession induced a minimal aesthetic, which is slowly turning into a need to express ourselves in a more personal and less trendy way. Global immigration, cultural flux, self-expression and soulful nostalgia are combining to redefine our sense of personal existence and a need to have a feeling of spirituality. This need to express ourselves more personally brings into play a return to a richness of color consisting of pale, bright and deep, and the use of any style of furniture from antiques, vintage and modern, either used as a single statement or mixed for a more eclectic expression. From the world of fashion comes a style full of pattern, textures and details with embellishments everywhere. Style goes from bohemian to grandeur – it is a sensual feast reminiscent of the Baroque era filled with vivid details of layered pattern, color, trim and texture. Color is everywhere and in many hues. Benjamin Moore starts its 2017 color palette with a soft pink, Pink Bliss, which captures the delicate transparency of a bride’s veil. This sheerest of pinks is reminiscent of fresh flowers and wedding finery. 50

January 2017 LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

This neutral hue conveys happiness and tranquility, and would be lovely in a bedroom but is neutral enough to bring light and warmth to a living room. Jewel tones of blues, greens, and reds like Benjamin Moore’s Dinner Party, which is a sophisticated deep red with black undertones, are wonderful for a dining room. In the really deep tones, Benjamin Moore has Gentlemen’s Gray. Formal and masculine, this blackened blue leans toward classic navy, suggesting beautifully tailored suits and traditional pea coats. I would use it in a library or a small bar Benjamin Moore paint is available at Williamson’s Paint Center, Landrum S.C. The color on this wall is and mix it with a Scottish Dinner Party. tartan. Their color of the year is by day and yet spiritual and soft Shadow. Elusive and enigat night with the right lighting. matic, it is a master of ambiance and plays into your spiritual mood. I think it could also be used in a library or great room with great “It ebbs and flows with its sursuccess when the right mix of other roundings, and light brings it to colors, textures or prints is used life. Rich, royal amethyst can fade with it. into the soft lilac-grey of distant Gillian Drummond of Drummountains or morph into lustrous mond House has opened her design coal. Indulge your mysterious side. atelier in downtown Tryon, N.C. Let Shadow set the mood,” says View her website at www.drumEllen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore’s mondhouseco.com and reach her at creative director. info@drummondhouseco.com or call This color could be used in a 828-859-9895. bedroom, as it is very dramatic

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Private House Cleaning Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly or 1 Time. 15 yrs exp. References upon request. Free In-home Estimates! Marjorie 828-817-6350 Mitch Contracting Serving your demolition needs since 1918. We offer roll-off waste containers for home and commercial use. Call 828-252-0694 or visit us at www.mitchcontracting.com. FIREWOOD $80 a truck load. $10 extra if stacked. Dependable and honest. Let us be of service to you! 828-817-5600 828-817-9218 864-316-2229 $10 OFF Winter Preventative Maintenance (Reg $75) Rutherford Heating and Air 828-287-2240 Tommy’s Home Improvement •Roofs, renovations, siding, carpentry, decks, windows, screening. All Home Repairs. FREE Estimates Home: (828)859-5608 Cell: (828)817-0436 MEDITATION Free group meditation with free yoga warm-up (optional) every WEDNESDAY evening in Tryon. Beginners welcomed (we’re all beginners)! Call 828-273-4342 for directions. STONE MASONRY: specializing in retaining walls, fireplaces, patios, sidewalks, chimneys & foundations. 25 years experience. 864-621-7043 or 864-497-9988 APPLY TODAY!! FREE Programs For Eligible Young Children WCCA serves children ages Birth to Age 3 at our Columbus location in

RENTALS Go to www.tryonrealestate.com For Furnished and Unfurnished Long and Short Term Rentals Contact Pat Martin at First Real Estate 828-859-7653 For Sale: All Brick House on 3 lots near Tryon and Lake Lanier. $189,900 See craigslist.com; select Real Estate For Sale & search ”Lanier” 865-310-4731 TIEC visitors - 2 or 3 bedroom house – pool table/laundry room – garage and parking available. CLOSE to TIEC and local restaurants. 828-894-2763 Heated barn- 10 stalls. Polkville. 40-minutes from TIEC. Lighted/ covered riding arena/outdoor arena. Enclosed 4-horse hot walker for exercising. Hot water, wash bay, laundry with W/D, bathroom/ lounge/office. Turnout paddocks available. Gated & plenty of parking. Must see to appreciate! 704-284-3730 • 828-606-2004 LAND & ACREAGE FOR SALE Beautiful 13.1 acres of rolling hills, with established fescue pasture, mountain view & 400 foot road frontage- $140,000. Property is 20 minutes from TIEC in South Carolina. Follow the signs at Hwy 11 and Burnt Chimney Road to property on North Pacolet Road. Call 864-590-1906, after 5pm or 864-680-6309 for more information. NEED CASH? I BUY MOST ANYTHING THAT’S A BARGAIN. CAR--TRUCK--RV/CAMPER-JEEP--68 CAMARO--TRAILER CARGO--SUBURBAN--4-WHEELERS-GOLF CART--TRACTOR--GUNS-LAND--HOME. NO JUNK! MUST HAVE TITLE. DON’T CALL IF IT’S NOT A BARGAIN! 828-551-7176

Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies, available early 2017. Now accepting applications. www.ChicoraRidgebacks.com (828)808-2688 ACTS Home Health Agency located at Tryon Estates, recruiting for PRN-RN Must have valid NC nursing-license, current CPR. Candidate needs to be organized, flexible, dependable. Pasthome health experience preferred,but not required. Interested applicants email: ccarpenter@actslife.org or join the Talent Network: acts-jobs.org FSBO – charming horse farm, 1700sfantebellum house, ten stall barn. Near Tryon. Mostly pasture with surrounding preserve. Large arena. $489K (21 acre complete); $356K (10 acres with facilities). 773-633-7186 Event or Neighborhood Reps for large 20 year old home improvement company. $12/hr + commission. Call Carolina Gutter Helmet & More 864-877-0692 or email resume/work history: robie@carolinagutterhelmet.com MAINTENANCE UNLIMITED If you can break it, we can fix it! All types of home maintenance: pressure washing, yard maintenance and more! 828-447-0669 or 828-817-4284 First Staffing Now Hiring •In-Home Aides •Textiles •Mental Health •Sewers •Weavers •Warpers •Production Workers Apply in person: 1987 Lynn Road, Suite A Columbus, NC 28722 NOW HIRING: Experienced Cook/Chef & Server Apply In Person: Harvest House Restaurant Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm 864-457-2823 Experienced Plumbers Applicants must have reliable transportation & phone, pass background check/drug test. Call for appointment. Hyder Plumbing Co., Inc. 615 N. Howard Ave., Landrum (864)457-4568

CNAs & Exp. 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. MILL CREEK RESTAURANT OPENING SOON! Still need a few Servers and Cooks. Apply in person at 322 Mill St, Columbus or call 865-318-8354. Pavillon Bringing hope, healing, and lasting recovery to individuals and families who suffer from alcoholism, drug addictions and related disorders. 828-694-2300 241 Pavillon Place, Mill Spring Polk County Schools Visit www.polkschools.org/employment for more info & to apply Personnel 828-894-1001 Tore’s Home Inc. in East Flat Rock seeking Dependable and Drug-Free CARE GIVERS. New facilities. Only 6-12 residents in each facility. 828-697-7522 Waste Industries is now hiring CDL Drivers $1000 Sign-on Bonus! Top pay. Full benefit package! Walk in and apply today at Columbus location: 180 Ada Moore St, Columbus, NC 28722 Or apply on-line at: www.wasteindustries.com EOE/AA/D/V White Oak of Tryon Currently Accepting Applications For: •1st and 3rd Shift CNAs, Full-Time Apply in person: 70 Oak Street Tryon, NC 28739 Barn for rent: 4-6 stalls on Hunting Country Road. Short hack to C.E.T.A. trails, fenced turnouts and riding area. $300 per stall unless you rent the whole barn. 864-382-9313 ***Negotiable***

LANDRUM VET HOSPITAL Now accepting applications. Experience a plus. No phone calls! Apply in person: 1600 East Rutherford Landrum, SC

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS January 2017

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keeping you in the swing Whether your golf club, club, swinging swingingyour yourpartner partneron on your passion is swinging swinging aa golf the dance dance floor, floor, or or swinging swinging on the back porch with aa good good book, book, St. Luke’s Hospital’s senior-focused, patient-focused,state-of-the-art medical services will keep Luke’s Hospital’s medical you healthy, activeyou andhealthy, loving active, life. and loving life as you age. services will keep

Top Emergency Services Emergency Services > Top

Should a health crisis occur, the highly trained emergency Should a health crisis occur, our highly trained emergency team is ready 24/7 with advanced life-saving techniques and team is ready 24/7 with advanced life-saving techniques and technologies. Emergency services are also affiliated with the area’s top technologies. Emergency services are also affiliated with the area’s top trauma centers for priority patient transport if needed via helicopter or trauma centers for priority patient transport if needed via helicopter or ambulance.

Renowned Orthopedics and Rehab > Renowned Orthopedics and Rehab ambulance.

People from all over the world travel to St. Luke’s Hospital to take advantage of St. Luke’s advanced orthopedic procedures for hip Hospital and kneetoreplacement. People from all over the world travel to St. Luke’s take advantage of Equally as outstanding, state-of-the-art gym and rehabilitation our advanced orthopedicthe procedures for hiptherapeutic and knee replacement. Equally as services offerthe one-on-one treatment with a licensed professional for optimal outstanding, state-of-the-art therapeutic gym and rehabilitation services offer recovery from surgery,with injury, stroke or other challenges. one-on-one treatment a licensed professional for optimal recovery from

Behavioral Health Services > Behavioral Health for Seniors surgery, injury, stroke, or other challenge.

To manage emotional and physiological challenges related to aging, St. Life Solutions Programrelated offers to a To Luke’s manageoutpatient emotionalSenior and psychological challenges customized, team approach focused on coping strategies, aging, St. Luke’s intensive outpatient counseling service increasing health restoring functionality. Senior Life general Solutions offersand a customized team approach For those with more substantial needs, the Center of and focused on coping strategies, increasing general health, Behavioral Medicine provides compassionate, geriatric restoring functionality. For those with more substantial needs, psychiatric services in a safe, homelike environment. the Center for Behavioral Medicine provides compassionate,

Comprehensive Outpatient Health Services > Comprehensive Senior Health Services

geriatric psychiatric services in a safe, homelike environment.

Services include: a new outpatient pain clinic, ophthalmology surgery and laser procedures, speech therapy and swallow studies, respiratory Services include ophthalmology surgery and laser procedures, speech therapy therapy and diabetes education, lymphedema therapy and balance risk and swallow studies, respiratory therapy and diabetes education, lymphedema assessment, digital mammography and bone density. therapy and balance risk assessment, digital mammography and bone density.

Whatever your needs, St. Luke’s Hospital’s complete range of

Whatever your needs, St. Luke’s Hospital’s complete range of medical services--medical services—including general surgery, radiology, lab services, including general surgery, radiology, lab services, and much more---is dedicated to keeping and much more—is dedicated to keeping you in the swing for life. you in the swing for life. Find out more. Call (828) 894 864-0972, visit SaintLukesHospital.com or visit us in person at 101 Hospital Dr, Columbus, NC 28722