11 december2012

LAUREL Celebrating 10 Years

2002 - 2012

December 2012

THELAURELMAGAZINE.COM | YOUR GUIDE TO HIGHLANDS AND CASHIERS

FREE

events • arts dining • maps

2 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 3

4 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 5

Publisher’s Note

Dear Santa, As you finish checking off your list of naughty and nice, we have a few last minute requests. We’d love for you to generously fill the stockings of our advertisers with prosperity for 2013, and grant our readers all their Christmas wishes. Without them, the Laurel couldn’t be so wonderful.

As for us, we’ve been really good all year – well, except for that one time - but it wasn’t our fault! Anyway, give our best to the Mrs., and give the reindeer some extra carrots for us!

Merry Christmas!

Janet and Marjorie

6 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 7

8 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 9

10 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 11

THE LAUREL MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2012

Contents EVENTS

14 • Cashiers Christmas Parade 16 • Annual Holiday Reading 20 • Chamber Music Festival 21 • Alternative Gift Market 22 • Highlands Christmas Parade 23 • Photos with Santa 24 • Annual Carol Sing 25 • Mountain Garden Club 26 • Breakfast with Santa 28 • Christmas on the Green 29 • Cashiers Cares 32 • Area Calendar

THE ARTS

38 • Cover Artist Dottie Bruce 40 • The Bascom News 42 • The Betsy Paul Art Raffle 46 • David Berger

MAPS

18 • Highlands Map 34 • Cashiers Map

DINING

46 • On the Verandah 48 • Highlands Annual Christmas Dinner 50 • Holiday Gifts for Wine Lovers 51 • Dining Guide

HISTORY

54 • Highlands History 55 • Cashiers History

Volume Eleven • Issue Eleven • www.thelaurelmagazine.com • 828-526-0173 email: editorial@themountainlaurel.com • P.O. Box 565 • Highlands, North Carolina 28741 12 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

THE LAUREL MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2012

Contents

Staff

GIVING BACK

HOMES & LIFESTYLES

Janet Cummings, Managing Partner

Marjorie Fielding, Managing Partner

janet@ themountainlaurel.com

marjorie@ themountainlaurel.com

Michelle Munger, Art Director

Luke Osteen, Writer

(828) 371-2689

56 • A True Masterpiece 58 • Soul Food for the Winter 60 • The Super Storm 62 • Here Comes Santa Claus 64 • Santa Stalker 66 • Protect Yourself Against Fraud 68 • The Lost Art of Biscuit Making

74 • Friends For Life 76 • Manifested Dreams 78 • The Rotary Flyer 79 • Highlands Land Trust 80 • Shelter Without Walls 81 • IFC Year in Review 82 • Valley Garden Club News 83 • Highlands Biological Station 84 • Danny Boy and The Healing Harp 86 • Cullasaja Women’s Outreach 88 • Bel Canto Gives Back 90 • Cat’s Best Kept Secret

mungerclan5@aol.com

(828) 371-2764

(828) 342-3551

dumbdogs@ earthlink.net

Wiley Sloan, Writer

Donna Rhodes, Writer

GUIDES wileyandsarah@ nctv.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR

18 • Highlands Map 34 • Cashiers Map 32 • Area Calendar 51 • Dining Guide 70 • Service Directory 71 • Where’s the Water 94 • Advertisers Index

donna847@ frontier.com

Contributing Writers: Libby Malcom, Jane Gibson Nardy, Gary Wein, Kathy Bub, Mary Adair Leslie, Elizabeth Fletcher, Sue Blair, Michael Rich, Sue Aery, Jim Johnson and Resa Johnson, Michelle Price and Robin Armstrong-Neil

Copyright © 2012 by The Mountain Laurel, LLC. All rights reserved. Laurel Magazine is published eleven times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Laurel Magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel Magazine nor any of its staff is responsible for advertising errors, omissions, or information that has been misrepresented in or to the magazine. Any substantial errors that are the fault of the magazine June be subject to a reduction or reimbursement of the amounts paid by the advertiser, but in no case will any claim arising from such error exceed the amount paid for the advertisement by the advertiser.

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 13

EVENTS

Cashiers Christmas Parade

by Luke Osteen This year’s parade will launch at Cornucopia on Highway 107 South at noon on Saturday, December 8th.

C

ashiers is a tiny community (slightly smaller than Whoville), but somehow it manages to stage one of the most beloved Christmas Parades in Western North Carolina, year after year.

This year’s parade will launch at Cornucopia on Highway 107 south at noon on Saturday, December 8th. Since this year’s theme is “Songs of the Season,” you’re certain to hear all of your favorite Christmas carols, served up with a mixture of reverence, gen-

14 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

tle good humor and small-town exuberance.

The parade route will include three stops where bands, floats and other groups can sing or play a recorded version of their musical selection and invite parade viewers to sing along.

If you’d like to enter the parade, contact the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce at info@cashiersareachamber.com. They have people standing by to help make your vision a reality.

EVENTS

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 15

EVENTS

The Highlands Cashiers Players’ Annual Holiday Reading

T

by Wiley Sloan

the year that he asked for hink back to your early a monkey. With childhood years. Was there anyinnocence Luke scurried to thing more enjoyable the tree on Christmas mornfor you and your siblings ing searching furtively for his than to sit at the feet of monkey. What did he find? your parents or grandparA pink Christmas tree is the ents and have them share focus of Donna Cochran’s stories of Christmas? For story, while Edna Bryson more than 18 years, Highwill hold us spellbound as landers have enjoyed their she shares early childhood own holiday tradition of memories of a young girl in Christmas stories and draearly Highlands. matic readings shared by These are just a few snipmembers of the HighlandsWayne Coleman, Glenda Bell and Curtis Rich prepare for the annual pets of the stories that the Cashiers Players. This year’s Highlands-Cashiers Players Holiday Reading. presenters will share. Some readings are led by Coordiwill bring a tear to your eye; nator/Director Vangie Rich.

Readers will include Luke Osteen, Glenda Bell, Edna Bryson, others will cause you to hold your sides as you laugh unconDonna Cochran, Wayne Coleman, Susan Duncan, Lee Lyons, trollably. All will cause you to pull family memories from the Curtis Rich, Diane Rosazza, Jennifer Royce, Virginia Talbot deep reserves of your memory.

Mark your calendars now to be at the Martin-Lipscomb and Barbara Werder. Additionally there will be a special muPerforming Art Center on Chestnut Street on Thursday, Desical presentation by Les Scott using his dulcimer.

This year’s stories revolve around the theme of “Christ- cember 13th, at 7:30 p.m. for this entertaining event. No mas Memories”. You’ll enjoy special, poignant stories writ- tickets are required. This is a gift from the H-C Players to ten by the presenters. Listen as Luke Osteen tells you about the community.

16 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

EVENTS

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 17

ACCOMMODATIONS

Meadows Mtn. Realty............

Hen House..............................

4-1/2 Street Inn .....................

White Oak Realty...................

High Cotton............................

Martha Anne’s........................

Colonial Pines Inn..................

Inn at Half Mile Farm............

RESTAURANT

Peak Experience....................

Whiteside Cove Cottages......

Lakeside Restaurant..............

Scudders.................................

Mountain Brook Suites.........

Paolettis...................................

The Summer House...............

Mountain Laurel Rest............

Pescados.................................

Whole Life Market.................

Rosewood Market..................

Highlands Fine Art ...............

Wild Thyme Gourmet...........

Highland Hiker.......................

Laurel Magazine.....................

Wolfgang’s Restaurant &

Mirror Lake Antiques............

Mill Creek Gallery & Framing ..

Wine Bistro.............................

ARTS

SERVICES

Museum of American Cut Glass.......................................

RETAIL

Creative Concepts Salon.......

The Bascom ...........................

Alyxandra’s ............................

Highlands Visitors Center.....

Bear Mountain Outfitters......

Warth Construction...............

REAL ESTATE

Cabin Casuals.........................

Aery Chiropractic &

Country Club Properties.......

Drake’s Diamond Gallery ....

Acupuncture..........................

John Cleaveland Realty..........

Dry Sink..................................

High Country Photo.............

Sundrops on Caney Fork.......

Dutchman’s Designs..............

View the Highlands, North Carolina interactive map at www.thehighlandsmap.com for addresses, phone numbers and website links to local businesses.

To promote your business in both the print version and on-line Highlands map for only $20 per month, email marjorie@themountainlaurel.com.

18 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

EVENTS

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 19

20 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

1

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 21

The Highlands Map 18A | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 18B

EVENTS

Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival

by Luke Osteen The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival is already shaping its 2013 season.

W

ith its fabulous 31st season just completed, you might think that the organizers of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival would enjoy a long winter’s nap, but, if anything, the year’s success has only filled them with the desire to outdo themselves in the 2013 season.

“From Gary Motley and Veronica Tate’s Classical Jazz at The Farm, favorites William Preucil, The Eroica Trio and Victor Asuncion to the Albers Sisters, Eugene Izotov, and Christopher Martin, it was an incredible festival,” says executive director Nancy Gould-Aaron.

“Next season is coming together and I have no doubt that in the fall of 2013, we will be saying, ‘That was the best festival ever,’ again,” said Festival Artistic Director William Ransom. ”Because of the July 4th weekend, our opening concerts will be a little earlier than usual next summer – we open on June 28th-29th with William Preucil and friends for a weekend of brilliant string playing. Other highlights will include the festival debut of the dashing young Concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony, David Coucheron, and his talented sister pianist Julie. Other newcomers include English flutist Anthony Reiss in a program entitled ‘The Magic Flute’ and clarinetist Roeland Hendrikx from Belgium.

It wouldn’t be summer without The Eroica Trio, and they will be joined by special guests in ‘Eroica Plus!’

“The Vega Quartet will be back,

Roeland Hendrikx

David and Julie Coucheron

24 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

and we will have some fun with another ‘Jazz Meets Classics’ concert featuring, this time, the saxophone, with Dwight Andrews. The Festival Chamber Orchestra will once again close the season at our final Gala with Mozart’s extraordinary ‘Sinfonia Concertante.’”

Festival President Kathy Whitehead acknowledged the tremendous support of the patrons and the Highlands-Cashiers communities.

“HCCMF would not be starting our 32nd year without all of you,” she says.

“There are so many ways that you support and allow this world-class festival to happen for six weeks each summer, and we thank our underwriters, contributors, hosts and those who give such fabulous feasts. Ticket sales contribute approximately 30 percent of our budget, so you can see how important these other areas of participation are.

“Please continue your generous support as it allows us to invite internationallyknown musicians to the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival and to receive the accolades and recognition that has continued for 31 years.”

For information about the 2013 season or if you’d like to be a part of Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, hosting a feast or housing a guest artist, call (828) 5269060 or email hccmf@frontier.com.

EVENTS

The Alternative Gift Market

by Wiley Sloan The Holiday Gift Market is a fun way to snag an unforgettable gift for a loved one and share a bit of Christmas Cheer with the needy of this world.

T

he Christmas season beckons each one of us to share our bounty with the less fortunate.

We may have been pinching pennies, clipping coupons, and we may have even delayed purchases that were more “want than need.” No matter how hard times have been, Christmas is a time to give to others as a way of saying, “Thank you Lord for all of our blessings.”

Perhaps you have a list of family and friends that you would like to remember with a gift. You’ve struggled to identify that “perfect gift” for each and every one there.

Your dad has more ties than he can possibly wear. Your sister has her own distinctive style that you just can’t figure out.

Why buy something that will just get put into a drawer or will be returned the day after Christmas?

Come to the Holiday Gift Market. Visit the booths of local non-profits and familiarize yourself with their missions and

objectives. A contribution to any nonprofits will make the perfect gift for everyone on your gift list.

The Market will be held immediately following the Highlands Olde Mountain Christmas Parade from 11:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 1st, at Highlands United Methodist Church. Come out, enjoy a light lunch and share your blessings with others who need a helping hand.

Area charities supported by the Alternative Gift Market are Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Highlands; Blue Ridge Dental Clinic; Bosnia Mission; Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers; Food Pantry of Highlands; Four Seasons Hospice; Haiti Mission; Highlands Bolivian Mission; Highlands Bolivian Water Mission; Highlands Community Child Development Center; Highlands Emergency Council; International Friendship Center; Literacy Council and REACH of Macon County. For more information, call (828) 526-3376.

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 25

EVENTS

Highlands Christmas Parade

by Luke Osteen

I

Highlands High School Homef you’re one of those who coming Court, local politicians, bemoans the commercializaand, of course, Santa. It’s not untion of Christmas and longs common for the parade to draw for a simpler celebration of the over 80 entries. That’s a remarkseason, mark your calendar for able accomplishment for a town 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December with a year-round population of 1st. That’s when the 23rd inless than 2,000. carnation of the Highlands Olde People begin lining Main Mountain Christmas Parade Street early to ensure they get winds down Main Street. a good view and to chat with The parade is the perfect tonic neighbors and visitors. The pafor the overblown, incredibly polrade route spans three blocks, ished corporate exercises staged so there should be plenty of in other parts of the country.

Highlands Olde Mountain Christmas Parade launches the room for everyone.

There’s a warm, homemade feel holiday season with a healthy dose of small town cheer.

If you are part of a group that to the Highlands parade since it’s would like to be included in the staged entirely by local groups, churches, businesses, fire departments and bands of neigh- lineup, contact the Highlands Chamber of Commerce at bors. It’s all delivered with pride, sparkle and more than a (828) 526-2112. There is no entrance fee. If you’re thinking of inviting Santa to participate in your entry, please note that little bit of humor.

You’ll find handmade floats, at least one marching band, he’s already accepted the Chamber’s invitation to appear in dancing garden ladies, dogs that amble more or less in for- the parade. He’ll also be at the Visitor Center immediately mation, fire trucks, Smokey the Bear, classic cars, horses, the after the parade until 3:00 p.m.

26 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

EVENTS

Photos with Santa

by Luke Osteen

Santa is on hand in Highlands to hear every whispered wish and heartfelt appeal for clemency.

N

ow that the holiday season is here, a lot of kids and more than a few adults are taking stock of their lives and making adjustments. Others are compiling lists of things needed and desired, the fruits of a year’s worth of good behavior. Whichever camp they fall in, they’re counting the days until Santa Claus arrives at The Highlands Visitor Center.

Even in the hectic days leading up to Christmas, Santa manages to find time to sit and listen to his friends and Highlands has long been one of his favorite spots. According to insider accounts, the clean mountain air helps him maintain his unfailingly cheerful air, which makes Highlands one of the ideal spots to ask for an especially unlikely present or to appeal for clemency.

You’ll find the Jolly Old Guy at the Highlands Visitor Center on Main Street (next to the Main Street Inn) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays – December 1st, 8th, and 15th. He’ll also be available by appointment on Saturday, December 22nd.

Mike Wilson of High Country Photo will be on hand to capture a cherished memory.

Santa will also be seen at the Town Tree Lighting, set for November 24th; and the Highlands Olde Mountain Christmas Parade, December 1st.

If you’re so inclined, you can bring a treat for Santa or his reindeer. But really, none of that is necessary. He packs on the snacks in those few hours before dawn on Christmas morning and the reindeer are confined to a high-carb sprinter’s diet in the weeks leading up to the Big Night.

If you have questions about Santa’s busy schedule or the events that mark Highlands’ Holiday Season – the Town Tree Lighting, the Olde Mountain Christmas Parade, the worship schedules of local churches – contact the Highlands Visitor Center at (828) 526-2112. www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 27

EVENTS

First Presbyterian Church to Hold Annual Carol Sing

T

here will be a Christmas Carol Sing at First Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 1st, after the parade. If you enjoy singing familiar Christmas carols, you won’t want to miss this! Stell Huie will be the song leader with Angie Jenkins playing the piano.

Donations will be accepted to benefit the Highlands

28 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

Emergency Council’s Fuel Fund, which assists needy local families with their winter heating expenses. Make plans to attend for an enjoyable hour of singing and Christian fellowship. Everyone is cordially invited. The church is located at the corner of Main and Fifth Streets. Handicap entrances are located on Fifth Street and on Church Street.

EVENTS

The Mountain Garden Club Parade Dancers

by Wiley Sloan They’ve got the beat – the women of the Mountain Garden Club will be delivering a healthy dash of holiday cheer to the Olde Mountain Christmas Parade in Highlands.

S

ince 1998, Mountain Garden Club members have entertained Olde Mountain Christmas Parade crowds with choreographed dance routines. Their parade entries began from a suggestion from renowned local gardener and honorary MGC member Barbara Smith.

“This will be our 15th year in the parade,” said Dr. Becky Schilling, who has choreographed five MGC Christmas Parade routines, including “Jingle Bell Rock” in the inaugural year. “We had live music our first year. One of our members played a keyboard in the bed of our lead pickup truck. This year we’re planning to use a touch iPod. The technology has changed, but the message is the same. We love to give the crowd something to smile about.”

Throughout the years, crowds gather along the way packing the spots where the MGC dancers will perform. Crowdpleasing favorites have included “The Rake-ettes” in 2000, when MGC danced with rakes to the tune of “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Babes in Toy Land,” in 2001, when the MGC dancers were joined by guest drummer boy Nate Brooks and guest baton twirler Rosemary Seacott. In 2003 “Wild Thing, You Make my Heart Sing” brought smiles to everyone’s face as they watched MGC members strut their stuff.

“Feliz Navidad” in 2009 acknowledged the multi-national makeup of the Highlands population. “Jingle Bells” in 2011, rounded out the routines that have garnered the greatest energy from parade watchers.

Choreographers for MGC parade routines in addition to Dr. Schilling have included Anita Williams, Bonnie Earman, and Linda Shearon. This year’s parade routine is being choreographed by Shearon and Schilling.

Over the years MGC dancers have been costumed more often than not by the mother-daughter duo of Joan Levinson and Barbara Werder, with help from Midge Rothermel and others. Planning for this year’s dance and costumes started last January. More than 25 MGC members are gearing up for the 2012 parade, which starts at 11:00 a.m.

“We plan to dance near the intersection of 5th and Main; between Old Edwards Inn and Highlands Inn; in front of Scudder’s; and between Reeves Hardware and Main St. Inn,” Schilling said.

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 29

EVENTS

Breakfast with Santa

by Wiley Sloan

R

tance, then the jingle of sleigh emember back to your childbells will fill the air as Santa hood and you’ll understand makes his way to the Church. the excitement that area Sing your favorite carols and youngsters feel as the time draws get into the Christmas spirit. near for Breakfast with Santa at Celebration of the Christthe Highlands United Methodmas season is the perfect way ist Church (HUMC) at 315 Main to build family traditions. Join Street. Yes, the children see Santa other parents and grandpararound our area several times durents from throughout the coming the holiday season but during munity for this special ChristBreakfast with Santa, they get to mas event. Breakfast is served visit with him, up-close and perfrom 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. sonal. Santa told me, “This is one The suggested donation is $10 of my favorite times of year. I truly per family. Reservations should enjoy talking with the youngsters Santa always has time to listen to his most ardent supporters. be made by calling the Church and hearing their wish lists.” no later than Wednesday, DeGet up a little early on Saturday, December 8th, dress the youngsters in a festive holiday outfit cember 5th at (828) 526-3376.

Jennifer Forrester, Minister of Children’s Activities at HUMC, and come on down to the Fellowship Hall of the Church. Everyone will get a chance to enjoy a delicious, hot breakfast, and says, “The children will have plenty of time to share their Christthe children will complete a holiday craft. There will be time to mas list with Santa and to have pictures made. Make your reslisten attentively as you hear one of your favorite holiday stories. ervations early and come out for a stellar holiday celebration Before you know it, you’ll hear the hooves of reindeer in the dis- with Santa.”

30 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 31

EVENTS

Christmas on the Green

T

everyone will come discovhe Village Green er a marvelous new Christwill make spirits mas tradition for the combright this holiday munity. Whether it is taking season with “Christmas holiday photos or a stroll On the Green.” Visitors through the decorative to the 12.5-acre park paths, a visit to The Village will enjoy twinkling light Green will certainly brightdisplays and festive decen your Christmas spirit.” orations through JanuJochen Lucke, Village Green ary 1st. One of the highBoard Chair, adds “This is lights of “Christmas On just one of the many events the Green” will be a Festhat The Village Green oftival of Trees. “The Fesfers for the greater entival of Trees celebrates joyment of residents and one of the area’s greatguests to the Highlands Caest industries and showshiers Plateau.” cases our local businessThe Heart of the Cashiers Christmas Season shines in The Village Green.

The Village Green is loes,” says Village Green cated at the crossroads of Executive Director Ann Self. After the holiday season, the evergreen trees will be Highway 64 and Highway 107 in Cashiers. Parking is available at the entrance near the Gazebo, off of Highway 64 planted in The Village Green for continued enjoyment.

“Christmas On the Green,” will transform the heart of Ca- East, and at the entrance to Village Commons on Frank Alshiers into a winter wonderland where friends and family can len Road in Cashiers. Follow The Village Green on Twitter @ gather to celebrate the holidays. Self comments, “We hope cashiersgreen.

32 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

EVENTS

Cashiers Cares Contributed by Deanna Klingel

Cashiers Cares is a celebration of the generous heart at the center of community life.

T

hink of it as an umbrella over Cashiers, sort of a local United Way. Cashiers Cares is a way for your family to make a charitable donation to the charity of your choice, where your donation will be used to care for your neighbors and friends here in Southern Jackson County.

Put on your Christmas smiles, earmuffs, and mittens and gather on Saturday, December 8th, for the annual Cashiers Christmas Parade, free Rotary hot dog lunch, pictures with Santa and Cashiers Cares. Cashiers Cares will be staged immediately following the parade at Cashiers Community Center (next to the fire station).

Sponsored locally by Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Saint Jude Catholic Church, Cashiers United Methodist Church, Grace Community, and Baptist Church of Cashiers, Cashiers Cares will have booths set up for each of the charitable agencies supported by Cashiers Cares.

Please visit the booths and learn what it is each agency does, who benefits, and make a decision where your family would like your contribution to go. Information booths will be in place for Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society, Christmas House of Jackson County, Cashiers United Christian Ministries, Clean Slate Coalition, Community Care Clinic, and Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry.

Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic, Haven of Rest Ministries, Life Challenge of Western NC, and the Literacy Council of Cashiers are also represented.

Cashiers Cares Christmas Cards will be on sale. These cards were created by students at Blue Ridge School and Summit Charter School. Join us for a fun and worthwhile family day, the kind that makes Cashiers a special place to live.

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 33

34 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 35

EVENTS

Mark Your Calendar • Giving Trees will be on display through January 1 in the Terrace and Atrium, The Bascom, (828) 526-4949.

• American Craft Today exhibition through December 29, Bunzl Gallery, The Bascom,(828) 526-4949.

• In These Mountains exhibit featuring painter Ann DerGara and sculptor Christine Kosiba of Brevard through January 4, The Bascom, (828) 526-4949.

• “Christmas On the Green, Festival of Trees thru January 1, 2013, Village Green, Cashiers.

• Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Show, 10 a.m.5 p.m., December 1, Sapphire Valley Community Center, (828) 743-7663.

• Santa Visits, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, December 1, 8, and 15, also by appointment on Saturday, December 22, Highlands Visitors Center, (828) 526-2112.

• Highlands Olde Mountain Christmas Parade, 11 a.m., Saturday, December 1, Highlands Chamber of Commerce, (828) 526-2112.

• Alternative Gift Market, 11:45 a.m.- 4 p.m., Saturday, December 1, Highlands United Methodist Church. (828) 526-3376.

• Annual Christmas Carol Sing, 2 p.m., Saturday, December 1, Highlands First Presbyterian Church, (828) 526• An Evening with Phil Roy, 6:30 p.m., Saturday, December 1, Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center, to benefit Literacy Council of Highlands, (828) 526-0863.

• Mountain High Dulcimer Club, meeting noon, Monday, December 3, Highlands United Methodist Church, (828) 787-1586 or (828) 2009532 • Breakfast with Santa, 8:30-10 a.m., Saturday, December 8, Highlands United Methodist Church. The suggested donation is $10 per family. Reservations should be made by calling the Church no later than Wednesday, December 5 at (828) 526-3376.

• Cashiers Christmas Parade, noon on Saturday, December 8, Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce, info@cashiersareachamber.com.

• Cashiers Cares, 1 p.m., Saturday, December 8, after the annual Cashiers Christmas Parade, Cashiers Community Center (next to the fire station).

• Reading of “The Hobbit” Saturdays: December 1, 2-3:30 p.m., December 8, 3:-4:30 p.m., and December 15, 1:30-3 p.m. Free to all. For more information about this story time event, contact Will Barclift at (828) 787-2897.

• An Appalachian Christmas, 5 p.m., Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9, Highlands Community Christian Chorale, Highlands United Methodist Church, (828) 526-3376.

• Youth Art Adventures, December 10-11. Call to pre-register, The Bascom, (828) 526-4949.

• Story Swap, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 11,

The Ugly Dog Pub, Highlands Writers Group. Preregistration is required, (828) 369-1927 • Highlands Cashiers Players’ Annual Holiday Reading, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, December 13, Martin-Lipscomb Performing Art Center. (828) 526-3915 • Highlands Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count, Friday, December 14. The Christmas count is always fun and often an experience to remember! Brock Hutchins is organizing. For questions (828) 787-1387.

• Recently Released Movies, 2 p.m., Wednesday December 19, Hudson Library, (828) 526-3031.

• Highlands Annual Christmas Dinner, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday, December 25, The Hudson House.

Seating is by reservation only. The dinner, for adults, will be $35, children under 12, $15, and kids 5 and under are free. To reserve your place at the table, call (828) 526-9419.

• The Betsy Paul art raffle for the Cashiers Glenville Volunteer Fire Department, will be held on December 31 in the afternoon. For more information, call (828) 743-0880.

Weekly Events EVERY MONDAY • Core Yoga, 8:30 a.m., Cashiers Valley Fusion, (828) 743-9000.

• Hatha Level 1-2, 9:30 a.m., Yoga Highlands, (828) 526-8880.

• Fundamentals of Yoga-Beginners, 8:30 a.m., Cashiers Valley Fusion, (828) 7439000.

• Dulcimer lessons - Intermediate 10 a.m., Beginners noon, Highlands United Methodist church, (828) 787-1586.

• Yoga All Levels, 5:30 p.m. Yoga Highlands, (828) 526-8880.

• Pilates with Sandi Trevathon, 4 p.m., Jane Woodruff Clinic, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, (828) 526-5862.

• Barn Jamming with James, Fressers Eatery, (828) 526-8847.

EVERY TUESDAY • Hatha Yoga-Level 1-2, 10:30 a.m., Cashiers Valley Fusion, (828) 743-9000.

- Acoustic Jam, 10 a.m., Bird Barn and Gift Emporium, Cashiers, (828) 7433797.

• Highlands Rotary Club, noon, Highlands Community Center.

• Duplicate Bridge, 12:45 p.m., Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library.

(828) 743-0215.

• Weight Watchers, 5:30 p.m., Highlands Rec Park.

• Mat Pilates, 5:30 p.m., Cashiers Valley Fusion, (828) 743-9000.

36 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

EVERY WEDNESDAY • Highlands Mountaintop Rotary, 7:30 a.m., dining room at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.

• Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley, 8 a.m., Cashiers United Methodist Church, (828) 743-2243.

• Mat Pilates, 9 a.m., Cashiers Valley Fusion, (828) 743-9000.

• Hatha Yoga Level 1-2, 9:30 a.m., Yoga Highlands, (828) 526-8880.

• Cashiers Quilters Guild, 12:30 p.m., Cashiers Methodist Church.

• Duplicate Bridge Games, 12:30 p.m., Highlands Civic Center.

• Mah Jong games open to the public, 1 p.m., Albert Carlton Cashiers-Community Library, (828) 743-0215.

• Pilates with Sandi Trevathon, 4 p.m., Jane Woodruff Clinic Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, (828) 526-5862.

• Slow Flow Yoga, 5:30 p.m., Cashiers Valley Fusion, (828) 743-9000.

• Bluegrass, 8:30 p.m., Ugly Dog Pub, (828) 526-8364.

EVERY THURSDAY • Fundamentals of Yoga-Beginners/Level 1, 10:30 a.m., Cashiers Valley Fusion, (828) 743-9000.

• Yoga Foundations, 3:30 p.m. Yoga Highlands, (828) 526-8880.

• Zumba, 5:30 p.m., Cashiers Valley Fusion, (828) 743-9000.

EVERY FRIDAY • Mat Pilates, 9 a.m., Cashiers Valley Fusion, (828) 743-9000.

• The Zachary-Tolbert House Tours, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., (828) 743-7710.

• Duplicate Bridge Games, 12:30 p.m., Highlands Civic Center.

• Live Music, 6 p.m.-close, Hummingbird Lounge, Old Edwards Inn, (828) 7872625.

EVERY SATURDAY • Birding Field Trips, 7:30 a.m., Highlands Plateau Audubon Society, meet at Highlands Town Hall, (828) 743-9670.

• Yoga All Levels, 9:30 a.m., Yoga Highlands, (828) 526-8880.

• Vinyasa Flow Yoga, 9 a.m., Cashiers Valley Fusion, (828) 743-9000.

• Bascom Community Knitters, 10 a.m., The Bascom, (828) 526-4949.

• The Zachary-Tolbert House Tours, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., (828) 743-7710.

• Live Music, 6 p.m.-close, Hummingbird Lounge, Old Edwards Inn, (828) 7872625.

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 37

CASHIERS MAP KEY

AccommodAtions High Hampton inn & country club the mountain Laurel inn Arts Blue Valley Gallery

Highland Hiker

Highlands emporium interior enhancements into the Woods Home interiors Lenz Gifts & Linens Lotsa consignment shop midnight Farms

cashiers Hillside Artists chivaree southern Art and design mountain mist Gallery reAL estAte Betsy Paul Properties

mountain House nature’s Vitamins nearly new/ellen’s nora & co Priscilla’s, the decorative touch

Landmark realty Group silver creek real estate Group restAurAnts Boar’s Head deli

rock ‘n rooster rusticks ryan & company s’more Kids Klothes

cafe 107 crossroads Grill/Village scoop Hunts Brothers Pizza sapphire Brewery & Pub the Bodacious Bear Pub the Zookeeper Bistro retAiL Bear’s den Bird Barn and Gift emporium Blue ridge Bedding/ carolina rustic Furniture Bounds cave Brooking’s cashiers Village Anglers Bumpkins

summer Place Antiques the Look Jewelry and Gifts tom sawyer tree Farm Victoria's closet Vc for men Vivianne metzger Antiques Woof Gang Bakery Zoller Hardware the designer’s market serVices cashiers chamber cashiers BP cashiers exxon cashiers Printing

cashiers customs

cashiers Valley Preschool

catbird seat

Fancy Paws dog Grooming

cJ Brownhouse consignment market corner store

Jennifer Haynes massage therapy Keystone Kitchen & Bath Peter J Pioli interiors

dovetail Antiques

signal ridge marina

Fiddlehead designs GG’s consignments *etc

To promote your business on the Cashiers Map for only $20 a month, email janet@themountainlaurel.com.

38 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 39

40 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 41

Mtn. LaureL ShoppeS Dining Shopping Accommodations Slabtown Road off Hwy. 107 N. Cashiers, NC

Map of Cashiers

42 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 43

44 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 45

THE ARTS

Cover Artist Dottie Bruce

by Donna Rhodes

D

ottie Bruce’s life, like her artwork, is built on layers of colorful experience. Accomplished schoolteacher, interior designer, business woman, mother, grandmother, and mixed-media artist are the threads that weave through her life, each strand connecting and embellishing the others.

It’s no wonder she is so highly regarded and her work collected by so many.

When one is so gifted it is hard to settle on a single medium. She says, “After years of experimenting with different forms of expressing myself through my art, I finally found my calling in acrylic mixed-media.” It is there she feels most at home. Her inspiration comes from Nature in which she immerses herself while at her cabin studio in the Nantahala on the Whitewater River near Cashiers.

Her style is universally appealing, representational, yet stylized with a rich graphic feel, perhaps influenced by her strength in interior design… knowing what colors, lines, forms, shapes and textures complement an environment.

Each of her creations is one-of-a-kind. She wants her collectors to feel they own an original work, not a copy.

She and her husband lived and worked in Greenville, South Carolina, where she taught school and did interior design.

They loved the Cashiers area and made it a seasonal home.

46 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

She says, “My studio was in Greenville but my husband built a big barn on the Cashiers property. The top floor was storage.

He asked if I would like to move my studio to that floor.” She jumped on the offer. Now she comes up on Thursdays and returns on Mondays. After retiring, she is in Cashiers all season, studying the subjects for her painting as she looks out from her beautiful deck. When she’s not creating or spending time with her grandkids, she is doing her next favorite thing: watching old movies from the 30s and 40s.

She loves getting lost in her work. The idyllic scenery around her studio encourages a slower pace. But she does find time to give to the community. You may have seen her work at Betsy Paul’s fundraiser for the Cashiers Volunteer Fire Department. Or perhaps you saw her mixed media demonstrations at The Bascom, or her work on the cover of Western North Carolina’s Gallery Guide.

In addition she was president of the Art League of Highlands for two years, and she just learned that one piece of her art was accepted for the cover of the 2014 HighlandsCashiers Chamber Music Festival. For someone practicing retirement, this girl’s on fire!

If you would like to see more, know more about her work, visit her website at: www.mixedmediaacrylicartist.com.

THE ARTS

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 47

THE ARTS

The Bascom News

by Donna Rhodes Forget a winter slowdown, The Bascom’s calendar is stuffed with holiday goodies.

I

t may be the end of the year, but you can count on The Bascom to keep the creative fires burning all winter long.

Now through January 4th, an In These Mountains installation by painter Ann DerGara and sculptor Christine Kosiba of Brevard is on exhibit. In 2012 The Bascom celebrated talented artists who live no more than 35 miles from the Highlands Plateau. Stay tuned for future In These Mountains opportunities.

And speaking of wonderful showings… December 29th is your last chance to American Craft Today, a phenomenal representation of world-class craft from the Southeastern United States.

There are so many colorful ways to enjoy what The Bascom has to offer. For example, know some kids who love art? Tickle them pink with Youth Art Adventures December 10th and 11th. They will enjoy painting, printmaking and more with snacks to top off the fun. Call to pre-register.

Do your last minute holiday shopping at The Bascom. Gift memberships and class certificates are classy holiday presents for those you love. And shop for one-of-a-kind art treasures at the gift shop. As we near year’s end, don’t forget

many of these donations are tax deductible.

And while you are giving the gift of art, why not indulge your favorite artist… yourself! Have you always wanted to draw or paint or sculpt? Now’s your chance. The Bascom will tailor-make classes, one-on-one, just for you. Simply call The Bascom, tell them what you want and they will accommodate your schedule with your dream class.

After the Highlands and Cashiers holiday parades, stop by to enjoy cider and cookies while the classic story “The Hobbit” is read. Our narrator will present the most powerful and stirring passages of this timeless novel, covering the breadth of Bilbo’s travels in three reading sessions. The final reading will conclude with a Hobbit’s feast! No registration required.

All ages are welcome. Join us Saturdays: December 1st, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., December 8th, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., and December 15th, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Free to all.

For more information about this story time event, contact Will Barclift at (828) 787-2897 or e-mail him at wbarclift@ thebascom.org. For information about any other Bascom activities or classes, call (828) 526-4949.

To read more articles about the art scene of Highlands and Cashiers visit www.thelaurelmagazine.com/news

48 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 49

THE ARTS

The Betsy Paul Art Raffle

D

The Betsy Paul art raffle for the Cashiers Glenville Volunteer Fire Department, will be held on December 31st in the afternoon.

For more information, call (828) 743-0880.

ecember’s art raffle prize is a painting created by William Whiteside, generously given as a donation through the Nearly New Shop by Sally Phillips and family, the owners of the painting.

The artist, William Whiteside, was raised in Florida, received a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting from Florida State University. Following his formal training, he taught at Florida State University, North Texas University and Western Carolina University.

Since 1965 Whiteside has been represented in many national, regional and state competitions. He is also represented in several prominent private art collections. Whiteside is the recipient of numerous awards, has had selected paintings exhibited in the American Watercolor Society and the Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio. Whiteside’s work has been described in Who’s Who In American Art as traditional, figurative landscapes. Speaking of his 50 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

own work, Whiteside said, “I am constantly stimulated by visual symbolisms in nature and my surroundings. I respond emotionally to color combinations around me and also find smearing paint on a rough or smooth surface is exciting enough to cause me to want to paint. There is also a joy and pleasure in communicating with someone else my feelings or creating something pleasant for other people to share and enjoy, that gives me reason enough to paint.”

Whiteside is presently living in Cashiers, where he has converted an old church into a studio, where he paints Watercolors, Acrylics and Egg Temperas.

Viewers are invited to see each month’s raffle item on display from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday at Betsy Paul Properties, 870 Highway 64 West, Cashiers.

Checks can also be mailed directly to the Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department, P.O. Box 713, Cashiers, North Carolina, 28717. For more information, contact Betsy Paul Properties, (828) 743-0880.

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 51

52 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 53

DINING

On the Verandah

O

n the Verandah has been nestled on the shores of Lake Sequoyah for over 30 years and has become an important spot for many guests who have made dinner and drinks on Friday night a ritual and quiet Sunday brunches with family and friends a tradition. Executive Chef Andrew Figel takes his work seriously and runs his kitchen like a well-oiled machine, paying close attention to every dish that leaves and every attention to the smallest detail is never overlooked. Together with his wife Suzanne, they make a foodie’s dream team, with her running the front of house and him the kitchen and behind the scenes. It is not uncommon to see Andrew at the restaurant by 9 a.m. to begin preparing that night’s unique specials.

Andrew hired Trae Ellison to be his master mixologist this year and his creative and unique martinis and cocktails have quickly become fan favorites. Trae prides himself on giving his guests exactly what they want, an unforgettable cocktail paired with a delicious dinner or small plate in The Bar’s relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Together with Andrew, Trae works daily to keep the 300-plus wine list up to date with old favorites and new twists. Flipping through the pages of the extensive wine selections, specialty cock-

54 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

tails and beers, and local favorites it’s clear no attention to detail is spared.

On the Verandah has become a favorite spot for casual diners wanting a relaxing dinner and the perfect spot for special occasions such as intimate anniversary dinners and unforgettable wedding memories. Nightly specials are a favorite of Chef Andrew’s and he delivers his twists on seasonally inspired dishes using only the freshest local ingredients. The specials listed on the chalkboard as you first enter are only a sneak peek of what the menu has to offer.

Don’t forget Sunday’s Champagne Brunch where Andrew takes pride in delivering family recipes to your table and creating new traditions for yours.

Chef Andrew invites you to come and enjoy a glass of wine and small plate in The Bar, and then join him for dinner overlooking beautiful Lake Sequoyah while soft strands of classical piano tunes create a magical environment. Come by and see Trae after a long day to sit in The Bar and unwind with a specialty cocktail while catching up with friends.

From a relaxing dinner to an unforgettable event, On the Verandah offers a little bit of something for everyone. For reservations: (828) 526-2338 or www.OpenTable.com.

DINING

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 55

DINING

Highlands Annual Christmas Dinner

W

of dressing, casseroles, hat will you and side dishes, and be doing in pounds of pastries! the days beThe dinner will be fore Christmas? Shopserved from 11:00 a.m. ping, wrapping? I can until 5:00 p.m. by our all tell you how Marty volunteer staff, and seatRosenfield, Donna ing is by reservation only.

Woods, Holly Roberts, The dinner, for adults, and Martha Porter will will be $35, children unbe spending a lot of der 12, $15, and kids 5 theirs. Preparing the and under are free. awesome foods and The dinner, as always, deserts that will be is a fundraiser for local served at The Hudson nonprofits. This year, all House on Christmas proceeds from The DinDay to the many Highner will go to The Highlanders and Highlands lands-Cashiers Hospital, visitors. A scrumptious REACH of Macon County, buffet of turkey, ham, and Big Brothers Big Sistenderloin, all sorts of Marty Rosenfield, Donna Woods, Holly Roberts and many others work ters of Highlands. fresh vegetables and, tirelessly to prepare the annual Highlands Christmas Dinner.

To reserve your place of course, Donna’s alat the table, call (828) ways delicious cornbread dressing, and more confection varieties than I can 526-9419. Bring your family, and meet your friends for dinmention. Hours are spent cooking 15 turkeys, 100 pounds ner on Christmas Day, and we’ll do the dishes.

56 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

DINING

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 57

DINING

Five Holiday Gifts for Wine Lovers

Contributed by Mary Ann Hardman

W

ith the holiday season at hand, here are a few tried and true suggestions for the wine lovers on your list!

Adventures on the Wine Route by

Kermit Lynch — part travel diary and part fast-paced trot through cellars and vineyards with artisanal French winemakers is required reading for any oenophile. It details wine from the ground up.

Lynch is a respected importer based out of Berkeley, California.

“Wine and War” by Donald and Petie Kladstrup details the ingenuity of the French winemaker Resistance against the invading (and thirsty) Nazis.

The French spirit would not be subdued

by Hitler’s forces, and the Kladstrups capture the devotion and determination of the French winegrowers to preserve and protect their craft against all odds. Even in defeat, the French winemakers never surrendered to the Nazis.

Chateau Laguiole corkscrew: simple, elegant, handmade, and reliable wine opener.

Made in France. The little black dress of corkscrews.

Riedel wine glasses – the shape of the wine glass does affect the bouquet and flavor of a wine. Stemless Riedel glasses are also available. I prefer the stemless Riedel glasses for casual entertaining.

Wine Antiques make great gifts for the die-hard wine aficionado. This large French eight-bottle vintage zinc caddy was originally used in France to tote milk or cream bottles, but I love it to hold wine bottles for tailgaiting or picnicking. Scott’s Antique Market in Atlanta is a great place for sourcing these types of items.

For information on dining in Highlands and Cashiers visit thelaurelmagazine.com/cashiersnc_dining.php and thelaurelmagazine.com/highlandsnc_dining.php

58 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

See Ad On Page

Take Out

•

Outdoor Dining

C

Checks Accepted

Credit Cards

•

Dress Code

Vegetarian Selections

•

Reservations Recommended

Children’s Menu

Full Bar

¢

Wine

¢

Dinner

Sunday Brunch

Your Guide to the Restaurants of Highlands & Cashiers

Breakfast

Mountain Dining

Lunch

DINING

HiGHLANDS’ ReSTAuRANTS Bella’s Junction Cafe • 20 Old Mud Creek Road, Scaly, NC • 828-526-0803

¢ ¢-$

The Bistro at Wolfgang’s • 460 Main Street • 828-526-3807

$-$$ •

Dominick’s Restaurant • Wright Square #137 828-526-0527

¢

¢

Dusty’s • 493 Dillard Road • 828-526-2762

¢

¢

Flip Side • 30 Dillard Road • 828-526-4241

¢

Fressers eatery • Helen’s Barn • 828-526-4188

$

$ $

•

•

• Ltd • •

•

$ $-$$ •

Ghangri Asian Fusion Restaurant • 490 Carolina Way • 828-526-8500

• 50

•

•

NC •

L

•

C

•

•

$

The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering • 350 S. Fifth St. • 828-526-2110

$

•

•

•

•

C

•

•

•

• 49

•

•

C

•

•

•

• 49

•

•

• C/NC •

•

•

$-$$ $-$$

Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden • 445 Main Street • 828-787-2525 $

• 47

C

6 •

•

•

•

•

• 50

•

•

•

$-$$ •

•

•

•

•

NC •

•

Paoletti • 440 Main Street • 828-526-4906

$-$$ •

•

•

•

NC •

•

• 50

Ruka’s Table • 163 Wright Square • 828-526-3636

$$$ •

•

•

•

•

NC •

•

• 47

•

•

C

•

L

•

•

C

•

L

• 88

C

•

•

• 49

$-$$

SweeTreats • Mountain Brook Center • 828-526-9822

¢

¢

¢

SweeTreats Deli • Corner of Main and South 4th St. • 828-526-9632

¢

¢

Ugly Dog/The Ugly Dog House • 294 South Fourth Street • 828-526-8364

¢

¢

Wild Thyme Gourmet • 343 Town Square, Main Street • 828-526-4035

$ $-$$ •

Wolfgang’s Restaurant • 460 Main Street • 828-526-3807

• •

$-$$ •

NC •

• 49

•

On the Verandah • Hwy. 64 (Franklin Road) • 828-526-2338

$$ $$

•

5

• 86

COMING SOON

Highlands Smokehouse • 595 Franklin Road • 828-526-5000 *

•

•

• •

•

4

•

• 48

•

• 88

•

•

C

•

•

•

•

6

•

•

NC •

L

•

•

5

•

• 85

CASHieRS’ ReSTAuRANTS Café 107 • Highway 107 South • 828-743-1065 Zookeeper • Mountain Laurel Shoppes • 828-743-7711 ¢ $

Pricing Guide Minimal, most entrees under $10 $$ Deluxe, most entrees $15-$20 Moderate, most entrees $10-$15 $$$ Grand, most entrees over $20

Highlands Restaurants 23 Steps Steak House - 828-787-2200 Altitude’s at Skyline Lodge - 828-526-2121 Bella’s Junction Cafe - 828-526-0803 Bistro on Main/Main Street Inn - 828-526-2590 The Bistro at Wolfgang’s - 828-526-3807 The Brick Oven - 828-526-4121 Bryson’s Deli - 828-526-3775 Cafe 460 - 828-526-8926 Cyprus International Cuisine - 828-526-4429 Dominick’s Restaurant - 828-526-0527 Downhill Grill - 828-526-1663 Dusty’s - 828-526-2762 El Azteca - 828-526-2244 Flip Side - 828-526-4241 Fressers Eatery - 828-526-4188 Ghangri Asian Fusion Restaurant - 828-526-8500

Golden China - 828-526-5525 Highlands Smokehouse - 828-526-5000 Kelsey Place Restaurant - 828-526-9380 The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering - 828-526-2110 Lakeside Restaurant - 828-526-9419 Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden - 828-787-2525 Mountain Fresh - 828-526-2400 On the Verandah - 828-526-2338 Pescado’s - 828-526-9313 Pizza Place - 828-526-5660 Paoletti - 828- 526-4906 Rosewood Market - 828-526-0383 Ruka’s Table - 828-526-3636 Rustico at The Log Cabin - 828-526-0999 Southern Belles Restaurant - 828-787-2299 Sports Page - 828-526-3555

¢ ¢

$ L

¢

$ BYOB

•

•

•

•

Checks Local Only * Takeout Only

Subway - 828-526-1706 SweeTreats - 828- 526-9822 The Ugly Dog/Dog House - 828- 526-8364 Wild Thyme Gourmet - 828-526-4035 Wolfgang’s Restaurant - 828-526-3807 Buck’s Coffee Cafe - 828-526-0020 Cashiers Area Restaurants Ashbys - 828-743-7889 Brown Trout Mountain Grille - 828-877-3474 Buck’s Coffee Cafe - 828-743-9997 Cafe 107 - 828- 743-1065 Carolina Smokehouse - 828-743-3200 Chester’s Chicken at Cashiers Exxon - 828-743-5041 Chile Loco - 828-743-1160 Cornucopia - 828-743-3750 Four Season Grille - 828-743-4284

•

C Casual

C

•

C

•

• 34A

Dress Code NC Nice Casual J Jacket

Grill at Jimmy Mac’s - 828-743-1180 Happ’s Place - 828-743-2266 High Hampton Inn - 828-743-2411 Hunt Bros. Pizza at Cashiers BP - 828-743-2337 JJ’s Eatery and Canteen - 828-743-7778 Jorge’s Place - 828-743-4175 Mica’s Restaurant - 828-743-5740 On the Side at Cashiers Farmers Market - 828-743-4334 The Orchard - 828-743-7614 Rosie’s Café - 828-743-0160 Subway - 828-743-1300 The Gamekeeper’s Tavern - 828-743-4263 Tommy’s Coffee Shoppe - 828-743-2010 Wendy’s - 828-743-7777 Zeke & Earl’s 828-743-2010 Zookeeper - 828-743-7711

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 51 www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 59

60 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 61

HISTORY

All the Colors of the Terrain-bow

by Donna Rhodes

W

e r e Club and Helping we to Hand, Save the m a ke Children, the a banner of all Jaycees and Jaythe colors that ceettes, and represent the the Red Cross scores of charijoined the growties and voluning list of groups teer organizathat supporttions for which ed those who Highlands is so would benefit well known, from their leadit would span ership, educathe full coltion and charity. or spectrum.

Space runs If giving is what short, but rest the holidays are assured the list all about, the of hard-working Highlands Plavolunteers for teau celebrates many worthy the season all organizations year long. Once grows longer the township of and stronger Highlands was The Hudson Library, the first nonprofit established in Highlands in 1880 and the second-oldest public each year. In library still functioning in North Carolina today, Photo courtesy of the Highlands Historical Society. established in 1996 seasonal the late 1800s, and full-time volunteer organizations began to spring up. The Highlands residents established the Highlands Community Foundation, Improvement Association was instituted in 1883. Later the an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Western North Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Council, the hos- Carolina. It is a permanent charitable fund, which supports pital, zoning and planning boards, and various volunteer of- all these wonderful groups, providing more than $100,000 in ficials formed the framework on which the region’s govern- grants and subsidies. ment relied.

New Year’s resolutions are just around the corner. If you The Hudson Library, Chamber of Commerce, the Histori- support education, resolve to volunteer for the Literacy cal Society, the Highlands Greenway, The Highlands Play- Council. If you love four-leggers, consider helping out in anihouse and the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music, the mal rescue. If vision has special meaning for you, both literal Performing Arts Center, the Peggy Crosby Center, Fibber and figurative, join the Lions Club. If preserving the beauty Magee’s Closet, and scores more organizations, each with around us is your thing, volunteer for the Land Trust. If art its own target audience and dedicated group of volunteers is in your heart, volunteer at The Bascom or the Art League. followed over the decades.

Add your colors to the terrain-bow and make your corner of The Freemasons, Rotary Club, the Inner Wheel Club, the the world, better, stronger, more literate, more beautiful in Order of the Eastern Star, various garden clubs, the Highlands 2013 by being part of the Plateau’s colorful volunteer history.

Woman’s Club, Mountain Findings, the Humane Society, the To learn more about the impact of Highlands’ volunCullasaja Womens Outreach, the Inter-Church Council, Girl teerism, read Randolph Shaffner’s “Heart of the Blue Ridge,” and Boy Scouts, the Town Scholarship Fund, the Woman’s or visit www.highlandshistory.com.

To read more articles about the history of Highlands and Cashiers visit www.thelaurelmagazine.com/news 62 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

HISTORY

The Glenville Historical Map Contributed by Carol Bryson

From left to right, Jane Nardy, Carol Bryson, Librarian Serinity Richards, and David Bryson.

W

hen Carol and David Bryson got together, they formed a dynamic duo that led to the creation of a large map, depicting and graphically showing the location of the earliest settlers of the river valley settlement of Hamburgh, starting in 1827. Then, the next generations of settlers were overlaid on the same map.

Through the time, the village name changed to Glenville in 1891, and up to the time the dam was completed in 1940, when everyone in the valley had to leave.

David Haygood Bryson Jr. was the first licensed surveyor in business in the southern portion of Jackson County.

Craig Cranston, a summer resident of Cashiers, was responsible for bringing David and Carol to Cashiers, as he wanted David to take charge there of a new surveying and engineering office. From David’s first day of arrival, he was treated by the locals as though he, too, was a local, as his name was a match to the many Brysons living all over Western North Carolina. Some 30 years later, the couple finally found the time to research David’s family tree and found that he linked back to the first Bryson family to arrive in Jackson County, then Haywood County, in 1802.

Over their 19 years of surveying in Cashiers and Glenville, they took the time to study and research the history of the area. They also held in their hands the original 1891 Act to incorporate Glenville into a town. When the

100th anniversary of that document came around, Carol felt the need to let the local folks of Glenville know of its existence. Carol, already a drafter of David’s survey plats, had started the Hamburg-Glenville map in 1989 and now she earnestly set out to complete it in time for a community celebration. The completed map was presented at the anniversary festivities in August of 1991.

David and Carol made a significant life change, when David, at the mature age of 50, was accepted into a law school in Durham, North Carolina. They closed up shop and moved to Durham for three years. Carol gained employment in a law office and supported him through law school. They came back to Jackson County and opened his law practice in Sylva and practiced law for 17 years with Carol right there by his side.

This year they decided to retire. The colored map that hung in their conference room is now hanging at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library in its conference room. The Brysons donated it to the library so more people could enjoy it.

Now, Carol Bryson is earnestly working to compile a history book that will touch on all of Western North Carolina, with emphasis on Cashiers and Glenville’s history in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, including the complexities of the Indian Treaties, land granting, survey aspects and the individuals who were part if its history.

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 63

HOMES & LIFESTYLES

A True Masterpiece

by Wiley Sloan

S

nuggled gently on the shores of a 30-acre lake surrounded by the verdant beauty of native plants including rhododendron, mountain laurel and decade-old trees, is one of the most beautiful homes in our area. No detail has been overlooked in this handcrafted, designer home. Eye-catching in every way, this is a home of which dreams are made. Whether entertaining business associates or just enjoying your family and friends, this home is perfection.

With long ties to our area, the owners incorporated the best features of mountain elegance with the stylish beauty of homes they have experienced throughout the country.

Years of knowledge as an architectural interior designer provided their ability to create this exceptional home. A designer’s delight, it includes engineering features that will excite even the most avid technophiles. Multi-zoned sound and data ports, heating and cooling system, Wi-Fi, remote controlled lighting and more, are integrated in this extraordinary home.

64 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

Start your day on the wide front porch with a cup of coffee as the birds welcome the morning sun. Greet guests in the large entry foyer before they disperse to their favorite getaways. Let the men gather in the rustic, log-cabin den with hand-hewn logs and chinking. Local-cut stone and river rock accentuate the three fireplaces throughout the home. Guests gravitate to the magnificent kitchen which includes Viking Professional Series appliances and a large granite-topped island that seats six. The furniture-style cabinets provide the perfect display/storage centers for all of your treasured china and crystal. Streams of sunlight are fractured through the coppered stained windows above the kitchen sink. Just off the kitchen you will find a Viking Rotisserie grill and a large capacity wine cellar.

Post and beam construction with 33-foot-high ceilings adds dramatic elegance to the Great Room. Thoughtfully placed windows frame the surrounding vistas while filling the home with light. A carefully-crafted floor plan ensures maximum livability. You’ll be enamored by the Master Bed-

HOMES & LIFESTYLES

room suite with its large size, his and her walk-in closets and his and her baths with heated floors.

Guests have a choice of two suites including large bedrooms and private baths. Mesmerizing views of the lake and surrounding mountain vistas provide a relaxing backdrop for your comfortable rest. As the sun glides toward evening, gather on the covered back porch which is an outdoor living room with a fireplace to warm the generous seating and dining areas. Enjoy the boathouse as you take a cocktail cruise on the lake.

Conveniently located in a prestigious, gated community

halfway between Highlands and Cashiers, you have easy access to golf, hiking, walking trails and the private lake. This 3 bedroom, 6 bath home includes a 2 car garage with ½ bath plus a multi-use space above which could be used as a bedroom. Look no further, your dream home is here. Finelycrafted luxury, exceptional features, convenience surrounded by natural beauty – the package is complete. This home is newly listed and is being exclusively marketed by Exurbia Sotheby’s International Realty (exurbiasothebysrealty. com). Call Jody Lovell at (828) 526-4104 or at jody.lovell@ sothebysrealty.com to arrange your private showing.

View more photos of this Home of Distinction at www.thelaurelmagazine.com/realestate.php www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 65

HOMES & LIFESTYLES

Soul Food for the Winter

Ashby Underwood-Garner is a Rolf Structural Integration Practitioner and Yoga Therapist at Yoga Highlands.

Contact her at mtnyogins@gmail.com.

W

hat is it about being told to “take a rest?” Is it the freedom or the relief that feels so good to just stop doing, for now, close your

eyes and sink down into the earth beneath? Ask any Yoga practitioner, and most will say that it’s the end of a practice, or the guided relaxation, that keeps them coming back to Yoga with a smile.

Sensory nutrition, called Pratyahara in Sanskrit, is one of the ways of strengthening the mind. Let’s think about that concept… Sensory… Nutrition…feeding the senses. Considering how we take in sights, sounds, smells… how loud, how bright, for how long is a major part of any Yoga or meditation practice. People come to Yoga for cultivating the inner-quiet.

Yoga is full of practical wisdom to de-stress and stay centered.

66 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

As early winter arrives, the nights grow longer. Where we live here in the mountains, most of us can see a detailed night sky. But it is practice as usual, as we move closer to the holiday season, to burn our lights earlier and longer. We generally are a society that prefers lights rather than the dark. The eastern United States is still an area that mines and uses coal as fuel for neighboring power plants. I have often wondered about the increased amount of coal dust in the air this time of year affecting our air quality. It seems that as we turn our lights on for several hours more this season, there is an obvious surge in demand on

our Smoky Mountain coalburning power plants. In this way, light pollution and environmental issues may play into a cold or bronchitis common to the months ahead.

The attachment to lighting our living rooms, streets, city, and country may also be challenging our deeper need for darkness and deep rest. It challenges human physiology to be “ON” all year long, and many anxieties, chronic fatigue, and other mental energy deficits could be from underlying exhaustion. The shorter days and longer nights are a signal to increase our reserves of vitality, to develop a healthy baseline of balanced thinking and awareness.

HOMES & LIFESTYLES

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 67

HOMES & LIFESTYLES

Peg and Sandy...How My Mom Beat the Super Storm When I spoke with her on Sunday night, the day before Sandy was to hit land, she was busying herself checking flashlights, candles, food, firewood, her cell phone, and filling her bathtub in case she lost water. She does not have a generator as many

the kitchen to stay safe and warm. I thought maybe we should travel to New Jersey to be with her but she assured me that she would be safe and well taken care of by my brother, not too far away, and her wonderful neighbors who keep an eye on her every day.

Contributed by Dr. Sue Aery, Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture (828) 526-1022

O

n the eve of Hurricane Sandy, then anticipated to be the largest hurricane in decades, my 86-year-old mother, Peg, was preparing her home for the hit. I grew up in the NYC suburb of Caldwell, New Jersey. It’s a small town with winding roads and large trees. The houses are relatively small except for some larger and newer replacements of the original smaller cape cods built in the early fifties. Our house is nestled among some large oaks, tulips, cedars and beautiful silver birch trees. Since my dad died in 2000, my mom has lived by herself and is quite self-sufficient. She is in good health, slowed a bit by a heart attack back in 2006, when I first lived in North Carolina. She recovered well, changed her diet, and continued exercising for her health. She still plays a weekly game of tennis at a tiny tennis club, two courts built a long time ago between two homes in our neighborhood.

Peg and Sue

of her neighbors do, but she told me that she would be “just fine” without one.

Her kitchen has a gas stove and is located in the middle of the house. She told me that if the power goes out and the storm is fierce, she would just plant herself in

68 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

We reminded her to plug in her old phone, the one without the batteries, that she should be able to use even if the power goes out.

She had plenty of firewood to stoke her small but efficient fireplace in the family room. She was worried

about the birds as they flitted noisily about before the storm hit.

The storm did hit hard the next day and we finally got in touch with her later that day on her cell phone.

She had lost both power and phone service but she was fine. Her car was snug in the garage, as she was unable to open the garage door. This was Monday, October 29th and one week later the power has still not been restored. She has fed herself, my brother, nieces and a nephew. She has checked on her best friend, Val, 88, in the next town. She has cleaned up the “sticks” in the yard, fed the birds, and now makes daily trips to Shop Rite as her remaining food has spoiled. She even made her appointment with her chiropractor to work on her tennis elbow! We suggested days ago that we bring her down here for the duration but she said, “No, I’m fine and my friends need me here.” This is my mom, and I am not only amazed by her strength and fortitude but I am also proud of her resilience! My brother said just yesterday, “She is amazing and doing just fine.” Normally I preach good health but this lesson is, don’t ever let a devastating hurricane or adversity get you down; handle it just like Peg did!

Take it one day at a time and embrace the challenge of a wonderful life and the love of those around you. Keep your health strong so that no matter your age, you can handle a real challenge.

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 69

HOMES & LIFESTYLES

Here Comes Santa Claus!

Contributed by Bryan & Tricia Cox - CruiseOne Independent Vacation Specialists (828) 356-7920 TheCruiseFinders.com

I

don’t know about you, but I simply cannot believe that another year is coming to an end. Someone once said to me that the days go slow, but the years go fast. The

older I get, the more true that statement seems to be.

With 2012 rapidly winding down and the holiday season upon us, I like to take some time and reflect upon the year and the blessings in my life. I am reminded of how precious the time is that we have with our loved ones and how life is not about the items in our inbox, but rather the experiences we share and the memories we make with those who are most important to us.

As we head into the season of giving, it seems that we spend so much time and money finding that perfect thing for the people in our lives. In many cases, those “things” fall by the wayside only to be replaced by some-

thing newer or better next year. Now, I am not suggesting that everyone turn into Mr. Scrooge. There is something wonderful in giving to those we love. There is something magical to seeing the joy on the faces of children when they discover that Santa Claus made a stop by their house even though they may not have been nice to their little brother or eaten all their broccoli.

What I am suggesting, however, is that we spend more time making memories that will last a lifetime, and less time worrying about the gift that may not survive to next year… especially when you have kids like mine whom I have lovingly nicknamed “The Destroyers!”

This year, my family has decided to forego gift giving.

Instead, we are all going to spend a week together on vacation. Now, I know I am blessed to live in Highlands along with my parents and my sister and brother-in-law.

I see my family every day.

However, like many families, we don’t often spend much quality time together because of all the chaos of life. This short break will give us the opportunity to make memories that we will always cherish and have experiences that enhance our lives and our relationships with each other.

Life is, after all, not the destination, but the journey.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

For more information on Highlands and Cashiers visit thelaurelmagazine.com/cashiersnc.php and thelaurelmagazine.com/highlandsnc.php

70 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

HOMES & LIFESTYLES

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 71

HOMES & LIFESTYLES

Santa Stalker

by Donna Rhodes

O

h, yes, Virginia, he’s real. Bowlful-of-jelly real. Noselike-a-cherry real. I assure you, Santa Claus is justifiably, certifiably, verifiably, in-your-eye-ably legit.

How do I know this? I am… the Santa Stalker (insert creepy music here).

Sneaking around the Santa Complex is a cinch ever since global warming set in. Polar thaws have opened up new Wally World trade routes to China. Some of them pass right by the Santa sector. Arctic travel is so easy now I have made frequent trips via paddleboat. Ayup, just me and my trusty night-vision glasses. And my gazillion-X telephoto lens, guaranteed to produce exceptional grainy photos from 100 miles away. Spying on Santa has become a piece of Christmas cake.

But undercover work can be hazardous. Like now, for example: LOOK OUT FOR THAT MAMMOTH GLACIAL CHUNK!! It wasn’t just big. It actually had a mammoth in it. I won’t lie to you. Bobbing hunks of meltdown play havoc with a paddleboat.

But I am willing to take my chances as long as the tabloids eat up my stories. They can’t seem to get enough of them. They are especially fond of Rudolph trash-talk. That

buck sure knows how to get down. Booty cam on overtime.

And, with a modicum of modesty I must say, it’s not just my photos that sizzle, my stories are outstanding in a field… left field, maybe, but a field nonetheless.

Last year The National Expirer submitted my scoop, “Santa Does Snow” for a Pulitzer. I caught Jolly Ol’ St. Nick snorting the white stuff right out of the air. Then some jerk proved it really was snow. All was not lost though. I won the Pullet Surprise. I am dabomb.com with Rhode Island Reds.

But my biggest reveal was Santa’s real estate fiasco. When the market was booming, Nick (he said I could call him that as long as I promised not to publish news of his contract with Weight Watchers… oops) bought a million acres at the South Pole at a hugely inflated price. Glacier Realty s-l-ow-l-y saw him coming. Economy fail. He had to bail. Just as whale, I mean well. News of his being bipolar might have been more than the public could bear.

So keep your eyes glued to the supermarket rags for my latest scoop of Santa dirt. And do what I do: Hang your stalkings with care. Don’t get too Santa-mental. And keep your Bering Strait!

Outta sight and to all a good night.

For a comprehensive list of area events and happenings visit www.highlands-cashierscalendar.com

72 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

HOMES & LIFESTYLES

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 73

HOMES & LIFESTYLES

Protect Yourself Against Fraud

Contributed by Bill Zoellner, Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors in Highlands at (828) 787-2323.

P

rotecting your retirement nest egg and sustaining your retirement income are challenging enough. When you add in the fears and concerns unique to older persons, it’s clear that seniors should consider taking extra precautions to guard their investments.

Older people can be com-

mon targets for fraud and financial crimes. Several qualities that are characteristics of older people tend to make them targets for scam artists and unscrupulous sales people. Older people are generally trusting; they may be home alone during the day; they are accustomed to answering the door or the phone; and they may be reluctant to report fraud. Scam artists are well aware of all this which makes seniors susceptible to the methods unscrupulous people employ, including phone calls, emails, personal sales pitches, and pop-up ads on the Internet.

Let’s start with a few basics. Proceed with care; don’t jump into an investment just because you have been approached through one of these communications tactics. Prior to investing in any investment product or service, it is important that you consider

74 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

your overall financial situation in order to determine if the product or service is right for you. You should be aware of your liquidity needs, fees and costs associated with an investment, as well as your income needs and the overall risk you can afford to bear with any investment.

Offers of an investment with an above-average rate of return or income rate and little-to-no risk are almost always deceptive. Some representatives and salespeople may use scare tactics to gain access to seniors’ savings and investments, such as the threat of physical or financial harm, intimidating statements or recurring phone calls. Services described as a “limited-time offer” or any person who pressures you to make an immediate investment decision should also raise a red flag. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to seek a sec-

ond opinion.

Contact your law enforcement agency immediately if you suspect someone is employing fraudulent actions. Investment fraud can take many forms. There are Ponzi schemes, for example, where fraudsters advertise high rates of return on client investments.

Other schemes have been reported, including pyramid schemes, scams involving coins and precious metals, ownership interests in oil and gas interests, and affinity fraud through community groups, clubs and even places of worship. A healthy skepticism is a wise strategy for seniors when approached by salespeople.

For more information about how to protect against financial fraud, obtain the free Wells Fargo Advisors publication Guide to Financial Protection for Older Investors by calling Bill Zoellner at (828) 787-2323.

HOMES & LIFESTYLES

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 75

HOMES & LIFESTYLES

The Lost Art of Biscuit Making

T

he original biscuit was a flat cake that was put back in the oven after being removed from its tin, hence the French name “bis” (twice) “cuit” (cooked).

This very hard, dry biscuit was the staple for sailors and soldiers for centuries.

Feathery, light biscuits originated in Southern plantation kitchens, but are now popular throughout the United States. Rolled biscuits were a staple at most meals, but beaten biscuits became another Southern favorite. Beaten biscuits are made light by beating air into the dough with a mallet or a rolling pin (up to 100 strokes “or more for company”). Beaten biscuits are typically thinner and crispier than baking powder biscuits.

The art of biscuit making is quickly becoming a thing of the past. I remember my grandmother making biscuits daily. She would use buttermilk and lard and I would quickly sneak a raw biscuit because at that age I preferred the raw dough. I still love biscuits and at every opportunity search for a

hot, buttery biscuit.

On a recent dinner trip to Happ’s I was thrilled when the bread basket arrived with cheese biscuits. Kathy Fox, the chef who has apprenticed for the past 17 years under Happ, makes her biscuits from scratch.

When I ask her what the secret ingredient was, she stated, “Butter, not lard.”

All I know was I left the restaurant with four biscuits for breakfast. My next stop for the perfect biscuit was Dusty’s. They sell prepackaged biscuits, cheese, plain and garlic cheese. Now I really like these because I can take them home and cook and no one knows that I did not make them. My freezer always has about three packs since you never know who will drop by. Main Street Inn was a pleasant surprise as well and served sausage gravy with their biscuits. Now I was sure that there was an elderly granny in the kitchen making biscuits but I only found Aida who spoke English “muy poco.”

The only problem was that no one would give me

their recipe so I went to the Queen of Southern cooking, Paula Deen and here is her recipe. Tell me what you think.

Servings: about three dozen biscuits Cook Time: 12 min Difficulty: Easy Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 8 tablespoons butter, cubed 3/4 cup milk Directions: Preheat oven to 425 de-

Photo by Tina Rowden

76 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

grees.

In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt together. Cut butter into mixture until it begins to look like cornmeal.

Make a well with flour mixture and slowly add milk into the middle. Knead dough with your fingers and add milk when necessary.

Roll out dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to desired thickness. Cut with small biscuit cutter.

Butter bottom of skillet and place biscuits in pan.

Bake for twelve minutes or until golden brown.

Cashiers and Atlanta resident Elizabeth Fletcher makes event planning and public relations seem as effortless and anxietyfree as a day at the spa. Part of that is predicated on her years of experience as the publisher of four regional bridal magazines, bridal events spokesperson for Federated and Belk department stores, and guiding force behind media campaigns for exclusive inns. Equally important are her boundless energy, effortless imagination and fanatical attention to detail. elizabeth@idoeventsatlanta.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 77

sErviCEs BEAUTY

CABinET dEsign

FrAMing

MAssAgE

CABinET dEsign

70 78 ||December December2012 2012||www.thelaurelmagazine.com www.thelaurelmagazine.com

ConsTrUCTion

YogA

Waterfall Guide Where’s the Water Cashiers Waterfalls DRIFT, TURTLEBACK, RAINBOW & STAIRSTEP FALLS In the Horsepasture Wild & Scenic River area - 64 E. to Sapphire; to Hwy. 281; .7 miles to gated road on left — follow trail.

JOHN’S JUMP 64 E. to Sapphire; to Hwy 281; 4.8 miles - park on shoulder and follow path.

Highlands Waterfalls Bridal Veil Falls Hwy. 64, can be seen from road.

Where’s the Water

KING CREEK FALLS Hwy. 107 S.; about 13 miles; turn right on Burrells Ford Road — park at campground parking.

SCHOOLHOUSE FALLS In Panthertown Valley - Hwy 64 E. to Cedar Creek Road; to Breedlove Road — park at dead-end.

SILVER RUN FALLS Hwy. 107 S.; 4.1 miles from crossroads, look for gravel pull-off on left — follow trails.

DRY FALLS Hwy. 64; turn at Dry Falls sign.

GLEN FALLS Hwy. 106 S., left at Glen Falls sign.

KALAKALESKIES FALLS Hwy. 64; just below Sequoyah Lake.

LOWER CULLASAJA FALLS Hwy. 64 at pull-offs.

PICKLESIEMER ROCKHOUSE FALLS Hwy. 28 S. to Blue Valley Road; 4.3 miles - park at dirt road on right take trail - about 1 mile to falls.

UPPER & LOWER SATULAH FALLS Hwy. 28 S.; both can be seen from road.

WHITEWATER FALLS Hwy. 64 E. to Sapphire, to Hwy. 281 — look for signs.

To view photos and videos of the waterfalls in Highlands and Cashiers visit thelaurelmagazine.com/cashiersnc_outdoors.php and thelaurelmagazine.com/highlandsnc_outdoors.php www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 79

80 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 81

GIVING BACK

Everyday is a Holiday for a Rescued Pet Contributed by Kathy Bub, Executive Director, Forever Farms

T

he dogs, cats and horses at the Forever Farm want to thank everyone for keeping the Friends for Life mission alive through your donations. They really don’t know that Christmas is coming, but I believe they are truly grateful for the gifts of a warm place to sleep, healthy meals, and a loving human touch. They don’t understand what veterinary care costs, but they do know when they are no longer in pain. Some may miss the homes and families they once had - but most are very happy to be at the Forever Farm. They are free to be out in the sunny fields or porches, play with their friends, or to snuggle inside in their beds. Our two happy horses can stand in their stalls all day or can trot out to their pasture whenever they want.

Our old Quarter Horse, Dewey, thanks me every day for his rescue when he nickers at my approach. Likewise, when a cat jumps in my lap, or a dog runs up to me with a “smile” on his face, I am thanked beyond words for creating the Forever Farm. I hope that everyone that has helped: the staff, the Board members, the volunteers and those that provide financial support, feel that gratitude as well.

One hundred and seventy animals live happily at the the Forever Farm thanks to your support. Please visit our website: www.friendsforlifeforeverfarm.org and take the Visual Tour of our sanctuary in Lake Toxaway. Read the stories about some of our special residents and consider giving an online donation to help us continue to provide hope for senior and special needs animals. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, and your gift is tax deductible. For information call Friends for Life at (828) 508-2460.

82 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 83

GIVING BACK

2012, the Year of Manifested Dreams Contributed by Sue Blair, Carpe Diem Farms Executive Director Carpe Diem Farms settles into winter with a reflective mood.

T

he song that keeps running through my mind as my fingers run across the keyboard is, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”

As the holiday season draws near it seems a most appropriate sentiment. However, for those of us lucky enough to live in Highlands year-round and especially those of us at Carpe Diem Farms, we believe every season, every day, is the “most wonderful time of the year!”

Every December while extending our blessings and well wishes for joy-filled holidays and a prosperous and healthy New Year it seems fitting to share our year in review. It has been an incredible year of blessings and happenings on the farm!

“Easy’s Slipper,” our therapeutic horseshoe, has received its full trademarked name and mark registration. We still await the final patent approval and know that it is forthcoming. We will be very excited to take our shoe to market in the late spring of 2013 so that horses everywhere will be able to reap the benefits and healings we have had here on the farm. We’ve had the opportunity to help a few horses outside our test group working together with local veterinarian Dr. Al Caudle.

In preparation for the 20th anniversary celebration of our foundation and the 15th anniversary of CDF (the farm itself), we booked country western superstar John Michael Montgomery. Local volunteers designed and constructed an incred-

84 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

ible timber frame pavilion on the former tipi platform. Little did we know that this wonderful new farm venue would be first used as a wedding, mine, August 11th, to Jack Conway.

The finishing touches were completed the night before!

On October 6th, John Michael and his traveling band took to the stage for an afternoon concert, followed that evening with another magical performance and a meet-and-greet with the attendees. The evening celebration followed with dinner in the magnificently transformed arena. Tim Lundy and his Distinctive Event team outdid themselves. The crystal chandeliers hanging from the rafters, candlelit tables adorned in white silk over burlap, filled with crystal and silver and the spectacular flowers brought applause and cheers at the reveal.

The setting, recording artist David Scott, a spellbinding performance by equine Battersea Knightstar and a palate-pleasing dinner made it a night to remember. Many in the crowd were there when we began and remembered from whence we started. All who have volunteered, donated, and participated over the years have made Carpe Diem Farms what it is today.

We are humbled by the support and generosity and look forward with great anticipation to our next twenty years!

May you and yours have a blessed holiday. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”

Carpe Diem Farms is a 501©(3) not-for-profit foundation located five miles down the Buck Creek Road in Highlands. We can be reached by calling (828) 526-2854.

www.thelaurelmagazine.com www.thelaurelmagazine.com| |December December2012 2012| | 85 77

GIVING BACK

The Rotary Flyer Contributed by Zach Claxton, Rotary Club of Highlands

H

ride on hills along the paighlands’ Christmas rade route led to its being parade is a tradition pulled more recently by a that brings residents vehicle. While Santa holds and visitors to Main Street the attention of the onevery December. It is an lookers, his Rotarian helpeclectic mix of all things ers hand out traditional Highlands, from emergency Christmas goodies. vehicles, to classic cars, to It is appropriate that the floats representing both Rotary Club has the honor merchants and service orgaof escorting the jolly old nizations. There are musielf. Like Santa, Rotarians cians and walkers and dancare in the business of sharers and pets on parade. Any ing with others. Individuindividual or organization is ally and collectively they welcome to participate. All are true to their motto, that is needed is registraRotary parade members prepare to march with Santa.

“Service Above Self.” Also tion to receive a position number in line. It seems that the participants and the crowd like Santa, their efforts, directly or indirectly, are directed to children and families throughout the Highlands community. lining the parade route grow larger each year.

Bringing up the rear, as you might expect, is Santa and Rotary’s donations to various worthy non-profit organizaMrs. Claus, whose arrival is anticipated by children of all tions, its participation in community events and the time its ages. Riding on the sleigh decorated by the Rotary Club of members spend individually volunteering in the community Highlands, and escorted by Rotarians, Santa greets the crowd makes it a good fit to help welcome Santa to Highlands each with a “Ho, Ho, Ho” and a heartfelt “Merry Christmas!” The Christmas season.

The Rotary Club of Highlands wishes all residents and visisleigh itself was built many years ago by Rotary members, and is known as the “Rotary Flyer.” In the early years it was tors a wonderful holiday season! pulled by Rotarians, but a few close calls controlling Santa’s “Rotary parade members prepare to march with Santa.”

86 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

GIVING BACK

Highlands Land Trust Contributed by Gary Wein, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

T

The Silverleaf Hydrangea

his article is one that requires you to think about a warmer and earlier time than December. Have you ever been driving along a road at night and keep noticing a flash of silver from amongst plants growing along the side of the road? No it’s not your night vision going haywire, you are seeing the underside of the leaves of the shrub, silverleaf hydrangea. This plant, also called Hydrangea radiata (or sometimes Hydrangea arborescens ssp. radiata) is one of our special natives in Western North Carolina.

Perhaps the most well known hydrangea is the white to blue flowered Annabelle Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens). The flowers of the silverleaf hydrangea are very different from the foot-wide snowballs of the Annabelle and are more of the lacecap floral display. These native shrubs are a great addition to a garden and the flowers hold up well in rain.

The genus Hydrangea is a common ornamental plant and

is found in North and South America and eastern and southern Asia. The dehiscent capsules, sometimes in the shape of a Grecian water jar, gave rise to the genus name; hydro, water and angeion, a vessel, Hydrangea.

The plant was used by the Cherokee and early American settlers to treat calculus, also known as kidney stones. Some preliminary studies have investigated the members of the genus Hydrangea for antifungal, antimalarial, blood sugar lowering, and male pattern baldness properties. A comment in Krochmal’s A Guide to Medicinal Plants of the USA,” for Hydrangea radiata is “A decoction of the roots and other materials was given to women who had unusual dreams.”

However, there is not enough evidence available to support the use of hydrangea extracts for treatment in humans.

To find out how the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust works to conserve habitat for this species and others contact us at (828) 526-1111 or visit our website at www.hicashlt.org. www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 87

GIVING BACK

Shelter Without Walls Contributed by David Stroud, Executive Director, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

C

HHS has launched a new animal foster care program called “Shelter Without Walls.” We are currently looking for animal-loving families in our community who would like to provide temporary in-home care and comfort for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. With additional homes for foster care, we can stretch our resources and save the lives of more animals at any given time, and thus create a “Shelter Without Walls.”

Animals who are ideal candidates for our new Shelter Without Walls program will be puppies and kittens too young to be spayed/neutered for adoption, animals who have some special medical needs whose recovery would be more comfortable in a home environment, and adoptable dogs and cats on our waiting list who just need a little bit of time until space is available at our no-kill shelter.

If you love animals, but are unable to take on the permanent commitment of lifetime adoption, then foster parenting is the perfect alternative! CHHS will provide the food, any necessary medications, and counseling and support for your 88 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

foster pet. For more information on Shelter Without Walls, please call (828) 743-5752.

Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is located on Highway 64, 2.3 miles east of the Cashiers Crossroads behind Reid Real Estate. Shelter hours are 10:00 a.m. - 4 :00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit CHHS online at www.chhumanesociety.org to see pictures and descriptions of all the adorable, adoptable dogs and cats looking for forever homes. From the home page of the website you can also follow CHHS on Facebook, see CHHS on YouTube, make donations online, and even sign up for the free CHHS e-newsletter, PAWsitive News.

Established in 1987, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a private 501(c)(3) not-for-profit animal welfare organization and no-kill shelter that receives no federal, state, or county tax dollars, and no funding from the Humane Society of the United States. CHHS relies solely on donations, grants, bequests and special events to further our mission of rescue, compassionate care, and finding forever homes for abandoned and neglected animals.

GIVING BACK

IFC Year in Review Contributed by Faviola Olvera

I

With our partnership with the t turned out to be quite a busy Bascom-Center for the Arts, 11 year for the International Friendchildren were able participate in ship Center. We started 2012 bi-monthly art classes during the with a smaller office and the retirespring and fall. ment of our Executive Director of With our partnership with the nine years, Jill Montana. Not to be Presbyterian Church of Highlands deterred we forged ahead and had an average of 40 local families a successful year. received additional food once a With our partnership with the month with TEFAP, The Emergency Literacy Council of Highlands and Food Assistance Program.

Southwestern Community College, At our office located at the free English as a Second Language Peggy Crosby Center, we provided classes were expanded from once hundreds of services to families a week to twice a week and over and individuals. Services like no20 men and women logged in more tary public services, document than 1,000 learning hours this year. translation, interpretation and The Food Pantry of Highlands, other vital resource information which is a project of the Internaand we worked closely with local tional Friendship Center and Highorganizations like the Community lands United Methodist Church, The International Friendship Center partnered with the Bascom-Center for the Arts allowing 11 children to Care Clinic and the Free Dental provided food to over 250 families participate in bi-monthly art classes. representing over 1,000 individuClinic in Cashiers.

We look forward to another als. There were more than 2,000 great year and with your support visits by these families; those visits for our mission we can continue to reach out and help those represented over 11,500 individuals.

With a generous grant from the Cullasaja Women’s Orga- most in need in our community.

Call us at (828) 526.0890 x 252 or 290 for more informanization, eight low-income women in our community were able to obtain their First Aid and CPR certification with the tion or e-mail us at centrodeamigos@nctv.com.

American Red Cross.

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 89

GIVING BACK

Valley Garden Club News Contributed by Kathie Blozan

T

he Valley Garden Club extends hearty wishes for a Merry Christmas and a productive New Year to the entire community. The theme for this year’s Christmas parade is “Sing-a-long.” We hope to see everyone

1987 – “Decorate with Live Trees and Enjoy Them All Year Round”

1989 – “A Very Beary Christmas”

90 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

there. The VGC has participated in the Cashiers Christmas Parade since 1987.

Below we have a selection of photos and theme titles of the parade floats from the early years.

1988 – “Jolly, Jolly Christmas for the Birds” (note Big Bird)

1990 – “Candy Cane Christmas Tree”

GIVING BACK

Highlands Biological Station Contributed by Michelle Ruigrok

F

ounded portant in the in 1927 pursuit of disby visioncovery, and ary citizens of fieldwork is the town of necessary to Highlands who confirm the recognized results of labothe biological ratory investisignificance gations, which of the Highare conducted lands Plateau, under conthe Highlands trolled condiBiological Stations that cantion is the oldnot account est biological for variations field station in that occur in the Southeast. nature.

The HBS acquired ability to go its first laboraout into the tory for scienfield and coltific research in lect real-time 1931 and, since data is invaluthat time, sciable. All HBS entists based users depend at the Station upon the sciSummer Camp at Highlands Biological Station have made sigentific equipnification conment owned tributions in a number of fields, particularly in the study of by HBS to accurately and efficiently conduct their fieldwork. salamander biology, plant ecology, mycology, and aquatic Unfortunately, due to budget cutbacks over the past several ecology. HBS is renowned within the academic community years, HBS has been unable to keep up with the demand for these outstanding contributions. for new equipment and the need to replace old or damDid you know? aged equipment. HBS finds itself a field station with new • Each year HBS hosts researchers and biology classes laboratory facilities but without the necessary equipment from around the country and the world to conduct fieldwork.

• Thousands of students have taken advantage of HBSYou can help! How? This year for the holidays you can based learning opportunities “Give for Gear” in the name of a loved one, and help pro• HBS is credited in hundreds of scientific publications in vide much needed equipment to HBS. By doing so, you are scholarly journals not only giving a meaningful gift but are also directly sup• Over 100 Masters theses and Doctoral dissertations porting important research and education on the Highlands from universities throughout the country have been based Plateau. HBS needs everything from forceps to sift through on work conducted at HBS soil samples to water quality testing kits. The Highlands Bio• HBS sponsors a competitive research grant program an- logical Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to nually, which has awarded nearly half a million dollars to which all donations are tax-deductible. For your donation student researchers over the past 20 years you will receive a letter for income tax purposes and an ac• HBS offers public lectures, natural history exhibits at the knowledgement letter. To receive these letters in time for Nature Center, demonstration gardens, and children’s pro- the holidays, please make your donation by December 12th. grams all focused on the region’s unique ecosystems For more information on how to “Give for Gear” and donate In response to HBS’ continued growth, renovation of the field equipment in someone’s name to HBS, visit www.highmain Coker Laboratory began in 2012 to double classroom landsbiological.org/give-for-gear/ or call (828) 526-2221. Or and laboratory space on campus. Laboratory work is im- visit our office located at 265 North Sixth Street in Highlands.

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 91

GIVING BACK

Danny Boy and The Healing Harp

T

Contributed by Diane McPhail

ethereal tones of the harp also evoke he first time she saw him, he was what Dr. Herbert Benson of Boston calls playing the accordion and singing “the relaxation response.”

“Danny Boy.” They will be married Beth is a professional musician. She is 50 years in March. Now Irene and Gordon certified with the International Healing Boynton both live at the Fidelia-Eckerd LivMusician’s Program of the National Staning Center in Highlands and Gordon is being dards Board for Therapeutic Musicians. served by Four Seasons Hospice. Although Beth provides therapeutic harp for hoshis disease significantly limits his ability to pice patients at the Fidelia Eckerd Living communicate, he still sings “Danny Boy,” at Center and Chestnut Hill Assisted Living least on occasion.

Center in Highlands, as well as other faciliOne of those occasions was during a ties in the region. recent visit from Beth Hunter, a Hospice Irene Boynton smiles her soft convolunteer who brings music to the patients tented smiles as she reminisces with me of Four Seasons Hospice. Beth, an accomabout her life with Gordon. He was always plished harpist, describes what she does as Beth Hunter, Four Seasons singing, she said. And played several in“healing music.” The effectiveness of live Therapeutic Harpist struments, including the organ, which she music for patients over recorded music is well established. Music can reach the patient in places that learned to play just by watching him. As she is sharing memowords cannot. It certainly reached Gordon that afternoon as ries with me, Gordon comes down the hall in his walker. He is quiet, studying these strangers with his wife. Irene asks him Beth played and he broke into his favorite song for Irene.

As a harpist, Beth brings to the Hospice process an instru- if he will sing “Danny Boy” for her, but we seem to lack the ment revered from biblical times and before for its sooth- motivating tones of the harp. She reaches from her wheel ing and comforting tones. The harp has been central to the chair and caresses his hand, “This is still my sweetheart,” she healing music of the Irish and Celtic traditions. The pure, says, and his face beams.

92 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

GIVING BACK

Visit

Village Walk Share

Village Walk

in Cashiers

Highway 107 South

www.thelaurelmagazine.com www.thelaurelmagazine.com| |December December2012 2012| | 93 85

GIVING BACK

Cullasaja Women’s Outreach

C

Contributed by Margaret Eichman

ullasaja Women’s Outreach (CWO) has announced the results of its 2012 efforts to raise funds for charitable and not-for-profit organizations in the Highlands and Cashiers communities. Through a combination of direct grants totaling $62,000 and individual member-directed donations of $28,850, the women’s group raised $90,850 this past season. Since its inception in 2006, Cullasaja Women’s Outreach has given well over $500,000 to the Highlands and Cashiers area not-for-profits—a phenomenal amount for a grassroots organization made up of about 80 women from the Cullasaja Club community.

The highlight of this year’s fundraising was a progressive dining fundraiser along the homes of the Lake Villas Way in the Cullasaja Club. The community event brought CWO members and their families into the spirit of giving. The fundraiser was attended by a 140 generous donors from the Cullasaja Club. Funds from the event were awarded to 19 area organizations in CWO grants totaling $62,000. Individual awards ranged from $500 to $5,000, following a thoughtful grants process headed up by CWO Grant Co-chairs Joy Abney and Stevie Hinel. This year’s grant recipients included: the Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic, CashiersHighlands Humane Society, Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers, Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry, Girls on the

94 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

Run of Western NC, Highlands Biological Station, HighlandsCashiers Community Child Development Center, Highlands Emergency Council, Highlands Historical Society, HighlandsCashiers Land Trust, Highlands Plateau/Greenway, the Hudson Library, International Friendship Center, IFC/Food Pantry, Literacy Council of Highlands, the Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center’s Youth Program, The Peggy Crosby Center and The Bascom.

Working with the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, CWO established a CFWNC-CWO Charities fund. This special fund allows members to designate the recipients of their donations directly, or to make donations to the CWO Charities General Fund, which are disbursed each fall when the organization completes its annual grant process.

“The outpouring of love and generosity for the broader Highlands-Cashier community by our members has been phenomenal,” noted 2012 President Gail Hughes. “We are an independent grassroots organization—about 80 women strong—who share a mission of reaching-out to each other and to the community through philanthropy, volunteerism and friendship. The fact that we raised over $500,000 for the Highlands-Cashiers community in six years is truly an accomplishment! We are determined to build a legacy of love and sharing that grows stronger each year.”

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 95

GIVING BACK

Bel Canto

T

The sweet music of these second-graders is nurtured by the generosity of Bel Canto.

he 20th annual Bel Canto performance was a great success musically and financially. Thanks to the generosity of its patrons the Bel Canto Committee awarded grants to its beneficiaries totaling $32,500. Benefiting were the music programs at both the Highlands School and the Child Development Center and the permanent collection of The Bascom.

Bel Canto brings great vocal stars to Highlands who perform

96 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

popular operatic and Broadway arias for its patrons. Stell Huie, Chair of Bel Canto, says of the performances: “Our artists provide the finest in vocal music to be heard in Highlands each year. Bel Canto performances are to opera and Broadway as the heart is to the watermelon.” The next performance will be held on Sunday, September 8th, 2013 - the Sunday after Labor Day. If you would like to be notified, please drop a note to Bel Canto at PO Box 2392, Highlands, NC 28741.

For more information on Highlands and Cashiers visit thelaurelmagazine.com/cashiersnc.php and thelaurelmagazine.com/highlandsnc.php

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 97

GIVING BACK

Cat’s Best Kept Secret Local felines find a respite from a dangerous world at Catman2 Cat Shelter.

H

idden in a grassy cove deep in a Blue Ridge valley, lies a secret place any stray cat, or one surrendered by its owner, would be lucky to find.

Known as the “Catman2 Inc., Cats-Only Shelter, Adoption Center and Sanctuary,” this rare facility is the only, animal shelter in Western North Carolina devoted to the sole care of cats.

Its mission statement bars ever sheltering dogs within hearing distance of the cats. It is a place where a cat can relax. During the past 10 years, more than 2,000 cats have enjoyed the security and comfort of this shelter.

The few not lucky enough to be adopted have a safe haven until, through the ravages of age, no longer enjoy a quality of life worth living then and only then is a cat euthanized with the blessing of our staff and the shelter’s veterinarian.

Today more than 75 cats enjoy the comforts of home as they await that special person that will come to adopt them.

What makes Catman2 unique is that it was not conceived or built by a group of people, but was built by a retired junior college biology professor who didn’t have the wildest idea of having a second career when he left his teaching job after 22 years.

The seed that produced Catman2 had been sown by a chance encounter when this retired teacher volunteered at

98 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

a local animal shelter. Most of this time was spent doing odd jobs. But between them he spent time hanging out in the cat adoption area. There he found pleasure in matching cats with people looking to adopt a feline friend and a dream to help cats was born.

After moving to North Carolina, he tried volunteering with local animal shelters only to learn that, at most, they kept only an enough cats to satisfy the few cat lovers who donated money on their behalf. Almost all animal shelters had 90 percent dog and 10 percent cat.

When he told people his dream was to build a cat’s only shelter it was suggested he go back to Florida and he was informed that this was dog country and the only cats people wanted here were barn cats.

In 2000 he invested a portion of his retirement savings, found a retired building contractor, and two years later opened the 4,000 square-foot building known as The Catman2 Shelter, a shelter without cages, an abode where cats live in a home-like environment with beds to sleep in and spacious indoor covered enclosures.

It is a paradise for cats of all ages and the realization of a dream for Harold Sims, now known as The Catman. For more information about this shelter and its happy cats, visit www.catman2.org.

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 99

100 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 101

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Accommodations Cashiers Resort Rentals www.cashiersresortrentals.com Pages 44, 45 Country Club Properties www.ccphighlandsnc.com Page 2 Fire Mountain Inn & Cabins www.firemt.com Page 6 Inn at Half-Mile Farm www.halfmilefarm.com Page 21 Landmark Vacation Rentals www.landmarkvacations.com Pages 44, 45 Mountain Laurel Rest www.mountainlaurelrest.com Page 67 Old Edwards Inn www.oldedwardsinn.com Page 4 Whiteside Cove Cottages Page 76 Adventures Highlands Aerial Park www.highlandscanopytour.com Page 65 Antiques & Home Furnishings Acorns Boutique www.acornsboutique.com Page 66 Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Page 17 Cabin Couture Page 17 Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 9 Greenleaf Gallery www.greenleafgallerygifts.com Page 64 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 67 Mirror Lake Antiques Page 89 Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Page 67 Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Page 14 Scudder’s Galleries www.scuddersgalleries.com Page 22 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Pages 27, 87 Art Galleries/Artists The Bascom www.thebascom.org Page 52 Blue Valley Gallery Page 34A Cabin Couture Page 17 Calderone Fine Art Gallery www.calderonegallery.com Page 89 Chivaree Southern Art & Design www.chivarts.com Page 43 GG’s Consignments www.ggsconsignment.com Page 77 Greenleaf Gallery www.greenleafgallerygifts.com Pages 64, 70 Highlands Fine Art Page 15 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 67 John Collette www.johncollettefineart.com Page 92 Mill Creek Gallery www.cystrain.com Page 62 Mountain Mist Gallery Page 43 Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Page 67 Oakleaf Flower & Garden Page 18A Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Page 14 Peter J. Pioli Interiors www.macdonaldhomeconstruction.com/interior.html Page 6 TJB Gallery www.tjbmens.com Page 36 Beauty Salons Creative Concepts Page 70 Head Innovations Page 70 Bedding/Linens Blue Ridge Bedding www.blueridgebedding.com Page 72 Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 9 Highlands Emporium www.highlandsemporium.com Page 84 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 67 Lenz Gifts Page 86 Bird Supplies Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Page 11 Books The Book Nook Pages 40, 89 The Corner Store Page 85 102 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

Builders Arrowood Construction www.arrowoodconstruction.com Lupoli Construction www.lupoliconstruction.com Mountainworks Design www.mtnworks.com Srebalus Construction Co. Warth Construction www.warthconstruction.com

Page 10 Page 36 Page 63 Page 70 Page 18A

Candles The Corner Store

Page 85

Canopy Tours Highlands Aerial Park

Page 65

www.highlandscanopytour.com

Cards Bird Barn and Gift Emporium The Corner Store The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com Caterers Café 107 Fressers Eatery The Kitchen Carryaway & Catering

www.cafe107south.com www.fresserseateryhighlands.com www.thekitchenofhighlands.com

Page 11 Page 85 Page 11 Page 85 Page 47 Pages 50, 89

Chambers of Commerce Cashiers Chamber of Commerce www.cashiersareachamber.com

Page 25

Churches Wayfarers Unity

www.wayfarersunity.org

Page 58

Cigars Highlands Emporium

www.highlandsemporium.com

Pages 84

Clothing & Accessories 4th Street Boutique Alyxandra’s Boutique Annawear Acorn’s Boutique www.acornsboutique.com Bear Mountain Outfitters Cabin Casuals www.cabincasuals.com Ellen’s Highland Hiker www.highlandhiker.com The Look Jewelry www.thelookjewelry.com Lulu & Tully’s Martha Anne’s Mountain Mist Gallery Nora & Co. Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Sashay Around www.sashayaround.com Sorelle Design Studio www.sorelledesignstudio.com Spoiled Rotten www.spoiledrotten2nc.com TJ Bailey www.tjbmens.com VC for Men www.victoriasclosetnc.com Victoria’s Closet www.victoriasclosetnc.com Victoria’s Sportswear www.victoriasclosetnc.com Vivace Wit’s End

Page 10 Page 59 Page 81 Page 66 Page 18A Page 5 Page 85 Page 33 Page 10 Page 88 Page 58 Page 43 Page 85 Page 14 Page 59 Page 62 Page 19 Page 36 Page 77 Page 77 Page 77 Page 61 Page 41

Cloth/Upholstery Wilhites

Page 68

Clothing Consignment The Blue Elephant Victoria’s Closet www.victoriasclosetnc.com

Page 65 Page 77

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Comforters Blue Ridge Bedding Dutchman’s Designs

www.blueridgebedding.com www.dutchmansdesigns.com

Communities Silver Creek Real Estate Group

www.ncliving.com

Page 72 Page 9 Pages 8, 53

Reeves Furniture The Summer House

www.reeveshomefurnishings.hdspd.com www.summerhousehighlands.com

Furniture Consignments The Blue Elephant Consignment Market GG’s Consignments www.ggsconsignment.com Highlands Fine Consignments Nearly New

Condiments The Hen House

Pages 3, 73

Construction Companies Larry Rogers Construction

Page 41

Furniture Refinishing Furniture Barn

Page 11

Garden Accessories/Supplies Acorns Boutique www.acornsboutique.com Bird Barn and Gift Emporium

Cosmetic Surgery Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, M.D.

www.plasticsurgerytoday.com

www.thefurnitureman.com

Page 67 Pages 27, 87 Page 65 Page 77 Page 77 Page 59 Pages 77, 85 Page 88 Page 66 Page 11

Custom Cabinetry Black Rock Granite & Marble www.blackrockgraniteandmarble.com Keystone Kitchen & Bath www.keystonekb.com Welcome Home Kitchen & Bath www.welcomehomecashiersnc.com

Pages 70, 75 Pages 59, 70 Page 70

Custom Countertops Black Rock Granite & Marble www.blackrockgraniteandmarble.com Keystone Kitchen & Bath www.keystonekb.com Welcome Home Kitchen & Bath www.welcomehomecashiersnc.com

Pages 70, 75 Pages 59, 70 Page 70

Custom Furniture Dutchman’s Designs The Summer House

www.dutchmansdesigns.com www.summerhousehighlands.com

Page 9 Pages 27, 87

Dentists Dr. Joe Wilbanks

www.wilbankssmilecenter.com

Page 37

Golf Cars Appalachian Golf Cars

Education Rabun Gap Nacoochee School

www.rabungaporg

Page 90

Gourmet Foods Dusty’s The Hen House

Page 49 Pages 3, 73

Page 66 Page 52

Grading/Excavating Larry Rogers Construction

Page 41

Pages 7, 93

Fabric/Upholstery Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Into the Woods Home Interiors Wilhites

Grocery Stores Dusty’s

Page 49

Page 9 Page 67 Page 68

Groomers Fancy Paws

Page 34A

Fitness Cashiers Valley Fusion Yoga Highlands

Page 78 Page 70

Hair Salons Creative Concepts Head Innovations

Page 70 Page 70

Health Food Supplies Nature’s Vitamins

Page 34A

Events Acorns Boutique www.acornsboutique.com The Bascom www.thebascom.org Festival of Lights on the Village Green

www.cashiersvalleyfusionnc.com www.yogahighlands.com

Florists Cosper Flowers Fiddlehead Designs Oakleaf Flower & Garden

Page 78 Pages 25, 76 Page 18A

Furniture Bumpkins www.bumpkins-cashiers.com Carolina Rustic Furniture www.carolinarusticfurniture.com Consignment Market Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Into the Woods Home Interiors Lulu & Tully’s Nearly New Oakleaf Flower & Garden

Page 24 Page 72 Page 77 Page 9 Page 67 Page 88 Pages 77, 85 Page 18A

Gift Shops Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Bumpkins www.bumpkins-cashiers.com Cabin Couture The Corner Store The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Fiddlehead Designs Lenz Gifts The Look www.thelookjewelry.com Nora & Co. Stone Lantern www.stonelantern-highlands.com

Heating and Air Madco

www.appalachiangolfcars.com

www.holleyheating.com

Home Accessories Acorns Boutique www.acornsboutique.com Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Bumpkins www.bumpkins-cashiers.com Cabin Couture Carolina Rustic Furniture www.carolinarusticfurniture.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com GG’s Consignments www.ggsconsignment.com Into the Woods Home Interiors

Page 11 Page 24 Page 17 Page 85 Page 11 Page 9 Pages 25, 76 Page 86 Page 10 Page 85 Page 100 Page 68

Page 81 Page 66 Page 11 Page 24 Page 17 Page 72 Page 9 Page 77 Page 67

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 103

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Lenz Gifts Lucas Patton Design Lulu & Tully’s Oakleaf Flower & Garden Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Reeves Furniture www.reeveshomefurnishings.hdspd.com Stone Lantern www.stonelantern-highlands.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Ice cream SweeTreats SweeTreats Deli

www.sweetreats.com www.sweetreats.com

Page 86 Page 31 Page 88 Page 18A Page 14 Page 67 Page 100 Pages 27, 87 Page 88 Page 88

Interior Design & Home Furnishings Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Page 17 Bumpkins www.bumpkins-cashiers.com Page 24 Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 9 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 67 Lucas Patton Design Page 31 Lulu & Tully’s Page 88 Peter J. Pioli Interiors www.macdonaldhomeconstruction.com/interior.html Page 6 Raffa Design Associates www.raffadesignassociates.com Page 23 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Pages 27, 87 Investment Planning Edward Jones www.edwardjones.com Wells Fargo Advisors Jewelry - Fashion Acorns Boutique www.acornsboutique.com Alyxandra’s Boutique Annawear Calderone Fine Art Gallery www.calderonegallery.com Ellen’s Greenleaf Gallery www.greenleafgallerygifts.com The Look Jewelry www.thelookjewelry.com Mountain Mist Gallery Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Sashay Around www.sashayaround.com Sorelle Design Studio www.sorelledesignstudio.com Vivace Jewelry - Fine Drake’s Diamond Gallery Highlands Fine Art Mirror Lake Antiques Scudder’s Galleries www.scuddersgalleries.com Stone Lantern www.stonelantern-highlands.com Kitchen Accessories Bird Barn and Gift Emporium The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com

Page 19 Page 66 Page 66 Page 59 Page 81 Page 89 Page 85 Page 64 Page 10 Page 43 Page 14 Page 59 Page 62 Page 61 Page 29 Page 15 Page 89 Page 22 Page 100 Page 11 Page 11 Pages 27, 87

Landscapers Laurel Crest Landscapes

www.laurelcrestlandscapes.com

Page 41

Lawn & Garden Care Laurel Crest Landscapes

www.laurelcrestlandscapes.com

Page 41

Lighting Bumpkins Carolina Rustic Furniture

www.bumpkins-cashiers.com www.carolinarusticfurniture.com

Page 24 Page 72

104 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Into the Woods Home Interiors Lenz Gifts The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com

Page 9 Page 67 Page 86 Pages 27, 87

Luggage Highlands Emporium

www.highlandsemporium.com

Page 84

Masonry Laurel Crest Landscapes Palillos Stone Masonry

www.laurelcrestlandscapes.com www.palillosstonemasonry.com

Page 41 Page 28

Massage Therapy Tranquility Cove Massage

www.tranquilitycovemassage.com

Page 70

Mattresses Blue Ridge Bedding Dutchman’s Designs

www.blueridgebedding.com www.dutchmansdesigns.com

PagE 72 Page 9

Museums Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass

Page 67

Nail Care Creative Concepts

Page 70

Needlework Supplies Needlepoint of Highlands

Page 58

Outdoor Adventures Highlands Aerial Park

Page 65

www.highlandscanopytour.com

Painters Quality Painting

Page 75

Pet Care/Supplies Fancy Paws Woof Gang Bakery

Page 34A Page 81

Pharmacies Cashiers Valley Pharmacy Highlands Pharmacy

Page 76 Page 19

Photography Charles Johnson Fine Photography www.charlesjohnsonfineart.com Cynthia Strain - Mill Creek Gallery www.cystrain.com

Page 74 Page 62

Picture Framing Greenleaf Gallery Mill Creek Gallery

www.greenleafgallerygifts.com www.cystrain.com

Page 64 Page 62

Porch and Patio The Summer House

www.summerhousehighlands.com

Pottery Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Calderone Fine Art Gallery www.calderonegallery.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Greenleaf Gallery www.greenleafgallerygifts.com The Hen House Mountain Mist Gallery

Pages 27, 87 Page 11 Page 89 Page 9 Page 64 Pages 3, 73 Page 43

Printing Companies Cashiers Printing

Page 24

Pubs The Ugly Dog

Page 49

www.theuglydogpub.com

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Radio Stations WHLC FM 104.5 Real Estate Sales Betsy Paul Carol Mathews Chambers Agency Country Club Properties Green Mountain Realty Group Hattler Properties Highlands NC Realty Highlands Properties John Cleaveland Realty Landmark Realty Group Meadows Mountain Realty Mountain View Properties NC Mountain Life Old Cashiers Realty, Inc. Pam Nellis SIlver Creek Real Estate Group Silver Creek Real Estate Group White Oak Realty Group

www.whlc.com www.betsypaulproperties.com www.carolmathews.com www.chambersagency.net www.ccphighlandsnc.com www.greenmountainrealtygroup.com www.hattlerproperties.com www.highlandsnc.info www.highlandsproperties.com www.jcrealty.com www.landmarkrg.com www.meadowsmtnrealty.com www.mountainviewpropertiesnc.com www.ncmountainlife.com www.oldcashiersrealty.com www.ncliving.com www.ncliving.com www.whiteoakrg.com

Restaurants Highlands-Cashiers Directory Bella’s Junction Cafe Café 107 www.cafe107south.com Dominick’s Restaurant Dusty’s FlipSide www.highlandsrestaurantgroup.net Fressers Eatery www.fresserseateryhighlands.com Ghangri Asian Fusion Restaurant www.ghangri.com Highlands Smokehouse www.highlandsrestaurantgroup.net The Kitchen Carryaway & Catering www.thekitchenofhighlands.com On the Verandah www.ontheverandah.com Ristorante Paoletti www.paolettis.com Ruka’s Table www.highlandsrestaurantgroup.net SweeTreats www.sweetreats.com SweeTreats Deli www.sweetreats.com The Ugly Dog/Dog House www.theuglydogpub.com Wild Thyme Gourmet www.wildthymegourmet.com Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro www.wolfgangs.net Zookeeper Retirement Communities Chestnut Hill

www.chestnuthillathighlands.com

Page 19 Page 99 Page 98 Page 8 Page 2 Page 8 Page 8 Page 73 Page 30 Page 63 Pages 44, 45 Page 35 Page 69 Page 8 Page 8 Page 67 Pages 8, 53 Page 16 Page 51 Page 50 Page 85 Page 86 Page 49 Page 49 Page 47 Page 6 Page 49 Pages 50, 89 Page 48 Page 50 Page 47 Page 88 Page 88 Page 49 Page 6 Page 5 Page 34A Page 65

Rugs Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Page 17 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 67 Peter J. Pioli Interiors www.macdonaldhomeconstruction.com/interior.html Page 6 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Pages 27, 87 Shipping Services Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship Shoes 4th Street Boutique Annawear Bear Mountain Outfitters

Page 11 Page 10 Page 81 Page 18A

Highland Hiker www.highlandhiker.com Martha Anne’s Nora & Co. TJ Bailey www.tjbmens.com Vivace

Page 33 Page 58 Page 85 Page 36 Page 61

Socks Peak Experience

www.peakexp.com

Page 14

Spas Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, M.D. Old Edwards Inn

www.plasticsurgerytoday.com www.oldedwardsinn.com

Page 11 Page 4

Stonework Laurel Crest Landscapes Palillos Stone Masonry

www.laurelcrestlandscapes.com www.palillosstonemasonry.com

Page 41 Page 28

Structural Integration Rolf Method Structural Integration

www.rolfmethodsi.com

Page 70

Sun Control Shades/Blinds American Sun Control americansuncontrol.hdspd.com Into the Woods Home Interiors Wilhites

Page 10 Page 67 Page 68

Tables Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Into the Woods Home Interiors

Page 9 Page 67

Telephone Books Yellowbook

www.yellowbook360.com

Page 74

Therapeutic Bodywork Rolf Method Structural Integration

www.rolfmethodsi.com

Page 70

Toys The Corner Store

Page 85

Transportation Highlands Transportation Company

Page 67

Vacation Specialists CruiseOne/Highlands Travel

Page 64

www.highlandstravel.com

Vitamins/Food Supplements Nature’s Vitamins

Page 34A

Window Treatments American Sun Control americansuncontrol.hdspd.com Into the Woods Home Interiors Peter J. Pioli Interiors www.macdonaldhomeconstruction.com/interior.html Reeves Furniture www.reeveshomefurnishings.hdspd.com

Page 10 Page 67 Page 6 Page 67

Wine & Accessories Dusty’s

Page 49

Yarn Silver Threads Golden Needles

www.silverthreadsyarn.com

Page 88

Yoga Cashiers Valley Fusion Yoga Highlands

www.cashiersvalleyfusionnc.com www.yogahighlands.com

Page 78 Page 70

Zipline Adventure Highlands Aerial Park

www.highlandscanopytour.com

Page 65

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 105

106 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | December 2012 | 107

108 | December 2012 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com