Life in Our Foothills - September 2022

Jeff Allison Manager

Herein the Foothills, there is no shortage of top-notch eateries, fantastic small businesses, or incredible entertainment. As the first signs of autumn begin to emerge, now is the perfect time to highlight the “Favorites of the Foothills,” as voted on by you!

As we do every year, we asked our loyal readers to name their favorite establishments in Tryon, Columbus, Landrum and Saluda, and you enthusiastically responded! With nearly 40,000 votes submitted, this month we present to you the “Favorites of the Foothills.”

We congratulate all of those who were nominated and won, and we hope you are inspired to get out and visit a few of the establishments listed!

Also this month, we feature a favorite gem in Saluda, the Purple Onion. Co-owners Emily Lamar and Chambli Stuber share a behind-thescenes look at this local treasure.

We also hear from Mark Levin, as he shares a personal story of Magnolia Trails, a memory care program for residents at LaurelWoods located in Columbus. Additionally, we get the latest update from our resident spokespony, Pebbles, as she relays a tale about her stablemate.

You’ll find all this and more in this month’s edition. We hope you like 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 Manager

life IN OURSTAFF

CONTRIBUTORS

Mark Levin, Writer and Photographer

Mark is retired from a career in education. In addition to the classroom he has had a lifetime of experiences earning a buck as a photographer, videographer, author, musician and camp director. You can follow his blog about people and places in the foothills at www.FoothillsFaces. com or check out his new podcast he enjoys with a friend of 50 years at www.garyandmark.com.

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 documen tary 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

2022 Earl Scruggs Music Festival

Sept. 2-4

Tryon International Equestrian Center

25 International Blvd., Mill Spring EarlScruggsMusicFestival.com

Saluda Shop and Stroll

Sept. 2, 5-8 p.m.

Local art, shopping, food Downtown Saluda

Saluda Tailgate Market

Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 4:30-6:30 p.m. West Main St., Saluda PolkCountyFarms.org

Columbus Farmers Market

Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

40 Courthouse St., Columbus PolkCountyFarms.org

Saluda Outfitters Concert

Featuring JackTown Ramblers

Sept. 3, 7-10 p.m. 435 Main St., Saluda SaludaOutfitters.com

Prison Break Art Pop Up

Sept. 4, 2-6 p.m.

Iron Key Brewing Company 135 Locust St., Columbus IronKeyBrewing.com

Green River Plantation Tours

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays in September 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Green River Plantation

6333 Coxe Rd., Rutherfordton

GreenRiverPlantation.info

SEPT. 2-4

2022 Earl Scruggs Music Festival

Tryon International Equestrian Center

25 International Blvd., Mill Spring EarlScruggsMusicFestival.com

The Animals of Red Bull

Run: Flora & Fauna Opening Reception

Sept. 8, 6:30 p.m.

Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org

Shakespeare & Friends presents The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Sept. 8-11

Rogers Park Amphitheater, Tryon 828-817-2897, tryonshakespeare@ gmail.com

Westside Mixers 2022 Sept. 9, 6-8 p.m.

Tryon Arts and Crafts School 373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon TryonArtsAndCrafts.org

The DEER

Sept. 10, 7 p.m. Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org

Guests/Featured Members Show: Autumnal Equinox Through Sept. 17 Tryon Painters and Sculptors 78 N. Trade St., Tryon

TryonPainersAndSculptors.com

Family concert featuring Tom Fisch

Sept. 18, 4-5 p.m.

Foothills Equestrian Nature Center 3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon Fence.org

Drumming With Horses

Sept. 22, 6-7:30 p.m.

Whispering Feather Farm 5911 Big Level Rd., Mill Spring

Sanctuary in Bloom Fundraiser

Sept. 29, 6-9 p.m.

Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org

No Fear and Blues Long Gone: Nina Simone

Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m.

Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org

For more details on these events, and to learn even more about what’s going on in our area, visit FirstPeakNC.com or call the Visitor Center at 1-800-440-7848.

SEPT. 30, 7:30 P.M.

No Fear and Blues

Long Gone: Nina Simone

Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org

The Purple Onion is a longtime mainstay on Main St. in Saluda.

When you start to peel away the layers it’s very easy to see why many in these parts will argue The Purple Onion is not only Saluda’s, but perhaps the whole region’s favorite restaurant. Yes, it’s a bold claim, but once you step inside it feels a lot more like a family gathering and a lot less like a normal eating establishment – especially on a music night!

“We are totally yin and yang, and we make this thing run because we are complete opposites,” says a laughing Emily Lamar of her relationship with long-time friend, coworker and now co-owner

Chambli Stuber of The Purple Onion. “And it works!”

Both women cut their culinary teeth at The Purple Onion. Emily began in pastries at the age of 17, while Chambli started as a dishwasher at the tender age of 14, and quickly made the move to the kitchen where she excelled. Before she had turned 18, Chambli was already head cook. Eventually, Emily would move into the business side of the restaurant and Chambli would take a break to attend culinary school before returning to the Purple Onion a few years down the road.

To understand The Purple Onion’s success in 2022, it is important to look back at the roots of this local culinary gem situated in the heart of Saluda.

Emily’s mom, Susan Casey, and her sister opened The Purple Onion in November 1998. They had grown up on a tobacco farm outside Kinston, N.C., and Susan would prepare the midday meal for the tobacco crew and family. Most of her ingredients came from the farm and were often picked just prior to preparation. Susan’s use of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as farm-raised and smoked meats, were the palette from which she’d learn to create a cuisine that is now the culinary foundation of The Purple Onion.

Chambli says the food at The Purple Onion is best described as a variety of ethnically inspired dishes with an emphasis on the Mediterranean’s simple and healthful cuisine. The menu

offers a variety of pizzas, pasta, seafood, vegetarian and meat dishes that use locally raised trout and organic locally grown produce when available, as well as antibiotic and hormonefree meats and poultry. They also offer fresh locally roasted coffee and espresso, as well as an impressive selection of fine wines and local craft beers sure to meet even the most discriminating tastes of clientele found in these foothills.

“They wanted a gathering place for the community that served good, healthy cuisine and live music,” Emily explains about her mother and aunt’s philosophy with the launch of the restaurant. Her aunt eventually moved on from the business after a few years, but the two sisters established

Story by Terry Brown

Photography by Terry and Cher Brown

Co-owners Emily Lamar (L) and Chambli Stuber (R) each worked at The Purple Onion as teenagers. They bought the restaurant in 2020 after founder and Emily’s mom, Susan Casey, decided to retire.

something special that has stood the test of time. “They wanted a place where folks could come together and eat, talk and listen.”

Emily and Chambli say bringing people together to enjoy healthy food, camaraderie and music is still the goal, and what they strive to emulate and achieve every single day. To them, it is critically important to ensure they continue to stay true to what was first envisioned for The Purple Onion almost 25 years ago. In fact, that is the driving reason they decided to buy the restaurant when Susan decided to step away from the day-to-day running of The Purple Onion.

“Emily and I bought it [The Purple Onion] when Susan was ready to retire, and rightfully so,” Chambli says from an outside table on the covered patio. “The thought of someone else buying it and turning it into something different from what

Susan worked so hard to do here was scary, so we didn’t want to see that happen.”

The thought of owning a restaurant was equally as scary for the two steadfast friends –especially buying The Purple Onion at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Owning a restaurant, why would you,” Chambli says while breaking out with infectious laughter. “But that’s why we bought it… we both love this place, we grew up in this place, Emily’s kids are working here now and we’re all carrying on the tradition. It’s just super important to us and to our employees to keep this special place, special.”

With great pride and fondness, Chambli speaks of the relationships built over the years between staff, as well as The Purple Onion’s customers.

“I love doing this, especially with the people I share it with,

Executive

not only with my partner but also with our staff,” says Chambli to a background of rhythm and blues music playing over the patio speakers. “The relationships that I’ve built here. I mean, Emily’s younger sister has been my best friend since we were kids and that’s how I first got involved here. And now Emily and I are like sisters too, so that’s a reward in itself. And the relationships that I have with our staff, they’re like my family.”

After culinary school, Chambli struck out on her own and found work at some of the most prestigious restaurants and country clubs in the area. She chose to come back to Saluda because it offered something unique living in this small town, that she says couldn’t be found elsewhere.

Pride and a strong work ethic is evident in everyone who makes the Purple Onion run like a finely tuned machine. Like most

establishments, finding staff these days is a challenge – especially since Covid.

During the early days of the pandemic when there was a great deal of uncertainty about restaurants surviving, the pair would often gather with staff and friends for tacos and margaritas. Along the way an idea was hatched for a new culinary adventure, if the opportunity arose. When word spread of another Saluda establishment being forced

Service always happens with a smile at The Purple Onion.

Aaron Burdett and his band play to a standing-room-only crowd at The Purple Onion.

to close its doors, the two entrepreneurs knew it was their moment and stepped up to open their second Saluda restaurant, The Saluda Purple Onion Taqueria, better known in town as The S.P.O.T. It offers a diverse and fresh new take on tacos, burritos, dips and quesadillas, as well as craft margaritas and cocktails.

Last year The Purple Onion served more than 65,000 patrons. Many of those patrons come from other places during the summer, but the rest of the year, the restaurant has a very loyal and supportive local following. Prior to the pandemic, the restaurant regularly had 45 employees on staff. Now, The Purple Onion and The S.P.O.T. have a combined staff of 36 employees. There are too many exhausting days when Chambli and Emily take on many duties and extra hours that would normally be left to others, but it’s one of the challenges that brings the two of them together, knowing they each have a stake in keeping a thriving restaurant alive in their mountain town.

The Purple Onion is also known far and wide as one of the best and most intimate music venues in western N.C. From the start, music has played an invaluable role in bringing people together at the restaurant and the music slots that are available are coveted by musicians. The Purple Onion has hosted some of the hottest names in Americana and folk music, says Emily. One of the more notable that stands out to her was the Avett Brothers taking the stage 21 years ago.

On this warm night during the lazy days of summer, the show is sold out for Aaron Burdett, a well-traveled musician from the mountains of N.C. who’s known for his songwriting prowess. He’s won top songwriting awards from prestigious competitions hosted by the likes of MerleFest, Mountain Stage, and the USA Songwriting

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The tables are filled. Food flows from the kitchen where Emily looks in as her kitchen crew bangs out freshly prepared meals from their four pizza ovens and stove. There are no fryers or microwaves in this finely tuned kitchen. The bar is crowded. Smiles and laughter are heard from all corners of the room, and everyone is in a festive mood.

Emily takes the stage with the band to welcome everyone as family and friends to the night’s entertainment.

As Burdett strums the first strains of his guitar and the banjo, fiddle and upright bass join in to accompany the singer/songwriter in a raucous tune, Emily quietly exits to the shadows of the restaurant where she and Chambli stand with smiles as bright as the stage lights.

The day started early, and the night will run long for them and their crew. It’s moments like these that provide the “why” it was important to keep The Purple Onion in the family, and to carry on a tradition that aims to be a mainstay in these foothills for many years to come.

Emily Lamar prepares to welcome guests to The Purple Onion.

The idea of writing about a memory care program at an assisted living facility never crossed my mind until it became personal. Reporters learn early on that they’re supposed to stick to the facts. “Keep your personal thoughts out of the story,” I’ve been told. But this story is different. I’m thankful that the brass at Life in Our Foothills gave me the freedom to write this accounting of the last few years of my life and how a unique program is making a difference for a loved one.

I will shorten all the details. Our lives changed after my wife, Bobbie (nickname for Barbara), suffered a couple of strokes in 2009. While I thought she came through those strokes in good shape, I was mistaken. Time was taking its toll. Things she used to do became more difficult. Riding Doc, her beloved quarter horse, was impossible. The best she could manage was to wave at Doc from the back porch. Occasionally, she would get the strength to make it up to the barn to give him a couple of carrots.

It was a few years after her strokes when I started realizing that Bobbie was getting forgetful. I’m not sure when her doctor first mentioned the “D” word to me, but it was obvious that her life was changing. Things made a little more sense when her doctor confirmed the dementia diagnosis. While the timing can never be “good,” it was fortuitous that I was retiring just as her cognitive skills were declining at a faster rate. I was home and could be there to take care of her.

It was the winter of 2021 when I knew I was in over my head. I’m no cook but much to Bobbie’s dismay and possibly amusement, I was providing three meals a day. I’m sure she was wondering why I never signed up for the local “men’s cooking class.” Daily laundry, housecleaning, and animal care

all fell to me. All this work gave me a new respect for all the moms (and many dads) who do this and more day in and day out.

Bobbie continued to have issues with short-term memory. But now I was also starting to see lapses in her long-term memory. I remember one afternoon when she asked me when was I leaving. I’m guessing she was thinking I was “the help.” I said, “Bobbie, I live here. We’ve been married 40 years.” Without missing a beat, she answered, “Do you have proof of that?” Well, I did. We happened to have a framed wedding announcement. I brought it over for her inspection. I don’t think she was convinced.

It was time to look for help. I first had a private caregiver three hours a day, three days a week. After a couple of months, that person quit. I decided to try an agency. I started with four hours a day every other day. But it wasn’t long before four hours evolved into eight hours seven days a week. Even that was not enough.

Bobbie’s sister, Bobbie’s doctor, and I knew that a fulltime residential program was the next step. Her sister (Pam James) and I visited several assisted living facilities in the area. We weren’t thinking “memory care.” We were overconfident in thinking that Bobbie could manage in a regular assisted living program.

We ended up choosing LaurelWoods, the assisted living community in Columbus. She was accepted and was given an opportunity to try assisted living – the level of care where the resident can take care of most things but might need a little extra help with medications, getting dressed, or other needs. They offered extra levels of care and I just figured Bobbie would need the highest level. But it was nice to think of her in this assisted living wing and not needing to be “classified” as requiring memory care.

The assisted living honeymoon lasted just four

Story and Photography by Mark Levin

Pepper Forney, med tech for Magnolia Trails. Pepper has worked at LaurelWoods for 17 years.

Sandy Clark, full-time housekeeper for Magnolia Trails, shows off one of the pets from the pet room –one of the life skills stations.

hours. My phone rang and I was informed that Bobbie had “eloped.” Maybe that’s not quite the right word but that’s what I heard. I didn’t think she had taken off with a new boyfriend –after all, she had only been there a few hours and it took longer than that to woo me. The staff quickly explained it meant she had fled the coop. After her first lunch, she decided to take a walkabout, found a door, and went outside to sit on a bench. She really didn’t

know where she was. When staff found her a few minutes later, Bobbie said she was waiting to be picked up. I was told that Bobbie would have to move into their memory care wing.

And then, just like that…Bobbie moves from the somewhat feeling of being independent to being in a wing with locked doors. All memory care units must have locked doors to keep residents from eloping and endangering themselves. They can move freely

A childhood friend of mine has been a resident of LaurelWoods in the memory care unit for the past year and a half. As a practicing speech-language pathologist who also works with the dementia population, I am always on the lookout for new approaches and ideas to help me provide the best care I can for my clients. Huge kudos to LaurelWoods for implementing the Magnolia Trails program to use in the memory care unit! When I visit Bobbie, not only do I get to use their materials to promote conversation with her, but also have materials to use to redirect or include other residents who are curious and attracted by our many outbursts of laughter!

– Tootie Stoehr with Ayla, her therapeutic riding horse.

within the unit itself including going outside into a large and sunny courtyard.

We had chosen LaurelWoods because it had a homey atmosphere and Bobbie liked the sound of the food choices on the menu. Anything had to be better than what I had been serving. We had to move her from the room her sister had decorated to another room in a different part of the building. It took a while for me to get used to the idea of Bobbie

Tootie Stoehr with Ayla

living in memory care. To Bobbie, it didn’t matter – but to me, I was a bit depressed each time I left to go home. It just didn’t seem like the place for Bobbie. I felt like I had let her down. I kept doubting my decision to move her there.

The memory care unit seemed cheery and the staff was certainly professional. But I left each visit feeling like it just wasn’t living up to my expectations. I knew they were doing more for Bobbie than I could. I knew she would be looked after 24/7. But still…something seemed missing.

But within a few months, I could see changes in the way the memory care unit was adapting the way it helped the residents. The program was being transformed from a traditional memory care unit to a village called Magnolia Trails. Some of the changes were subtle and others quite dramatic. All these changes had been carefully thought out by professionals working with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. It is a program used by all the properties managed by Sonida Senior Living, the parent company of LaurelHurst-LaurelWoods.

Sue Dodge (Magnolia Trails Director) and Ann Watts (LaurelHurst-LaurelWoods Executive Director) were more than happy to fill me in on some of these changes.

Magnolia Trails is a whole new way of working

Executive Director Ann Watts chats with assisted living resident Caroline out on the front porch of LaurelWoods.

with memory care residents. The program is designed around a homelike environment meant to help residents who are having any level of memory impairment. It could be the early stages of dementia and it includes loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Focusing on Care First is one of the Five Pillars of the Magnolia Trails program and it’s obvious. The staff, all of them, are true believers in “walking the talk.” Ann Watts explains how just taking five minutes to chat with a resident makes such a difference. She says, “In that five minutes a staff member can learn five things about that person and those five things become five ways to engage the residents in many situations.” It helps break the ice and helps the residents feel safe and comfortable.

Magnolia Trails has its own dedicated program director, Sue Dodge. She loves her job and like any job, there can be challenges. She says, “Just because you have

Sue

an activity planned doesn’t mean a resident will participate. A friendly smile, a good choice of words, and a genuine personal invitation can make all the difference.”

Sue is assisted by a competent staff that is specially trained to work with this population. Of course, there are CNAs and loving caregivers who are the day-to-day folks who make it their mission to make the Magnolia Trails folks feel comfortable and safe. The neighborhood also includes its own med techs, its own full-time housekeeping person, and its own dining room assistant. A couple of registered nurses are on staff serving the whole campus and are always on call in Magnolia Trails. A physician makes rounds on a weekly basis. Physical and occupational therapists make regular visits.

Everything about the neighborhood has either been transformed for this new Magnolia

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Magnolia Trails Director Sue Dodge helps Ester and Linda get started on a painting session.

Trails program or is still a workin-progress. Each change has a thought-out reason, and the benefits are noticeable. The activities room not only has new furniture, but the sofas and chairs have been rearranged so that residents aren’t just facing the large TV screen. Instead, the sofas and chairs are set so that residents can casually interact with each other instead of being mesmerized by the TV.

Just a walk through the hallways of the Magnolia Trails neighborhood is a treat. The 16 rooms, sometimes referred to as apartments, are arranged around a continuous rectangle. If a resident gets confused about

getting “home,” all they must do is take a stroll in either direction and they’ll get there. If not, a staff member will guide them. A few months ago, only a room number and a small nameplate marked a resident’s room. Today, next to each door is a shadowbox with a photo or two of each resident to make recognizing the room instant. Some residents might not remember a room number, but they’ll always recognize those photos.

Another striking improvement in the transformation from memory care to Magnolia Trails has been the addition of “life skills” stations. While the idea of these stations isn’t new and

most other facilities would have something similar, Magnolia Trails took it to a whole new level. Under Sue’s and Ann’s direction, they commandeered six small utility closets interspersed throughout the neighborhood and converted each into cute interactive rooms with a theme to help engage the minds and spark memories. One resembles a pet shop with various toy animals that residents can pick up and hold and even take to their room. A favorite life skills room is the music room with some rhythm instruments, an old-fashion radio, and walls covered with posters, album covers, and vinyl records by music stars from their

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past. There’s a Man Cave with a few toy tools and even some “pinups.”

It has been a little over a year since Bobbie became a resident. I can see the differences the Magnolia Trails program is making. I no longer secondguess the decision to move her there. With these changes I’ve mentioned, others not mentioned, and still others being implemented – it’s become a magical place.

Nothing is going to “fix” Bobbie’s dementia, but I feel certain the staff at Magnolia Trails is going to make sure her days are interesting, her needs are met, and she’ll be loved. at 1064 West Mills Street in Columbus across from St. Luke’s Hospital. Krystal Toney at (828) 894-3900. (ktoney@sonidaliving.com) https://www.sonidaseniorliving. https://www.facebook.com/LaurelHurstandLaurelWoodsNC

Best Bakery / SweetsAll Good Things Bakery’s signature Carrot Cake

Best Burger - Calvert’s Kitchen’s Burger Plate w/ Fresh Fruit and Veggies

Best Lunch - Southern Manners’ Chicken Wrap w/ Broccoli Salad

Best Appetizer - Hare and Hound’s Sampler, Mozzarella Sticks, Fried Pickles, and Fried Mushrooms w/ Ranch Dressing & Marinara Sauce

Favorites of the Foothills Reader’s Choice Awards

DINING

Best Restaurant in Columbus

Winner / Southern Manners

Runner Up / Rural Seed

Second Runner Up / Calvert’s Kitchen

Best Restaurant in Landrum

Winner / The Hare and Hound

Runner Up / Southside Smokehouse & Grill

Second Runner Up / Soulisa’s Fine Thai Dining

Best Restaurant in Saluda

Winner / Purple Onion

Runner Up / Ward’s Grill

Second Runner Up / Newman’s Restaurant

Best Restaurant in Tryon

Winner / Side Street Pizza

Runner Up / Caro-Mi Dining Room

Second Runner Up / Katie D’s NY Bagels

FOOD AND DRINKS

Best Appetizer

Winner / The Hare and Hound

Runner Up / Side Street Pizza

Second Runner Up / The Iron Key

Best Asian Food

Winner / Soulisa’s Fine Thai Dining

Runner Up / Fuji Second Runner Up / Joy Wok ll

Best Bakery / Sweets

Winner / All Good Things Bakery

Runner Up / Martha’s Amish Bakery

Second Runner Up / Southern Manners

Best Breakfast Winner / Southern Manners

Runner Up / Katie D’s NY Bagels

Second Runner Up / All Good Things Bakery

Photography by Jamie Lewis

Tryon Daily Bulletin

Best Burger

Winner / Calvert’s Kitchen

Runner Up / The Hare and Hound

Second Runner Up / Iron Key

Best Chicken Sandwich

Winner / Southern Manners

Runner Up / The Rural Seed

Second Runner Up / Calvert’s Kitchen

Best Coffee Shop

Winner / Openroad Coffee Roasters

Runner Up / All Good Things Bakery

Second Runner Up / Tryon Coffeehouse Co-op

Best Fast Food

Winner / Wendy’s

Runner Up / Bojangles

Second Runner Up / Taco Bell

Best Fine Dining

Winner / Newman’s Restaurant

Runner Up / Cafe La Gaule

Second Runner Up / Pine Crest Inn

Best French Fries

Winner / The Hare and Hound

Runner Up / Mountain View BBQ

Second Runner Up / McDonald’s

Best Hot Dogs

Winner / Trade Street Creamery

Runner Up / Boots & Sonnys

Second Runner Up / Calvert’s Kitchen

Best Ice Cream

Winner / The Ice Cream Barn

Runner Up / Trade Street Creamery

Second Runner Up / Buck & Brew

Best Lunch

Winner / Southern Manners

Runner Up / Katie D’s NY Bagels

Second Runner Up / Calvert’s Kitchen

Best Mexican Food

Winner / El Campesino

Runner Up / El Sureno

Second Runner Up / Cocula Mexican Grill

Best Seafood - Calvert’s Kitchen’s Fish Plate w / Hushpuppies Fries

Best Mixed Drinks

Winner / Southside Smokehouse

Runner Up / The Hare and Hound

Second Runner Up / Huckleberry’s

Best Pizza

Winner / Side Street Pizza

Runner Up / The Brick Pizzeria

Second Runner Up / Wolverine Pizza

Best Seafood

Winner / Calvert’s Kitchen

Runner Up / The Hare and Hound

Second Runner Up / Newman’s Restaurant

Best Steak

Winner / The Hare and Hound

Runner Up / Newman’s Restaurant

Second Runner Up / The Rural Seed

Best Campground - Orchard lake Campground in Saluda

Best Burger - Calvert’s Kitchen’s Burger Plate w/ Fresh Fruit and Veggies

Best Asian - Soulisa’s Rainbow Roll w/ Red Curry

Best Fries - Hare and Hound’s Fries

Best Vineyard / Winery

Winner / Parker-Binns Vineyard

Runner Up / Mountain Brook Vineyards

Second Runner Up / Overmountain Vineyards

Best Wings

Winner / Side Street Pizza

Runner Up / Mountain View BBQ

Second Runner Up / Southside Smokehouse

LIFESTYLE AND ENTERTAINMENT

Best Campground

Winner / Orchard Lake Campground

Runner Up / Emberglow Outdoor Resort

Second Runner Up / Silver Creek Campground

Best Farmers Market

Winner / Landrum Farmers Market

Runner Up / Columbus Farmers Market

Second Runner Up / Saluda Tailgate Market

Best Golf Course

Winner / Tryon Country Club

Runner Up / Links O’Tryon Golf Course

Second Runner Up / Bright’s Creek Golf Course

Best Live Music Event

Winner / Summer Tracks

Runner Up / Music at the Tracks

Second Runner Up / Tryon Fine Arts Center

Best Local Festival or Event

Winner / Columbus Fabulous 4th

Runner Up / Coon Dog Day

Second Runner Up / Tryon Beer Fest

Best Place to Take a Hike

Winner / Pearson’s Falls

Runner Up / FENCE

Second Runner Up / White Oak Mountain

Best Place of Worship

Winner / The Well

Runner Up / Columbus Baptist Church

Second Runner Up / Midway Baptist Church

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICE

Best Dental Office

Winner / Wood Creek Dental

Runner Up / MAHEC Dental

Second Runner Up / Tryon Family Dentistry

Best Place to Work ( 11 - 25 employees ) - Randall Calvert and some of his fabulous employees

Best Doctor’s Office

Winner / Foothills Medical Associates

Runner Up / Medical Group of the Carolinas - Landrum

Second Runner Up / Mercy Urgent Care

Best Hospital

Winner / St. Luke’s Hospital

Runner Up / Spartanburg Regional

Second Runner Up / Pardee Hospital

Best Pharmacy

Winner / Landrum Drug

Runner Up / CVS Columbus

Second Runner Up / Foothills Pharmacy

Best Retirement / Assisted Living Community

Winner / ACTS / Tryon Estates

Runner Up / LaurelHurst/LaurelWoods

Second Runner Up / White Oak Manor

Best Veterinary Office

Winner / Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital

Runner Up / God’s Creatures Animal Hospital

Second Runner Up / Landrum Veterinary Hospital

EDUCATION

Best Principal

Winner / Todd Murphy - Polk County Middle School

Runner Up / Mrs. McMinn - Polk Central Elementary

Second Runner Up / Preston Allen - Sunny View Elementary

Best Elementary School Teacher

Winner / Amber Styles - Polk Central Elementary

Runner Up / Lucy Lewis - Tryon Elementary

Second Runner Up / Ginger Turner - Sunny View Elementary

Best High School Teacher

Winner / John Paul McIntyre - Polk County High School

Runner Up / Jeff Thomas - Polk County High School

Second Runner Up / Markiesha Jackson - Polk County High School

Best Middle School Teacher

Winner / Paula Brown - Polk County Middle School

Runner Up / Matt Russell - Polk County Middle School

Second Runner Up / Jamie Graber - Polk County Middle School

PLACE TO WORK

Best Place to Work with Employees

Winner / AlignLife Chiropractic

Runner Up / The Ice Cream Barn

Second Runner Up / Comfort Keepers

Best Place to Work with Employees

Winner / Calvert’s Kitchen

Runner Up / Polk County Public Libraries

Second Runner Up / Price Services HVAC

Best Place to Work with Employees

Winner / Stott’s Ford

Runner Up / ACTS Tryon Estates

Second Runner Up / Bommer Industries

Best Place to Work with Employees

Winner / Polk County Schools

Runner Up / St. Luke’s Hospital

Best Chiropractor - AlignLife - Chiropractic & Natural Health Center

PROFESSIONALS

Best Administrator

Winner / Aaron Green - Polk County Schools Runner Up / Donna Wood - Baker Chiropractic

Second Runner Up / Cathy Ruth - Polk County Government

Best Attorney

Winner / Phillip Feagan

Runner Up / Billy McFarland

Second Runner Up / Scott Sheffron

Best Chiropractor

Winner / AlignLife Chiropractic

Runner Up / Carolina Chiropractic Plus

Second Runner Up / Trade Street Chiropractic

Best Dentist

Winner / Dr. Levi Hunt - Woodcreek Dental

Runner Up / Blake Gutierrez - MAHEC Dental

Second Runner Up / Dr. John Moneyhun - Parkside Dental

Best Doctor

Winner / Dr. Todd Walter - Medical Group of the CarolinasLandrum

Runner Up / Dr Jeffrey Vair - Foothills Medical Associates

Second Runner Up / Dr. Clay Baker - AlignLife Chiropractic

Best Electrician

Winner / Willis Electrical

Runner Up / Blackwell Electric

Second Runner Up / Becker Electric

Best Farrier

Winner / Jack Mongomery Sr. Runner Up / Hank Heintzberger

Second Runner Up / Jeff Pauley

Best Hair Stylist

Winner / Carla Sain - Salon 3:15

Runner Up / Annie Moss - Uptown Girl Salon

Second Runner Up / Pam Tessnear - Tangles & Toes

Best Home Builder / Contractor

Winner / Edney Construction

Runner Up / Yoder Construction

Second Runner Up / Tryon Builders

Best Insurance Agent

Winner / Renee Dusenbury Waldman - Nationwide Insurance

Runner Up / Kamron Kerr - Farm Bureau Insurance

Second Runner Up / Josh Owens - Farm Bureau Insurance

Best Law Enforcement Officer

Winner / Sheriff Tim Wright - Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Runner Up / Justin Painter - Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Second Runner Up / Kevin Guerrero - Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Best Mechanic

Winner / Stott’s Ford

Runner Up / Searcy’s Automotive

Second Runner Up / Professional Auto

Best Minister

Winner / Brannon Poore - The Well

Runner Up / Timothy Fortune - Columbus Baptist Church

Second Runner Up / Randall Wood - Midway Baptist Church

Best Pharmacist

Winner / Hailey Branyon - Landrum Drug

Runner Up / Dr. Steve Burney - Foothills Pharmacy

Second Runner Up / Ben Searcy - CVS Columbus

Best Photographer

Winner / Shawna Nodine Photography

Runner Up / Austin Brian Photography

Second Runner Up / Carrie Bass Photography

Best Plumber

Winner / Staley Plumbing

Runner Up / Hyder Plumbing

Second Runner Up / Bates Plumbing

Best Realtor

Winner / Cindy Viehman - Tryon Foothills Realty

Runner Up / Jeremy Wood - SC / NC Realty

Second Runner Up / Erika Bradley - Century 21

Best Server

Winner / Myra - Caro-Mi Dining Room

Runner Up / Kylee - Calvert’s Kitchen

Second Runner Up / Amanda - Side Street Pizza

Best Veterinarian

Winner / Dr. Angel Mitchell - Bonnie Brae Animal Hospital

Runner Up / Dr. Lara Anderson-Bailey - Landrum Veterinary Hospital

Second Runner Up / Dr. Jeni Evans - God’s Creatures

Veterinary Hospital

Best -

SERVICE AND RETAIL

Best Antique Store

Winner / Tryon Antique Mall

Runner Up / Architectural Warehouse

Second Runner Up / Savvy Scavenger

Best Art Gallery

Winner / Tryon Fine Arts Center

Runner Up / Tryon Painters and Sculptors

Second Runner Up / Upstairs Artspace

Best Auto Parts Store

Winner / Advanced Auto Parts

Runner Up / NAPA

Second Runner Up / Carquest

Best Bank / Credit Union

Winner / Home Trust Bank

Runner Up / First Citizens Bank

Second Runner Up / State Employees Credit Union

Best Consignment / Gift Shop

Winner / Second Chance Thrift Store

Runner Up / Tryon Antique Mall

Second Runner Up / P3 Retail

Best Feed Store

Winner / Tim Edwards Landscape & Supply

Runner Up / The Hay Rack

Second Runner Up / Tractor Supply

Best Financial Planner

Winner / Ashworth Financial Runner Up / Edward Jones

Second Runner Up / Andy Millard Advisory

Best Fitness / Gym

Winner / Burn 31

Runner Up / PRO Physical Therapy

Second Runner Up / Dyna Body Fitness

Best Florist

Winner / The Flower Cottage

Runner Up / Brett Auston Floral

Second Runner Up / Four Winds Florist

Best Funeral Home

Winner / McFarland Funeral Home

Runner Up / Petty’s Funeral Home

Second Runner Up / Sanders Funeral Home

Best Garden Center / Nursery

Winner / Avery Creek Nursery

Runner Up / Tim Edwards Landscaping & Supply

Second Runner Up / Down to Earth

Best Hair Salon

Winner / Salon 3:15

Runner Up / Uptown Girl Salon

Second Runner Up / Tangles & Toes

Best HVAC Service

Winner / Price Services HVAC

Runner Up / All Seasons HVAC

Second Runner Up / Barton Brothers

Best Insurance Agency

Winner / Dusenbury Insurance

Runner Up / NC Farm Bureau Insurance

Second Runner Up / Main Street Insurance

Best Landscaper

Winner / Avery Creek Nursery

Runner Up / Aoki, John Owens

Second Runner Up / Kropps Land Management, Kaleb Kropp

Best Law Firm

Winner / McFarland & McFarland Runner Up / Feagan Law Firm Second Runner Up / Andy Haynes

Best Nonprofit

Winner / Steps to HOPE

Runner Up / Foothills Humane Society Second Runner Up / Thermal Belt Outreach

Best Oil Change

Winner / Stott Ford Runner Up / Searcy’s Automotive Second Runner Up / Pierce Tire and Service Center

Best Painter

Winner / McCarty Painting Runner Up / Ed Tilotson Second Runner Up / David Lasseter

Best Pest Control Service

Winner / Nelon-Cole Termite & Pest Control Runner Up / Terminex

Best Real Estate Agency

Winner / SC / NC Realty Runner Up / New View Realty Second Runner Up / WWE Realty

Best Self Storage

Winner / Keystone Self Storage Runner Up / Searcy’s Storage Second Runner Up / Thousand Pines Storage

Best Tack Shop

Winner / The Hay Rack Runner Up / The Farm House

Best Tire Shop

Winner / Dill’s Tire Runner Up / Stott’s Ford Second Runner Up / Pierce Tire and Service Center

Best Tree Service

Winner / JB Trees

Runner Up / Philip Allison Tree Care Second Runner Up / Dominguez Tree Service

Best Tubing / Rafting Company

Winner / Green River Adventures Runner Up / Silver Creek Tubing Second Runner Up / Wilderness Cove Tubing

The Journey of Leo

By Pebbles

Ponder the power of a name. Take mine, for example, Pebbles. It means a small usually rounded stone, a transparent and colorless quartz crystal, or an irregular, grainy surface.

Readers of a certain age may remember the adorable fictional cartoon character, Pebbles Flintstone. She was the daughter of Fred and Wilma Flintstone, who resided with modern-day conveniences in Bedrock, living among dinosaurs and cave dwellers, circa 1,000,000 B.C. Her frocks always sported a spotted, eye-catching pattern. My mistress, Heather Freeman, named me for my brilliant dapples. They resemble small, smooth, lightertoned pebbles that have been dropped uniformly all over my glossy coat.

Let us take the name Leo into consideration. First, it is derived from the Latin word meaning “lion.” Leo is a cognate for Leon. It was a popular name among early Christians. In fact, 13 popes, four saints, and countless kings and emperors have held variations, including Saint Leo I who was born into a Roman aristocratic family. He was the first pope to be given the title “the Great,” and was widely respected for his dedication, intelligence, and persuasive nature, during the 5th century. Then, the first famous Leos many people think of are the Russian literary giant Leo Tolstoy, artistic master Leonardo da Vinci, and, of course, Oscar-winning actor Leonardo “Leo” DiCaprio.

Leo is also one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Those born under this

symbol are said to be ambitious, kind, bighearted, and generous. They love luxury and comfort. They have the gift of giving their undivided attention when engaged with others. Those born in the house of Leo also enjoy the limelight and being the center of attention. These attributes well describe my topic of exploration this month, the journey of Tuff Two Eyed Leo.

He was born in Mississippi in 2019. His breeder owned the mare Chex Two Eyed Fantasy, and his sire, King Leos Skywalker.

His owner was optimistic, but finances became challenging and she decided to sell all three horses. A friend of hers bought Leo’s sire because of his exceedingly gentle nature. He could be ridden by children bareback and was a crowd pleaser at the western pleasure horse shows. The mare was a talented horse for working cattle, so she also was homed quickly. Unfortunately, there was no interest in the cute young offspring, Leo.

He was small, as neither of his partners were larger than 14.3. Leo the yearling was a bit gangly looking, and worst of all, he was a cryptorchid. That meant the gelding process was going to cost someone at least $1,800. In hopes that Leo did not fall into the hands of a kill buyer, which frequented the livestock horse sales close to Leo’s birthplace, his owner drove him to Texas. She entered him into a registered paint horse sale as she had covered the added expenses of registering him to enhance his value. Despite her valiant efforts, Leo wound up in a bad place.

Heather spied Leo listed

Leo as a two-year-old in training in HERD

in a kill pen in Texas. He looked pitiful standing in knee deep mud, his head hanging low. The rescue Heather runs, Helping Equines Regain Dignity (HERD), contacted the kill buyer and purchased Leo from afar. Tim Riffe was heading with his trailer to Texas from North Carolina and agreed to pick up the colt and bring him back for quarantine. We all knew the colt would be sick from being held at a kill lot with other exposed livestock.

Leo arrived in HERD within three days and was exceedingly tired and thin. He was kept in a small quarantine paddock with a shed for one month. Luckily, he had company, a palomino gelding, Mason, who was also saved that same week from slaughter. The two appreciated the shelter, healthy food, and daily care,

Leo captured two blue ribbons at his first horse show

improving over the course of a month.

Once the vet cleared, Leo caught a ride to HERD’s facility to grow up under our watchful supervision. He was the kindest of young colts, so easy to manage and respectful. Leo had a good relationship with everyone, including the towering thoroughbred, Cool Joe, who became his closest friend while in our care. No doubt about it, Leo was a saint and as he matured, we knew we had one special paint in HERD that needed to be gelded to begin under saddle training.

We reviewed Leo’s registration papers and decided to contact Leo’s former owner in Mississippi. Heather updated her on HERD’s rescue efforts to spare her colt from slaughter. The owner was sad to learn that he had ended up in a kill lot after her efforts to avoid

Leo as a yearling, thin and in quarantine in NC

this happening. She was also delighted to know Leo was alive and well.

Next, HERD successfully raised the funds for Leo’s expensive gelding cryptorchid surgery. He survived his invasive operation and was released from the hospital the following afternoon.

Kailey Greene of Shingle Hollow Farm in Rutherfordton, N.C. trains young horses for HERD and agreed to board Leo for his month of recovery and then begin his under saddle training. Leo was now over three years old and ready to find a working career. When he arrived at Kailey’s farm, Leo had a grand surprise awaiting him. His best friend, Cool Joe, was part of his welcoming committee. Kailey’s sister, Emily Holden, had

adopted Cool Joe from HERD. The two horses were joyously happy to reunite. Leo had to wait a few weeks before he could be turned out with Joe to play, but they visited nightly, stabled next to one another. This certainly enhanced Leo’s healing experience.

It took no time for Leo to accept a rider. Kailey trailered Leo to a horse show during his first month of training, showing in hand for the conformation classes. Leo loved being in the limelight. It was no surprise that he brought home blue ribbons.

Leo is stunning, and his royal-like manners are exceptional. His intelligence far surpasses most young horses his age. Our Tuff Two Eyed Leo is truly another Leo “the Great.”

Leo in training under saddle at Shingle Hollow Farm

Tuff Two Eyed Leo standing for conformation

A closer look at the autumnal equinox

getting shorter and the nights get longer. The autumnal equinox always occurs between September 21 and September 24. In 2022, the autumnal equinox takes place on September 22.

The word equinox is from the Latin “aequi,” meaning “equal,” and “nox” or “night.” That means that during each equinox the hours of day and night are nearly equal in length across the planet.

During the equinox, the part of the Earth that is closest to the sun is the equator, explains History.com. That helps make night and day equal in length.

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the Autumnal Equinox on September 22, 2022, arrives at 3:21 p.m. EDT, 2:21 p.m. CDT, 1:21 p.m. MDT, and 12:21 p.m. PDT.

Tips for planting fall vegetables

Tending to backyard vegetable gardens can fill many hours of enjoyable downtime in the great outdoors. What’s more, the bounty produced by such gardens provides healthy, fresh foods to gardeners and their loved ones.

Although spring and summer are widely seen as the peak of gardening season, the mild temperatures of autumn can be a prime time for planting vegetables as well. Certain late-season treats like carrots, kale, spinach, and turnips can thrive in fall gardens. Many different foods are quick crops that can go from seed to table in about six weeks. When sown in early fall, these vegetables will be ready to put on the table for mid-October feasts. Beets, green onions, broccoli, and cabbages can be planted in late summer for fall harvest. Gardeners who live in

hardiness zones eight through 10 (the southern portion of the United States) can plant fall vegetables as late as December. Many of these plants can tolerate light frost, which may even help sweeten the vegetables.

A handful of unique factors need to be taken into consideration when planning fall vegetable gardens.

• The summertime location of the garden may still be adequate, but be sure to choose a location that gets eight full hours of sunlight per day.

• If using an existing garden site, clear out any detritus from summer plants and any weeds that have sprouted. If you are planting a new garden, remove any turf before tilling the soil.

• Amend the soil with sand, compost, manure fertilizer, and any other nutrients needed depending

on the types of vegetables you intend to grow.

• While fall vegetables can be grown successfully from seeds, it may be more time-friendly to work from larger transplants, advises the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension.

• Some plants may need a little protection as they grow if temperatures begin to dip. Cover with a blanket, cardboard box or plastic tunnel to insulate.

Remember to water according to the vegetables planted and to keep an eye on readiness for vegetables. Turnips, beets, rutabagas, and carrots can be dug out when the roots are plump and crisp.

Vegetable gardens need not cease when the last days of summer vanish. Fall produce is delicious and can be easily planted and harvested even after the first frost.

An award-winning retirement worth celebrating

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Leaf peeping planning guide

Millions of people each year look forward to the magnificent colors on display in autumn. Fall offers irreplaceable views, whether you’re atop a mountain ridge or thick in the folds of a forest. In addition, the crackle of leaves underfoot and the earthy smell of the soil tempts the senses even more.

Some advance planning can help make fall foliage trips that much more enjoyable and awe-inspiring.

PEAK VIEWING TIMES

Areas of the northernmost latitude will start to show color earlier than more southern areas. Generally speaking, the leaf-viewing season begins in late September and runs through early November for much of North America. Peak times for viewing depend on areas of travel and time of year. For large swaths of Canada and the United States, plan trips for late September to mid-October. The Weather Channel offers maps and charts at www.weather. com/maps/fall-foliage for the peak times for many areas of the U.S.

PICK YOUR DESTINATION

Anywhere with deciduous trees provides the opportunity to witness blazing autumn color. During

leaf-peeping season, travelers can go coast to coast and see awesome vistas. Some regions are particularly known for their leaf displays. New York’s Catskill and Adirondack regions are prime spots for visitors in the autumn. Those who live further north will find that leaves in Vermont are such an attraction that routes are published indicating where to enjoy the best views. Further south, Central and Eastern Virginia peak in late October. And don’t forget the shores of the Great Lakes, which are awash in reds, oranges and yellows by mid-September. The travel resource Frommer’s offers more leaf-peeping locales to visit.

PACK THE RIGHT GEAR

While most people are not without a smartphone that can capture amazing high-resolution imagery, serious leaf photographers may want to take out their prized camera equipment for leaf-peeping excursions. Also, bring along a map or a GPSenabled device so you can explore back roads and areas off the beaten path more readily.

There are plenty of apps that can help with foliage-finding adventures, so a phone is a handy tool. When packing, also bring along hiking boots, comfortable layered clothing and any equipment

Thank You for Voting

Tryon Fine Arts Center Favorite Art

you’d normally take for an afternoon in the great outdoors.

Another idea is to hit the ATM machine prior to the visit. Many smaller towns and their local shops may not take credit cards, so it’s best to have cash on hand for food and souvenirs.

EXTEND THE DAY

Make leaf-peeping part of a larger series of events for the day. Scope out vineyards where you can sample local wines or plan trips around orchards, where you can come home with beautiful photos as well as fresh-picked apples and pumpkins. You may find a county fair or street festival while exploring.

Simple, Sweet Energy Bites

Having enough energy and fuel to make it through a long day can be challenging. No matter if you’re a stay-at-home parent, corporate worker or small business owner, having a high energy level that lasts throughout the day is important for both you and those around you.

Having enough energy helps you stay alert and attentive to what is going on around you, whether that’s cleaning up after your little ones or filing a report your boss asked for.

When it comes to snacking during the day, these delicious, mouth-watering Energy Bites can give you the boost you need. They are made with creamy peanut butter and honey to curb your sweet cravings but still provide plenty of texture with shredded coconut and raw oats.

They are a perfect snack time nosh, rolled into simple balls, that can help you finish the task at hand.

Not only can they be that 2 p.m. pick-me-up, they are also simple to make and simply delightful to eat. You can store them in the refrigerator in a container for anytime snacking. Plus, the recipe makes 20 servings, which means it’s easy to prep your snacks for the entire week ahead of time.

Stop settling at snack time for stale crackers or high-calorie dips. Eating something that can make

your body feel good and energize you for the rest of the day keeps you prepared for what’s to come.

Find more snack recipes at Culinary.net.

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

ENERGY BITES

Servings: 20

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/3 cup honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup raw oats

1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup flaxseed meal

6 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

In medium mixing bowl, stir peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract until combined.

Add oats, coconut, flaxseed meal and chocolate chips. Mix until combined.

Shape into 1-inch balls. Store in airtight container in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Menus with Fast, Flavorful Foods

While they may not strap on helmets and head to the field for kickoff, football fans often feel like they’re as much a part of the game as the players themselves. When the team is in the locker room laying out the game plan, scores of fans are fueling up with tantalizing tailgate foods.

In fact, many tailgaters believe food is the most important aspect of the pregame festivities, and one trendy way to feed your crowd is with small plates, appetizers, samplers and innovative sides that feature a variety of flavors like these ideas from the experts at Aramark.

An easy hack for your next game day meal can be a recipe you prepare at home before heading to the stadium. The toppings are what set these Koreaninspired Sweet and Spicy Bratwurst Subs apart. Just make the crunchy kimchi, bright mango slaw and spicy sesame mayonnaise up to two days ahead of time so grilling the bratwursts is all you need to do before kickoff.

Find more game day recipe inspiration by visiting Aramark’s Feed Your Potential website, fyp365.com.

SWEET AND SPICY BRATWURST SUBS

Recipe courtesy of Aramark

Servings: 8

Kimchi:

1 1/2 cups green cabbage, cut into thick strips

1/4 cup water 4 teaspoons white vinegar

1 tablespoon gochujang paste

2 teaspoons fish sauce 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon minced, peeled ginger root 1/2 cup daikon radish strips 1/4 cup shredded, peeled carrot 1/4 cup sliced green onion

Mango Slaw: 2 cups shredded green cabbage 1/3 cup diced mango chunks, thawed from frozen

1/4 cup shredded, peeled carrot 1/4 cup sliced green onion

1/4 cup red bell pepper, cut into thin strips

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons minced, peeled ginger root

2 tablespoons white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

Spicy Sesame Mayonnaise: 1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon sriracha

1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil

1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned rice wine vinegar

8 bratwursts (4 ounces each)

8 hoagie rolls (6 inches), split

To make kimchi: Place cabbage in microwavable bowl. Add water. Cover and microwave on high 2 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Rinse with cold water and drain well.

In large bowl, mix vinegar, gochujang, fish sauce, garlic and ginger. Add steamed cabbage, daikon, carrot and onion; toss to coat. Cover and chill.

To make mango slaw: Mix cabbage, mango, carrot, onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, ginger, vinegar, salt and garlic. Cover and chill.

To make spicy sesame mayonnaise: Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil and vinegar until well blended. Cover and chill.

Heat grill to medium and lightly oil grill rack. Grill bratwursts 8 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 155 F.

Spread mayonnaise on rolls. Place grilled bratwurst on rolls and top with kimchi and slaw.

C.N.A $1,000 Sign-On Bonus 2nd $2 shift diff 3rd shift $1 shift diff RN/ LPN $2000 Sign-On Bonus 7p-7a FT PT 3p-11p and 11p-7a C.N.A II PT Weekends. Please apply in person at Autumn Care of Saluda 501 Esseola St. Saluda, NC 28773.

Bill the painter for all your painting needs! Also do drywall repair and wood repair! 32 years experience. Like Bill the Pinter on Facebook 828-899-2647

Gary W. Corn CHHPS Realtor/Broker 828-817-2580 garywcorn@gmail.com First Real Estate, Inc 2512 Lynn Road Tryon, NC 28782

www.TryonReal Estate.com

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.

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.

Epperson’s Tree Service

• Complete Tree Service

•Dangerous removals

•View Cutting •Lot Clearing •Tree Trimming

•Crane Removals Serving NC for 25yrs Fully Insured ISA Certified Arborist (828)606-4980

ERIKA BRADLEY, REALTOR® 828.702.5970

YOUR LOCAL REALTOR HELPING YOU BUY/ SELL IN WNC! ERIKAB@ C21ML.COM CENTURY 21 MOUNTAIN LIFESTYLES 640 GREENVILLE HWY, HENDERSONVILLE, NC 28792

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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

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, Chef-prepared shift meals. View full description and apply at WWW.PAVILLON.ORG

About> Employment> Apply Here

Private residential treatment facility now hiring: FULLTIME DISHWASHERS •Weekends required. $500 Sign-On 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

DIXON AC & HEATING

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

$10 Off Spring Preventative Maintenance (Reg $75) Rutherford Heating and Air 828-287-2240

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.

HELP WANTED: Parttime Assistant Truck Driver with benefits Must be able to lift/carry 100lbs Apply in person: Steps to HOPE Thrift Barn 1810 SC-14, Landrum SC Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm.

Environmental Services/Materials Technician

Part-time Days & Fulltime Days Location: Columbus, NC St. Luke’s Hospital has a new opportunity for an experienced Environmental Services Technician! Essential Functions: Must be flexible with schedule and willing to work days and evenings if needed. Daily cleaning and supplying patient rooms, nursing stations, restrooms, offices, lobbies, and any other assigned areas. Keep in accordance with Environmental Services Departmental standard procedures and policies. Contact Information Elizabeth Presnell 101 Hospital Drive Columbus, NC 28722 Elizabeth.presnell@ atriumhealth.org

The Hare & Hound Pub Now Hiring for Kitchen & Dishwashers. Please apply in person Monday-Friday: 101 East Rutherford St. Landrum SC 29356 864-625-2510

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.

RNs and LPNs WANTED

BAYADA Home Care provides 1:1 skilled nursing services for adult and pediatric patients who require complex care throughout Western North Carolina. We are seeking pediatric RNs and LPNs to provide care in the Mill Spring area. Flexible schedules: Full Time, Part Time, Days, Nights, and Weekends available. Please apply at jobs.bayada.com or contact Alexandria Hunter at 704-621-8307.

CDL DRIVER WANTED

Local-within 60 miles. Tryon/Hendersonville/ Columbus Full-time or Part-time Monday-Friday Call 828-817-2790 or 828-894-8023

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business? This is your opportunity to own a fully stocked old time hardware store with 2 gas pumps and a fantastic garage with auto hoist. This business has been active for over 30 years and is only sold as an estate. Carter County location. MLS #9933877 Rick Chantry 423-791-2411 Choice Realty 423-283-8560 Helping you make the right choice.

A tranquil scene of the railroad tracks as they meander through downtown Tryon. Local nonprofits are working to purchase the railroad corridor to convert the tracks into a recreational trail that would begin in Inman, S.C. and end in Zirconia, N.C.

(Photo by Terry Brown)

ACTS Tryon Estates 27, 69

AlignLife Chiropractic 47

All Good Things Bakery 37

Ashworth Financial 33

Brunson's Furniture 11

Calvert's Kitchen 38

Carolina Storage Solutions 25

Carruth Furniture 26

Cason Builders 78

City of Landrum 71

Congregational Church of Tryon 11

Dill's Tire 61

Dr. Jonathan Lowry 79

Dusenbury Insurance 52

Edney Construction 35

El Campesino 49

Farm Bureau Insurance 77 Highland Design & Construction 21 HomeTrust Bank 38

Hospice of the Carolina Foothills 2

Hypnotic Massage Sleep Boutique 68

JB Trees 41, 77

Keystone Self Storage 60

Lake Pointe Landing 4

Landrum Drug 61

McFarland Funeral Home 6, 69

Nelon-Cole Termite & Pest Control 62

New View Realty 83

Newman's Restaurant at the Orchard Inn 68 Openroad Coffee Roasters 73 Parker-Binns Vineyard 33 Parkside Dental 78

Penny Insurance 65

Polk County Schools 72

Polk County Sheriff's Office 57

Polk County Transportation 19

Price Services Heating & Air 55 Red Bell Run 28

REMAX Advantage Realty 42

Rutherford Regional Health System 7

ServiceMaster of Polk County 20

SG Power & Equipment 78 Southern Manners 75

Southside Smokehouse 65

St Luke's Foundation 29

St Luke's Hospital 3

Steps to HOPE 72

Strauss Attorneys 17

The Well 53

Tim Edwards Landscaping & Supply 37

Tryon Antique Mall 51 Tryon Builders 69

Tryon Concert Association 29 Tryon Fine Arts Center 19, 71

Tryon Foothills Realty 45

Tryon Garden Club 17, 67

Tryon Horse & Home 84

Tryon Intl Equestrian Center 9 Tryon Little Theater 26

Tryon Presbyterian Church 20

Turquois Cowgirl 5

White Oak Retirement 79

Wood Creek Dental 40