Life in Our Foothills - January 2023

ON THE COVER

It’s been said that time flies when you’re having fun. The older I get, the more this old idiom hits home for me. With 2022 now in the rearview mirror, we look forward to the ups and downs that will no doubt take place during this new year. In January, we all hope for fresh starts, renewal of the spirit, and perhaps a new way of looking at things.

This month, we meet Chris Young, owner of Adventure Cycles in Saluda. Chris has turned his passion for bike riding and repair into a career with his full-service, one-man bike repair shop that has recently moved to a new location. His great attitude is an inspiration for others to follow their dreams and do what they love.

We also visit with the folks who organize the Community Chorus, who’ve established the tradition of two community concert performances per year in the Foothills. Our area is blessed to have such a talented group of individuals who work to continue this tradition, and we learn about the history of these events as well as the wonderful folks who make them happen. In this edition, we also catch up with Saluda artist Olver Spragg.

And of course, we’ll hear from our resident spokespony, Pebbles, as the HERD family tries to decide on a name for their ranch.

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

life IN OUR STAFF

Operations Manager

Jeff Allison

Graphic Design

Justin Akey

Marketing

Kevin Powell

Linne Gilbert

Distribution

Jamie Lewis

Administration

Sydney Wilkie

FOOTHILLS

Life in Our Foothills is published monthly by Tryon Newsmedia LLC. Life in Our Foothills is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Tryon Newsmedia LLC. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Please address all correspondence (including, but not limited to, letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to 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.

Terry Brown, Writer and Photographer

Terry Brown grew up in South Carolina and spent much of his youth hiking, camping and playing music in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Terry and his wife, Cher, are visual storytellers and the creative force behind Keva Creative, an award-winning documentary film and video production company. For more than two decades they’ve honed their skills in journalism, public relations, corporate communications, marketing and advertising.

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

Thriving on a Riff: Painting in the Jazz Idiom

By Marsha Hammel

Through Jan. 6

Tryon Fine Arts Center

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org

828-859-8322

Holiday Ice Skating

Through Feb. 14 Winterfest Village at Tryon International Equestrian Center

25 International Blvd., Mill Spring

Tryon.com/winterfest

828-863-1000

Green River Plantation

Tours

Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays in Jan. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Reservations Required

6333 Coxe Rd., Rutherfordton Greenriverplantation.info

828-286-1461

Film Fridays

Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27

1 p.m., Columbus Library

1289 W. Mills St. Polklibrary.org

828-894-8721

Columbus Winter Farmers Market

Jan. 7, 21

9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Iron Key Brewing Co.

135 Locust St., Columbus PolkCountyFarms.org

828-894-2281

Yoga at Your Library

Jan. 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m., $

Landrum Library

111 Asbury Dr., Landrum

SpartanburgLibraries.org

864-457-2218

Capers & Heists Movie Series presents: “Stripes”

Jan. 10, 7 p.m.

Tryon Fine Arts Center

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org

828-859-8322

Saluda Winter Farmers Market

Jan. 14, 28

9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Saluda Community Center 64 Greenville St. PolkCountyFarms.org

828-894-2281

Homeschool STEAM: Engineering Challenge

Jan. 17, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Registration Required Landrum Library

111 Asbury Dr., Landrum

SpartanburgLibraries.org

864-457-2218

Sailor’s Valentines

Jan. 19, 3:30-4:45 p.m.

Registration Required Landrum Library

111 Asbury Dr., Landrum

SpartanburgLibraries.org

864-457-2218

Plant Propagation for Houseplants

Jan. 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Registration Required Landrum Library

111 Asbury Dr., Landrum

SpartanburgLibraries.org

864-457-2218

Tryon Concert Association presents Geneva Lewis, Violin

Jan. 24, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonConcerts.org

888-501-0297

By Marsha Hammel

“Nightwatch” by Jeremy Philips and Vivian Liddell & “Drawing Marathon V”

COLUMBUS CHRISTMAS PARADE

On Saturday, December 3, the annual Columbus Christmas Parade was held in downtown Columbus. Large crowds of paradegoers attended and enjoyed the festivities. The event was organized by the Columbus Fire Department.

Photos by Mark Levin

Ten-year-old William Beiler is ready to get the show on the road.

The Polk County Commissioners.

Columbus Christmas Parade

Ronnie and Nela Loflin with their granddaughter, Sutton.

TURNING A PASSION INTO A CAREER

CHRIS YOUNG – ADVENTURE

CYCLES

Chris Young is a talker. And he’s also someone who will make you feel at home the first time you meet him. He’s a people person and that’s important when you run a business, and especially if the business is a one-manshop. Chris is the reason people return again and again.

Chris is the owner of Adventure Cycles in Saluda. It’s a full-service bicycle repair shop across from Green River Barbecue. He’s only been in this location for a few months, but it is already proving to be a smart business decision to set up shop where he is. In fact, Chris liked the spot so much

that he bought the building. Chris has been repairing bikes in Saluda for the past several years, with most of that time doing business out of the basement of the former Blue Firefly Inn in Saluda.

Being a bike mechanic was a natural for Chris who says, “I’ve always tinkered with bikes since I was a kid.” I’ve always ridden bikes and taking care of them was an extension of my riding. We moved to Saluda from the Midwest in 1996. When my daughter started school, I had more time to follow my passion of serious bike riding and repair. At first, I worked with bike shops in the Hendersonville area. After fine-tuning my repair skills for several years, I knew it was time to open my own shop.

Story and Photography by Mark Levin

Chris Young in his lair.

His shop, Adventure Cycles, is a full-service operation that can handle almost any repair or modification job needed. Some jobs are as simple as replacing a tube and others involve a major rebuild of certain components. He can also assemble bikes someone might have purchased online only for the new owner to discover that it’s not quite as easy as the slick website implied.

The shop is stocked with the tools and parts needed to get

a stranded biker back on the road. And while Chris loves it when would-be or returning customers call ahead of time, he handles walk-ins (or in this case, push-ins) on a regular basis. It’s obvious to anyone driving a car around the area that Saluda is a mecca of bicycling. And it’s not unusual that a cyclist gets stranded midride. Chris will stop what he’s doing to help a fellow cyclist get back on the road. He’ll also let them know if their bike has

something seriously in need of repair that would (or should) keep them from heading down the grade at 43 miles per hour.

One thing Chris won’t do is a hard sell on his customers. He knows this might be counterproductive to building business, but he feels the opposite. It’s in his character. He wants customers to get what they need and to feel good about it. In the end, everyone wins.

Adventure Cycles is also

stocked with a full array of supplies including tires, tubes, tools, helmets, lights, energy bars, and even maps of area biking possibilities. And you’ve come to the right place if you want a first-hand recommendation of area biking routes. Chris has ridden them all.

What you won’t find in the shop are new bikes for sale. Chris says this might happen at some point, but for now, he’s happy to provide his services

Chris’s workbench ready for the next project.

Chris discusses tire replacement options with Jim Bruney from Tryon.

to cyclists no matter where they bought their bike. Biking seems to be as popular as ever, especially with adults who find it as a means to leave their usual business worries at the office. He’s not so sure if bikes are as popular as a kid’s gift as they were when he was growing up. There’s a lot of competition with e-scooters, e-skateboards, and hoverboards. And of course, e-bikes are rapidly gaining in popularity. But there’s something to be said for getting on a traditional pedal-ityourself bicycle that helps you find your inner self. It’s a Zen moment to be out on a trail or a road under your own pedal power.

Riding is a passion for Chris. He can count on being out there at least three times a week. If it’s rideable, he’ll do it. Road biking, mountain biking, and gravel biking give him the option to go anywhere. Hills aren’t an obstacle and riding

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.

Chris checking over a job.

US 176 (the Saluda Grade) from Tryon uphill to Saluda is something he does on a regular basis.

Chris and his shop could be in an enviable position to benefit from the proposed Saluda Grade Rail Trail. But he doesn’t want folks missing out on great riding while waiting on the new trail to be opened. “Let’s continue cycling in and around Saluda and the whole area on all the trails and routes we already have and on those that are currently being constructed. Get out there and ride.”

Chris recalls one of his most memorable biking experiences. He was training for the annual Assault on Mt. Mitchell, a grueling 102-mile ride from Spartanburg to Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the Eastern United States. Most of the

ride is uphill once you get to Marion. It’s no easy ride with over 10,000 feet of elevation climb. One year the ride was moved to June and Chris and friends were training in May. He recalls one of those days that May when it started to snow halfway up to Mt. Mitchell. While some were urging the group to turn back, Chris was saying, “No way, we’ve come all this way. I’m going to the top.” Chris and most of the others pushed forward. As they made it to the peak; the sun came out. It was a metaphor for not giving up when things look rough.

Chris Young has a great attitude about life, about business, and about biking. His love for bicycling is sincere and he stands ready to help others feel the joy of being on a bike.

Adventure Cycles

is located at 160 West Highway 176 in Saluda. It’s across the street from Green River Barbecue. 828/ 817-1892. Email: chris@bikesaluda. com. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday during the winter. Call before heading over just to make sure Chris is in his shop and not out riding a bike.

Chris out front of Adventure Cycles.

Accompanist Pam McNeil is a long-term member of the Community Chorus.

Lifting a voice in the Foothills

CELEBRATING THE COMMUNITY CHORUS

Before the first note of rehearsal begins, Music Director Dell Morgan tells members of the Community Chorus they will have to adjust for the larger stage and space. Their first strains are immediately cut by the director.

“You’re flat, that first note is flat,” states Morgan emphatically. The choir is settling in for its first practice in the cavernous

auditorium at Polk County High School where they will perform their annual Christmas Concert in a few days. “Your soft notes will need to be loud, and your loud ones even louder!”

Morgan is also quick to tell a couple of jokes to break the tension and bring levity to the 40 or so members of the community who make up the Community Chorus. As the laughter subsides, Morgan directs the

Story and Photography by Terry Brown con’t. on page 28

Continued from page 25

pianist to begin and the chorus chimes in, this time pitchperfect.

“Dell is full of life and makes our rehearsals go very fast,” says Linda Lee Reynolds, president of the Community Chorus. She’s held the post for the last eight years and has been a member of the chorus for approximately 20 years. “There’s no pressure, and he always seems to get out of us everything we can give.”

Morgan is well versed in chorus and organ work says Reynolds. He is also very involved in musical theater which is where Reynolds and accompanist Pam McNeil first met him working on a musical with Tryon Little Theater.

The Community Chorus is a mixture of people from the surrounding foothills with varying degrees of musical

interests and backgrounds. Ages of the members for the Christmas concert range from 11 to 89 years of age, with several members being either married or related.

Reynolds’ love of music starts with learning to play piano at age five, with lessons continuing through her senior year in high school. She has an illustrious musical career that includes being in the original Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestra as a concert bassist. She played in the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra as well.

The effort to form a community group of choral musicians originates back to early 1973 when the late Ken Lackey recruited a group of singers from the foothills area under the direction of Tom Grenfell to present a program of music at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. Proceeds from the first spring concert were

Linda Lee Reynolds on bass and Pam McNeil on piano accompany the Community Chorus in rehearsals for the Christmas performance.

earmarked to support local Rotary programs. As such, the group would debut as The Rotary Community Chorus.

That first concert was such a success, a Christmas concert was soon added and established the tradition of two community concert performances per year.

In 1976, several members expressed the desire to evolve the chorus into a more permanent group and allow members to have a voice in the selection of the musical director and in the content of the programs. A constitution and by-laws were adopted and through the years, the group grew and evolved from The Rotary Community Chorus to the Tryon Community Chorus and again into the Community Chorus.

In homage to the chorus’ roots, proceeds from annual performances benefit the Tryon Rotary Scholarship Fund established to help local

Community Chorus Christmas program Director Dell Morgan leads members through a song at Polk County High School.

students with their educational pursuits.

Pam McNeil is one of the stalwarts in the Community Chorus. She serves as the accompanist. First recruited in 1990 by former director Anton Cedervall, she is an integral member of the Community Chorus with sixty-four concerts, more than 750 rehearsals, and some fifteen chorus directors under her belt. McNeil’s passion for community-based music and performance is the gold standard. In addition to the Community Chorus, Pam also plays for and directs productions with Tryon Little Theater and is currently the organist at the Tryon United Methodist Church.

“What I most enjoy about music is it touches people in a way no other art form can,” says McNeil. “It reaches into their memories. It reaches into their soul.

Community Chorus members prepare for their annual Christmas performance.

Whether you are listening or playing, music can go into depths that make us essentially human.”

The one common thread that rings true for McNeil, Morgan and Reynolds is what makes the Community Chorus special. All three say it’s the people who commit their time and talent season after season.

“And, new members

are always welcome,” says Reynolds. “There are no auditions, just a love of music and a willingness to be a part of something special and unique within the community.”

Rehearsals for the Community Chorus Spring Concert start on February 27 at the Tryon Presbyterian Church. Registration begins at 6 p.m. with rehearsals beginning at 6:30 p.m. The

director for the Spring Concert is Brennan Szafron, organist and choirmaster at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross in Tryon. The Spring Concert is entitled “Bach on Broadway” and will feature a wide variety of music. The Spring Concert is set for May 7 at 3 p.m. at the Polk County High School.

In a historical retrospective, Wray Monroe Rotary Club

of Tryon liaison to the Community Chorus from 1977 to 1993, states, “The (Rotary) Community Chorus has a great opportunity to provide expressions of the rich musical talent available in this lovely community for the entertainment and enrichment of all our people. We’re proud of it!”

Those sentiments still ring strong and true 30 years later.

Community Chorus members prepare for their annual Christmas concert.

Oliver working on his latest piece.

ARTIST’S LIFE AND WORK CREATE

A NEW PERSPECTIVE SALUDA ARTIST OLIVER SPRAGG

You can often learn a great deal about an artist through their art, and never has that been more true than referring to the work of 23-year-old artist Oliver Spragg of Saluda, by way of New York City.

Oliver’s artwork is formed

from his interests, emotions, and sensations. He creates with a style and substance unique to him. Oliver has quadriplegia, resulting from a lifelong condition that was only recently diagnosed, known as Charcot-MarieTooth disease, which attacks

the nervous system. He conjures his art in a pair of differing styles. He prefers a black pen and white paper, using a sling that supports his arm. He also does contemplative photography using his favorite toys, colorful backgrounds, and oldfashioned store-bought

black slime. He produces his work on an easel or table placed before his 400-plus-pound electric wheelchair, which supports a miraculous mixture of machinery that allows him to breathe comfortably through a tracheotomy tube he received a few years ago. In fact, Ollie’s life is made

Story and Photography by Storme Smith

Some of Oliver’s completed pieces.

better by several modern miracles and several miracle workers, mainly his mother, Karin Spragg.

Attitude is like art in that when it is of rare quality it is considered priceless. Ollie and Karin exhibit such an infectious positive attitude that it reminds us that knowing the origins of a piece of art can be equally as affecting as the finished piece.

Karin, an artist herself, specializes in silhouettes created with pop art colors and has a prestigious background as an art director and interior designer. She built her reputation while living in New York City and running a print shop there. However, no accolade or accomplishment can compare to her being the mother of two boys – Malcolm is a musician and actor now living in Los Angeles, and Oliver, for whom she serves as a primary caregiver and a devoted advocate.

Karen Spragg with an example of her silhouette art.

“After spending the pandemic in a cramped 1200-square-foot Harlem apartment, we decided to move to Saluda since we’d visited here many times over the years to visit family,” Karin explains about their move from NYC to Saluda. “So when we chose to move here, we already knew it was a tight-knit, caring community.”

Karin, who grew up in Georgia and attended the University of Georgia, is more than just a cheerleader for her children. She’s an advocate for children in general. She spent time as president of the PTA where she helped special needs children and their parents attending a first-of-its-kind inclusion program at the Manhattan School for Children, which Oliver attended. She and Oliver also teamed up to shoot an awareness video that helped lead to one of

the first playgrounds in NYC made for children in powered wheelchairs.

“I was captain of the cheerleading squad in high school, so if I believe in something or someone, I’m going to fight for them and cheer them on,” Karin adds. Their home is another example of her commitment to Oliver’s comfort and care. Karin has combined her talent in interior design and knowledge gained from raising a special needs child to create a home best suited for Oliver and their service dog, Rico. The home has expansive halls, sunlit open rooms, and bathrooms convenient for the size and power of his electric chair.

Once inside their home, it doesn’t take long to see Oliver’s love and enthusiasm for art. His eyes light up when it is time to select a marker and a blank piece of paper is placed in front of

Oliver at work

him. Ollie has always drawn, but as his condition worsened over his childhood, becoming a wheelchair user at age six, it became necessary to find new ways for him to be creative. With the help of a proactive art teacher, Oliver began making his twisting and turning black-and-white drawings. To draw, he uses a support sling held by a pair of bars that allows him to lift his hand high enough to keep his pen smoothly gliding around the paper, with Karin occasionally shifting his sketch pad or flipping to a new page.

He also combined a few familiar childhood elements to create his own style of art. He took black slime known to all the fans of Nickelodeon and began to pour it over some of his favorite toys. Eventually, he began combining it with photography and brightly colored backgrounds of

his choice to capture lightbending photos, each one unique due to the effect of the slime.

All his art is created from his chair, equ ipped with a miraculous machine that assists his breathing. Oliver spent time after a bout with pneumonia at the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Hospital, a one-of-a-kind facility designed to care for medically complex and technologically dependent children. Through the hospital, Oliver received the VOCSN machine that helps him breathe. The multi-purpose marvel was pioneered by a Boeing engineer whose father had breathing difficulties. Oliver was just the second person to receive the machine in the country, which vents oxygen to help with cough assistance, suction, and a nebulizer to make his breathing more manageable and comfortable.

22-25, 2022 Tryon Fine Arts Center

Workshop

March 3-5 & 10-12, 2023 Tryon Fine Arts Center

Rodgers & Hammerstein’ s

Workshop

A Wascally Wabbit covered in slime.

An example of his photography.

“Before the VOCSN,” Karen says, “I’d have to carry two machines in a backpack and another in my hand just to go down the street to get a coffee. When the company called and asked Elizabeth Seton if they had anyone who would be a good fit for the system, we were very excited.”

One of the lessons that Karin has found in advocating for Oliver and other special needs children is, “I’ve found that lending a hand and being open leads to other connections.”

It’s evident since they arrived in Saluda, they have immediately connected with the community. Oliver’s attitude and charm are showcased in his art and every aspect of his being. They’ve planned events to share his art with the Saluda Library and Wood Berry Gallery in downtown Saluda.

Oliver, Karin, and Rico by their Christmas tree.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? EAGLE EYE VERSUS ROAD APPLE

By Pebbles

Life here on the ranch normally has extraordinarily little controversy. We live harmoniously adhering to a daily routine, as consistent as the steady ticking of the mantel clock. However, there is one wee exception…

What should this expansive place be named? After reading one, perhaps

you can help us decide between two possible names.

The ranch has two, separate entrances, a back forty-acre gate, and the main thirty-acre parcel, where the house and barn dominate the landscape. Both pieces of this property have long dirt roads, perfect for

equestrian riders and for those who love to drive horses with buggies.

My mistress Heather Freeman of HERD was not hasty in deciding on the perfect name for this new ranch. The intention was to move here and get to know the place. It has ample room for housing and rehabilitating young

Bonded pair of eagles that frequent the ranch

equines for the rescue, Helping Equines Regain Dignity. A name is a big decision. The right one would present itself in time.

Unfortunately, not long after arriving here, Heather took a bad fall and broke the top of her femur, shattering it below the hip. The result has been two years of a slow recovery, with another surgery looming to remove the painful hardware. During Heather’s forced absence from the barn, Scott Homstead, her husband, conspired with HERD volunteer, Bill McClelland. A wooden sign was carefully carved and stained by Bill at his home shop. The two men proudly displayed their handy work; Road Apple Ranch was installed at the barn entrance.

Now for those of you who do not know what a road apple is, it is what we equines leave in our wake as we trot down the road and rid ourselves of our last meal. In short, it is our dung.

HERD volunteer Bill McClelland, who created the Road Apple Ranch sign with helper Ming.

The male eagle waiting on his mate on the top branch

The American slang term, road apple, originated in the mid20th century.

Heather spotted the sign and rolled her eyes. She realized it was a playful joke, but Scott

continues to this day to refer to our lovely home as Road Apple Ranch and to himself as the ‘Road Apple wrangler.’ Bill and Scott were all smiles at their naughty effort and the sign is still

hanging for all to see.

Heather was still not sure of what she wanted to officially call the ranch. Then something magical happened. A pair of magnificent bald eagles assumed

residence here with us. Perhaps Eagle Eye Ranch would be a better name!

In our riding ring, we have a tall ancient dead pine tree. It offers the perfect vantage for the

The male eagle always arrives at sunset and waits for the female

eagles, the largest true raptor in North America, to rest and spot prey. Every single evening for many months now, they return to watch over us. Just as the sky turns a rosy pink at sunset, the male lands silently. He preens himself, waiting for his mate on the highest branch, keeping watch for her arrival. The female circles the tree before landing. She is 25 percent larger and a few pounds heavier, with an estimated six-foot plus wingspan. They move to a slightly lower, thicker branch, chattering about their day, before settling in for the dark night. The two raptors huddle so closely, they look to be connected, forming one gigantic bird.

At sunrise, they begin their animated eagle exchange, possibly planning their day. The female always leaves first. She flies solo south. About 30 to 40 minutes later, the male takes flight. He heads north. Whether

they meet up during the day we do not know. Their behavior is so consistent that we make sure to head over to the fence line each evening to watch for their return to the ranch. It truly is thrilling.

The bald eagle’s natural range covers most of North America, including Canada, the continental United States, and northern Mexico. The size of the bird varies by location and corresponds with Bergmann’s rule: species increase in size further away from the equator and the tropics. For example, eagles from South Carolina average around seven pounds and are smaller than their northern counterparts. The bald eagle typically requires old-growth and mature stands of coniferous or hardwood trees for perching, roosting, and nesting. Tree species are less important to the eagle pair than the tree’s height, composition, and location. Of paramount importance for

The female eagle brought her juvenile offspring to the ranch

this species is an abundance of comparatively large trees surrounding a body of water. Selected trees must have good visibility, be over 66 ft tall, have an open structure, and proximity to prey. Beyond fish, the next most significant prey base for bald eagles are waterbirds and smaller mammals.

All birds of prey have excellent long-distance vision, but eagles stand out. They can see clearly about eight times as far as humans can during daylight. This allows them to spot and focus on a rabbit or other animal about two miles away. However, they have poor night vision as their smaller eyes possess more cones than rods like other diurnal birds.

The eagle is an important symbol of strength, courage, and resiliency. These large raptors fly higher than any other bird and are regarded by many birdwatchers as the strongest and bravest. Our nation’s bird, the eagle, conveys the power and voice of the spirit

realm for native Americans, as it brings the message of renewed life and man’s connection to the divine.

On a personal note, the word eagle carries important weight for Heather. Her nickname as a young girl was Eagle Eye. This was because she could spot things so quickly no one else saw. From wildlife in the woods to a pony camouflaged by trees in a distant landscape. She was so good at it that her father, Bobby Freeman, would take her with him to the Spartanburg Country Club in the afternoons when she was not at her riding lessons. Heather would find dozens of abandoned golf balls that had not been recovered in the rough or along tree lines. Her father was always pleased with the spoils of her scouting.

So, what do you think? Should the ranch be named for a steaming pile of manure left on the road, or the mighty eagle? I vote for Eagle Eye Ranch. How about you?

PAIR SOUP AND SANDWICH FOR A WARMING WINTER MEAL

Cool winter days and their cold, crisp air call for a quick warmup in the form of a classic combo: soup and sandwich. Next time you need warmed up from the inside out, go for a homemade pairing that brings together a cheesy handheld and hearty minestrone.

When you sit down for a wintertime meal with the family, Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Aunt Nellie’s Pickled Beets provides the comfort you crave with caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese and toasted sourdough. Slowly simmered

to savory perfection, 3-Bean Tortellini Minestrone - powered by READ 3-Bean Salad - plays the ideal complement to the griddled sandwiches as a filling soup without the hassle.

To find more comforting meal ideas made for combatting the cold, visit AuntNellies.com and READSalads.com.

Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Pickled Beets

Recipe courtesy of “Carlsbad Cravings”

Prep time: 60 minutes

Caramelized Onions:

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 large yellow onions, halved, sliced 1/4-inch thick

1-2 tablespoons water (optional)

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Sandwiches:

8 large sourdough slices, 1/2inch thick

1/3 cup mayonnaise

4 ounces fresh goat cheese, at room temperature

8 ounces shredded gruyere cheese, at room temperature

1 jar Aunt Nellie’s Sliced Pickled Beets (about 32 beets)

2 cups baby arugula

2 tablespoons butter, divided

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

To make caramelized onions: In Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes

then reduce heat to medium.

Cook until onions are caramelized and rich, deep golden brown, about 25 minutes, stirring often. Turn heat to medium-low or add water if onions are dry or start to scorch before caramelizing.

Add sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute. Onions should be jammy and darkly caramelized when done. Remove to plate to cool.

To make sandwiches: Spread out bread slices on flat surface. Spread thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice.

Turn four bread slices over and spread goat cheese on plain side. Top goat cheese with gruyere, even layer of beets, caramelized onions and arugula. Top with remaining

bread, mayo side out. Secure with toothpicks, if desired.

In large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add two sandwiches, cover and grill until bottom of bread is toasted, about 5-7 minutes, and cheese starts melting, checking often. Flip and cook, uncovered, until cheese is melted and bottom of bread is toasted.

Repeat with remaining sandwiches.

3-Bean Tortellini Minestrone Recipe courtesy of “Joy of Eating”

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

1 can (15 ounces) READ

3-Bean Salad

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 medium yellow onion,

diced

3 peeled garlic cloves, minced

2 pinches salt, plus additional to taste, divided

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus additional to taste, divided

3 small carrots, trimmed, peeled and diced

2 celery stalks, trimmed and diced

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 Parmesan rind (optional)

6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

9-10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini

2 cups baby spinach

jarred pesto, for serving (optional)

Drain and rinse bean salad;

set aside.

In large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions, garlic and 1 pinch salt; saute until translucent, 3-4 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add carrots, celery and zucchini with remaining pinch salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp tender, 5-7 minutes.

Stir in tomatoes. Add Parmesan rind, if desired. Cook about 10 minutes until most tomato juice evaporates. Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to boil. Add tortellini; cook 2 minutes, or just until tender. Stir in bean salad and spinach. Cook 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Season with additional salt and black pepper, to taste. Serve garnished with pesto, if desired.

A FAMILY FAVORITE IN JUST 5 MINUTES

Running short on time from a busy schedule shouldn’t mean skipping out on your favorite desserts. In fact, it should be all the more reason to enjoy a sweet treat as a reward for all that hard work.

When you’re due for a bite into dark chocolate goodness, all it takes is a few minutes out of your day to make 5-Minute Dark Chocolate Cereal Bars. This quick and simple dessert makes it easy to celebrate the day’s accomplishments without added stress.

As a fun way for little ones to help in the kitchen, you can cook together the butter, marshmallows, peanut butter and cereal then let the kiddos drizzle the key ingredient: melted chocolate. All that’s left to do is cut and serve or pack a few off to school and work for an afternoon treat.

Find more seasonal dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

5-Minute Dark Chocolate

Cereal Bars

Recipe adapted from ScrummyLane.com

4 tablespoons butter

10 ounces marshmallows

1/2 cup peanut butter

6 cups cereal

4 ounces milk chocolate, melted

4 ounces dark chocolate, melted

Heat saucepan over low heat. Add butter, marshmallows and

peanut butter; stir to combine. Add cereal; mix until coated.

Line 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper. Add cereal mixture to pan.

In bowl, mix milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Drizzle chocolate over cereal mixture; spread evenly then allow to cool.

Cut into bars and serve.

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RNs and LPNs WANTED

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Karen R. McManaway

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

EVERY SEASON

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Service times: Sabbath School: 9:15 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM

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Email Resume/Work

History: robie@ carolinagutterhelmet.com

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

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Epperson’s Tree Service

• Complete Tree Service

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Serving NC for 25yrs

Fully Insured ISA 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

828-817-2580

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

J Blair Enterprises

• Gutter Installation, French Drains, Gutter Cleaning, Fascia Repair and more. Call Josh: 864-398-3158

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.

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Email: HumanResourcesS upportTeam@Pavillon.org

-EOE-

Philco’s Pressure Washing

Get all the Mold, Mildew, & Oxidation off your house! •Clean Vinyl Siding

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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

PRICE REDUCED!

$550,000

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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!

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