Life in Our Foothills October 2019

life IN OUR

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

FOOTHILLS

October 2019

Heart of the Matter

Question and Answers of Vincent Verrecchio

OCTOBER 2019

STONE SOUP

$4.95

The restaurant is only part of her story

NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN The labors for Jerry Soderquist

HARDWARE & LOVE Red Mountain Trading Post

FROM THE EDITOR

F

On the cover

Fall is officially here! Goodbye to 95 degree afternoons. Hello to 50 degree nights that you can open the window and let the cool, crisp and refreshing mountain breezes flow in.

This is a magical time of year in the area as the hills are alive with a multitude of colors. An over coat of luscious reds, oranges, browns and yellows blanket the trees and creates a spectacular masterpiece for everyone to enjoy.

In almost every issue since late 2015, life in our foothills has included a story written and photographed by vince verrecchio. But who is vince verrecchio? How did he get here? What are the inspirations of his features? In this issue, the mystery is unveiled.

Over in sunny view, there is a hardware store nothing like any other hardware store. That’s because buster and ailene wilson have their “love” into making it into what it is today. Turn the pages to see what i’m talking about.

Behind ever head stone in a cemetery is a story. At the tryon cemetary, jerry soderquist has made it his mission to find out what that story is so it will not be forgotten. In this issue, jerry shares a few of those he has learned about.

We’ve all dined at stone soup in landrum, but what does the name mean and who is behind it? After less than smooth beginnings in boston, to prosperous times in landrum, suzanne strictland shares her journey with us.

There are many more stories within as you turn the pages. We hope you will enjoy each of them as much as we enjoy writing them. This is a magazine you and for you, our loyal readers. We always welcome your ideas for future topics and feedback on what we have written about. Please drop us a note or send us an email to editor@tryondailybulletin.Com. Kevin Powell, General Manager kevin.powell@tryondailybulletin.com

Vincent Verrecchio Writer and Photographer (Story on page 46)

Photo by Jullia Zeleskey 4

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

life IN OUR

FOOTHILLS General Manager Kevin Powell Marketing Magan Etheridge Trish Boyter Ben Bouser

Pagination Jullia Zeleskey Distribution Jeff Allison

Jamie Lewis Alex Greene

Administration Stacey Tully

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 Editor, Life in Our Foothills, 16. N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, or email to kevin.powell@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.

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Contributors Mark Levin, Writer and Photographer

Mark Levin 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 & 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.

Vincent Verrecchio, Writer and Photographer

When not working in advertising as a copywriter, art director, photographer, creative director, and finally agency owner, Vince was on a horse with a camera art hand somewhere in North America, Europe, or Africa. Now lightly retired from advertising more than 40 years, he writes about whatever strikes his fancy, looks for interesting photos everywhere, and wanders in the Foothills on a horse

Macy Cochran, Writer and Photographer

Macy Cochran is an English Writing student at North Greenville University. She is a lover of books, coffee and binge watching sitcoms from the 90’s. As a creative writer, she often spends her time working on her novels, poetry and short stories.

Jimmi Buell, Writer

Jimmi Buell, extension agent, family and consumer sciences, Polk County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, teaches cooking and nutrition classes with a focus on improving health with better food choices. She can be reached at jimmi_buell@ncsu.edu or 828-894-8218.

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

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10 Around Town

October Calendar of events

14 Beer Fest

Tryon’s annual October party

16 Hogback Mountain Day Fun day at the festival

18 Harmon Field Music Festival Chillin’ outside with some tunes

20 Stone Soup

The restaurant is only part of the story

28 Not to be Forgotten 38 Hardware & Love

Red Mountain Trading Post

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PHOTO BY VINCENT VERRECCHIO

The labors of Jerry Soderguist

Jerry Soderguist

Working together to serve Western North Carolina and the Carolina Foothills for all your residential real estate needs.

Contact us if we can assist you!

Ana Lilburn & Dori Ray BROKER ASSOCIATES

Ana: (828) 290-0533 Dori: (828) 808-8334 ana_dori@beverly-hanks.com beverly-hanks.com/saluda

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Stone Soup PHOTO BY MARK LEVIN

47 Vincent Verrecchio

60 Grilled Swordfish

54 Pebbles

64 Marketplace

58 Quick Bites

66 Advertiser Index

Getting to the Heart of the matter

The Merits of a Good Listener

at the Rural Seed

An Apple a Day

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AROUND TOWN Tuesday, October 1 7:00 p.m.

Film Series: Cactus Flower Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon tryonarts.org Thursday, October 3 7:30 p.m.

Signature Series: Catapult Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon tryonarts.org Signature Series: Catapult

Friday, October 4 through Sunday, October 6 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

ArtTrek Upstairs Artspace 49 S. Trade St., Tryon upstairsartspace.org Fridays, October 4, 11, 18 and 25 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Saluda Tailgate Market W. Main St, Saluda polkcountyfarms.org Saturdays, October 5, 12, 19 and 26 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Landrum Farmers Market 111 S. Trade St, Landrum cityoflandrumsc.com Saturdays, October 5, 12, 19 and 26 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Columbus Farmers Market Courthouse Square, Columbus polkcountyfarms.org

Beginning Wood Turning 10

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Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

PSJ Oktoberfest FENCE, 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon fence.org

Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Basic Knifemaking Tryon Arts & Crafts School 373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon tryonartsandcrafts.org Saturdays, October 5, 12, 19 and 26 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday Night Lights Tryon International Equestrian Center 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring tryon.com Tuesday, October 8 7:30 p.m.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon tryonarts.org Friday, October 11 thru Sunday, October 13 Various time over the weekend Tryon International Film Festival Various locations over the weekend tryoninternationalfilmfestival.org

PSJ Octoberfest

Local Farmers Market

Saturday, October 12 4:30 p.m.

Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band Tryon International Equestrian Center 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring tryon.com Saturday, October 19 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Stained Glass Jack O’Lantern Workshop Tryon Arts & Crafts School, 373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon tryonartsandcrafts.org

Stained Glass Jack O’Lantern OCTOBER 2019

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Saturday, October 19 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Big Brother Big Sister Bowl For Kids’ Sake Autumn Lanes, Forest City Bbbswnc.org/tag/polk-county Sunday, October 20 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Celebrate Fall at FENCE FENCE, 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon fence.org Friday, October 25 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Tryon 4th Friday Block Party Downtown Tryon exploretryon.com Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Beginning Wood Turning Tryon Arts & Crafts School 373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon tryonartsandcrafts.org Cactus Flower

Saturday, October 26 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

“Glass” and “Art of Play” Opening Reception Upstairs Artspace, 49 S. Trade St., Tryon upstairsartspace.org Saturday, October 26 6:30 p.m.

Trick-or-Trot 5k Harmon Field, Tryon Polklibrary.org Saturday, October 26 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Owl Prowl FENCE, 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon fence.org

FRC educational seminar

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Wednesday, September 18 6:00 p.m.

Foothills Riding Club Educational Seminar FENCE, 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon fence.org

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Beer Fest, Tryon style

By Macy Cochran Eight years ago, a group of businesses in Tryon decided they wanted to share their love for craft beer. They approached the Tryon Downtown Development Association with their idea and, as they say, the rest is history.

Now, as many as a thousand people enjoy Beer Fest each November at the Depot in Downtown Tryon. On hand will be at least thirty-five breweries offering seventy different beers. Combine that with music and tons of oysters and you get one afternoon of smiles and laughter. Using the connections of Della Pullara of The Tryon Bottle has with breweries, Jamie Carpenter of the TDDA and the masses of volunteers to help pull the much-anticipated festival together.

New this year at Beer Fest will be local favorite, The Rich Nelson Band as the opening entertainer. Headlining the event will be Empire 14

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Strikes Brass, an eight-piece brass band. Not only is Beer Fest set apart from other festivals by its variety of unique beverages and music, but also

by Bill Crowell’s exciting oyster roast.

“It’s the perfect first-time experience,” says Carpenter. “A hometown feel is the goal.” For years, Beer Fest has made financial contributions for infrastructure in the depot plaza area, and funds raised often help support various needs in downtown.”

John Toomey of New View Realty, a sponsor since the original event, says that the festival “doesn’t run itself, but people on the committee know what they’re doing.”

After eight years of smiling faces that keep coming back, it’s clear that they do.

Come on our and enjoy Beer Fest on November 2nd from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 pm. Visit www.tryonbeerfest.com for more information.

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Dustin Drake, Robert Martin, Robert Farmer, Donnie Dunaway, Timothy Nichols, and Mike Morris

Dennis and Jayne Martin

Joshua Wilkie, Charles Kenny, Derek Armstrong Cathy and Greg Gratz

Hogback Mountain Day Writer & Photographer Macy Cochran Hog Back Mountain Day was the perfect finale to Landrum’s small-town summers. On Saturday, September 14th, friends and families walked the streets of Landrum to shop at vendors, dance to local music and play fun carnival games.

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Dylan Prince, Josh and Abby Franklin Daniel Nix, Kevin Hicklin, Brandon and Steven Samz

Charlie and Ted Beckmann

Karen Hubbard and Lauren Highsmith

James Lanford, Emma and Kate Smith, Ella Greenwaym Amy Smith, Jay Langford, Shannon Smith, Sara and Kris Greenway, Maddie Smith, and Carson Greenway

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Emma Hill, Riley Burn, Lily Campbell, Grace Hill, Audrey White, Samantha Johnson, and Julia Friedman

Elizabeth Busch, Lottie Bynum, Josie Jackson

Harmon Field Music Festival Writer & Photographer Macy Cochran People of all ages came out to relax and enjoy barbeque, hand made crafts and local music at its finest during the annual Harmon Field Music Festival. Families and friends gathered at Harmon Field on Saturday, September 14th to socialize under a tent, by the stage or even just over a beer. This festival was, without a doubt, filled will both music and laughter!

Eric Sharp and Jim Flemming

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Rachel Farnsworth, Mike Daugherty, Steve Nelon, and Brooklyn Daugherty

Bill Crowell and April Sprinkle

Kristen Mode

Lauren Roy and Delcie Juenger Theisen Gerst, Aubrey and Lorenzo Guarriello

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Suzanne Strickland with manager Marlene Zobel. Marlene Zobel (Right) has been the Stone Soup manager for three years.

Suzanne says she runs everything.

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Suzanne Strickland

The Restaurant is only part of her story

W

Writer & Photographer Mark Levin

When Suzanne Strickland is confronted with a challenge…she faces it head on.

This goes for life and business. When most people would throw in the towel, Suzanne puts her heels down, digs in, hangs on tight, and makes life work. And she has lots of experience making life work. Suzanne has been working since she was eleven years old.

Suzanne doesn’t take the easy road to anything. After getting her college degree in interior design, Suzanne landed in Boston, the city she chose that met all her needs for a place to live and work. Without a job and without knowing a soul, Suzanne’s mom dropped Suzanne and her cat off at the YWCA, handed her $500, and said, “Good luck.” It took more than luck to start to put the pieces together. It was six months before things started to click and Boston was home for the next twenty years. By then, Suzanne was ready for a change.

As with many people in our area, horses helped bring Suzanne this way and she found a new job selling specialty flooring. Her territory was North and South Carolina and Tennessee. Our area was a perfect central location to base out of and, of course, this was horse country. A few years later Suzanne was ready for her next big challenge and that was Stone Soup, her restaurant in Landrum. In 2004 the doors opened and the restaurant started to turn heads as the local place for healthier and fresher food with virtually everything made from scratch. She’s also a believer in buying her ingredients locally when possible.

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Stone Soup is a prime example of her tenacity.

Most new restaurants are closed within a year – five at the most. Stone Soup beat the odds hands down and recently celebrated its fifteenth anniversary.

That’s a testament to the kind of person Suzanne is. She has true grit.

Stone Soup offers a striking combination of quality gourmet food (at very fair prices), comfortable and inviting atmosphere, and a friendly and attentive staff. Staff can make or break a restaurant and Suzanne is proud of her crew. Suzanne is quick to point out that the term “gourmet” shouldn’t discourage anyone. She says construction workers should feel just as comfortable eating here as the retirees that make it a regular lunch place. The burger and beer combo covers all bases and this is no fast-food hamburger!

Glance around and you’ll see that this is no ordinary restaurant. The walls are covered with equestrian photos and art. Most of the photos are of local residents and their horses.

When you enter your senses will be instantly overwhelmed. There’s a chance you’ll get a whiff of a wood-fired pizza coming out of the brick oven, you’ll see the dessert counters filled with homemade pastries, cookies, cakes, cobblers. And looking at the menu will tempt you to try everything…given time.

Over the fifteen years Stone Soup has made many changes. Of course the menu changes

The bakery folks at Stone Soup cooks up amazing dessert specialties every day.

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Jonathan Burrell, the pizza baker

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“

“

You may say I’m a dreamer, But I’m not the only one.

seasonally, but the restaurant itself has gone through several expansions including doubling the size of the kitchen, adding several outdoor seating areas, and putting up some fences just to cut back on some of the street noise.

Stone Soup isn’t the only thing that defines Suzanne Strickland. Some people will consider her a community “activist.”

She sees a need and gets it done. The Landrum Community Dog Park is an example. It wasn’t an easy sell. Neighbors feared the worst and hired an attorney to stop any plans. The city didn’t want to make it a town project but Suzanne persisted that this was something needed

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and wanted. Over 300 dog lovers (and others) signed a petition encouraging the development of the park. She held fundraisers to add to personal funds and Suzanne also provided the land. The dog park became a reality. Three years later the Landrum Community Dog Park (still privately owned by Suzanne) is wildly popular even with some of the naysayers.

The day of my interview I met people from Charleston, Inman, and Campobello who make this dog park a regular destination.

Drive by most days around 3:30 and you’ll see a group of regulars who can’t imagine Landrum without a place like this for their dogs and for their owners to socialize.

How did Stone Soup Restaurant get its name?

The name Stone Soup was derived from a medieval legend of a European community facing severe famine. A villager decided to make a fire, set up a cauldron, add water, and then dropped in a stone. The villagers curious about what was going on were encouraged to go back to their homes and find anything they might possibly have that could be added to the “stone soup.� One by one the villagers returned with what meager scraps they had hidden away and tossed them into the cauldron. The resulting soup fed the village.

The moral of the story is that everyone working together contributes to the good of the village. Suzanne Strickland is an example of this story in real life.

Fried goat cheese salad with salmon

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Business info: Stone Soup is located at 1522 E. Rutherford Street in Landrum. 864/ 457-5255. Menus, specials, and operating hours can be found at: www.

StoneSoupofLandrum.com. Stone Soup Restaurant does have a Saturday brunch beginning at 10. They have a full bar, offer onsite and off-site catering, and have prepared meals to go.

Also check out: www.

OurCarolinaFoothills.com.

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Suzanne didn’t stop with the dog park. She also organized and serves as president of “Our Carolina Foothills,” an organization that promotes the towns of Landrum, Tryon, Columbus, and Saluda. Suzanne is all about her adopted foothills and jumps at any opportunity to promote the area. She has been successful in helping organize several events that bring visitors and natives alike to experience what the area has to offer. One example is the “Taste of the South Culinary Tour” that takes place any Saturday with advance reservations. Guests, and there have been plenty, get to experience different specialty foods at several local restaurants. A new event coming up is a “Taste of Landrum” this fall. Events like these are a win-win for everyone.

Suzanne has faced plenty of challenges in her life.

One challenge she will never forget is a terrible horse accident that left her with a crushed leg in 2013.

She was in the hospital for three weeks, homebound for three months, and had to use a walker for nine.

Neighbors and friends rallied by her side – visiting her in the hospital, driving her to doctor’s appointments, preparing and bringing over meals. Her staff kept the restaurant humming. Suzanne says she learned to be patient and to accept help, something she wasn’t used to doing. The accident and the care and love she received reinforced Suzanne’s love of the community.

No wonder Suzanne Strickland gives so much of herself to be a part of this community. It’s her home.

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A cemetery mystery: Why was this WAC buried in Tryon? Her memorial service had been at the Peachtree City United Methodist Church in Georgia where she and her husband of 59 years were long time members. Their children also lived in Georgia.

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With a passion for preservation, Jerry Soderquist has been photographing the headstones in the Tryon Cemetery since at least 2011.

Not to Be Forgotten The labors of Jerry Soderquist

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Writer & Photographer Vincent Verrecchio Photographer Jerry Soderquist

With a passion for preservation, Jerry Soderquist has been photographing the gravestones in the Tryon Cemetery since at least 2011. His archive of images is growing but he has far to go to reach the estimated goal of 1,300. He is not only photographing but also trying to retrieve and record the histories that should go with each grave. So much information had been lost to a fire and water damage in the early 1950s.

When first visiting the hilly 3.5 acres at 425 Markham Road, Jerry found a disarray of tipped and broken markers, overgrown plots, weathered sentiments and hundreds of names forgotten or obscured by neglect and moss. Every marker represented a life, an individual who through love, work and play and neighborly hellos had made a small town.

Jerry stood in the midst of a history of hopes and successes, joys and heartaches, OCTOBER 2019

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Jerry Soderquist’s archive of photographs is growing but he has far to go to reach the estimated goal of 1,300 for the Tryon Archival Research Center. He is not only photographing each headstone but also trying to retrieve and record the histories that should go with each.

and knew it would be tragic if forgotten.

With a BS in Architectural Engineering from Chicago Technical College and continued education at the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin, he had learned to think precisely and systematically and to look for harmony with an aesthetic sense. He felt somebody had to bring order and beauty back to the historic site. It would take the same attention to details as his many design and engineering projects for the City of Lake Forest, Illinois, such as renovating a train station. It would take the same perseverance as his ongoing research into Medieval and Renaissance scribes. He would need the same curiosity he brought to the Governor’s Task Force for the North Carolina 21st Century Nanotechnology Initiative.

Now as Chair of the Tryon Cemetery Commission and Managing Director of the Tryon Archival Research Center, he walks at least once a week through the grounds inspecting for tree falls and other damage, looking for mysteries to solve and visiting sites where names are no longer those of strangers on stone. With the

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help of about 40 local historic advisors, many of his photographs now have stories.

For example, Eleanor Park Vance, 1869-1954 and Charlotte Louise Yale, 1870-1958, share the same horizontal stone without explanation. Jerry says, “I now know that Eleanor studied woodcarving in England, 1899, with acknowledged master Thomas Kendall. In 1913 she and Charlotte, at the urging of our local Sherlock Holmes [William Gillette], moved from Asheville to Tryon and started Tryon Toymakers and Wood Carvers.”

The headstone of Elia W. Peattie, 1862-1935, reads, “She ate of life as t’were fruit.” Next to her, the epitaph for Robert Burns Peattie, 18571930, is a little less vague: “Journalist, wit and gentleman unafraid.”

“My wife loves history and wanted to know more,” says Jerry, crediting Joy, Tryon Garden Club Historian, for learning that in 1884 Elia was the first “girl” reporter at the Chicago Tribune. In 1896, Robert was editor of the paper. Moving to Tryon in 1920, Elia initiated what is now the Tryon Little Theater.

On Memorial Day, members of the VFW place 90 flags for veterans. Confederate soldiers are honored here as well.

Some stones tell a sad, short story about which nothing more will ever be known.

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In 1931, she and her son Donald were instrumental in helping the Tryon Garden Club save Pearson’s Falls Glen.

For awhile, Jerry thought he’d never know how or when David M. Pate, Co. K of the 3rd Tennessee Infantry in the Spanish American War, came to rest alone in Tryon. Then a surprising connection was found to a well-known Tryon family. One of David’s two spouses was Lettie Thompson Arledge. Curiously, she is buried in Saluda rather than closer to him.

Margaret Elizabeth Alseshire, 1920-2003, one of the more recent headstones, was a Sergeant in the US Army (WAC’s) during World War II. At first glance it seems a straightforward story, except that her memorial service was at the Peachtree City United Methodist Church in Georgia where she and her husband of 59 years had been long time members. Their children also lived in Georgia without an apparent Tryon link.

Some headstones are more informative, facilitating more in-depth research. Henry Jacques Garrigues was born in Copenhagen in 1831. He introduced antiseptic obstetrics to America in 1883 before dying in Tryon in 1913. He received his medical degree from the University of Copenhagen in 1869 and practiced in New York City.

Others tell a sad, short story for which there will never be details such as Cary Lou, Dau. of J.R. & Lula Henson, Aug. 9, 1917, Jan, 17, 1919.

“One of the advantages of regular visits is I get to see and OCTOBER 2019

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Jerry took a course that included how to safely clean headstones. The necessary water hydrants are being installed and washing is next on the to-do list of the Tryon Cemetery Commission.

hear what few get to experience,” reflects Jerry.

“I have photos of the cemetery in the snow and I’ve gotten to hear the violinist.”

In the afternoon light of a fall day, perfect for photographing headstones, an adagio called to Jerry from an unseen soloist, exquisitely clear in the solitude. He found a man sitting on a stonewall, a polished instrument under his chin, revealing such depth of emotions in his music that Jerry felt to be intruding on a private moment. The glimpse was enough to know to walk away and say little or nothing about whom he had seen.

Currently, Jerry is working with a trial of archival software for managing the architectural documents, photographs, artwork and historic records that will populate the Research Center. He enthuses about filling his office space with reference materials. He has two rooms on the second floor of the Town Hall that had been bedrooms when 34

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the building was a hotel. He is also practicing with his new camera for even better photos, looking for an intern and waiting for two water hydrants to be installed at the cemetery.

In a recent cemetery preservation course, he learned that a specialized headstone cleaner mixed with water would remove mold and mildew stains with just soft brush scrubbing.

Going forward, you may find Jerry either photographing or washing headstones. Either way he will be happy to pause and tell you about the gravesite of Mary Steel Harvey, the first police woman in the United States, or opine as to which local families have the largest or oldest plots. Ask him about the few remaining 3 x 3-foot marker sites and he can give you a price. He also has answers about the cemetery demographics of race and creed and would be eager to share the town’s vision of a park-like future. If he is not there, you may still hear music.

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34 Melrose Ave, Tryon 828-859-8322 tryonarts.org When first visiting the hilly 3.5 acres at 425 Markham Road, Jerry found a disarray of tipped and broken markers. Work is ongoing to fulfill the vision of a park-like historic destination.

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“One of the advantages of regular visits is I get to see and hear what few get to experience,” reflects Jerry. “I have photos of the cemetery in the snow and I’ve gotten to hear the violinist.”

(Photo courtesy Jerry Soderquist).

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A Story About Hardware and Love Red Mountain Trading Post

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Writer & Photographer Mark Levin

Buster and Ailene Wilson tried retirement more than once. They weren’t cut out for a life of leisure. It just wasn’t for them. And now with both of the Wilson’s in their 80s, they’re hitting their stride. They could write the manual for what a genuine work ethic is all about. Six days a week they run a fully stocked hardware store. Buster, age 86, still stocks the shelves including climbing the ladders to reach the top of the highest shelf. And these shelves are filled with every imaginable item you might expect to find in the most modern hardware. But here at Red Mountain Trading post you’re likely to find treasures you didn’t think you were looking for. Red Mountain Trading Post has it all.

Ailene adds that there are a couple of things they don’t sell – lumber and feed for stock.

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Buster and Ailene

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Why is the store called Red Mountain Trading Post?

Red Mountain comes from the name of a school that used to be in the community. Buster’s parents and older siblings went to that school which was replaced

by Sunny View School. Buster wanted to name his “new” store in honor of the old school. The Trading Post part of the name came from Buster’s original idea of opening a small antiques, mountain crafts, flea market shop and “trading post” seemed to fit that plan.

But plans changed, the store enlarged, and hardware became their way of life.

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Customer Tim Wright (left) is a regular at Red Mountain Trading Post. Tim says don’t confuse him with the sheriff by the same name.

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While Red Mountain Trading Post is not a museum, there’s plenty of things to look at that represent decades of Polk County history.

Red Mountain Trading Post is as close as you can get to an “old-school” hardware supply.

Buster and Ailene do not use a computer to track inventory or to order their stock. It’s all done the old-fashioned way, by hand and phone. Every day Buster walks down each aisle to see what might need replenishing. The only “modern” feature they’ve added is of their own invention.

They have the product number written out on a label beneath each item. These aren’t bar codes… they’re hand-printed numbers. They don’t have a website because they don’t need it and they don’t have email.

Ailene, who is 83 years young, does have a smartphone, however. Her daughter, Rhonda Rimer, chimes in that mom needs to be able to keep up with her kids, grandkids and even great grandchildren. Buster says he doesn’t need a phone; Ailene can just fill him in on the family

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news. Their family is rather large: two daughters, a son, two sons-in-law, seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and two more on the way. All of those living in the area gather every Sunday after church for a family dinner.

Red Mountain Trading Post does take debit and credit cards and cash…but they’re one of the few places left that will extend old-school credit to customers who need it. Ailene keeps up with a drawer-full of credit books for each of those customers. She knows that people need a helping hand from time to time or they just need the convenience of being able to charge without a piece of plastic. The Wilsons are that kind of people. They believe in the Golden Rule. Both natives and life-long residents of Polk County, they believe in going to church. They’ve always gone to Coopers Gap Baptist Church and it’s a family matter.

Buster is seated with long-time friend, Boyce Jackson. Boyce, 93 years old, comes to visit on a regular basis.

Boyce’s daughter (now deceased) married Mike, the Wilson’s son.

Rhonda Rimer, Buster, Ailene

Red Mountain Trading Post is a fixture in the Sunny View community of Polk County.

On any given day there is a steady stream of customers from the time the Wilsons open until closing and if someone frantically gets there as they’re locking the door – they unlock it and welcome him or her in as if time didn’t matter.

Ailene believes in treating everyone like family and Buster agrees 100%. This is how they built their business and one of the tenets they say has led to their success.

Buster and Ailene do get some help. Their daughters and son all chip in to help on a regular schedule, grandsons help, and others come in from time to time to help out like on Fridays when the truck delivers up to four pallets of goods. Friday the 13th is how Buster says Ailene thinks of Fridays. She sees the mess all that new hardware makes when it’s first unloaded. But to Buster it’s like Christmas every Friday.

Buster says having a good business day is part

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of the fun of operating the store. Ailene says the fun part is getting to know all the customers.

The two go hand-in-hand. Their business and their life go hand-in-hand as well. They’ve been business partners with Red Mountain Trading Post since 1996. They’ve been married partners for 66 years. This wasn’t their first store. The other was Sunny View Grocery they ran for 26 years before their first retirement. Buster had a stint with Polk County Government between the old and new store – but’s he’s always preferred being his own boss.

A visit to Red Mountain Trading Post should be on everyone’s must do list. Not only will you be able to fill your wish list of items to fix and improve your home, you’ll be able to fill your hearts with a sense of how life used to be and for many, how we wish life could still be. Ailene and Buster Wilson are living their dream and they would love to share it with you. Many customers would say we’re all lucky to have them.

Business info: Red Mountain Trading Post is open Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Located at 6068 Highway #9 North, Mill Spring in the Sunny View community. Phone 828-625-8002. Don’t look for a website. There isn’t one.

Giving Back is Central to Parsec Financial Since 2005, Parsec has donated more than $1.3 million to 72 non-profit organizations across North Carolina through the Parsec Prize.

‘Tis the season of giving.

But for Parsec that’s year-round.

Photo: Conserving Carolina, a 2019 $15,000 Parsec Prize recipient

PARSECFINANCIAL.COM/PARSEC-PRIZE

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5

Five Question For

Vincent Verrecchio Writer and Photographer

Heart of the Matter Writer & Photographer Vincent Verrecchio

“The Makings of a Good Hot Dog Man,” in last month’s issue, was a milestone for Vincent Verrecchio: It was his 50th article for Life in Our Foothills (LIOF) magazine. We wanted to know why and how he got there and what’s his favorite story.

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How long have I been a photographer? This 1969 view from a bedroom of the row house where I grew up in Philadelphia is not my first photo but it is the oldest existing. My father was a weaver at Downs Carpet.

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LIOF: When did you begin your career as a writer/photographer?

VV: I wanted to be a writer as a skinny kid in the textile mill district of Philadelphia. In grade school, the nun took me aside and asked if my mother had written the story I had turned in about trees. I cannot remember a single tree in my neighborhood and don’t remember exactly what I wrote, but my mother over the years repeated how proud of me she had been. With a passion for writing short stories, I frequently bicycled through the streets between trucks and factories to use the typewriter at my aunt’s house. My father, a weaver working in a nearby mill, wasn’t sure I could make a living writing stories. He liked my science fiction but advised that I should be a reporter or technical writer.

As yearbook editor in high school, I could envision how photos taken by the contract photographer could be improved and wanted to do it myself. As yearbook editor in college in St. Paul, MN, towards a degree in Journalism / Sociology, I satisfied my photographic impulses by doubling as publications photo editor-inchief.

I graduated into an advertising creative career of more than 45 years in Minnesota as a copywriter, art director, photographer, creative director and ultimately agency owner.

My wife Gloria and I have a goal to have horseback ridden around the world before we die. We’ve worked at it for more than 30 years and my camera has been at hand throughout. (Photo Gloria Verrecchio)

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LIOF: What propelled you to write for Life in Our Foothills?

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VV: During my years in advertising, I enjoyed the creative challenge of developing marketing communications programs about computerized brain surgery, dairy cow feed supplements, biosynthetic skin substitutes, industrial adhesives and tapes, making sugar from beets, and other topics guaranteed to keep me on the periphery of most cocktail parties. I never got bored with learning something new and discovering the passions of those involved.

Soon after selling my agency, I was depressed, wondering, “Where do I go from here?” Then I wandered into Tryon Fine Books. What I found excited me as a lover of books. I wanted to know the owner, Harry Goodheart. I wanted to learn why and how he gathered such a tempting selection. We hit it off immediately.

Claire Sachse, then editor of Life in Our Foothills magazine, purchased my resulting photos and article for the September 2015 issue. “For the Love of Books” was my first submission. I was happy seeing my byline for the 1,000 words and my portrait of Harry on the cover. I concluded that a reasonable purpose of life is to continue learning and to do what one does best.

If my stories had been published as a newspaper column, I would have called the series the “Heart of the Matter.” I want to write about interesting people doing interesting things with a passion. Everyone has a story that belongs to no one else, and that makes everyone interesting. The challenge is to entice them to open and share. Interesting things for me are typically those about which I know little or nothing. I want to know “how” hinges are made (#10) and “what” is horticultural psychotherapy (#18). “Why” is the motivation of a burn surgeon / butterfly conservationist (#24), an opera soprano / yoga teacher (#44), or a 74-year old garage mechanic (#48).

I also prefer topics that lend themselves to photography. A photograph waits to be seen in all things and all places. It’s a thrill when I find it in the viewfinder.

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love your neighbor.

no exceptions.

Worship 10:30 AM Sunday

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Vincent Verrecchio (Photo Jullia Zeleskey)

I believe a photo waits in all things, people, and places.

You just have to look for it.

(Photo Gloria Verrecchio)

LIOF: What projects do you have for the future?

VV: One can never retire from creativity. At Lanier Library, I help as Board VP / Creative Director. Verrecchio Marketing Communications also volunteers creative services at Foothills Humane Society, Saluda Historic Depot, Polk County Historical Museum, FERA and SCORE. My 51st article, about Tryon Cemetery, is in this issue. (#63) As for future stories in the magazine, I can’t share all my secrets. The readers will need to wait till upcoming issues are published to find that out.

LIOF: Do you have a favorite quote from an author or movie that inspires you?

VV: Spinoza wrote, “To become what we are capable of becoming is the only end of life.” I prefer how I restated that as the theme for a client’s international sales meeting. The Latin “Semper Alius Gradus” was intended to be inclusive for the multilingual audience. Each participant was expected to return home with the belief that there’s “Always Another Step.” I also like the movie sentiment, “I’ll be back.”

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3

9

28

13

23

27

36

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LIOF: What is your favorite story?

VV: You trying to get me in trouble? I am proud of every story and each has been rewarding. I’ve made friends, been educated, impressed, inspired, intrigued, amused, brought to laughter and almost tears. I’ve never been bored and am always thankful.

I’m not trying to evade the question, but the answer really depends on the criteria.

For example, one of my favorite emotional stories is “Someplace for Us.” I am proud of the flow and structure of how I wrote it to express the emotional impact of equine rescue. It also contains one of my favorite equine photos: a petite woman dwarfed between the massive heads of the draft horses she saved from slaughter (#3).

One of my favorite adventure stories is the deepsea diving whisky maker (#9).

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One of my favorite historical stories tells of the projectionists over the decades at the Tryon Movie Theater (#23).

One of my favorite learning experiences was the history, artistry, chemistry and secret economics of coffee according to a former medical malpractice lawyer (#27).

One of my favorite photos, as a technical accomplishment, is a farrier striking sparks from iron in the night (#13).

One of my favorite photos, for content and composition, is the Pressroom Manager at the Tryon Daily Bulletin (#36).

One of the photos that I am particularly glad to have taken is of two 99-year-old women, friends and weaving instructors at TACS. Agnes Sternberg has since died (#28).

Vincent Verrecchio (Photo Jullia Zeleskey)

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The Merits of a Good Listener

By Pebbles

It has been said that I am a bit hardheaded and don’t always listen. This is true on several counts.

Examples include when I don’t want to stand obediently for my hoof trim by our patient farrier, Jessica Orr. Nor do I come in out of the rain on a nice fall day. I can also protest that I did not hear Lee Major’s request over my buzzing fans, which ward off the late Indian summer temperatures.

Alas my plush Shetland pony coat is returning this time of year. I confess I need to

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be a better listener. In fact, we could all improve in that department. Make no mistake, there are some good listeners walking among us here in the Tryon area and I want to expound upon two that have really helped HERD with many of my equine acquaintances.

When HERD first started rescuing equines, and I was of course a founding member, a kind gentleman named Rick Millweard entered our lives. He wrote to us offering his services for ground working training. So many of the horses arriving to us were so shutdown emotionally.

They panicked when a human approached them.

Rick with his easy quiet manner was just the ticket.

He came and spent many hours building relationships with these troubled creatures, gaining their trust.

Each horse had a story to tell and required a good listener.

Rick’s first effort for HERD was a pair of horses, an appaloosa mare we named Red October and her nursing five-month old son, Bob. Both were terrified of being touched or handled. Rick possesses a special gift. He would just watch their body language and listen to them, understanding their reactive nature.

They had been run through two livestock auctions and hit with cattle prods that painfully shocked them. Red October had clearly been hit on the head most likely repeatedly.

Next in their hoofbeats of progress came a volunteer named Debra Carton. She joined Rick volunteering her efforts to help heal these two lost souls. Week after week improvement ensued. Red October began enjoying her brushing and care, and step-by-step Bob would allow brief encounters with the human touch. When it was time to wean Bob from his mother, his transformation was noteworthy.

Heather was able to lead Bob to his new home, the Edge Brewing Barcelona Rescue Barn down the road owned by Kim & Christian Oliver. She took her own horse Certain to lead the way. It was also discovered once nursing duties were over, Red October was a wonderfully broke trail horse. She followed her own life’s path via HERD, to be adopted by a family in Columbia, SC.

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Bob stayed with us for three years with Rick and Debra, expanding his education day-by-day.

He was joined by the young palomino, Oro, whom I have written about in July 2019, in a column called SUMMER GOLD. These two young colts became geldings, learned the ins and outs of trailer loading, bathing, as well a round pen and lunge line exercises. Bob was the star of a clinic held at Trayce Doubek’s farm with Rick coaching him. This pair was a crowd pleaser. No one could believe Bob had been untouchable a year before and in a kill pen!

Bob would leave the Edge Barn to be backed to ride when he turned age three. For this adventure, he went to stay with another exceptional horseman, Calvin Halford. Bob was

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a much more confident fellow, but he was always questioning. Lucky for Bob, Calvin had the answers. It started with accepting drivelines and finally a saddle and bridle experience.

A month into training, Bob was very pleased with this new phase of his life and with Margaret Miller, who trained with Calvin and boarded at his farm. She accepted the challenge of being Bob’s rider and new partner. She fit him like a glove. The connection was so strong that he would call for her when she arrived at the barn each day. Bob adored Margaret and she loved him right back. They shared a common language.

Calvin spent hours training the pair and listening to them both. He encouraged them, building their confidence as a new devoted team.

PEBBLES’ POP ROCKS TRUFFLE BALLS This Fun Dessert Is Easy To Hear And Explodes Gently In One’s Mouth. Pop Rocks Come In Many Flavors Too!

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract • 10 packets of pop rocks

Directions:

HERD adoption papers were signed, and Bob’s transformation came with a new name, Phoenix. This long-legged horse had his perfect partner. The two shared many trail rides together under Calvin’s watchful eye. It was now time to leave the nest. Margaret moved Phoenix home to Spartanburg to prepare for their exciting show career together. All her hard work paid off as Phoenix captured three first place ribbons and one third at his first big horseshow. Margaret was quick to let Heather know of this success story. The judge was very impressed with Phoenix’s abilities both under saddle and cantering small fences. He competed against far more seasoned horses and beat them all. No one could believe how calm and confident he was in a ring full of horses he did not know. The judge was even more surprised to learn he almost went to slaughter with his mother just three years earlier.

HERD will continue to rely on these two good listeners who take the time to hear what each horse needs to feel whole again and confident. Calvin has helped HERD adopt out six more horses this year thus far. Rick too is always at the ready to help the new arrivals in HERD find their way.

Taking the time to being quiet and observe is a very powerful tool in all relationships. Being a great storyteller as I am, has its merits of course. However, I am anxious to become a better listener.

Wait, did I just hear the word carrots? Lee must be coming out to my pasture to ply me with treats. It is so wonderful to be cherished and spoiled. I promise I will give it my best to listen, how about you?

Add the combination of chopped chocolate in a large glass or metal mixing bowl. Next, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over mediumlow heat, I prefer a double boiler if you have one, until it is bubbly around the edges. As soon as it begins to bubble, pour the cream over the chocolate in the bowl, and allow it to sit for 30 seconds. Add in the vanilla extract and stir constantly until a thick and smooth chocolate ganache forms. Place the bowl of ganache in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours until it sets up. This is enough chocolate to make 25 to 30 small bitesize truffles.

To roll the truffles, it helps if your hands are a bit wet. Set out a bowl of room temperature water for wetting hands to roll the truffles.

Remove the ganache from the refrigerator and then using a metal spoon or pastry spatula, scoop out enough chocolate to roll into nickelsized balls, placing them on parchment paper after shaping. Once the chocolate is rolled into balls, set out a few plates for the different flavors of pop rocks. Pour the pop rocks 2 to 3 bags at a time onto the plates. Next, make sure your hands are completely dry to roll the truffles into the pop rocks, pressing gently to adhere.

The truffles should each be coated in pop rocks evenly. Place the truffles back on a sheet of parchment paper baking sheet and stick them in the fridge until ready to use. These are best when made as close to serving size as possible.

More about Pop Rocks: https://www.poprocks.com/ OCTOBER 2019

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QUICK BITES

An Apple a Day

By Jimmi Buell Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the United States (US). Thirty-six states grow apples commercially. North Carolina ranks 7th nationally in apple production.

There are about 2,500 varieties grown in the US. Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Fuji and Granny Smith are typically available year round. North Carolina grows about 14 apple varieties and around 10 varieties are grown in

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Polk County.

October is National Apple Month, the only national, generic apple promotion in the United States. Originally founded in 1904 as National Apple Week, it was expanded to the entire month of October. Apples come in all shades of red, green and yellow. Apple varieties range in size from a little bigger than a cherry, to as large as a grapefruit

Eating apples in safe and delicious ways: Apples are great as a snack or cut up in a fresh salad. Many varieties are great for making cooked products. Apples used in baking include Braeburn, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Jonagold and Honey Gold.

Apples are fat, cholesterol, and sodium free and a good source of fiber and Vitamin C. It’s a good idea to eat apples with their skin. Almost half of the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin. Eating the skin also increases insoluble fiber content. One medium 2 ½ inch apple, fresh, raw and with skin has approximately 81 calories. Nutritional value will vary depending on variety and size.

Preparing and serving produce safely. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you should wash raw fruits and vegetables very well before you peel, cut, eat or cook with them. Wash your hands with hot soapy water before and after preparing food. Do not wash produce with soaps or detergents; this may leave residue on produce that is not safe to consume. Use clean potable cold water to wash items. After washing, dry with a clean paper towel. This can remove more bacteria. Don’t forget that homegrown, farmers market, and grocery store fruits and vegetables should all be well washed.

Looking for ways to add more fruit to your diet. This is an Indian-style sweet and savory snack that is super easy to prepare. Takes about 20 minutes to prepare and has lots of fall flavors.

Fruit Chat Ingredients: • • • • • • • • •

2 medium bananas, peeled and sliced 1 medium apple, chopped into small pieces 1 mango, peeled and cut into small cubes 1 cup halved red grapes 1 medium sweet potato 1 – 2 limes ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) ½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste) ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

Directions:

• Poke holes in the sweet potato and microwave for 5-8 minutes, rotating half way through. Allow to cool, peel and cut into small cubes.

• Combine banana, apple, mango, grapes, and sweet potato in a big mixing bowl.

• Squeeze juice from limes into mixture and toss.

• Mix in the salt, chili powder, and black pepper.

Serving Size: ¾ cup, Calories: 10; Carbohydrates: 20 grams; Fiber: 3 grams; Fat: 0; Sodium 211mg

TM

It Might be Scary…

It Might be a Fright…

But It’s Sure to be Fun On Halloween Night!

HAY RIDES & TRICK OR TREATING Thursday, October 31 • 4 to 6 pm 385 Blackwood Road, Columbus NC

Register at eventbrite.com — by October 28

The Rural Seed Restaurant Eight years ago, a previous job with a food contractor brought John Wilson, along with his wife Adrienne and daughter Mickayla, to the Polk County community.

The Rural Seed Restaurant was conceived through the closure of a local golf community, which left many people unemployed, including John and Adrienne.

At the same time, the owner of the building in Columbus called John and said that he was either going to rent it to them, or he was going to sell it.

The old saying goes the Lord works in mysterious ways. Here’s your sign.

John was working at the equestrian center at that point, preparing for the big event during the beginning months of The Rural Seed. Adrienne and her creative breakfast and lunch specials to our partner 62

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Carl Pleasants hospitality, were key to creating quick growth. After the event, it was obvious that the next step in the growth for the Rural Seed was to start serving dinner.

In November of 2018 we began serving dinner, and since then, we haven’t looked back.

The Rural Seed proudly supports and promotes our local farmers and producers by showcasing the bounty of their harvest in the products they serve.

They offer their customers an alternative to the mass produced by committing their passion for the craft to creating unique, wholesome, but familiar food.

They plan to remain creative with and inspired by the cultural diversity and layers of tradition our community has to offer.

Grilled Swordfish with a Fig and Pepper Chutney Ingredients: • • • • • • • •

6oz. Swordfish (Simply Caught Seafood LLC) 2 Cups Fresh Figs sliced in half (Overmountain Vineyards) 1 Tabasco pepper minced (C&J Farms) 1/3 Cup Shallots chopped 1 Clove Garlic (Go Garlic) minced 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar 1 tsp Olive oil

For the Chutney: In a saucepan place the oil, shallots, and garlic on medium heat until the shallot is translucent. Slowly add the figs, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir and allow to simmer until sugar has dissolved.

Let cool until service For the Swordfish: Light grill to pre heat. Sustainably caught seafood from the Outer Banks of North Carolina from Simply Caught Seafood.

Season the swordfish with salt and pepper and light coating of oil place fish on grill for 4 to 7mminutes each side. Cooking time will vary depending on thickness of fish.

Cook until an internal temperature of 145 degrees.

WHERE COMFORT is always in season

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Marketplace Foothills Magazine • 828.859.9151

C.N.A $1,000 SignOn 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.

BUY SOD NOW HIRING CLASS-A CDL TRUCK DRIVERS •Great Benefits•Paid Time-off •Incentives Information or to apply: www.buysod. com In person at: Buy Sod-Tryon Farm 5554 Hunting Country Rd Tryon,NC-27282 912529-5904 Call Bill the Painter for all your painting needs! We also do drywall repair and wood repair! 32 years experience. Like Bill the Painter on Facebook! Call 828899-2647 CUSTOM STONE & BRICK MASONRY •Decks •Water features •Lighting effects •Landscaping.

Call Craftsman Services now to schedule your personal consultation.

864-978-2283 email: Craftsman1211@ gmail.com

•Kitchen Prep•Dishwashers Will train right individuals for all positions Apply In Person: 10 North Trade Street Tryon,NC No Experience Necessary!!! Now Hiring Seamstresses •Training provided •Pay based on experience •Seasonal over-time •Excellent benefits! Apply in person at: 212 N. Lyles Ave Landrum, SC Event Reps For Large Home Improvement Company •Working home shows,festivals & more •Part-Time,w/ flexible schedule •Hourly+Commission pay plan Carolina Gutter Helmet & Roofing 864-8770692 Email Resume/ Work History: robie@ carolinagutterhelmet. com Craftsman Services.

YOUR most trusted name for remodeling and repairs. For more information e-mail: craftsman1211@ gmail.com Or call: Tel: 864-978-2283

Desiree’s Cleaning “We go the extra step, no need for spring cleaning” Man and Women Team Minimum 3hrs per job CAFE LA GAULE $24hr for Team of 2 Currently Hiring For All Text: 828-748-5356 Shifts •Cooks•Servers Call: 828-229-3149 64

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DIXON AC & HEATING • Your HVAC Service & Repair Expert • Serving the Tryon area for 30+ years. Call (828)8630555 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 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 Gary W. Corn CHHPS Realtor/ Broker 828-817-2580 garywcorn@gmail. com First Real Estate, Inc 2512 Lynn Road Tryon, NC 28782 www.TryonRealEstate. com GOOD BY STUMPS Stump Removal Fully Insured Free Quotes!

Call Ron at 828-4478775

Now Accepting Applications for Several Positions • Class A CDL Drivers • Heavy Equipment Operators • Landscape Supply Yard Associates www. hensonsinc.net Click on Employment Opportunities 828859-5836 WANTED Vintage Art Pottery including: •McCoy•Roseville• Welle•Etc. I will pay CASH for pottery, from one piece to an entire collection I will travel if needed Call: 828-859-9258

and commercial use.

Call 828-252-0694 or visit us at www. mitchcontracting.com.

Mountain Retreat on White Oak Mountain Features mountain views, attached two car garage, 4BR, office, large eat in kitchen, dining room, fireplace, plus a full unfinished basement. Over 2,800 sq.ft of finished living space on 4.4 acres!! $399,500 Call Pat Martin at First Real Estate TODAY! 828817-4509

PEER RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST Full-time, evening & overnight shifts.

Mill Spring, NC. Requirements: High School diploma/GED equivalent or current Counselor Intern & 12-step recovery knowledge. This position monitors the activities of patients to ensure optimal safety, support, Private House structure & crisis Cleaning. Weekly, intervention. Excellent Bi-Weekly, Monthly benefits: PTO, 401k or 1 Time. 15 yrs with match, medical, exp. References upon dental, vision, life request. Free In-home insurance, chefEstimates! Marjorie prepared shift meals.

828-817-6350 Apply at www. pavillon.org - About Mitch Contracting Employment - “Apply Serving your Here”. demolition needs since 1918. We POLK COUNTY offer roll-off waste SCHOOLS Bus Driver containers for home Training July 9th-11th, HIRING CNA’s, PCA’s & Experienced Med Techs (cert. req’d).

Weekday & weekend.

Background check & drug screening req’d.

APPLY IN PERSON. Laurel Woods Assisted Living & Memory Care, 1062 W. Mills St, Columbus, NC 28722. No phone calls.

2019 8:30am-2:30pm Polk County Middle School Positions Available Up to $14/hour plus local supplements GREAT SCHOOL DISTRICT Call: 828-894-1001 POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS •Licensed Occupational Therapist/All Schools Occupational Therapist Pay Scale •Afterschool Group Leaders/All Schools-$10.00/hour •Bus Drivers-$13.74/ hour-$14/hour •Substitute Bus Monitors-$11/hour •Food Service Aide Substitute $8.28/ hour Visit: www. polkschools.org/ employment Call: 828-894-1001

Full-Time Job Available Tile Apprentice/Helper No experience necessary Starting pay $10/ HR Apply at: Tile Specialties 202 E. Mill Street, Columbus (828)894-7058 Meditation FREE Every Wednesday.

Qigong class: 6:307:00p.m. Meditation: 7:00-7:30p.m. Come to one or both. No charge, just locals coming together.

In Tryon. Call for directions. 828-2734342

Yellow House Landrum 508 E.Rutherford St•Landrum Sleeps 5-9 in 4 Bedrooms Horse shows, antiques, golf, Philco’ Pressure waterfalls, reunions Washing Get all of and weddings, here the Mold, Mildew, is the perfect answer, and Oxidation off your call now to book your house!! •Clean Vinyl reservation!! Call: Siding •Driveways 828-426-3638 www.

•Sidewalks •Stain & yellowhouselandrum.

Seal Decks and more! com 31 year Experience Call to Clean Today FOR SALE Great 864-599-1978 or 864- retirement home 304-8463 •Elevator and heated pool •Walking $10 Off Summer distance to Harmon Preventative Field •Year-round Maintenance (Reg mountain views $75) Rutherford •Private tranquil Heating and Air 828- setting •Low 287-2240 maintenance Call 828817-5126 $349,000 7-K Garbage Service Monthly • Weekly David’s Roofing and One Time Service We Remodeling Pick It Up! 828-894We have shingles, 9948 hyatt2658@ metal, and rubber yahoo.com Owner roofing! Painting also!

Suzette Hyatt call David at 828-7134154

406 E. Mills St. $139,000 Iconic commercial building for sale just off downtown Columbus. Has had many businesses over 50yrs.

Call/Text 828-2228161 Blue Ridge Log Cabins is now accepting applications for all phases of construction. Please Apply in person at 625 East Frontage Road Campobello, SC 29322 Prime office/retail rental, great location, newly renovated, convenient parking.

1100sq.ft. 255 N Trade St, Tryon. Call for pricing 908-6544380 or 828-8593101.

services for a highfunctioning adult male who needs I/DD support in Columbus/ Tryon area. Will provide Supported Employment, Community Networking, and Respite Services.

M-W-F, 7:15am2:00pm. Pay is $9.00-$14.10/hour, depending on the service provided.

Must have: High school Diploma/ GED/Equivalent, Valid Driver’s License, current vehicle insurance & clean driving record. Some experience in I/ DD preferred. Send resume: dmaney@ macs-inc.org Call 828676-2135 x408 for more information

Landrum/ Campobello 14.25 Acres in 2BR/2BA, Appliances, Tryon/Green Creek with scenic views •Cozy/very build-able and convenient property •8 acres; to interstate, two established pasture, levels. $850/month + w/woods,small spring- security deposit Call: fed creek •Near TIEC 864-590-7444 Location is minutes from I-26 and HwyFriends of Red Fox 74 $254,000 Contact: Community, LLC 386-717-2485 Join The Cause at: www.friendsofredfox.

Commercial Units com Keep the for Lease 799 W Mills Tradition!

Street, Columbus.

Currently 700 and Steps to HOPE: 2000 sq.ft.- can HELP WANTED: be combined or Part-time Thrift Store subdivided. Close Warehouse Assistant. to I-26. Owner will Must be able to lift renovate to suit. 828- 50+ lbs and work 817-3314 some Saturdays. 2028 daytime hours per Seeking week. Valid driver’s Outstanding Partlicense required. time Caregiver This Please send resume position provides to: Steps to HOPE, PO

Box 518, Columbus, NC 28722 or apply in person at Second Chance Thrift Store, 232 East Mills Street, Columbus.

Foothills Amish Furniture POSITION AVAILABLE Warehouse & Delivery Assistant, Full-time position. Must have clean driving record.

Call Greta: 864-4572400 Price Services Heating & Air Lead Installer •Ability to lead crew to ensure quality installation for each customer.

•Starting pay $20+/ hour •Experience Preferred •Pay Increase D.O.E. •Health Benefits Provided Apply in Person: 2374 Chesnee Road, Columbus. Apply online: priceservices heatingandair.com Housekeeper/ House Manager: Live-In Experienced Housekeeper/ House Manager needed for family home in Landrum, SC. Duties include daily housekeeping, home management, preparing meals for homeowners/ guests. On-site living accommodations provided. •Must be authorized to work in U.S. •BilingualEnglish/Spanish a plus •Valid Drivers License •Salary DOE ($40,000$60,000) Email: housemanagersc@ gmail.com OCTOBER 2019

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Advertiser Index A Growing Concern A Taste of Olives and Grapes Azalea Bistro Berkshire Hathaway – Jamie Jo Noble Beverly Hanks Realtors - Saluda Brunson’s furniture Caitlyn Farms Carolina Storage Solutions Carruth Furniture Cason Builder Supply Claussen Walters Realty Congregational Church of Tryon Dr. Jonathan Lowry Henson Building Materials Hospice of the Carolina Foothills JB Trees & Scapes Keystone Self Storage Lake Pointe Landing LaurelHurst / LaurelWoods Senior Living McFarland Funeral Chapel and Crematory

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

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New View Realty Odean Keever & Associates Real Estate Parkside Dental Parsec Financial Penny Insurance Polk County Transportation Price Services Heating & Air ServiceMaster of Polk County SG Power Equipment Southside Smokehouse St Luke’s Hospital Strauss Attorneys, PLLC The Book Shelf The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run Tryon Builders Tryon Country Club Tryon Fine Arts Center Tryon Garden Club Wells Fargo Financial Advisors Wood Works

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CELEBRATE

Caitlyn

Farms

Caityln Farms where nature does not hurry

286 A.R. Thompson Rd. Mill Spring, NC, 28756 • info@caitlynfarms.com • www.caitlynfarms.com

PASTURE RAISED ANGUS BEEF No added hormones

NC

LL

LYN FA

S RM

Rump Roast Chuck Roast Sirloin Tip Roast Brisket London Broil Ground Beef Stew Beef Soup Bones Beef Bones

MI

Filet Mignon Ribeye NY Strip Sirloin Flat Iron Steak Cube Steak Stir Fry Round Steak Ribs Arm Roast

CAIT

Our pasture-raised, grain-finished angus beef is antibiotic-free and hormone-free.

We carry the North Carolina Beef Quality Assurance.

All our steaks are hand-crafted by expert butchers.

S P R I N G,

Visit us at Mill Spring Farm Store: 82 Highway 9 N., Mill Spring, NC 28756 Tuesday-Wednesday: 10am-5pm Thursday: 11am-7pm Friday: 10am–5pm Saturday: 10am–3pm

— Call 828-817-9458 for pricing and other details —

CHOOSE TO USE ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL

Staying local could be the best decision you ever made! Choose the St. Luke’s Hospital healthcare network for a variety of services including primary care, orthopedics and rehabilitation, pain management, chemo and infusion, geriatric psychiatry, radiology and emergencies.

My

LOCALLY OWNED AND NATIONALLY CONNECTED FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL PATIENT EXPERIENCE

hospital for exceptional care, close to home.

Emergency Services 24/7 Emergency Department 828.894.3311 St. Luke’s Hospital Exceptional Care, Close to Home 828.894.3311 Center of Behavioral Medicine Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry 828.894.0581 Senior Life Solutions Outpatient Counseling Services 828.894.9890 Rosenberg Bone and Joint World-class Orthopedics 828.894.3718 Steps to Home Inpatient Short-term Rehab 828.894.0978

St. Luke’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center World-class Rehab Services 828.894.8419 Radiology Department A Variety of Services Including Mammography, Bone Density and Echocardiography 828.894.0990 Foothills Medical Associates Primary Care Providers in Columbus, NC 828.894.5627

St. Luke’s Hospital Infusion Center Chemo and Infusion Services 828.894.0111 St. Luke’s Surgical Associates Dr. Gerhardt Winkel 828.894.3300 Community Alternatives Program (CAP) Home Assistance for the Disabled or Elderly 828.894.0564

Saluda Family Medicine Primary Care Providers in Saluda, NC 828.749.0149 St. Luke’s Hospital Pain Center Pain Management 828.894.0978

101 Hospital Drive Columbus, NC 28722 SaintLukesHospital.com