Life in Our Foothills - February 2023

Allison Editor

ON THE COVER

FROM THE EDITOR

This February, love is in the air! Love, in all of its many forms, is prevalent here in the Foothills.

This month, we caught up with Outreach Executive Director Margot Carter. Outreach has long served Polk County residents, working to alleviate food insecurity and helping families in need with financial assistance. Margot shares details of Hopewell Village, a new housing development aimed at addressing the housing shortage in Polk County. This inspiring labor of love is just one example of neighbors working to help one another here in the Foothills.

We’ll also visit with Patty Otto, owner of Landrum’s Hare and Hound Pub, as she celebrates the 20th anniversary of buying the well-loved downtown restaurant. She shares with us some of her favorite moments of the last two decades and explains the passion that she and her staff have for serving the community. Also, Linda List shares a bit of Valentine’s day nostalgia, as she looks back on the holiday and some of its history and traditions.

And of course, we’ll hear from our resident spokespony, Pebbles. We learn the story of Beau’s arrival on the ranch, and how he became part of the HERD family.

You’ll find all of this and more in this month’s edition! We hope you enjoy what we’ve put together for you this month, and as I do each month, I encourage readers to reach out and help us share your story. Email me at jeff.allison@tryondailybulletin.com with any thoughts or ideas for upcoming issues. As always, thanks for reading

Jeff Allison Editor

(Story on page 16)

Story by Macy Cochran

Jeff

General Manager

Jeff Allison

Graphic Design

Justin Akey

Marketing

Kevin Powell

Linne Gilbert

Distribution

Jamie Lewis Administration

Sydney Wilkie

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 Manager, Life in Our Foothills, 16. N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, or email to jeff.allison@ tryondailybulletin.com. Life in Our Foothills is available free of charge at locations throughout Polk County and Upstate South Carolina, and online at www.tryondailybulletin.com. Subscriptions are available for $30 per year by calling 828-859-9151. To advertise, call 828-859-9151.

CONTRIBUTORS

Mark Levin, Writer and Photographer

Mark is retired from a career in education, both in and outside of the classroom. He enjoys traveling in his campervan and finding stories about the people and places encountered along the way. You can follow his blog at FoothillsFaces.com as well as at youtube.com/ TheCountryLifeWithColumbusMark.

Linda List, Writer and Photographer

Linda List’s career was spent in the food industry, often surrounded by chocolate and candy. Retirement and the Tryon Daily Bulletin have provided the opportunity for her to share her writing. Growing up in New York on the Canadian border, she lived most of her adult life at the foot of the Rockies in Golden, Colo. And is now enjoying life in Landrum the foot of the Smokies.

Macy Cochran, Writer and Photographer

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

Claire Sachse, Writer and Photographer

Once the editor of the Tryon Daily Bulletin, Claire Sachse now manages several freelance side-hustles in the public relations and publishing arena. She’s also working on writing a mystery novel in which an editor solves crimes in a fictional (maybe) mountain railroad town. Raised by a painter and a diplomat, she considers herself immensely lucky to have a home full of weird and wonderful art, and a passport full of stamps.

Storme Smith, Writer and Photographer

Storme Smith is a writer who lives in the Foothills of North Carolina. He is the co-founder and publisher of Buno Books, and has a passion for the arts. He also enjoys writing about the history, sports and unique people and places of our area.

Pebbles, Writer

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Free Tours of The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run

Feb. 1-4 and 7-9

10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.

385 Blackwood Rd., Columbus

Reserve online or call Redbellrun.org, 828-863-2017

Green River Plantation Tours

Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays in Feb.

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Reservations Required

6333 Coxe Rd., Rutherfordton Greenriverplantation.info

828-286-1461

Columbus Winter Farmers Market

Feb. 4 & 18

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Iron Key Brewing Co.

135 Locust St., Columbus PolkCountyFarms.org

828-894-2281

Looking Glass Creamery Tours

Feb. 4, 11, 18

12-12:30 p.m.

335 Harmon Dairy Lane, Columbus Lookingglasscreamery.com

828-863-2104

2023 Tiny Art Show

Feb. 6-26

Columbus Library

1289 W. Mills St. Polklibrary.org, 828-894-8721

The Young (and not-so-young) Person’s Guide to the Orchestra

With Igor Begelman

Feb. 9, 4 p.m.

Tryon Fine Arts Center

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org, 828-859-8322

The Mysterious Lives of Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes

Feb. 9, 6 p.m.

Landrum Library

111 Asbury Dr., Landrum

SpartanburgLibraries.org

864-457-2218

VITA Tax Preparation

Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Registration Required Landrum Library

111 Asbury Dr., Landrum

SpartanburgLibraries.org

864-457-2218

New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players

Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m.

Tryon Fine Arts Center

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org, 828-859-8322

Saluda Winter Farmers Market

Feb. 11 & 25 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Saluda Community Center

64 Greenville St. PolkCountyFarms.org

828-894-2281

Holiday Ice Skating Through Feb. 14

Winterfest Village at Tryon International Equestrian Center

25 International Blvd., Mill Spring Tryon.com/winterfest, 828-863-1000

Movie Screening: Out of Sight

Feb. 14, 7 p.m.

Tryon Fine Arts Center

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org, 828-859-8322

TGIF Concert Series: Jason DeCristofaro & Friends

Feb. 17, 6 p.m.

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonConcerts.org

888-501-0297

The Man of Magic

Feb. 18, 7 p.m.

Tryon Fine Arts Center

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org, 828-859-8322

“So You Think You Can’t Draw?”

Art Camp for Adults

Feb. 20-24, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Tryon Fine Arts Center

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org, 828-859-8322

Family Dance Party Feb. 22

10:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Columbus Library

1289 W. Mills St. Polklibrary.org, 828-894-8721

Conserving Carolina: Spring Migration of Songbirds Through the Southeast Feb. 28, 6-7 p.m.

Registration Required Landrum Library

111 Asbury Dr., Landrum SpartanburgLibraries.org

864-457-2218

Through March 4

Tryon Painters & Sculptors

78 N. Trade St., Tryon TryonPaintersAndSculptors.com

“Nightwatch” by Jeremy Philips and Vivian Liddell

“Begat” by Warren Hicks

“Drawing Marathon V” by 20 artists

Through March 10 Upstairs Artspace Gallery

49 S. Trade St., Tryon UpstairsArtspace.org

UPSTAIRS ARTSPACE 100X100 FUNDRAISER

Photos by Claire Sachse

After a year of closure due to a flood and ensuing repairs, Tryon’s contemporary art gallery Upstairs Artspace finished 2022 with merriment and friendly competition at its annual 100x100 fundraiser, held Dec. 18. Polk County’s renowned artists, not-yet-famous artists, and up-and-coming student artists all contributed small works of art to the popular auction. The gallery would like to thank the artists and the community of Tryon for their steadfast support.

Jeanne Howe, Linda Helton, Marilyn Owens

Ashley and Beau Menetre

Karen DeMuth, Don Davis/Santa, Patti Trobaugh, Shelly Self Ryan, Robin and Julianna Wierzbicki

Phil Garrett, Sarah Shroth

Tom Trobaugh, John Walters

Tom Trobaugh, John Walters

Santa and Galen Sachse

Melissa Gordon, Lyra Nonamaker

HARE AND HOUND PUB

A cornerstone of downtown Landrum for over twenty years

feel like family.

The Hare and Hound Pub has been a staple in downtown Landrum for about 27 years, and for 20 of those, it has belonged to Patty Otto. When walking through the ornate doors of the handsome brick building, built in 1913, the warm atmosphere and friendly staff are a comforting welcome.

It all boils down to Otto, who is passionate about the food that Hare and Hound pub prepares for the community and the people around her. She always makes sure her customers

On December 2, those at the Hare and Hound Pub— an Irish-themed restaurant with a variety of food options––celebrated their 20th anniversary under the ownership of Otto.

“To celebrate, we did a lot of the original recipes from the restaurant that were here when I first bought the pub, recreating some dishes that we did when we first started twenty years ago,” Otto said. “We just celebrated the fact that we got through another year.”

December 2 also happened to be Otto’s birthday.

The story of the Hare and Hound Pub began many years

Story and photography by Macy Cochran

After 20 years running the Hare and Hound Pub, Otto knows the ins and outs of her business. Oftentimes, running the place is more chaotic than easygoing, but it’s all worth it to keep pursuing her passion: serving the community.

ago when Otto moved to the Landrum area in 1997 with her husband.

“We were aware of the restaurant being there, and we knew the owners because they were part of the local horse community,” she said. “When I found out they were interested in selling, I told my husband that I might consider going back into the restaurant business again.”

Prior to moving to the Foothills, Otto had owned a restaurant on Hilton Head Island. There she featured many recipes of her own, which she carried on to Landrum’s beloved Hare and Hound. The restaurant now serves delicious dishes that include Guinness beef pie, chicken pot pie, and one of their most popular plates, the honey child chicken salad on a croissant.

“Clam chowder is one recipe I brought with me from Hilton Head. The Pilgrim Sandwich was also a favorite I did there, but a lot of our current recipes

Otto sees her nightly regulars at the bar each evening, where a sports game is usually on the screen.

are from our chefs,” she said.

Every chef at the pub has been working there for between eight and 15 years–each very passionate about preparing Landrum’s most popular dishes. Otto’s right-hand-woman is Sandra Lawson, whom Otto has leaned on for support for the past 20 years. Lawson has been working at the Hare and Hound for all of its 27 years.

Owning a restaurant wasn’t exactly Otto’s plan when she moved to the area. She did know, however, that the pub was meant to serve as a cornerstone of Landrum.

“I don’t know that I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do. I just knew it was location, location, location,” she said. “I loved the old building. I mean, it was built in 1913. I knew it was situated to be exactly what it is––a big part of the community.”

The day Otto officially opened the doors of her Hare and Hound Pub on December

On the left side of the restaurant, an entire wall is dedicated to framed photographs of the Clydesdale Horse Parade.

2, 2002, the town of Landrum was experiencing less-thandesirable weather.

“It was an icy, snowy, horrible day. No one was on the roads. Power was off for the next five days around the community, so I opened the restaurant and let it be known that anyone who needed to could come here and get coffee, take showers, or whatever they needed to do. Some of those people are my best customers to this day,” she said.

Serving the community is Otto’s way of showing love for where she lives, and she’s been doing so since the day the Hare and Hound opened under her ownership.

She said, “I’m still very hands-on here. I’m here seven days a week.” However, Otto explains that help from her family is a big part of the pub’s success.

“My family is in the business. My granddaughter

works with me, and my grandson is my accountant,” Otto said. “As far as passing it on, I hope whatever happens with the restaurant, it will always continue with the same vision that I have–being a good restaurant with good prices and consistency, but never forgetting that we’re part of this wonderful community.”

Though Otto didn’t give the restaurant its iconic name, the name still encompasses just as much sentiment as if she had.

“My husband and I traveled a lot, and I always loved old pub signs and I would buy them in Europe. We always loved the pubs in England and Ireland, so we’d always gravitate to a great pub,” she said. “I had bought a pub sign before I owned this restaurant from a pub called ‘The Hare and Hounds.’ That sign hangs outside the building now.”

While the sign is now faded

Though the pub was already here when Otto moved to town, she swooped in and made it her own, decorating it with a theme she brought back with her from Ireland.

due to years of sun, rain, and everything in between, it still welcomes new faces through the double doors every day for a fresh lunch or dinner. Those faces, she said, are her favorite part of owning the restaurant.

“It’s the people,” she said. “It’s the people that I’ve met here and have become friends with. They’re friends and extended family.”

One of Otto’s favorite memories over her two decades in business is from a certain April day several years ago. “The memory that sticks out the most is being able to bring the Clydesdales here in 2015,” she remembers.

About seven years ago, Otto was able to accomplish the creation of a parade centered around the famous

Clydesdale horses. The wellknown Clydesdales strolled through downtown Landrum and brought people from all over the area together for one magical evening.

Each year, the restaurant makes celebratory shirts for its anniversary. This year, the tee shirts included a logo with “20 years” on the corner of the word “community.”

“To me, that summed up exactly who I am and what this restaurant is, because this restaurant has helped build the community, and we’re so much part of the community as a whole,” she said.

As Patty Otto buckles up for the next couple of decades, she is destined to experience many more moments worth celebrating.

Customers enjoy a free bowl of popcorn as they wait for their entree—a staple of the Hare and Hound.

OUTREACH’S HOPE VILLAGE IS BUILDING homes with heart

Margot Carter gives a tour of Hope Village

Since 1991, Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry has been one of the most vital charitable organizations within Polk County. Based in Columbus, the organization is guided by its motto, “helping hands, caring hearts.” Outreach has been instrumental in serving Polk County residents, aiding the community by working to alleviate food insecurity, helping families in need with financial assistance and providing free school supplies to area students.

Recently, they have taken their mission a step further by constructing Hope Village, a rental housing development aimed at addressing the affordable housing shortage in Polk County, on Hope Valley Lane off White Drive in Columbus.

Hope Village, which presently consists of three homes with the fourth under construction and many more planned, can be described as a communityminded neighborhood where families can live and grow in affordable, supportive housing. Outreach owns the homes and rents them out to those who apply and qualify, allowing them to have safe, stable housing that can often be hard to find.

A neighborhood such as Hope Village had always been a vision of long-time executive director and Outreach founder, the late Eloise Thwing, for whom their main building is named. And in 2019, then Executive Director George Ally took the project on and got it going with the help of the Polk County High School Construction Program led by their teacher Keith Rimer.

Story and photography by Storme Smith

The local kids paint pumpkins

The students on the Polk County High School Construction Program, constructed the shells of the homes, including the roof, doors, and siding, which were then transported to the site. Then, Rimer Construction completed the remaining work on the three houses, with the fourth to be completed early this year. Current Outreach Executive Director Margot Carter now leads the project, and she has undoubtedly inherited her predecessor’s passion and enthusiasm for the new neighborhood.

Carter, the daughter of a builder, joined Outreach in 2016 as its communications, marketing, and development director and is now the organization’s fifth executive director. She’s quick to give the lion’s share of credit to her predecessors, the Outreach staff, the project’s

contributors, and, especially, the volunteers.

“Hope Village has been born out of years of planning and hard work,” Carter says. “We’ve done our best to build a neighborhood that is a true community with access to shopping, restaurants, a grocery store, and even a nature trail. It’s been designed to have deliberate landscapes with green space for the kids to play and folks of all ages to coexist and help each other.”

Carter is also quick to thank the many contributors that helped fund the neighborhood and homes. Dogwood Health Trust provided a $490,000 grant to fund developing the required infrastructure to build out the community, and generous donations from Suzanne Plumly’s Estate, Ann Jacob Tom’s Estate and the Bradley Fund at the Polk County Community

One of the first homes built in Hope Village

Foundation made the construction of the Phase 1 houses possible. The neighborhood has also expanded its plans to build different size homes and duplexes for singles.

Another significant contribution to the community is Outreach’s partnership with the county and Crossnore Communities for Children as they plan to build two homes that will be part of the Professional Foster Parent Program. Currently, many children from Polk County have to leave the county when put into foster care, and this will allow them to remain closer to their families and keep them from having to change schools. Crossnore Communities for Children seeks to create healthy futures for children and families by providing a Christian sanctuary of hope and healing.

Outreach will also address another need with the construction of a childcare center, breaking ground in the first quarter of 2023. The number of childcare centers in the area has dramatically decreased in recent years.

Some residents participate in LifeWorks, a program offered by Outreach designed for adults who want to make positive changes and improve

UNLEASHING WORLD-CLASS in Rural Polk County THANK YOU

does not seem adequate for the deep appreciation that we feel in our hearts for the support that you’ve provided. We know that we ask a lot of you, but it’s because our need is so great.

As a small, nonprofit, community-owned hospital in rural Polk County, we survive through the kindness and goodwill of community members, local businesses, and regional foundations.

89 West Mills Street, Suite B

Columbus, NC 28722

(828) 894-2693

FoundationSLH.org

Your GE Revolution Apex Elite CT Scanner will be online very soon.

Each house has a full-size kitchen and dining room.

The fourth home should be finished in early 2023

their lives. LifeWorks helps participants obtain and retain better-paying jobs, find additional education or vocational training, rent or buy safe and affordable housing, and build self-esteem and a strong work ethic.

Outreach was initially founded by a small group that wanted to work to improve the lives of Polk County residents. And Hope Village is indeed doing just that.

Carter applauds the contributions of the PCHS Construction Program, both Rimer and current teacher of the program Eric Morlino, and all the students who built the frames and exteriors of the homes at Hope Village.

“We couldn’t do it without them,” she says.

Carter also thanks the Rimer Corporation, and Community Planner and Landscape Architect Darren Meyer of MKSK.

Outreach often pays a utility bill for an out-of-work single mother with several children, provides firewood for the elderly during the winter months, and prepares food bags from the food pantry that are distributed to nutritionally at-risk school children. They outfit hundreds of children each year with backpacks and school supplies their families can’t afford.

“Our clients are not nameless or faceless individuals. They are often closer than we realize. We desire to give back a sense of dignity and self-worth to those we serve,” Carter says when describing Outreach’s overall mission. “Outreach is committed to helping individuals, children and families in crisis. Today, more than ever, the people we serve need a helping hand and a caring heart.”

Margot adds, “We want

A view from the other end of Hope Valley Lane

the community to know about what we are building and all the thoughtful planning that has gone into the neighborhood. We recognize families come in all shapes and sizes, so we

are building a diverse community for people in different stages of their lives.”

To learn more about Outreach and Hope Village, visit its website at www. tboutreach.org.

All decorated for the holidays

Is there a sweeter day in the year than Valentine’s Day? It’s a day of chocolates, red roses, endearing cards, and candies with messages like “Be Mine” and “True Love.” Christmas is barely off the shelves before red, heart-shaped boxes filled with divine chocolates appear. Boxes of little candy conversation hearts are plentiful, and romantic cards take over the Hallmark stores.

Ornate, red, heartshaped chocolate boxes have been part of the sweet

Valentine’s Day

fairly basic in shape, size, and design or quite decorative and frilly, covered in satin or velvet. Chocolate stores prepare for the stream of boyfriends, suitors, and husbands, young and old, to enter the shop with red roses tucked under their arm, seeking a heart box of luscious chocolates. Some of these treasures become sentimental. The receiver saves the box from year to year, having it refilled with their favorite chocolates every Valentine’s Day. Looking faded and a bit

raggedy, the precious box still brings joy and fond memories to the chocolate lover.

Remember the candy hearts with all the sayings? Unfortunately NECCO candies, the company to originate these favorites, shut their doors a few years ago after being in business since the early 1900s. The little hearts weren’t available for two years. Eventually, the old equipment was purchased by Spangler Candy Company in Ohio. Valentine’s Day can once again be celebrated with the little messages. Search for some of

updated expressions like “Tweet Me,” “Soulmate,” and “You Rock.” There’s been some pushback about this updating, but times do change.

Valentine’s Day could be glorious or, unfortunately, heartbreaking in earlyday classrooms. It began with decorating a box with hearts and flowered paper with a slit cut in the top to receive the valentines from classmates. My recollection is one large box for the room but others remember having a personal box right on their desk with their name displayed. When the day arrived, the cards were

Story and photography by Linda List

receiving a large assortment of wishes, while a quiet, shy child might be saddened by only one or two cards being placed on their desk. But if the one card they received was from a secret admirer, quality not quantity saved the day.

The old classroom-style cards were quaint and often filled with corny sayings or poems. Maybe just “Best Friends” said enough. Another might offer, “Hi Sugar, Let’s be Valentines,” or maybe a cowboy saying, “Hi Pardner.”

Viewing some decorated vintage cards shows how dated the cards are. One picture shows a girl talking on a phone with the cord draped from the earpiece to the dial-type receiver. Today it would definitely display a smartphone and a text message. Sometimes vegetables were the focus of these cards, like tomatoes or lettuce. Another favorite

reads “Honest, you’re as nice as pie.” It’s highlighted with hearts and a waitress serving pie to a sweetheart. If you received a Valentine with a small lollipop in it, you knew that person thought you were

special.

Maybe Valentine’s Day seems like just another Hallmark holiday. 141 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine’s Day the second-

most popular greetingcard-giving occasion, with Christmas being the first. According to my research, the celebration can be traced back to the 4th century BC and a Roman feast called Lupercalia

on February 15. Then, a priest named Valentine secretly performed marriage ceremonies. As a result of his defiance of Roman law, Valentine was put to death on February 14. In the early

1400s, the tradition started of sending “love letters.” People would create hand-made cards for their loved ones using red hearts and fancy white lace doilies. By 1840, Mrs. Esther Howard got the idea to mass produce these cards and sold $5,000 worth.

Valentine’s Day is made for declaring love and romance in poetry. A favored sonnet by Elizabeth Barrett Browning begins, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Some expressions are short and sweet. “Loved you once, love you still, always have, always will”; “A hundred hearts would be too few, To carry all my love for you”; or maybe “Down in a forest, Carved in a tree, 3 little words, I love thee.” And who can forget “Roses are red, Violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you?”

BEAU, MY VALENTINE

By Pebbles

Every equine that enters our rescue, Helping Equines Regain Dignity (HERD), possesses some type of old baggage, be it a behavioral issue, or a simple case of neglect by the previous owner. We do our best to take these horses under our Cupid-like wing, rehabilitating and training these down-on-their-luck souls to find them new careers.

I of course was only carrying the finest Louis Vuitton bags upon my arrival. My only vices were being hard to catch and being a master escape artist. Yes, small ponies can get through tiny openings. Who does not love a gallop through the woods when a gate is not properly closed? “Catch me if you can,” is still in my deck of cards to play when I desire to stay out in my

pasture. However, horse cookies lure me over to accept my halter so I can be escorted into the barn nightly with my sidekick Sedona.

In contrast to my stellar condition, a tall, chestnut-colored thoroughbred colt named Beau arrived to us at just over a year old with considerable baggage to address. Beau was disposed of by his breeder, with no tattoo or

Beau enjoying the winter sunshine at age 3

microchip identification to trace back ownership, because his leg bones were growing much faster than his tendons. This condition resulted in a slightly twisted front knee. He was also sick with a respiratory infection resulting from his stressful auction experience. Beau was aloof with people and preferred the company of horses exclusively.

On the advice of a local vet in North Carolina, we gelded Beau immediately when he completed quarantine. We also purchased the lowest protein horse feed we could find. The lower protein food helps slow down the bone growth so his tendons could catch up and lengthen. For two years, we kept Beau with various pasture pals, including Windsor, Polaris, and Leo. The constant moving around in a big pasture was beneficial for his proper maturing process. We were also vigilant about having Beau’s feet trimmed to help with the growth

angles he was experiencing.

Despite his youthful age, Beau did not play very much, avoiding the chase games with the other young horses. His coordination was awkward compared to his smaller companions. He appeared clumsy and his head looked too big for his body. Some volunteers referred to him as “Baby Huey,” a nod to Paramount Pictures 195o’s gigantic duckling character. By the age of two, he was 16.1 hands tall, towering over his young quarter-horsesize pasture mates.

Time and patience were clearly on our side for Beau. We started light groundwork with him at age three, as his knee had corrected itself. Beau finally was growing into his large head and substantial frame. We all pondered why he was such a timid fellow taking into consideration his massive size. Beau resisted participating in the obstacle challenges in

Beau taking an easy gallop in his pasture

Beau at the auction lot being sold for meat weight

March

our playground for equines. He did not want to cross the wooden bridge, walk under the suspended tarp or complete navigating the horse teeter totter and swimmer’s noodles attached to the jump standards.

Beau was also a hard keeper about putting on weight. Despite all the good hay, grass, and grain, it has been difficult to cover his ribs. He was the only thin resident in HERD after being in our care for such a long duration.

This late bloomer of a horse also despised the horse trailer and wanted no part of getting into one again. We have tried numerous tricks, like horse cookies to bribe him, and putting Beau’s meals in the trailer so he would have to self-load to eat. He is not food motivated so none of this has been working for us. All the HERD volunteers gave it a go trying to coax Beau onto the trailer with no success. What we could not fathom is why he would not load up easily. He

"Beau is wellloved by all of us, both two and four-legged, here in the rescue. He has warmed up to humans and seeks them out for affection. He continues to put on the weight and build muscle."

had trailered to the sale auction in Texas, to North Carolina to quarantine and then to us with no issues.

Scott Homstead, who helped found HERD with my mistress Heather Freeman, was finally able to load Beau, but it was a difficult feat. Beau seemed genuinely frightened once both back feet were up inside the trailer, and he got off by backing out and refused to reload again. It appears that this big horse is claustrophobic in the trailer and finds it a scary place.

One thing we know is that Beau must load to leave for his additional under-saddle training to find a new home. His fluid movement and newly discovered coordination make him an ideal candidate for three-day eventing, dressage or a career in the hunter show arena. Beau is also quite handsome these days. More than one skilled rider has contacted us about adopting him when we posted his movement video from training sessions on HERD’s

Beau getting ready for under saddle training

Beau’s twisted front leg on arrival to the rescue

Facebook page.

HERD was recently given an incredible gift from Houseware Ireland that directly benefits Beau. This renowned equestrian company donated large winterproof horse turnout blankets, halters, and fly masks thanks to their North Carolinabased Marketing Coordinator

Erin Gregory. This luxury brand for equines has the nicest quality horse and rider apparel. When Beau leaves us shortly to head to under saddle training, he will have quite the wardrobe (nice designer baggage) to accompany him on his journey.

Beau is well-loved by all of us, both two and four-legged,

here in the rescue. He has warmed up to humans and seeks them out for affection. He continues to put on the weight and build muscle. Our Beau has found his footing to become a much more balanced and confident horse. At 16.2 hands to date, he is imposing, and this thoroughbred will

continue to grow in height over the next year. We believe there is an ideal sweetheart out there for Beau. One lucky equestrian will become smitten with him, Cupid will see to that.

And so, my funny Valentine, Beau, every day is Valentine’s Day with you.

Beau’s arrival to HERD with his first farrier visit, with Valerie Lowe assisting

KICK WINTER’S CHILL WITH HEARTY CHOWDER

Colder, shorter days call for a little comfort. Cozying up with a hearty meal on brisk winter evenings can help fight off the chill while savoring favorite flavors alongside the ones you love. Avoid venturing into the cold for a trip to the store by turning to a pantry staple like sweetpotatoes. As one of the most versatile veggies, they’re

easy to add to a variety of recipes while enhancing both flavor and nutrition. Perfectly suitable for both simple and elevated dishes, they can be baked, microwaved, grilled, slow cooked or prepared on the stove so their sweet taste never goes out of style.

Their long shelf life – up to four weeks if stored properly in a cool, dry, well-ventilated

area away from heat sources – means you can rely on sweetpotatoes throughout the winter as an on-hand ingredient. Additionally, as a “diabetes superfood” according to the American Diabetes Association, they’re rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are good for overall health and may help prevent disease, making

them a key source of nutrients during wintertime.

When your family needs a warm-up on those frosty days, put sweetpotatoes at the center of mealtime (with an added kick) in this Jalapeno Sweetpotato Chowder. Loaded with the flavors of winter comfort, it’s a filling meal that makes enough for a crowd so no one goes hungry.

Visit ncsweetpotatoes. com to find more comforting meal ideas.

Jalapeno Sweetpotato Chowder

Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina SweetPotato Commission

Servings: 6

2 large North Carolina sweetpotatoes, baked

1 small onion, 1/4-inch diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 quart chicken or vegetable stock

2 cups cooked chicken, cubed

1 1/2 cups whole corn kernels

2 teaspoons minced jalapenos

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon salt chopped scallions, for garnish

Peel baked sweetpotatoes; discard skin and puree.

In soup pot, saute onion in butter until softened. Add pureed sweetpotato and stock, as desired. Bring to boil, reducing liquid slightly.

Add chicken, corn, jalapenos, heavy cream and salt. Simmer 10 minutes.

To serve, ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped scallions.

by

GO BIG WITH A

BREAD BOWL

Perfect for afternoon snacking or as an appetizer, this Spinach-Ham Dip is warmed inside a bread bowl and can be served with bread cubes, crackers or tortilla chips.

Find more snack ideas at Culinary.net.

Spinach-Ham Dip

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 cup sour cream

1 package (10 ounces) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1/4 pound ham, cubed

3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1 round bread loaf (16 ounces), unsliced

Heat oven to 350 F.

In medium bowl, blend

ricotta cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add spinach, ham, Parmesan cheese and green onions; mix until blended.

Cut 1-2-inch diameter circle out of top of bread loaf. Reserve top. Remove bread inside loaf, leaving about 1 inch along sides. Pour cheese mixture into bread bowl. Replace top. Cover bread loaf in aluminum foil

and bake 60 minutes, or until warmed through.

Take bread removed from inside bread bowl and cut into dipping sized chunks.

Remove bread from aluminum foil and place on platter. Scatter bread chunks around bread bowl to use for dunking in cheese sauce.

ACCOMPLISH HEALTH GOALS WITH BETTER-FOR-YOU FAMILY MEALS

Setting out on a mission to eat healthier starts with creating goals and working to achieve them with those you love. To help make nutritious eating more manageable, call together your family and work with one another to create a menu everyone can enjoy while staying on track.

Connecting an array of recipes that all can agree on starts with versatile ingredients like

dairy. Gathering at the table with your loved ones while enjoying delicious, nutritious recipes featuring yogurt, cheese and milk can nourish both body and soul.

For example, the key dairy ingredients in these recipes from Milk Means More provide essential nutrients for a healthy diet. The cheese varieties in Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes and 15-Minute Weeknight Pasta

provide vitamin B12 for healthy brain and nerve cell development and are a good source of calcium and protein, which are important for building and maintaining healthy bones.

To find more nutritious meal ideas to fuel your family's health goals, visit MilkMeansMore.org.

Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes

Recipe courtesy of Marcia

Stanley, MS, RDN, Culinary

Dietitian, on behalf of Milk

Means More

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Nonstick cooking spray

3 cups halved cherry tomatoes

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or dried dill weed

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, divided

1 1/2 pounds salmon or halibut fillets, cut into four serving-size pieces

1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Preheat oven to 425 F. Line 18-by-13-by-1-inch baking pan with foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

In medium bowl, toss tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano or dill weed, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Place fish pieces, skin side down, on one side of prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining pepper. Lightly press feta cheese on top of fish. Pour

tomato mixture on other side of prepared pan. Bake, uncovered, 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with fork. Place salmon on serving plates. Spoon tomato mixture over top.

15-Minute Weeknight Pasta

Recipe courtesy of Kirsten

Kubert of "Comfortably Domestic" on behalf of Milk Means

More

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6

6 quarts water

16 ounces linguine or penne pasta

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup thinly sliced onion

1 cup thinly sliced carrots

1 cup thinly sliced sweet bell pepper

1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 cup reserved pasta water

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

1/2 cup smoked provolone cheese, shredded

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Parmesan cheese (optional)

Bring water to rolling boil and prepare pasta according to package directions for al dente texture, reserving 1 cup pasta water.

In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in onions, carrots and sweet bell peppers. Saute vegetables about 5 minutes, or until they brighten in color and begin to soften. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper and garlic. Cook and stir 1 minute to allow tomatoes to release juices.

Pour reserved pasta water into skillet, stirring well. Bring sauce to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3 minutes. Taste sauce and adjust seasonings, as desired. Transfer drained pasta to skillet along with lemon zest and smoked provolone cheese, tossing well to coat. Serve immediately with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

QUICK BITES

VALENTINE’S RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE TO SHARE

If the way to your loved one’s heart is through the stomach, there’s no better way to start off this Valentine’s Day than with a homemade breakfast prepared with love.

Whether you’re whipping up a breakfast for a spouse with a sophisticated palate or trying to tempt the taste buds of your littlest loves, explore these ideas to get inspired.

* Red is the color of love, so build your menu around fresh strawberries or raspberries, which pair perfectly with French toast or crepes, and can even dress up a simple cereal.

* For a more sensible menu, opt for a fruity berry smoothie or a parfait layered with fresh fruit, lowfat yogurt and granola. Add a hint

of loving indulgence by sprinkling dark chocolate shavings on top.

* Show your affection with a plate of these colorful Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes featuring rich 100 percent cocoa, buttermilk and fresh berries. Heart-shaped cookie cutters lend a special touch to these fluffy, flavorful pancakes. Add sweet garnishes like powdered sugar and berries for a sensational way to say “I love you.”

Find more recipes you’ll love to share with your nearest and dearest this Valentine’s Day at Culinary.net.

Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes

Recipe courtesy of NestlÈ

Servings: 10 pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons NestlÈ Toll House Baking Cocoa

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1 cup reduced-fat buttermilk or low-fat milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon red food coloring

heart-shaped pancake cutters or cookie cutters (optional)

butter, for garnish (optional)

powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)

maple syrup, for garnish (optional)

fresh berries, for garnish

(optional)

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir well.

In separate large bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract and food coloring. Add to flour mixture; stir to combine. Allow mixture to sit 5 minutes.

Heat nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush with oil or butter. Add about 1/4 cup batter to skillet. Cook about 2 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on top. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes, or until bottom is lightly browned. Serve immediately with butter, powdered sugar, syrup and berries, if desired.

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Carolina Awnings and Roofs 864-877-0692

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Days Inn is Hiring for Housekeeping and front desk. Apply in person: 626 W. Mills St. Columbus, NC 828-894-3303

Dill Plumbing. Specializing in small repairs, Water Heaters, Well Pumps. Serving Polk County for 34 years. Licensed and insured. N.C. & S.C. 828-817-1327.

DIXON AC & HEATING

• Your HVAC Service & Repair Expert • Serving the Tryon area for 30+ years. Call (828)863-0555

Epperson’s Tree Service

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Certified Arborist (828)606-4980

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YOUR LOCAL REALTOR HELPING YOU BUY/ SELL IN WNC! ERIKAB@ C21ML.COM CENTURY

21 MOUNTAIN LIFESTYLES 640 GREENVILLE HWY, HENDERSONVILLE, NC 28792

Gary W. Corn CHHPS Realtor/Broker 828-8172580 garywcorn@gmail. com First Real Estate, Inc 2512 Lynn Road Tryon, NC 28782 www.TryonRealEstate.com

GOOD BY STUMPS Stump Removal Quantity Discounts on 50+ Stumps! As low as $10 each! Call for pricing. Fully insured. Free Quotes! Call Ron at 828-447-8775

Karen R. McManaway Attorney at Law Family Law, Wills Power of Attorney, Two Convenient locations to serve you

819 E. North Street Greenville, SC 29601 Office: 864-331-3043

212B East Rutherford Street Landrum, SC 29356 Office 864-457-1220

Housekeepers, Dish Washers and Line Cook or Expeditor needed for immediate full or part time employment.

Weekends and prior experience are a must.

Generous compensation plus tips. Come join our family business and fabulous team of hard working ladies & gentlemen in a beautiful setting and friendly environment. Call: 828-749-5471 or email: innkeeper@orchardinn.com.

Pavillon Recovery

Technician • Full-Time, Evening & Overnight

Positions

• Mill Spring, NC

• This position monitors the activities of patients to ensure optimal safety, support, structure and crisis intervention. Requirements:

High School Diploma/

GED Equivalent or Current Counselor Intern, 12-Step Recovery Knowledge. Great Hourly Rate! $500 Sign-On Bonus. Excellent Benefits: PTO, 401k with Match, Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance, Chefprepared shift meals. View full description and. apply at WWW.PAVILLON.ORG About>Employment>Apply Here

Private residential treatment facility now hiring: FULL-TIME DISHWASHERS •Weekends required. $500 SignOn Bonuses & Excellent Benefits! Background check & drug test required. Apply online: www. pavillon.org/careers Email: HumanResources SupportTeam@Pavillon.org

-EOE-

Philco’s Pressure Washing Get all the Mold, Mildew, & Oxidation off your house! •Clean Vinyl Siding

•Driveways •Sidewalks

•Stain & Seal Decks & More! Liability & Workers Comp 31 years Experience Call To Clean Today! Phil Tolleson 864-599-1978 or 864-304-8463

POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS

•Full-Time EC Teacher Asst/ Bus Driver - up to $15/hr

•Open Interviews Tue/Thur 2pm-4pm for Custodial & Food Service •Substitute Teacher/Food Service$13 an hour Visit https://polkschools.org/ personnel/ to apply Or Call: 828-894-1001

JUST LISTED! $369,356

710 Landrum Trail Landrum – community pool & gated community

3b/2 ½B, 2 car garage, FP, granite counters, FP, granite counters, wood floors, vaulted ceilings. Lane Robbat: 828.817.4663

JUST LISTED! $329,323

1639 PARRIS BRIDGE RD,

Chesnee 29356. Completely renovated & Permitted 4 b/3ba home on unrestricted 1.23 level acres, granite kitchen counters, covered porch. Bring RV, boat or build workshop, great rental potential.Lane Robbat: 828.817.4663

PRICE REDUCED!

$550,000 128 Fox Covert Lane, Tryon, NC. 3 B/2 ½ B, FP, decks, 2 car garage, granite Counters, main level master in Hunting Country area.Lane Robbat: 828.817.4663

PROFESSIONAL CAREGIVER 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE, SERVING TRYON, COLUMBUS, AND LANDRUM ONLY. $20/HR. CALL OR TEXT 828-817-6474.

Now Hiring! Hair stylist, nail tech, lash girl for new Salon in Landrum opening in January in a high traffic location. Booth rent with clientele preferred, will consider commission. Call Sheila: 864-208-6721

TRADEMARK BUILDING SUPPLY. 343 E Mills St. Columbus, NC 28722. 828-229-3160. From DeWalt Tools to Exterior Products, call or visit Trademark for all of your remodeling and building needs.

Come join the team at White Oak of Tryon. Benefits (FT). Competitive pay. Great environment! Applications currently accepted at White Oak of Tryon, 70 Oak Street, Tryon, NC 28782. White Oak of Tryon is an equal opportunity employer.

Now Open: Mulch Makers: “We make mulch.” MULCH FOR SALE. Call 864-594-1408. Delivery available, located across from Landrum Hardware. Division of WILSN INC. Like us on Facebook!

EVERY SEASON LANDSCAPING, LLC

Friendly, dependable service. 828-308-6792 or 828-817-2057 Lawn

Mowing & Maintenance

•Yard Work

•Leaf Removal

•Mulching

•Gutter Cleaning

•Pressure Washing

•Deck Building & Staining Tryon area. Find us on Google: Every Season Landscaping, LLC.

Steps to HOPE - Admin

Assistant / Volunteer Coodinator. 40 hours/week, full-time with benefits. $15-$17 per hour.

•Great communication skills

•Extremely detail oriented

•Computer savvy

•Team player. High school diploma or higher. Email resume to: humanresources@ stepstohope.org

Manuel Flores Construction •Stucco •Block

•Brick •Tile •Concrete

•Stone Work 864-361-1794

Lake Pointe Landing, A Century Park Community. Lake Pointe Landing is not just a great place to live, but a great place to work as well! We are currently looking for nursing staff including CNAs, RNs and LPNs, offering competitive pay and benefits. Visit www.centurypa.com today to explore available positions and apply online! Or stop by out facility to fill out a paper application.

The Town of Columbus

Full-time position in Public Works Department. Submit a completed application to: Town Manager, Town of Columbus, PO Box 146, Columbus, NC 28722. Position open until filled.

Visit Tryon SDA Church at 2820 Lynn Rd, Tryon, NC Service times: Sabbath School: 9:15 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM