Life in Our Foothills - March 2023

ON THE COVER

As the days begin to last a bit longer, the winter chills start to give way to hints of springtime and the wildflowers peek their faces toward the sun. Here in the Foothills, we are blessed with beautiful weather as always, although the winds and rains of March can sometimes be a bit much!

This month, as we welcome the arrival of spring, outdoor events and the start of Daylight Saving Time (well, some of us anyway), we also welcome a few fascinating features of friendly faces right here in the Foothills.

First, we will meet with Titus Abraham of Titus Abraham Company, whose one-of-akind, hand-crafted furniture creations are ways to connect to the past, present and future. The tables, benches and other quality products made by Abraham are built to last generations, and make for the perfect gift to celebrate life’s biggest moments. We learn about Abrahmam’s inspiration for his craft, and a bit about the history of his company.

We also learn about the history of a local landmark, the GreenLife Inn at Mimosa. This revitalized inn is not only a wonderful option to relax and rejuvenate, but it’s also connecting with regional and national film companies who utilize its inviting grounds for its productions. We visit with its owners, the Parkers, as we learn the story of this fascinating location.

We also meet with Jen Hanna, owner of Noble Dog Lodge in Columbus, and learn about a local dog boarding facility like no other. Of course, we also hear from our resident spokespony, Pebbles, as she shares the tales of Maritime, a pasture-mate who enjoys the safety in numbers found at HERD.

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 14)

Story by Storme Smith

Photography courtesy of Rita Troyer

Jeff Allison Editor

Hospitality, History and Hollywood

Creating Custom Furniture, Connecting Generations

Titus Abraham Furniture Company

Noble Dog Lodge Safety in Numbers

FOOTHILLS life IN OUR STAFF

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.

Clay Johnson, Writer and Photographer

Clay is an award-winning documentary producer and writer as well as a contributing producer for PBS NC’s “North Carolina Weekend” show. He also produces educational videos and writes magazine and newspaper articles. Johnson and his wife Debra moved to Tryon in June 2021 and enjoy exploring the outdoors. He can be reached at cj@ clayjohnsonproductions.com.

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

March 1-4, 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 March

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Reservations Required

6333 Coxe Rd., Rutherfordton Greenriverplantation.info

828-286-1461

Chair Yoga: Find Your Seat of Calm

March 2, 3 p.m.

Free, reserve space by calling 828-859-9535

Lanier Library

72 Chestnut St., Tryon

Tryon Little Theater presents “State Fair”

March 3-5 and 10-12

Tryon Fine Arts Center

828-859-2466, tltinfo.org

All Member Exhibit: “Resolutions”

Through March 4 Tryon Painters & Sculptors

78 N. Trade St., Tryon TryonPaintersAndSculptors.com

Columbus Winter Farmers Market

March 4 & 18, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Iron Key Brewing Co.

135 Locust St., Columbus

PolkCountyFarms.org

828-894-2281

Artists & Writers Coffee

March 4, 11, 18, 25, 9-11 a.m.

Tryon Fine Arts Center Pavilion

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

Looking Glass Creamery Tours

March 4, 11, 18, 25, 12-12:30 p.m.

335 Harmon Dairy Lane, Columbus Lookingglasscreamery.com

828-863-2104

Film Fridays

March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 at 1 p.m.

Columbus Library

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

Gardening For Life Celebration

March 4, 12:30-5:30 p.m.

Polk County High School

1681 NC Hwy. 108, Columbus gardeningforlifeproject.org

The Young (and not-so-young)

Person’s

Guide to the Orchestra With Igor Begelman

March 9, 4 p.m.

Tryon Fine Arts Center

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

Build Better Paintings Workshop

March 9-11, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Ransom Road Studio

519 Ransom Rd., Saluda 843-729-0593

Artistic Weavings Through Paints and Fibers

Opening Reception, JP Gallery

March 9, 5-7 p.m.

Tryon Fine Arts Center

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

“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

Exhibit: Artistic Weaving Through Paints and Fibers March 9

Carolina Young in “Drawing and Paintings” Show Upstairs Artspace March 18-April 18

Up Bear Creek by Jeremy Philips Upstairs Artspace through March 10

Saluda Winter Farmers Market

March 11 & 25, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Saluda Community Center

64 Greenville St. PolkCountyFarms.org

828-894-2281

Movie Screening: A Fish Called Wanda

March. 14, 7 p.m.

Tryon Fine Arts Center

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

VITA Tax Preparation

March 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Registration Required

Landrum Library

111 Asbury Dr., Landrum

SpartanburgLibraries.org

864-457-2218

Programa Mano Amiga/Helping Hand Program

March 17, 4-6 p.m.

Spanish-speaking staff will assist patrons with library services

Landrum Library

111 Asbury Dr., Landrum

Spartanburglibraries.org

Super Saturday Parade Tryon, March 18

Tryon Super Saturday - Children’s Theater Festival

March 18, 9:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Tickets available at Tryon Fine Arts Center Box Office

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon Or call 828-782-3080

In Echo All About: The Fight For Bats in NC (Documentary)

March 18, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve REgistration required. RSVP at Conservingcarolina.org

“The Pull of Place” by Lori Heckleman

“It Figures” by Cyrus Glance “Drawing and Paintings” by Lynne Tanner and Caroline Young

March 18-April 28

Upstairs Artspace Gallery

49 S. Trade St., Tryon upstairsartspace.org

Don’t Feed the Goat! Conserving Carolina Speaker Series

March 21, 6-7:30 p.m.

Landrum Library

111 Asbury Dr., Landrum

Conservingcarolina.org

Tryon Concert Association presents Bennewitz Quartet

March 21, 7:30 p.m.

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonConcerts.org

888-501-0297

Family Dance Party

March. 22, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Columbus Library

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

Foothills Book Circle: Remarkably Bright Creatures

March 23, 3-4 p.m.

Landrum Library

111 Asbury Dr., Landrum

SpartanburgLibraries.org

Shunkin’ with the Chamber

March 25, 12-4 p.m.

Harmon Field Open Air Gym, Tryon Carolinafoothillschamber.com

Art Pop Up at the Pub

Green River Brew Pub

March 26, 2-6 p.m.

26 Church St., Saluda

Titus Abraham

Company

Creating custom furniture, connecting generations

Story by Storme Smith

Two years ago, Titus Abraham and his wife and two boys relocated from Central Pennsylvania to Columbus, North Carolina, bringing with him his customdesigned handcrafted furniture business, the Titus Abraham Company.

Abraham, who has no formal training, began working with wood roughly a decade ago. He was inspired by his father and grandfather, who was a carpenter by trade, and a dining room table built by his grandfather for Abraham’s parents as a wedding gift. While his father didn’t have a woodworking

background, he influenced him in other ways.

“My father was an unbelievable role model,” Says Abraham. “He was quiet, and his appreciation for quality and substance was evident in his work and the products he purchased. My dad sought out quality and didn’t mind paying for it. I like to think I create things he would have appreciated. If I can manage that, I’ll be ok.”

His journey to full-time carpentry began by doing repairs around his house, which led to him making pieces for himself. Abraham found he enjoyed the work, so he decided to go into it full-time. He started his company by producing several custom pieces for a brewery near his home. He then began focusing on working at private residences and on various hospitality projects.

Photography courtesy of Rita Troyer

Soon after, the Abraham family decided to move to Columbus to be nearer to his wife’s family. They had visited the area many times and found more significant economic opportunities than in Central Pennsylvania.

Since arriving, his company has established itself quickly, and Abraham has become a regular attendee at the Woodcarvers and Whittlers Festival held in the Fall at Stearns Gym. The annual festival features local and regional amateur and professional wood carvers, whittlers, turners, and suppliers showing and selling their creations, and giving demonstrations.

Abraham’s grandfather was an Amish furniture builder, giving Titus a strong connection to woodworking– not just because they both practice the same profession, but also because of a philosophy built around the dining room table gifted to his parents.

“I am a firm believer that people matter,” Abraham explains. “Things don’t. But I also believe that certain things connect the people we love. And that matters a

They do welding and metal work for specific projects.

great deal. I aim to create pieces that capture your memories and connect the ones you love.”

Abraham feels that furniture is a connection to what’s important.

“Growing up, our dining room table was one that my grandfather built and gave to my parents as a wedding gift,” he says. “Some of my favorite memories as a kid are of our meals around that table. My dad passed away at a young age, so my kids never got to meet him. This table is significant because of the memories it holds for me, but perhaps more importantly, the connection it creates between my dad and my kids.”

A dining room table wedding registry based on this philosophy is one of the company’s most popular products and gift ideas. A group of friends or relatives can gift a table to a couple, pooling

A wooden bench designed by Abraham.

their money to pitch in to purchase a gift that will last generations.

The process of building one of these tables begins with a discussion with the customer, and starts with putting pencil to paper. At this point, customers explain what they are looking for and talk over ideas. Then, a slab of wood is selected from a local mill. Each detail is finalized, and Abraham takes the specs and

builds the table from scratch. Titus Abraham Company also crafts various other pieces in a similar process, including barstools, chairs, desks, and office furniture.

“We don’t use a catalog. That’s one of the things that set us apart,” Abraham says. “So much life happens around the dining room table. We want to provide for customers a table designed and built just for them and

can’t be found anywhere else.”

The family-owned business is also preparing to move into a more extensive facility in 2023, providing more room for storage and tools.

Abraham primarily works by himself, but his wife Rita helps with day-today operations, occasionally sanding and finishing a piece and even running a saw now and then. Their two boys are also glad to jump in and

Titus hard measuring a piece in his shop.

help when they can, even at a young age.

The Abraham family has fallen in love with Columbus and the Foothills since they moved here, even though it can get a little colder than they expected. They are quick to share how wonderful everyone in the area they’ve met has been to them.

Abraham’s sales pitch for his company is simple. “If someone is looking for a lovely hand-crafted piece of furniture that will have special meaning to them because it was constructed for them, they’re not going to be able to find anything like that in a store.”

For more information on the Titus Abraham Company and their handmade furniture, visit their website at thetitusabrahamcompany. com, or they can be reached at (570) 541-3745 or by email at titus@ thetitusabrahamcompany.com.

Custom-made chairs designed by Abraham.

The Titus Abraham logo.

Hospitality, History and Hollywood

Tryon’s GreenLife Inn at the Mimosa

farm near their home in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, in 2007 and made it their home.

The GreenLife Inn at the Mimosa certainly catches your eye if you’re heading into Tryon on Highway 108, with its stately white columns and majestic magnolia and mimosa trees.

“It has quite a presence, that’s for sure,” says Kevin Parker, who owns and operates the inn with his wife Mary.

The inn wasn’t the Parkers’ first foray into owning and maintaining a historic building. They purchased an 1819

“Our restoration of the old farmhouse, barn and grounds hooked us on the process of saving and fixing historically important buildings,” says Kevin.

Mary’s love of old buildings has roots that can be traced back to her hometown of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, which has dozens of centuries-old buildings that are still in use today. She’s also dreamed of one day running a bed and breakfast inn. The Parkers discovered this area after their daughter moved to Tryon in 2012. They leased a farm in Gowensville

Story by Clay Johnson

Photography by Clay Johnson and Erik Olsen

The B est Relationships Start With Trust

and moved there in the fall of 2014. Kevin commuted to Ohio for his work with a water remediation company while Mary started searching for a possible location for an inn. A realtor showed her what had been the old Mimosa Inn just east of Tryon. At first glance, Mary thought the structure was too big for what she had in mind. Then the realtor took her inside.

“We walked in the door and I was like okay, somebody’s got to do something and it might as well be us,” says Mary. “This had been sitting vacant for about five years. The ceilings were falling in but the actual structure was sound.”

The structure was built in 1903 as a gaming parlor for the old Mimosa Hotel. When the hotel burned down in 1916 it became the Mimosa Inn and operated as such for more than 90 years. The Parkers purchased it in foreclosure in 2015 with

plans to reopen it as a bed and breakfast inn.

“I wanted to have the entire place ready before I opened the doors,” says Mary. “I mean I had the rose-colored glasses on and I said you know we’re going to debut this thing, it’s going to be beautiful.”

The Parkers knew that wasn’t realistic and instead decided to take a slower more incremental approach. They renovated two guest rooms and put them on Airbnb. As those rooms were renting, the Parkers proceeded to renovate the rest of the inn.

“It’s always a sense of accomplishment for me to bring a building back to life that has meant so much to the community over the past 100 years,” says Kevin.

Since the inn was empty when they purchased it the Parker’s next task was finding furniture. Mary searched used furniture shops and thrift stores looking for pieces reminiscent

Fireplace in main living area

of the Melrose Inn’s heyday

“We found the guest records and it was a very strong business in the ’30s and ’40s, so we kind of went to pulling a little bit of the ’40s type feel into things,” she says.

The inn’s second floor has apartments on either end and nine guest rooms in between. There are king-sized rooms, queen-sized rooms and rooms with two full-size beds. All rooms have their own private bath. Downstairs there’s a large but cozy living area that’s a blend of elegance and plop-down-andput-your-feet-up comfort.

“We try to have what people are looking for in the shell of a historic structure,” says Mary.

The Parkers decided to rename the inn to reflect their own personal commitment to environmental sustainability and the inn’s history.

“So we wanted to have it be a fresh start but still honor the name and the history of the Mimosa Inn so we went with Rear portico

GreenLife Inn at the Mimosa,” Mary explains.

Mary does the baking for breakfast which she calls continental plus. It includes muffins, hot and cold cereals and fresh fruit. The plus adds things like hot breakfast sandwiches and quiches on the weekends. It’s all selfserve.

“We’re trying to be really cognizant of what our guests are asking for and it’s generally not a sit-down breakfast that’s quite elaborate,” says Mary, who adds that most of the inn’s guests are very active and don’t want to spend a lot of time seated at a breakfast table.

The breakfast coffee comes from

Tryon Coffeehouse, which the Parkers also own and operate.

“The Tryon Coffeehouse has never been closed a single day, for any reason for the entire existence of that business,” says Kevin, who adds that Mary does the baking for the coffeehouse too.

The Parkers say their guests enjoy Tryon’s eclectic mix of restaurants and shops, its movie theater and live performances at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. They say their guests also enjoy exploring the Tying International Equestrian Center, going on waterfall hikes and visiting the area’s breweries and wineries.

“That’s why we had to change the code on the front door to enter because you’re doing a couple of wine tours today and you sometimes forget what the code to get in the door is,” jokes Kevin, who says he made the code easy to remember.

The GreenLife Inn at Mimosa hosts weddings, reunions and other events. It also hosts Hollywood movie productions. Just last month a Los Angeles production company spent several weeks at the inn filming a psychological thriller called “Are You There?” It was the second movie filmed at the inn which has also been the set for a soap commercial,

Owners Kevin and Mary Parker

a rock music video and last November was featured on the PBS NC show “North Carolina Weekend.”

“It validates that Mary’s vision has come to life and there is a space and a need for a retreat for people to unplug physically and mentally in this beautiful

Tryon Fine Arts Center Presents

Loudon Wainwright III

Saturday, April 1 7:30 pm

Iconic GRAMMY winning singer/songwriter

valley and town,” says Kevin.

“I have really enjoyed resurrecting this grand old place while continuing to curate wonderful experiences for our guests,” says Mary. “I want them to come in and just kind of shed everything at the door and be cared for.”

An American singer-songwriter, who has released 24 studio albums, four live albums and six compilations and is best known for being a wry, witty songwriter and actor who has performed with Seth Rogan.

Wainwright takes the TFAC stage to close the season with his show titled Loudon Wainwright III.

tickets: adult/student $35/$20 Standard $45/$25 Premium plus sales tax & ticketing fees

2022-2023 signature series

First floor living area

NOBLE DOG LODGE

DOG BOARDING ON AN EPIC SCALE

When people say, “That place is going to the dogs,” they aren’t usually paying a compliment. But at Noble Dog Lodge in Columbus…this place is all about dogs and the dogs are clamoring to go there. Dogs are the kings and queens of this facility which indeed resembles a luxury lodge rather than what one might think of as a boarding kennel.

Noble Dog Lodge is the brainchild of Jen Hanna

who along with business partner, Alex Goins, developed their first endeavor in the dog care business with Noble Dog Hotel in downtown Greenville. That location is bursting at the seams with a waiting list to get in. Based on that success, they started looking for a new location for a possible expansion. Jen had been bringing her dogs to Dr. Angel Mitchell at Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital for years. It was Angel who mentioned the adjacent property that was formerly the equine hospital division of Bonnie Brae. Dr. Mitchell

Story and photography by Mark Levin

Chris Moss, canine specialist, and Jen enjoy spending time with the dogs in one of the outdoor play areas.

suggested maybe that could be the perfect spot. In 2021 that became a reality with the opening of Noble Dog Lodge.

Jen is an achiever. After all, she played golf for Furman University and was elected to their Athletics Hall of Fame. From Furman, she played professionally on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour. She was lured back to Furman to become a golf coach after retiring from her touring career. She was used to winning or at least giving a project her best. It’s no surprise that the Greenville location is a sought-after haven for canines and the Columbus location is making its name in the dog care niche.

The original idea to start a kennel came from her own desire to have a safe and comfortable space to board her dogs when she traveled, which was considerable – especially

during her golfing career. Jen has five dogs of her own and they are family. Jen knew she wanted to create a place that offered transparency, 24-hour care, and an incredible staff who are passionate about caring for the dogs entrusted to them.

To the casual observer, the façade looks like the old equine hospital that it once was. But a walk inside changes one’s perspective. The lobby is attractive with one wall covered in portraits of dogs and dogs with their owners including several employees with their best fur friends. There’s a small retail section including some Noble Dog Lodge swag. But it’s only after you enter the door into the heart of the operation that you see how this place starts to look more like a lodge or a resort.

The kennels are aptly

Jen Hanna, co-owner of Noble Dog Lodge in the boarding section of the facility.

Team members Lily Conner and Chloe Maher get ready to move the commercial cleaning machine into position to tackle a vacated room. General manager Trabert and owner Jen are also ready to serve as backup when needed.

named suites and they currently have 35 of them. They range from “Paddock Luxury Suites” with 36 square feet of space up to the “Pawsidential Grand Prix Suite” with 180 square feet of space. The largest suites have their own access to a private outdoor run, but all dogs get many opportunities for daily playtime in one of several indoor and outdoor play spaces. Some of the suites even have TVs so they (the dogs) can watch their favorite programs. One thing common to all suites is a private webcam so that anxious pet parents can check in on their dogs with a private login. Jen jokes that more than one vacation has been ruined for pet parents because they were so excited to see their dogs enjoying the good life that they didn’t think about their own. There are also webcams anyone can view the various indoor and outdoor play areas. But parents don’t have to stay tuned

Groomer Terry Henderson gives a final pat to Eddie, a handsome dog owned by Joe and Jeannie.

BUSINESS INFO:

Noble Dog Lodge is located at 157 Shuford Road, Columbus. 828/ 802-1053.

Email: wag@NobleDogLodge.com. Web: https://www.nobledoglodge.com/ They are open 7 days a week.

to the webcam because they know the staff is personally tuned into the dogs under their care. In fact, parents of boarders get a report card by text with a photo of their dog each day.

Like most kennels, there is an application process that takes place before you bring your dog in for the first visit. The staff assesses the dog’s temperament to see if it will be a good fit for group play or will he or she best be suited for individual playtime with a staff member. All dogs must be up to date on vaccinations. All kennels in North Carolina are licensed by the Department of Agriculture and are inspected to make sure the facility is clean, dogs are well cared for, and that all health procedures are followed. Noble Dog Lodge has a kitchen that resembles that of a small restaurant complete with a commercial microwave, convection oven, and dishwasher. And

while the kitchen does prepare the dog’s normal food from home, parents can order up specialty desserts, nighttime snacks, and other treats. On Thanksgiving, the staff served a complete Thanksgiving dinner to their boarders with their parents’ permission. At Christmas, they all got a special treat. It takes a lot of dedicated staff to run a facility like Noble Dog Lodge. Jen says it was tough getting the staff she needed at the beginning because they were just coming off the worst of Covid when businesses everywhere were struggling to staff their operations. But things are humming along now. Jen spends her time between the Columbus and Greenville facilities knowing that all the dogs in their care are getting the best care possible. Trabert Allen and Natylee Mullinax are the general managers and have been with the

Tickets $10

Proceeds Support the Rotary Club of Tryon Scholarship Fund

Trabert Allen, one of the general managers, starts to prepare food bowls for dinner.

company since it started. In all, eighteen people work at Noble Dog Lodge. Depending on the current capacity there might be three or four staff members during the morning shift and another three or four during the afternoon and early evening shifts. There’s also an overnight team member who is up checking on dogs all night. It’s comforting to know that someone is keeping an eye out on your dog even while you sleep. Noble Dog Lodge works with Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital if there is a medical need.

Noble Dog Lodge offers more than just boarding. They have a popular daycare program and clients can choose options as to the number of hours of care needed instead of having to pay for an entire day. Of course, most dogs don’t want to leave so you might as well plan for a whole day.

Entrance to Noble Dog Lodge.

The facility has professional groomers on staff for all sizes and types of dogs. They also provide training services. One thing they don’t have is boarding for cats. I asked

Jen about this, and she said the dogs voted, and they voted “no” to cats. A couple of dogs pointed to the sign and reminded her that the word “cat” does not appear

anywhere.

In the end, Jen says, “We do have something special here, but it’s more than just the suites and the cameras… it’s the team and finding the

right people and encouraging them and inspiring them to believe in the mission that we have. We want to provide the best care you can find.”

Outside dog runs that lead into some of the suites. All dogs get playtime several times a day.

THERE ARE OTHER LOCAL OPTIONS:

There are two other major boarding and daycare facilities in Polk County.

DOGWOOD FARM KENNELS –WHERE DOGS ARE FAMILY

Dogwood Farm Kennels is where my dogs have gone for years. Owners are Josh and Astrid Goldstein who live right on the property. They are located at 171 Sassy Lane in Columbus (off of Chesnee Road). Dogwood Farm Kennels offers boarding, daycare, and grooming. 828/ 2166211. Email: dfkennels@ me.com. Web: https:// www.dfkennels.com/. Founded in 2009.

SUSIE Q BOARDING – A BOUTIQUE DOG BOARDING EXPERIENCE

Susie Q Boarding is the newest facility to open in Polk County and offers boarding only. Boarders do get ample playtime. It is owned by Susan Collins and was founded in 2022. They are located at 727 Tanner Road, Rutherfordton (They are in Polk County off of Chesnee Road.) Susan lives on the property and offers personal attention to each dog. She does offer a free bath for dogs who board four nights or more.

Josh and Astrid Goldstein with daughter Lyla and Michael Nonamaker in front of the reception area and grooming room of Dogwood Farm Kennels.

Susan Collins inside her Susie Q Boarding facility. Behind her is one of the play areas for the boarders.

Maritime in her new home with Emily Holden

SAFETY IN NUMBERS

By Pebbles

According to the composer, Cole Porter, “Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it, let’s do it, let’s fall in love.”

Might I just add that horses, wolves, gazelles, and lions do it too, and I am not just talking about falling head over heels in love!

I am sharing my research about forming strong relationships and sticking together. It is so important for us all to have a trusted companion, someone who has our back. Of course, there is the bonus of a larger gathering for support. Oh yes, lions prefer prides, bees a colony, wolves a pack, and horses a herd.

These creatures may find love in the mix, but they

stick together in groups for another important reason. There is safety in numbers. This phrase emphasizes that being a part of a crowd makes an individual less likely to be harmed. Prey animals heavily rely on group dynamics for alerts of impending danger. Likewise, the carnivores are far more successful working as a team to hunt and secure a meal.

Let us consider the swift, sprinting gazelles, which are highly social animals that congregate in massive herds. Some gazelle gatherings contain hundreds of individuals, while others are smaller herd groups segregated by sex. Looking at Thompson gazelles, females form migratory groups that enter into the territory of males, especially where water, shade and food are plentiful.

Younger males gather in bachelor herds, which are excluded from areas claimed by territorial males. These

Maritime with her new partner, Emily Holden

bachelor groups are found mainly at the periphery of an area populated by breeding gazelles and are thus often the first to be encountered by predators. A lone gazelle, singled out from its herd, is vulnerable, and much easier prey to capture for a wellformed pride of lions.

There is an African proverb that says,“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

I often witness numerous flocks of doves that scatter as a group when a hawk swoops in for a meal. Their instant flight, taking off in different directions, can confuse the predator. Likewise, there is a bonded pair of cardinal birds here on the ranch which spend considerable time in the shrubs and oak trees just beyond my fence line. The two of them are in constant conversation. They take turns being the sentry, keeping a

The wise Pebbles surveying her pasture

vigilant watch to protect their mate feeding on the ground. Certainly, they have fallen in love, but their attentiveness is also about protection. They need one another to survive the larger birds of prey and barn cats on the prowl. If a female cardinal loses her mate, she must quickly find another for her own safety.

Similarly, my bestie and pasture mate Sedona is my guardian. I love her continuous devotion. When I decide it’s time for my beauty rest, she stands over me. Sedona is watchful for possible predators, as we do have packs of coyotes and black bears which roam our woods. No horse enjoys being left alone to fend for itself. As they say, “Together we stick; divided we are stuck.”

Take for example the recent saga of the stunningly beautiful five-year-old mare, Maritime. She lived here

Volunteer Bill McClelland and Pebbles tackling the scary noodles

quite happily within our herd on the ranch. Maritime is gentle and sweet-natured. Therefore it was not surprising that she was adopted quickly after completing her under saddle training in the care of our rescue, Helping Equines Regain Dignity (HERD.)

A family adopted Maritime for their teenage daughter who was taking lessons with a trainer. She wanted a fancy horse to compete with at shows. Maritime relocated, moving to Tennessee. Reports and photos came in of her excellent progress with her young equestrian partner. Then communication stopped abruptly.

My mistress, Heather Freeman, reached out to Maritime’s owner to discover that the daughter had stopped riding. Her parents wanted to rehome the horse. Maritime was now living out alone in a 50-acre field. There was

“Sedona and Pebbles,” oil painting by artist Jennifer Ann Gordon Grant

not another equine on the property. Maritime was left out 24/7, no company, no engagement with the young woman, nothing. Our hearts broke for this sweet, lonely horse.

HERD engaged our devoted foster and trainer Kailey Greene to drive up to pick up Maritime with our check in hand to purchase her back from the family. Kailey reported that Maritime was afraid and on edge when she was brought out to load onto her horse trailer. We learned she had been whipped for refusing to get into a trailer that was too small for her earlier during her time on this farm. Maritime had struggled and fallen over backwards.

Maritime reluctantly loaded on the empty trailer for Kailey, and the two headed back to North Carolina. Upon arrival, Maritime saw other horses out the trailer

window and began calling to them immediately. Her entire body shook with excitement. It had been many months since she had seen another horse.

Kailey led her into the barn for the night and she blissfully rested in a stall full of deep shavings, with horses on either side of her. Maritime was in heaven. Kailey was thrilled to see the immediate change in Maritime’s disposition. She was calm, relaxed, and

feeling safe.

None of us had any idea this sad situation would transpire for Maritime. Leaving her all alone, with no protective companionship was so hard on this mare. Although she was in good weight, Kailey also had to shave off the long shaggy coat she had grown to endure the elements in the cold mountains. Rain rot marred her bright chestnut fur.

Next, a wonderful turn

of events happened. While Maritime started retraining in Rutherfordton, Kailey’s sister, Emily Holden, fell in love with her and decided, let’s do it! The mare quickly had a new home, with lots of equine friends and a person who will spoil and protect her. No more lonely days and cold, scary nights for Maritime. She now had a new love of her own, and the safety in numbers a herd provides.

Volunteer Valerie Lowe with Sedona practicing the obstacle course

ENJOY BETTER-FOR-YOU FOODS FOCUSED ON FLAVOR

From salads and snacks to breakfast, lunch and dinner, rounding out a full menu of healthy meals shouldn’t be a chore. In fact, you can still enjoy your favorite flavors and tickle your taste buds with nutritious recipes that capitalize on powerful ingredients you actually want to eat.

A fruit-forward breakfast is a nutritious way to start your morning, and a fresh twist

on pasta salad can make lunches or your evening side an enjoyable way to stay on track. Bowls filled with grains, veggies and a favorite protein are all the rage, and this seafood-fueled version is no exception when you’re craving a combination of your personal favorites.

Take your better-for-you eating plan from bland and boring to delightfully delicious by visiting Culinary.net for

more recipe inspiration.

EAT SMART WITH SEAFOOD

No matter if you’re searching for a healthy family dinner, a quick lunch at home or an easy idea to meal prep for the week ahead, these Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowls are perfect for seafood lovers who also enjoy a hint of spice. Fresh, healthy and full of deliciously prepared shrimp, these bowls are also loaded

with mushrooms, peppers and cucumbers.

The homemade sauce is light with a sweet yet spicy vibe. Resting over a cup of steamy quinoa for a filling base of healthy grains, it’s a quick and easy recipe you can customize with favorite toppings like sesame seeds and cilantro.

Find more wholesome, health-forward recipes at Culinary.net.

Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowls

Servings: 2

1 cup quinoa

1 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon hot sauce

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon white miso

1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails removed

1/4 cup butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cucumber, sliced into half moons

5 green onions, sliced

1 avocado, sliced

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.

In medium bowl, whisk orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lime juice and miso until combined. Pour 1/4 of liquid into separate bowl. Set aside.

Add shrimp to remaining mixture and marinate 15 minutes.

Heat large skillet over medium heat with butter. Add shrimp, salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes on each side until pink. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.

In two serving bowls, divide quinoa, bell pepper, cucumber, onions, avocado and shrimp. Sprinkle sesame seeds and cilantro over both bowls.

Drizzle with reserved dressing.

START THE NEW YEAR WITH A SAVORY SALAD

Starting the new year with fresh intentions, whether you’re trying to reset for 2023 or simply add more greens to your meals, begins with delicious, nutritious and easy recipes. With more than 100 varieties of fresh, healthy and convenient ready-to-eat salads, Fresh Express provides plenty of inspiration, information and incentives to help you achieve your goals. For example, this Pesto Pasta Salad features red lentil rotini and Twisted Pesto Caesar Chopped Salad Kits loaded with a fresh blend of crisp iceberg and green leaf lettuces, crunchy garlic brioche croutons, Parmesan cheese and creamy

pesto dressing. Add fresh grape tomatoes and toasted walnuts for a simple side or easy lunch that can be made ahead of time.

Discover more fresh recipe ideas at FreshExpress.com.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6

1 quart cooked red lentil rotini

2 packages (9 1/2 ounces each) Fresh Express Twisted

Pesto Caesar Chopped Salad Kits

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted

Prepare red lentil rotini according to package directions; cool 15 minutes.

In bowl, mix rotini and one dressing packet from salad kits. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; mix well. Refrigerate, covered, 30 minutes, or until rotini is cold.

In large bowl, mix lettuce from both salad kits with remaining salad dressing package. Add rotini and tomatoes; toss to combine.

Sprinkle with garlic brioche croutons and shredded Parmesan cheese from salad kits and walnuts.

Substitution: Traditional rotini can be used for red lentil rotini.

A FRUITY TWIST ON BREAKFAST

Whether it’s a weekend celebration or a simple morning bite on the go, it’s often said breakfast is the most important meal. Starting off your day with some fruity nutrition is a sweet way to add vitamin C to your diet without skimping on flavor.

With a tasty granola crust and yogurt filling, this Brunch Fruit Tart is an easy way to impress guests or fuel your morning at the office. Balanced and easy to make, the crunchy crust and smooth center make it an enjoyable addition to at-home menus. This version calls for strawberries, blueberries and kiwi, but you can get creative with your own favorite fruits for a different flavor each time you make it.

Visit Culinary.net to find more nutritious breakfast ideas.

Brunch Fruit Tart

Recipe adapted from homemadeinterest.com

Crust:

4 cups granola mixture

1/2 cup butter, softened

4

1/2 tablespoons honey

nonstick cooking spray

Filling:

2 1/4 cups vanilla Greek yogurt

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 package gelatin

Toppings: strawberries, sliced blueberries

kiwis, sliced

To make crust: Preheat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, combine granola, butter and honey. Grease 11-inch tart pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of tart pan with parchment paper. Press granola mixture into tart pan. Place tart pan on baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Cool completely.

To make filling: Using mixer, combine yogurt, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract and gelatin until whipped completely. Pour yogurt mixture into tart crust. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Top with strawberries, blueberries and kiwis.

ENJOY BETTER-FOR-YOU FOODS FOCUSED ON FLAVOR

Freshen up your St. Patrick’s Day menu with easy, light sandwiches inspired by the traditional color of the festivities. These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or even as an appetizer for get-togethers with friends and family.

Layered with a smooth cream cheese and mozzarella mixture then topped with crisp cucumber and a stem of green bell pepper, these St. Patrick’s Day Sandwiches are easy and cute, which makes them a fan favorite at nearly any green gathering. They’re also sprinkled with lemon juice to add a little acidity and create a nice, light bite.

Plus, this recipe is quick to make. When you’re in a rush to get

everything on the table for the party, it’s easy to throw together and get on the platter in next to no time.

The sandwiches pop off the plate with their bright, seasonal garnishes. While sure to attract attention and have your loved ones asking “Where did you get this idea?” they’re also an easy way to sneak a few vegetables into your kids’ diets.

For more festive recipes and ideas at HYPERLINK “http:// www.culinary.net/” Culinary.net.

St. Patrick’s Day Sandwiches

Yield: 8 sandwiches

8 ounces plain cream cheese spread, softened

1 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese

salt

4 English muffins

24 slices cucumber

8 thin slices green pepper

fresh cilantro leaves

lemon juice

lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

In bowl, mix cream cheese spread, mozzarella cheese and salt well.

Split English muffins in half. Cut each muffin half into shamrock shape.

Spread cheese mixture over each muffin half.

Place three cucumbers on each “shamrock,” one on each “leaf.” Use green pepper slice as stem. Place cilantro leaf on top of each sandwich.

Sprinkle sandwiches with lemon juice and add lemon slices, for garnish, if desired.

A SWEET SEASONAL SHAKE

St. Patrick’s Day may call to mind hearty meals and pots o’ gold, but that doesn’t mean sweets can’t be part of the equation, too. Add dessert to your celebration with this green Minty Shake, a cold, refreshing way to honor the colorful tradition.

Find more seasonal dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Minty Shake

Serves: 1

1 cup whipping cream

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

2 teaspoons powdered sugar

1/2 cup milk

1 3/4 ounces Baileys Irish Cream liqueur

3 scoops mint chocolate chip ice cream

chocolate syrup

chopped sugar cookies, for garnish (optional)

pistachios, for garnish (optional)

mint chocolate candy, for garnish (optional)

Using mixer, whisk whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add peppermint extract and powdered sugar; mix until well blended. Set aside.

In blender, blend milk, liqueur and ice cream until smooth.

Drizzle chocolate syrup inside soda glass. Pour ice cream mixture into glass. Top with whipped cream and garnish with cookies, pistachios and mint chocolate candy, if desired.

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Celebrate Doctors’ Day on March 30th

St. Luke’s and community providers have worked exceptionally hard this past year. We wish to recognize our doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners for the wonderful care they have provided to our community.

You can express your appreciation by making a donation in honor or memory of a provider that has made a difference in your life.

ALL DONATIONS WILL BENEFIT ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL

Please accept this tax-deductible gift in “honor” or in “memory” of: (please circle one) Given by: __________________________________________________

Please mail completed form and donation to: