December 2020 | The Laurel Magazine of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

a e

L UR L The Heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

Holiday Spirit Lineup of holiday actvities and events pg. 16

So Many Photos Await Our cover artist, Cynthia Strain

December 2020

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CON T E N T S December 2020

13 What To Do

18 Holidays on Ice

45 Recreation & Creation 50 Forget Me Not

61 Arts

68 Pens with a Purpose

79 Dining

68 38

86 Holiday Dining Options

97 Shopping

100 Plateau Picks

109 History

111 Henry Wright

117 Lifestyles & Wellness

122 The Solution to 2020

135 Giving Back

148 Remembering Wiley Sloan

154 Commerce

154 Lake Glenville Discovery Center

80

The Orchard

150

Rotarian’s Volunteerism

40 30Calendar Calendar | | 92 60Dining DiningGuide Guide | |9462Accommodations AccommodationsGuide Guide| |102 72 Highlands HighlandsMap Map | | 104 74 Cashiers CashiersMap Map | |102 132Service ServiceGuide Guide || 128 176 Advertiser’s Advertiser’sIndex Index

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VOLUME EIGHTEEN, ISSUE ELEVEN

JANET CUMMINGS Managing Partner

janet@thelaurelmagazine.com

MARJORIE CHRISTIANSEN Managing Partner marjorie@thelaurelmagazine.com

MICHELLE MUNGER Art Director mungerclan5@aol.com

SARAH FIELDING Account Manager sarah@thelaurelmagazine.com

LORNA ALEXANDER Account Manager lorna@thelaurelmagazine.com

LUKE OSTEEN Editor / Writer luke@thelaurelmagazine.com

DONNA RHODES Writer dmrhodes847@gmail.com

MARY JANE MCCALL Writer mjmccall777@gmail.com

DEENA BOUKNIGHT Writer dknight865@gmail.com

THOMAS CUMMINGS Distribution Manager jothcu@yahoo.com

Publisher’s Note We’ve arrived in December with a sleigh’s load of things to be thankful for.

At the top of that pile is, of course, our readers. You’ve kept us going through this scary year, and the landscape is littered with magazines that simply didn’t have a coterie of faithful followers.

And naturally, we’re grateful for the courage of our advertisers, who entrusted us with their precious dollars to give them a showcase we could all be proud of.

Finally, we recognize how fortunate we are to be embroidered in the lives of these Plateau communities, which constantly astonish us with their deep pools of compassion and creativity.

We hope that you and your loved ones will discover your own Christmas blessings as this month unfolds. We promise, they’re there!

Sincerely, Janet and Marjorie

Visit us online thelaurelmagazine.com phone 828.526.0173 email info@thelaurelmagazine.com mail Post Office Box 565 Highlands, North Carolina 28741

Contributing Writers: Jane Gibson Nardy, Mary Adair Trumbly, Sue Blair, David Stroud, Jeannie Chambers, William McReynolds, Sue Aery, Ann Self, Zach Claxton, Mary Abranyi, Ashby Underwood, and Chris Wilkes Contributing Photographers: Susan Renfro, Greg Clarkson, Charles Johnson, Peter Ray, Terry Barnes and Kevin FitzPatrick Copyright © 2020 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 will 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.

WHAT TO DO Pages 14-40

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new kind of

holiday fun

Undeterred by the roadblocks caused by Covid, the Cashiers Community f inds new ways to maintain Christmas Cheer throughout the season.

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ngenuity and adapting to changing circumstances are the hallmarks of our community and few organizations have worked as diligently and been as successful at keeping our community spirit alive and well during the season of Covid as the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce.

The need for responsible social distancing has required that many of our annual traditions have had to be rethought and redesigned. The upcoming holiday activities are no exception but with a lot of 14 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M AG A Z I N E . C O M

creativity, hours of hard work and a coterie of volunteers this season promises to be a bright one.

With heavy hearts it was decided that for the well-being of the community the annual Christmas parade would be cancelled.

Instead, we’re focusing on appropriate festivities that promote safety and keep tradition alive. Countless volunteers, businesses and organizations have pitched in to help and make the season a bright one.

We’re extremely excited that the much-

loved Village Lights display is getting a face lift this year and will make the Crossroads shine with holiday cheer. Working in conjunction with the Village Green, the lights this year will be bigger, better and brighter than ever.

We’re also happy to partner with the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau to bring “Bright Futures” to Chestnut Square, a multi-evening drive-through-lights event that will feature bright Christmas displays of all kinds, including several animated

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photo by Susan Renfo

displays. Sarah Jennings, who serves on the Board of both the Chamber and the Boys & Girls Club, feels that this event highlights our joyous community spirit. It’ll be held on Friday and Saturday nights through January 2 from 5:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and will be a drive-through, though there may also be an evening or two for walk-throughs. There will be no admission fee, but donations to the Boys & Girls Club are encouraged and appreciated.

by Stephanie Edwards Executive Director of the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce

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santa claus is still

coming to town

Even with the ongoing health crisis, Highlands is still offering a full lineup of events and activities to bolster the Holiday Spirit.

For a current calendar, visit highlandschamber.org.

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photo by Susan Renfo

he holidays came with much fanfare, and festivities, but the fun hasn’t stopped!

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce insists the 2020 holiday festivities and fun will not be cancelled but are being altered for everyone’s health and safety. Already, the end of November launched the Light up the Park as a way to incite holiday spirit and our annual “Trim Our Town Contest,” which is a friendly storefront decorating competition began.

The competition is a People’s Choice Award and runs through Dec. 24th so as you stroll to find those perfect gifts be sure to continue voting for your favorite storefront. All voters’ names will be included in a drawing for a one night’s stay

and dinner in Highlands.

There’s much to look forward to in December! On Saturday, Dec. 5th, stroll through Town for those perfect gifts but be sure to return downtown for a festive dinner or the Olde Mountain Christmas Drive Through Festival which will begin at 2nd Street at 6pm. Main Street will have floats, music and some of your favorite parade characters and the Kelsey Hutchinson Park will have music, Santa on the Firetruck and Elves with candy canes to share with drive through participants.

Unfortunately, Santa will not be able to interact with children this year because of COVID-19, but a special mailbox will be at Kelsey Hutchinson Park where children can leave their personally crafted letters for the venerable holiday icon.

Santa also plans to leave behind one of his sleighs at the Park so that children and families have a festive spot for taking those holiday photographs.

Since the only certainty for 2020 is uncertainty, all events and activities are subject to change – and even more opportunities to celebrate Christmas and the holidays may be forthcoming. Thus, residents and visitors can stay up-to-date by calling (828) 526-2112 or visiting highlandschamber.org.

Please follow all current N.C. and Town of Highlands pandemic requirements during festivities for a safe and healthy holiday season.

by Deena Bouknight

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holidays

on ice

photo by Susan Renfo

No matter what the rest of the world offers this Holiday Season, you can still f ind a measure of peace and a dash of excitement and heaps of unadulterated joy at the Town of Highlands Ice Rink, located at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

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hether Highlands becomes a winter wonderland this Christmas season or not, the ice skating rink at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park is a festive, fun-filled, coldweather activity many look forward to annually. The Town of Highlands Ice Rink opened Thursday, Nov 19, for the 20202021 season.

“This is our sixth season,” said Lester Norris of the Highlands Park & Recreation Department. “We have a lot of visitors in town for the holidays and many of them live farther south where the weather is not conducive to real outdoor ice rinks, so that adds to the excitement.”

Every week, through March 7, Thursday through Sunday, the rink opens at 1 P.M. Closing times are different for each of those days. However, the schedule changes the week of Christmas, as the rink is open 18 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M AG A Z I N E . C O M

instead Monday through Wednesday and closes Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

It reopens the day after Christmas and will stay open every day during the week after Christmas to allow holiday visitors to the area an opportunity to skate. The Thursday through Sunday schedule will resume from January through the planned closing on March 7.

Adhering to North Carolina pandemic rules and procedures, The Town of Highlands Ice Rink will allow only 30 skaters on the ice at one time, and online reservations are necessary. Temperatures checked; masks required. Masks are available for those who do not have one. Plus, there will be hand sanitation stations. Highlands Parks & Recreation Department is asking that no one plan to skate if experiencing COVID-19 or other virus illness symptoms.

Private parties can be booked at least

two weeks in advance by contacting Lester Norris.

Pricing for ice skating continues to be an affordable $5, which includes an hour and a half to pick up and return skates and time on the ice. Skate sizes range from youth 8 to adult 14. Coffee and hot chocolate is available for sale.

Information about parties, times, dates, and other concerns are addressed by calling Highlands Parks & Recreation Department at (828) 526-3556 or by visiting highlandsnc.org/recreation-ice-rink.

by Deena Bouknight

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about Highlands Ice Rink.

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holidays &

chocolate

Cake Bar takes it upon itself to get the entire community into the holiday spirit with a mix of music, exuberance on a lavish scale, and, of course, freshly-baked treats.

photo by Susan Renfo

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ince 2014, Krysti and Thomas Henderson, the energetic couple behind The Chocolate Heaven Company, have focused on creating and sharing indulgent, classic baked treats with everyone they meet.

This love for hospitality and amazing flavors led to the opening of their dessert destination, Cake Bar. With a cozy living room feel full of comfortable places to settle in, Cake Bar offers an opportunity to enjoy their classic treats and desserts, perfectly paired wines, cappuccino, espresso and more.

During December, they invite you to celebrate the season with a series of events to make your holiday merry and bright.

Fridays in December, and Saturdays after Christmas and New Year’s, enjoy live music with Jazz trio We 3 Swing from 8:00 to 10:00 P.M.

On Saturday, December 12, enjoy a Decadent Christmas Wine Tasting from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Highly enjoyable on their own, wine and chocolate are even more indulgent together. Discover lush reds perfectly paired chocolate treats – from truffles to tortes. It’s $25 per person, RSVP not necessary, but appreciated.

The imagination of little ones – hearing hooves on rooftops, seeing twinkly lights and believing stories of Christmas miracles, is Christmas Spirit in it’s own right. A reading of the classic The Night Before Christmas may even rekindle a little spirit of your own. It’ll be staged Wednesday, December 23 at 4:00 P.M. Cost is $12 per person, which includes Hot Cocoa and scrumptious handmade treats.

Raise one more glass of cheer to the New Year on Saturday, January 2, with Bubbles and Bellinis. Created

by Giuseppe Cipriania at Harry’s Bar in Venice and named after Venetian Painter Giovanni Bellini, this cocktail of Prosecco and Peach puree has evolved into the perfect afternoon sipper. Later that evening, join We 3 Swing for live music from 8:00 to 10: P.M. On Thursday, December 3, 10, and 17, The Holiday Table Tasting at the Cake Bar Kitchen on Dillard Road will offer all things perfect for your Christmas gatherings – from indulgent desserts and delightful snacks to easy savories and more.

No charge, drop in anytime between 11:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. Cake Bar space is limited to 24 attendees per event and fills up quickly. RSVP’s are appreciated but not required. For more information, call (828) 421-2042.

by Marlene Osteen

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diy holiday

gifts

If you’re stumped for Christmas gifts for the people (and pets) on your Shopping List, consider a visit to Alber t CarltonCashiers Community Librar y and Hudson Librar y. They have some ideas.

photo by Susan Renfo

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Tis the season for gift giving, and with more time spent at home, 2020 has become the year of DIY gifts.

Good cheer and decreasing holiday stress often comes in the form of items made with love and care. The Hudson Library and the Albert-Carlton Cashiers Library are replete with instructional books and free online, step-by-step tutorials. The only item required is a library card.

Universal Class has such offerings as candle and soap making, Aromatherapy 101, cookie baking, knitting, calligraphy, and more.

There is even a How to Write Short Stories for Children – a treasure for grandparents and greatgrandparents to leave to little ones.

Search the libraries’ collections of DIY books to learn how to make such items as hand warmers, coffee/

cocoa stirrers, jewelry, spa items (bath bombs and sugar scrubs), bookmarks, hand-bound books, etc. Give the gift of distinct origami greeting cards: Origami Fold-byFold: Building Skills One Step at a Time from Beginner to Advanced, by John Montroll. Repurpose materials and items into a creative gift: DIY Rustic Modern Metal Crafts: 35 Creative Upcycling Ideas for Galvanized Metal, by Laura Putnam Dunkle. For wine lovers: DIY Wine Corks: thirty-five cute and clever cork crafts, by Melissa Averinos.

There are even perfect gift ideas for dogs and cat lovers: DIY for Dog Lovers: 36 Paw-Some Canine Crafts, by Kat Roberts; and, Cattastic Crafts: DIY Projects for Cats and Cat People, by Mariko Ishikawa.

A myriad of how-to books and online resources exist to put a personal spin on gift wrapping those homemade

gifts; one such books is Pretty Packages: 45 Creative Giftwrapping Projects, by Sally J. Shim.

Besides tangible gifts, there is the gift of time. Family members and friends can gather for toddies and treats and enjoy 30,000 movies and documentaries through the free Kanopy Streaming Video Library, which has everything from must-see indie films to classics.

Library card users are issued 10 play-credits a month.

Visit fontanalib.org to access both the Hudson Library and the AlbertCarlton Cashiers Community Library.

by Deena Bouknight

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fireside at

the farm

Mike Kinnebrew, whose most recent album One Way to Find Out, is a beautiful ref lection of the Highlands Spirit, returns to town for a concer t at The Farm at Old Edwards, December 9. For reser vations, visit OldEdwardsHospitality. com/Fireside or call (828) 787-2635 or (828) 787-2916

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Mike Kinnebrew

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ne of The Farm’s most popular performers, Mike Kinnebrew, a Georgia-raised singer-composer who sways between country and folk music worlds, returns to The Farm at Old Edwards on Wednesday, December 9, for his third performance.

Listen closely and you can hear various influences that inform his style from John Denver, Van Morrison, and Don Henley.

But Kinnebrew’s work is first and foremost driven by a desire to touch his audience, to create the magic that happens when he is able “to take what’s inside of me and wrap chords around it, hoping that it will land somewhere in the heart where it will do good.” For his most recent album, One Way to Find Out, produced by Grammynominee Paul Moak and released last month, he created a suite of songs inspired by Highlands.

The title song was written for Old Edwards Hospitality Group General Manager, Jack Austin, while he and his partner Lec were deciding on the purchase of their new home. The chorus, “maybe there’s just one way to find out” at once bold and wistful speaks to their quandary in deciding

whether to move.”

Set amongst the lush pastoral surroundings of the mountain forest, overlooking a serene trout pond with its peaceful fountain, The Farm, is a quintessential backdrop for a music performance, and a showcase for the talent of Mike Kinnebrew.

In the intimate setting of the rustic barn gathering space, audience members will get a close up look of this gifted artist – joined in concert for the evening with his wife Lindsay, on vocals. The program, a celebration of the upcoming season, will include favorite Christmas tunes, songs from the new album One Way to Find Out, and a selection of the ballads and songs of his mentors.

There is a $20 cover charge for the public, which includes light bites and a cash bar. Complimentary to Old Edwards Hotel guests and members.

Seating is limited and folks are advised to visit OldEdwardsHospitality.com/Fireside or call (828) 787-2635 or (828) 787-2916 to confirm the show is on schedule.

by Marlene Osteen

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dynamic winter

exhibitions

A new exhibit at The Bascom takes the measure of the deep pools of ar tistic talent just beyond the HighlandsCashiers Plateau.

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Rock wall | 2020 | digital by Kyle Kelsey

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inter is here, and The Bascom annually celebrates the changing season by providing professional development and exhibition opportunities for students and faculty of higher education institutions. Through two important programs, The Bascom becomes a crossroads for connecting students, faculty, and the community through the new and innovative work being created in these art programs.

Following the tremendous success and positive reception of the first 100 Miles exhibition in 2020, The Bascom will be kicking off the winter exhibition schedule with a second installment. 100 Miles showcases faculty and their students art from community colleges and universities within a 100 mile radius of Highlands.

Over 30 regional institutions qualify for participation.

We invited applying faculty to select one student’s work to accompany their own piece for this exhibition. This collaboration supports both established and emerging artists. Each selected artist will also receive an honorarium.

The Bascom Winter Resident Artist Program, better known as the WRAP, calls on students or faculty from surrounding universities to submit site-specific installation proposals for The Bascom’s unique and

beautiful Thompson Gallery. The WRAP is designed to accommodate the winter break schedules of artists enrolled in degree programs, or higher education instructors.

Students and faculty from across the southeast apply for this unique and challenging opportunity to live and work on The Bascom campus to design, build, and install their project proposal in only four weeks.

The recipient of the 2020 – 2021 Winter Resident Artist Program, Kyle Kelsey, is a second-year MFA candidate at Western Carolina University. Kyle’s proposal for the program embraces the idea of play through an interactive multi-media installation involving works on canvas, video projection, and paper airplanes in flight. Please join The Bascom in welcoming Kyle to the Plateau.

Both exhibits will open in January of 2021. For more information, please visit thebascom.org.

by Billy Love, The Bascom

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about The Bascom

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giving hearts

and apple pie photos by Susan Renfo

Marty Dennis

There’s a heaping measure of compassion and sweet goodness baked into each one of Mar ty Dennis’ homemade apple pies. To sample for yourself, call (773) 915-3475 or contact Mar ty’s Mom Car y through Facebook – Car y Armstrong Dennis.

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he only thing sweeter than the apple pies nine-year-old Marty Dennis sells is the reasons she bakes them.

That project that began in October with an initial goal to raise money for riding lessons quickly expanded when Marty decided to use the money she raised to do good for others as well.

Marty’s Mom Cary is touched by her daughter’s desire to make a contribution: “It meant a lot to my husband Paul and me that she was so quick to want to help others less fortunate instead of keeping it all for herself” she said.

Cary advertises the pies on social media sites and on Facebook’s “What’s Really Happening in Highlands” community.

Purchasers are advised to set their own prices.

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The campaign has struck a chord with many in Highlands who have responded enthusiastically, paying $10 and up, including one very philanthropic resident who donated $500!

By November, Marty had raised $700. Her hope is to raise enough money to be able to provide relief and perhaps some Christmas joy to a local family in need.

For the Dennis family, who recently located here from Telluride, Colorado, this isn’t the first time they have happened upon a need in society and set out to fix it.

While in Telluride, seven-year-old sister Allie raised $1,100 to purchase a game specially fitted for a child living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and together they have raised money for causes ranging from a local

animal shelter to assisting a family whose house burned down, and aiding an individual in need of a lung transplant.

Marty bakes the pies at home with her Dad Paul, a working Chef, on his days off – it’s a chance for them to bond and do something together they love in equal measure. Since Cary homeschools the girls, the family is able to find time to bake one or two days a week.

With the holiday season drawing near, Marty plans to add an expanded selection of baked goods, including apple turnovers, holiday cookies, and almond sticks.

For more information or to purchase one of Marty’s apple pies, the number to call or text is (773) 915-3475 or contact Cary through Facebook – Cary Armstrong Dennis.

by Marlene Osteen

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trust in

the music

St. Paul & The Broken Bones

Like its panoramic namesake, the Bear Shadow Festival will draw visitors from across the Southeast with its April 2021 debut.

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ver the past eight months and the evolution of the pandemic crisis, Highlands Festivals Inc. has demonstrated a unique capacity to evolve, pivoting niftily from the scheduled-thencancelled November 2020 Food & Wine Festival to a focus on Bear Shadow, the music-centric festival set for April 23-25, 2021, so-named for the phenomena of the bear-like shadow that appears behind Whiteside Mountain.

Recently Festival Director Casey Reid announced an inspired alliance with the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust. Thus, the weekend will smartly expand its breadth, folding in new events in concert with the Trust.

And while Bear Shadow’s signature attraction will remain the extraordinary roster of performances, the partnership will allow the Festival, as Reid put it, “To weave the beauty of the music with the stunning natural landscapes and landmarks that are unique to Highlands.”

In the planning are exclusive and intimate events like Hike & Mic, a series of collaborative excursions with HCLT that include educational hikes culminating in an intimate musical performance.

An option to join the Land Trust will be available to festival ticket purchasers and a virtual membership drive is planned prior to the festival in April.

And HCLT will be invited to host a premium membership activation drive on site during the festival in the furtherance of donations and education targeted on behalf of Land Conservation.

Started in 1883 with the creation of the Highlands Improvement Association (HIA) the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is the oldest land trust in North Carolina and one of the first 20 in the U.S. In recognition of escalating development in Jackson County, the HIA, which was originally created to “protect, preserve and promote the natural beauty of Highlands,” eventually expanded to include Cashiers.

On schedule to perform at Bear Mountain Saturday, April 24-25, are world class musicians Mandolin Orange, known for their heady mix of bluegrass, gospel, folk, country and pop; Jamestown Revival, whose combination of harmonies merge Southern country, Americana and Western rock music. Also on schedule are St. Paul & The Broken Bones, famous for their retro-soul sound, the impassioned soul sounds of The War and Treaty; and the bluegrass outfit Love Cannon.

The Festival hopes to add a Friday, April 23, show, along with smaller musicfocused clinics and events. A full schedule of events will be released in the coming months.

For more information, visit highlandsfoodandwine.com. To learn more about HCLT, please visit hicashlt.org/ about-us.

by Marlene Osteen

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a grand, green,

meaningful movement

The local Wreaths Across America, set for Saturday, December 19, will honor veterans across the Plateau. For more information or to par ticipate, contact Phil Potts at (828) 200-9753 or by email at philjpot@frontier.com.

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hat’s round, green, fragrant (if real), and signifies the coming of Christmas?

Undoubtedly, wreaths – which date back to ancient Greece and Rome, but solidified a holiday presence for Christians due to the circular shape of the wreath representing Christ’s eternal love, strength, and creation of new life.

And then there’s the national wreath movement that is Wreaths Across America, which annually honors the sacrifices of veterans. It coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 1,400 locations across the United States, at sea, and abroad. The placing of wreaths on the graves of America’s fallen heroes during the holidays ensures that those individuals who have given the ultimate sacrifice will be remembered and honored.

Locally, Wreaths Across America is a Friends of Highlands effort, and the organization calls attention to its importance at a noon-day December 19 ceremony at Highlands Memorial Park. Anyone residing in or visiting the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is invited to attend and participate in the event that serves to also teach young people and children historical aspects of obtaining and

maintaining freedoms.

“We will be honoring veterans buried in Buck Creek, Clear Creek, Goldmine, Highlands, Horse Cove, Miller, and Scaly Mountain cemeteries,” said Friends of Highlands member Phil Potts. “We need to hear from friends and family members to make sure they are on our list of veterans. We don’t want to miss anyone. If you want to sponsor a wreath, it only costs $15, and organizers will need to know if you wish to lay the wreath yourself, or if you’d like to have them do it.”

According to Potts, there are 550 local veterans’ graves, and the Friends of Highlands Chapter of Wreaths across America is planning to place wreaths upon each one.

To become involved locally, contact Phil Potts at (828) 200-9753 or by email at philjpot@frontier. com. To learn more about Wreaths Across America, visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.

by Deena Bouknight

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lending a helping hand

to mother nature

Friends of Panther town are holding a pair of trail-maintenance par ties for this pristine jewel in the hear t of Nantahala National Forest – December 2 and 12.

For information, visit panther town.org.

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anthertown Valley, a protected 6,311acre backcountry recreation area on Nantahala National Forest in Western North Carolina, features 30 miles of public non-motorized trails. Because of regular use, ongoing TLC is needed to not only make the area enjoyable and accessible, but also to respect natural resources.

Two opportunities are available in December for anyone interested in getting fresh air, participating in a guided tour, learning about conservation work, and actually volunteering with Friends of Panthertown.

Wednesday, Dec 2, from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. is the Panthertown Pruning Party for the Carlton’s Way/Green Valley Trail. Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. is the Panthertown Valley Trail 38 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M AG A Z I N E . C O M

Work & Hike.

Besides targeted events such as the pruning party, Friends of Panthertown is a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization that regularly hosts public trail work days in Panthertown Valley on the third Saturday of each month.

Friends of Panthertown welcomes any age – anyone with a desire to help out on the trails. No trail experience or special skills are required. The hike is about five miles round-trip on easy-to-moderate trails; all the while there is education about the trail and opportunities to clear, clean, prune, and take care of tread/drain work. Interested volunteers can sign up by email: friends@ panthertown.org.

Weather permitting, volunteers meet at the Cold Mountain Gap trailhead at the

eastern entrance to Panthertown at the end of Cold Mountain Road in Lake Toxaway.

Meeting time for both December activities is at 9:00 A.M. Volunteers will get signed in and acquainted with one another before the work/hike days begins. Volunteers are asked to wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots and long pants and to bring water, snacks, and a lunch to enjoy on the trail. All trail maintenance tools and safety gear is provided by Friends of Panthertown staff.

In addition, volunteers will participate in a short safety orientation.

For more information about volunteering, the December activities, and becoming a member of Friends of Panthertown, visit panthertown.org.

by Deena Bouknight

W H AT TO DO

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W H AT TO DO

DECEMBER May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve. – Will Rogers

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Cashiers Designer ••Panthertown Pruning Showhouse virtual Party for the -Carlton’s tickets available Way/Green Valleyat cashiershistoricalsociety.

Trail, 9:00 A.M. to org/showhouse.

2:00 P.M., panthertown.org.

• Trunk Show featuring Beth Poindexter Luxe and The Grissom Collection of fine vintage estate jewelry. 11:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M., Josephine’s Emporium, (336) 4206054, (843) 276-9539.

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• Mike Kinnebrew concert at The Farm at Old Edwards. Reservations required. (828) 787-2635 OldEdwardsHospitality.com/ Fireside.

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• The Holiday Table Tasting, 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Cake Bar Kitchen on Dillard Road, (828) 421-2042.

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• The Holiday Table Tasting, 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Cake Bar Kitchen on Dillard Road, (828) 421-2042.

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• A Reading of the classic The Night Before Christmas, 4:00 P.M., The Cake Bar, (828) 421-2042.

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• Nature 101 program: Baby It’s Cold Outside premieres on Highlands Biological Station’s Facebook page (@ highlandsbiologicalstation) at 1:00 P.M. (828) 526-2623 , highlandsbiological.org.

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• Live music with Jazz trio We 3 Swing from 8:00 to 10:00 P.M., The Cake Bar, (828) 421-2042.

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• Live music with Jazz trio We 3 Swing from 8:00 to 10:00 P.M., The Cake Bar, (828) 421-2042.

• The Holiday Table Tasting, 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Cake Bar Kitchen on Dillard Road, (828) 421-2042.

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• Betsy Paul Raffle. benefiting CashiersGlenville Fire Deparment.

Drawing 5:00 P.M. For tickets call (828) 743-0880.

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• National Theatre Live: Cyrano de Bergerac, 3:00 PM, PAC, highlandsperformingarts.com.

• “Bright Futures” drivethrough-lights event, 5:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Chestnut Square, Cashiers.

• Olde Mountain Christmas Drive Through Festival, 6:00 P.M. (828) 526-2112, highlandschamber.org.

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•Panthertown Valley Trail Work & Hike, 9:00 A.M., panthertown.org • Author Amanda Wilbanks book signing, Acorns Boutique, (828) 787-1877.

• Metropolitan Opera HD Live, Puccini’s Tosca, 1:00 P.M., PAC auditorium, • Decadent Christmas Wine Tasting, 2:00-4:00 P.M., The Cake Bar, (828) 421-2042.

• “Drive-thru lights event, 5:30 P.M., Chestnut Square.

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• Wreaths Across America will honor veterans across the Plateau.

For more information or to participate, contact Phil Potts at (828) 200-9753 or by email at philjpot@frontier.com.

• Live music with Jazz trio We 3 Swing from 8:00 to 10:00 P.M., The Cake Bar, (828) 421-2042.

• Live music with Jazz trio We 3 Swing from 8:00 to 10:00 P.M., The Cake Bar, (828) 421-2042.

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• “Bright Futures” drive-through-lights event, 5:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Chestnut Square, Cashiers.

• Live music with Jazz trio We 3 Swing, 8:00 to 10:00 P.M., The Cake Bar, (828) 421-2042.

All the events that we’ve previewed here may not happen when their appointed time arrives.

View the complete Highlands Cashiers Plateau Calendar

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Please be sure and call ahead before attending.

George and Karen Powell with Highlands Aerial Park, Cashiers Christmas Parade 2019

RECREATION & CREATION Pages 46-57

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the trail

less traveled The trail begins running adjacent to the East Fork Overflow Creek and follows switchbacks up to the top of Chinquapin Mountain.

Though it’s often bypassed for its f lashier neighbor Glen Falls, Chinquapin Mountain offers a series of spectacles and a magnif icent summit.

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ake the trail less traveled up Chinquapin Mountain.

Chinquapin Mountain is an approximately four-mile round trip hike that ascends to the top of the mountain and has stunning views from numbered “Lookouts” at the summit.

The reason it’s often overlooked is because one of the trailheads for Chinquapin shares a parking area with Glen Falls. Visitors tend to lean towards the spectacular three-tiered waterfall over 46 D E C EM B ER 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

taking the muddy trek up Chinquapin.

For those who have lost track of how many times they’ve hiked Glen Falls years ago and are looking for something different to mix up their hiking routine, Chinquapin is a hidden gem with a little bit of everything.

The trail begins along East Fork Overflow Creek and includes several water crossings, which can be slippery so use caution. Then the trail ascends approximately 600 feet via switchbacks to the top of Chinquapin and views are labeled

with numbered “Lookout” signs.

There are five Lookouts, some are easier to reach than others. Lookouts 4 and 5 are gorgeous and just off the trail. Lookouts 1, 2, and 3 take some effort to get to.

There are several intersections along the way to the top of Chinquapin with trails leading to Little Scaly Mountain, Highway 106, and Glen Falls. Pay attention to these signs. Even if Chinquapin is spelled incorrectly, hikers will get the point and should follow the sign’s guidance.

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Panoramic aerial view of Chinquapin Mountain with Little Scaly in the background.

View from Lookout 5

There are two trailheads that lead to the top of Chinquapin.

One is off Highway 106 about three miles from Highlands and is 1.5 miles to the summit.

The second trailhead is located in the same parking area as Glen Falls and is approx. 1.8 miles to the summit. Take Highway 106 from Highlands approximately two miles and turn left at the signs for Glen Falls.

From the Glen Falls parking area, the trailhead for Chinquapin Mountain is just off to the right of the map kiosk.

Seasoned hikers can do Chinquapin and Glen Falls trails in a day, but keep in mind that hiking up from the third tier of Glen Falls is steep and after hiking Chinquapin, it’s a little spicy.

By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News

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OUTDOORS

the game

goes on

Despite a pandemic global in scope, the devoted members of the Highlands Duplicate Bridge Club still manage to get their game on.

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(L to R): Delores Bode, Len Perkins (tournament chair), Brenda Manning (vice president), and Sandy Barrow (president).

Not pictured: Puddin Bornheim (secretary), and Karen Powell (treasurer).

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decidedly 16th century British game, bridge immigrated to the United States at least by the 1800s, according to the British Bridge Union.

And it’s a game that has been enjoyed by many involved in the Highlands Duplicate Bridge Club, an open-to-the-public opportunity that – prior to the pandemic – met at the Highlands Recreation Park facility twice weekly all 52 weeks of the year.

“It is made up of people from all over the Southeastern United States,” explained Duplicate Bridge Club President Sandy Barrow. “We have more than 300 members.”

Typically, in May and June, as summer residents return annually, as many as 100 to 125 people are playing at one time.

“The camaraderie is pretty amazing!” she added.

“Everyone has the love of bridge and the competitive spirit that goes with it. Many friendships are forged at the bridge table.”

Alas, COVID-19 has altered, but not eliminated, the atmosphere of the Highlands Duplicate Bridge Club.

“It has changed dramatically the game as we once knew it,” said Barrow. “Currently, we are not able to play face-to-face, and bridge players have taken to the internet to play on a site called Bridgebase Online. If you click on this site at any given time, you will find 30,000 or more players from all over the world! While the camaraderie is not the same, the game goes on.”

Players pay to play and since the pandemic the Highlands Duplicate Bridge Club Board of Advisors voted to donate all proceeds, $2,000 to date, from bridge games to charities within the HighlandsCashiers community.

No matter a pandemic or uncertainty or alternative means of play, “the game of bridge really is a bridge connecting people of varied backgrounds from all age-groups and from different regions of the country,” said Barrow.

Nothing can hamper that fact. And Barrow and the hundreds of others who enjoy bridge look forward to the day when face-to-face play is again a reality.

by Deena Bouknight

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OUTDOORS

forget me not

Our beloved gardening writer Jeannie Chambers signs off with a f inal column spotlighting the cherished Forget Me Not. We won’t Jeannie, we won’t.

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yosotis sylvatica is a biennial ground cover that is considered an invasive plant, but that does not stop people from wanting it in their garden.

There are other varieties that do not spread as much, such as the Mysotis alpestris, the Alpine Forget-Me-Not, which is the state flower of Alaska. Another variety is Myositis scorpiodes, but that variety is poisonous. The most common is the Myosotis sylvatica which blooms in April and May in zones 3-8.

“Myosotis” comes from a Greek translation of mouse’s ears, and “sylvatica” means ‘of the forest.’

The name Forget-Me-Not dates to the late 1300s during King Henry IV’s period. The flower is a bright blue with a yellow (or sometimes white) eye in the middle. It loves moist soil and tolerates wet areas, too.

You may want to contain your Forget-Me-Nots in a pot since the sylvatica variety is considered a super spreader.

After 2020, we all know what a super spreader is capable of.

The name Forget-me-not should give us a

hint of its abilities: (Enter demonic laughter) “Forget-Me-Not? I’ll teach you not-to-forget!

HaHahahha!)

But seriously, there are some occasions where having Forget-Me-Nots in a garden or bouquet can be quite meaningful.

Forget-Me-Not was Princess Diana’s favorite flower, and they are planted in a memorial garden at Kensington Palace.

In 2006, Prince Harry founded Sentebale, an African charity to help vulnerable children. The Sentebale name is translated from Sesotho and means “Forget-Me-Not.” The charity and its name are in tribute to his mother, Princess Diana.

Whatever your reasons for planting Forget-MeNot, I hope you remember the beauty in the lesser things found in nature. All plants and flowers cannot be superstars, and the supporting cast, the understudy plants, have such an important role.

Keep gardening, whether you know what you’re doing or not.

Plant for the fun of it, and Forget-Me-Not.

by Jeannie Chambers, The Accidental Gardener

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OUTDOORS

christmas

bird count

Literally a canar y in the coalmine, the Audubon Christmas Bird Count suggests a dire future for the birds of Nor th America, even here on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

Carolina Chickadee by William McReynolds

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he birds of North America are continuously watched, carefully monitored and repeatedly counted.

The most definitive inventory of these tender life forms is the yearly Audubon Christmas Bird Count. This annual bird inventory has been sponsored by the U.S. National Audubon Society for 120 years.

An international bird count, it typically has involved over 2,400 counting groups and 60,000 individuals who in years past achieved totals of 70 million birds sighted in the U.S., Canada and some parts of Latin American and the Caribbean.

These large-scale, yearly bird counts are used to specify winter bird populations and distributions in North America, both of which are changing with ongoing climate change. Data from this massive citizen’s science initiative are being used to monitor the health of our avian populations and guide conservation efforts.

Among our most frequently sighted winter species here on the Highlands-Cashiers

Plateau are Carolina Chickadee, pictured left, Dark-eyed Junco and Mallards. The number of species and total number of birds sighted each year vary as a function of the number of observers and weather conditions.

When combined with the thousands of other counting groups across the continent and over many years, a clear picture of changes in our bird population emerges.

That clear picture is alarming. Published last year, The National Audubon Society’s Survival by Degrees: 389 Bird Species on the Brink reported that hundreds of North American bird species are “at risk” of extinction. This latest Audubon research is based on large surveys including over 100 years of the Christmas Bird Count.

Of the 604 species closely examined, 85 percent of all North American species, 389, two thirds, were found to be in decline and vulnerable to extinction.

Through extinction and loss of habitat, nine U.S. states could lose their state birds.

These forecast losses are: Minnesota’s

Common Loon; Maryland’s Baltimore Oriole; Louisiana’s Brown Pelican; Utah’s California Gull; Vermont’s Hermit Thrush; Idaho and Nevada’s Mountain Bluebird; Pennsylvania’s Ruffed Grouse; New Hampshire’s Purple Finch and the Wood Thrush of Washington, D.C. A second, far ranging effort by scientists with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology found, “cumulative loss of nearly three billion birds since 1970,” signaling a “pervasive and ongoing crisis” in the avian world. These are grim findings: 29 percent of North American birds have vanished in the last 50 years according to this comprehensive, peer reviewed research. European countries report similar losses. Parallel losses have been observed in insect populations.

The collection of living creatures on this planet is our greatest natural heritage and the fabric of life that sustains us all.

by William McReynolds, Highlands Plateau Audubon Society

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I look up

once in a while Chris’s French Broad River revelation should resonate with all of us, whenever we’re in the midst of nature.

went fishing with a couple of friends over at the East Fork of the French Broad during the last Wednesday in October.

We were a little restless since it took the drive time plus the stopping and getting a couple fishing licenses for the out-oftowners. After getting our gear on and getting in the water, we promptly spent our first hour getting flies out of trees, changing flies, changing leaders and messing with various amounts of floatant and line cleaner.

By the time I had finished taking a picture of the two buddies, and dropped my phone back in the dry bag, I saw we had spent an hour in the river just getting ready to fish.

In my haste to get these guys out in the water and to take advantage of what looked and felt like optimal conditions, I had violated the rule I so often go by, which is to just take a minute and sit streamside to figure out what is going on.

It’s amazing how much noise we make just moving around outside. Combine that with stomping around in a river and

Season’s Greetings from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society

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you will certainly throw a fright into the immediate ecosystem.

If we take a few minutes to sit down on the bank, you can actually watch the bugs, minnows, and most importantly the fish, begin to reacclimate right in front of your eyes.

Most of the time doing this or picking up a rock to see what kind of bugs you find underneath and then matching that as closely as you can to what is in your fly box is way more efficient than tying on a nymph or dry by the car and plodding out in the river.

And for goodness sakes, look up once in a while! I spent an hour getting frustrated that two fish had gotten off the hook, so much that I almost missed the fact that it was a picture perfect fall day and I wasn’t at work.

Funny thing, the second I took a break and began to just enjoy being out there, I netted my first trout of the afternoon.

by Chris Wilkes, Highland Hiker

OUTDOORS

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OUTDOORS

taking

flight

Just like their human counterpar ts, some Plateau residents are depar ting for sunnier climes, while others are settling in for a long winter’s nap. To learn more, watch Baby It’s Cold Outside. You can watch the premiere on the Highlands Biological Station’s Facebook page (@highlandsbiologicalstation) on Tuesday, December 15, at 1:00 P.M. or f ind it after ward on the Highlands Biological YouTube channel.

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ecember brings the promise of snow and the chance for our favorite winter pastimes like cozying up in front of a fire and enjoying a warm mug of cider or hot chocolate. While I embrace the promise of snow and crisp stargazing, I occasionally envy our wildlife species who make the trip south for the winter.

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Hummingbirds headed down the mountains.

This tiny flier fueled up at feeders and late summer blooms on its way to cross the Gulf of Mexico in a single trip. Now it visits the plentiful flowers as far south as Costa Rica, joining dozens of other hummingbird species across Central America. Our only eastern breeding hummingbird will return in April, when our spring wildflowers are

able to sustain them.

An even more colorful bird, the Hooded Warbler, took the scenic land route down through Mexico this fall. In the spring, it will follow the Ruby-throated Hummingbird back north across the open waters of the Gulf. For now, it has settled across the coast of Central America where it hunts for spiders and insects in the forest understory – meals

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Hooded Warbler banded this summer at the Highlands Biological Station as part of their new MAPS bird banding research in partnership with the Blue Ridge Bird Observatory.

Photo by Paige Engelbrektsson.

that are in short supply in our neighborhoods right now. I admit I’m more partial to the idea of long, sunny days than to such crunchy meals.

What about the animals that can’t f ly to warmer climates?

They’re at the heart of the Foundation’s virtual Nature 101 program for this month, Baby It’s Cold Outside. Our Nature 101 series explores basic natural history topics every month.

This month, we’ll be looking at how the wildlife in the Botanical Garden stays warm. You can watch the premiere on the Highlands Biological Station’s Facebook page (@ highlandsbiologicalstation) on Tuesday, December 15th, at 1 PM or find it afterward on the ‘Highlands Biological’ YouTube channel.

For more information, visit highlandsbiological.org or contact us at (828) 526-2623.

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ARTS Pages 62-77

Photo by Cover Artist, Cynthia Strain

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title

so many

title

photos await

Local ar tistic powerhouse and dynamic presence in the life of Highlands Cynthia Strain is contemplating stepping back ( just a little).

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have a theory that the angels who live among us don’t realize the goodness they possess.

Cynthia Strain is one of those kind spirits who has bolstered the arts and artists in the Highlands area since 1982.

Her beautiful photographs brighten facilities all over the Southeast. One of her favorite creations is right at the Highlands Post Office. She says, “I photographed mailboxes from all around the Highlands area. That collection is a proud mark I’ll leave on this town.”

Chances are a painting or photo in your home is framed by Cynthia. Perhaps your or your family’s knowledge of the arts has been

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broadened by her instruction. You might have benefitted from sales or purchases at one of the many art shows she has organized.

Her praise for your work at just the right juncture may have encouraged you to make art a career or avocation.

And bear lovers everywhere sing her praises for promoting a BearWise community.

Congratulate her on her achievements, and she’ll blush, grin, and tell you she cusses a lot for an angel.

While she loves doing what she does, she’s making a few life changes including selling her business. “It’s time,” she insists.

Maybe it has something to do with the milestone of turning 70.

She believes Highlands needs a framing shop/art gallery. Her business is the perfect match for someone of a like mind. She’s certain that person will be along soon, and while she waits, she’s making a Bucket List.

At the tippy-top of it is travel . . . first stop, the British Isles.

What will be in her shoulder bag? Ayup! A faithful camera.

She’d like to see places she’s never been in America. And, of course, the rest of Europe.

So many photos await.

Travel will be intermittent. There’s still plenty to do on the Plateau in-between travels.

Her work with BearWise will continue.

Highlands Mayor Pat Taylor has thrown his

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support to making Highlands a BearWise Community. Introducing visitors and new residents to bear protocol is a passion for Cynthia.

If you want to ask about the bear essentials or inquire about a photo commission or find out more about her business sale, contact Cynthia at (828) 526-9227.

Email: Cypicturelady@aol.com. Website: Cystrainphotos.com.

by Donna Rhodes

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painting with

the master

Ar tist Cynthia Kinard’s transcendent works are testament to a lifetime of study and relentless ref inement.

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he Art League of Highlands-Cashiers is the original formal organization of artists on the Plateau.

Its roots date back more than 50 years when a group of area women, art lovers to-the-core, took turns hosting brown bag lunches for artists.

Today, its artistic legacy may be seen in four unique installations in area buildings.

The Highlands-Cashiers Hospital’s seven panel petit point installation was designed by an Art League committee and exquisitely rendered by The Sapphire Valley Needlepoint Guild stitchers. The Recreation Park lobby and hallway art was done by the Art League’s summer campers. The Rhododendron Mural found at the Highlands Historical Society was done by J. Jay Joannides.

Perhaps the piece most appropriate for the December issue of the Laurel is found in the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation. Art League member Cynthia Kinard painted L’Innocence, a 25-by-49inch oil on wood panel, after the original of the same name by William Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905), a French academic painter.

The painting represents Mary holding the baby Jesus in one arm and a lamb in the other. This beautifully rendered painting reflects Cynthia’s background in the 16th- and 17th-century old master’s style, a skill she acquired during her studies in Italy at the Angel Academy of Art under Maestro Michael John Angel.

Cynthia is an early member of the Art League, and her paintings continue to inspire. Her work has been accepted into many juried national and international shows and her awards are many.

She says of her work, “My goal from early on has been to capture those special moments in a person’s life that illustrate joy and happiness.”

For more information about the Art League, visit its updated website at artleagueofhighlands-cashiers.com.

by Zach Claxton, Art League of Highlands-Cashiers

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party at

the pac Who doesn’t love a par ty?

Highlands Per forming Ar ts Center is setting a place for you and your closest (but safely-distanced) friends. For more information or to reser ve a Par ty, please call PAC at (828) 526-9047.

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ith social distancing, Christmas parties and gettogethers on everyone’s mind, here are novel ideas: Party at the PAC. There are several ways to do this.

A Dinner Party and the Theater.

Choose from an exceptional list of plays produced by the National Theatre of London, choose your favorite caterer, invite your guests, and leave the rest to us. The auditorium is set up cabaret style with grouping of two chairs and beverage table separated five feet from the next grouping of two chairs and a table, front, side and back. Socially distanced. Call for prices and more details.

For a more adventurous, unusual event, plan a birthday party, tailgate party or dinner party at Parkin’ at the PAC/Ray’s Drive up outdoor movie venue. Parties: Choose a movie, live stream event/concert, and it’s all done.

For sports enthusiasts, how about a

Tailgate Party to watch your favorite nighttime game on the Big screen?

Ray’s Drive up outdoor venue features a viewing screen 24’w X 11’h…8.5’ off the ground. Parkin’ at the PAC has 32 parking spaces with unobstructed views of the screen. The space is perfect for tailgating and safely gathering.

There are two events scheduled for inside PAC in December. Sunday, December 6, at 3:00 P.M., a new production by the National Theatre of London, Cyrano de Bergerac. James McAvoy (X-Men, Atonement) returns to the stage in an inventive new adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac, recorded live from the West End in London.

On Saturday, December 12, at 1:00 P.M. The MET Opera will present an encore performance of Puccini’s Tosca. Sir David McVicar’s ravishing new production offers a splendid backdrop for extraordinary singing.

Andris Nelsons conducts a new staging of Puccini’s dramatic tragedy.

Kristine Opolais and Jonas Kaufmann star as the heroine Tosca and her lover Cavaradossi, with Bryn Terfel as the villainous Scarpia. The pre-opera discussion will begin at 12:30 P.M. For more information or to reserve a Party, please call PAC at (828) 5269047. Highlands PAC is located at 507 Chestnut Street.

by Mary Adair Trumbly, Highlands Performing Arts Center

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about Highlands PAC

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pens with

a purpose

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photos by Susan Renfo

There’s a loving message embedded in ever y wooden pen produced by Darren and Michelle Gillett.

hat do a husband-and-wife team from Scaly Mountain, walking sticks, and kids from Kenya have in common? Plenty. They all came together via a long, convoluted journey wound around a family motto, DSTM: Do Something That Matters.

The beginnings of Darren and Michelle Gillett’s mission centered around Scouting.

For 16 years they supported their son, leading his Scout Troup, watching him grow from Cub to Eagle. Michelle took branches and limbs her son collected and turned them into walking sticks. These became thank-

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you gifts to those who assisted the Troup.

Gillett creations became symbols of walking down a meaningful path.

Darren’s parents played a big role in the Gillett’s stick evolution. His dad, a pastor, inspired the family to take a very long walk … to Kenya and visit an orphanage, House of Hope. Michelle says, “We instantly fell in love with the children. In the course of a few years we are now sponsoring seven orphans. We are also involved with SERV, an organization that helps feed those kids along with hundreds of thousands more around the world.”

The Gilletts ramped up their participation in 2017 when they started Pens with a Purpose, a mom-and-pop business that turns tree limbs and various exotic wood on a lathe into pencils, ball-points, fountain pens, and more. A scrap of wood becomes a finely-honed writing utensil.

“In January this will be four years we have partnered with SERV International. Every pen provides 25 meals. That’s 141,850 meals our good turns have produced,” Michelle says.

One of their most sought-after pens at Christmastime is made of olive wood from

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Darren and Michelle Gillett

Bethlehem. That wood is in short supply as you might imagine, but what a marvelous heirloom gift for a relative or friend.

Go online (penswithapurpose.com) to see the delightful variety of designs: gearshifts, bolt action (looks like a 30-caliber bullet), fly-fisher, baseball, football, wine-bottle stoppers, corkscrews, and so much more. If you want to help those in crisis somewhere in the world your purchase can make that happen.

If ordering in-stock materials turn-around is two days. Special commissions, seven days.

The most rewarding aspect of purchasing a special pen is the ripple-effect around the world. It’s truly the gift that keeps on giving.

So, this holiday season, join the Gilletts and Do Something That Matters. pens.dstm@gmail.com.

by Donna Rhodes

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rt, like life, goes through many phases and periods.

In the world of folk art, we have the old masters, Howard Finster, Mose Tolliver, Jimmy Lee Sudduth, and R.A. Miller. Folk art, which has been around since the beginning of time, was rejuvenated and honored during the 1980’s and 90’s as these grandfathers ushered in a new wave of artists, Thornton Dial, Purvis Young, Woodie Long, and Cornbread, among many others.

Fast forward into a new century as we discover many new, young artists, fresh and compelling, ready to take on the world as they segue toward a new era.

One such young artist is Eva Mary Shoaf.

Eva’s parents noticed early her affinity for drawing – there were loose pieces of paper everywhere, filled with doodles and sketches, literally littering the tops of any and every surface in the house that was

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a new era

folk art

within her little hand’s reach.

In hopes of organizing and preserving her drawings, Eva’s parents offered her journals to fill, and fill them she did!

Others began to notice her talent when she

was in the third grade. In her eighth-grade year, she was hired to illustrate a children’s book, which she completed digitally (hence, a new age artist).

This recognition caught the eye of our gallery, Around Back at Rocky’s Place, and we are excited to celebrate Eva Mary Shoaf’s art. At 15 years of age, her art is definitely not something you want to miss.

Around Back at Rocky’s Place, the only gallery with Eva Mary Shoaf’s work on display, is open by appointment only. Call the Gallery at (706) 265-6030 to set up a time to visit Eva’s work in person.

Around Back at Rocky’s Place is located at 3632 Highway 53 East in Dawsonville, Georgia. You can email gallery@ aroundbackatrockysplace.com or call (706) 265-6030.

Visit them at aroundbackatrockysplace. com and follow them on Google, Facebook, and Instagram.

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we’ve gotten really

good at “yes, and.”

Highlands Playhouse has absorbed the lessons of its lost season and casts its gaze to a careful, conf ident future.

Jimmy Lewis

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“

Everything was going so well early this year,” recounts Jimmy Lewis, one of Highlands most beloved theatrical performers.

“Highlands Playhouse productions were selected. Hires were made.

Contracts sent. Housing secured. We were coming off our best year ever with three recordbreaking productions in 2019. Marshall and I had new jobs as artistic and assistant artistic directors respectively. We were thrilled, confident about the Playhouse and our careers. And suddenly … crash, bang, boom!

Our theater went dark along with thousands of others around the world. Everything, everywhere was put on a rickety hold.”

Jimmy, who remains in the wings as AAD, still has to make a living. He is currently a resident of NYC looking for work with about a zillion other actors. Even with Broadway shut down, Covid rampant, and winter coming on, unshakable Jimmy remains confident that 2021 will be the beginning-of-the-end of Covid, and theatre will resurrect.

As an actor, Jimmy always thought

performance was the focus. Finance didn’t often cross his mind. It was like: “Cool, let’s get a juggling octopus and land an airplane in the lobby. C’mon. How much can that cost …”

But this year, as an initiate to the production side of acting, his perspective has shifted.

Highlands Playhouse is unique in that it doesn’t count on grants and corporate subsidies.

It survives off its ticket sales and donations. And when you hear how expensive performance rights, building maintenance, actor’s food/ lodging, staff salaries, etc. are, you’d be amazed and darn proud of the Playhouse for its financial acuity and management. But much of that money from last year’s success has gone to getting through 2020. And yikes, there’re no plays this year to replenish it.

Another sticky wicket is from now on, thanks to Covid hired actors and crew will require bigger lodging (spatial separation) with private baths for safety’s sake. That’s another huge ka-ching.

It’s hard to plan a week ahead, let alone a year.

Keeping things in line is like trying to herd

jello cats. The tried-and-true method is plan for the best, prepare for the worst. We already know what the worst is and we’ve learned a lot from it. Now we apply that knowledge to the preparatory activities of January, then February, then March. Hopefully, a healthy fund-raiser at 2020’s end (donations accepted at website) will move us forward and reward our patient supporters with the finest entertainment that our ingenious artistic designers create and health rules permit.

Jimmy closes with, “In improv, every sentence begins with a ‘Yes, and …” We’ve gotten really good at yes, and. So in 2021, whether it’s behind a mask, on video, or live on stage, one way or the other Highlands Playhouse will yes, and and bring you the best of us. And that’s a promise. We will break every leg we have for you, our devoted audience, just as you worked hard to support us.

Happy holidays, merry everything, and here’s to a wonderful new year.

by Donna Rhodes

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DINING Pages 80-92

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blissfully

delicious

The Orchard, located at 905 Highway 107 South in Cashiers, maintains its allure, even in the midst of a year of tumult and change. Reser vations are a must – (828) 743-7614.

I

was ecstatic and, since we’re being honest here, dogged by a nagging, almost imperceptible, worry when Marjorie told me that we’d be returning to The Orchard for a dining experience in the midst of this confounding Covid-haunted season.

You see, The Orchard has always delivered on its promise of elegant Southern comfort food. Its menu is elevated, yet there’s a distinctive passion at the heart of every one of its choices.

Would the kitchen’s attention to detail prevail in this year of diminished expectations and cramped circumstances?

Would its safely masked staff maintain that gentle graciousness that’s earned The Orchard landmark status on the Plateau?

Would the undeniable element of excitement, the feeling that your meal was an Event, heightened by the place’s eager and

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electrified crowd of patrons, survive these blinkered pandemic evenings?

Yes, yes, and a blissful yes! – My worries were quickly drowned in a glorious sea of overmatched indulgence.

The Orchard lives, and its commitment to spoiling its guests is unshaken.

Now how many of our institutions in this appalling year of 2020 can we say that about?

Owners Chad and Travis Boswell have somehow maintained all of the things that’ve brought generations of diners back season after season.

If you’ve never been to The Orchard, picture a rambling farmhouse that’s been welcoming hungry guests for over 100 years. That’s precisely what it is, and Travis and Chad have embraced that storied heritage, adorning its walls with all sorts of

ephemera wandering from the 1880s all the way through the 1940s. The resulting effect is cozy country casual, and you can’t help having your ruffled feathers soothed by its subtle charms.

The dining areas (there’s no central dining room, another nod to its downhome heritage) are perfectly suited for easy chats.

Every time we’ve dined at The Orchard, every time, there’s been a raucous party of diners who aren’t shy about sharing their laughter and boisterous conversations. Even now, when the tables are distanced and the number of guests has been whittled down to a safe number, there’s still a freewheeling bewitchery that will not be contained. On this night, there was an adjoining table of young women who’d obviously come to Cashiers to reinvigorate a network of friendship that would not be denied by the

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wearying claims of time and distance. Their conversations were hushed and quick and insistent, punctuated by gentle laughter.

What a marvelous balm for the incipient cares of this sad season.

And our server Joe brought that energy to our table, where he offered wise counsel on our cocktail/wine choices, painted a remarkably sensuous portrait of the daily specials, and all-around cajoled us into leaving 2020’s host of worries in the parking lot.

But of course, the warm, inviting atmosphere and Joe’s relentless good cheer wouldn’t have mattered if the kitchen couldn’t deliver on all those promises.

And again, in defiance of all the disappointments that have been freighted upon us this year, the kitchen came through with ongoing waves of practically perfect dishes.

I won’t go into everything, since I’m skirting the word count limits even as I’m writing this, but let me highlight a few.

East Fork Steamed Mussels, flown in from Prince Edward Island, were sauteed with shallots, garlic and fresh herbs, drizzled with a white wine caper butter sauce.

They were brought to the table to the astonished delight of a woman at our table who’d spent her childhood on PEI and who’d lamented that she’d never again find those authentic fresh mollusks here in the states, prepared with just as they had been so long ago. Well, there they were! It was a happy reunion.

And Tricia, who’s been absolutely whipsawed by the changing fortunes of 2020, sought out a measure of comfort in Orchard Chicken. That’s an all-natural (The Orchard is famous for its commitment to natural meats and poultry and locallysourced vegetables) chicken breast, rolled around a golden delicious apple-walnutsage-and-provolone cheese stuffing, breaded and lightly fried.

It’s clearly nothing like the comfort food she grew up with, but we’re each charged

with finding our solace wherever we can.

This is hers.

And though my tablemates swore by their Apple Crisp and their Blueberry Bread Pudding, I’m going to reserve the spotlight for my wise choice of Flourless Chocolate Torte. There was nothing subtle about this sweet seduction and I emerged from my encounter blissful and vaguely stupid. Take some of your entree home in a doggy bag if you must, but don’t resist the warm embrace of this cocoa temptation.

I’m sorry I’ve run out of room here.

There’s so much more to tell you about The Orchard. Let me just say, there’s a reason it’s been a Cashiers favorite for all these years.

And those reasons haven’t been diminished in the least by the twists and turns of this bewildering year.

The Orchard is located at 905 Highway 107 South in Cashiers. Reservations are a must – (828) 743-7614.

by Luke Osteen

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savoring

shabbat faves

D

photo by Susan Renfo

Debi Bock f inds solace and a host of happy memories when ser ving up her family’s cherished recipes.

ebi Bock’s life is normally a blur of frenetic activity as she works with husband David overseeing their multiple business ventures – 4th Street Market, Mill Creek Village, the Bridge at Mill Creek Restaurant, Inn at Mill Creek and David Bock Builders. But, years ago the Bocks made a commitment to each other and to their four children (now grown) to take a pause from the chaos of the week, to appreciate each other, and to have dinner together on Friday evenings, the Sabbath of the Jewish faith. On the Sabbath, which starts at sundown on Friday, the Jewish tradition is to say a prayer while lighting two candles and have dinner with family over wine and challah bread.

Pretty much everything that’s on Debi’s menu is devoted to the food nostalgia of five generations of her family growing up in Atlanta and literally drips with the tradition of Jewish households everywhere in preparation for the coming holy day of rest. Over the three decades of their marriage the repetition of the Shabbat dinner ritual surely became a way of marking time, of looking forward and backward at once, for as Debi tells me that “Anytime we gather now the biggest request is for my Shabbat dinner: brisket, challah, roasted potatoes, and green beans casserole. In this crazy world, its

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nice to have something that stays the same and to share this meal.”

Some of her kids have already asked for the recipe to serve at their own Shabbat dinners!

And here the brisket recipe, warm from Debi’s oven, alongside her Challah bread, most certainly hard to beat.

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Debi’s Brisket

Ingredients: 1 each 4-5# beef brisket trimmed 1 large onion - sliced 1 bag of small carrots 1 box sliced mushrooms or whole mushrooms and you slice 1 box (both envelopes of Lipton dry onion mix) 2 cans jellied cranberry water Directions: 1. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees 2. Place brisket in roasting pan just bigger than brisket or can use roasting pot with tight cover 3. Pierce brisket several times with knife or fork & pat dry onion mix on each side 4. Add carrot, onions & mushrooms all around brisket 5. Add jellied cranberry all around, beside & on top of brisket 6. Add enough water to almost cover briskets (usually about 2-3 cans of the jellied cranberry) 7. Wrap roasting pan with foil very tightly 8. Cook 3.5 hours (may take out once to check if need to add more water) Ovens vary. Keep covered till ready to serve.

Debi’s Famous Challah

Ingredients 1-cup hot water 3 egg yokes 3 T. canola oil 1-cup sugar ¾ teaspoon salt 3-½ cup flour (better for bread kind) 2 T. yeast or 1 package rapid rise yeast (make a little dip in flour so that yeast doesn’t touch wet ingredients) Directions 1. Place all ingredients in order of above list into a bread machine.

2. Turn on dough cycle.

3. Pull dough out and place on floured cookie sheet. If dough is sticky, add a little flour on it. Divide ball into 3 balls and roll out each ball into 3 snakes.

4. Take all 3 rolls and braid. Tuck under ends.

5. Let rise at least 4-6 hours or longer if possible. It’s best if you make it night before or early in AM and leave it in a warm area like inside your over (without turning it on) 6. Cover lightly with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 mins or when it feel done all the way through-crust should be brown and firm.

7. Light candles for Shabbat and say the Motzi (Shabbat prayer) and watch your challah disappear!

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preparing your holiday

charcuterie and cheese

With a bit of insight and careful consideration, a charcuterie platter can be the centerpiece of your holiday dining plans.

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Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar’s Charcuterie and Cheese

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O

ne of the world’s great gastronomic pleasures and one of the chief delectable arts of the French kitchen is Charcuterie.

As food historian Jane Grigson tells us the word derives from French chair cuit, meaning cooked meat, principally of the pig, and in addition to hams embraces such delicacies as terrine, pâtés and sausages.

When the occasion is sufficiently special and circumstances demand maximum gratification, the best way to really blow it out is with a platter composed of cured meats and artisan cheeses. It offers both an easy route to holiday entertaining, and a smart strategy for hors d’oeuvres before dinner.

What you want to create is a sense of excess – and here’s how to do it.

Begin with a large cutting board or slab – marble or slate works. Choose at least three to five charcuterie items that vary texture and style. Perhaps a cooked pâté, like a pâté de champagne, an air-dried meat like prosciutto and two or three sausages. Allow

a minimum of 2 oz. per person – the more the variety and the longer the party, the more people will eat.

Cheese is a welcome addition so select two or three. You can follow the old cheesemonger maxim of “something old, something new, something stinky and something blue” by selecting an aged cheese, something fresher and something more adventurous or choose between what kinds of milk the cheeses are from – sheep, milk, cow.

I also like to vary textures. Good candidates might be an Aged Manchego, a gooey Triple Cream and a Sharp Aged Cheddar.

At this point it’s a good idea to think about how people are going to eat the cheese and consider pre-portioning the cheese into wedges or chunks.

Put the biggest things on the board first - the cheeses and charcuterie. Spread the charcuterie pieces out on the board, allowing space between them for garnishes – cornichons and olives to add acidity, dried or

fresh fruits to add color and baguette slices.

Fill in the gaps between the cheeses with smaller tasty morsels – Marcona almonds, dried apricots, honey or fig jams and perhaps some spicy pickles – and finally a variety of crackers.

For wine pairings, focus on the main components of the food’s salt, fat and acid and aim to match the boldness of the dish with the boldness of a wine. And remember that wines with high tannins will clash with anything spicy or bitter. Consider something bubbly like a Spanish Cava or a medium-bodied red, a Beaujolais or a Pinot Noir – like the Reference Point Pinot Noir made in Oregon by North Carolina resident Mike Bell of Johnson Brothers Distributors.

Want to see how the pros do it? Check out the epic Charcuterie and Cheese at Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar in Highlands. Included in the offering, the extraordinary charcuterie produced by Georgia’s Spotted Trotter.

by Marlene Osteen

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holiday dining options

H

ighlands offers several options for dining out on Christmas Day. See below listing for available scrumptious offerings. Call ahead for reservations as seating is limited.

SERVING CHRISTMAS DAY HIGHLANDS Madison’s Restaurant (828) 787-2525 | oldedwardsinn.com Breakfast 7:00 – 10:00AM (Old Edwards Inn and 200 Main Guests only) Lunch 12:00 – 6:00PM (Old Edwards Guests only) Four65 Woodfire Pizza + Bar Dinner (828) 787-2990 | four65.com (Old Edwards Inn Hotel guests only)

Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro shines every Christmas with decorations by The Christmas Tree.

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Hummingbird Lounge Live Music with Paul Jones 12:00-4:00 PM Live music with Cy Timmons 6:00-10:00PM (828) 787-2525 | oldedwardsinn.com (Old Edwards guests only)

DI NI NG Ugly Dog Public House (828) 526-8364 | theuglydogpub.com The Bridge at Mill Creek 3:00 – 10:00PM (828) 526-5500 thebridgeatmillcreek.com Highlander Mountain House (828) 526-2590 highlandermountainhouse.com SERVING NEW YEAR’S EVE HIGHLANDS Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro (828) 526-3807 | wolfgangs.net Madison’s Restaurant (828) 787-2525 | oldedwardsinn.com (Old Edwards Inn guests only) The Log Cabin (828) 526-5777 | logcabinhighlands.com On The Verandah 828) 482-0083 | ontheverandah.com

Lakeside Restaurant (828) 526-9419 | lakesiderestaurant.info Wild Thyme Gourmet (828) 526-4035 | wildthymegourmet.com Ristorante Paoletti (828) 526-4906 | paolettis.com

Highlander Mountain House 828 526-2590 highlandermountainhouse.com Tug’s Proper 828-526-3555 | tugsproper.com

4118 Kitchen & Bar (828) 526-5002 | 4118kitchen-bar.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN CASHIERS The Library Kitchen and Bar (828) 743-5512 | librarykitchenandbar.com

Meritage (828) 526-1019 | meritagehighlands.com

The Orchard (828) 743-7614 | theorchardcashiers.com

Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar (828) 787-2990 | four65.com The Ugly Dog Public House (828) 526-8364 | theuglydogpub.com The High Dive (828) 526-2200 Fire+Water Restaurant at Fire Mountain firemt.com/taste/

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about dining on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

The Bridge at Mill Creek 3:00 – 10:00PM (828) 526-5500 | thebridgeatmillcreek.com

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life with pie Nationally-celebrated Baker and Author Amanda Wilbanks will sign her Southern Baked: Life with Pie and offer samples of her exquisite kitchen creations in a joyful celebration at Acorns Boutique, Saturday, December 12. She’ll continue to spread her sweet message with a series of events at HalfMile Farm December 11-12.

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I

Amanda Wilbanks

f this unsettled month has left you unable to conjure a merry holiday spirit, the good people at Acorns Boutique have a delicious solution – Author and NationallyRecognized Baker Amanda Wilbanks will be stopping by Saturday, December 12, for a signing of her new book, Southern Baked: Life with Pie, and a pie sampling.

Everyone is invited to meet this founder of The Southern Baked Pie Company and taste her sweet, sweet creations from noon to 2:00 P.M. at Acorns, 212 South Fourth Street in Highlands. You can pre-order your pie by calling Acorns at (828) 787-1877.

But Mrs. Wilbanks and her nearlegendary culinary talents won’t be limited to her book signing at Acorns – she’ll be the centerpiece of a lavish celebration at HalfMile Farm slated for the December 11-13 weekend. That means guests of Half-Mile Farm will be treated to: Friday Pie Crust Demonstration and Social Hour with live music, hors d’oeuvres and Cranberry-Pear Pie from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M.

Apple Pear and Sausage Breakfast Pie on Saturday from 8:00 to 10:30 A.M. Social Hour with live music and hors d’oeuvres with Hot Bacon Cheddar Dip, Spoon Worthy Eggnog, Cranberry Chutney Pie Bites and Coconut Cream Napoleons from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. Sunday Breakfast from 8:00 to 10:30 A.M. with Ricotta Pancakes (A new recipe from Mrs. Wilbank’s newest cookbook, releasing in 2021).

Book your stay at Half-Mile Farm December 11-13 for a weekend of flavorful events with Amanda Wilbanks at halfmilefarm.com.

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about Half-Mile Farm

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Wine

Dress Code

Take Out

Outdoor Dining

Live Entertainment

Reservations Recommended

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Meals

The Restaurants of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Vegetarian Selections

Plateau Dining Guide

Children’s Menu

To see the most up-to-date information about dining on the plateau visit: https://www.highlands-cashiers.info/highlands-restaurants https://www.highlands-cashiers.info/cashiers-restaurants

64 Highlands Plaza

(828) 526-5002

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460 Main Street

(828) 526-3807

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445 North 4th Street

(828) 526-5500

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476 Carolina Way

(828) 200-0388

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Reservations Required

(828) 526-4446

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465 Main Street

(828) 787-2990

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Village Square, 470 Oak Street

(828) 526-4188

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Highlands Smokehouse

595 Franklin Road

(828) 526-3554

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The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering

350 S. Fifth Street

(828) 526-2110

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Smallwood Avenue

(828) 526-9419

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445 Main Street

(828) 787-2525

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490 Carolina Way

(828) 526-1019

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Highway 64 (Franklin Road)

(828) 526-2338

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440 Main Street

(828) 526-4906

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(828) 526-9632

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310 Main Street

(828) 526-3555

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298 South 4th Street

(828) 526-8364

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460 Main Street

(828) 526-3807

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220 Greystone Lane

(828) 966-4700

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14 Raggedy Lane

(828) 547-1300

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25 Frank Allen Road

(828) 743-3000

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45 Slabtown Road

(828) 743-7711

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HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS 4118 Kitchen + Bar The Bistro at Wolfgang’s Bridge at Mill Creek Don Leon’s at The High Dive Fire + Water Restaurant Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar Fressers Courtyard Cafe *

Lakeside Restaurant Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden Meritage Bistro On the Verandah Paoletti’s SweeTreats/Highlands Deli Tug’s Proper The Ugly Dog Pub Wolfgang’s Restaurant

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CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS The Greystone Inn Town & Country General Store Deli The Ugly Dog Pub Zookeeper B Breakfast

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HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS Asia House - (828) 787-1680 Bistro on Main/Main Street Inn - (828) 526-2590 The Blue Bike Cafe - (828) 526-9922 The Bridge at Mill Creek - (828) 526-5500 Bryson’s Deli - (828) 526-3775 The Cake Bar at Mill Creek - (828) 421-2042 Calder’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 526-0020 Dusty’s - (828) 526-2762 El Azteca - (828) 526-2244 El Manzanillo - (828) 526-0608 Highlander Mountain House - (828) 526-2590 The Log Cabin - (828) 526-5777 M-brace - (828) 787-1212

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SB Sunday Brunch

*

Takeout Only

Midpoint (828) 526-2277 Mountain Fresh - (828) 526-2400 Pescado’s - (828) 526-9313 Pizza Place - (828) 526-5660 Subway - (828) 526-1706 Wild Thyme Gourmet - (828) 526-4035 CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS Buck’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 743-9997 Canyon Kitchen - (828) 743-7967 Cashiers Farmers Market - (828) 743-4334 Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160 Cornucopia Restaurant - (828) 743-3750 Cork & Barrel Lounge - (828) 743-7477 El Manzanillo - (828) 743-5522

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JJ’s Eatery and Canteen - (828) 743-7778 Mica’s Restaurant - (828) 743-5740 The Orchard - (828) 743-7614 Randevu Restaurant - (828) 743-0190 Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company - (828) 743-0220 Subway - (828) 743-1300 The Blind Mule - (828) 553-8978 The Falls Cafe and Grill - 828-877-3322 The Library Kitchen and Bar - (828) 743-5512 Slopeside Tavern - (828) 743-8655 Table 64 - (828) 743-4135 Wendy’s - (828) 743-7777 Winslow’s Hideaway - (828) 743-2226

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LDOI N D IGNI G NG thelaurelmagazine.com/lodging

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Pet Policy

Banquet Facilities Wireless Internet

Cable/Satellite TV

In Room Microwave/Fridge

Accommodations on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Whirlpool Rooms Exercise Facility

On Site Restaurant

Plateau Lodging

On Site Bar/Lounge Pool

CALL TO CONFIRM BEFORE YOUR VISIT.

HOTELS / MOTELS / BED & BREAKFASTS 19386 Rosman Hwy | Sapphire blackbearlodgeofsapphire.com | (828) 553-6535

Black Bear Lodge of Sapphire

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205 Main Street | Highlands

theparkonmain.com | (888) 974-9738

Highlands

highlandsfairviewhouse.com | (866) 526-8008

Fire Mountain

700 Happy Hill Rd | Scaly Mountain

firemt.com | (800) 775-4446 n n

Greystone Inn

220 Greystone Ln | Lake Toxaway

thegreystoneinn.com | (828) 966-4700 n n

445 Main St | Highlands

Old Edwards Inn and Spa The Park on Main

n n

n n

93

n n

n

157

VACATION RENTALS Fairview House

The Vineyard at 37 High Holly 37 High Holly Road | Scaly Mountain thevineyardat37highholly.com | (828) 505-6190

n n n n n 124

VACATION RENTAL AGENCIES Berkshire Realty Vacation Rentals

488 Main Street | Highlands meadowsmountainrealty.com | (828) 526-1717

44

Rent in Highlands-CCP

507 Main Street | Highlands

rentinhighlands.com | (800) 684-2171 x 302

126

401 N 5th St | Highlands

highlandsiscalling.com | (828) 526-3717

57

17 US Hwy 64 E | Cashiers

landmarkvacations.com | (877) 926-1780

36

341 Hwy 64 W, Ste 102 | Cashiers

ncliving.com | (828) 743-1999

158

Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals Landmark Vacation Rentals Silver Creek Vacation Rentals

CASHIERS, NC: High Hampton Resort - (800) 334-255 Hotel Cashiers - (828) 743-7706 The Lakehouse - (904) 753-0247 Landmark Vacation Rentals- (877) 926-1780 Laurelwood Inn - (828) 743-9939 Mountain Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-0258 The Orchard Guest Cottage - (828) 743-7614 Pebble Creek Village - (828) 743-0623 Reid Resort Rentals - (828) 743-5955 Silver Creek Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-1999 GLENVILLE, NC: Innisfree Bed & Breakfast - (828) 743-2946 Mountain Lake Rentals - (828) 743-6875 Prime Property Rentals - (828) 743-3482 HIGHLANDS, NC 200 Main - (855) 271-2809 Berkshire Realty Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-1717 Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-3717 94 D MbBeErR22002200| |TTHHEEL LAAUURREEL LMMAG A GAAZZI N I NEE. C. COOMM N Eo C v eEm

The Chandler Inn - (678) 982-8406 The Chateau - (561) 613-1496 Fairview House - (866) 526-8008 Half Mile Farm - (855) 271-7246 Highlander Mountain House - (828) 526-2590 Highlands House Bed and Breakfast - (828) 787-1186 Highlands Inn - (828) 526-9380 Highlands Inn Lodge - (828) 526-5899 Highlands Resort Rentals - (828) 526-5839 The Inn at Mill Creek - 828-526-9999 The Lodge at Old Edwards - (828) 787-2560 Lullwater House - (423) 488-2799 Main Street Inn - (828) 526-2590 Mitchell’s Lodge & Cottages - (828) 526-2267 Old Edwards Inn and Spa - (866) 526-8008 Park on Main - (800) 221-5078 Ray’s Roost - (678) 534-6870 Rent in Highlands - CCP - (800) 684-2171 x 302 Rockwood Lodge - (828) 526-8919 Skyline Lodge - (828) 526-2121 Whiteside Cove Cottages - (828) 526-2222

SAPPHIRE, NC Black Bear Lodge of Sapphire - (828) 553-6535 Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-3441 Foxhunt At Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-7667 Hampton Inn & Suites Cashiers-Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-4545 Mt Toxaway Lodge & Motel - (828) 966-4582 Sapphire Run at Whisper Lake - (863) 412-5734 Whispering Falls - (352) 470-4085 Woods at Buc - (770) 714-9211 SCALY MOUNTAIN, NC: Fire Mountain - (800) 775-4446 The Vineyard at 3 High Holly - (828) 505-6190 LAKE TOXAWAY, NC Cabins at Seven Foxes - (828) 877-6333 Greystone Inn - (828) 966-4700 Lake Toxaway Realty Company - (828) 508-9141 DILLARD, GA: Julep Farms - (706) 960-9600

DI NI NG

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SHOPPING Pages 98-101

SHOPPI NG

shopping in

Gorges State Park

sapphire & lake toxaway

The Greystone Inn

D

Sponsor a Needy School Child or Senior in Western Transylvania County at greystoneinn.com

There’s something magical about the twin communities of Sapphire and Lake Toxaway during the winter.

ecember days call for a bit of meandering, so jump in the car and hit the frosty trail through the communities of Sapphire and Lake Toxaway on U. S. Highway 64 between Cashiers and Brevard, stopping along the way to savor and explore local shops, businesses and one of a kind hiking and outdoor opportunities.

Gorges State Park at 976 Grassy Ridge Road in Sapphire is a 7,700-acre property that offers hiking, biking, camping and fishing opportunities. Their well-marked

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hiking trails lead to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area. Always beautiful, these falls take on an icy beauty in the winter, so by all means take a minute to stray a bit off the beaten path and spend some time in this lovely area. For more info, visit ncparks.gov/gorges-state-park/home.

McNeely’s ACE Hardware at 17668 Rosman Highway in Sapphire is an iconic locally-owned family business that offers all your home and hardware needs. Open weekdays from 7:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.

and on Saturdays from 8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M., these knowledgeable friendly folks will make shopping a pleasure. Call them at (828) 966-4484 or visit their Facebook page or website.

The Greystone Inn at 220 Greystone Lane in Lake Toxaway is a luxury hotel offering unparalleled pampering and elegant surroundings at their beautifully renovated 1915 mansion and two lakeside buildings. Amenities include lakefront dining, the Mansion Bar, water’s edge spa

SHOPPI NG

Headwaters Outfitters

Mountain Café

McNeely’s ACE Hardware

Historic Toxaway Market

and numerous hiking trails. You’ll also want to visit their new Shopify site at thegreystone-inn.myshopify.com so you can order their retail online. Visit the site in December and discover how to help their Angels program which they are sponsoring in partnership with Lake Toxaway Charities to help local school children and seniors.

For more information or reservations, call (828) 966-4700.

The Historic Toxaway Market and Mountain Café at 15889 and 15886 Rosman Highway, respectively, in Lake Toxaway are just the kind of locally-owned gourmet shops you hope to find, offering premium wines, cheeses, meats, produce,

organic groceries, specialty coffee and hand-dipped ice cream and sorbet, gifts and local specialties like Killer Bee Honey.

It’s a great place to stop, browse and have a cup of coffee, pastry or snack. The Historic Toxaway Market is open Thursday through Saturday 11:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. and the Mountain Café is open Thursday through Saturday 8:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. during the winter months. They both open Tuesday through Saturday starting approximately April 1. Visit their Facebook page or call them at (828) 553-8148 (Market) or (828) 577-0469 (Café) for more information.

Outdoor adventurers will not want to miss Headwaters Outfitters at 25 Parkway

Road in Rosman. They offer self-guided paddling and tubing trips with reservations, and guided fly fishing by appointment only.

Their retail store/fly shop offers a great selection and is open daily during the winter from 8:30 A.M. until 5:30 P.M. Forks of the River Taproom is adjacent and often has a food truck on hand, so enjoy a cold beverage and bite to eat while you’re there. Check out their Facebook page for food truck schedules and events.

by Mary Jane McCall

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SHOPPI NG

PLATEAU PRIDE

Colorful and fun, these cotton pillows will proudly brighten up the Plateau’s occasional chairs and sofas.

Locally-Themed Pillows | $ 44.95 Main Street Gifts | Highlands

LOCAL CONNECTIONS The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is home to many local authors, and giving a present with a local connection personalizes the gift.

A GROOVY CHRISTMAS This most retro gift is just pure fun – for all ages.

16” Lava Lamp | $24 The Toy Store Highlands

Abolitionist Daughter

by Diane McPhail Hardback $26 | Paperpack $16 The Book Nook | Highlands

P latePau icks

a fe w o f o u r fav o r it e fi n d s

GET A GRIP

For the angler on your Christmas list, a special Limited Artist Helios 3 rod. Each cork grip is burned by hand by artist Tim Johnson. This is unquestionably a dream rod for any angler and is destined for heirloom status.

Limited Editon Custom Grip Rod | $1,150 Brookings Fly Shop | Cashiers

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SHOPPI NG

COMMEMORATIVE CHRISTMAS

BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL This original artwork by Bill Mathews will make a cheery statement piece on your soon-to-be-favorite wall.

Celebrate the holiday season in 2020 with this beautiful hand painted Christmas tree ornament featuring scenes from The Village Green, Cashiers 13 acre privately conserved park for public enjoyment.

Village Green Christmas Tree Ornament | $25 The Village Green | Cashiers

Build Me Up Buttercup | $ 800 Full House Gallery | Highlands

KEEPING IT COOL

Made to keep contents cold for hours - this lunch box that masquerades as a designer bag - insulates your favorite food, on-the-go, wherever you go.

Corkcicle 25 oz. Canteen | $39.99 Corkcicle Baldwin Boxer Lunchbox | $37.99 Zoller Hardware | Cashiers

POSITIVELY PENSIVE This original acrylic artwork by local artist Laura Moser is a powerful blend of neutral tones with splashes of subtle color.

Man in Green Chair, 18 x 24 | $500 Laura Moser Art | Cashiers

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Visit Our Advertisers WEST END

1. On The Verandah Restaurant 2. Highlands Smokehouse 4. The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts 5 The Dave Drake Ceramic Barn at The Bascom

WRIGHT SQUARE on MAIN (Factoid: Named after Whiteside hero) 113. Edward Jones 117. Country Club Properties 119. Highlands Pharmacy

SOUTH END

13. 4118 Kitchen & Bar 15. Dauntless Printing 26. Lupoli Construction 27. Pat Allen Realty Group 31. The Laurel 35. ACP Home Interiors 36. The Summer House Bed & Bath 37. The Summer House 44. Blue Elephant Consignment Studio 45. Head Innovations 46. Cake Bar & Chocolate Heaven

MAIN STREET

100. Main Street Nursery 103. Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 123. The Park on Main Hotel 124. Landmark Realty Group 128. Tug’s Proper 134. The Southern Way 140. The Toy Store 142. Main Street Gifts 146. Wit’s End Shoppe 148. Highlands Fine Art & Estate Jewelry 152. Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty 153. Allison Diane Clothing 158. C. Orrico 160. TJ Bailey for Men 163. Spoiled Rotten 166. Annawear 167. The Christmas Tree 169. Country Club Properties 178. McCulley’s II 179. SweeTreats & Highlands Deli 185. Ristorante Paoletti 189. Smitten 190. Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro 191. Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty 194. Old Edwards Inn 195. Madison’s Restaurant 196. The Wine Garden 197. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 202. Country Club Properties 202. Rent in Highlands CCP Vacation Rentals 207. Creative Concepts Salon

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ON THE HILL

303. Mirror Lake Antiques 310. McCulley’s 311. Martha Anne’s on the Hill 312. The Ugly Dog Public House 313. Old Edwards Inn 318. Peggy Crosby Center: - The Kitchen Carry Away & Catering 319. Lakeside Restaurant

SPRING VILLAGE

403. Warth Construction

VILLAGE PARK

613. John Cleaveland Realty 616. Fressers Courtyard Cafe

CAROLINA VILLAGE 704. Creekside Village: - Bridge at Mill Creek - Cake Bar 707. Yoga Highlands 709. The High Dive 709. Don Leon’s 710. Meritage Bistro 711. Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals

NORTH END

813. Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center 814. Fairview House

OUT NC 106

➡ Peak Experience ➡ Fire + Water ➡ The Vineyard at 37 High Holly ➡ Highlands Aerial Park ➡ Pat Calderone Gallery

OUT 64 EAST

➡ Black Rock Granite ➡ Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty ➡ WHLC ➡ Highlands Lawn & Garden ➡ Highlands Rock Yard ➡ Center for Plastic Surgery ➡ Cullasaja Club ➡ Roman’s Roofing ➡ Pat Allen Realty Group

For a complete listing please visit our website, thelaurelmagazine.com.

Being added to our listing is easy!

Simply advertise with The Laurel.

103 N DO EC V EM B ER 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Visit Our Advertisers SLABTOWN

2. Zookeeper Bistro 8. Remax Summit Properties

NORTH 107

16. Stork’s - Wrap. Pack. Ship 19. The Look Boutique

THE SHOPS AT CASHIERS COMMONS

WEST 64

155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 156. Creekside: - Silver Creek Real Estate Group 173. Betsy Paul Properties 175. Srebalus Construction 176. Lenz Gifts

28. Cashiers Kitchen Co. 30. Bombshell Hair Boutique 33. Zoller Hardware

DOWN 107 SOUTH

AT THE CROSSROADS 37. Landmark Realty Group

➡ Balistreri Realty ➡ The Greystone Inn

CHESTNUT SQUARE

VISIT NORTON:

EAST 64

VISIT SAPPHIRE : ➡ Black Bear Lodge ➡ Sapphire Valley Real Estate

43. A Jones Company 47. Lehotsky & Sons, Builders 55. Cashiers Valley Fusion

➡ Silver Run Reserve

VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY

➡ The Town and Country General Store

64. Alexander Gardens: - Victoria’s Closet - Victoria’s Closet Shoes & Purses - Vic’s for Men 75. Carolina Rustic Furniture 76. Blue Ridge Bedding 79. Jennings Builders Supply

VILLAGE WALK

80. A-List Antiques 80. Josephine’s Emporium 82. The Village Hound 86. Nora & Co. 89. Nearly New Furniture Consignment 99. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty

SOUTH 107

102. TJ Baileys for Men 103. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming 108. Landmark Realty Group 109. Ugly Dog Public House 110. McCulley’s 123. Caliber Fine Properties 127. Laura Moser Art 127. Merrell Thompson Photography 128. Mountainworks Custom Home Design LTD. 136. McKee Properties 137. Bounds Cave Rug Gallery

THE VILLAGE GREEN 142.Village Green Commons 143. The Village Green

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, s r e i h s a C arolina C th r o N For a complete listing please visit our website, thelaurelmagazine.com.

Being added to our listing is easy!

Simply advertise with The Laurel.

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H ISTORY

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HISTORY Pages 110-112

Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club and its Polar Express entry in the Cashiers Christmas Parade 2019

H ISTORY

cemetery mystery Though his inf luence upon the community is still felt today, many of the details of Frank Allen’s life and death remain cloaked in myster y.

T

his summer, my friend Ann McKee Austin told me that there was a recently sunken-in, old grave at the Lower Zachary Cemetery, which appeared to be one of the graves in the Frank Allen plot.

Ann took a lot of pictures and sent them to me. I checked several sources including Carol M. Bryson’s book Glenville and Cashiers, From the Records, Volume Two, in which I found a detailed paragraph about Frank Allen and his family.

One of my favorite research books entitled The Cemeteries of Jackson County, North Carolina, gave me the tombstone inscriptions of the Allens who are resting next to each other through eternity in the Lower Zachary Cemetery.

Frank Allen [1897-1965] was originally from Oconee County, South Carolina. He married Margery D. Bumgarner [19011980] a daughter of Elbert A. and Octavia Brown Bumgarner.

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In 1928, while working for a lumber mill company as a laborer he bought, for $150, a lot near the middle of Cashiers. Although Frank and Margery became the parents of around six or eight children, the majority of the children only lived a very short time. Two unnamed babies, a male and a female, died in 1925 and 1934; Clara Dale Allen born February 27, 1929, died June 27, 1929; Frankie D. Allen, born November 20, 1930 and died March 11 1931; Doris Jean Allen born July 28, 1932, died August 23, 1932; Frankie Allen born August 23, 1937, died January 30 1939. (My sources don’t all agree on the children’s names, or birth & death dates.)

In later life, Frank Allen became a deputy sheriff and after his death a street in Cashiers was named for him.

Frank Allen Road is a by-way that runs from the stop light on Highway 107 South curving around to Highway 64 west of

the Cashiers Crossroads. Most residents of Cashiers drive along Frank Allen Road because of the often used buildings that line the road – a bank, the post office, a police station, two eating establishments, the library, recreation centers, real estate offices, the swimming pool, the fire department, the food bank, the tiny homes franchise and more.

The mystery of the sunken-in grave noted in the first sentence of this article has not been solved but the next time you look up at the street sign that reads, “Frank Allen Road,” you’ll know who Frank Allen was.

by Jane Gibson Nardy, Historian, Cashiers Historical Society Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about Cashiers History

H ISTORY

it’s down

to earth

Henry Wright standing by the Richardson Oak in the Primeval Forest. Photograph by George Masa.

Henry Wright

As we think about the lush evergreen Christmas trees that are grown on our mountains, consider what almost happened to many of them years ago.

W

ithout the Highlands Biological Station our landscape could be radically different. In the 1950s and 1960s the North and South Carolina border near Highlands, which supports a multitude of rare and remarkable plants and animals, nearly took a dive, literally.

Nuclear power plant dams proposed

by Duke Power Company would have flooded rich ravines. Irreplaceable plants and wildlife would have been wiped out.

The Bio Station came to our region’s rescue. A series of National Science Foundation grants were awarded to them.

The station participated in the survey of 50,000 acres of biologically rich gorges. Their meticulous work prevented massive devastation of the very things that contribute to the natural beauty and biological importance of our region.

Coming so close to losing a vast amount of land habitat, Henry Wright, Ralph Sargent, and Martina Wadewitz (later

Haggard) joined forces and created a phenomenal Botanical Garden behind the Museum featuring a wealth of indigenous plants. It is one of Appalachia’s most prestigious gardens.

Lindsay Olive, internationally-known microbiologist and Highlands summer resident, oversaw the garden’s creation.

The Garden joined the Museum and the Laboratory, making the Biological Station a triumvirate of history, education, and plant preservation.

While many famous biologists from esteemed institutions collected specimens for the garden, the most outstanding local guide was Henry Wright, a man whose knowledge grew from hands-on field work, not academia. In 1924 he replaced his tutor, another Highlands hero, Thomas Harbison, as a highly-knowledgeable field person.

Ran Shaffner, author of Heart of the Blue Ridge, honors Wright with this passage: “Biologists from Tennessee, Florida, South

Carolina, and Georgia sought out Henry Wright because he could show them where many types of plants grew in the mountains and valleys around Highlands. He led crews to White Oak Bottoms, Walking Fern Cove, Buck Creek, and the backside of Chunky Gal (aren’t White Oak Bottoms and Chunky Gal’s backside a face-full of grin?). Not only did he know every plant in the region, he often discovered new varieties. In tribute, some were named after him.”

To learn more about scientists like Henry Wright or scores of other talented folk who had a love affair with the region, refer to Heart of the Blue Ridge or go to: highlandshistory. com or email hhs@highlandshistory.com.

by Donna Rhodes Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about Highlands History

111 D E C EM B ER 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

H ISTORY

a historical

winter’s visit

Exploring the grounds of the Zachar y-Tolber t House offers a glimpse into the lives and for tunes of the people who lived there.

T

he winter season is an interesting time to visit the grounds at Cashiers Historical Society.

Tucked away along highway 107 South one passes by the house that Mordecai Zachary built in the 1840s-1850s and the grounds. And this time of year, visitors have a completely different view of the grounds and buildings. Stopping by in the winter gives visitors an opportunity to explore a little bit of life during the middle 1800s in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Cashiers.

Visitors are invited to take a peek inside the four historic structures. They may especially enjoy visiting Col. John’s Cabin in all its Christmas glory. As always, any time 112 D E C EM B ER 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

from sun up to sun down, they can explore the trails and visit some of the sites along the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust Nature Trail.

There are the two springs – Zachary and the Tolbert, both a source of water for the Zachary-Tolbert House. The Tolbert Rock is a large outcropping of granite that has been exposed for several hundred years. On the rock is the inscription “W. R. Tolbert 1919.” This was Walter Red, a prohibition agent who was ambushed and killed by moonshiners in north Georgia in 1928.

Also there is the stump of a Canada Hemlock tree that fell in a storm in 2008. The tree was nearly 320 years old and almost four feet in diameter.

Another stop along the trial is the outhouse. Since the house did not have indoor plumbing, the outhouse or privy was the family’s outdoor bathroom and their garbage dump.

There are other points of interest along the trail that any of the visitors would enjoy exploring.

Visitors are encouraged to call the office if they would like to schedule a special tour or learn more about the 2021 schedule.

Cashiers Historical Society is located at 1940 Highway 107 South.

by Sandi Rogers, Cashiers Historical Society

H ISTORY

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H ISTORY

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H ISTORY

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H ISTORY

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LIFESTYLES & WELLNESS Pages 118-124

The Free Dental Clinic’s entry in the Highlands Christmas Parade 2019

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

fresh

Yet familiar

Highlander Mountain House preser ves all the warm, personalized touches that made Main Street Inn a cherished Highlands institution, yet delivers its own elevated brand of gracious hospitality. To learn more, visit highlandermountainhouse.com.

M

ain Street Inn has been transformed and has a new name: Highlander Mountain House. The circa 1885 inn and restaurant perfectly perched with a broad view of the Town of Highlands fills several buckets on Jason Reeves’ list. The Charleston, S.C., home restorer turned New York City Wallstreeter turned boutique hotel developer hankered for a project that could benefit from his skills and experience.

He purchased the property in late February this year - at what became an inopportune time, “but this has been a passion project for me,” he says.

For the past several months, he and a skilled team have tackled an extensive list of electrical, plumbing, structural, and design needs to result in a 19th century structure with modern and locally cultural leanings. Said Reeves: “It feels fresh and current, but familiar as well.”

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Reeves said it was important to him to accent the positive and historic aspects of the building. Fireplaces were taken back to wood burning to become the heart of the lobby and the tavern.

Old barn beams replace out-of-style columns in the lobby.

Decorating is eclectic and layered. “A collected look,” said Reeves. “I wanted it to tell stories of the Cherokee, Scots-Irish homesteaders, moonshiners, crafters, artists … It’s all about the sum of the parts.”

After months of renovation and restoration and pandemic maneuvering, Highlander Mountain House, as well as The Ruffed Grouse Tavern, opened Oct. 22nd.

“Chef Charlie Hudson focuses on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and we let the integrity of those ingredients speak for themselves” explained Reeves.

The Ruffed Grouse Tavern, with an ambiance of Cotswold English country pub mixed with the rustic nature and comfort of an Appalachian tavern, is open year-round and will offer seating outside, weather permitting.

Reeves’ goal is for the common areas to serve as “a de facto living room for both guests and locals alike, where they come for coffee and pastries by the fire in the morning, stay for conversation or to work on their laptop through the day, and then have tea or a predinner cocktail before joining us for dinner.”

His biggest sense of satisfaction is seeing guests feel at home in the communal spaces.

“These spaces were designed specifically with warmth, culture and community in mind,” Reeves says.

by Deena Bouknight

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Consider These Yearend Financial Moves

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W

e’re nearing the end of 2020 – and for many of us, it will be a relief to turn the calendar page on this challenging year. However, we’ve still got a few weeks left, which means you have time to make some year-end financial moves that may work in your favor.

Here are a few suggestions: • Add to your IRA. For the 2020 tax year, you can put in up to $6,000 to your traditional or Roth IRA, or $7,000 if you’re 50 or older. If you haven’t reached this limit, consider adding some money. You actually have until April 15, 2021, to contribute to your IRA for 2020, but the sooner you put the money in, the quicker it can go to work for you. Plus, if you have to pay taxes in April, you’ll be less likely to contribute to your IRA then.

• Make an extra 401(k) payment. If it’s allowed by your employer, put in a little extra to your 401(k) or similar retirement plan. And if your salary goes up next year,

increase your regular contributions.

• See your tax advisor. It’s possible that you could improve your tax situation by making some investment-related moves. For example, if you sold some investments whose value has increased, you could incur capital gains taxes. To offset these gains, you could sell other investments that have lost value, assuming these investments are no longer essential to your financial strategy. Your tax advisor can evaluate this type of move, along with others, to determine those that may be appropriate for your situation.

• Review your investment mix. As you consider your portfolio, think about the events of these past 12 months and how you responded to them. When COVID-19 hit early in the year, and the financial markets plunged, did you find yourself worrying constantly about the losses you were taking, even though they were just on “paper” at that point? Did you even sell investments to “cut your losses” without waiting for a market

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS recovery? If so, you might want to consult with a financial professional to determine if your investment mix is still appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance, or if you need to make some changes.

• Evaluate your need for retirement plan withdrawals. If you are 72 or older, you must start taking withdrawals – technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs – from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or similar retirement plan. Typically, you must take these RMDs by December 31 every year. However, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act suspended, or waived, all RMDs due in 2020. If you’re in this age group, but you don’t need the money, you can let your retirement accounts continue growing on a tax-deferred basis.

• Think about the future. Are you saving enough for your children’s college education? Are you still on track toward the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned?

Or have your retirement plans changed as a result of the pandemic? All of these issues can affect your investment strategies, so you’ll want to think carefully about what decisions you may need to make.

Looking back – and ahead – can help you make the moves to end 2020 on a positive note and start 2021 on the right foot.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Mary Beth Brody

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

the solution for 2020

2

020’s been an omnishambles year. We’re all hoping the holidays will lift America’s spirit (and consciousness).

I’m doing my part.

I made a mistletoe ball so huge, it will dwarf your neighbor’s two-story-blow-up-zombie-Rudolf.

SpaceX will launch my Missile-toe early December. It will orbit Earth through New Year’s. Everyone on the planet will be under my gigantic globe of greenery. Humankind will be required to kiss friends and strangers with conviction. Conservatives shall kiss Progressives. Dogs kiss cats. Karens kiss people of color.

Lambs kiss lions (who, thus, will consider veganism).

If my plan works, we’ll reverse the madness of 2020 and the world shall be set right. Like Snow White, the kiss shall waken us.

Can mistletoe’s magic make such a miracle? Let’s look at its kiss-tory.

Alas, mistletoe’s a parasitic plant. Its sustenance is the juice of its host, yet it creates chlorophyll like any ordinary botanical.

Birds munch on its berries. When their seed-laden droppings land on a suitable branch, mistletoe will take root. The tree is then stuck with a plant-sucker ‘til death do them part… or ‘til Peter, parasite picker, plucks a peck of parasites.

There are several mistletoe origin myths. The Druids revered mistletoe, the only plant that bloomed in harsh winter. That inspired the Ritual of Oak and Mistletoe. Romans found that barbaric, and we all know what happens when you offend a Caesar.

The Norse had their own mistletoe madness. The god Baldur shot and killed the son of the goddess, Figg. Baldur’s arrow was made of mistletoe. Figg vowed that forevermore, anyone passing under mistletoe would be kissed, as long as the plant was never again used as a weapon.

Are you now envisioning a wobbly, macramed mistletoe arrow that flops more than flies?

Those Norsemen.

If you drink enough mead, anything’s possible, which could explain my mistletoe-ball satellite and total disregard for danger-kisses in a COVID plague.

By the 1700s England created its own version of mistletoe kissing. It began with the lower class at Christmas and quickly spread to any class fond of sucking face.

So this December, stand under the seedy, bird-dropping, parasitic, son-killing, low-class mistletoe and indulge in a kiss.

Wait a minute. This story was supposed to spread good cheer.

Forget murderous mistletoe. Next year, let’s talk about a happier holiday tradition…the bricks that built the very foundation of our nation … the fruitcakes.

by Donna Rhodes

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finding calm during times of chaos

t’s safe to say that 2020 has been a year unlike most.

We have experienced a global pandemic, social unrest, and political differences powerful enough to divide the closest of families and friends. For many, the recent stressors of uncertainty and chaos have led to ongoing feelings of fear, anxiety and depression.

Our expectations have been challenged, our perception of normalcy has shifted, and cracks in our foundation have been exposed.

So, where do we go from here and how do we pave a different path for the coming year and beyond?

The answer is dependent on so many factors but a good start might be to take a step back and reflect on how the events of the year affected you.

Begin the process with yourself then expand it to those closest to you then outwardly to your local community, and so

on. Truly becoming aware of how situations made you feel and allowing yourself the opportunity to take note of your actions and reactions. Noting both the good and bad that came from the specific experiences and whether or not the feelings associated with the experience truly served you.

This inward process of self-reflection can help to take stock of what matters the most and what isn’t worth your energy.

From here, decide what you want more and less of in your life and set an intention that can guide you through the next year.

Consider choosing a word or statement to live by and then put it in motion.

It’s important not to set the intention and then never come back to it.

Instead, allow it to be present in all aspects of your life and consider ways in which you could be reminded. Perhaps using a sticky note on a mirror, a notification on your phone or calendar, keeping a daily journal with the

intention written on the cover or after each journal entry, or find someone to help you along the way, an accountability partner.

Sitting with the intention before meditation or yoga practice is also another great way to keep it top of mind. Living intentionally allows us to be more positive and can help us avoid getting caught in the negative spin that is readily available in the world.

As you manifest the life you want, be willing to listen, let go, flow and shift. Trust that things are always changing and with change comes choice. Choosing to be proactive instead of reactive may lead you down a path to more positive feelings and experiences, even in the face of stress and uncertainty.

Here’s to a more positive 2021!

by Mary Abrany. Maryi is the owner of Fusion Yoga & Wellness in Cashiers and a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. She is committed to helping others achieve their goals and works to bring more positivity to the world one person at a time.

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

spinal stenosis

S

Sue Aery

pinal stenosis has been a topic of conversation more and more lately.

My patients are asking for explanations and help with this painful phenomenon.

A textbook definition of SS reads as this: “An abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramen that results in pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Symptoms may include

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pain, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs. Severe symptoms may include loss of bladder control, loss of bowel control, or sexual dysfunction.”

Spinal stenosis is found mostly in people over 50, as the cause is usually related to some form of arthritis, whether it is degenerative, autoimmune or traumatic in origin.

The natural approach to dealing with SS tends to be quite different from the “mainstream” medical approach.

Most medical approaches focus on the bony confinement of the spinal tissues and often the go to is surgery, as most pharmaceutical methods are not enough to dispel the pain.

Unfortunately, what is often overlooked is the overall inflammation that prevails due to constant irritation of the very sensitive tissues.

Surgery can be a fleeting reprieve from the pain associated with SS. As time goes on, if the inflammation itself is ignored,

the same process will recur and continue in the original area and often new areas as well, causing the very same cycle of pain all over again.

With a natural approach to spinal stenosis, I help my patients address more of the actual inflammation instead of just the restrictive canals pressing on the nerves and spinal cord. Once the inflammation is reduced, the pain can lessen on a more consistent basis, giving the patient more room for progress and improved lifestyle.

Arthritis is known to be an inflammatory process so it is definitely treatable through natural means, nutritional changes and diet and exercise changes. Some natural approaches include acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, noninvasive stem cell activation, anti-inflammatory practices, massage therapy and nutraceutical protocols.

by Dr. Sue Aery, Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

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Merry Christmas At this special time of year, we give thanks to our readers, advertisers, friends and family. You made our jobs easier and our lives more fulfilling. Thank you for being you.

- From all of us at the Laurel

Photo by Greg Clarkson

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RECREATION

WHAT TO DO DINING

THE ARTS

LIFEST YLES

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CREATION

.Love has arrived

SHOPPING

WELLNESS

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ACCOMMODATIONS

ACCOMMODATIONS

ART LESSONS

BEAUTY

BEAUTY

CABINETRY

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CLEANING

CLEANING

CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION

HOME DECOR

PICTURE FRAMING

PRINTING

REAL ESTATE

ROOFING

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GIVING BACK Pages 136-151

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Uplifting Health

and Well-being

The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation’s good works throughout this pandemic year have given it the determination to aim for even greater things in 2021.

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eason’s Greetings from all of us at the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation as we greet the Holidays with hearts full of gratitude and joy!

Indeed, 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, yet the new challenges and increased needs encouraged us to think outside-the-box. Our community came together. We supported each other and we developed creative solutions to help our fellow neighbors.

Reflecting on the year, we applaud our community’s willingness to work collaboratively for the greater good.

Highlights include the cooperative spirits of four Chambers of Commerce to disperse 250 hand sanitizer stations funded by the Foundation.

Businesses and patrons alike wore protective masks. Parents, students, and teachers helped to reduce the COVID-19 spread by practicing the three “W’s” and volunteering for Foundation-sponsored

weekly schools testing. Numerous organizations banded together to get food to neighbors in need.

We are beyond grateful for these collective initiatives to help each other!

What’s more, the Foundation recently announced nearly a million dollars in 2020 funding to 20 hard-working non-profit partners.

The awarded funds will impact lives spanning from early childhood through end-of-life, advancing our goal to move the needle toward measurable health and well-being improvements.

Looking forward to 2021, the Foundation will focus on our priority to establish the new Community Health Center – Blue Ridge Health on the Plateau. As a public charity, we invite donors and funding partners to join us in supporting this innovative project that increases access to quality healthcare and creates a pipeline for ongoing rural

physician recruitment to our area.

It’s a privilege to work together with people to uplift the health and well-being of our neighbors. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to learn how we can support effective programs and hold ourselves accountable.

There are many reasons to be optimistic for a future of vibrant living throughout our treasured mountain communities!

From all of us at the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation – we wish you a Holiday Season bursting with warmth, health and happiness that lasts through the New Year!

For more information, please visit hchealthfnd.org.

Contributed by The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation Team

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christmas cheer

to 400 kids

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Shop With A Cop, which brings holiday cheer to a host of local children, is thriving thanks to a compassionate law enforcement community and the generosity of a committed citizenr y.

t is December and time for Shop With A Cop to begin. The program provides Christmas for children who would have little or no Christmas. Over the past several years SWAC has provided a little Christmas cheer to approximately 400 children each year in Macon County. Each child is given a $100 gift card to ‘Shop With A Cop’ at Walmart in Franklin. The children who are recommended to participate in this program are recommended to Sherriff Robbie Holland by teachers, churches, police officers, neighbors and family members who see the child or children will have little or no Christmas. Applications for the children are filled out by these individuals and given to the Macon County Sheriff’s department. In this year of the pandemic and unemployment it is thought there will be many more applications for SWAC children.

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The children will be asked to buy something for themselves and something for someone else. Then with the remaining funds the children may purchase anything they wish, including necessities for the home. This was not allowed a few years ago but Sheriff Robbie and his officers saw there was a a great need.

Due to the lack of enough officers to help the children shop. others volunteer their time to assist with this heart warming event.

There are teachers, Forestry personnel, people from the various parts of the military, churches and so on. The children shop with these individuals. Then they are treated to a meal at a fast food restaurant in Franklin.

The children are helped with the wrapping of their gifts, also.

When all of the applications are received, there will be a selection process for the

SWAC children. Then Sheriff Robbie Holland and his team will get in touch with the parents or guardians of the selected SWAC children let them know. Officers and other individuals will be paired with their children. During the month of December the officers will contact the children and parents or guardians. The officers will communicate with them to arrange how they will participate. The shopping will be done differently than as in the past - most of the participants went shopping during the same day at staggered times. Covid has changed all of that.

Sheriff Robbie Holland said...’ we are going to let the officers and the parents determine what is most comfortable for them during this pandemic. Instead of us all going together and at one time... we will do it individually and much safer. I think it’s

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help for the

food insecure

Fishes & Loaves continues to help the food insecure in southern Jackson County. To contribute, visit f ishesandloavescashiers.org.

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important for not only the kids and families participating to remain mindful and safe regarding Covid19 but the officers, their families and the many volunteers who always take part to help make our event successful. The last thing I want to create is placing families in quarantine during Christmas but even more importantly to add to the spread of the virus.’

Donations are needed to help these children have a Christmas. Won’t you please consider giving a donation to SWAC? The ladies of Mountain Garden Club are helping to call on businesses and other individuals for donations. If you know a member, you can give them your donation. Other ways are: you can take your donation to the Highlands Police Department or mail the donation to Caroline Cook, P. O. Box 2785, Highlands, NC , 28741.

Please make your check out to Shop With A Cop or SWAC. Your donation is tax deductible.

Wouldn’t is be nice to hear a choir of children saying thank you on Christmas Day? Merry Christmas!

by Caroline Cook

The photos above are from Shop with A Cop from Christmases past. Unfortunately, this year due to Covid concerns, a visit from Santa will not be part of the festivities.

n Christian churches, being the “hands and feet of Jesus” essentially means helping others.

That’s the motivating factor behind Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry, which serves the needy in southern Jackson County.

That’s why the cancellation of the 46th Annual Cashiers Christmas Parade, set for December 12, was such a blow to the fortunes of this vital Cashiers resource. In years past, parade-goers were invited to a Fishes & Loaves Luncheon to hear about its operations and contribute to its ongoing mission.

In 2008, the Cashiers United Methodist Church, St. Jude Catholic Church, the Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, and Christ Church of the Valley joined forces to be “hands and feet” in the Cashiers community and Cashiers Cares was born.

The goal of Cashiers Cares is to support 10 charitable organizations, from food and emergency financial help for families to literacy and tutoring programs for children and adults.

For its part, Fishes & Loaves annually provides family holiday dinners to those in need. The organization did so, through committed volunteers and generous donations, during Thanksgiving, and it will do so again for this Christmas – in addition to its regularly scheduled Monday and Thursday food box distribution. The holiday dinner bags contain the following items: • a 12-15 pound turkey or a 5-pound ham • a 5-pound sack of potatoes • t wo cans of vegetables • one onion • one can of yams • one can of jellied cranberry sauce • one apple or pumpkin pie • one package of rolls Holiday dinner bags are distributed at the Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry behind the Cashiers Glenville Volunteer Fire Department at 549 Frank Allen Road during normal hours of operation from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM on the Monday and Thursday preceding the holiday. ​T he retail cost for each bag is $36. Anyone interested in providing funds to assist with one or multiple bags can visit the Fishes and Loaves website or make checks payable to Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry, Inc. for $36 per bag and mail to P.O. Box 865, Cashiers, NC 28717.

by Deena Bouknight

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S christmas

comes early

The horses of Carpe Diem Farms celebrate the arrival of Christmas with an abundance of Holiday Cheer – they’re healthy and happy.

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ome of you may not feel like this is the typical “shout out” to Jolly Ole St. Nick, however, when it comes to the health and well-being of the Carpe Diem herd, it’s just that.

Gifts come to the farm in a variety of ways.

Some of the greatest gifts are from the professionals who provide important hoof and teeth care to our herd. Every five to six weeks our farrier, Pete Ramey, comes from Tiger, Georgia, to care for the horses’ hooves and apply Easy’s Slippers. Hoof care is a vital part of maintaining the overall health of the horses. You may have heard the phrase, “No Foot, No Horse.” It is reality.

Good nutrition is only a part of the equation to maintain healthy horses. Without annual dental care, nutrients cannot be broken down properly in the lateral chewing movement of the jaw. A misalignment in the 24 sets of molars can result in poor nutrition and digestion.

Like us, horses have only one stomach and

only one opportunity to chew, break down the fibers, mix them with saliva and provide vital fuel for critical energy, and maintain good health throughout their aging process.

Also, like us they get two sets of teeth, one as a baby which they lose at two to three and their permanent teeth which follow.

Once a year our friend and veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Miller-Bailey, comes from Friendsville(!), Tennessee, to take care of the herds’ teeth. Using a power drill, files,and a tarter-removing tool, she uses her expertise and again gives the horses the gift of proper dental care.

So, though these gifts don’t come in stockings hung on their stalls; they are blessings to each of our equines, maintaining good health, and in turn gifts to those we serve.

May the season be equally blessed for you.

Happy Holidays and a joy-filled New Year!

by Sue Blair, Carpe Diem Farms

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addressing the pandemic

An innovative program launched by the International Friendship Center in Highlands aims to sharpen the work skills of people throughout the community.

T

he International Friendship Center of Highlands is launching a Career and Professional Development Center to help address the issues of unemployment and underemployment.

The service will link potential candidates with current job opportunities coupled with career coaching and mentoring to help candidates match their skills to the right job opportunities.

“The impact from Covid-19 on local immigrant families and other underserved households in our community as well as the impact to public health, the economy, and the education system has shed light on the need for additional training and access to jobs with fair pay to support the marginalized

families in our communities,” said Taylor Ashley, executive director of the IFC. “We envision this bi-lingual service to provide education and training focused on job-readiness, job retention, and financial literacy. This will be achieved through committed partnerships with regional entities including the Emergency Council, Literacy and Learning Center, Highlands Chamber of Commerce, Hudson Library, NC Works and Southwestern Community College.”

Grants to develop and launch the program have been made available by Cullasaja Women’s Outreach, Nantahala Health Foundation and Regions Bank.

For information about this program

and all of the services offered by the International Friendship Center, stop by the offices at 348 South Fifth Street or go to internationalfriendshipcenter.org.

by Taylor Ashley

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about the International Friendship Center

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simon and

protected land

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Santa’s bound to notice the bounty of good works under taken by the good people of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust.

And you can end up on the Nice List, too!

imon is the name of our Elf on a Shelf Friend who Santa sends to my home at Christmas time to check in on the kids’ behavior and report it back to the big guy.

Admittedly, he’s a bit of a snitch, but in spite of that we love him. I sometimes wonder if Santa ever expanded his surveillance operation, would he deploy an elf to the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and if so, will this be the year Sugar Plum the Elf shows up?

We are currently working on four fee simple donations, three new conservation easements, and three conservation easement amendments. The latter category is usually reserved for minor adjustments to an easement but this year we will be adding significant acreage and natural heritage to three existing easements, making them even larger.

Are you listening, Sugar Plum?

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One of the new properties is a farmlet located next to an existing 12-acre tract we already own, Castor Farmstead. We hope to begin to manage both of these neighboring sites sometime in the future for the rare Golden Wing Warbler.

Another will help us continue to expand the lands that protect the historic Kelsey Trail and Highlands Greenway and three of our new easements will protect significant Natural Heritage areas of the historic Horse Cove Bog. While the influx of new visitors and residences on the Plateau is wonderful in so many ways, it’s more important than ever to ensure we strike a healthy balance between development and conservation.

Your Land Trust is ready and equipped to do just that but we need your support. Please join us today by sending your donation to HCLT, P.O. Box 1703, Highlands, NC

28741 or online at hicashlt.org.

What better gift could we give the next generations than to preserve these mountains for them?

And don’t worry, we’ll tell Sugar Plum you deserve a spot on The Nice List, too.

Happy Holidays from Gary, Julie, Kyle, Sarah, Logan and all your friends at Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust!

by Julie Schott, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about Highlands Cashiers Land Trust

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providing warm,

safe shelter

The state of abandoned local cats and dogs grows even more perilous with the onset of winter. A contribution to the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a timely lifeline.

A glimpse of the CHHS Feline Adoption Center through the snow in January 2020

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inter in the North Carolina mountains is always a beautiful time.

But cold weather, icy roads and snow pose a challenge to our mission to save lives and provide compassionate care. Adoptions drop during this time but the strays we rescue still come in each day, and our expenses soar as we pledge to be a warm and safe shelter from the storm for the abandoned, neglected and abused animals in our community.

Nearly 500 animals pass through our doors each year, each one receiving daily nutritious meals, monthly flea/heartworm preventatives, vaccinations, and any and all necessary veterinary treatment. Not to mention a heaping daily dose of tender loving care from our staff and volunteers.

CHHS helps reduce pet overpopulation through our low-cost and free spay/neuter program (which has provided low-cost spay/ neuter for more than 4,000 animals in the past eight years); our pet pantry program which distributes more than 15,000 pounds

of free dog and cat food each year to animalloving families facing financial hardship; low-cost rabies vaccinations to keep pets safe and in compliance with North Carolina law; and humane education programs like our summer Critter Camp which teaches children important life skills like dog bite prevention, canine body language and responsible pet ownership.

Please consider a tax-deductible gift to fund our lifesaving work. You can donate in one of three ways: Please mail your check to: CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717; • You can charge your donation to your credit card by calling us at (828)743-5769; • You can make a donation on our website by visiting CHhumanesociety.org and clicking on the red “Donate” button on the top right of the home page.

Your charitable donation of any amount is so appreciated and needed now more than ever. Thirty dollars feeds a shelter pet for a month. Fifty dollars will pay for a spay or

neuter. One-hundred dollars provides the funds for a year’s worth of vital vaccinations and preventatives. Gifts of greater amounts will significantly help with the veterinary care for our special-needs animals.

Our shelter pets, once abandoned in their past, now have a second chance at life and a second chance to love because of your kindness and generosity. Thank you so much for your support.

Established in 1987, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit no-kill animal shelter that receives no state or county tax dollars, and no funding from any national animal organization. CHHS is located on Highway 64 in Sapphire, two miles east of the Cashiers Crossroads and is open 10am-4pm Tuesday through Saturday.

by David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

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F a park for

the people

The value of The Village Green has never been more apparent than in this off-the-rails year.

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or more than 25 years, The Village Green has been a park for the people.

Today this has never been more true. The Village Green has been a sanctuary and place of solace for the community during this pandemic crisis. The fresh air, expansive views and ample space for social distancing allow us to recharge physically and mentally during these unsettling times.

Every day, we welcome visitors to the park walking dogs, admiring the gardens, birdwatching, sketching and reading, to name a few of the many safe, therapeutic ways we are enjoying The Village Green.

Frank Lloyd Wright once observed, “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”

Something about being in nature calms our nervous system and reduces our stress hormones. Being in nature encourages us to take deeper breaths and live in the present moment, which is essential for mental health.

The Village Green has seen more people in its 13+ acres of green space in the heart

of Cashiers during 2020. This increased use has strained resources, necessitating additional maintenance and repairs at a time of tremendous financial constraint.

As you know, The Village Green operates without any government funding and depends on the generous support of friends like you. If you’ve found moments of tranquility and restoration in The Village Green, would you please consider making a secure online donation at our website (VillageGreenCashiersNC.com), text an amount to 828-293-4990 or mail your contribution to P.O. Box 2201, Cashiers, NC 28717. Remember, that because we are a 501(c)(3) organization, your gift is 100 percent tax deductible.

In years to come, the need for this treasured park for the people in the heart of Cashiers will remain and The Village Green will continue to be the principal community gathering space. Please help us ensure that future generations will discover the benefits of this unique sanctuary.

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in praise of purple pinkies

ctober was Polio Month for Mountaintop Rotary of Highlands.

The Rotary program to eradicate polio was started in 1989 when over 1,000 children a day were being paralyzed by the disease around the world.

An annual effort to fund the vaccination program has enabled Rotary Volunteers to drop life saving drops of vaccine into billions of children’s mouths. A bright spot in 2020 was the declaration that Africa was now Polio free. Only two countries still have live polio – Pakistan and Afghanistan. We are very close to eradicating this disease from our planet.

The Mountaintop Rotary campaign culminated in a celebration of World Polio Day on October 24. Purple Pinkies signify that a child has been vaccinated on Immunization Days around the world.

Children at the event had their pinkies colored in remembrance.

Mountaintop Rotary would like to thank the following generous donors for their help to fund vaccinations for over 16,600 children: Brysons Grocery Jim Bryson for saving 1000 children from Polio!!!!; Potpourri ,500 children; Brysons Grading, 500 children; Allison Diane Clothing, 500 children; TJ Bailey, 500 children; Dr. Steve Baumrucker, 500 children; The Ugly Dog, 500 children; Dr Scott Baker & Becky Baker, 625 children; Mitchells Lodge, 500 children; Highlands Cable Group, 500 children; Ann Forshee, 500 children; The Brinsons, 500 children; Neumann Law Office, 500 children; The Business Spot, 500 children; Carol King and Associates Highlands, 500 children; David Bock Builders, 500 children; Ann Forshee, 500 children; Cynthia Dendy 250 children; Don Leons Restaurant, 200 children; Mill Creek

Gallery, 200 Children; Zach Claxton, 50 children; Vivian Brewer, 100 children; Althea Bleckly. 500 children; Debra Kerrigan, 50 children; Sherry Benford, 500 children; Madison Minus, 150 children; Betsy Carson, 250 children; Mountaintop Rotarians John Baumrucker, 625 children; Bill Zoellner, 625 children; Frank Oliver, 500 children; JC Tax and Bookkeeping Jennifer Cambrook, 500 children; Michael Burel & Michael Crowe, 500 children; Rick Hildbold, 500 children;Michael Mavrek, 500 children; Australis Valde Jeffrey Owens, 500 children; Clark Plexico, 500 children; Robin King Austin, 500 children; Jeannie S. Chambers, 275 children; Robin Phillips, 100 children; Karie McClure, 250 children; Karen Armor, 250 children; and Faye Lockard, 250 children.

by Robin King Austin

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remembering wiley sloan

Wiley Sloan, Marc Hehn and Sarah Sloan

The loss of our beloved Wiley Sloan leaves a vast, painful hole in our magazine, our hear ts, and the lives of people he touched all over the Plateau.

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f all the memorable things about Wiley Sloan, who died in March, perhaps the most memorable was how many roles he played in Highlands and how many lives he touched.

Wiley did a lot of things in Highlands.

For our little magazine, he was the perfect writer.

“For us, he was a trusted advisor and wise counsel who always looked on the bright side, and he’d brighten any moment with his smile and kind demeanor,” says Laurel copublisher Marjorie Christensen.

“And he carried that brightness out into the community,” adds Laurel co-publisher Janet Cummings. “That’s invaluable when you’re covering these little communities and he was a wonderful representative of our magazine.”

When he wasn’t filling out our pages with his stories (always written with an undeniable playfulness), Wiley was a volunteer at

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Mountain Findings, a member and choir participant of the United Methodist Church and bookkeeper at Vivace.

And he was lovable in these roles, too. Few can have earned that word more readily or deserved it more. He was one of those rare people who if you knew him at all, you were always glad to see – knowing that he was about to make your day brighter. Just about every remembrance of Wiley tells the story of a man wholly engaged with his community and beloved by his associates.

Wiley was a matchless cheerleader and fundraiser for Highlands United Methodist Church, their music program and mission efforts.

Les Scott, the church’s Minister of Music, recalls that, “Wiley had a lovely tenor voice.

He was a wonderful, kind, and generous man. I loved Wiley dearly. He died too young, and I’ll miss him a lot.”

At Mountain Findings, Wiley worked

as an arranger, where he was known for his adeptness at pricing merchandise and creating attractive displays.

As told by co-volunteer Glenda Bell, Wiley was so beloved at the store that associates vied for the chance to work on Tuesdays when Wiley was there.

She recalled that, “He was always upbeat, kind to everyone – shoppers and donors alike – which was a rare thing. He is irreplaceable.”

Vivace owner Linda Hall spoke of a joyful, selfless man who worked there as a bookkeeper, but in fact was far more – “He was everything to us; we cleared everything through him. Wiley was so much fun, you knew when he walked in that everything would be OK. He was simply surrounded by happiness.

“If Wiley Sloan is not in heaven, there is no heaven.”

A Salute to Women in Business

GI V I NG BAC K

As the Centennial Celebration of the 19th Amendment comes to a close, we would like to salute the women business owners, co-owners and managers that have established and manage the vast majority of small businesses on the plateau. This list is meant to spotlight this group of amazing women and inspire other women to confidently pursue their own ideas for new businesses. If you are not on this list and should be, please let us know as we will be publishing the ever-growing list annually to recognize the local sisterhood for these valuable accomplishments. Give the girlfriends a chance and they will make the mountain (not to mention the world) a better place!

Nearly New Consignment - Mary Briggs King’s Cut - Alyse King Basketworks - Connie Thompson Evan’s Hair Graphics - Robin Mosley Mountain Dog Spa - Alissa Short Village Hound - Lee Dages Woofgang Bakery - Janet Martin The Trash Co. - Nancy Stamp TJ Bailey’s - Anita Lupoli Scotlyn’sYard - Lynn Dillard Sawyer Family Farmstead - Myra Sawyer McKee Properties - Ann McKee Austin, BethTownsend & Liz Harris FusionYoga & Wellness - Mary Abranyi Dargan Landscape Architects - Mary Palmer Dargan Tess Antiques - Tess Soto-Low Betsy Paul Properties - Betsy Paul Vivianne Metzger Antiques -Vivianne Metzger & Cherie Tibbetts Rusticks - Ann Sherrill Cashier’s Farmers Market - Robyn Crawford The Golf Barn - Robin Deluca Slopeside Tavern - Nicole Fogerty Vivace & The Cashiers Store - Linda Hall Zoller’s Hardware & Cashiers Kitchen Co. - Kim Ubertino A. Jones Company - Amy Jones Bombshell Hair Boutique - Carla Sanders-Gates Sugar Cloud Bakery - Selena Foulk BHHS Meadows Mountain Realty - Judy Michaud & Tricia Fox Mountain Mancaves Honey - Rebecca Wiler & Rose Mary Achey Whiteside Gallery - Susan Whiteside S’Mores Kids - Sharon James Tangles - Dawn Franks & Denise Broom Cashiers Pharmacy - Brandy Letson Paws on the Mountain - Angel Stanley Terri’s Nails - Terri Nguyen Village Salon - Katie Stiwinter Cashiers Carolina Connection - Rhonda Alexander Chili Loco - Sonia Morales Cashiers Trading Post - Donna Kinsey Robin’s Nest - Robin Ashmore Winslow’s Hideaway - Terry Jones The Corner Store - Natalia Tretiakov The Business Spot - Colleen Kerrigan Sashay Around - Debbie Stewart Victoria’s Closet - Ballard Rogan & Kerry Stanger Slabtown Pizza, CashiersValley Bakery & CashiersValley Smokehouse - Sally Peterkin Narcissus - Giuliana Kaufman Zookeeper Bistro - Tanya Saporito Monday’s House of Design - Lynn Monday Gray’s Lighting - Judy Gray CJ Brownhouse - Judy Henson The Consignment Market - Carol Hartley Fiddlehead Designs - Sandy Linebaugh Subway - Tammy Dillard Green Thumb Maintenance - Sharon Holt Caliber Fine Properties - Kati Miller & Alli Moody Coward, Hicks & Siler - Kim Coward The Mountain Mermaid - Becca Burch The Look - Wendy King Green Clean - Deb Neville Francie Hargrove Design - Francie Hargrove Remax Summit Properties - Libby Jones Carolina Cone Team - Tina Cone Bella Cotn - Diane Brady

Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship - Carole Stork Nora & Co. - Nora Jones Dogz Best Friend - Susanne Anderson Designer’s Market - Susan San Souci Pinnacle Anti-Aging - Dr. Bonnie Dean Gracewear - Wendy Lupas Jean Anderson Interiors - Jean Anderson Interior Enhancements -Yvonne Dorau Honey Bee Home - Beth Carpenter Ugly Dog Public House - Kay Craig Bounds Cave - Judy Brown Library Kitchen & Bar - Liz Klapdohr McCulley’s - Mary Bynum Mountain Mist Gallery & Arise Recovery Consultants - Julie Berger Laura Moser Art - Laura Moser Merrell Thompson Photography - Merrell Thompson Murdock Accounting Solutions - Megan Murdock ReevesVacation Rentals & Reeves Backyard Bees - Deborah Reeves Wofford Sculpture Studio - Odyssey Wofford Deborah Bryant Handwoven - Deborah Bryant Cedar Creek Management Services - Marvetta Mills The Laurel Magazine - Janet Cummings & Marjorie Christiansen Lady Bug Gardens - Janet Curtis Whiteside Builders - Clair Clark Blair Realty - Margaret Heinlein Bardo - Lisa Calloway Cabin Couture - Cherry Bittick Gooder Grafix - Alisha Gooder Highland Hiker - Hillary Wilkes Tia Dana - Dana Davidoff Shakespeare & Company Bookstore - Katherine Willoughby Jenny Mixon Art - Jenny Mixon Jackson Hole Gem Mine - Jane Green Mill Creek Gallery & Framing - Cynthia Strain Nancy’s Fancys & The Exchange - Nancy Mills Pat Allen Realty Group - Pat Allen RiverVista RV Resort - Julie Welch Inn at Mill Creek & Bridge at Mill Creek - Debi Bock Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro - Mindy Green Zen Spa - Sharon Williams Jewels of theYoga Turtle - Theresa Kemper Patty Calderone Fine Art Gallery - Patty Calderone Altaterra Events - Shayna Biggazi Black Sheep Taxi & The Drouthy Heart- Julie Tillery Foxglove Cottillion - Page Rhoad Bowery Road Chateau - Glenna Maney Carpe Diem Farm - Sue Blair Dutchmans Designs - Stephanie Nieuwendyk Fressers Courtyard Café & Catering - Debbie Grossman Highlands Aerial Park - Karen Powell Kilwins of Highlands - Ashley Clark Mirror Lake Antiques - Donna Cochran Needlepoint of Highlands - Barbara Cusachs Roadrunner Driving Service - Darlene Swofford Smitten - Kat Evans & Annelize Giliomee The Toy Store - Michelle Bears Viva Wellness - Kit Barker Yoga Highlands & Structural Integration - Ashby Underwood Arrowmont Stables & Cabins - Nancy Sellers Highlands Fine Art & Jewelry - Claudia Lazow Highlands Kids - Irina Taylor Meritage Bistro - Andrea Schmitt Oxford Properties - Carole Oxford Spartina 449 - Donna Dasse

TheVineyard at 37 High Holly - Dee DeeVance Wish & Shoes - Rachel Gottfried Appalachian Harvest - Kimberly Baldwin Chambers Realty &Vacation Rentals - Jeannie Chambers Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival - Nancy Aaron Innovation & Creativity Institute - Susie deVille Magnolia Concierge Services - Janet Sanchez Rosenthals Boutique - Laura Rosenthal The Kitchen at Highlands - SuzanneYoung Art Glass Creations - Marcia Faulkner ck Swan - Ashley Harlee Highlands Fairies - Barbara Desmond Jannie Bean Fine Custom Jewelry - Jannie Bean Mitchell’s Lodge & Cottages - Cindy Sarvis The Molly Grace - Stephanie McCall Christmas Tree - Trisha Kieltyka Highlands Cashiers Concierge Management - Ninadae Aziel Classis Links & Luggage - Elena Wood Dornbush Design Studio - Barb Dornbush Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture - Dr. Sue Aery Mantra Integrative Spa - Theresa Branham, LMT Suzanne’s Gift Experience - Suzanne Keenan Cakes-N-Cookies - Cindi Schultz Brown Eagle Spa - Deborah Brown Chapin Creative - Sarah Palisi Chapin Whiteside Accounting - Shawna Frazier, CPA Tarah’s Beauty Bar - Betsy Nicholson & Tarah Grillo Cashiers Lake Storage - Georgeann Roberts Randevu Restaurant -Victoria Moore Appalachian Golf Cars - Mary Lou Hickock Mountain Heritage - Penny Chambless Good Life Goldens - Jeannie Cahill Lakeshore Pontoons - Regina Hunter RavenArts - Joan Marsden Toxaway Trading Post & Bear Tracks Travel Center - Pamela Banther Historic Toxaway Market Mountain Café - Robin Pickel Brook Trout Inn - Julie Doerter Annawear - Anna Herz Wealthy Women’s Project - Ginia Coker Wits End - SusanYoung Shankland Financial Advisors - Daryl Shankland Just Numbers - Penny Medford Wish & Shoes - Rachel Gottfried Peak Experience -Victoria Ingate Town & Country General Store -Valerie Walker Sounds Essential Marketing - Mary Alice Grant The Maple Rose Mountain Gifts - Sandy Dunn Spoiled Rotten - Jonna McDowell The Summer House - Paula Jones Warth Construction - Danielle Warth Crowne Heritage Flowers - Danielle Chambers Head Innovations - Tracey Hedden ACP Home Interiors - Kerri Adkins Lakeside Restaurant - Laure Huerta Martha Anne’s - Martha Carmichael Black Rock Granite & Cabinetry - Donna Bradley Blue Elephant Consignment Studio - Brandie Potts A List Antiques - Ann Miller Hopkins Josephine’s Emporium - Josephine McDonough Highlands Pharmacy - Sherry Sims Creative Concepts - Lacy JaneVilardo Cake Bar - Krysti Henderson Allison Diane Clothing - Becky Bryson Healing Through Harmony - Marlene Fennimore

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GI V I NG BAC K

rotarian’s volunteerism

part of his dna

A

photo by Susan Renfo

Highlands Rotarian Jim Oesterle helps get what needs doing done.

resident of Highlands since 2007, Jim Oesterle said his parents – entire family, in fact – were examples to him of the importance of volunteerism on a community’s vitality. He was sponsored by a business acquaintance to become a Rotarian in Hammond, Indiana, in 1978 before moving to Highlands.

Born and raised in the northwest corner of Indiana as the oldest of four boys, he said Highlands appealed to him because “it reminded me of Charlevoix and Petoskey, Michigan, of Carmel, California, and of old Naples, Florida.” He visited Highlands as a “drive by” to and from Atlanta, Ga., and then stayed in Highlands on his honeymoon, purchased a house, and settled in.

“Subsequently and perhaps subconsciously, I discovered there was more to Highlands than appearance. I met some of the nicest, most tolerant, and generous people I have ever met in my life, and I continue to believe that and appreciate it more than ever.”

Although he does not remember doing much volunteerism while

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he was young, Oesterle’s family-inspired volunteerism spirit kicked in after college. “As a Hammond Rotarian, I was involved in Group Study Exchanges and Student Exchanges.”

Once he moved to Highlands, he was considered a “visiting Rotarian” until he became an active member in 2008. Since he had retired by this time, he said, “I took advantage of the many opportunities for volunteerism at the Rotary Club of Highlands.

The more that I did it, the more that I enjoyed it. However, the more that I became involved in Highlands, the more I realized how truly generous and giving everyone in Highlands seemed to be.”

In addition to being a Rotary volunteer, Oesterle also became involved with SOAR of Western North Carolina, Mountains in Bloom with the Bascom, Friends of Founders Park, and Meals on Wheel as a substitute driver and the HANDS Christmas dinner.

by Deena Bouknight

GI V I NG BAC K

a diamond

jubilee

(L to R) Rotarian Scott Carter, Linda Carter, Past President Sherry Holt, President Zach Claxton

The Rotar y Club of Highlands won’t let something like a global pandemic dim the glor y of its 75 years of ser vice to its community and the world.

A

75-year anniversary mark is referred to as “diamond jubilee,” a term coined

by Queen Victoria of England. And 2020 is Highlands Rotary Club’s year to celebrate its 75th anniversary Diamond Jubilee. Although the club was not able to go forward with formal event celebration plans, it did call attention to the milestone during the annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival in September.

The impressive history of the Highlands Rotary Club is documented in the book, Rotary in Western North Carolina, published in 2004. When the Highlands Rotary Club was chartered in May, 1945, just one month after WWII’s end in Europe and three month’s prior to surrender in the Pacific, 21 members were active. The Highlands Rotary Club was formed 40 years after the foundation of the national

and original Rotary Club in Chicago. Yet, it immediately set about – despite a waning four-year world war – transforming for the better the local community.

Dave O’Harra, public image chairman, said, “I’ve been just so impressed with how the Rotary Club reaches out in so many different ways: food pantry, Highlands School, underprivileged, and much more.

Service Above Self has always been the motto, and you see that demonstrated.”

Even with so many Rotary events compromised and/or cancelled because of COVID-19, Highlands Rotary Club has still raised tens of thousands of dollars and continues to impact the community in positive ways, informed President Zach Claxton. “We started Zoom meetings this summer and in October we were able to begin welcoming 20 members at meetings

at the Highlands Rec Center, with other members continuing to Zoom. We will continue to work for the community no matter what.”

“And our membership of 95 maintains strong ties with our Western North Carolina District and with our 1.2 million fellow International Rotarians,” conveyed O’Harra. “For example, one goal has been to eradicate polio worldwide and we are working together to eradicate a pocket that still exists near the Afghanistan/Pakistan border. Plus, there is an active effort to donate money to help cure Alzheimer’s disease. There’s just so much Rotary has done and will continue to do for many more years.”

by Deena Bouknight

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GI V I NG BAC K

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GI V I NG BAC K

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BUSI NESS

lake glenville

discovery center

Rob Whitney

S

Thriving in a year of oppor tunity and interest, Silver Creek Real Estate Group opens an additional location and welcomes Broker Rob Whitney.

ilver Creek Real Estate Group, a leading real estate firm on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, has announced the addition of their second office location, situated on pristine Lake Glenville, bolstering their already dominant presence in the lake market.

The branch, dubbed the Lake Glenville Discovery Center, offers room for Silver Creek’s ever-growing team and a place for visitors and clients to learn more about the Lake Glenville area and all that it offers.

“Just as we carefully consider before 154 D E C EM B ER 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

adding any brokers to our top-producing team, we thoughtfully deliberated before adding to our footprint,” said Jochen Lucke, president of Silver Creek Real Estate Group. “I believe this new space on Highway 107 North will help us better serve our clients and be a timely addition to our thriving firm.”

In addition to two new staff members, Melissa Haggar-Jordan and Darlene Ott, Silver Creek welcomes broker Rob Whitney, who has 15 years of experience selling real estate on the Plateau.

Additional broker appointments

will be announced as the branch operations expand.

On why he chose to join Silver Creek Real Estate Group, Rob Whitney said, “I’m thrilled to be able to offer Silver Creek’s cutting-edge marketing to my clients, a package that is unparalleled in our area. The firm also shares my core values of integrity and high standards.”

The new office, located at 4312 Highway 107 North in Glenville, will begin immediate operation.

To learn more about Silver Creek Real Estate Group, visit ncliving.com.

BUSI NESS

kinesiology specialist

joins aery

Kinesiology Specialist April Kerr Roscher brings a wealth of knowledge and a histor y of compassionate care to Aer y Chiropractic.

A

pril Kerr Roscher, a doctor of chiropractic and former nurse, was in Highlands for a weekend to celebrate her sister’s birthday at Old Edwards Inn’s spa when she had an “aha” moment. She began talking to people at the inn about what it was like to live in Highlands.

“They all talked about how they loved the Highlands area … a great place to raise kids,” said Dr. Roscher. “Suddenly, I had a revelation that I was supposed to make this giant leap. I called my husband and said, ‘I think we’re supposed to move to Highlands.’”

Dr. Roscher had established for the last six years a chiropractic, kinesiology, and nutritional assessment practice in Atlanta.

However, she reached out to Sue Aery, D.C., Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Highlands, to offer her complementary skills that focus on kinesiology, which is essentially a natural health care approach that combines muscle monitoring with the principles of Chinese medicine.

Dr. Roscher began in July establishing a patient base Fridays through Sundays every other week at Aery Chiropractic.

“Dr. April Roscher has already been a great addition,” said Dr. Aery. “Her extensive professional background as a nurse, chiropractor, and clinical kinesiologist will further diversify our offerings in the alternative health care model.”

“My goal is to build a clientele and relocate to Highlands fulltime with my husband and four-year-old daughter, Addyson,” said Dr. Roscher.

She explained that an interest in chiropractic and kinesiology pulled her away from nursing due to her own health struggles.

“I was suffering from many issues and kinesiology changed the trajectory of my life. I am healthier at 37 than I was at 22.

“Clinical kinesiology is a little bit of a lost art. It is a comprehensive approach to treating the body through the use of muscle testing to address chemical, structural, and emotional imbalances. It is helpful treating various autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, mold exposure, and various gastrointestinal disorders.”

She has already correlated the need for disc decompression and fascia work on the golfers that Highlands attracts.

by Deena Bouknight

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BUSI NESS

I trim

our town

Those kaleidoscopic Holiday Windows scattered around Highlands are par t of the Trim Our Town contest. Your judgment is requested.

f you think about it, Highlands is made for a Winter Wonderland postcard.

There’s the Highlands Ice Rink at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, looking like a 21st century version of a Currier & Ives print.

You can’t help but be beguiled by the trees adorned with lights and the decorated lamp posts scattered across downtown like a window display in a Brobdingnagian Tiffany’s.

Which brings us to the actual window displays of shops and galleries around town.

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce is once more staging its Trim the Town Competition, which it began in 1989.

Since Highlands’ collection of businesses is one-of-a-kind, like no other small town in the Southeast, that means that these displays are astonishing in their variety and their creativity.

Everyone is invited to judge these windows

reminder of

life’s wonder

O

(just look for the Trim Our Town Poster in their window) and choose their favorite.

The chamber will tally the selections and announce the winner on Christmas Day. And in the true spirit of the season, the chamber will award a lucky judge a prize for their choice and their voice.

For information, visit facebook.com/ VisitHighlandsNC.

Point phone camera at QR code to view V isit Highlands Facebook page.

“Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness.

To an opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart.

To a customer, service.

To all, charity.

To every child, a good example.

To yourself, respect.” - Oren Arnold, author

nce again, we find ourselves immersed in the Holiday Season, that very special time of year when we join with our loved ones, even if by Zoom, in sharing centuries-old traditions. There is something about the season that brings out the child in everyone and we feel the vibrancy of the season. Christmas is a time of reflection and what a year to reflect on! When I read the quote above I could not help thinking about the potential of what we can learn from this year and how we have the opportunity to move forward retaining the love and vibrancy of Christmas throughout the coming year. The Highlands Chamber of Commerce board and staff want to wish you the very Merriest Christmas, Happy Hanukah and a Happy New Year! Cheers!

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BUSI NESS

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OUR TEAM JOCHEN LUCKE

PRESIDENT/BROKER

DAN ALLEN

PARKER ANDERSON

RICK JACKSON

BAMBI FAMOUS KAINE

KEVIN KOACH

EDDY MCDONALD

CASSIE NEAL BROKER

LINDA PRIDGEN

BROKER

CHUCK SELF

MERRY SOELLNER

RAY TRINE

ROB WHITNEY

BROKER

BROKER

BROKER

AMANDA BRYANT ASSISTANT/BROKER

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BROKER

BROKER

MELISSA HAGGAR-JORDAN

ASSISTANT

BROKER

BROKER

DARLENE OTT ASSISTANT

BROKER

BROKER

BROKER

RIVA SMITH

ASSISTANT/BROKER

OUR CASHIERS OFFICE

OUR LAKE GLENVILLE OFFICE

C O N TA C T U S TO D AY

NCLIVING.COM CASHIERS 828-743-1999

|

HIGHLANDS 828-526-2999

REAL ESTATE GROUP 159 D E C EM B ER 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

#1

OFFICE FOR CLOSED TRANSACTIONS ON THE PLATEAU*

C O N TA C T U S TO D AY

REAL ESTATE GROUP

NCLIVING.

COM

CASHIERS 828-

743-1999

|

HIGHLANDS 828-526-2999

160 D E C EM B ER 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

*IN ACCORDING TO TO HCBOR HCBOR MLS. MLS. *IN 2020 2020 (YTD) (YTD) FROM FROM 1/1/2020 1/1/2020 -- 10/12/2020, 11/13/2020, ACCORDING

why why list list with with us? us?

Feature

on

the

award-winning

NCLiving.com

+

Feature

on

Zillow.com, Realtor.com, and many other national portals + Feature on LeadingRE.com and LuxuryPortfolio.com + Feature on WSJ’s MansionGlobal.com

+

Professional photography

+

Professional

videography + Aerial photography + 3D virtual home tour + Exposure to the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World network + Custom floor plans + Feature in NC Living Magazine + Feature in The Laurel Magazine + Feature in The Real Estate Magazine + Professionally printed custom brochures + White glove showings + Direct mail marketing + Expertly written property description + E-blasts to brokers and potential buyers + Exposure in national magazines such as Architectural Digest and Vanity Fair + Social media exposure on Facebook and Instagram + Editorial exposure on HGTV.com via the HGTV Ultimate House Hunt

we we do do more. more.

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Between two North Carolina mountain ridges lies an expansive grassy meadow. Silver Run Creek winds along the middle, sparkling in the sunshine. This is Silver Run Reserve.

A community that more than surrounds you with peace and beauty, it fills you up. Here you are free to roam and run… to hike and play… to seize the day and savor the moment.

Here at Silver Run Reserve, you’re free to be.

EXPERIENCE C ASUAL MOUNTAIN LUXURY

828.342.3194

|

SilverRunReserve.com

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SILVER RUN RESERVE MOUNTAIN MODERN COT TAGE $1,695,000

|

4 BR / 4.5 BA

A Meyer-Greeson-Paulin Benson designed home with 3,010

heated sq. ft. and ~650 sq. ft. of screened porch, featuring a floor plan with two master bedrooms on the main floor and two additional bedrooms on the second floor.

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LIZ HARRIS, GUILDâ„¢ C

828.342.3194

|

| OWNER / BROKER LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

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IN T H I S S E AS O N O F R EFLEC T I O N, WE ARE

grateful for silver linings.

H AP P Y HO LI D AYS.

166

CASHIERS.COM

D E C EM B ER 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

|

828.743.3411

MORE THAN 40 YEARS OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE EXPERTISE IN THE CASHIERS AREA

BETH TOWNSEND Co-Owner / Broker LIZ HARRIS Co-Owner / Broker ANN MCKEE AUSTIN Co-Owner / Broker

COLEEN GOTTLOEB Broker-In-Charge KARA ADDY Marketing Director SANDY BARROW Broker Associate

JOHN BARROW Broker Associate / Rental Coordinator WAYNE MONDAY Broker Associate PHILIP BRADLEY Broker Associate

MAGGIE ELMER Broker Associate JOANNE BRYSON Broker Associate PAUL COLLINS Broker Associate

LOGAN CROCKER Broker Associate CLAY CANTLER Broker Associate KARALINE SHOMAKER Marketing Coordinator

LO CATE D IN TH E H IS TO RI C M IN N IE C O LE H O US E

619 HWY 107 S

|

CASHIERS, NC 28717

|

828.743.3411

|

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

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MILIMA RANCH 400 ACRES — Located 25 minutes from Asheville, Milima’s 400 acres of pristine land are surrounded by the Smoky Mountains and Pisgah Forest. An eight-mile network of trails beckons for hiking and riding and traverse the land, ascending from 3,200-4,200 ft. and offering a nature lover’s paradise with mountain streams, rare plants and a diverse wildlife population. A well-built road system, underground power and water are ready on 272 acres running to a selection of estate home sites, perfect for future sale, should the owner wish to do so. Separate horse riding trails on the gently contoured terrain of the Eastern cove await. Moonshine Cabin

OFFERED FOR $4,490,000 is a lovely 3 BR/3.5 BA log home, perfectly nestled in a cove by the creek and looking out over the valley towards ranges of beautiful mountains.

It features much charm and many luxuries, from the gourmet kitchen to the sleeping porch overlooking a mountain stream. The great room features old barn wood, hewn wood beams and poplar bark. There are also several outbuildings, including a barn, an equipment storage building and camping platforms overlooking the most peaceful views. Another cabin located on the property is also available for purchase separately. This property is truly breathtaking! MLS 94352

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

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828.342.3194

|

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

BUCK KNOB ISLAND 4 BR / 4 BA — Your dream of living on a private island, in the middle of a majestic mountain lake, is a reality with this property. Located on the Southern-facing shore of Buck Knob Island, in the middle of Lake Glenville, this property conveys the feeling of secluded living, while remaining completely accessible and convenient to the mainland of the nearby town of Cashiers. Making things even easier for property owners is the full-time caretaker to assist in transportation and maintenance. Buck Knob also offers all of its residents access to a cargo barge and boat transportation to and from the mainland. The five minute boat ride is what makes this community

OFFERED FOR $2,100,000 unlike any neighborhood or club in the mountains. No cars, no traffic, just golf carts and ATVs run the roads of Buck Knob. The home was custom designed and built to reflect elegant, yet leisurely, lake life. The large great room with post and beam arches support the beautiful wooden cathedral ceiling. The master bedroom, on the main level, has a large walk-in closet designed by California Closets. Two guest bedrooms upstairs offer guests privacy and plenty of room to enjoy their mountain experience. MLS 94740

UNDER CONTRACT

PHILIP BRADLEY C

843.224.5592

|

PHILIP@CASHIERS.COM

169 D E C EM B ER 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

HIGH HAMPTON 4 BR / 3 BA — This is a rare chance to own a classic High Hampton mountain home purchased from the original owner. The magic of this home is only matched by the memories made by the family that has loved this home for so long. Entering the home, the backside of the fireplace separates the entry way from the living space. The real stone used to build the fireplace is visible on all sides. The family hand salvaged old barn wood to create a warm living space that exudes mountain charm. A master bedroom on the main level has a beautiful view and privacy from the rest of the home. The living space offers an abundance of natural light through

OFFERED FOR $1,450,000 the many windows on the backside of the home. A dining area separates the open living space from the kitchen. On the lower lever, you will find three guest bedrooms and another den area with a fireplace. This home has plenty of deck space for outdoor entertaining and grilling with friends and family. A view of the 7th fairway of the newly-designed Tom Fazio golf course at High Hampton is visible through the trees. A mountain view is in the distance and possibly could be improved. The driveway is a beautiful entry to the property, with attention to blending beautiful native plants and trees to offer maximum privacy from the community road. MLS 94727

PHILIP BRADLEY C

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843.224.5592

|

PHILIP@CASHIERS.COM

CULLASA JA CLUB 4 BR / 3 BA — This family home located in the beautiful Cullasaja Club boasts stunning, dramatic views of Whiteside Mountain. Its floorto-ceiling window wall in the great room and hip architectural style give this home a bright, charming treehouse vibe with just enough modern.

Located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac yet close to all of the amenities of Cullasaja Club, its location is very convenient yet private. The bright, open great room, kitchen and dining floor plan welcomes family and guests and flows out to a large deck and the home’s stunning Whiteside views. The master suite is on the main level, two guest bedrooms and

OFFERED FOR $1,100,000 a bathroom are located upstairs, and a fourth guest bedroom and bath is located downstairs. The lower level also offers a family room with a fireplace, covered decks and an extra storage area or game room.

Cullasaja Club features a wide variety of amenities, including an Arnold Palmer golf course, an elegant clubhouse with several dining venues, an outdoor pool, a fitness center with a weight room, an aerobic room, a classroom, tennis courts, a croquet lawn, a private fishing canoeing lake and much more! Membership is available upon approval. MLS 93127

UNDER CONTRACT

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

|

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

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BLUE VALLEY FALLS 6.9 ACRES — Everyone is looking for that “special place” in the mountains. Well, this is it. This 6.9-acre property in Highlands, NC has a long-range view of the mountains and the Nantahala National Forest.

The entire Southern border of this property is adjacent to the National Forest. Located five minutes from downtown, these three lots give you an abundance of privacy to build your dream mountain getaway or room to grow your own compound for family and friends. The mostly-level building lot has been cleared, and septic for a five bedroom home is installed. The other two lots have expired septic permits for which you could reapply. As

OFFERED FOR $900,000 you enter the beautiful neighborhood of Blue Valley Falls, you immediately come to the gated entrance of your home. The driveway is surrounded by lush, green laurel and great hardwoods. As you park in front of where your home will be, you can spot a path of stone steps that descend into the woods. Following this path to the right and down the hill brings you to the “hobbit house,” a fairytale of a picnic gazebo overhanging a rushing stream of water. The stone gazebo with a cedar shake shingle roof has a fireplace and picnic area. Water falls above and below give an almost deafening sounds of water. Come to this space to BE with nature. MLS 93557

PRICE REDUCED

PHILIP BRADLEY C

172 D E C EM B ER 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

843.224.5592

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PHILIP@CASHIERS.COM

MOUNTAINTOP GOLF AND LAKE CLUB / MLS 89860

LOTS & LAND LOT

ACRES

DESCRIPTION

MLS

N/A

7.00

Commercial development land in center of town

93464

CASHIERS

$1,050,000

E-158

1.30

One of the best view lots in Mountaintop

89860

MOUNTAINTOP GOLF AND LAKE CLUB

$ 615,000

104

0.78

Gentle estate lot with mountain views possible

90107

MOUNTAINTOP GOLF AND LAKE CLUB

$ 475,000

4

7.83

Near level lot with a meadow and stream

93092

CROSS CREEK PRESERVE

$ 339,000

B-6

0.51

Flat lot, walking distance to clubhouse

93159

CHATTOOGA CLUB

$ 325,000

LT-7

2.86

Small stream running through lot

93091

CROSS CREEK PRESERVE

$ 175,000

CROSS CREEK PRESERVE / MLS 93092

SUBDIVISION

PRICE

CROSS CREEK PRESERVE / MLS 93091

LIZ HARRIS, GUILDâ„¢ C

828.342.3194

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LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

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IN-TOWN CASHIERS / MLS 93633

LAKE GLENVILLE AREA / MLS 92219

PINE FOREST / MLS 92907

LOTS & LAND LOT

ACRES

DESCRIPTION

MLS

SUBDIVISION

PRICE

N/A

72.68

Estate property

92219

LAKE GLENVILLE AREA

$3,750,000

N/A

47.69

Highway 64 Cashiers

93633

IN-TOWN CASHIERS

$ 900,000

4

3.98

Easy build view lot

92907

PINE FOREST

$ 135,000

N/A

3.08

Big view lot in town

92997

BIG SHEEPCLIFF

$ 135,000

23

2.65

Golf and mountain view

94564

STONECREEK ESTATES

$

75,000

7

1.50

Whiteside Mountain view

92998

SHEEPCLIFF WOODS

$

60,000

33

0.92

Corner lot across from a pond

88624

BRIDGE CREEK

$

45,000

36

1.10

Overlooks a stream

86958

BRIDGE CREEK

$

39,500

71

2.21

Easy build lot

90249

BRIDGE CREEK

$

39,500

31

3.87

Good corner lot

93313

WATERDANCE

$

35,000

31

0.63

Overlooks chimney garden

93663

BRIDGE CREEK

$

32,000

WAYNE MONDAY C

174 D E C EM B ER 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

828.508.8661

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WAYNE@CASHIERS.COM

R E A DY T O M A R K E T YO U R PREMIER PROPERTY

When you choose a real estate agency to sell your property, you also choose its marketing team. We put our top-tier education, creativity and dedication to work for you, maximizing the appeal of your premier property and getting it seen by potential buyers. Using today’s targeted marketing channels, we get results!

Meet Your McKee Properties Marketing Team K A R A A D DY

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Marketing Director

›› Accredited marketing communications leader with more than two decades of proven results ›› Former executive of Fortune 500 subsidiary, supporting an international sales team ›› 20+ industry awards for outstanding work ›› Alumna, Florida State University College of Communication ›› Atlanta native LY N D A H O D G E

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Creative Director / Designer

›› Award-winning career focused on luxury lifestyle brands, including Orient-Express, Hanna Andersson, and Gibson Guitar Corp. ›› World-traveled, culturally savvy ›› Alumna, Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) ›› Asheville native K A R A LIN E SH O MA K ER

|

Marketing Coordinator

›› Holds NC real estate license ›› Former staff, Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club ›› Alumna, Lee University (Cleveland, TN) — Public Relations ›› Highlands native

DEEP KNOWLEDGE. UNMATCHED EXPERIENCE.

LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC MINNIE COLE HOUSE

619 HWY 107 S

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828.743.3411

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MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

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A DA VD ER V TE IRSTEIRS ’ESRI’ N S DI N ED XEX 4118 Kitchen and Bar A Jones Company A-List Antiques Acorns ACP Home Interiors AK Designs Allaben Fine Art Allison Diane Annawear Around Back at Rocky’s Place Balistreri Realty The Bascom Bear Shadow Festival Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Betsy Paul Art Raffle Betsy Paul Properties Black Bear Lodge Black Rock Granite and Cabinetry Blair Realty The Blue Elephant Blue Ridge Bedding Blue Ridge Music Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery Bridge at Mill Creek C. Orrico Caliber Properties Carolina Rustic Furniture Cashiers Chamber of Commerce Cashiers Candy Shoppe Cashiers Kitchen Company Cashiers Valley Fusion Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, MD Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals Charles Johnson Fine Art Photography Chocolate Heaven/Cake Bar Christine’s Home Decor The Christmas Tree Classic Lighting & Design, Inc. Country Club Properties The Copper House For Sale Creative Concepts Cullasaja Club Dauntless Printing Deborah Bryant Handwoven Diane C. McPhail Dinner With Duffy Don Leon’s at The High Dive Edward Jones Investments Fairview House Fire + Water Fire Mountain Inn & Cabins Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar Fressers Courtyard Cafe Dr. Edward D. Frederickson MD FACP The Greystone Inn

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P 44 P 66 P 179 P 33

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cashiersvalleyfusion.com

P 52 P 53 P 115 P 123

plasticsurgerytoday.com

P 120

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edwardjones.com highlandsfairviewhouse.com firemt.com

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firemt.com

P 15

four65.com wecaterhighlands.com

P 85 P 83

thegreystoneinn.com

P 121 P4

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Have Drone Will Travel Head Innovations High Country Furniture & Design The High Dive Highlands Aerial Park Highlands Chamber of Commerce Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation Highlands Deli/SweeTreats Highlands Fine Art Highlands Lawn Highlands Pharmacy Highlands Rock Yard Highlands Smokehouse Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty - Andrea Gabbard Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty - Bert Mobley Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty - Sheryl Wilson Highlands Transportation Company Home Emporium Jack’s Upholstery Jennings Builders Supply Josephine’s Emporium John Cleaveland Realty Keller Williams - Great Smokies - Helen Gentry The Kitchen CarryAway and Catering Lakeside Restaurant Landmark Realty Group Landmark Realty Group - Pam Nellis Landmark Vacation Rentals Laura Moser Art Lehotsky & Sons Lenz Gifts & Luxury Linens Leslie Jeffery The Look Boutique Lupoli Construction Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden Main Street Gifts Main Street Nursery Martha Anne’s Martin Lispcomb Performing Arts Center Mary Lou Carpenter McCulley’s McKee Properties McKee Properties - Philip Bradley McKee Properties - Sandy and John Barrow McKee Properties - Maggie Elmer McKee Properties - Liz Harris McKee Properties - Wayne Monday McKee Properties - Beth Townsend

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highlandssmokehouse.com

P 134 P 84 P 19 P 27 P 34 P 34 P 87

sothebysrealty.com

P 108

highlandssir.com

P5

highlandssir.com

P 32

homeemporium.com jbwnc.com jcrealty.com helengentryrealty.com thekitchenofhighlands.com landmarkrg.com landmarkrg.com landmarkvacations.com lauramoserart.com lehotskyandsons.com

lupoliconstruction.com

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highlandspac.org mckeeproperties.com

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mckeeproperties.com

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mckeeproperties.com

P 31

mckeeproperties.com

P 95

mckeeproperties.com

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mckeeproperties.com

P 55, 174

mckeeproperties.com

P 153

A DA VD ER V TE IRSTEIRS ’ESRI’ N S DI N ED XEX

Meritage Bistro Merrell Thompson Photography Michele Page Webster Monat Hair Care Mirror Lake Antiques Morales Painting Mountain Spring Spas and Pools Mountainworks Design Nearly New Nora & Co Old Edwards Inn & Spa On the Verandah The Park on Main Hotel Pat Allen Realty - Pat Allen Pat Calderone Peak Experience ProClean Services Reach of Macon County Rebecka’s Home Cleaning Service Rent In Highlands-CCP Ristorante Paoletti Roman’s Roofing LLC Sapphire Valley Real Estate Silver Creek Real Estate Group Smitten The Southern Way The Spa Boutique at Old Edwards Inn

meritagehighlands.com

P4

merrellthompson.com pagetheartist.com

P 67 P 74, 75 P 143 P 22 P 27

mountainhotspring.com mtnworks.com nearlynewnc.com oldedwardsinn.com ontheverandah.com theparkonmain.com patallenrealtygroup.com calderonegallery.com peakexp.com procleanserves.com reachofmaconcounty.org rentinhighlands.com paolettis.com romansroofingnc.com sapphirevalleyrealestate.com ncliving.com

oldedwardsinn.com

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P 136 P 133 P 15 P 12 P 84 P 60 P 41 P 72 P 91 P 90 P 90 P 50 P 50 P 50 P 76, 77 P 152 P 20

thevineyardat37highholly.com warthconstruction.com whlc.com

P 124 P 180 P 17

wilbankssmilecenter.com windingstairfarm.com

P 116 P 141 P 29

wolfgangs.net yogahighlands.com zollerhardware.com thezookeeperbistro.com

P5 P 145 P 120 P 115 P 89

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PARTING SHOT Scadin Falls by Stephen Ozcomert

Point phone camera at QR code to view more of Stephen’s photography.

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