Music Under The Stars

The sounds of Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine are Highlands’ official Summer Soundtrack. The concerts are family-friendly and handicapped accessible.

There’s nothing more satisfying than listening to a favorite song ‘neath the stars – unless it’s also on a cool, North Carolina mountaintop. In Highlands, you can be there for free every Friday and Saturday night. From now through October weekends, tuck your lawn chair under one arm, snacks under the other, and head out to Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine. The 2022 Friday Night Live concerts take place at Highlands Town Square from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M. Saturdays on Pine crank up at 6:00 P.M. at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, and close at 8:30 P.M.

Every weekend, that’s five hours of fabulous. and every minute of it, gratis, thanks to Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. Friday Night Live features traditional mountain music. Feel free to join in. Sing, clap, and tap. That’s right. Get on your feet and dance. Your enthusiasm fires up the bands’ energy. The Outdoor Concert Series is brought to you by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC and Friday night shows are recognized by Blue Ridge Music Trails of NC. Visit blueridgemusicnc.com for more information. The musical styles of Friday and Saturday concerts are heartpumping, entertaining, and they feature regional artists, but stylistically, they’re a bit different. Friday is more traditional, and Saturday is all about popular music. Here’s what’s in store during July:

Friday Night Live

July 1, Silly Ridge Trio: a local bluegrass group that incorporates an eclectic blend of Americana and folk, will kick off July 4th weekend.

July 8, The Foxfire Boys: performing more than four decades of bluegrass blends, have appeared at scores of impressive venues, among them The Grand Ole Opry. July 15, Leadfoot Lily: an offshoot of two Foxfire Boys and their wives, features a mix of 70s pop, R&B, country, folk, rock, and bluegrass. July 22, Johnny Webb Band will rock the Square with seasoned, laid-back country music going back 50 years. July 29, Byrds & Crows: a Transylvania County-based group that plays songs deeply-rooted in the Appalachian Mountains, will perform bluegrass to folk to early country.

Saturdays on Pine

July 2, The Swingin’ Richards: a well-known Southeastern band that will rock the house (or a North Carolina mountaintop.) July 4, The Business: Soul and Rock-n-Roll from the 50s and 60s.

July 9, Back Porch Orchestra: modern band with homegrown, traditional roots; blues, bluegrass, country, and rock.

July 16, The Wobblers: funky blend of roots music, blues, hard bop, soul, and country, July 23, Russ Wilson and His Famous Orchestra: jazz, rock, country, blues, R&B, Broadway shows, and symphonic music. July 30, Bill Mattocks, Chicago style blues. There’s plenty more to rock your Friday and Saturday nights this season, so keep an eye on the local calendar, visit highlandschamber.org, or call (828) 526-5841.

by Donna Rhodes photos by Colleen Kerrigan

This Party is Boomin’

If you’re seeking the Crackle and the Flash and the Boom on this Fourth of July, cast your gaze skyward across the Plateau.

Cashiers: Make room for some boom at the Village Green Fireworks Extravaganza on the Green Monday, July 4, at 6:30 P.M. at the Village Green Commons. It’s free (with donation to Cashiers Community Fireworks Fund), it’s fabulous, and no doubt about it, they put some fantastic fire in their works! It’s a feast for eyes (fireworks), ears (music and kabooms), tastebuds (yummy food), and feet (dancing in the moonlight). Folks at the Green suggest: Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy a great concert. You’ll be up out of your seat dancing the night away! A beautiful fireworks display will light up the Cashiers night sky with red, white, and blue. Donations will be collected for a community fireworks fund to preserve the legacy of this cherished community celebration. The Village Green needs your help to continue to sponsor events like Fireworks on the Green. Please consider a donation on their GoFundMe page so that they may continue to bring you concerts, festivals, and other entertainment. Call (828) 743-3434 or visit villagegreencashiers.com Lake Glenville: Most fireworks enthusiasts enjoy the Fourth of July’s pyrotechnics while standing or sitting on solid ground. But those with boats who gather at Glenville Lake row or motor themselves to the local show. They have a magnificent front row view, as they rock on the waves ‘neath the rockets. On Sunday, July 3, at 9:30 P.M., get ready for the 25th anniversary of Friends of Lake Glenville Fireworks Over the Lake. The Pyrotechnic Team members are experienced pros. Safety is their over-riding concern. So, abide by their rules and regs to make this celebration the safest and most spectacular ever. The launching area is the usual spot, The Point, slightly north of Trillium on the west side of Lake Glenville. There is great viewing right off 107 North along the roadside near Hamburg Baptist Church south to the pullover/open areas along the lake. It will be dark, so please be courteous to other drivers and pull your car completely off the road. And on water, please obey the officers in watercraft as they direct boats to a safe distance from shoreline, fireworks, and other boats. Shifting wind can cause collisions, so abide by the authorities who are dedicated to keeping the evening accident-free.

Short of dangerous conditions such as thunder and lightning, fireworks will be held, rain or shine. Promoters of the firework display announce, “For up-to-the-minute status of the fireworks, ‘Like’ and ‘Follow’ our Facebook Page and look for a post from us around 9:00 P.M. on July 3.” Special thanks to all the sponsors who contribute annually to Friends of Lake Glenville. This annual fireworks tradition would not be possible without donations from our generous community. And special thanks to the Cashiers-Glenville Fire

Department for attending the event, providing assistance as or if required. The event is free, but please make a donation to those who presented this star-spangled, red-white-and-bluetiful Fourth. Visit friendsoflakeglenville.com for more information.

Highlands: In the middle of summer, we’re given the perfect gift: Independence Day. We love it so much, we often expand it into a weekend. It’s an excuse to consume mass quantities of everything: food, drink, barbecue, outdoor activities, and music. Then we finish it all off with big bangs and bodacious booms. It’s the holiday that welcomes excess. So here are some events you won’t want to miss from Highlands to Cashiers to Sapphire. Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC promises fun Friday, July 1, through Monday, July 4. Friday Night Live at Town Square features the Silly Ridge Trio, 6:00 to 8:30 P.M. The following evening, arrive early to hear The Swingin’ Richards (party band) at Saturdays on Pine, KellyHutchinson Founders Park from 6:00-8:30 P.M.

On Monday, July 4, attend Independence Day Festival. From 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. at Town Ball Field on Hickory Street, get your free materials to build and launch a soda bottle water rocket. It’s your chance to make a big splash. At 11:00 A.M., prepare yourself for one or all of these contests: tug-o’-war, three-legged sack race, water balloon toss, and frozen t-shirt contests (a true ice-breaker), hosted by Town of Highlands Recreation Department. Continuing at noon at Town Ball Field, MAMA (Mountain Area Medical Airlift) Rescue Helicopter will touch down for a visit. Then check out the Ladder Truck display and spray-down. Later, at 2:00 P.M. on the Bridge at Mill Creek, witness the annual Highlands Rotary Club’s Duck Derby. Release the Quacken! It’s touted as the most exciting five minutes in Highlands. Buy tickets in advance ($10). Be the lucky duck who wins cash. Enjoy a concert at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founder’s Park at 6:00 P.M. featuring The Business band. Fife and drum, please – it’s the grand finale of the day: Fireworks on the Fourth, presented by Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, 9:00 to 10:00 P.M., visible from throughout downtown.

by Donna Rhodes

Troubadour of the Soul

Erick Baker

For Erick Baker, all roads lead to The Orchards Sessions, July 27 at The Farm at Old Edwards. For updates and to book online, visit OldEdwardsHospitality.com/OrchardSessions.

On Wednesday, July 27, the Emmy award-winning singer-songwriter Erick Baker will again take the stage at the Orchard Sessions at Old Edwards. While he grew up with a love of music, Baker didn’t start singing until college – when admittedly he only picked up a guitar as a way to attract women. He got more serious about music only after graduation and gradually started playing gigs in his hometown of Knoxville. In 2006, while doing a stint at an open-mike session, he was spotted by a local promoter who gave him a spot opening for John Legend. It could be said that the rest is history. He released his first EP in 2008, and by 2010 on the release of his first full-length album he had shared the stage with James Blunt, Nanci Griffith, and Natasha Bedingfield, and toured with Heart as their opening act. The success of the album led to a string of shows. But success came at a cost and by 2013 life on the road had taken its toll. In 2014 he put down his guitar and became the host of the PBS travel series Tennessee Valley Uncharted, an Emmy award-winning show that follows Erick on outdoor adventures. In 2016 he released his fourth album, Dear Amanda, a tribute to his wife and relaunched onto the music season. His most recent album, Morning Light, released in 2020 at the start of the pandemic is a tribute to making the most of the moment. He can be described with equal accuracy as both a “true-heart on-his-sleeve troubadour of soulful Americana,” and “a smokeand-whiskey tenor with plenty of range and emotion.” He sings songs that speak to his own deeply rooted experiences and that “open a door into each of our lives through the cracks in our hearts.”

Set under the boughs of trees at The Orchard at The Farm at Old Edwards, the Orchard sessions is a magical spot – a place to communicate with nature and a performing artist in an intimate setting. The show begins at 6:00 P.M. and concludes as the sun begins its descent at 8:00 P.M. There’s a $40 cover charge for the public, with online sales opening two weeks in advance. Every ticket includes light bites and a cash bar. The session will move indoors to the new Orchard House in the event of rain.

Visit OldEdwardsHospitality.com/OrchardSessions for updates and to book online.

by Marlene Osteen

Night Watch

Highlands Cashiers Players are setting the stage for murder – you’re invited to Night Watch, August 25 through September 4. For information, visit highlandsperformingarts.com.

This is the 28th season that the Highlands Cashiers Players will be presenting “good plays well done” to audiences in our community. Since Dearly Departed premiered in 1995, we’ve been putting on great shows for audiences. HCP remains the only arts organization on the Plateau that is completely volunteer run. We have no paid positions on staff, a volunteer board, and all our shows are run by people who simply love the theater! As always, we welcome anyone who wants to get involved to contact us. We definitely love our actors, but we also need backstage help, help with the Box Office, set painting, costumers, props, you name it! The first two shows have already been selected: Night Watch by Lucille Fletcher will be presented August 25-28 and September 1-4. Unable to sleep, Elaine Wheeler paces the living room of her Manhattan townhouse, troubled by unsettling memories and vague fears. Her husband tries to comfort her, but when he steps away for a moment Elaine screams as she sees (or believes she sees) the body of a dead man in the window across the way. Night Watch will be directed by veteran HCP member Michael Lanzilotta. He most recently directed Mauritius to great praise. It will be assistant-directed by Gardner Davis, who joined HCP recently and performed in October’s The Great Pandemic.

As usual, this wouldn’t be possible without the HCP Board and community support. Board Members include Courtney Scarborough, Elizabeth Gordon, Paula Gordon, Kristy Lewis, Serenity Richards, Mandy Houston, Kristy Lewis, and Craig Eister. HCP is looking for sponsors to help produce this wonderful work for the community. Email hcplayers2017@gmail.com for more information.

Our full season program and season tickets will be available beginning July 11 and individual tickets for Night Watch go on sale August 1. Check highlandsperformingarts.com more details.

A Fieldof Play

Appalachian Summer by William McReynolds

Though it’s the hottest month in the Northern Hemisphere, July is stuffed with Erick BakerGood Things (and Good People).

July gets its name from the great Roman General Julius Caesar, who was born on July 13, 100 BC. The “dog days of summer” are in July, the hottest month. The Fourth of July, Independence Day, has been a federal holiday since 1870. The astrological sign for July is the crab, after the Crab Nebula barely visible in the night sky. The Latin word for “crab” is cancer. If you were born between June 21 and July 22, your sign is a crab/cancer, a “Cardinal quality” in the Zodiac with water being “a strong element in life.” Some astrologists say those born under the sign of Cancer make good friends and are capable of great emotional depth. If you were born between July 23 and August 22, you are a Leo. Your sign is a lion: “Heart dominates and fire is an influential element.” Leos are said to be very proud people who have great leadership abilities. So, just how far should we be willing to go with astrology? Not a science, astrology is a form of divination: a remembrance of the Greek and Roman pantheon of rulers and gods, a celebration of the Roman night sky decorated with fantastic images. Astrology is a field of play. So, let’s play. What else do astrologers say about Crabs and Lions? Aliza Kelly – a New York-based astrologer and writer who has published several books on astrology – says this: Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Cancers tend to be domestically oriented. They love to create cozy, safe spaces that serve as their personal sanctuaries, then spend lots of time in them. Cancers care deeply about their families and are quick to adopt caregiver roles. But these crabs must be careful: When Cancers invest in someone emotionally, they risk blurring the line between attentive nurturing and controlling behavior. Cancers attract friends and lovers through their loyalty, commitment, and emotional depth. Leo (July 23 - August 22) Vivacious, theatrical, and passionate, Leos love to bask in the spotlight and celebrate themselves. These lions are natural leaders and they enjoy cultivating friendships and romances that are artistically and creatively inspired. Playful Leos have no problem leaning into dramafueled romances that are perfectly suited for the tabloids. Leos are renowned for their stability, loyalty, and consistency. They are dedicated friends and lovers who put their hearts into every relationship. Leos are celebrated for their remarkable bravery. Fearless optimists who refuse to accept failure, Leos will find their deep wells of courage grow as they mature. So saith astrology. Playfully. In July we can just play if we want to. “Play on.”

by William McReynolds

Groovin’ on the Green is just that – an irresistible invitation to cut loose on the emerald Cashiers Village Green. You can find more information at villagegreencashiersnc.com/concerts.

Groovin’ on The Green

Groovin’ on the Green is just that – an irresistible invitation to cut loose on the emerald Cashiers Village Green. You can find more information at villagegreencashiersnc.com/concerts.

Now that we’re deep into what’s shaping up to be the Plateau’s busiest Busy Season, we’re all invited to enjoy the happy sounds of Groovin’ on the Green – a bangin’ summer-long jam that has visitors and locals swinging all season long to performances by some of the area’s most entertaining bands. “We here at The Village Green love being able to offer free and fun family programming, that’s accessible to everyone in our community, and that can be enjoyed without having to drive down the mountain,” says Ashlie Mitchell-Lanning, the Village Green’s executive director.

Every Groovin’ Concert is held rain or shine and there is no admission charge. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, beverages, snacks, and your boogie shoes – though there are vendors there as well.

A new addition to Groovin’ this year is the “Rent a Tent” program that offers ten 10 x 10 tent rentals at $100 per tent per event, and $200 per tent for the Fourth of July Extravaganza. Interested parties can contact shelby@cashiersgreen.com. Here’s a rundown of featured bands and what to look forward to this month: (All events start at 6:30 P.M.) July 4 Extravaganza, sponsored by Landmark Realty: A highlight of the summer season and by far the season’s most attended event, July 4 features an extravagant, fiery, and vibrant fireworks generously provided by Landmark Realty along with spectacular evening entertainment from the R&B band Continental Divide and a special appearance by The Victory Belles. The Fourth of July Extravaganza is free to the public, but donations are greatly appreciated. July 8: Emporium – A six-piece party and dance band from Asheville playing classic rock, disco, funk, beach, and current hits.

July 15: Americana Jones – a toe-tappin’, roots-playin’, feel-good band with an eclectic mix of originals and covers that span seven decades of American jazz, pop, country, bluegrass, rock, and R&B. Covering artists from Earl Scruggs to Kenny Chesney, Merle Haggard to The Band, Rolling Stones and Dylan with a little Hank thrown in.

by Luke Osteen

Low Country Shrimp Boil

It’s a taste of the Gulf, deep in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains – the Low Country Shrimp Boil will be staged at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in Highlands, Saturday, July 9. For sponsorship information and donations, or to purchase tickets visit foundersparkhighlands.org.

Regarded by many a local as one of the great communal eating experiences of the Highlands summer, the Low Country Shrimp Boil returns to Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on July 9. A dish that’s rooted in the coastal South – primarily in Louisiana and the Carolinas – it’s what the locals eat on those ritual occasions that inlanders might celebrate with barbecue. The highly seasoned stew of what to some is an improbable combination of ingredients - sausage, shrimp, and potatoes - is a delicious, messy one-pot feast of summer’s best offerings. And while you’re likely to get a different version from every cook, none do ii better than the one prepared on this occasion by Highlands’ chef Marty Rosenfield. In the pantheon of great American seafood boilers, there is no one more devoted to the task than Rosenfield who has a passion for sourcing the best ingredients and making them sing. Hosted by Friends of Founders Park, the Shrimp Boil, which started in 2016, is the park’s only fundraising event. Hank Ross, President of Friends of Founders Park, said that the Shrimp Boil is “a continuation of our show of ‘Democracy in Action.’”

As he describes it, what can be more democratic than people creating a gathering space for everyone. Highlands’ downtown park was 15 years in the making and is now a centerpiece of this beautiful town. Volunteer organizations and more than 300 contributors planned and fundraised to develop KelseyHutchinson Founders Park.

As Event Coordinator Bill Edwards explained, the funds raised will finance park projects to include: pruning the huge ever-

greens that surround the park, making repairs to the stone masonry around the park, and upgrading the park’s shrubs and flower beds.

Tickets are $70 per person and include the Shrimp Boil, grilled vegetables, dessert, tea, and two tickets for beer or wine. The event is tented and will be held rain or shine. Doors open at 5:00 P.M. and dinner is at 6:00 P.M. Tickets are available at foundersparkhighlands.org and The Dry Sink. All proceeds go to the beautification and improvement of Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Friends of Founders Park is a 501 (c) (3) organization. Friends of the Park are also looking for event sponsors to help support their work to “provide enhanced park maintenance, capital improvements and design guidance – work that is not furnished by the Town of Highlands.”

by Marlene Osteen

Martinis & Mozart

Old Edwards Inn & Spa teams up with The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival to present Martinis & Mozart, 5:30 P.M. Tuesday, July 13. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (828) 526-9060, send an email to hccmfnc@gmail.com, or visit h-cmusicfestival.org.

The Ulysses Quartet

Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival presents, in collaboration with Old Edwards Inn & Spa, a special concert entitled Martinis & Mozart at 5:30 P.M. Tuesday, July 13, at The Orchard House at Old Edwards Farm.

The evening’s centerpiece will be a performance by the brilliant Ulysses String Quartet. The Ulysses Quartet has been praised for their “textural versatility,” “grave beauty,” and “the kind of chemistry many quartets long for, but rarely achieve,” (The Strad), as well as their “avid enthusiasm...[with] chops to back up their passion.” At Juilliard, they are the Lisa Arnhold Fellows, serving as the School’s Graduate Resident String Quartet, an appointment that was been extended through May 2022. An hors d’oeuvre reception will precede the performance, with a cash bar available. Tickets are $75 each, and you can make your reservations now by calling (828) 526-9060 or emailing hccmfnc@gmail.com. The event marks a sublime complement to H-C Chamber Music Festival’s 2022 season, which launches with Three Concertmasters on Friday, July 1, and Saturday, July 2. The festival will celebrate Independence Day with American Salute on Sunday, July 3, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. This suite will feature selections about America and works by American composers. The regular Concert Series performances are held Fridays and Sundays at the Highlands Performing Arts Center – 507 Chestnut Street; Saturdays and Mondays at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers at 160 Frank Allen Road.

The event marks a sublime complement to H-C Chamber Music Festival’s 2022 season. by Luke Osteen

Scan to learn more.

Be Our Guest

The twin Plateau libraries have filled their calendars with events and activities for all age groups. To learn more, visit fontanalib.org.

Diane McPhail

Libraries are busy hubs all year round, but especially during the summer months when the plateau’s population quadruples. Besides books and movies and plenty of accessible services, local libraries host guest speakers and authors. This summer, Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library has a lineup that includes: • The North Carolina Aquarium’s presentation of Awesome Amphibians on July 1 at 10:30 A.M.; • A presentation of Japanese culture by Western Carolina University’s Japan Outreach Initiative coordinator Nanaka Okamura on July 8 beginning at 10:30 A.M., at which time there will be a children’s program that shares Kamishibai card storytelling; at 3:00 P.M., Okamura demonstrates a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony and will discuss historical and cultural significance; • Local author Tom Baker on July 15 at 3:00 P.M.; the Vietnam War veteran presents and signs his new book, Warrior Wannabe • Character Cavalcade on July 22 at 10:30 P.M.; children can dress as their favorite literary/comic character or historical figure and promenade around the library, and prizes will be awarded to each age group; • Local author Patricia Brandon on July 29 at 3:00 P.M.; she will discuss her 2021 mystery, A Rule of Life. Ongoing during summer months at the Cashiers library will be Sweating with Switch Sports on Tuesdays at 10:30 A.M.; Mah Jongg on Mondays; Crafternoon on Tuesdays; Storytime on Wednesdays; and free movie showings on Thursdays. “Plus, we’re partnering with the Highlands Performing Arts Center Youth Theater again this year, in July, to provide theater workshops for different age groups all month,” said Serenity Richards, branch librarian. Hudson Library in Highlands also hosts guest speakers and various activities, including local author Diane McPhail, who will discuss and sign on July 15 at 12:30 P.M. her new historical fiction, The Seamstress of New Orleans. In addition, Hudson Library hosts: Family Storytimes on Thursdays at 10:40 A.M.; interactive Kids Zone programs on Thursday afternoons at 3:30 P.M. (on July 14, Okamura features origami, a chopstick challenge, and more); and the Vaya Health series on the second Tuesday of each month. “And we continue to add events,” said Carlyn Morenus, Hudson Library’s branch librarian, who pointed out – along with Richards – that the library websites and event pages are updated to provide the public with information about all that is offered: fontanalib.org.

by Deena Bouknight

Shop for Summer’s Bounty

A stroll through the Plateau’s Farmer’s Markets brings the richness of the season’s suite of flavors to your kitchen.

Remember when you were a kid and you’d drool over a tomato, peach, fig, or plum out of your Granny’s garden? And then, taste buds begging for that first flavorful zing, you’d sink your teeth into the pure essence of yum? You can replay that memory and enjoy that same deliciousness when you shop for summer’s bounty at the Green Market at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers and the Saturday morning offerings at The Highlands Marketplace. The Green Market-Locally Grown on The Green, Cashiers’ farm stand and local market is held every Wednesday from 2:00 until 5:00 P.M. at The Village Green Commons. The Highlands Marketplace is held every Saturday morning at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park from 8:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. It’s as close to picking right out of Granny’s garden as you can get. At Green Market-Locally Grown on The Green, exceptional produce and fine crafted products are all produced within a 125-mile radius. It lives up to the Market’s Motto: “Home grown, hand-picked and hand-made.” In Highlands, local farmers, craftsmen, and artists gather under colorful tents to sell their seasonal greens, golds, purples, reds, and more. Food, soaps, candles, art, and more are as colorful as they are delicious and decorative. Each of these fresh markets provides access to in-season fresh

produce, locally produced meat, fresh dairy items and eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, jellies, honey, pickles, freshly baked breads and baked goods, and homemade spreads and dips. The farm-to-table concept is growing in popularity, and these markets offer you easy access to the freshest products available. You’ll enjoy an opportunity to talk to the people who actually grow and produce the food. Pick up helpful tips on how to store, prepare, and serve each product. Treat yourself to a unique shopping experience at one of these markets and see how much better fresh, fine, and beautiful can be.

by Donna Rhodes

The Village Nature Series

The Village Nature Series, a program offered by The Village Green of Cashiers and The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, will spotlight the state of bear-human relations on the Plateau, 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 26, at The Village Green Commons. Call (828) 743-3434 or visit hicashlt.org for more information.

The July 26 edition of The Village Nature Series will focus on Living with Bears, a presentation by Highlands BearWise Director Cynthia Strain, 6:00 P.M. at The Village Green Commons in Cashiers. The program is free and open to everyone. Explore the nuances of bear behavior and how we can peacefully, and happily, co-exist with a treasured mountain species. Ms. Strain’s group made national headlines last year when Highlands became the country’s first certified BearWise community. That means the town has developed strategies to prevent conflicts, provides resources to resolve problems, and encourages community initiatives to keep bears wild. Those goals are of vital importance for the Plateau, since human-black bear encounters have skyrocketed over the last 10 years. While it can be a memorable experience to see wild black bears in a neighborhood, it’s a risky one. Human-bear conflict is exacerbated by increased human development and subsequent habitat fragmentation, resulting in the increased likelihood of bears coming into contact with humans, especially in urban areas.

Those interactions can be dangerous for humans and deadly for bears.

Unfortunately, bears can become reliant on human sources of food and display more assertive or aggressive behaviors toward people. When such conflict arises, those “problem bears” often must be put down by Wildlife Resources staff. The Village Nature Series is a project of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and The Village Green of Cashiers.

by Luke Osteen

Easels on The Green

Nationally-acclaimed painters set up their easels to capture our beautiful landscape and charming lifestyle for Easels on the Green, Cashiers’ Plein Air Festival, July 10 through 17. The festival artists’ original art is displayed for viewing and sale at a pop-up art gallery at The Village Green Commons in Cashiers.

Outdoor painting is delightfully perplexing. Imagine trying to capture a landscape when the sun is traveling across the sky changing shadows and reflections every minute. But that’s Nature’s tease, and the sheer fun is accepting her challenge. And what better place to host Easels on the Green than the Village Green of Cashiers, with its ever-changing panoramas of majestic scenery and dramatic light? Painting in the open air in France is called En Plein Air, meaning in the open air. When painting outside, artists capture the spirit and essence of their subjects. Natural light is a lot different from interior light, which was largely lantern and candlelight in the early days. Below is the schedule for the Plein Air events: July 10-17 promises to be a week chockful of excitement, with professional and amateur artists creating exquisite works of art to be exhibited in the Festival Gallery (free admission) Thursday through Sunday. There you can view the archived collection of florals, mountains, landscapes, streams, trees, and skies of every hue. • Wednesday, July 13, Private Benefactor’s Preview Party (Become an Easels on the Green Benefactor) • Thursday, July 14, Gallery open to the public through Sunday (Free) • Friday, July 15, Gather your girlfriends and join Art in the Park Ladies Luncheon (Ticketed) • Thursday and Friday, Groovin’ on the Green, Gallery open to the public (Free) • Saturday, July 16, Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival (Ticketed) • Sunday, July 17, Artists Awards Champagne Brunch (Ticketed) Watch artists paint, view their marvelous work on exhibit, attend the after-hours fun and festivities, and support the artists of our region. Visit cashierspleinairfestival.com for more information about the festival.

by Donna Rhodes

Scan to learn more.

Arts and Crafts Festival

The Sapphire Valley Arts & Crafts Festival, set for August 6-7, is a fun bazaar of art, food, and the unexpected. For more information, visit sapphirevalleyresorts.com.

Summer weather always brings a slew of worthwhile activities across the Plateau. One of the very best is the August 6 and 7 Arts and Crafts Festival at Sapphire Valley. One of three festivals that Sapphire hosts annually (the others are June and October), it’s exactly what an arts and crafts festival should be – a cornucopia overflowing with more great goods and more ancillary events than a person can possibly view or experience in one weekend. Exhibitors, handpicked from local and surrounding states for their craftsmanship, originality, and talent, set up on Sapphire’s Athletic Field. Craftsmen from around the region spread their wares throughout the field over the weekend, a show that reflects the booming crafts market in every way. And the field simply bustles with activities for the whole family. Among the events especially geared for the children are Corn Hole and Kerplunk and Buckets of Bubble Mix to blow bubbles. Always popular is the Cashiers Humane Society “adopt a pet” area. Live music wafts energetically across the field. The festival welcomes a wide-ranging class of artists. Featured crafts run from jewelry to fine arts, woodworking to handcrafted furniture; Christmas wreaths to ornaments; candles to hand-blown glass. The handmade goods that fill the stalls and tables of this show, all of the highest quality, are a reflection and presentation of area talent. A very special feature of this vibrant exhibit is the display of Appalachian culture – the textiles, pottery, and more that showcase the diversity of art forms developed by Appalachian artists. The winning combination of nature, mountains, art, people, and music, plus on-site food vendors and food trucks give the Sapphire Arts and crafts Festival a quality that is unique among summer craft events. As to food, Sapphire Valley Resort’s Director of Marketing, Linda Foxworth, tells me, “Of course, North Carolina Barbecue is the star, but kids (of all ages) love the tacos too!” Enthusiasm runs high among vendors and visitors who return annually for the show and know there is no better way to enjoy a summer day in the mountains. The festival will be open from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. each day and there is no charge for admission. Visitors are encouraged to bring their dogs. The Field at Sapphire valley is located three miles east of Cashiers on Highway 64.

by Marlene Osteen

Wolves and Raptors and More, Oh My!

Expect to encounter our furred and feathered neighbors at Mountain Wildlife Days, July 15-16 at Sapphire Valley Resort Community Center.

Perhaps the Smoky Mountains’ opportunity to see diverse wildlife is not as thrilling an experience as – say – a visit to Yellowstone National Park. However, wildlife on the ground and in the air is aplenty in this area, and the annual Mountain Wildlife Days draws attention to that fact. Held July 15-16 this year, the Mountain Wildlife Days event offers several programs, presented by professionals, that provide safe and up close and personal interactions with a wide variety of native species. In fact, included in the programs are raptors, an American eagle, owls, reptiles and snakes, wolves, and more.

While an entire lineup of presenters will educate and enthrall participants, one is well-known to the area. Rob Gudger is an outdoorsman and avid naturalist who for many years has presented wolves for educational purposes at area schools and various other events. Anyone who attends his program will have a chance to interact with a wolf and also learn a plethora of information regarding the animal’s habitat, feeding habits, and other idiosyncrasies. The 77-year-old Gudger, who resembles the character from the 1970s series Grizzly Adams, began owning wolves when he learned of some pups that needed raising. One of the points he always shares with an audience is that “wolves are not dogs and they are not coyotes. They are an entirely different species, and they are often misunderstood or lumped in with the understanding of dogs or coyotes.” Other participants at the two-day event, which is in its 15th year, are: • Carlton Burke, a naturalist and educator who operates an educational service called Carolina Mountain Naturalist; • Michael Skinner, an experienced naturalist who provides leadership for the Balsam Mountain Nature Preserve and presents raptors; • Bill Lea, a noted black bear expert; and, • Geraldine Regan, a wildlife advocate who teaches humorously with her puppet, “Ricky.” Mountain Wildlife Days offers much more, including Zoo To You, a “Wildlife Wonders” program that showcases numerous animals.

Each day, presentations are scheduled for specific times. For more information, contact The Sapphire Valley Community Center at (828) 743-7663. Or visit highsouthadventures.com/ mountain-wildlife-days.html.

by Deena Bouknight photo by Bill Lea

Celebrate United States Current Affairs

The Center for Life Enrichments examines the perils and the promise embedded in modern American life. For more info, visit clehighlands.com or call (828) 526-8811.

The Center for Life Enrichment is bringing U.S. Current Affairs, an impressive roster of topics to bring you up-to-date on the Supreme Court, the Mueller investigation, viruses/ vaccines, journalism/disinformation, Biden and “blue” reviews, China and Russia, and more. First up, it’s Meet Noel Francisco, the Solicitor General of the U.S.

From 10:00 A.M. to noon Friday, July 1, in the CLE Lecture Hall. Cost is $25/$35. Francisco will discuss the role of the Solicitor General, the official who represents the interests of the U.S. before the Supreme Court. Noel served as the 47th Solicitor General, 2017-2020. Join guest attorneys in an insightful exchange with Francisco regarding his service during the Trump administration. The Mueller Investigation: Lessons from an Insider is offered from 10:00 A.M. to noon on Monday, July 11, at the CLE Lecture Hall. Cost is $25/$35. As a member of Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller’s investigation team, Andrew Weissmann will speak about the threat of continuing cyber-attacks on our political and economic system by foreign actors; and whether criminal investigation and prosecution can be effective tools to hold wrongdoers accountable. As we emerge from two years of pandemic, there’s no more timely topic than Viruses and Vaccines: From Cowpox Virus to Modern mRNA Vaccines, set for 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Thursday, July 12, in the CLE Lecture Hall. Cost is $25/$35. Dr. Maria Gainey will explore the history of vaccines and disease prevention from smallpox in 1796 to the advancement of modern-day virus treatment. Supreme Court: Year in Review is offered from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 13, in the CLE Lecture Hall. Cost is $25/$35. It’s an overview of the Court’s

decision-making process and review of 2021’s rulings on subjects such as: freedom of religion, affirmative action, the scope of congressional regulatory power, the scope of executive branch rulemaking power, previability abortion, and a judge’s duty to recuse in certain situations. He will also discuss the role of the Court’s recent appointees in shaping a more conservative majority and what that bodes for the future of the Court as an institution.

Journalism Amid Disinformation brings NBC News Capitol Hill Correspondent Leigh Ann Caldwell to CLE from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Friday, July 29. Cost is $25/$35. Ms. Caldwell will discuss her experience at the United States Capitol during the January 6 attack on the Capitol and how she has covered Congress, the people, and the building. (Almost) Two Years In: Assessing President Biden’s Term, is set for 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Thursday, August 11. Miles Coleman, Associate Editor of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics authoritative, nonpartisan Newsletter on American campaigns and elections, will discuss the thin Democratic majority, and its fierce Republican opposition. This lecture examines the course of Biden’s presidency and looks at what it may mean for 2024. Cost is $25/$35. Coleman returns Friday, August 12, for Looking Less Blue: Forecasting the 2022 Midterm Elections. His second offering discusses the typical midterm drag that the White House’s party faces. Republicans benefitted mid-term when Trump was president. Now, with a Democratic president, the shoe is on the other foot. Democrats do not have much room for error in defending their Congressional majorities. Cost is $25/$35. To gain a better insight into Russia and China, consider one of the following: China and the Continuing Rise of President Xi Jinping on Wednesday August 24, and Revanchist Russia, A Partner or Enemy on Thursday, August 25. CLE selects the nation’s finest professors, scholars, internationally-published journalists, and military officials to present their programs.

by Donna Rhodes

Scan to learn more.

Tradition Reimagined

The Cashiers Historical Society will open the doors to the exclusive Designer Showhouse, August-26-September 4. For more information about the Showhouse, contact cds@cashiershistoricalsociety.org or call (828) 743-7710. Tickets purchased online are reduced in price.

In its 25th year, the Cashiers Historical Society’s Designer Showhouse, which has become a regional destination event, takes place August 26 through September 4. “Tradition Reimagined is the theme of this year’s Showhouse,” said Ellen Hughes, co-chair of the Showhouse, “because there are aspects that will appeal to multigenerational families, such as modern configurations – more open spaces and flex-spaces – a home where grandparents, children, parents, family, and friends all can be comfortable when they are there.” This year’s Showhouse is a classic mountain retreat designed and built by the 2003-founded company of Dillard-Jones, and it’s located in the new neighborhood of Fieldstone in The Club at High Hampton. Each year, recognized designers from across the Southeast add their distinctive touches to the Cashiers Designer Showhouse, which is ultimately a fundraiser to support the Cashiers Historical Society in a variety of its local educational activities and programs. This year’s home is a spacious four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath design featuring such aspects as a great room, office, a solarium, and a loft. The Showhouse kicks off with an opening night party, Thursday, August 25, called Cashiers Asado, where there will be food, jazz, and dancing. Besides tours of the Showhouse, daily lectures and presentations are offered that focus on design and home entertaining ideas. Finally, a variety of shopping opportunities are available throughout the event’s 10 days, as vendors feature unique lifestyle items from apparel to home decorating at the Village Green. Hughes explained that the first Showhouse a quarter century ago, a country cottage nestled on the edge of Cashiers Lake, was the family home of local designer Lynn Monday. The Showhouse is an important annual event for the Cashiers Historical Society, located on the grounds of the historic Zachary Tolbert House, whose mission is to preserve the identity of Cashiers through recognition of its history in publications, awards, and projects.

by Deena Bouknight

Scan to learn more.

Summer Colors Art Show

Get ready to be dazzled – the Summer Colors Fine Art Show will be staged at Sapphire Valley Community Center, July 23-24.

Prepare yourself for a dazzling kaleidoscope of color as artists of the Southern Appalachians design, craft, and present an array of the South’s finest art, including paintings in water-based paints (acrylics, watercolors, gauche), oils, and mixed media. Complementing two-dimensional work is photography, pottery/ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, and more. Every piece is handmade, one-of-a-kind, and exquisitely-crafted. Immerse yourself in the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers’ abundance of beauty at the Summer Colors Fine Art Show at Sapphire Valley Community Center, 207 Sapphire Valley Road, Sapphire, July 23 through 24, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Colleen Kastner, the show chairperson, is thrilled to welcome fellow-artists, appreciators, and collectors to a stunning exhibition and sale of fine art by some of the most talented local artists in the area. Admission and parking are free. Weather won’t dampen spirits – this is an indoor show. More than 20 artists are expected to exhibit their work and viewers are encouraged to engage the artists in conversations about their work, process, and inspiration. In addition, some pop-up surprises are expected this year. Colleen has a few secrets up her sleeve. Soak up the colors, enjoy the surprises, and carry some of your favorite colors home. For more information or for artists wishing to apply to the show before the July 15 deadline, please visit the art league’s website at artleaguehighlands-cashiers. com/events.

by Donna Rhodes

Scan to learn more.

Antiques Galore

Freed from two years of Covid restrictions, the Cashiers Annual Antique Show, set for August 5-7 at the Cashiers Village Green Commons, is once more bustling and nearly filled-to-bursting with exhibitors. For tickets and more information, visit cashiersbenefitantiqueshow.com.

One does not have to be history buff or a collector to enjoy attending the Cashiers Annual Antique Show, August 5-7, at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers. As with many ongoing and traditional events and activities, the pandemic paused the show for two years, but it is being offered full-force to the community this summer. Show manager Hazel Giles said she has been organizing the show for 15 years, but she has exhibited at the show for 43 years. “I’ve been in the antiques business for 45 years. In fact, antiques have been my love since I was a little girl. I shopped with my mother and sister in Charleston and the coastal areas of North and South Carolina while I was growing up. It was a wonderful experience, and it still is.” Giles still attends some shows and estate events, and she often appraises antiques. The 44th Antique Show, explained Giles, has a new venue and an extensive lineup of more than 40 dealers. A main building that is part of the Commons, Lewis Hall, will host 14 of the exhibitors.

An array of statuary, fountains, cast iron furnishings, and more will be on display at the Garden Stone Art and Antiques, and two massive tents with interlocking floors will house 26 exhibitors showcasing a myriad of antiques as well. Plus, a Chips Away Glass Repair station will be housed in the Pavilion.

Said Giles, “Attendees will discover an outstanding array of jewelry; fine porcelain; sterling silver and silver plate; Black Forest items; elegant boxes; high country, formal American and European furniture (everything from mid-century modern to southern casual and rustic); fine linens; antique prints and fine art by noted artists; and, much more.

“Nothing will be priced outrageously. We want people to be able to purchase their Christmas presents in the summer at this show or for attendees to look for items to add to collections and to outfit their homes. This is a quality show…no junk.” Visit cashiersbenefitantiqueshow.com for tickets and more information, or check out the Antique Show Facebook page.

by Deena Bouknight

Concerts on The Slopes

The mountains rock and roll with the sounds of Sapphire Valley’s Concerts on the Slopes. Concert on the Slopes is open to the public. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. Season passes are available at a discounted rate, and can be purchased at the Sapphire Valley Community Center. Visit SapphireValleyResorts.com.

July in Western North Carolina means outdoor concerts where you’re bound to find your happy place. And one of the happiest places of all will most certainly be at Sapphire Valley’s Concert on the Slopes on Tuesday, July 19. It’s a very special opportunity to enjoy the most beautiful time of the year on the Plateau – the warm sunlit days and cool breezy nights – commune with the grandeur of the natural surroundings and take in the sweet sounds of summer from live performers. For the 2022 season, its 21st, the nights will once again come alive with vibrant performances by Motown and Beach bands, and the tantalizing music of the 50s,60s, and 70s. Performances are on scheduled dates from June through September and feature entertainment for music lovers of all ages. Next up is the Tuesday, July 19, performance by Legacy Motown Revue. The irresistible energy of the band is fueled by band leader, Stan Stigall, who dreamed of starting a tribute band to the legendary groups that he grew up listening to since the passing of his friend Bill Pinckney of the Original Drifters. Paying homage to the music that molded multiple generations and gave Detroit a claim to fame other than cars, the Legacy band takes you back to the days of The Drifters, The Coasters, The Jacksons, Earth Wind & Fire, The Temptations, and so many more legendary icons. So, round up your family and friends, pack the picnic baskets, blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite shag-dancing shoes and spend a musical evening at Sapphire Valley. (Performers set up on the on the back patio of the Sapphire Valley Community Center.) Rounding out the summer season are performances by The Entertainers on August 9, and Too Much Sylvia on September 4.

Summer Soirée

The Highlands Biological Foundation celebrates a tradition of generosity with A Ravenel Soirée, hosted by Diane and Ray McPhail from 6:00 P.M. until dark, Monday, July 18. Tickets are $250 per guest – for more information and to purchase a ticket, call (828) 526-2221.

Dazzling social affairs are a long-standing tradition for summers spent in Highlands, and the Highlands Biological Foundation’s summer soirée is no exception. Join HBF for its biggest annual fundraiser on Monday, July 18, in support of its mission of stimulating and promoting biological research and education in the Southern Appalachians. HBF’s summer soirée will be held at the enchanting, historic Ravenel Property co-owned by Diane and Ray McPhail and Karen and Will Stolz. Parking is limited, so a shuttle service will be provided. The Ravenel Property, formerly called Wolf Ridge, is filled with magic and myth going all the way back to Native American roots. What was once the bears’ showground became The Fodderstacks, named for stores of cattle food (hay, etc.) which they resembled. In 1913 the Ravenel family built a summer house at the site. The Ravenels played a huge role in Highlands history. You may know them for donating Sunset Rock to the town in 1914, a memorial gift from the children of Captain and Margaretta Ravenel. When asked how the Ravenel dwelling harmonized with the dramatic surroundings, Diane shared, “It had the distinction of being built in a Northeast Craftsman style, not commonly seen here. In the development of the Ravenel Community, Ray and Will observed strict adherence to Craftsman style architecture.” The result: a perfect environmental and aesthetic marriage.

by Luke Osteen

Jan Wyatt Symposium

Cashiers Historical Society’s Jan Wyatt Symposium presentation of Ancient Rocks and the Modern Plateau – set for July 20 at The Country Club of Sapphire Valley – is a deep dive into the Deep Time of this far end of the Southern Appalachians.

Bill Jacobs

Dr. Gary Wein

Whether you’re a born-here native or someone who spends a couple of hurried weekends on the Plateau every year, you’re bound to be aware of the undeniable truth that these mountains are old, really old. Their peaks are rounded and they’ve been contoured into deep hollows and folds, especially when compared to their younger cousins, the Rockies. Cashiers Historical Society is going to spotlight these geological marvels with its July 20 Jan Wyatt Symposium presentation entitled Ancient Rocks and the Modern Plateau: How a Billion Years of Geology Shaped Our Landscape, Ecology and Human History. Featured speakers are Bill Jacobs and Dr. Gary Wein. Mr. Jacobs is a retired lawyer and geology enthusiast. He is the author of Whence These Special Places? The Geology of Cashiers, Highlands & Panthertown Valley. Mr. Jacobs’s presentation will be The Geologic Processes that have Created the Plateau and Shaped its Mountains and Waterfalls. Dr. Wein is the Executive Director of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust. He has a PhD in Botany, is a professor and a conservationist. Dr. Wein’s presentation is A Sense of Place: An Ecological History of the Plateau. This year’s symposium, sponsored by Silver Creek Real Estate Group, is chaired by Bob Carroll and will be at The Country Club of Sapphire Valley on July 20 from 10:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. Lunch will be served at noon. Tickets are $75 and may be purchased online at CashiersHistoricalSociety.org. Cashiers Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Scan to learn more.

Full Family Fun Camps

The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center is staging a complete set of camps and activities.

The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center, 3872 Dillard Road in Highlands is offering a pair of camps in July and August. They’re open to everyone and you can reserve a spot by visiting themountainrlc.org. Intergenerational Camp, set for July 24 through 29, is a Mountain summer tradition that allows participants to create memories which last a lifetime. Friends and families of all ages come together for outdoor adventures of hiking, tubing, rafting; farm tours and projects; water sports of swimming or canoeing; workshops of woodworking or building a cob pizza oven; crafts, field games, music, campfires with smores, stargazing, and more. Meals include fresh produce from the farm. Aaron Shearer Classical Guitar Institute, set for July 29 through August 4, is an artist masterclass for instruction and opportunities for individual and group performance. This offers private lessons, as well as group instruction, include performance development, beginning to advanced technique, guitar harmony, guitar rhythm, composing and arranging, etc. The program includes artist and student performances and

informal “coffehouse” sharings. As one of the most successful guitar pedagogues in history, Aaron Shearer was instrumental in the deFriends and families of all velopment of many of the celebrated classical ages come together for guitar performers. Their level of musical outdoor adventures… and virtuosic performance has contributed to raising the image of the guitar in the classical music world. The intent is that the keys that led to this success be shared as widely as possible with those musically inclined devotees who are attracted by the charms and subtleties of the classical guitar. All levels and ages are welcome For more information, contact themountainrlc.org/upcomingevents or (828) 526-5838.

Scan to learn more.

by Mary Jane McCall

Charity Golf Tournament

Cashiers Cares, which has benefitted local nonprofits since 2008, will stage a charity golf tournament at Trillium Links & Lake Club on September 18.

Cashiers Cares is planning a golf tournament at Trillium Links & Lake Club on Friday, September 18. The shotgun scramble will begin late morning and will be followed by a silent auction and awards reception. The event will be limited to 100 golfers, according to Tim Laverty, the Club’s golf professional. Cashiers Cares supports numerous local agencies which serve the unmet needs of southern Jackson County. These agencies are AWAKE, Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau, Pisgah Legal Services, the Community Care Clinic, Cashiers Valley Preschool, Hampton Preschool and Early Learning Center, SAFE, Four Seasons Hospice, Fishes and Loaves, and United Christian Ministries of Jackson County. Acknowledging the many “quiet needs” of our community, Cashiers Cares seeks to serve all ages, from cradle to end of life, as evidenced in the range of charities it supports. Trillium has played an important part in Cashiers Cares’ success since 2020. The Club’s Women’s Bible Study determined that year to complete a service project and chose Cashiers Cares as its beneficiary. The group brought the charity to the attention of the Club’s 368 members and has subsequently raised over $70,000 in the past two years. “Our partnership with the members of Trillium has played a significant role in our success, particularly as we faced the challenge of Covid,” says Board Chairman Pam Kerr. She noted that Cashiers Cares has given over $500,000 to the community since its inception in 2008.

Details on registration will be made available in the coming weeks. Cashiers Cares Inc. is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization and gifts are taxdeductible. Checks may be mailed to Cashiers Cares Inc., P.O. Box 1072, Cashiers, NC 28717.

by Luke Osteen

Vanishing Crafts on Display

The Mountain Artisan Summertime Art and Craft Show set for July 1-2 at Western Carolina University, will be laced with examples of “Vanishing Crafts.”

An abundance of local artisan talent will be on display at the Annual Mountain Artisan Summertime Art and Craft Show, which will be held Friday, July 1, and Saturday, July 2, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Western Carolina University’s Ramsey Center, 92 Catamount Drive, in Cullowhee. In fact, about 60 exhibitors are expected. One of the exhibitors is Joan Marsden, whose business name is Raven Arts. She is a fabric artist who lives on the Plateau. As is the case with many artistic people who eventually land on their particular niche, Marsden was first a commercial artist and then an art teacher before she began focusing on applique sewing – which is basically stitching fabric pieces atop other fabric pieces. She primarily creates fabric greeting cards, pillows, wall hangings, and framed mountain landscapes resembling the Blue Ridge Mountains. She purchases batik fabrics, cuts out the shapes, and then assembles through sewing. Nature and wildlife inspires her creations: bears, birds, mountain mist, flowers, etc. To achieve mist, she explained, “I use roving (locks) from Alpaca.” Marsden has been a member, along with 80-plus other artists, at Dogwood Crafters in nearby Dillsboro for nine years and her work is displayed there for sale regularly. “This will be my first time showing at Mountain Artisans,” she said, explaining, “other crafters at Dogwood have been exhibiting there and told me about it.”

Doris Hunter, a resident of Franklin and the show’s organizer, established the Annual Mountain Artisan Summertime Art and Craft Show to present and preserve what she refers to as “vanishing crafts,” which were goods, like quilts and pottery, needed historically for daily survival in the Appalachian Mountains. Western North Carolina artisans will present paintings, wood crafts, quilts, pottery, glass blown goods, master jewelers, turned-wood cutting boards, rustic furniture, American flags made of recycled wood, and more. And live music will be provided by Guitarist Ronny Evans. Admission is $5 for adults and the ticket is good for both days of the event. Children under 12 are free, and convenient parking and concessions are available.

For more information, contact Doris Hunter at djhunter155@ gmail.com.

by Deena Bouknight

Community Day

For The Bascom, July 2 has been set aside as a celebration of the richness and vitality of the entire Plateau community. Join them for Community Day, 323 Franklin Road in Highlands.

Each year, The Bascom thanks our community by offering a day filled with free art activities for the whole family. In addition to free popcorn, artist demonstrations, and things to make, this year we are adding a Community Day Picnic – we invite you to bring your picnic blanket or lawn chairs, your friends, and your own basket of food to sit back a while on our grounds and enjoy the beautiful Bascom campus, a storytelling artist, and live music. In addition, we’re eager to build a history of the current Bascom campus, which was established in 2009 – we are calling on our community to come share your stories with us so we can preserve our history. We are seeking the stories of everyone – whether you held a wedding event on our terrace, posed for a special photo in front of the Will Henry Stevens Bridge, walked our Sculpture Trail with your favorite dog, made a special piece of pottery in our ceramics studio, participated in our outreach programs, joined in our programs supporting artists, or fell in love with a work of art at an exhibition, we want to hear! On July 2, you can tell your story at our storytelling booth, or simply let us know you have a story to tell, and we’ll sign you up later! July 2: Community Day 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M Art Activities: Make, See, and Do on the Terrace (free popcorn) – free activities for children; Noon to 2:00 P.M. Inaugural Picnic on the Grounds: Bring your own picnic, lawn chairs, or blanket and spread out and enjoy. Music and storytelling in the shaded amphitheater on the Horst Winkler Sculpture Trail. Play a game of cornhole. Prizes for kids.

11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. Storytelling Booth: Do you have a story to share about The Bascom? Did you hold your wedding event here, or take a special photo at the Will Henry Stevens Bridge? Did you witness the raising of the covered bridge, or ride horses at the Crane Barn before it was purchased by The Bascom? Did you take a class that had an impact on your artistic trajectory, or participate in our residency program? In an effort to document our history and to tell the story of the meaning of the place that is The Bascom, we invite you to record your story. For more details, contact Autumn Chandler at achandler@thebascom.org.

by Billy Love, The Bascom

Make a Run For It

There’s a place for you for Highlands Rotary’s Twilight 5k, snaking through town on Saturday, August 13. For more details and to register, visit highlandstwilightrun.com.

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to lace up your running shoes and join the Highlands Rotary Club for their annual Twilight 5K, held this year on Saturday, August 13. Starting at 6:00 P.M. at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, this race stands apart from the rest in that it offers the entire family a chance to participate while raising funds for The Literacy & Learning Center. The USATF-certified 5k course is a largely flat circuit that beckons serious runners hoping to improve their times. While they’re focusing on improving their times, the less serious among us can join in the fun by walking and strolling, taking a moment to enjoy the scenery along the way. Entire families will enjoy the chance to participate and join in the community fun. You’re never too young or too old to be a “Twilighter.” The completion of the race is just the start of a fun family night at the park. Runners over 21 years of age who complete the race will be entitled to a cold beer – all the more reason to improve your time and race to the front of the line. Children typically receive a light-up toy or necklace. All enjoy the concert in the park which follows the race. This year, Spalding McIntosh is the headliner.

The deadline for early registration is July 13. The cost during early registration is $30 and early registrants are guaranteed an event t-shirt in their size as well as a custom bib. The cost of registration after July 13 but before race day is $35. Day of race registration is $40. All runners will receive a t-shirt as long as supplies last, but sizes may be limited so early registration is recommended. As always there will be prizes, including $100 for a new overall course record and $50 for any other age group record. For more details and to register, visit highlandstwilightrun.com.

by Mary Jane McCall

Interlude Concert Series

The First Presbyterian Church of Highlands’ Interlude Concert Series is a welcome respite from the stresses of 2022. First Presbyterian Church is located at the corner of Main and Fifth Streets. Handicapped accessible entrances are located on Church Street and on Fifth Street.

2022 marks the 24th anniversary of the Interlude Concert Series, sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Highlands. The concerts provide a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life – a time to relax and enjoy a variety of music. Visitors to Highlands are especially invited to attend these concerts. Each concert is free, and dress is casual. All concerts are at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesdays and will take place at Highlands First Presbyterian Church. The series kicks off at 2 on Wednesday, July 6, with a performance by violinist Robin Bollinger and pianist William Ransom. This amazing duo will perform works by Beethoven, Kreisler, Ysaye, and Boulanger. Robin Bollinger is an accomplished violinist who made her debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra at age 12, and she’s performed throughout the United States and abroad. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees with honor from the New England Conservatory of Music. William Ransom is the Mary L. Emerson Professor of Piano at Emory University in Atlanta, and he serves as Artistic Director of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. The concert is jointly sponsored by the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival and First Presbyterian Church of Highlands. Then on Wednesday, July 20, The Trey Clegg Chamber Singers will be featured. With a mission to inspire the passion of reconciliation, equity, and harmony, this selectively auditioned ensemble performs at the highest level of choral discipline and standards.

by Angie Jenkins

Porchfest 2022

All of downtown Highlands is the stage for Porchfest 2022, set for 1:00 to 6:00 P.M. Sunday, September 18.

The Center for Life Enrichment (with support from Visit Highlands NC/The Highlands Chamber of Commerce) is putting together Highlands Porchfest 2022, a one-day, family-friendly musical event that’ll see musical acts performing across the town. Because of wide community support, these performances are free. Highlands Porchfest will be held from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M. Sunday, September 18. Bands, singers, and instrumentalists are participating at no charge to showcase their talents and engage the community (though, of course, tipping is highly encouraged). Audiences will find performances all over town – The Bascom, 200 Main, Highlands Wine Shoppe, Sotheby’s, First Presbyterian Church of Highlands, the Croquet Lawn at Old Edwards Lodge, Town Square, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, Chambers Realty, Hudson Library, and the Highlands Performing Arts Center. “Because Highlands Porchfest will be primarily held downtown, attendees will be able to walk or bike as they move from location to location,” says Center for Life Enrichment Board Member Karen Hunt, who brought the idea for Highlands Porchfest to the board. Beyond monetary donations, CLE is looking for additional musicians and steadfast music loving volunteers to assist us the day of the event. If you’d like to help, email info@highlandsporchfest.com or call the CLE office at (828) 526-8811.

by Luke Osteen

– Hal Borland

View the complete Highlands Cashiers Plateau Calendar

3Cashiers Valley Community Chorus Concert, 2 & 5 PM, Village Green Commons. HCCMF Concert, 5 PM, PAC. Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, 2:30 & 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse. Lake Glenville Fireworks, 9:30 PM. Independence Day Festival, 49 AM, Highlands Ball Field. Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM - 6 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church. Highlands Rotary Club’s Duck Derby, 2 PM, Bridge at Mill Creek. Concert, 6 PM, KelseyHutchinson Founder’s Park. Fireworks Extravaganza and Concert,6:30 PM, Village Green Commons. Highlands Fireworks, 9 PM, downtown. Highlands Food Pantry 5Open, 10 AM - 6 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Oak Steakhouse’s Under the Stars, On the Rocks series. The Bookworm, 611 AM - 3 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. The Green Market - Locally Grown on The Green, 2 - 5 PM, Village Green Commons. Interlude Concert, 2 PM, Highlands First Presbyterian Church. Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse. Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub. Highlands Food Pantry 7Open, 10 AM - 6 PM, United Methodist Church.. Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Artist Talk/Reception, Bascom. Mountain Heritage Lecture Series, 11 AM, Dowden Pavilion, Cashiers Historical Society HCCMF Salon, 5 PM. Zahner Conservation Lecture, 6 PM, Highlands Nature Center Jersey Boys, 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. 1Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Mountain Artisan Summertime Art and Craft Show, Western Carolina University. CLE Lecture with Noel Francisco,10 AM, Lecture Hall. Lunch For Literacy, participating restaurants. Friday Night Live concert, 6 PM, Highlands Town Square. HCCMF Concert, 6 PM, PAC. Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. Bookworm 11 AM - 3 PM. Sally Eckman Trunk Show, Main Street Gifts. Lunch For Literacy, participating restaurants. HCCMF Concert, 6 PM, PAC. Friday Night Live concert, 6 PM, Highlands Town Square. Groovin’ on the Green, 6:30 PM, Village Green Jersey Boys, 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse. Friday Night Live, 6 PM, Town Square.

8

Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM - 12:30 PM. 2 Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Community Day, The Bascom Craft Show, Western Carolina. HCCMF Concert, 5 PM, Village Green Commons. Saturdays on Pine, 6 PM. Concert, 6 PM, Town and Country General Store. Bluegrass Music, Cashiers Valley Smokehouse. Jersey Boys, 2:30 & 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse. Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. 9Sally Eckman Trunk Show, Main Street Gifts. Jersey Boys. 2:30 & 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse. HCCMF Concert, 5 PM, Village Green Commons. Low Country Shrimp Boil, 5 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park Saturdays on Pine, 6 PM, Concert, 6 PM, Town & Country. Bluegrass Music, Cashiers Valley Smokehouse. HCCMF Feast, 7 PM. Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.

Easels on the Green, Cashiers Plein Air Festival, 10 Village Green. Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, 2:30 & 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse. HCCMF Concert, 5 PM, PAC. Robert Earl Keen’s Farewell Tour, 7:30 PM, Brevard Music Center. Easels on the Green, Cashiers Plein Air Festival, Village Green. Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM to 6 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church. CLE Lecture: Mueller Investigation, 10 AM, Lecture Hall. HCCMF Concert, 5 PM, Village Green Commons..

11

Easels on the Green, Cashiers Plein Air Festival, Village Green. Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM - 6 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. CLE Lecture: Viruses and Vaccines, 2 PM, Lecture Hall. HCCMF Salon, 5 PM.

12

17Easels on the Green, Cashiers Plein Air Festival, Village Green. Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, 2:30 & 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse. HCCMF Concert, 5 PM, PAC. Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM - 6 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church. HCCMF Concert, 5 PM, Village Green Commons. A Ravenel Soirée, 6:0 PM, to benefit Highlands Biological Foundation.

18

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM - 6 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church. Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Concerts on the Slopes, Sapphire Valley Community Center.

19

Easels on the Green, Cashiers Plein Air Festival, Village Green. Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. The Green Market, 2 - 5 PM, Village Green Commons. HCCMF Martinis & Mozart, 5:30 PM, The Orchard House at Old Edwards Farm. Jersey Boys: 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse.. Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub.

13

The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Locally Grown on The Green, 2 PM, Village Green Commons. HCCMF Just Jazzing Around Concert, 3 PM, Village Green. HCCMF Jazz Jam, 7:30 PM, Village Green Commons. Commons in Cashiers Jersey Boys: 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse. Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub.

20

Easels on the Green, Cashiers Plein Air Festival, Village Green. Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM - 6 PM, United Methodist Church. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Bastille Day, Shakespeare & Company. Zahner Conservation Lecture, 6 PM, Highlands Nature Center Jersey Boys: 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive.

14

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM - 6 PM, United Methodist Church. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. HCCMF Just Jazzing Around Concert, 3 PM, Highlands First Presbyterian Church. Artist Reception, Ann Lea Fine Art Gallery. Zahner Conservation Lecture, 6 PM, Highlands Nature Center Jersey Boys, 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive.

21

Easels on the Green, Cashiers Plein Air Festival, Village Green. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Mountain Wildlife Days, Sapphire Valley Resort Community Center. HCCMF Concert, 6 PM, PAC. Friday Night Live concert, 6 PM, Highlands Town Square. Groovin’ on the Green, 6:30 PM, Village Green. Jersey Boys, 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse..

15

Easels on the Green, Village Green. 16 Fishes and Loaves Food Drive, 9 AM-Noon, at the Pantry. Jersey Boys, 2:30 & 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse. HCCMF Concert, 5 PM, Village Green Commons. Saturdays on Pine, 6 PM. Concert, 6 PM, Town and Country General Store. Bluegrass Music, Cashiers Valley Smokehouse. HCCMF Feast, 7 PM., Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.

Bazaar Barn, Highlands Marketplace, 10 AM - 2 PM. Suzy Landa Trunk Show, The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Peak Experience. Suzy Landa Trunk Show, Pottery Show/Sale, The Bascom. Peak Experience. Fine Art Show, 10-5, Sapphire Pottery Show/Sale, The Bascom. Valley Community Center. HCCMF Concert, 6 PM, PAC. HCCMF Concert, 5 PM, Friday Night Live concert, Village Green Commons. 6 PM, Highlands Town Square. Jersey Boys, 2:30 & 7:30 PM, Friday, Night Live, 6 PM, Highlands Playhouse. Town Square. Saturdays on Pine, 6 PM. Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Concert, 6 PM, Town and Valli and The Four Seasons, 7:30 Country General Store. PM, Highlands Playhouse. Concert, 8:30 PM, BMC Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.

22 23

Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli and 24 The Four Seasons, 2:30 & 7:30 PM, Highlands Playhouse. HCCMF Concert, 5 PM, PAC.

HCCMF Concert, 5 PM, PAC. 31

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM - 6 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church. Art League of Highlands-Cashiers meeting, 4:30 PM, The Bascom. HCCMF Concert, 5 PM, Village Green Commons. .

25

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM - 6 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Village Nature Series, 5 PM, Village Green Commons. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. The Green Market, 2 PM - 5 PM, Village Green Commons. Orchard Sessions Outdoor Concert, 6 PM, The Farm. Joshua Bell plays Tchaikovsky, 7:30 PM, Brevard Music Center. Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub.

26 27 Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM - 6 PM, 28 Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. 29 30 Three Potters Symposium, The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. The Bascom. Three Potters Symposium, Shush Trunk Show, Narcissus. The Bascom. Brighton Trunk Show, 1-5 PM, Shush Trunk Show, Narcissus. The Look Boutique. CLE Lecture: Journalism Amid Art Talk & Book Signing, 4-6 PM, Disinformation, 2 PM, Lecture Hall. Ann Lea Fine Art Gallery. Book Signing: Patricia Brandon HCCMF Salon, 5 & 7:30 PM, 3 PM, Albert Carlton-Cashiers Episcopal Church of Incarnation. Community Library.Zahner Conservation Lecture, HCCMF Concert, 6 PM, PAC. 6 PM, Highlands Nature Center. Friday Night Live concert, 6 PM, Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, Highlands Town Square.The High Dive. Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM - 12:30 PM. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 3 PM. Art Benefit, drawing 5 PM, Betsy Paul Real Estate. Bluegrass Music, Cashiers Valley Smokehouse. HCCMF Concert, 5 PM, Village Green Commons. Saturdays on Pine, 6 PM. Concert, 6 PM, Town and Country General Store. HCCMF Feast, 7 PM. Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.

RECREATION & CREATION

Pages 76-87