July 2023: The Laurel Magazine

L aURe L

The Heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

Cashiers

Annual

Antique Show

45th Annual

Pushing the Boundaries

Cover Artist, Barbara Jamison

MARJORIE CHRISTIANSEN Managing Partner marjorie@thelaurelmagazine.com

Publisher’s Note

Rule 34 of The

surround our national holiday.

Well, we’re inclined to bend that Rule just a bit – it’s our belief that this entire glorious month should be presented as a celebration of what’s best about our country.

You’re invited to participate in all the good things happening on the Plateau. Some are as buoyant as the free concerts; some are solemn and stirring. And of course, some are freewheeling and fun, like the good-natured exchanges at the Green Markets in both Cashiers and Highlands or the conversations and dancing at our various parties and galas.

Thank You!

Janet and Marjorie

MICHELLE

Copyright © 2023 by The Mountain Laurel, LLC. All rights reserved. Laurel Magazine

DONNA RHODES Writer dmrhodes847@gmail.com

MARY JANE MCCALL Writer mjmccall777@gmail.com

THOMAS

no case will any claim arising from such error exceed the amount paid for the advertisement by the advertiser.

Contributing Writers: Mary Adair Trumbly, Sue Blair, David Stroud, William McReynolds, Sue Aery, Zach Claxton, Ashby Underwood, and Mary Abranyi. Contributing Photographers: Susan Renfro, Greg Clarkson, Charles Johnson, Peter Ray, Terry Barnes, Ryan Karcher, and Colleen Kerrigan.

JANET CUMMINGS Managing Partner janet@thelaurelmagazine.com

MUNGER Art Director mungerclan5@aol.com

MARLENE OSTEEN Writer marlene.osteen@gmail.com

CUMMINGS Distribution Manager jothcu@yahoo.com

SARAH FIELDING Account Manager sarah@thelaurelmagazine.com

LUKE OSTEEN Editor / Writer luke@thelaurelmagazine.com

DEENA BOUKNIGHT Writer dknight865@gmail.com

WHAT TO DO

Pages 14-81

photo by Susan Renfro

Tour Five Stunning Homes

Highlands Performing Arts Center is offering an exclusive tour of five stunning homes and gardens on Historic Satulah Mountain, July 20-22. For tickets or more information, call (828) 526-9047.

When Highlands Performing Arts Center stages its Satulah Mountain Home & Garden Tour, you can bet that it’ll be packed with entertainment and enlightenment.

The tour, set for 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 20-22 – will spotlight five stunning homes and gardens found on Historic Satulah Mountain, never before opened to the public.

Tickets are available for the morning or afternoon and at $125 each. The last shuttle leaves PAC at 2:00 P.M

The homes represent a wide variety of architectural designs and interiors.

The gardens are considered among the finest in the region, with mature native and introduced plant species.

For instance, tour members will visit the home and gardens of Cathy Henson and Chris Carpenter, purchased in 2004.

In 2005 they had the opportunity to purchase an adjacent parcel – the long-neglected gardens in the heart of the old historic district of Satulah Mountain created by New Orleans cotton broker Henry Worrell Sloan.

Also included on the tour is Chetolah. Located on the western face of Satulah Mountain, it’s the original home of Henry Martin Bascom, the second mayor of Highlands. Built in 1892, this American Foursquare home was constructed on a threeacre lot purchased from his mother-in-law, Mrs. Amanda Davis. Between 1894 and 1916, Bascom purchased several adjoining lots, culminating in twenty acres of privacy and a near 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains.

The American Foursquare design is meant to maximize floor space within a narrow footprint, which worked well in early urban neighborhoods and streetcar suburbs. That’s why Mayor Bascom’s Foursquare is so unique: a simple, urban design perched high on a mountain slope. Even more unique

was Bascom’s inclusion of a wood burning furnace in the basement. It was the first home in Highlands to have central heating.

In 2018, Chetolah was rescued by the skill and vision of Highlands designer Darren Whatley and his spouse, David Moore. In a matter of months, they restored and updated the house while respecting the original design integrity of the home and by preserving the character and historical significance of Chetolah.

If you’d like to tour these exclusive gardens and homes, sign up for the tour by visiting highlandsperformingarts. com or calling (828) 526-9047. Highlands PAC will offer shuttle service from its 507 Chestnut Street location –private cars will not be allowed. There will be golf carts available to anyone who needs assistance. Everyone should wear comfy, durable shoes.

The event is sponsored by Bock Builders, MHK Architecture, Laurel Magazine, Suncoast Equity Management, and Berkshire Hathaway.

by Luke Osteen

Celebrating Independence

The Fourth of July in Highlands, NC promises music, games and a full fireworks display. It’s all free and everyone is invited.

Reminding us of the powerful sense of neighborliness that underlies this community and this country, Highlands Chamber of Commerce is offering plenty of Fourth of July fun – free and open to everyone.

The day’s fun begins at the Town Ball Field on Hickory Street, with Water Rocket Launches from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.; followed by the Highlands Rotary Lunch at 11:00; and Traditional Field Games from 11:00 until noon.

Next up, it’s Highlands Fire Department’s Ladder Truck Display and Spray Down at noon, and a visit from the Mountain Area Medical Airlift (MAMA).

The annual Duck Derby, billed as “the most exciting five minutes in Highlands,” will take place at 2:00 P.M. at Mill Creek’s bridge, offering a chance for cash prizes with

ticket purchase.

But those ducks don’t mark the end of the fun, because there’s a blowout performance by Diamond River Band at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park, starting at 6:00 P.M.

Diamond River Band is a young, versatile, and hip party band. Spanning the decades with a special emphasis on Classic Rock, Motown, Country and current hits, Diamond River is for folks looking for something less traditional, while still appealing to a vast range of ages.

Diamond River Band will wrap up its performance at 8:30 P.M., giving its audience a chance to have a bit of refreshment, adjust their seating, and cast their gaze to the skies – the Fireworks Display launches at 9:00 P.M.

Now you’ll hear some Fireworks veterans say that the best place

to witness the spectacle is the wide-open space at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park.

We’d dispute this – it’s been our experience that you can enjoy the show from virtually everywhere downtown. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you may want to hike to the summit of Sunset Rock for an unforgettable perspective. If you pursue this course, be sure to take along a flashlight or a fully-charged phone for illumination – the trail is uneven and can be treacherous if you’re not paying attention. Please don’t take a vehicle to the top.

by Luke Osteen

Fireworks Extravaganza

Fireworks and fun! You’re invited to a dazzling fireworks display on the evening of Saturday, July 1 at the Village Green in Cashiers.

Though the skies over Southern Jackson County will be clear on the evening of July 4, fireworks fanatics will have plenty to celebrate in the nights leading up to Independence Day.

Join the community at The Village Green Commons in Cashiers for an evening of music, family fun, and of course, fireworks!

The annual Fireworks Extravaganza on The Green will take place on Saturday, July 1, at 6:30 P.M., rain or shine, on The Village Green Commons Lawn. Entertainment will be provided by rhythm and blues band Continental Divide, and a fireworks

show will follow featuring 1000s of colorful bursts!

Admission is free; however, donations will be collected to help with the cost of the event. Many small communities have eliminated fireworks from their celebrations due to the cost associated with large pyrotechnic displays, but The Village Green believes it is important to preserve this patriotic tradition for the Cashiers community.

“Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs, and picnics and coolers with their own food and beverages,” says Village Green Executive Director Ashlie Mitchell. “We hope to see you all

there, and God Bless America!”

Please be aware that Frank Allen Road will be closed starting at 6:00 P.M. and will not reopen until we receive an ‘all-clear’ after the fireworks show. Parking is limited along Frank Allen Road. Please do not park on the side of Frank Allen Road, at the Cashiers Parks and Recreation Center, or the Boys and Girls Club for safety reasons. For additional information, please contact the Community Event Coordinator at Shelby@CashiersGreen.com.

And if this sparkling showstopper leaves you hungry for more pyrotechnics, cast your gaze to the sky over Lake Glenville on July 2.

by Luke Osteen

Coro Vocati Concert

Atlanta-based Coro Vocati will present a pair of performances at First Presbyterian Church of Highlands. Everyone is invited.

Coro Vocati Chamber Choir will perform in a free concert on Saturday, July 15, at 5:00 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church of Highlands.

Coro Vocati is an ensemble of professional singers based in Atlanta, with a mission to create music at the highest level of choral artistry. Under the leadership of renowned choral director and educator Dr. John Dickson, and in collaboration with pianist and organist Dr. Jonathan Crutchfield, the choir has established itself as one of the premier professional choral ensembles in the Southeast, featuring some of the region’s most talented vocalists with polished performances celebrating unique and intriguing programming.

The choir was founded in 2009 by Dr. John Dickson, Professor Emeritus and former Director of Choral Studies at Louisiana State University’s School of Music.

The group will also be singing during the 11:00 A.M. worship service at First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, July 16.

Everyone is cordially invited to attend. The church is located at the corner of Main and Fifth Streets. Handicapped accessible entrances are located on Church Street and on Fifth Street.

by

Angie Jenkins, First Presbyterian Church of Highlands

CLE July Preview

Dive into art, music, literature, and sports this summer with the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment. For a full list of July’s offerings, please visit clehighlands.com.

What do cinema, music, art, literature, and football have in common? All are included in CLE’s July lineup. Whether you are a film fanatic who loves movie scores, a crafter seeking a new medium, or a bibliophile with a passion for sports, CLE has a program for you.

“Music and the Movies I: How the Soundtracks We Love Bring Movies to Life,” Thursday, July 13, 2:00-4:00 P.M.; “Music and the Movies II: Classic Hollywood Soundtracks from Robin Hood to Star Wars,” Friday July 14, 10:00 A.M. to Noon; $30 members/$40 non-members, Presenter: Scott Stewart.

Join Scott Stewart in an exploration of the role music plays in cinema. Composers create artistic, effective scores which must blend seamlessly with the film’s action, while being distinctive themselves. Enjoy clips from the start of cinema’s Golden

Age in the 1930s to present-day in this audio-visual experience. Stewart is the Music Director and Conductor of the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony.

“Art Workshop, Botanical Graphite Rubbings,” Tuesday July 25, 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.; $100 members/$110 non-members, Presenter: Norma Hendrix.

Embark on a new creative endeavor with artist and instructor Norma Hendrix and learn about the art of Frottage. Begin by harvesting lush wildflowers and leaves from CLE’s grounds, and then use them to create beautiful rubbings on rice paper and vellum, preserving the details of your botanical. From there, elevate your creations with collage and/or watercolor techniques as desired. Hendrix, an exhibiting artist for over 40 years, holds a BFA, a MA, and a MFA.

“Cocktail Reception and Book Talk with Author Carolyn Newton Curry:

Sudden Death - A Novel,” Thursday, July 27, 4:00-6:00 P.M.; $70 members/$80 non-members.

Join award-winning author Carolyn Curry at a beautiful, private home in Highlands Country Club for cocktails and conversation about her latest novel, Sudden Death. It is murder-mystery set in the world of football, written by the wife of player and coach, Bill Curry. After attending Carolyn’s reception on Thursday, be sure to catch Bill Curry and Tony Barnhart’s College Football Preview on Friday.

CLE is located at the Peggy Crosby Center in Highlands, 348 S. 5th Street. Please call (828) 526-8811, or visit clehighlands.com for more information.

by Audra Bullard

CarolynNewtonCurry

ScottStewart

NormaHendrix

HappySounds

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, 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.

Groovin’ is also offering its “Rent a Tent” – 10 x 10 tent rentals at $100 per

tent per event.

Here is a rundown of featured bands and what to look forward to this month: (All events start at 6:30 P.M.)

July 1: The ninth annual ‘Fireworks Extravaganza on The Green’ will take place on Saturday, July 1 at 6:30 P.M. Entertainment will be provided by rhythm and blues band Continental Divide with a fireworks show to follow. Admission is free; however, donations will be collected to help with the cost of the event. Landmark Realty Group is credited with bringing the Fireworks Extravaganza to The Village Green.

On July 7, McIntosh and The LionHearts will storm the Green with their unique sounds, in a concert sponsored by Rusticks.

Since he started writing songs at 16, Spaldling McIntosh said he was looking for a way to play gigs. He traveled to South Asheville, with just a guitar in his

hand, to the Red Speakeasy hoping to have his first gig.

“I had no CDs or anything. I just walked up and said, ‘I’m Spalding McIntosh, and I want to play.’ She noticed my guitar and asked me to come out back and play.”

After working a maintenance job in Sapphire Valley, he did the same thing, walking into the Gamekeeper’s Tavern with just a guitar.

“I did that for a couple of summers and then worked my way into playing at Micah’s,” McIntosh said.

Seth and Sara take the stage on July 21 in a concert sponsored by Spinx. A Side project of Seth Brand Music, Seth and Sara have been van-life-ing it across the country performing their originals and songs you love, (Johnny Cash, Tyler Childers, Taylor Swift, etc.), as their American Duo since 2018.

by Luke Osteen

Presenting Authors

The Highlands-Cashiers area has been fortunate enough to draw plenty of worth-reading authors over the years, especially during the summer season, and summer 2023 is no different.

George McDaniel is part of the 2023 Cashiers Historical Society’s Mountain Heritage Lecture Series and is in partnership with the Friends of the Library. As director emeritus of South Carolina’s historic site, Drayton Hall, McDaniel will present at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, July 21 at 3:00 P.M., his book, Drayton Hall Stories: A Place and Its People, which is a mosaic of stories and photographs, He will also treat participants to an informative lecture, “People and Places: Historic Preservation Today.”

Author Katherine Reay shares her most recently published book, Shadow in Moscow, on August 4 at 1:00 P.M. in Cashiers and then on August 4 at 4:00 P.M. at Hudson Library in Highlands as

part of the latter’s Books & Bites series, involving a new wine and cheese format. Her best-selling historical fiction book, The London House, boosted her into readers’ consciousness, and she told The Laurel that her research for that book led to Shadow in Moscow: “I spent quite a bit of time researching WWII female spies for The London House and stumbled upon their careers following the war; I discovered war didn’t end. A new one began – one that simmered along for, some might say 42 years, and others might say it’s simmering still. The Cold War fascinated me, as did the changes in spycraft and the demands on agents lives for prolonged periods of time under extreme pressure. What came from all that research and all those stories is, in many ways, a tribute to those brave men and women, and a story of family, love, courage, sacrifice, and the human instinct to chase freedom.”

Before Reay begins to write a new book, she said she “saturates herself in the

world” in which she is writing about. Reay returns to the Plateau after visiting the area during spring 2022 to present The London House. “What a gorgeous part of the world. I am delighted to get to return this summer.”

During author events, books are available for sale and for signings by authors.

In addition, other book-related and/ or inspired events include the Family Concert of Ferdinand the Bull and Ice Cream Social, on July 12 at 3:00 P.M., at the Cashiers library; this event is presented by the Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. At the Highlands library on Friday, July 14, at 11:00 A.M., local photographer and author Cynthia Strain will talk about her beautiful new book, Highlands North Carolina Through the Years.

Adult and children reading programs are also ongoing at both libraries.

by Deena Bouknight

A raft of writers will shine at events slated throughout the month at the twin libraries.

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Interlude Concert Series

For the 25th year, the Interlude Concert Series at First Presbyterian Church of Highlands is offering moments of inspiration and reflection, all free and open to everyone.

TheTreyCleggChamberSingers

2023 marks the 25th 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 on Wednesday, July 5, with a performance by Alan Morrison, Organist, and Kevin Lyons, Trumpeter.

Recognized as one of America’s premier organists, Alan Morrison holds the Haas Charitable Trust Chair in Organ Studies at the

Curtis Institute of Music, serves as College Organist at Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA, and was most recently appointed Organist-in-Residence at Spivey Hall near Atlanta where he holds the McGehee Family Organist Residency.

Trumpeter Kevin Lyons attended the Cleaveland Institute of Music where he studied with Michael Sachs and James Darling, and earned a bachelor’s degree in music performance. After two years on the road playing with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Mr. Lyons returned to the U.S. and won positions of Associate Principal Trumpet with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as well as Principal Trumpet of the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.

The concert is jointly sponsored

by the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival and First Presbyterian Church of Highlands.

Then on Wednesday, July 19, 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

First Presbyterian Church of Highlands

A Good Time For a Good Cause

Everyone’s invited to attend Highlands Emergency Council’s Annual Fundraiser, set for Saturday, August 19, at the Highlands Community Building. For more information, call (828) 526-4357.

Highlands Emergency Council will stage its Mix & Mingle annual fundraiser on August 19 at the Highlands Community Building at 869 North 4th Street.

Attendees will be treated to beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. There’ll also be live music and a silent auction. Revelers can check out an array of raffle items and, for the first time at an HEC fundraiser, tour the adjoining HEC facility.

It’s all for the purpose of raising funds to assist at-risk individuals and families securing basic needs.

Native Highlander Mary Anne Creswell has managed grants and projects for Highlands Emergency Council, and she explained that what started as a group of local people gathering for community fellowship, primarily with the purpose harvesting apples and produce to preserve, evolved into an organization meeting needs.

“If there was a death or if a fire

destroyed a person’s home, for example, this group would give preserved foods but then also would dispense donated furnishings and household items,” said Creswell, whose family has lived in Highlands for many generations. “Now we have a building on Poplar Street with a warehouse for furnishings, household items, clothing, and food.”

Manna officially helped Highlands Emergency Council establish a food bank, and then an individual’s need for fuel led to the development of a fuel assistance program.

“As we are able to, we fill up tanks for the winter,” she said, adding that the organization’s motto is: “No one should go to bed hungry or cold in the Highlands area.”

Those wishing to use the resources of the Highlands Emergency Council site must fill out an application and show proof of income because, Creswell noted, “Unfortunately, there are people who

will take advantage of what we offer, and we need to have food and items available for people who are truly in need.”

Anyone interested in volunteering and/or donating can visit Highlands Emergency Council at 71 Poplar Street.

The Highlands Emergency Council is a non-profit run by volunteers. There’s no government funding and no discrimination. All their goods and services are donated and volunteer-based and contributed by folks like you, so join them on the 21st and help fill the coffers to avert future emergencies. Your donations could wind up helping a friend, an employee, or even a loved one.

by Luke Osteen

ZorkiwillperformSaturday,August19.

Soirée For Literacy

The Literacy & Learning Center’s Soirée for Pre-K, set for 5:30 P.M. Saturday, July 22, at The Vineyard at High Holly, promises a revel without a pause, in service to a marvelous cause.

SteelToeStiletto

The Literacy & Learning Center is staging its Soirée for Pre-K at The Vineyard at High Holly on Saturday, July 22. It’s an evening of dinner, drinks and dancing, and everyone is invited to attend.

The music will be provided by Steel Toe Stiletto, a band formed by friendships between some of the Southeast’s most impressive vocalists and musicians. They’re multi-year winners of The Knot’s Best of Weddings and Couples’ Choice Awards, and they cover favorites across genres and decades.

All proceeds benefit The Literacy & Learning Center’s new pre-K program in Highlands. A response to the growing demand for additional early childhood education in the community, this initiative aims to bridge the gap and provide a nurturing and comprehensive learning environment for children in need of pre-K education.

The pre-K program at TL&LC in

Highlands will offer a curriculum that aligns with the rigorous standards set by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Through a play-based and child-centered approach, young learners will engage in activities that enhance their language and literacy skills, develop mathematical and scientific thinking, nurture social-emotional wellbeing, and promote physical growth.

“We are delighted to introduce the NCcertified pre-K program at The Literacy & Learning Center in Highlands,” said Bonnie Potts, the center’s Executive Director. “Our goal is to provide a supportive and enriching environment that prepares children for future success.”

The center’s state-of-the-art facility has been purposefully designed to create a safe and stimulating learning environment. Classrooms will be equipped with age-appropriate resources, technology, and materials that encourage exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. TL&LC

is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive space that fosters the holistic development of each child.

The Literacy & Learning Center recognizes the importance of community involvement in promoting educational excellence. The center will actively seek partnerships with parents, caregivers, and local organizations to build a strong support network and ensure the success of every child enrolled in this exciting new pre-K program.

The Literacy & Learning Center is committed to ensuring that every child receives individualized attention and support. Highly qualified and dedicated educators will guide students through their learning journeys, fostering a love for learning and creating a strong foundation for future academic achievements

To purchase tickets to the Soirée, visit theliteracyandlearningcenter.org/events.

Hang with the Legends

The All Stars of the Nashville Music Scene know how to throw a party, and they’re aiming to benefit the students of Blue Ridge School with the Songwriters’ Round, set for Saturday, August 19, at the Keller Pavilion Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau, 558 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers.

Seventeen years ago, Nashville’s Hall-of-Fame songwriter Rivers Rutherford gave Blue Ridge School a monumental boost.

He offered Margaret McRae, his motherin-law (a Blue Ridge School educator and later, a school board member) a sure-fire fund-raising idea for supplemental support for BRS. He’d bring a handful of his songwriting buddies from Nashville down for an evening of good ol’ countrywestern jubilation, conversation, and the secrets of song-creation.

It’s been almost a decade and a half of annual visits since then, and the gang just keeps making the Rounds. In 2022, the halls of the Boys and Girls Club and upwards of 500 ticketed attendees had a night with CMA legends they’ll never forget. In fact, the event has become so popular, guests in attendance get the first grabs for the following year’s Songwriter’s Round.

For those newly introduced to the Round and its creator, here’s a brief on

Rivers’ inauguration into the bigtime. The Highwaymen (Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson) recorded his first cut when he was 21. That launched a dozen number one hits, several Grammys, CMA and ACM nominations, and over 20 ASCAP awards. Add to that resume Country Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, and you’ve got a string of jewels that keeps on growing, gem after gem. While Rivers is a brilliant musician/ composer, a wonderful family man, and a stand-up kinda guy, he has a larger investment than just a trek to Cashiers. He says, “Music, like all creative endeavors, aids in young brain development and teaches the merits of discipline, hard work and sacrifice; it builds self-esteem and, more importantly, it is a great source of joy and fulfillment in life.”

Locally, Carl Hyde has played a huge role over the years in leading and strengthening the BRS Education Foundation, that thanks to Songwriters’ Round, has awarded grants and financial support

to supplement the educational needs of students and educators. The monies also covered professional development, classroom materials, active learning panels, and even gift cards for teachers. That’s not all – a nurse and a social worker were brought onboard along with a music artist-in-residence. In addition, the “Give 5, Read 5” summer reading program was initiated along with an afterschool math tutoring program, the Muddy Sneakers Outdoor Learning Program, and print and audio resources galore for the media centers.

It’s your chance to hang with the legends in a benefit for the Blue Ridge School Education Foundation as they present Rivers Rutherford and Friends, Saturday, August 19, at the Keller Pavilion Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau, 558 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers. To confirm a table reservation (10 people/$2,200) email Susan Waller at: songwriterstix@gmail. com, or send payment to BRS Education Foundation, P.O. Box 803, Cashiers, North Carolina, 28717.

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Green & Gold Gala

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School will stage its Green & Gold Gala on Friday, August 4, and the entire community is invited.

It will be an elegant evening of fun, food, and fellowship. This summer soiree will feature bingo, signature cocktails by Carlton Chamblin of Farm2Cocktail, and a seated dinner highlighting local ingredients in the beautiful Woodruff Dining Hall on campus. Inspired by Sea Island style-bingo, the night of bingo will include an entertaining caller, friendly competition, and specially curated prizes. The Green & Gold Gala is a premier fundraising event to support the mission of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School.

Rabun Gap parents Bethany Weisser of Heaven’s Landing and Sarah Barge of Lake Burton are co-chairs of the gala’s planning committee and invite the community to join. Volunteers have been working all year to plan an exceptional new tradition for the valley and surrounding mountain and lake communities.

“This is a summer event you don’t want to miss,” said Weisser and Barge. “If you’ve never experienced Sea Island-style bingo, you can join in the fun at the Green & Gold Gala! Lee Penland will be our exciting bingo caller, and we’re looking forward to some great bingo prizes and auction items. Come join us for an incredible evening to connect with new friends and old and support a great cause – Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School.”

In addition to the dinner and festivities, the gala will feature an auction with incredible items including autographed UGA football memorabilia; popular local art; and uniquely planned packages for Rabun Gap athletic and Cirque events. Many local businesses and restaurants have donated additional silent auction items and bingo prizes. Individual tickets are $250 (a portion of which qualifies as a charitable contribution) and can be purchased online at www.rabungap.org/gala. There are also several sponsorship opportunities and tables available. Consider sponsoring a table for your neighbors, out of town guests, or business, and make the Green & Gold Gala a new tradition.

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School serves 680 students in grades PreK through 12. Founded in 1903, Rabun Gap is serving more students than ever from Rabun County and the surrounding area. Proceeds from the event will support Rabun Gap’s mission to provide an exceptional educational experience to young people from across the valley and around the world.

It’s Time To Be Enchanted

The Farm at Old Edwards is the perfect setting for the endlessly surprising sounds of Andrew Wooten with Caroline’s Roost, July 12. For updates and to book online, visit OldEdwardsHospitality. com/OrchardSessions.

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Twinkling starlight framed by the glow of the setting sun, tree limbs bowed, shading a luxuriant orchard. It’s Wednesday, July 12, and you are (or plan to be) at the Orchard Sessions at The Farm at Old Edwards. Here to be enchanted by the sounds of Andrew Wooten with Caroline’s Roost. And best of all, you are listening to the sound of rising stars; voices filled with the southern grit of country music inflected with Southern rock ‘n roll, and a hint of Appalachia. It’s music that, “feels like a pine-covered moonshine still on a foggy mountainside somewhere in the Carolinas.”

A Marine veteran with an impressive songwriting style, Wooten has been performing for 14 years. His singing career got its start in the church choir in his hometown of Joanna, SC. Later he took up the guitar playing the tunes of his influencers after hearing them on his grandparents’ vinyl recordings – Steve

Ray Vaughn, Benjamin Tod, Green Day, Tyler Childers and Metallica. It wasn’t long before he realized he could write his own music.

Even better has been this past year in music, which has been great for Wooten. He’s been featured in a few newspaper articles, signed with Roadside Music Management, nominated for two Upstate Music Awards in South Carolina, and performed live on the Charlotte Today show.

Wooten plays the songs he writes from the heart–lyrics that weave relatable and familiar narratives. He has a singular ability to create a warm connection with his listeners, and to make them feel part of a common journey. The intimacy and honesty of the shared performance of Wooten with Caroline’s Roost always strikes a chord with lucky listeners and has the power to transport audiences long after the last note has been played.

As Wooten tells us, “We’re all about crafting catchy tunes that get people singing along and telling stories that connect with listeners on a deep level. Our live shows are high-energy affairs that leave audiences smiling and wanting more.”

Shows begin each evening at 6:00 PM and finish at 8:00 PM – perhaps just in time for a showing of nature’s own Klieg light, the rising of the moon.

Admission is $25 for Old Edwards Inn and Half-Mile Farm Hotel Guests and Members, and general admission is $40 and includes light bites and a cash bar. The session will move indoors to the new Orchard House in the event of rain.

by Marlene

Osteen

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Outdoor Concert Series

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 beneath 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 2023 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.

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:

Blaze in the City takes the stage on Saturday, July 1. With incredible vocal harmonies, funky dance rhythms and scorching guitar, Blaze the City captures audiences with its mix of pop, funk, Top-40 dance, blues, and Motown.

On July 7, The Foxfire Boys highlight Friday Night Live. This local Bluegrass favorite was formed in the early 1980s and is

comprised of members of The Foxfire Fund’s Appalachian culture and music program in northeast Georgia.

On Saturday, July 8, it’s Bill Mattocks. He’s a true blues legend, hailing from the Pacific Northwest and settling down in Western North Carolina, where he and his harmonica deliver Chicago-style blues.

Curtis Blackwell Band headlines Friday Night Live on July 14. Since forming the band with Sam Cobb and others in 1960, Curtis Blackwell has led Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys and been honored in the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame.

With Lazrluvr, set for Saturday, July 15, you’ll want to break out your 3D shades, fingerless gloves, popped collars and teased hair, and get ready for and the best tributes to timeless favorites, straight from a page in your 1980s yearbook.

Carter Giegerich takes the stage on Friday, July 21. He’s a graduate of the East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music program, where he developed a love for the blending of musical tradition and innovation. That passion evolved into a unique musical style that blends contemporary and traditional sounds, drawing inspiration from bluegrass, old-time and Celtic music as well as funk, hip-hop and electronic artists.

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On Saturday, July 22, it’s Back Porch Orchestra. While Back Porch Orchestra began their journey as a modern band, there’s no doubt they’re shaped by their homegrown, traditional roots. They prefer both originals rooted in blues, bluegrass, country, and classic rock, and covering your favorite hits from the 1950s to present day.

We Three Swing, a jazz collective based in Sylva, takes the stage on Friday, July 28.

Shane Meade & The Sound closes out the month on Saturday, July 29. He’s a gifted singer songwriter and the catalyst behind the Tampa-based, soul-infused folk rock project Shane Meade & the Sound. The music captivates the imagination, and audiences connect to his inspirational lyrics and universal subject matter.

There’s plenty more to rock your Friday and Saturday nights this season, so keep an eye on the Chamber’s local calendar, visit highlandschamber.org, or call (828) 526-5841.

by Luke Osteen

Fill Those Baskets

There’s something so grounding and peaceful about strolling through local farmer’s markets on a cool summer morning or a sunny afternoon, looking for the freshest ingredients for your summer meals. Luckily for folks on the Plateau, we have two wonderful markets to choose from. In fact, many people don’t choose, they visit both.

Locally Grown on the Green farm stand and local market is held every Wednesday from 2:00 until 5:00 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.

Not only will you be able to fill your baskets with farm fresh produce, naturally raised meats, fresh eggs, dairy items, and locally produced baked goods and products, but you’ll always find a little something more to add that perfect touch to your home or meals-a bouquet of flowers, a lovely basket or some other unexpected treasure.

These markets bring the bounty, freshness and vivid colors of Mother Nature to your fingertips and provide you with the palette for making memorable meals

for your family and friends.

Also take the opportunity to talk to the people who grow and produce the food, learning how it’s grown, where it’s grown, and why it tastes so delicious. These hard-working vendors work tirelessly to bring us the very best our region has to offer and when you speak with them you’ll hear that they love what they do and take great pride bringing you the best our area has to offer.

Make it a weekly ritual to stop by. You’ll be glad you did.

by Mary Jane McCall

The true taste of the Plateau is offered Wednesdays and Saturdays through the season.

Friends and Fireworks

If you’re wondering who’s bringing the Boom, look no further than the dark skies over Lake Glenville – the 26th annual Friends of Lake Glenville Fireworks Over The Lake, held on Sunday, July 2, at approximately 9:30 PM.

Everyone is invited to gather safely in their watercraft or on land to enjoy this always spectacular celebration of our Nation’s Independence. The fireworks will be launched from The Pointe, just north of Trillium on the west side of Lake Glenville.

There are great viewing opportunities off 107 North along the roadside from near Hamburg Baptist Church (south to the pullover/open areas along the lake). Be sure to have your vehicle entirely off the road and mindful of traffic. Kindly adhere to the direction of law enforcement officers in watercraft regarding distance from the shoreline and between boats depending on wind direction.

Fireworks are held rain or shine, unless dangerous conditions develop, such as lightning.

The Friends of Lake Glenville is responsible for the organization and financing of this signature event and relies exclusively on private contributions from Sponsors and attendees. If you’d like to contribute to help keep ‘em lit, visit FriendsOfLakeGlenville.com/Fireworks to make a donation.

This annual fireworks tradition would not be possible without the kind donations and contributions of its sponsors – Signal Ridge Marina, Trillium Links and Lake Club, Mountainview Marina, Scenic Waterfall Tours, The Glenville Lake Club, several HOAs, and our individual donors. And, of course, this event wouldn’t be possible without the cooperation of the Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department.

by Luke Osteen

Conservation Conversations

The Highlands Biological Foundation is offering its 2023 Zahner Conservation Lecture Series, held at Highlands Nature Center on Thursday evenings at 6:00 P.M. through August 10.

This year’s series promises to be enlightening and informative as it covers a wide range of topics including birds and climate change, the diverse sounds of nature, and regional geology. The lectures are free and open to the public, providing an excellent opportunity for individuals to expand their knowledge and engage in important conversations about conservation.

This year holds special meaning as it marks the 100th birthday of the late Dr. Robert Zahner, in whose honor, along with his wife Glenda Zahner, the lecture series is named. The series recognizes and celebrates the Zahners for their contributions to land conservation efforts on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. The Foundation will host a commemorative reception in honor of Dr. Zahner following the July 13 lecture featuring Buzz

Williams of the Chattooga Conservancy. The Zahner Conservation Lecture Series has been a long-standing tradition in the Highlands community, and the Foundation is proud to continue this legacy by offering a diverse and captivating lineup of speakers. This month, audiences will be treated to “The Geology That Has Shaped the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau” with Bill Jacobs on July 6, and “History of National Forest Management in the Chattooga River Watershed, and the Compelling Case for a New Mission for the Forest Service” on July 13. These will followed by “Bird Talk: An Exploration of Avian Communication” on July 20; and “Sounds Wild and Broken” on July 27.

Each lecture will be held at the Highlands Nature Center, located at 930 Horse Cove Road, providing a rustic and immersive environment for attendees to learn and engage with the speakers. Admission to the lectures is free, making them accessible to all members of the

community. Small receptions will follow, and no registration is required.

The Highlands Biological Foundation invites everyone with an interest in conservation, nature, and the environment to attend the 2023 Zahner Conservation Lecture Series. Whether you are a seasoned environmentalist or simply curious about the world around you, these lectures offer a valuable opportunity to expand your knowledge and contribute to the conservation dialogue.

For more information about the series, including speaker biographies and detailed lecture descriptions, please visit highlandsbiological.org. The Highlands Nature Center is part of the Highlands Biological Station, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University.

by Winter Gary, Marketing Manager, Highlands Biological Foundation

The wild places of the Plateau and the creatures who make their home here are explored in depth in the 2023 Zahner Conservation Lecture Series.

BillJacobs BuzzWilliams

LIZ HARRIS

Deep Knowledge. Unmatched Experience. Liz Harris is a Broker and Co-owner of McKee Properties, a luxury real estate firm in the area for nearly half a century. Liz has been a part of the company since 2004, and with over 18 years of experience, Liz is well qualified to handle your real estate purchase or sale. She specializes in the area’s high-end club Communities — including Wade Hampton Golf Club, Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club, and The Chattooga Club — as well as other fine communities, estates, and homes. In addition, Liz is the exclusive listing agent for Silver Run Reserve. She is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist with GUILD ELITE™ recognition, and consistently ranked as a Top-Broker in the CashiersHighlands area. Learn more by visiting LizHarrisBroker.com.

Rock the Plateau

Set for 1:00 P.M. Sunday, September 17, Highlands Porchfest Music Festival brings the tunes and the rollicking good times, throughout the downtown.

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With 10 confirmed venues and over 30 confirmed musical acts, downtown Highlands will transform into a stage for the third annual, free to attend, Highlands Porchfest Music Festival. The jamboree is slated to take place on Sunday, September 17, from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M.

Last year’s festival boasted busy sidewalks of attendees, bustling to and from hosting venues as they perused the event guide for a tune that would lure them in to sit a spell. An impressive event presented and organized by the local nonprofit organization HighlandsCashiers Center for Life Enrichment, this music festival is true to their word about keeping it local.

“Every aspect of planning this event, from graphic design to marketing, coordinating with musicians, and event schedule management, is completed in-house at CLE by the powerhouse combination of CLE board, staff, and

volunteers,” says Fallon Hovis, CLE’s Executive Director. “It’s important to us that our sponsors see that their donations stay woven within our community.”

The CLE team is no stranger to planning and executing community programs, although traditionally on a smaller scale than Porchfest.

“We have over 100 programs during our three-and-a-half month season, with Porchfest as our grand finale. Sometimes I don’t know how we pull it off!” Fallon jokes. “We have an incredibly supportive team here at CLE, generous sponsors, and volunteers who work alongside CLE to bring this event to our community.”

Businesses or individuals that would like to show their support and work alongside CLE to bring a first-class, community music festival to Highlands free of charge should contact the CLE office at (828) 526-8811 or visit highlandsporchfest.com for sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship packages include advertis-

ing exposure, and at some levels, tickets to the VIP Party, slated for Friday, September 15th. Last year’s VIP Party entailed a gourmet buffet, live music, and winery representatives offering “Porch Pours” from Gundlach Bundschu, Hourglass, and O’Neil Vintners and Distillers.

“This event would be impossible without the support of our sponsors,” says Fallon. “Please visit highlandsporchfest.com to view our growing list, and when you see them, give these sponsors a high-five and thank them for helping CLE bring an event to our community that everyone can enjoy.”

Scan to learn more.

A Race Worth Running MorrisWilliams

The Twilight 5K Race is set for August 19. If our calculations are correct, that gives you just enough time to get those abs, hamstrings, glutes, and calves into springy shape. And find some comfy shoes, too!

Annually during the summer season, a race is hosted on the Plateau to benefit a local nonprofit. How Twilight 5K evolved is a story that Morris Williams shares with The Laurel.

“Shortly after I moved to Highlands in 1996, Fred Motz, Richard Betz, Skip Taylor, and I formed the Highlands Road Runners,” he said. “Since then, I have been involved in a Highlands 5K race in one way or another.”

He added, “Since 2013, under Derek [Taylor’s] leadership, the Rotary Club of Highlands-sponsored race [which became known as Twilight 5K] has grown from a small local race into one of the best certified 5K races in the south. The ‘gently rolling course’ and the party atmosphere brings runners back year after year. It is a pleasure to see so many young people getting involved in the sport I love. Older runners and walkers also show up regularly and offer

a different level of competition and to provide inspiration for others to enter the race ‘next year.’”

Williams has been a runner for 65 years and said he “loves” the activity. He has assisted Taylor, owner of Highlands Decorating Center, in “getting the course certified by USA Track and Field- assured runners as well as accurately measured so that the course could be used as a qualifying race for other events. On April 25, 2016, I rode my bike along with a USATF official as he measured the course for certification.”

The Twilight 5K race this year begins at 6:00 P.M. at the Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park. Besides enjoyment, some challenges, and community involvement, Twilight 5K raises funds for a worthy local nonprofit; this year monies will be donated to The Literacy & Learning Center, which offers a variety of programs, including summer camps, after-school enrichment, Homework

Helpers, Reading Bootcamp, and more. Registration and check-in for Twilight 5K will begin at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 19th, with early packet pick up the night before the race from 4:00-6:00 P.M. at Highlands Recreation Park. Parking will be available around the Kelsey Hutchinson Park, Highlands Recreation Park, Highlands Ballfield, and Highlands Post Office.

Evening music begins around 7:30 P.M. The race is kid-friendly, with glow toys presented to children who attend. Plus, kids under 5 years of age can participate in the 5K for free and ages 5 to 9 for $10.

To sign up, visit: https:// runsignup.com/Race/NC/Highlands/ HighlandsTwilight5K. Contact Taylor at (828) 200-9226 for questions or to sponsor the event.

by Deena Bouknight photo by Susan Renfro

Antique Lovers Rejoice

It’s no mystery why the Cashiers Annual Antique Show has been a Red Letter Event on the Plateau’s calendar for the last 44 years. Find out for yourself August 4 through 6 at the Village Green.

Don’t miss the 2023 Cashiers Annual Antique Show August 4-6 at the Village Green in Cashiers. It’s their 45th annual show and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Hours are from 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. on Friday and Saturday and 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, but this year early shoppers can gain access on Friday from 7:30 A.M. until 9:00 A.M. Tickets for early admission shoppers are $35 which is good for all 3 days. Regular admission is $18 and is good for all three days. A portion of this year’s proceeds will be donated to the Glenville-Cashiers rescue squad.

Show manager Hazel Giles says, “The continued success of this show is a testament to the variety and quality of items brought by exhibitors from across the country.” She’s also excited that this year’s door prize is an exquisite late 19th-century quilt.

Barbara Kelly, of Antique Gallery in Augusta, is returning to the show for her sixth year and stresses that dealers clamor for space in this show.

“It took me 12 years to get into the show,” she says. She loves everything about this show – the area, the weather, and the people who come from throughout the country. Barbara specializes in 18th and 19th English and French antiques and spent March of this year in England and Wales buying for this show.

The show will once again be held on The Village Green, utilizing the new Lewis Hall and nearby pavilion, as well as an expansive adjoining tent complete with floor panels so shoppers will stay dry no matter the weather.

Forty-three exhibitors from across the country and as far away as Great Britain will be here for this show. Antique lovers will find a myriad of treasures including 18th and 19th European and American Furniture. They will also

have selections of mid-century furniture; lighting, including chandeliers; worldclass marine art and antiques; fine art; exquisite vintage linens; American and European pottery; Black Forest carvings and furniture; fine silver; brilliant cut glass; jewelry; fine European porcelains; bronzes; early sporting memorabilia; Majolica; and, much more.

For early risers, Chocolate Heaven will once again be on hand to offer breakfast goodies and coffee will be available. Proceeds from all coffee sales will go to the Fishes and Loaves food pantry. Lobster Dogs of Asheville will have fabulous lunch offerings for purchase. For more information visit cashiersbenefitantiqueshow.com and their Facebook page. Whatever you do, don’t miss this world-class event.

by Mary Jane McCall

Concerts on The Slopes

The mountains rock and roll with the sounds of Sapphire Valley’s Concerts on the Slopes. These raucous celebrations are open to the public.

Twenty-two years ago, Sapphire Valley Resort hosted a concert on their ski mountain for a small group of residents and visitors. They called it Concert on the Slopes. The idea caught on and the annual conclaves there have gone without interruption making it one of the most sought-after music series on the Plateau. For the 2023 season, the nights will once again come alive with captivating performances by Motown and Beach bands and the irresistible music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Performances are scheduled from June through September and feature entertainment for music lovers of all ages.

Guaranteed to ACE your evening and bring you to your dancing feet is the ACE Party Band, performing on Tuesday, July 18. As the band promises, the concert is certain to be, “the experience you want, the fun you deserve.”

This diverse group of gifted musicians have a versatile style guaranteed to entertain and invigorate. Paying homage to the iconic music that molded multiple generations, and continues to influence music style today, ACE Party Band takes you back to the days of the Jacksons, the Supremes, Earth Wind & Fire, The Temptations, and Michael Jackson. Blend this in with Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Beyonce, and you have the penultimate evening entertainment. Its music for all generations, from all genres spanning Top 40s, Pop Rock, Hip Hop, Country and Rock.

Rounding out the summer season are concerts by The Embers on August 8, and TheCat5 Band on September 3. Performances are open to the public. Tickets, which can be purchased at the Sapphire Valley Community Center, are $22 in advance, $27 at the gate and season passes to the series are available for $75 each.

As every concert goer can attest, there is no substitute for being part of a live audience, seeing and hearing music created in real time along with others who have gathered to share in the sensations. So, round up your family and friends, pack the picnic baskets, blankets, lawn chairs and spend a musical evening at Sapphire Valley.

And don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes for that moment when the music overcomes you and the urge to dance cannot be repressed.

Sapphire Valley Resort provides approximately 100 chairs available on a first come, first served basis. Concerts are held rain or shine.

by Marlene Osteen

Cashiers Designer Showhouse

The Cashiers Historical Society will open the doors to the exclusive Designer Showhouse, August 25-September 2. For more information about the Showhouse, contact cds@cashiershistoricalsociety.org or call (828) 743-7710.

In its 26th year, the Cashiers Historical Society’s Designer Showhouse, which will be staged from August 25 through September 2, is certain to once more be a regional destination. This year’s Showhouse is a newly constructed home in the Chimney Top section of High Hampton.

“The home was graciously loaned to the Cashiers Historical Society for use as our Showhouse this year,” says Stacie Platt, one of the organizers. “We are extremely grateful to the owners for allowing us to continue this annual tradition.”

Recognized designers from across the

Southeast will design and inspire in this four-bedroom, four full-baths and two half-bath home, which features a cathedral ceiling Great Room, a Yoga Room, Library and a large Bunk Room. The Showhouse will host renowned vendors at Lewis Hall at The Village Green for their Vendor Village. A variety of shopping will be available throughout the event’s 10 days, with highly regarded vendors offering unique lifestyle items from apparel to home decorating and antiques. For a full list of vendors, please visit cashiershistoricalsociety.org. A portion of each vendor’s proceeds benefit the Cashiers Historical Society.

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. Plans were being finalized as this issue of The Laurel went to press. For more information, visit cashiershistoricalsociety.org/cds-2023

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Luke Osteen photos by Susan Renfro

EllenTurnerand StaciePlatt,CashiersDesignerShowhouseCo-Chairs

AmeliaGolcheski,ExecutiveDirector, CashiersHistoricalSociety

A Very Special Allure

Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival’s dazzling 42nd season is even richer with its Feasts and Salons. For tickets and more information, call the festival at (828) 526-9060.

As multitudes of devotees can agree, chamber music has a very special allure, the power to communicate music in a deep and emotive way. It is the intimacy of the smaller venue that makes this possible and it is why in fact it is called chamber music.

The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival – one of the oldest and most prestigious summer music festivals in the United States – overflows with the enthusiastic musicianship and camaraderie that is the hallmark of chamber music. During this year’s 42nd regular season, July 1 through August 6, 11 programs feature a showstopping mix of renown artists and masterful music compositions.

During the festival’s six-week run, revered players will be welcomed back, and new artists applauded at performances in Highlands and Cashiers.

And still, there’s more. Each year the festival team and artistic director of 23 years William Ransom develop a host of events to engage audiences on multiple levels, both beyond the traditional

concert hall and the conventional format. One of the more engaging ways to experience the unique phenomena of chamber music is the Feasts and Salons series; opportunities to engage with festival artists in private homes.

Four feasts are scheduled and except for the initial feast, guests join the artists in conversation rather than at concert:

On June 29, acclaimed tenor and legendary Atlanta Braves opera singer soloist Timothy Miller will perform with pianist and artistic director William Ransom.

July 16: “Meet and Greet” with enchanting and gifted pianist Julie Coucheron, whose recent collaborations have included performances with Elton John and the Steve Miller Band.

July 23: “Satulah welcomes pianist, composer and arranger Matt Herskowitz,” known for “Uniquely combining the superlative technique of a classical virtuoso with his prowess in jazz.’

July 29: Award-winning virtuoso Concert Pianist Extraordinaire Michael Gurt charms.

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Salons include short performances by festival artists, followed by light hors d’oeuvres and drinks. The two-hour events begin at 5:00 P.M.

Featured are:

July 12: “Returning Gryphon Will Delight Again,” the Canadian classic music ensemble that has been nominated for and won several Juno awards.

July 14: “Festival Favorites – international award-winning violinist Alice Hong and principal cellist for the Atlanta Opera Orchestra and Atlanta Ballet Orchestra Charae Krueger.”

July 27: “Dynamic Duo,” the dazzling and flawless violinist, Chee-Yun, performs with pianist and artistic director William Ransom.

August 2: “Grammy(s) Winner Mr. Bailey!” one of the world’s premier Cellists, Zuill Bailey.

For tickets and more information, call the festival at (828) 526-9060

by Marlene Osteen

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A Cheney Lane Soirée

Though they know all about Wild Things on the Plateau, the organizers of the Highlands Biological Foundation’s A Cheney Lane Soirée (set for 6:00 P.M.

Monday, July 24) promise that it’ll be an elegant, civilized affair.

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 their biggest annual fundraiser on Monday, July 24, from 6:00 P.M. until dark as they raise money in support of their organization’s mission of stimulating and promoting biological research and education in the southern Appalachians.

They are thrilled to announce that John Mitchener and Heath Massey have

graciously offered their beautiful farm on Cheney Lane for this year’s festivities. The venue is surrounded by lush foliage and enchanting forests, creating a magical atmosphere where nature and celebration harmoniously intertwine. The event’s proceeds will benefit HBF as they work to educate our community about the unique biodiversity of the Highlands Plateau. With every dollar raised, they move one step closer to realizing our shared mission of enlightening our community and advancing vital research on the abundant biodiversity of

the southern Appalachians. Parking is limited for this event, so a shuttle service will be provided.

For more information and to purchase a ticket, please call the HBF office at (828) 526-2221 or visit highlandsbiological.org.

by Luke Osteen

The Writer and the Reader

Literary publicist Kathie Bennet boosts her writers and beguiles her readers.

Imagine you are an author with your first book under your belt. But you stand alone, staring at a vast landscape of publishers. Your compass is spinning every direction. The path to success feels impossible to navigate. Who will be your champion? Who will guide you along your journey?

Now imagine you are a book lover, your reading glasses perched on the bridge of your nose. You recline on your favorite chaise. A best-seller is propped on your chest at a perfect tilt. As you turn the last page, you have that familiar two-fold feeling: the joy of finishing a good read and the disappointment of not holding the next hot-seller in your hands. But thanks to Kathie Bennet, that next book is on the way.

Kathie Bennet, founder and president of Magic Time Literary Publicity in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a dedicated author-advocate, bent on connecting award-winning authors to their enthusiastic audiences. She’s all about the writer and the reader. She nurtures writers while establishing author tours to unlikely venues … small town libraries, education centers, country clubs, private homes, and community hubs.

Her formula is not only successful … it’s booming!

She says, “My mission is to hopefully create an opportunity for these books to hit the bestseller list. In the last two years, seven of our books have hit the bestseller list.”

The Highlands-Cashiers area is one of Kathie’s favorite settings. She says, “Summer reading on the Plateau is contagious. These are the books and authors you can enjoy all season.”

Evidence of her success: Center for Life Enrichment and Sky Valley events are growing exponentially. Get to know the writers behind your favorite books this summer by claiming your seat at the following:

National best-selling and award-winning author Katherine Reay will be featured at a Sky Valley luncheon, July 19, 11:30 A.M.

On July 27, Carolyn Newton Curry will be the CLE featured author for a Cocktail Reception and Book Talk: Sudden Death – A Novel ” on Thursday, July 27, from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M.; Cost is $70 members/$80 non-members. It’s a murder-mystery set in the world of football, written by the wife of player and coach Bill Curry. After attending Carolyn’s reception on Thursday, be sure to catch Bill Curry and Tony Barnhart’s College Football Preview on Friday. Contact CLE for more information at (828) 526-8811.

Kathie closes with, “Whether you like a mystery, a thriller, a historical novel about Lincoln, or a clever rom-com, this summer and next, we’ve got it all.” For more information, visit magictimeliterary.com or call (864) 706-1484.

Follow-up on more Author Tour details and August events on the Laurel calendar at thelaurelmagazine.com.

by Donna Rhodes

Rise, Shine and Dance

Highlands Community Fund will be staging its immensely popular 2023 Rise and Shine celebration at 6:00 P.M. Sunday, July 30, at the Cullasaja Club. Tickets can be purchased at the Highlandscommunityfund. org – look for the Big Blue Button.

The 2023 Rise and Shine Celebration will be held at the Cullasaja Club at 6:00 P.M. Sunday, July 30. Though tickets have already be sent out, you can still buy tickets at highlandscommunityfund.org. Those attending can expect barbecue, music by the Caribbean Cowboys and, of course, dancing.

Highlands is beyond blessed with the myriad of nonprofits that support our community.

A brief recap of local history will show just how vital this fundraiser is to the health of this corner of the Southern Appalachians.

Life on the Plateau wouldn’t be the same without the generous support of groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Literacy Council of Highlands and the Highlands Cashiers Land Trust. The services of these and other local nonprofits are invaluable, but they too

require support through funding.

Since 1996, the Highlands Community Fund has been answering that call.

Supported by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, the Highlands Community Fund relies on the generosity of sponsors and donors to grow the core of the fund. Those donations are wisely invested and the earnings are given back to the community in the form of grants. The mission of the Fund is to be an ongoing resource. Its focus is upon charities that assist people in need, but other grants support the arts and environmental conservation. Since its inception, the Highlands Community Fund has given over $800,000 in grants back to the community.

Gayle Cummings, a Highlands Community Fund board member, decided that everyone needs a good Gala. She thought it would be an effective way to raise money for the Community Fund.

Gayle’s definition of a good party was one with good music, good food, and adult beverages, in a nice location. Gayle had successfully raised funds through Galas for the Highlands Community Child Development Center, in earlier years, and knew how to throw a party.

The first Rise and Shine generated over $90,000 and after expenses netted approximately $80,000 for the Community Fund endowment.

Rise and Shine has evolved over time and in the intervening years it has been held at The Bascom and most recently the Cullasaja Club, which graciously made its space available. Rise and Shine has raised over $750,000 for the endowment for the Highlands Community Fund and over the last 10 years the Highlands Community Fund has distributed $728,410 to 23 nonprofits on the Plateau.

Recreating Classics

Cashiers Live brings a new dimension to the Plateau Concert Experience. For tickets or more information, visit cashierslive.com.

It’s like a Magical Mystery Tour when Cashiers Live brings The RCA Tribute Band to the Village Green’s Commons Lawn at 7:00 P.M. Saturday, July 8.

Celebrating the final album by the greatest band of all time, The RCA Tribute Band performs Let it Be alongside all the classics that span the fab four’s entire career.

Rattlesnake Cobra Awesome (RCA) is a one-stop show for classic rock n soul music from across all eras. From The Beatles to Jackson Browne, Tom Petty, CSNY, Linda Ronstadt and more.

Known for their highly energetic shows, the band specializes in a good time for all while focusing on the quality craftsmanship of recreating classic songs respectfully. Their shows revolve around the stories behind the songs and the

songwriters behind them. This is an all-ages event. Gates will open at 6:00 P.M.. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers. Food and beverages will not be sold.

Then on Saturday, July 29, you’re invited to slip on your electric boots and don your mohair suit when Greggie & The Jets take the stage on the Commons Lawn.

Hailing from Central Florida, Greggie & The Jets is a National Touring Elton John tribute band. Their performances recreate the music, the energy, and the dazzling feeling of being at a classic-era Elton John concert. They bring you, note for note, all the elements of the Elton John albums, ranging from the singles which audiences love to sing along with – to deep cut tracks for those die-hard fans.

Greggie and The Jets is an astounding re-creation of a classic 1970s Elton John concert, complete with wonderfully accurate instruments and vocals, grand piano, and all the glamour, glasses, and glitz. Bandleader Greg Vadimsky has performed this music since he was a childhood classical piano champion, and his voice will take you back to yesteryear. From Your Song to Tiny Dancer, from Rocket Man to Daniel, and from Bennie And The Jets to Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, the Greggie & The Jets concert experience is almost the real thing.

The concert starts at 7:00 P.M., and gates open at 6:00 P.M. Once again, you can buy tickets at cashierslive.com.

by Luke Osteen

It’s the Bees Knees

It’s murder most foul for a mission most wonderful – Big Brothers Big Sisters unveils its Roaring 20s Party at 5:30 P.M. Thursday, September 7, at Skyline Lodge and Oak Steakhouse. For more information, email cashiers@bbbswnc.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is staging its Roaring 20s Party at Skyline Lodge and Oak Steakhouse, and revelers can expect a multicourse culinary event, cocktails, a live band performing music from the time period, a 1928 Packard for photo opportunities, and a silent auction with items and packages.

There’ll be a short program about the life-changing mission of the Big Brothers Big Sisters that lies at the heart of the celebration.

Oh, and one other thing – there’ll be a murder in the midst of the merriment, and a dining room full of suspects and amateur detectives. Everyone at the soiree will participate in solving the crime or diverting attention from their own “colorful” past.

“It’s not every day we have an opportunity to dress up in flapper dresses and pin striped suits all for a great cause,” says BBBS Program Coordinator Danielle Hernandez. “Bring your finest era specific attire and be ready to have

a wonderful time. We are incredibly grateful to Skyline Lodge and the Oak Steakhouse for their partnership in providing an experience like this to further ignite the Power and Potential in youth!”

Tickets will go on sale in August. We’ll have more details then. You’ll still have plenty of time to select your appropriate attire and brush up on your detective skills. And, if you’re so inclined, get your alibi straight.

by Luke Osteen

SkylineLodge

Dam Release is Paddling Opp

The High Falls Dam Release, set for July 8, July 29, August 12, and August 19, is Paddling Nirvana.

Serious kayakers look forward annually to a periodic event near Cashiers that results in a sedate stream becoming a challenging torrent. Anyone can look up on social media and YouTube footage of the dramatic release of thousands of gallons of water via the Lake Glenville’s High Falls Dam release. Or the more adventurous can actually make the somewhat strenuous steep ascent to a safe spot to watch the Dam release up close and personal.

The dam was already released a few times this spring, but the remaining summertime release dates (visit https://lakes. duke-energy.com to verify exact dates and times) are scheduled for July 8, July 29, August 12, and August 19. Release times typically take place between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M.

Access to the High Falls trailhead is at 1966 Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee; GPS coordinates are 35.198262,

-83.159715. The parking lot with informational signage is across the street from restrooms and a Lake Glenville beach/park.

Kayakers are particularly thrilled when the dam is released because the gushing deluge of water flow over High Falls (also sometimes referred to as Cullowhee Falls) results quickly in Class IV and V rapids – the most difficult and exhilarating for a well-seasoned paddler. From there, kayak enthusiasts can allow the water torrent to take them from the base of High Falls along a six-mile section of the West Fork of the Tuckaseegee River. A take-out area, where kayakers can park an automobile, is near the early 1940s-constructed Gothic-revival architecture structure that is the Duke Energy Thorpe Hydro Station, located along NC 107.

The Duke Energy-owned 1.5 mile round-trip trail to see High Falls when

the dam is released includes well-built bridges and benches as well as quality constructed hemlock stairways. Hikers need to realize that hiking down means hiking up, and wearing appropriate shoes and carrying water is recommended.

Duke Energy does post a warning that behooves dam release viewers to take the activity seriously: “Warning: High flows and the natural environment where such flows occur can create dangerous conditions in the bypassed reach. Duke Energy releases these flows solely to comply with its license requirements. Duke Energy neither encourages nor discourages recreational use of high flows by the public. Any recreational use by the public during high flows should be limited to experienced boaters.”

by Deena Bouknight

Summer Beauty

‘Tis the season of sun and sky, of blue mountains and resplendent Daylilies.

Most of us were drawn here to our mountain home on the Highlands Plateau by the Natural Beauty of the place. Our collectve appreciation of beauty is what brings us together as a community. We are, you could say, all members of the same self-selected Tribe of Beauty. But what is Beauty? That’s a question for the ages. Plato believed that Beauty existed in objective reality to be perceived by onlookers. Kant, recognizing that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” said Beauty is purely subjective, not objectively “in the world.”

It is doubtful that other animals experience Beauty as we do. That’s because Natural Beauty requires an observer and only human beings can separate themselves from nature mentally to be able to observe it. Animals cannot separate themselves in their thinking from the world they are immersed in.

Some analysts say that Beauty inheres

in the proportion and balance of a scene. More than the properties of the parts, however, the experience of Beauty emerges from the coherence of the parts and exceeds them in the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. The experience of Beauty is a holistic experience.

Analysis and understanding fail us when it comes to Beauty as water, flour and yeast individually give little indication of their combination in bread. No matter. We know Beauty when we experience it. Take for instance the accompanying photograph titled “Appalachian Summer.” There is harmony and balance therein, in pleasing proportions. The basic elements--earth, air, water and fire--are all present in natural harmony. This is not unusual here in our forests and mountains where Beauty abounds.

“Appalachian Summer” also combines opposites on the visible spectrum of light, blue and orange, one near ultravio -

let and the other equally near infrared. Our everyday Natural Beauty includes our Carolina blue skies and Blue Ridge mountains coexisting point-counterpoint with our tangerine sun and orange Daylilies. Our summer days are glorious. Words fail us when we experience Beauty. Poets make the ineffable their cause. In this regard, the familiar words of William Blake do best:

To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wildflower, Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour. Such is Beauty. Enough said.

by William McReynolds

SATURDAY - SUNDAY, AUGUST 5 - 6

Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Festival

10 AM-4 PM, Sapphire Valley Athletic Field

Fill your senses with marvelous aromas from food vendors while you enjoy live music that will curl the corners of your mouth into a big ol’ grin. Then stroll down rows of fine jewelry, handmade crafts, quality folk art, mountain delights, and much more.. sapphirevalleyresorts.com

FRIDAY - SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 - 6

Cashiers 45th Annual Antique Show

Cashiers Village Green

With 43 exhibitors from across the country and as far away as Great Britain, antique lovers will find a myriad of treasures including 18th and 19th European and American Furniture, including formal and country pieces, as well as lodge looks. cashiersbenefitantiqueshow.com

September Events

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

Groovin ‘ On The Green

6:30 PM, The Village Green Groovin’ will feature a reunion of Hurricane Creek. Hurricane Creek has a powerful rock and blues sound with undertones of new country creating an irresistible and fun roadhouse feel. villagegreencashiersnc.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Big Brothers Big Sisters Roaring 20s Fundraiser

5:30 PM, Skyline Lodge

Big Brothers Big Sisters is staging its Roaring 20s Party at Skyline Lodge and Oak Steakhouse, and revelers can expect a multicourse culinary event, cocktails, a live band performing music from the time period, a 1928 Packard for photo opportunities, and a silent auction. bbbswnc.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

The Rotary Club of Highlands’ Twilight 5k

6 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

While many avid runners will find the course challenging enough, beginners, stroller pushers, and walkers can tackle it without becoming overwhelmed. There are some ascents and descents along the Plateau route. highlandstwilightrun.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10

Zahner Conservation Series

6 PM, Highlands Nature Center South Carolina’s Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area: With high average rainfall, diverse topography, and miles of streams and rivers many species found there are rare within the state and some are found in few other places in the world.

highlandsbiological.org

SATURDAY - SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 - 27

Mountaintop Art Show

10 AM-5 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

From pottery and photography to weaving and basketry, you’ll find a wide variety of art and crafts. One thing our show specializes in is rustic furniture and wood accessories. Enjoy live music. Dogs and children welcome. highlandsartshow.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Bel Canto

4 PM, Highlands Performing Arts Center

This yearly recital series is an affiliate of The Bascom, and proceeds go to supplement music education at two preschool programs, music education at our public schools, a college scholarship in the performing arts, and to the acquisition of art for special art exhibitions.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Porchfest

1-6 PM, Highlands

Downtown Highlands will transform into a stage for the third annual Porchfest - a one-day, family-friendly musical event that’ll see musical acts performing across the town. An impressive event presented and organized by the Center for Life Enrichment. highlandsporchfest.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Oyster and Seafood Fest

For this annual Old Edwards tradition, guests will gather in The Orchard at The Farm with lawn games and live music. Passed hors d’oeuvres, a lavish raw bar, and creative cocktails will set the stage for deliciousness to follow. oldedwardshospitality.com

EVENT SERIES

REDEFINING LUXURY REAL ESTATE MARKETING

RESULTS DRIVEN, EXPERIENCE FOCUSED

THE 2022 LEADING BROKERAGE ON THE PLATEAU

Achieving the highest transactional dollar volume and the most transactions closed per HighlandsCashiers Board of Realtors MLS.

At our core, we firmly believe that success is best measured by the relationships we cultivate with our clients. That’s precisely why we take immense pride in offering a premier service that caters to the needs of both buyers and sellers alike. With our dedicated team, you can expect nothing less than next-level personal attention, expert guidance, and solutions that are driven by results.

Connect with our team today and experience for yourself the kind of difference a strong, collaborative relationship can make.

View from Silver Run Falls.

RECREATION & CREATION

Pages 88-115

photo by Susan Renfro

The Falls of Dupont Forest

Dupont State Forest hosts a vast selection of unique waterfalls.

Dupont State Forest, a 10,000acre nature forest, is the location of some of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. The one hour and 10 minute drive from Cashiers is well worth the time and effort. Hooker Falls, High Falls, Tipple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls were all featured in The Last of the Mohicans movie produced in 1992.

High Falls is a 150-foot waterfall that can be viewed at eye level from the main

trail or at water level further down the trail. Hooker Falls is an easy half-mile hike from the parking area. It’s only 12 feet high but very wide.

The unique Triple Falls has three distinct tiers that can be viewed from the main trail. There is a long staircase leading to the bottom of the second tier. Bridal Veil Falls hike is four miles out and back making the hike a bit farther than the other three. It’s a beautiful 120-foot sloping waterfall.

Batson Creek Falls is on the way to Dupont State Forest. It is located 5.8 miles south of US 64 and US 276 in downtown Brevard. From the Connestee Falls Realty parking area, next to US 276, a short boardwalk will take you to the platform overlooking the falls. You will find Batson Creek Falls well worth the stop.

Driving Directions: From Cashiers drive east on US 64 to downtown Brevard. Turn right on US 276. Drive

11 miles to Cedar Mountain and turn left on Cascade Lake Road. Continue on Cascade Lake road for 2.5 miles, then turn right on Staton Road/DuPont Road. Continue on Staton Road/DuPont Road for 1.5 miles until you reach the High Falls access area.

Trail Directions: Stop at the Dupont State Forest Visitor Center for trail directions, hike difficulty and distances to the various waterfalls.

by Ed and Cindy Boos

At a Glance Waterfall Guide

HIGHLANDS

Bridal Veil Falls

From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 2.3 miles west on US 64; Waterfall GPS: N35.07180 W-83.22910. Difficulty: You can park your car in a little parking area and walk 50 feet.

Dry Falls

From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 3.15 miles west on US 64 to a parking area on the left; Waterfall GPS: N35.06884

W-83.23869. Difficulty: There are lots of steps you must go down to get behind Dry Falls.

Bust Your Butt Falls

From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 6.35 miles west on US 64 to the pullout on the left; Waterfall GPS: N35.09268

W-83.26573. Difficulty: Don’t stop on the road itself!

Glen Falls

From the junction of US 64 and NC 106 in Highlands, drive 1.75 miles south on NC 106 and bear left at the sign for Glen Falls. Take Glen Falls Road, not Holt Road. Drive 1.05 miles to the parking area. Waterfall GPS: N35.03128 W-83.23829. Difficulty: There’s some climbing involved here.

Upper Middle Creek Falls

From the intersection of NC 106 and US 64, follow NC 106 South for 9.3 miles. Exactly 1 mile before you reach the Georgia state line, and about 0.3 miles after NC 106 crosses Middle Creek, a yellow School Bus Stop sign will be on the right. Park on the right side of the road right at the sign. Waterfall GPS: N35.00714 W-83.32916. Difficulty: The four-tenths of a mile hike is not strenuous but it can be confusing.

CASHIERS Silver Run Falls

From US 64 in Cashiers, head south on NC 107 for 4.05 miles – there’s a pullout area on the left. Waterfall GPS N35.06599 W-83.06558. Difficulty: No difficulty.

Whitewater Falls

From US 64 west of Lake Toxaway, take NC 281 for 8.5 miles and turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls into a parking area. Difficulty: Not strenuous, though the paved path is a bit uneven.

Cashiers Sliding Rock

Cashiers Sliding Rock, a million miles from the cares of the 21st century, is easy to get to. From the Cashiers Crossroads, travel south on NC 107 to Whiteside Cove Road. Head down the road for 2.6 miles to where the road crosses the Chattooga River and pull over just across the bridge. Difficulty: A piece of cake.

Spoonauger Falls

From Cashiers, travel on NC 107 8.2 miles. The name changes to SC 107 – travel for 4.9 miles. Turn right onto Burrells Ford Road. Drive approximately 2.0 miles to the Chattooga Trail parking area on the left (look for the Forest Service Bulletin Board) Hike north on the Chattooga Trail, which roughly parallels the Chattooga River for 0.25 mile, then cross Spoonauger Creek. Immediately on the right will be a side trail. Difficulty: There’s nothing tricky.

Schoolhouse Falls

From US 64, take NC 281 North for 0.85 miles and bear left on Cold Mountain Road. Stay on the road. When it becomes unpaved, travel about 0.1 miles. Take the road on the right and travel for 0.1 miles to a parking area. Take the trail to the right of the information kiosk. At the intersection, proceed straight on Panthertown Valley Trail. Turn left onto Little Green Trail. Schoolhouse Falls is about 0.15 miles ahead. Waterfall GPS N35.16330 W-83.00674 Difficulty: The hike isn’t challenging.

Scan for more information on the many waterfalls in the Highlands and Cashiers area.

Enjoy this sampling of area waterfalls, for a deep dive visit thelaurelmagazine.com/recreation.

Geological Features Galore

In just a 5.4 loop trail, referred to as Panthertown Valley to Mac’s Gap, hikers can experience a plethora of geological features and habitats. Everything from ancient forests with a composting “floor” to plenty of rock balds keep this route interesting.

In fact, the moderately challenging trail in late May to midsummer presents some fairytale-like paths due to the abundance of native flowering shrubs and plants.

According to Hike WNC, pioneers termed the valley “Paintertown” (local for “Panthertown”) due to the number of panthers, or Eastern Cougar, that once roamed the area. Modern sightings of panthers are very rare.

Officially in the Nantahala National Forest, the AllTrails-listed trailhead can be accessed from 107, by Lake Glenville, or from 64, in Sapphire. The drive requires as few back roads, one that winds by charming Christmas tree farms, and then entrance onto a gravel road that leads to a large parking area and signage about the various Panthertown trails. Llama trekking outfits use the trails for campers, so hikers may experience llamas tied to trailers ready for a hike, or they might encounter trekkers along

a trail. The animals are friendly but typically not pettable, so hikers need only step aside and allow them to pass.

Before the loop begins, the wide trail has hikers ascending fairly gradually, with one open, stunning vista, Salt Rock Overlook, sporting several bald rock mountain peaks. When the trail splits in two directions, hikers can choose to loop left and continue down the Panthertown Valley trail, or loop right on the Mac Gap trail. Both will end up at the same place if the arrows are followed. Downloading the AllTrails map of the loop, or Gaia GPS, will ensure no accidental off-path adventures (aka getting lost).

The path is mostly flat, meandering by mountain laurel, rhododendron, and flaming azaleas, as well as by various creeks and streams; but then it ventures into a quiet forest of towering trees resembling Germany’s Black Forest. Approaching the Little Green Mountain portion of the trail is when it becomes somewhat challenging in that the elevation climbs. And, hikers end up on top of the bald rock mountain so the trail “disappears” onto the rocks. Take a moment to enjoy the views as well as take in all the “rock pools” – indentions

A trip through the wilds of Panthertown is a hike through a geological wonderland.

that thousands of years of pooling water has created. Look for small arrows attached to trees to find the trail on Little Green Mountain’s rock bald again.

The highlight of this loop is Schoolhouse Falls, a wide fall that cascades into a deep, clear pool – perfect for swimming in on hot summer days. Plus, a rocky and sandy “beach” provides plenty of places for hanging out, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Close by Schoolhouse Falls are trails that, when not raining, are dry overflows of the parallel creeks and streams, so hikers are literally walking over waterway stones and sandy bottoms.

Once the loop is completed, hikers must ascend the path back up to the parking area. But the climb up, with another photo op at Salt Rock Overlook, is a time to reflect on all that has been experienced and accomplished on the loop trail.

by Deena Bouknight

The Feathered Sights and Sounds of Summer

With everyone in their places and fully feathered, the summer symphony is once more given full voice.

ScarletTanagerbyCindyBoos

Our woods and meadows are once again fully populated by our “fine feathered friends.” Migrating summer residents have joined the many bird species that grace the Highlands Plateau during the winter: the ever-present Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, Tufted Titmice, Juncos and all our year-round avian neighbors observed by members of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society during its annual Christmas bird count. The marauding flocks of Pine Siskins that wintered with us this year have exited our birdfeeders like house guests gone home.

The returning birds—many of which come from their winter homes in Central and South America—bring familiar summer sights and sounds to hill and dale. Repatriated Red-eyed Vireos allow us to eavesdrop on their interrogatory, “question and answer” song, while male Indigo Buntings serenade their more

modestly colored mates with couplets worthy of a Mozart minuet.

The Eastern Phoebe and Wood-Pewee broadcast their names with near-perfect pitch and enunciation. The flutelike notes of the Wood Thrush once again grace peaceful morning and early evening woodland hours. These dulcet sounds blend with the familiar importuning of the Eastern Towhee to “Drink your teeeeeea.”

The avian colors of summer come in the scarlet of the so-named tanager, yellow of the goldfinch and orange of the occasional Baltimore Oriole. The intensely colored Indigo Bunting is iridescent in his sunlit glory. Robins’ red breasts, sans the poet’s cage, radiate a rich American chestnut-red. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks validate their descriptive names. Pairs of Cedar Waxwings appear impeccably attired for a formal occasion. Hooded Warblers and Black-throated

Blue Warblers seem costumed for a masquerade ball.

The festooned musicians have taken their places in the summer trees and the heavenly Conductor is at the podium with raised baton. This joyous chorus commences every day in the early morning: admission is free, the program varies each day and there is unlimited seating. Enjoy the sights and sounds of summer, from your local Audubon chapter.

The Highlands Plateau Audubon Society, focused on enjoying and preserving birds and their habitats, is a Chapter of the National Audubon Society and a 501(c) (3) organization.

Visit highlandsaudubonsociety.org for information on all local Audubon activities and membership.

by William McReynolds

The Magical Merlin App

A program set for July 18 at the North Campus Pavilion of the Highlands Biological Center will explore the apps that are revolutionizing birding right here on the Plateau. It’s free and open to the public.

Last year, Dr. William McReynolds, our Highlands Plateau Audubon Society correspondent and all-around clever guy previewed an astonishing new app in our December Issue.

“Merlin Bird ID comes to us from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and makes ‘bird listening’ as well as ‘bird watching’ easy and engaging,” William explained. “Merlin Bird ID is a multi-function, smartphone app for the identification of birds. If you see a bird and answer just three questions about size, color and location, Merlin will consider all the birds in your area and identify your bird, complete with similar birds in your area.”

“Merlin is fast and sure in telling you what bird you are hearing. It’s like magic but what’s behind song identification is sonographic data on all species of birds in North America and beyond.”

William’s enthusiasm for this app dovetailed with an explosion of interest

in the lives of our feathered neighbors.

“Birding is having a ‘moment’ right now,’ says amateur ornithologist Melanie Vickers. “There’s been a surge in interest in birds since the pandemic. A lot of people were stuck at home, and they were looking out their window and seeing all the different species we have right here.”

Vickers will be leading an Audubon program at the North Campus Pavilion of the Highlands Biological Station at 4:00 P.M. on July 18. She’ll focus on the use of birding apps on your phone or digital equipment to help you identify birds. The program is free and open to everyone.

“We want to attract beginning birders to help them learn to identify birds through their songs and their appearance,” she explains. “The apps that are available now are easy to use and we’ll show how they can send their observations to ebird, which collects data for Cornell University for use in conservation and

research. We’ll showcase apps that’ll help people find spots where they can observe lots of birds, so they can go beyond their backyards. And we’ll show how people can create their own Life List – a lot of people want to create a record of all the species they’ve seen over the years.”

You can even use these apps to learn how to recognize birds and their songs on your own – you wouldn’t have to rely on your phone, you’d have the knowledge in your head.

Back to William:

“Bird Listening is a joy! Wherever you are — on a walk, at a park, on your screened porch — when you hear an unknown bird, turn on your phone and let Merlin have a listen. You very quickly come to know each bird solely by song. You’ll astound yourself with how expert you quickly become.”

by Luke Osteen

/ photo by Greg Clarkson

The Beautiful Arctic Char

Pursuing Brook Trout takes a lot of endurance – these fish are thriving in places that aren’t easily accessible.

Most of us know them as Brook Trout, or Brookies, but if you grew up in Western North Carolina, you know them as “Specks.”

Specks are our only native trout species here in the Southeast, and they are technically an Arctic Char.

I know what you’re thinking…native species / Southeast / Arctic Char?…something doesn’t add up.

Millions of years ago, these mountains were carved by massive glaciers that came down from the Arctic Circle. Those glaciers carried many different things with them, and one of those things was fish. That’s how an Arctic Char found its way to North Carolina, and is considered native because man did not put them here. They were here before we were here.

Interestingly, these little Arctic Char have adapted to live in the Southeast. You cannot find them just anywhere, as they need the cleanest, coldest water these mountains can produce.

Typically, this means high altitude (above 3,000 feet) trout water. As a fly fisherman, there are many different things that are appealing about the pursuit of catching Specks, but size is not one of them. Because of where they live up on the tops of the mountains, the streams themselves are fairly infertile, making for a slow growth rate in Specks…a 9- or 10-inch fish is considered to be a prize by today’s standards. Even though they are small relative to other game fish, their beauty and eagerness to rise to a dry fly more than makes up for how big they grow. Because of where Specks live (small streams up high in the mountains), they see very little fishing pressure as it takes some hiking just to get to the stream, but as the saying goes “trout don’t live in ugly places, and in the case of the Speck, I believe they live in the most beautiful places we have here in Western North Carolina. The lack of fishing pressure is also very beneficial to the way these fish behave. Most experienced

anglers that enjoy fishing for Specks bring a handful of their favorite dry flies, and leave all the other more technical gear at home.

I have heard plenty of anglers say that a Speck unwary of your presence will rise to almost any type of dry fly as long as it is presented in a way that it looks like food. I would agree to that to some extent, but have also seen a few days where they too can become very selective. Specks can be caught in all seasons of the year, but most folks pursue them in summer and early fall. They are always beautiful fish, but in the fall it would be hard to imagine a fish more perfect with their fiery orange vibrance…a sight every southern fly angler should see in person!

by Matt Canter, Brookings Fly Shop

By Any Other Name

Diminutive and relentlessly charming, Shortia has played hide and seek on the Plateau for centuries.

Residents and visitors in the Highlands and Cashiers area are often awed afresh by the region’s stunning biodiversity, which began attracting early naturalists over two centuries ago.

Botanist and explorer William Bartram journeyed through the “Cowe” valley (now Macon County) in May 1775. A prolific writer with strong descriptive powers, Bartram identified more than 200 species; one day’s inventory included (along with “many hundreds” of acres of strawberries) American Burnet, Cow Parsnip, Cucumber Tree, Mountain Laurel, Black Locust, Carolina Allspice, Flaming Azalea, Rhododendron, Appalachian Mock Orange, varieties of Trillium, Lady Slippers, Dragon’s Mouth, Bee Orchid, Bloodroot, Bellwort, Mayflower, Carolina Silverbell, American Snowbell, and Honeysuckle, among others. Bartram revels in this wildflower

bounty, “these roving beauties” with “perfumed heads – their blooming tufts bespangled with pearly and crystalline dew drops.” Fortuitously for Bartram (and us) his foray into our region was perfectly timed to catch wildflowers at their annual zenith.

French-born botanist André Michaux ventured into our area in 1787 and 1788. His travels took him along the Whitewater River, past Silver Run Falls, and through Whiteside Cove, from where he climbed up through Wildcat Gap to the Highlands Plateau. Like Bartram, he was enchanted by our area’s flora and collected many specimens and seeds.

His most noteworthy find, however, was “a new plant with denticulated leaves spreading over the mountainside a little way from the river.” A specimen made its way to a Paris museum, where famed botanist Dr. Asa Gray saw it and determined to locate it once again in the

wild, initiating a decades-long obsession. In 1885 and 1886, nearly 100 years after its initial discovery in our area, Professor Sargent of the Harvard Arboretum and Frank Boynton of Highlands finally located patches of the elusive plant south of Sapphire.

Named Shortia galacifolia by Dr. Gray, it is more known as the dainty Oconee Bell.

So, congratulations, for centuries botanists have labored to come here and experience the diverse and incredible natural environment just outside your door!

Follow their lead, get outside, and make some personal discoveries! For more information on ways to do that, go to www.hicashlt.org.

by Lance Harding, Highlands-Cashiers

Land Trust

It Was A Miracle

A ghostly presence in Whiteside Cove arrives bearing a message for anyone with opened eyes.

Not likely, will you see what I saw, but if you should see, then what you see, shall not likely be unseen by your heart.

For what I saw is now — by virtue of this community-treasured publication — indelibly etched into the tales of lore of Whiteside Cove.

What I saw – two deer perusing through the fresh offerings of the meadow’s green market – at first glance, was as natural, as commonplace, as undomesticated in any environment completely enveloped by nature in all her glory, as robins chatting away the latest developments in spring-time nest design.

What I saw, at second glance, was nothing short of a miracle. It was a miracle.

One deer, smaller in stature — the obvious follower of the pack — wore the ever trendy, never outdated, tawny ensemble, highlighting from behind, the tell-tale sign of her breed, a white tail!

Her companion — the leader — presented the wonder. For her voguish ensemble – excluding a smartly accessorized hint of brown here and there – was of pure white.

As a piebald, she was categorically set apart in her outer being as the 1% of her kind, extremely rare, uniquely, and majestically created. She was elegant, petite, and soigné; a walking, breathing representation of that which is not readily to be.

Her distinctiveness was observable. But I discerned something more. My neighbor explained.

Some weeks prior, she had witnessed an obvious maternal connection between a pair of deer shopping in her garden. Their bond was strong. Until it was not. For one day, the mama deer appeared injured and selecting our neighbor’s property as her final resting place, she left behind, a grieving child-like deer. A small herd passed, rejecting the

motherless deer. And then unbelievably, the white deer appeared, and making a profound, non-verbal pact with the orphan, escorted the little one onwards in life.

When I saw them, their bond was strong. The white deer’s intentions towards the little deer were of the soundest, most life-giving kind, that she would nurture, guide, and protect the youngster into adulthood and beyond. She stepped up to the call to fulfill a need not met by its intended.

It was not what the white deer wore that made her so memorable, it was what she bore.

Towards her fellow being, she bore a perceivable commitment that life would be more meaningful for the gift of fellowship, love, and respect, one to the other.

by Donna Clements

Come to The Gardens

The Joy Garden Tour, set for July 14 and 15, benefits The Village Green and explores the exquisite green beds, fields, and terraces that adorn Cashiers.

The Village Green is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) park system that operates with no funding from Jackson County, the State of North Carolina, or the Federal Government.

To ensure the continuity of free events and programs at The Village Green, we rely on biannual fundraising events like Joy Garden Tour, as well as individual and corporate philanthropy.

We are excited to announce that the 2023 Joy Garden Tour will again consist of private and semi-private in-person tours offered through Benefactor Packages, and will take place this July over two days –Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15.

We have four superb gardens, with many pocket gardens, meandering streams and rivers, and tenderly curated native landscaping features, each with its own sense of discovering a secret garden just around the corner, therefore, our theme this year is: Beauty Beyond the Bend!

When you become a 2023 Joy Garden

Tour Benefactor you will receive tickets to the Tour itself along with tickets to our invitation-only Joy Garden Tour events!

New this year, we are having a Garden Luncheon!

Gather your friends and make plans to attend our Garden Luncheon in the Park on Wednesday, July 12. Guests will enjoy a plated lunch, and refreshing drinks, and hear from Staci L. Carton – Director of The Cherokee Garden Library at The Atlanta History Center!

With an element of history going into this year’s Joy Garden Tour, we are delighted that Staci L. Carton will be speaking about and signing her new book Seeking Eden: A Collection of Georgia’s Historic Gardens. Tickets are extremely limited for the luncheon. To purchase tickets, please scan the QR code below and click on JGT Luncheon Tickets!

We are also thrilled to announce our 2023 Garden Shop Vendors! This year the Garden Shops will be open to the public on Friday, July 14 from 10:00

A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Saturday, July 15, from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. We are very lucky to have vendors who donate a portion of their sales directly to The Village Green!

Again, The Joy Garden Tour is The Village Green’s primary fundraiser this year, and we hope to see you there. Please consider supporting The Village Green as an individual Benefactor of The Joy Garden Tour.

Scan the QR Code to learn more about the 2023 Joy Garden Tour and to become a Joy Garden Tour Benefactor!

by Ashlie Mitchell Executive Director, The Village

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Green

Ancient Cherokee Travel Corridor

The Village Nature Series, set for July 25 at Albert Carlton-Cashiers Library, will explore the complex Cherokee Trail System, which wound through this corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Everyone is invited.

Lefttoright:CherokeeSpeakerGilJackson,BoLossiah, andLamarMarshallintheGreatSmokyMountains

Lamar Marshall, the research director of Southeast Heritage, will offer the July Village Nature Series presentation, Ancient Cherokee Travel Corridor.

The lecture, which is free and open to everyone, explores how the Cashiers Valley is a unique geological part of the Blue Ridge. This gap was a link between the Lower Cherokee Towns along the Keowee River in modern Oconee and Pickens Counties in South Carolina, and the Out Towns located along the Tuckasegee and Oconaluftee Rivers in Jackson and Swain Counties.

Marshall, a renowned historian of early Cherokee history, outlines Cherokee trail systems in the Cherokee Territorial Claim, and how these trails helped form our Plateau today.

Cashiers Valley is a unique geological feature of the Blue Ridge commonly referred to as a gap or pass. This gap in the Blue Ridge was a link between

the Lower Cherokee Towns along the Keowee River in modern Oconee and Pickens Counties, South Carolina and the Out Towns located along the Tuckasegee and Oconaluftee Rivers in Jackson and Swain Counties, North Carolina.

From modern Sylva, the old trail followed the West Fork of the Tuckasegee River across the Eastern Continental Divide through Cashiers and descended southerly along the Chattooga Ridge (a spur or lead) which served as a gradual ramp to the base of the escarpment in South Carolina. The corridor of the old Cherokee trail became modern Highway 107.

This presentation by Lamar Marshall has been made possible after ten years of partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and many tribal members and elders. Funded by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, about 200,000 archival records consisting of rare surveys, diaries and journals, and historic maps were assimilated and

used to reconstruct the early trail system in the Cherokee Territorial Claim. He and his team gathered records from the Newberry Library in Chicago, Harvard University, the National Archives in DC, as well as many state archives, universities, and libraries.

With tribal members, Marshall made trips on horseback into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on old Cherokee trails. With the help of interns, he traversed the mountains and Piedmont regions of North Carolina. The result was the mapping of over a thousand miles of trails.

A Cherokee friend and speaker gave him an honorable name in the Cherokee language: “Inage Deganvhnv’i Diwatisgi” which is translated as “The one who finds trails in the wilderness.”

by Deena Bouknight

Protecting Panthertown

The Travels of Granny Gatewood, set to be presented at the Cashiers Village Green on Thursday, July 27, benefits the unique treasure that’s Panthertown Valley.

Panthertown Valley’s well-traveled trails and historic tales are deeplyrooted in our lore of regional land. The expanse of 6,311 acres is dubbed the Yosemite of the East as a tribute to its beauty and bounty. Enthusiasts say it should be a bucket-list imperative for one and all.

If your first visit is in your future, you’ll be dazzled by the breath-taking scenery with its sheer cliffs, mountain peaks, its expansive, flat valley floor, incredible geologic formations, forest streams, a river’s headwaters, the Nantahala forest, waterfalls, wetlands, bogs, flowering meadows, and a host of animals that populate air, land, and water. Panthertown is a unique, wild backcountry, and that’s why its supporters are deeply earnest about its protection.

Friends of Panthertown is the local nonprofit stewardship organization that maintains the recreation corridors in the beautiful Panthertown. This organization has a focused and dedicated com-

mitment to conserving Panthertown. They work hard to implement modern trail designs focused on sustainable recreation as well as offering educational programs and ‘Walk n’ Talks’ to surrounding communities.

This month Friends of Panthertown is hosting the “Grandma Gatewood” fundraiser at The Village Green to help raise funds for them to be able to continue pursuing their mission of conservation, education, and sustainable recreation.

Jason Kimenker, Executive Director of Friends of Panthertown, says, “Our dedicated staff and volunteers serve as stewards of the forest, conserving this public resource while maintaining 30 miles of trails spread out over six-thousand acres in Panthertown. Volunteers are needed to help out on the trails, serve on planning committees, and assist us in our community this season. No experience is required.”

Enjoy an evening of entertainment

and a warm bit of historical lore with the Grandma Gatewood Event at the Village Green’s Lewis Hall in Cashiers, Thursday, July 27, 5:00 to 6:30 P.M. (panthertown.org/tickets or Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce). Doors open at 4:30 P.M.

In 1955 Emma Gatewood up-and-left her husband (an abusive rapscallion) and family (11 children, grown) for a long walk she’d been promising herself . . . a non-stop hike of the Appalachian Trail. She was the first woman to do it solo and did two more trips plus a trek of the Oregon Trail in her late sixties and seventies. Gatewood was an engaging super-woman, years before “the fairer sex” was thought to be capable of walking a couple of thousand miles alone.

Contact Jason Kimenker, Executive Director, Friends of Panthertown, Inc., (828) 269-HIKE (4453) for more information about volunteering and donating. Visit friends@panthertown.org, or panthertown.org for more information.

Children’s Book with Lasting Impact

Highlands Biological Station’s Jason Love has crafted a children’s book with lasting impact.

JasonLove

Highlands Biological Station’s Associate Director Jason Love’s 2019-published children’s book, Shady Streams, Slippery Salamanders, is ongoing ecological education for children and adults alike. Available at the Highlands Nature Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Shakespeare & Company, state parks, and more, the book combines inspiration from a childhood experience and Love’s extensive experience working in ecological research facilities before joining HBS. Love earned his Bachelor of Science in forest resources from the University of Georgia and a Master’s of Science in wildlife and fisheries management from West Virginia University. Before he joined HBS, he worked at Coweeta Hydrologic Lab as a site manager for the Coweeta Long-term Research Program, which is part of a consortium of research stations – some of which are affiliated with universities and the U.S. Forest Service. A main focus was to look at

animal and stream dynamics, climate change, etc.

“It was determined that every LTER site should have a children’s book that focuses on an aspect of the research accomplished at that site,” said Love. “I wanted the salamanders I was writing about to be accurately depicted. It was great interacting with the illustrator and seeing the story come to life.”

He added, “The story had been ruminating in my head for a while. The characters are actually based on Christopher, my best friend growing up, and Jonathon, my brother. There was a creek behind Christopher’s house, and we spent hours and hours playing and catching salamanders and other creatures and studying them. So that was the inspiration for the book.”

In the Shady Streams, Slippery Salamanders story, Love has the boys meeting biologists and they get to go out and learn the importance of shade

for streams and about different fish and salamanders.

Love pointed out that the illustrated book, while written for third through fifth graders, educates parents and guardians as well. “It focuses on why we have so many salamanders in this area, more so than other parts of the world, and why salamanders are lung-less, etc. The goal is for children and adults to think about the care of streams and managing their properties better, so they keep streams and stream life in mind before they make changes to the landscape – such as cutting down trees and eliminating shade around streams.”

Since Love wrote the book as a civil servant, he receives no royalties, but noted that the project was rewarding and that he would be open to writing another book, perhaps on the threatened Eastern Hellbenders or the Sicklefin Redhorse.

by Deena Bouknight / photo by Susan Renfro

photo by Susan Renfro

Pushing the Boundaries

For Cover Artist Barbara Jamison, aiming for the boundaries of the possible lies at the heart of her creativity.

Is it possible to go-with-the-flow while pushing boundaries?

Barbara Jamison, accomplished businesswoman and fine artist, would answer with an enthusiastic “Yes!” She believes if you don’t take a risk, you risk everything. Art is her playground where risks lead to magic.

When Barbara was looking for her perfect medium, she chose acrylics. She says, “I wanted a distinctive medium that reinforced organic imagery. Acrylic

paint spoke to me; it does things that only it can do. Its fluidity and my style united in all the ways I hoped for. It gave me ultimate versatility.”

To create a commission or showpiece, she begins with a large canvas laid flat on a table. On it she brushes a shallow sea of water. The artist’s power is a bit like that of an ancient storm goddess –the canvas is her planet. Think of breezes, squalls, and rain, all swirling on the surface. The rise and fall

of the liquid is controlled by the artist, air blown through a straw or hair-blower or blasted with a blow torch. Atomizers of rain feather the edges of forms. A tilt or vibration of the canvas mingles the wet pigment. In a matter of seconds, acrylics claim their space and bond to canvas and each other.

It’s difficult to say which part of Barbara’s process is more engaging. Is it watching her move colors around a shallow sea, like growing a tiny storm or

generating a fern frenzy? Fern-ing is the term she uses for growing tiny fingers of pigment, as they dance, reach-out, and fringe the image’s edges.

Or maybe it’s welcoming the organic magic when pigment, within seconds, claims its space, thus creating a unique world. As many as half a dozen canvases are worked side-by-side, all in various stages of evolution.

Barbara says, “You never know what you’ll discover when you’re living in and loving the Land of Liquid.”

It’s said the most successful art is that in which the artist and materials become one. Barbara’s work is evidence of that

and she would have it no other way. That applies to anything she does – as a devoted parent, or a pioneering female American Express Vice President trailblazer or a board member for The Bascom or a seeker/securer of sculptures for the Cashiers townscape. She jumps in with both feet and a full heart.

No matter which way the day flows and the wind blows, she’s willing to take risks and push boundaries. She says, “I do things because they are hard, not because they are easy.”

You can see Barbara’s work at The Bascom’s Member’s Shows, galleries in Highlands, Brevard, and Greenville

and occasional design events. Attend her painting demonstration at Art Highlands Gallery on Thursday, July 13, at 5:00 P.M.

For more information, visit BarbaraJamisonPaintings.com or follow her on Instagram @BarbaraJamisonPaintings by Donna Rhodes

BarbaraJamison

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Meander and Explore

The Sapphire Valley Arts & Crafts Festival, set for August 5-6, is a fun bazaar of art, food, and the unexpected. For more information, visit sapphirevalleyresorts.com.

Summer weekends beckon us outdoors with sunny blue skies, warm temperatures and the promise of memories in the making. Luckily for us there are plenty of activities to choose from on the plateau but one you won’t want to miss is the Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Festivsal. Their second show of the season is on August 5 and 6 from 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. at the Sapphire Valley Athletic Field adjacent to the Sapphire Valley Community Center and Recreation Center.

This festival offers it all- live music, food, games including corn hole, activities for the kids like buckets of bubbles, and of course, arts and crafts from some of the area’s most talented craftspeople. All this, and free parking and free admission.

Craft Show lovers will want to take their time perusing the wares of the many exhibitors here and taking the time to chat and learn about the artist’s process. There is always a wide selection of arts and crafts

of every imaginable kind-wood working; fine handcrafted furniture; Christmas wreaths, ornaments and gifts; woven items; items in stone and clay; paintings; drawings; handcrafted knives; jewelry; candles; scarves and other textiles; hand-blown glass; woodworking; pottery; soaps; food items and so much more. Meander and explore until you find that perfect item to make your own.

There’s something for everyone here and it’s a fun and relaxing way to get outside for some fresh mountain air while searching for that just right piece of the area’s culture for yourself, your home or as a gift to share with your friends and family.

Mark the Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Festival on your calendars now (August 5 and 6). And join them for great food, mountain music, great shopping, and a great time!

by Mary Jane McCall

A Man of Many Talents

Jonan Keeny opened our interview with a list of adventures and accomplishments that some might consider a primo bucket list for an entire life – and Jonan is just shifting into cruise gear with a young family and miles of life ahead of him.

A native of Pennsylvania, he moved from his home state to North Carolina in 2001 to attend grad school as a music major, his principal, percussion. After earning his master’s, he moved to New York City for a musical quest, performing in numerous ensembles. Then the glorious Fates gave him two gifts: a move back to North Carolina and a marriage.

When he shifted from chaotic NYC to North Carolina, he arrived in darkness at 1:00 in the morning. As he awoke the next day, he looked out the window, not at skyscrapers and taxi cabs, but at beautiful trees, a clear sky, and Nature at every point of the compass.

He says, “I was hooked. And here I am, 12 years later, with a wife and two little ones, my music and art, and I’m loving

every minute.”

Along the way, Jonan added many skills to his resume. He taught music at college level. He studied photography, which helped create his world of digital possibilities. His job today is Communications Specialist at the First Presbyterian Church.

If you made a marvelous mash-up of all his abilities, Jonan is a walking, perfect storm, in the best sense of the term. Photographically speaking, he can shoot stills and videography for advertising, websites, and all manner of digital production, then match it to poetry, music, songwriting, and word. He does it all.

But one of his strongest passions is a morning shoot of the Eden that surrounds him. Bears, birds, landscapes, natural formations, weather, venerable trees, any living things with root or leg. If there’s beauty in it, the moment(s) are preserved with a click of his shutter.

Jonan says his multi-media project for this year is, “working on

For Jonan Keeny, arriving on the Plateau added creative fuel to a lifetime of learning and adventures.

a combo of my photography, poetry, and songwriting, and it has a soundtrack I created. I call it ‘Sanctuaries,’ and it illustrates the various places I connect to myself, to Nature and to God.” It’s aimed at the congregation he grew up in in Pennsylvania, but it could have potential for similar projects at congregations elsewhere.

In addition to all his offerings mentioned, Jonan is a community builder – and a master marketer. He says, “I’ve spent a lot of time creating my own endeavors outside my job these past five years. It’s so cathartic. It’s a journey that is deeply satisfying.”

In a world of do-what-you-want-and-ask-forgiveness-later, it’s refreshing to see a young man using all his gifts for the good of people and planet.

His website is myworldpics.com; You can reach him at jonan@myworldpics.com; Instagram: @jonan_myworldpics & @dude4disney; Facebook: @myworldpix; or call him at (917) 538-7592.

by Donna Rhodes

Patty Calderone is a visual raconteur who tells her tales from her soul’s core. Her stories splash volumes of emotion and majesty onto her canvases. In that strata, she incorporates images that are mystical, magical, real, or imagined. Her narratives encourage viewers to create their own chronicle based on what they see and feel. That’s one of the delightful aspects of Patty’s work … her images are mesmerizing and beautifully relatable.

After COVID and a shift in a business location, Patty longed to restore her art community. To pull her art buddies, students, and associates close, she is in the process of starting classes in her home studio. In addition, open gallery events are in the works throughout the season.

You may know Patty as a painter of wildlife, but in addition, The Feminine … intensely commands her attention. Its essence, its power, its connection to Mother Earth, and its necessary role in balancing the masculine. Along with that comes beauty, nurturing, intuition, humility, self-confidence, empathy, sensitivity, vulnerability, style, self-awareness, and kindness. All these characteristics coalesce in Patty’s allegoric paintings. Lately, she’s expanded her content, making it even richer and more multi-faceted. Patty says, “I am attempting to have my imagery become passionately seductive. I want it to draw you into its dreamlike qualities so the ambiguity plunges you into your subconscious, thus your true creative self.”

Studies in nature, history, culture, science, and myth are the structural columns supporting Patty’s work. This foundation provides a wide variety of images that connects the arts and our hearts to Mother Earth from which The Feminine flows.

Patty’s latest work features the Luna Moth. It arrives in the spring when the Earth warms. A full moon is compelling to the Luna from which its Greek name comes (goddess of the moon). Patty’s first sighting this year of a Luna moth in May coincided with the first blooming of clematis. That partnership is represented in her latest painting, a fusion of night and flight and purples, reds, and pinks.

Pat welcomes visitors and commission requests by calling (828) 787-1828 to schedule an appointment Her gallery is located in upper Dillard. A short drive from Scaly Mountain. www.calderonegallery.com.

by Donna Rhodes

Patty Calderone’s works are laden with subtle meaning. Her gallery is located in upper Dillard, a short drive from Scaly Mountain. You can also visit calderonegallery.com.

Following Jersey Boys, Mountain Theatre Company’s Rock of Ages continues the rollicking good times. Get your tickets at mountaintheatre.com.

As Mountain Theatre Company wraps up the final week of their smash hit, Jersey Boys, they are already hard at work on their next production, opening later this month. Their 2023 season continues with Rock of Ages. This is a show that you don’t want to miss.

A live rock band will take center stage, joining a cast of 15 actors, in this multi-Tony nominated spectacle. MTC audiences will recognize several familiar faces and many new ones as this fantastic cast takes the stage.

Rock of Ages is a feel-good musical featuring your favorite power ballads and rock classics. The Broadway musical tells the story of a small-town girl, a city boy, and a rock ‘n’ roll romance on the

Sunset Strip. Aspiring rock star Drew has dreams to take the stage as the next big thing while also longing for Sherri, fresh off the bus from Kansas with stars in her eyes. But when the bar where rock reigns supreme is set to be demolished by German developers, it’s up to these wannabe rockers and their band of friends to save the day – and the music.

The score features classic ‘80s anthems and power ballads, including “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Here I Go Again,” “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and many more. It’s sure to have the audience up and dancing in the aisles by the curtain call.

The New York Times called the show, “A seriously silly, absurdly enjoyable arena-rock musical . . . that blends

sincere conviction and knowing parody. I never would have guessed that wine coolers could age this well!”

And Entertainment Weekly remarked, “Even doubters will be wiping tears from their Wayfarers. Rock of Ages is the power-ballad decade in all its glory, tricked out with big perms, bigger dreams, and the kind of operatic ecstasy you read about only in bathroom stalls.” Mountain Theatre Company’s production of Rock of Age s will run at the Highlands Performing Arts Center from July 28 through August 19, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 P.M., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 P.M.

by Lindsay Garner Hostetler, Director of Marketing and Outreach, Mountain Theatre Company

From Opera to Show Tunes

Jenene Caramielo’s supreme vocal talents and her unique gift of phrasing take the spotlight at Pop to Broadway, July 19 at Highlands Performing Arts Center.

JeneneCaramielo

Jenene Caramielo brings Pop to Broadway to the Highlands Performing Arts Center at 7:30 P.M. Sunday, July 16.

Before traveling the globe selling out top cabaret rooms such as Feinstein’s 54 Below in New York City and the Royal Room in Palm Beach or as a sought-after headliner on luxury cruise lines Regent, Oceania and Crystal, Jenene honed her craft with a wide variety of experiences and education.

From her early work in regional theater musicals such as The Music Man and Fiddler on the Roof, to opera workshops including Aida, Jenene’s lifelong training and work in voice, dance, piano, acting and improvisation has delighted audiences the world over.

Jenene studied classical voice at the Civic Light Opera in Pittsburgh, as well as Carnegie Mellon University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts

in Musical Theater from Shenandoah Conservatory. A true crossover entertainer, she is as adept at belting a Celine Dion or Whitney Houston song as she is performing an aria or captivating audiences with Broadway show tunes.

Jenene has shared a stage with Chicago, opened for the Beach Boys, kicked off Major League Baseball games with our National Anthem, sung for celebrities and world leaders, and performed at some of the most exclusive private country clubs in the United States. She says, though, that her greatest honor to date was performing at the Governor’s Ball at The White House backed by the United States Marine Band, Navy Sea Chanters, and Air Force Singing Sergeants.

“Thrilling voice…ability to roll from genres of music from today’s pop to opera at a level that few reach… Jenene Caramielo performs at an elite level in so many genres.” – Broadway World

“I was motivated by Jenene’s commanding talent and inspired by her genuine warmth and kindness. She captivated the room with her first note, and I marveled at her tremendous skill and seemingly effortless versatility as she leapt from opera to show tunes with thrilling success.” – Peter Wilson, Former Senior Enlisted Musical Advisor to The White House and Marine Violinist to Five Presidents (1990-2020).

Tickets are available at HighlandsPerformingArts.com.

by Mary Adair Trumbly,

Performing Arts Center

Highlands

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For Your Eye and Your Heart

Number 7 Arts is a sophisticated showcase for Transylvania County artists, served up with a calendar filled with themed shows.

Brevard, a hop-skip-and-jump away, has much in common with Highlands. It’s a small town with a huge heart for the arts. The community is best known for the Brevard Music Center and Brevard College, but it’s also home for scores of visual artists who represent just about every medium imaginable.

Number 7 Arts, the longest-running cooperative gallery in Brevard’s county of Transylvania, is a destination delight where can you experience an exhibition full of wonders: oils, acrylics, pastels, pencil, encaustics, furniture, glass, pottery, parquetry, clothing, scarves, jewelry, photography, enameled copper, papier-mâché, wood-turning, Asian inspired boxes, and more.

The gallery is a program of the Transylvania Community Arts Council, and it represents the largest collection of local art in the area. As a co-op, artists take turns running the gallery, and that’s

a bonus for visitors. You will meet a different artist every time you stop by. Your purchases help support the artists, the gallery, and the arts council.

Because this non-profit gallery is run by artists, the quality is high and the prices are very affordable. Number 7 Arts is 2,200-square feet of eclectic marvels. It’s open year round, Monday through Saturday 10:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. and Sunday, Noon to 4:00 P.M.

Themed-shows challenge members to stretch their imaginations and craft marvelous entries every six weeks. Here are 2023’s upcoming shows:

June 24 through August 27 –Outside the Box;

September 2 through October 29 –The Splendor of it All;

November 4 through December 31 –Favorite Things

“In addition to a thriving year-round community Brevard has a strong

tourism industry, many second home residents, and a draw from neighboring towns, so our gallery is well-supported,” says Carol Clay, member of the group of 30. “Visitors from out-of-town or out-of-state, like to carry home a memory; a little piece of Brevard’s beauty, a celebration of their stopover or day-cation. When they get home, they have a reminder of what a wonderful place this is.”

Don’t miss the gallery walks in downtown Brevard now through September every fourth Friday. Open 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Wine and nibbles. Art galore and a chance to socialize. Get inspired with the marvelous creations our innovative local artists dream up.

Number 7 Arts of Brevard is located at 2 West Main Street in Brevard. (828) 883-2294; number7arts.org.

by Donna Rhodes

From Classical to Contemporary

Get ready to be dazzled – the Summer Colors Fine Art Show will be staged at Sapphire Valley Community Center, July 22-23.

The annual Summer Colors Fine Arts Show presented by the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers will be held this year on Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23, at the Sapphire Valley Community Center in Sapphire. Hours each day are from 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. Admission and parking are free.

Last year the Summer Colors Art Show hit record highs in visitor numbers and sales and this year should be even bigger according to John Bauknight, President of the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers. There has never been a more exciting or productive time for local artists and the demand for artwork has never been higher. As our community grows so does the need for art to fill our homes and local artists are rising to the challenge.

The show will have a range of artwork from classical mountainscapes to contemporary more abstract work.

All artists will be present, so this is a great way of not only seeing the art, but also meeting the artist and asking questions about the work you like. There is a flourishing art community here on the Plateau and this is the perfect opportunity for collectors, homeowners, and designers to see the myriad of work produced by local artists.

The ALHC artists expected to exhibit this year include talented oil painters like Sara Crook, Zach Claxton, Sue Taylor White, Peggy Marra, and Terry Warren, watercolorists like John Cannon and Pamela Haddock, acrylic and mixed media artists, like Bonnie Abbott, Margie Bauer and Colleen Kastner, as well as woodworkers like Jo Miler, sculptors, potters, glass artists, jewelers and more.

“The show is such fun and seems to be growing every year,” said Show Chair Colleen Kastner. “Last year we had record sales which is always great, and

we have more and more artists interested in joining us.” Artists interested in being a part of the show need to join the ALHC first. Application forms for the art league and the show are available on their website at www.artleagueofHighlandsCashiers.com. The deadline to apply for the show is July 1.

In addition to the exhibition, live, pop-up music performances are planned throughout the weekend along with prize drawings at noon each day and a kids’ studio for budding artists to explore their talents. The show is indoors with free admission and parking.

For more information visit the ALHC website at artleaguehighlands-cashiers. com, or email John@artleaguehighlandscashiers.com.

by Mary Jane McCall

Nurturing the Artist

The Art League is pleased to have Mary Lou Carpenter as the guest speaker at its July meeting. The venue is The Bascom Terrace on July 31. Social time begins at 4:30 P.M., followed by her talk at 5:00 P.M. The event is free to the public.

With over 30 years experience in the fields of painting and sculpture, Mary Lou Carpenter has owned and directed three Art Galleries, most recently, The Carolina Gallery of Fine Art in Highlands, which she co-owned with Leslie Jeffery. Presently, she is the Director and Curator for Ann Lea Fine Art Gallery in Cashiers. Planning, curating and hanging shows is her specialty. Finding new Artists and promoting them is her passion.

Her program is entitled, “How to prepare your Work, Yourself, and your Attitude for Representation in a Gallery.” Having taught classes and workshops around the country she has developed a true

compassion for the plight of the artists whether accomplished, students, beginners or children. Being sensitive to the needs of the artistic nature she strives to encourage, sympathize with and stimulate their creative side. Art mentoring is not just about critiques, lesson plans and overcoming creative blocks she says, but also nurturing the artist, teaching them to know themselves and to “see” their creations as part of themselves…Then comes respect.

An accomplished artist in her own right, her work has been shown and collected both nationally and internationally. The work is in major collections such as University of Kentucky, University of Alabama at Huntsville, Emory

University, Cartersville Museum and Birmingham Airport. Commissioned works include JFK Plaza, JFK Airport NY, NY, IBM Charlotte, University of Kentucky Hospital, John PortmanMariott Marquis, Atlanta to name a few. Her work can be seen locally at Ann Lea Gallery in Cashiers. For information about her workshops, classes, mentoring or to see her work call (404) 351-6511.

Visit artleagueofhighlands-cashiers.com for more information about the Art League.

by Zach Claxton, Art League of Highlands-Cashiers

AnnLeaFineArtGallery

Where Light and Shadow Embrace

Annell Metsker’s subtle fusion of color, lines and texture gives her subjects a dreamlike essence.

Annell Metsker’s magical spirit lives where light and shadow embrace.

It’s there she breathes Nature’s essence into inspiring revelations, by layering digital images with oils, cold wax, and encaustic wax in a variety of combinations on canvas and birchwood panels. Her fusion of figures, textures, colors, line, space, and rhythmic movement coupled with an intuitive approach, sets her work apart, high above the ordinary.

Annell’s favorite subjects are landscapes, Monet-esque waterlilies with arched garden bridges, family groups, children, grandkids, brides, and pets (living and passed). Sometimes her pieces are realistic. More often, they are impressionistic, expressionistic, or abstract.

She says, “I integrate encaustic wax with traditional landscape panoramas using an impressionistic approach. Since

I started in Photography (decades ago), people say my style reminds them of Monet. When I did the piece shown here, I worked from a photo I took in Monet’s garden, a scene that touched me deeply.

“With oils, cold wax, and encaustics my style has moved more toward abstract (an outgrowth of impressionism). When heating pigmented wax with a blow torch, edges soften, giving the work an impressionistic look, a tribute to my fascination with Monet and Renoir. They are at the core of my style’s inspiration.”

You can see Annell’s oil and cold wax abstracts locally at Whiteside Gallery. She also has work at The Bascom Gift Shop: landscapes and abstracts with oil and cold wax. The wax gives the paint a richer texture, more body, beautiful color and a soft sheen. Taken care of, it can last centuries.

If you’re curious about her portrait process, Annell offer this synopsis:

“I paint portraits digitally on a tablet, using photographs as a base. I work with a program that gives my work a hand brushed oil-look. I paint with a variety of computer brushes and an oil medium. I print the final image on canvas. After it cures, I paint wet oils on top of the canvas to add depth to the highlights and shadows. Finally, I put a texture over the whole painting. And then I frame it.”

While Annell enjoys photography, her commission-focus is on painting, concentrating on portraits (people and pets), landscapes, and abstracts. Visit her website at annell.com, or call (704) 996-0559.

by Donna Rhodes

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42 Years of Chamber Music

Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival’s reputation for excellence draws upon the talents of carefully chosen artists and a challenging, endlessly surprising playbill.

TheGryphonTrio

It has been described as “the music of the soul,” “the music of intimacy, of conversation, of shared experience,” and “the music that speaks to our deepest emotions.”

One of the longest running chambermusic festivals in the country, HCCMF returns for its 42nd season (July 1 through August 6) bringing chamber music to life in our galleries, theaters, and houses of worship.

For 2023, the festival buzzes even more than usual with artistic excellence, sweeping creativity, and invigorating high-spirited performances.

Eagerly anticipated are featured performances on July 17 and 18 by the American String Quartet. Celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2024 as one of the world’s most celebrated and dedicated string quartets, they have performed in all 50 states, and the most important concert halls worldwide. Formed when the original members were students

at The Juilliard School, the American String Quartet has been lauded by the New York Times for their “luxurious, beautifully sculptured performances.”

The listing below spotlights the diversity, eclecticism, and excitement of the 2023 HCCMF season.

• The Gryphon Trio, a Canadian ensemble praised for their “exquisite musicianship,” winners of the prestigious Avery Fisher prize.

• The Viano Quartet, winners of the 2022 Banff International String Quartet Competition

• The festival debut of star Timothy Miller in a passionate program titled “Eternal Love Triangle.”

• The debut of star violinist Chee-Yun, one of the most exciting violinists in the world and winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition

• “The French Connection,” a concert

from the powerhouse duo of cellist Zuill Bailey and pianist Michael Gurt

• “The Three Graces”: A program featuring three of the world’s most celebrated female musicians.

• “Bach in a Sacred Space,” Robyn Bollinger, Concertmaster of the Detroit Symphony performs Bach, Ysaye and Paganini in the small Chapel of the Episcopal Church in Highlands

• “Bach & Bluegrass” with multiGrammy award-winning instrumentalist Mark O’Connor.

Also offered are Festival Feasts in private homes, Salons (short performances by festival artists); “Music & Wine from Around the World”; an Interlude Concert, “Martinis & Mozart” and featured events for children.

Details on these events, and other highlights and tickets can be discovered at h-cmusicfestival.org or by calling (828) 526-9060.

For Music Education

The 2023 Bel Canto, set for Sunday, September 10, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, continues an extraordinary tradition that’s enraptured audiences for 31 years.

The 31st annual Bel Canto Recital will be held in Highlands on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 4:00 PM at the Performing Arts Center. This yearly recital series is an affiliate of The Bascom, and proceeds go to supplement music education at two preschool programs, music education at our public schools, a college scholarship in the performing arts, and to the acquisition of art for special art exhibitions and for the Bascom’s permanent collection.

In total, Bel Canto has contributed over $750,000 to these worthy programs.

This year’s performers are soprano Greer Lyle, who is a Carrollton, Georgia, native. She is a graduate of Georgia State University School of Music and the Yale Opera Program within the Yale School of Music. Ms. Lyle made her professional debut in 2018 with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. In spring of 2021, she competed at the semifinalist level for the first-ever livestreamed Metropolitan opera National Council Auditions.

Lucy Baker will be the mezzo-soprano. Lucy has sung with the DePaul Opera Theatre, the Chautauqua Institution, and with the Chautauqua Opera Company. She is currently singing with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. American tenor Sahel Salam is known for his “warm, plangent voice” and “gleaming tone.”

As a 2023 National Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and winner of the Mario Lanza Competition, he has performed at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera, the San Francisco Opera, The Music Academy of the West, and the Cincinnati Opera. Baritone Phillip Addis will round out the quartet. He has established himself as one of Canada’s leading performers of opera, concert, and recital repertoire. He has extensive international concert experience, and he has given recitals worldwide with pianist Emily Hamper.

For information about this recital series, please call The Bascom at (828) 787-2885.

by Michael Crowe

Two Days of Art & Craft

Highlands Mountaintop Rotary Art and Craft

Show, set for August 2627 at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, promises the creations of over 80 talented regional artists – fine art & prints, folk art, various crafts, and rustic furniture.

Mountaintop Rotary’s Art and Craft Show will hold their second show of the season on August 26 and 27 at the Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park on Pine Street in Highlands from 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. This two-day arts and crafts festival showcases talented artists and craftsmen while celebrating our culture and heritage.

The entire family will enjoy this festival, which features artisans from across the Southeast as well as talented locals who always look forward to visiting with the hometown crowd. You’ll even have an opportunity to visit with our own Mayor, Patrick Taylor, and take home a piece of his exceptional pottery, whether you’re looking for something functional or fun and whimsical.

Mayor Pat says, “I always look forward to being a participant in the Arts and Crafts show, a premier event that features area artists and craftspeople.”

Nitrograss will be back by popular demand bringing the streets alive with the toe-tapping, good-time sounds of bluegrass music. These bluegrass superheroes feature two-time national champion banjo player, Charles Wood, whose blistering banjo lays the foundation of this group’s sound. Band members Micah Hanks on guitar and vocals, Colby Laney on bass and vocals, and Matt Flake on the fiddle, mandolin, and vocals complete the band’s lively sound.

Particularly fun for children is the Teddy Bear Clinic hosted by the HighlandsCashiers Hospital/Eckerd Living Center. Children can adopt a teddy bear or bring their own well-loved bear that may have a boo-boo or two. Volunteers from the hospital will be on hand with needed medical supplies to heal the bears. Cal Isaacs, Human Resources Manager of the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, says it’s an opportunity for the hospital to give back to the community that supports them so

wholeheartedly. Who knows he said, “It might spark an interest in health care in a child and ignite the flame for a future doctor or nurse”. It also helps children see caregivers in a fun casual setting so that their next trip to the doctor or the hospital isn’t so scary.

The event is free, but donations are accepted and encouraged as it is Mountaintop Rotary’s largest fundraiser and allows the club to achieve its goals of helping families and children in need, both locally and internationally. There will also be a Silent Auction with generous donations from the artisans in attendance as well as from our community.

For more information on the show visit highlandsartshow.com or visit their Facebook page at Highlands Mountaintop Art & Craft show for the latest updates.

by Mary Jane McCall

Passionate About Color

The irresistible art and elegantly crafted pieces on display at Jenny Mixon’s Objet d’Art (look for the blue doors at 96 Highway 107 in Cashiers, right next to Vivace’s neon pink) are knowing reflections of Jenny’s imagination and informed aesthetics.

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Many of you may have known Jenny Mixon as a trompe l’oeil genius, painting six impossible things on your walls before breakfast. But, wow! Look at her now. She’s traded her painter’s scaffolding for a magnificent gallery, Objet d’Art, an impossibly wonderful thing in its own right. At its core is a heart that pumps opulent color: vermillion, turquoise, raspberry, saffron, shocking pink, ultramarine, crimson, and chroma in every imaginable pigment and hue. You’ll want to dive into the gallery’s boldness and lavish yourself in your favorite tints and shades, from ceiling to floor, in and out the amazing blue doors. And speaking of blue, on display is an original George Rodrigue Blue Dog. A lot of Wow in that bow-wow. In contrast to bold-color edginess is a quiet counterpoint – thoughtful ,one-ofa-kind objet d’art. These are fabulous finds from collections, from treks to

bazaars and secret places where originals are scooped up just for the Objet D’Art – and you.

“The space is filled with everything, including housewares that are clever and fresh. I am always searching for new additions, because I want to keep it crisp,” says Jenny. “A lot of people say ‘I’ve never seen that before or this before.’ When you’re original and a little bit sassy, people are drawn to your art’s energy.”

Jenny is passionate about color and artists who work in color. She says, “I opened Objet d’Art April 1 this year. In addition to artwork, I chose light home furnishings and beautiful rugs. Nothing big. People come in, and it’s welcoming, a happy place, happy music, happy people. It is filled with bold accents. Neon accents. I am fortunate to be the regional dealer for Estelle Glasswear. Estelle’s rich color is a perfect complement to gallery paintings and artwork. And the wine glasses make wonderful hostess or wedding gifts.”

For a Florida flair, Jenny has bold florals from Naples, and for those who love standing in a cold mountain stream stalking a trophy trout, she has fly fishing paintings created by local painters. There is something for everyone at Objet d’Art. The fabulous thing about visiting and purchasing works of art and craft is that no one else in the locale will have anything just like yours.

Objet D’Art is open 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday. Visit objedartcashiers on Instagram; or Objet-dart.com. You can also phone (828) 743-8336, but this is a gallery that demands a careful browse.

Don’t miss the Book-signing: Mastering the Art of Entertaining by Joseph Marini in July. Full details can be found on Jenny’s website.

by Donna Rhodes

photo by Mary Gillan

Good Plays, Well Done

Highlands Cashiers Players goes to the dogs with its next show and returns to Parallel Lives in the Fall.

MichaelLanzilotta,RickySiegel,andRonLeslie

Highlands Cashiers Players announces two great comedies to complete our 2023 season.

In August we have Sylvia, directed by Foy Tootle. Tootle is a long-time professional director, and we are excited that this marks his debut in Highlands.

In November we have Parallel Lives, directed by PAC Executive Director Mary Adair Trumbly. Trumbly first directed this show over 14 years ago in Highlands, where it played to great reviews and capacity audiences. She is optimistic that many of the original cast members will be available to reprise their roles. Both productions should prove very attractive to Highlands audiences; Sylvia is a sensitive comedy starring a rather unusual dog, and Parallel Lives is an excellent commentary on

societal roles with a more adult theme.

HCP has had considerable difficulties during the Covid era and is currently being guided by an Executive Board comprised of Ron Leslie, Ricky Siegel, and Michael Lanzilotta. All three are long-time veterans of the Highlands

Tootle is a long-time professional director, and we are excited that this marks his debut in Highlands.

theater and performing arts scene and are appreciative of this opportunity to support live, local theater in our community. They anticipate having a new board of directors and officers in place on July 1st.

Their recent production, Nightwatch, directed by Michael Lanzilotta,

received excellent reviews, but unfortunately had to close after one week because of a Covid outbreak among four cast members. Due to the excellent response by show attendees, Lanzilotta has decided to restage Nightwatch during the 2024 season. It is a compelling mystery and should be another hit for HCP.

The remainder of the 2024 calendar season should be announced by August. Stay tuned, we are confident we’ll achieve the original mission of Highlands Cashiers Players, “Good plays, well done.”

by Ron Leslie

photo by Susan Renfro

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My Family welcomes you and yours to High Country Wine + Provisions - the new mountain home of Davis Family Vineyards! I planted our organic Sonoma County Vineyards in 1995. My travels promoting our award-winning wines fatefully led me to Highlands - these mountains and the people here immediately captured my heart! High Country has been many years in the making, and I invite you to experience our dream. Gather with friends and celebrate life - I’ll be sharing all the special hand-crafted wines we grow and create, along with wines from around the globe, from other small families I admire and that inspire me. Fun, curated experiences to enjoy the things you love from our family and discover some new favorites too! 30+ wines available every day, by

the taste, the glass and the bottle - nibble on artisan cheese, charcuterie and other treats paired with all the wines. Soak in the Summer on our outside patio, or upstairs in the air conditioned lounge - whatever your occasion - or for no occasion at all!

We’ll be well stocked with whatever you need to enjoy the day, or entertain your guests at home … unique treasures for your kitchen, too - from cutting boards to artisan cast iron, come see all the treats and join in the fun!!

Wine Tasting - Yes! … Wine Enjoying - Absolutely!

We can’t wait to see you soon!

Guy Davis

Guy Davis

DINING

Pages 156-177

Carefully Crafted Pie

Highlands Pizza Place’s new owners understand the verities that made the place such a beloved Main Street Institution. It’s located at 365 Main Street. For orders, stop in, call (828) 305-7700 or visit highlandspizzaplace.com.

Iwas fired up to receive this assignment to review Highlands Pizza Place, not only because I’m a sucker for carefully crafted pie, but because the place itself has meant so much to me over the decades.

In the 90s, when my young family would come in on a precious night out (how precious? Between my wife and I, we were working a total of seven jobs – I at The Highlander Newspaper/ Crossroads Chronicle, and evenings at the world-famous Chandler Inn or Old Edwards Inn; she at Highlands School, piano lessons, and weekend front desk duty and bread baking at Colonial Pines Bed & Breakfast; both of us at our perpetually wobbly Fireside Books, etc.), we’d unwind and take in the comedic exchanges between co-owner (with his

wife Sharon) Jerry Taylor and Highlands Mayor John Cleaveland.

(I can’t print most of those back-andforths, but they were jaw-droppingly hilarious for anyone to overhear. Ask me about them when we cross paths outside of these pages.)

It’s where my Dad and I laughed and shared a Hawaiian pizza and watched the Boston Celtics take the NBA Championship in 2008, both of us unaware that Alzheimer’s was already beginning to shadow his thoughts.

And it’s where I treated the kids on my son Alex’s T-ball team (The John Cleaveland Reality(sic) All-Stars at the conclusion of their astonishing 14-0 First-Place season (even more astonishing, the other teams in the league also

took First Place honors).

Owner/Oven Master Nick McCall once gave me extra pepperoni on my takeout because I helped round-up his dogs Elwood and Jake when they escaped.

So you see, I was curious whether the new owners would maintain that warm, neighborhood pizza place-atmosphere that had made Highlands Pizza Place into a beloved Community Institution. And, of course, whether they’d be able to maintain its reputation for quick food produced with care and a healthy dose of pride.

Let’s start with the food – yes, yes, yes, they get pizza and the attendant dishes and sides that keep a local pizzeria hopping.

For me, there’s the Buffalo Chicken Pizza, a new favorite and one more thing to make you proud to be an American. I’ve somehow never considered the palate-pleasing possibilities afforded by placing a sports bar favorite upon what’s become a globe-spanning staple. This simple concoction is ready for its moment on the international menu. Sublime and supreme.

Tricia went for a Meatball Sub – simple and yet surprisingly easy to get wrong. Homemade Tender meatballs are simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, placed in a roll, and topped with cheese. The sandwiches are broiled until golden, and the cheese is bubbly –making for a perfect bite, meaty, saucy, and cheesy, punctuated by that toasted submarine roll.

And since this was a takeout order, I went ahead and got a Hawaiian Pizza, in honor of my Dad and that giddy evening

from long ago. Yeah, these new owners get it right, and I reveled in a warm nostalgic glow that carried me back to that Golden Evening of laughter and cheers and raucous good times.

And about Highlands Pizza Place maintaining that fun atmosphere that’s kept it a cherished Main Street institution since the 1980s?

Still there! I laughed with the patient counterman/oven runner about how I managed to screw up my online order – in my defense, at the time, my 5-year-old tech advisor grandson Griffin was busy watching Puppy Pals at his home in Maryland. It was silly and could have been mildly embarrassing, but to his credit he never once referred to me as a “Blooming Idiot” and I left feeling buoyed by this connection.

And on my way out the door, I ran into King Young and his daughter Claire. I hadn’t seen either one since the start

of the Pandemic, and it was heaps of fun, just seeing their smiling faces and swapping stories.

In fact, after our meal I went back and talked to Pam Canary, who owns Highlands Pizza Place with her husband Dan.

“When Dan and I were thinking about buying the place, we knew how important it was to the community to maintain that local, family-run atmosphere,” she said. “When you come in, it’s me or our sons Garrett and Tommy, and our near-son Dane in the kitchen or manning the front. We’ll be slowly changing the décor or adding new things to the menu, but it’s the same local pizza place that Highlanders know and love.”

There it is, Highlands Pizza Place, unchanged, in the best ways, over the last 45 years.

by Luke Osteen

photos by Susan Renfro

An Interesting Path To Stardom

Vivian Howard’s Under the Stars, On the Rocks appearance on Tuesday, July 11, at Skyline Lodge is a full-on culinary dazzlement.

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At Highlands’ Skyline Lodge, the guest chef dinner series Under the Stars, On the Rocks offers a singular chance to get up close and personal with a celebrated chef. And in that stratified universe there are few more celebrated than Vivian Howard. Fans of Howard, have a chance to meet her, and sample the food that has garnered legions of admirers by reserving a spot at her upcoming dinner on Tuesday, July 11.

Vivian Howard describes herself as “just a storyteller, a storyteller who cooks.”

Of course, we all know that she is much more than that. Besides having published two cookbooks, she is the owner of four restaurants in the Carolinas, host of the erstwhile Emmy award-winning PBS show, A Chefs Life, and has been awarded numerous James Beard Awards.

She’s had an interesting path to stardom. From the very beginning, all she could dream of was getting out of Deep Run,

the small town near Kinston, North Carolina, where she grew up. After boarding school, she attended North Carolina State where she dreamed of becoming a journalist. She moved to New York City and went to work for an advertising agency, but after flaming out there she got a job waitressing at Voyage, a globally inspired Southern-style restaurant in the West Village. It was there that she fell in love with and eventually married a co-worker and artist,

She and her husband were cooking and selling soup out of their NY apartment when her brother-in-law asked the couple to come home and open a restaurant. They did and lived rent free in the small house on the river that her father called his Nap Shack. The pair opened the Chef & Farmer at a time when the community was still suffering the ravages of Hurricane Floyd, at first serving fancy city-food. It wasn’t long before Howard decided to embrace the local foods she had grown up eating. Encouraged by the

popularity of those regional dishes, she persuaded the documentary filmmaker Cynthia Hill to produce a TV show. The rest, as they say, is history.

The outdoor Pavilion, at Skyline Lodge is the ideal setting for Howard’s dinner. Tickets are $175 each and include a signature welcome cocktail and dinner with beverage pairings. Additional a la carte drinks are available for purchase. Limited availability and advanced reservations required – visit oaksteakhouserestaurant.com/event/ under-the-stars-on-the-rocks-july Also on Skyline Lodge’s agenda is their second annual Fourth of J’Luau event on Monday, July 3, starting at 6:00 P.M. Located in the pavilion, this festive occasion features a Hawaiian-themed barbecue feast featuring Kalua Pork, Huli Huli Chicken, accompanied by authentic luau sides, appetizers, signature tiki drinks, and tropical beers. Tickets are $85 per person.

More to Summertime

A toast to this rich season of Good Times.

Its officially summertime. Time to let imagination run riot, drinkwise. Because there’s more to summertime than tepid wine in a plastic cup. And nothing embodies the relaxed and easygoing spirit of the season quite like a wine based cocktail or cooler. After all, what could possibly be cooler in summer than this?

The quickest route to relief from the heat is a tall, cold one. So here, recipes for what’s easy, thirst-quenching, and pleasant to drink for those sultry nights ahead.

Start with a Kir, the classic cocktail from the Burgundy region of France. Served chilled and made from only two ingredients – crisp, dry white wine (aligoté is traditional) and crème de cassis (a black currant liqueur) you can mix it directly in the glass. When the proportions are right - 1/2 oz of Crème de Cassis to 5 or 6 oz of wine – a kir is refreshingly tart and lightly sweet. Once you have

the classic down, variations abound. Substitute sparkling wine for the white wine and it becomes a kir royale or make it with red wine and it’s a Bourgogne. Low in alcohol, it is an open invitation to go the length of the long sunset and drink on repeat.

Wine coolers – a combination of still wine and fruit – are another opportunity to experiment. A longtime favorite is a watermelon cooler, a concoction created by legendary New York bar expert, Dale DeGroff. To make, pour 3 oz of Sauvignon Blanc, 2 oz of Watermelon juice, ½ oz elderflower liqueur and 1 teaspoon of simply syrup over ice: garnish with a cucumber ribbon and a lime wheel.

Then there’s the Aperol spritzer, which of late seems to have become the official drink of summer. The classic is made with the red-orange aperitif and prosecco or champagne, with a splash of club soda. Light and fresh, and low in alcohol

you can drink it all night long – and certainly all summer long.

The oldest, most summery, and most-outdoorsy drink of all is Sangria. Inexpensive, easy to drink, and perfectly harmless, you can as Kingsley Amis said, “drink a lot of it without falling down.” Here’s how to make a good one: Combine a bottle of inexpensive Bordeaux, or an equivalent California red, with a cup of brandy, a pint of club soda, the strained juice of three oranges and a couple of lemons, two slices of fresh pineapple cut up, two sliced peaches and a pint of sliced fresh strawberries. Add half a cup of sugar. Be sure to select a wine you want to drink on its own and resist the impulse to use a flawed or turned bottle. It can only lead to lackluster drinks and quick-toarrive hangovers.

by Marlene Osteen

It’s Quite the Showstopper

Loaded with vegetable goodness, Bianca Mitchell’s Celebration Quiche is, well, a celebration (and a brunch showstopper).

Let’s get right to it. Real people eat quiche.

When I sat down to write this, I wasn’t quite sure where we stood on the subject of quiche these days as a society. I recalled that back in the 80s, the word “quiche” was tossed around as a kind of cultural slang, a metaphor for feminine. But then I learned that King Charles had chosen quiche for his coronation lunch and thought perhaps it’s time to reconsider. All of which explains my excitement upon receiving Bianca Mitchell’s recipe for “Celebration Quiche” in my inbox.

Following years at the Lake Toxaway Company, Mitchell was appointed Director of Marketing at the Bascom in May of 2022. During the pandemic she and her husband, Brian Renfro, moved to Highlands where he had lived previously. Because they love to cook and grow their own food, they planted a sizeable vegetable garden, from which they frequently source the ingredients for this quiche.

She said she developed the recipe because, “Growing up, brunch was a big deal in my house, and when I became an adult, I wanted to find a way to contribute. So, through trial and error I

came up with this recipe. Tall and puffy, it’s quite the showstopper when it comes out of the oven.”

And though Mitchell has yet to serve the dish at a coronation, she told me that it has crowned the table at every important celebration in her life.”

Decadent, yet deceptively easy, quiches like this one are brunch staples for a reason. Packed with vegetables, it comes together quickly and is remarkably accommodating. The recipe will work with most any vegetable you have on hand, particularly greens like kale, chard and spinach, or you can eliminate

BiancaMitchell

vegetables all together, and substitute ¼ pound thick-cut bacon, sliced into ¼-inch lardons and then browned.

Bianca’s Celebration Quiche:

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup of vegetables (You can choose whatever suits your fancy, I enjoy caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, and sundried tomatoes)

1 Sheet frozen puff pastry thawed.

6 large eggs (at room temperature)

2 (10-ounce containers of (crème fraîche) you may also substitute sour cream.

½ teaspoon salt

⅛ teaspoon nutmeg

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.

2. Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet until its browned. Add the onion, and sauté, stirring often, for what will seem like an eternity, until the onions are caramelized, fully melted and dark brown, approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Add mushrooms (and other vegetables of your choice) and cook, stirring occasionally, until they have released their liquid and are browned.

3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry. Place pastry in a lightly oiled quiche pan or dish and roll a rolling pin over top to trim pastry flush with the rim.

4. In a large bowl, whisk to combine eggs, crème fraîche, salt, pepper and nutmeg.

5. Scrape mixture into the pastry shell, smoothing the top. Scatter the veggies over the surface and then top with the shredded cheese.

6. Bake until custard is puffed and golden and just set in the center, 45 to 60 minutes. Serve quiche warm or at room temperature, sliced into wedges.

1 cup coarsely grated Gruyere cheese (8 ounces)

by Marlene Osteen photos by Mary Gillan

The Kitchen of Our Dreams

The Kitchen Carryaway transformed a mid-winter catastrophe into a range of new options. You can see their menu online at thekitchenofhighlands.com. They are located at 350 South Fifth Street in the lower level of the Peggy Crosby Center.

SuzanneYoungand DoriMoschouris

Life often throws us unexpected curve balls as Suzanne Young of The Kitchen Carryaway discovered last December, but in those moments of uncertainty, some of life’s greatest gifts just as often appear, reaffirming our faith that all is as it should be.

Last Christmas Eve as Suzanne was preparing to close a customer rushed in needing a last-minute meal. A member of the customer’s family was ill and Suzanne sensed that having this meal would ease their burden so she happily agreed to stay late and prepare one for them.

That act of kindness turned out to be a blessing for Suzanne and the family of businesses that call the Peggy Crosby Center home because as she was preparing to close later than expected she heard a loud pop and within minutes water was pouring through her ceiling and throughout the entire Peggy Crosby

Center. A water line had burst during the extreme cold and had Suzanne not been there the leak would not have been discovered so quickly.

The building suffered extensive damage and Suzanne was facing a prolonged closure while repairs were made. She is forever thankful for the outpouring of support from the community during this time.

The silver lining is that during the repairs and restoration Suzanne and her kitchen chef, Dori Moschouris, were able to design the kitchen of their dreams and expand their capabilities, ensuring that their customers will have more menu options available this season.

The Kitchen Carryaway offers delicious menu options in several ways. Choose from traditional catering and let them cook, serve and clean up while you enjoy your dinner party or larger event. You can also stop by and select from their freezer stocked with soups and

casseroles, or their refrigerated daily selections of entrees and sides.

Whatever you do, don’t miss their famous Chicken Tetrazzini, a dish so beloved it will soon be immortalized with its own “follow me to chicken tetrazzini” sticker.

There’s also a grab-and-go selection of dips, salads, pickles and charcuterie ingredients; and, a selection of goods for the home cook including spices, marinades, jellies, seasonings, nuts, crackers, olives and more. New this year, their picnic-related items including lined blankets and a backpack cooler, perfect for carrying your picnic to your favorite scenic spot.

by Mary Jane McCall

photo by Susan Renfro

A Southern Sunday Supper

Sunday, August 27.

The culinary team at Old Edwards have long been known for elevating what otherwise might be a mundane happening into the classy and rarefied. In this case it is a Sunday Supper. More specifically, it’s the Second Annual Sunday Supper, which takes place at The Farm at Old Edwards on Sunday, August 27.

Alternatively, one could think of the festivities as an “Alabama Takeover” as it’s being cooked up by two maverick chefs from that state: David Bancroft of Acre Restaurant in Auburn, and Rob McDaniel of Helen Restaurant in Birmingham. It’s a megawatt collaboration that promises an extraordinary fete. Has anyone ever been as happy as when sitting down to a perfect Sunday supper on a perfect summer night?

Renaissance Chef (as Garden & Gun titled him), David Bancroft has made a name for himself in the culinary world as

a four-time semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef: South” award, and winner of Food Network’s “Iron Chef Showdown” competition in 2017. He is also a forager, fisherman, hunter, gardener, and farmer. Born in Alabama and raised in Texas, Bancroft was heavily influenced by his grandparents cooking and farming practices. Inspired by his grandfather who farmed cattle, catfish, cotton, and peanuts and taught him how to smoke brisket and barbecue, he parlayed his love of food and farming into a passion for cooking. He opened his fine-dining focused restaurant, Acre in 2013 and Bow & Arrow in 2018 – which he describes as, “Texas smokehouse meets Alabama potluck,” and fittingly likes to think of as a “big, constant Sunday Supper.”

Five-time James Beard Foundation Best Chef South semifinalist, Rob McDaniel, can close his eyes and recall vividly his

When Alabama bravado comes to the mountains, it’s bound to be culinary magic – The Second Annual Sunday Supper is set for The Farm at Old Edwards

grandmother cooking on the indoor grill that was built into the wall in their home in Oneonta, Alabama. It was the food memory that gave rise to the neo steakhouse, Helen, that he and his wife opened in Birmingham in 2021 – and was immediately named to Esquire Magazine’s 2021 “Best New Restaurants in America” list. Grandma Helen’s skill with the grill lives on in McDaniel’s menu - in dishes like a dry aged Kansas City Strip with beef and herb-infused duck fat, and marvelously marbled short ribs. Gulf fare – dishes of pompano and red snapper - are featured alongside seasonally driven sides and vegetables giving credence to Southern Living’s description of the food as a, “love letter to the South.”

This year, Old Edwards is bringing in a live band and uncorking some terrific wine to accompany the menu. In all, it’s most certain to be a fun old-fashioned mountain party, or Sunday Supper. Sunday Supper is sold out.

by Marlene Osteen

Highlight of Summer

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 15.

On July 15, the Friends of Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park will once again sponsor the annual Low Country Shrimp Boil, when anyone interested in feasting on shrimp is welcome.

There’s a good reason the event is considered one of the highlights of the Highlands summer. For those who appreciate the unique combination of culinary tradition, the comradery of friends and communing with nature, there can be no more enjoyable way to spend an evening.

And then there’s the food. The Low Country Boil is a highly seasoned stew made up of sausage, shrimp, and potatoes. It is a delicious, one-pot feast of summer’s best offering. And no one makes it better than Highlands’ chef Marty Rosenfield, who has been preparing the dish since the event’s launch six years ago. And, as the legions of fans who attend every year will tell you, it is spectacularly delicious.

Also, on the agenda is classic 80’s tribute music performed by the Ashevillebased band LazrLuvr. Included in the $80 per person admission are grilled vegetables, dessert, tea and two tickets for beer and wine.

All the festivities are in support of fundraising for the park – the only one of the year. Fifteen years in the making and now the showpiece of downtown Highlands, Founders Park opened in 2016. It was thanks to the persistence of a local committee and planning and fundraising by more than 300 volunteers that the land was transformed into what is now an urban oasis. As Bill Edwards. Event Coordinator, explained; “The funds raised are used to finance park projects, and all proceeds are used for beautification of the park and every net dollar is used for that purpose.” Among the past and future projects are tree trimming, flora enhancement, installation of the chimney and plaques and new tables. The town of Highlands which owns the park is

responsible for maintenance and Friends of Founders takes care of everything else. The event is tented and held rain or shine. “Doors” open at 5:00 and dinner is served at 6:00PM. Tickets, which are limited to 325, are available at The Dry Sink on Main Street, and the Founders Park website: foundersparkhighlands. org. Prospective attendees are advised to purchase tickets in advance because as Edwards said, “support for the event is beyond expectations, and due to its purpose, quality, and value we sell out every year.”

by Marlene Osteen

Paoletti’s Celebrates 70!

Paoletti’s has endured through the decades, thanks to a commitment to fine dining and warm, deeply indulgent service. That commitment has created a Main Street landmark and a national dining destination.

Few restaurants last 10 years, let alone 70. With its original proprietors having first set up shop in 1953, Paoletti’s has seen it all – from the War in Vietnam to Covid lockdowns, through blizzards and recessions. It is proudly the most resilient of businesses on the Plateau. And its history is the history of the Paoletti family.

Their story began in 1930 when Arturo and Rita Paoletti arrived in Ellis Island from Trisungo, their beloved town in the Marche region of Italy, with their children Maria and Luigi. In 1951, having spent more than 2 decades in pursuit of “the American Dream’, they moved to Miami. Not much later Rita decided that their new home was the ideal location for an Italian restaurant.

When the “mom and pop” restaurant Rita Paoletti opened in 1953, it was

likely every American’s ideal of an Italian restaurant. Guests dined on Italian comfort food – lasagna, meatballs in red sauce, linguini with clams – delivered by white-coated waiters to diners seated at tables draped with red and white checked clothes and lit by candles held fast in straw chianti bottles. Times were good, business was still better and in 1960, after 7 years Rita moved her operation to Coral Gables. The restaurant they opened in a converted furniture factory breathed romanticism and fantasy – everyone was greeted at the door by Maria Paoletti, while violinists serenaded guests seated around a large fountain while they feasted on lobster Paoletti, veal parmigiana and homemade gnocchi. It was there that the Paoletti family solidified their reputation. Years passed. In 1976, the stewardship

of the restaurant was passed to Luigi Paoletti and his wife Regina. Eager to be closer to their six children, they decided to move the business to Delray Beach.

Arthur Paoletti, born the year Paoletti’s opened in Coral Gables, recalls that, “Summers were really slow in Delray Beach, and that eventually brought us to Highlands. It was my mother’s vision to open a restaurant there.” In 1984, Paoletti’s Restaurant opened in Highlands on Main Street. As Arthur Paoletti recalled, “For the first twelve years we went back and forth between Highlands and Delray every 5 months. It would take us a month to get repositioned and reopened. We were gypsies every 5 months. My brother Kevin cooked, and my other brother John and I worked the floor.”

The first 5 years in Highlands were a

LefttoRight:ZacVidic,GinaPaolettiAmetrano, ArthurPaoletti,GinaC.Paoletti,andJulioBonilla

struggle. The building they leased (and now own) had formerly been a cheese shop, and the remnants of that business lingered – deli boxes occupied the front of building, a pizza oven served as the only cooking equipment, and there was no walk-in cooler. “Slowly and surely, we created a restaurant. But it took a while to get everything we needed to make it happen,”

What was original to the building and what the family retained were the wine racks down the center of the building. Arthur, who had developed a passion for wine in his late teens began filling the shelves, building a wine program. Today the restaurant boasts two wine cellars and a wine list of nearly 1000 selections that is the recipient of the coveted Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence.” The wine program is now managed by Kyle Tarczynski, an Advanced Sommelier, who intends on sitting for the Master Sommelier Exam next year. John Paoletti returned to Florida in

the early 90’s and matriarch, Regina Paoletti, remained active until 2010 when her sons, Kevin and Arthur took over operations. Long-time employees –Julio Bonilla, Vijay Shastri, and Danny Magliocca - continue to be a vital part of the restaurant, collectively they’ve worked for the restaurant for nearly 67 years.

Paoletti’s has grown and flourished along with the community. A growth that Arthur Paoletti says is largely attributable to changes brought on by the Old Edwards Inn. And the restaurant continues to evolve. Not long ago the décor was updated, and Arthur returned from a recent trip to Italy invigorated with new menu ideas.

Paoletti’s remains a family business. Arthur’s daughter, Gina C. Paoletti, who had formerly worked in business and finance in Miami and New York came aboard last year as Director of Operations. As Arthur said, “She has brought a 21st century mind set to our

operations.” Gina Paoletti Ametrano, affectionately known as Mama G, greets guests in her capacity as “Maître de Maison.” Arthur Paoletti is still heavily involved in day to day operations, assisted by his daughter’s partner, Zac Vidic who is General Manager and Director of Human Resources.

Perhaps Gina Paoletti described her family and the restaurant best when she said that “What is significant is that while things have changed, a lot has stayed the same. Part of our success is that we have always been a family-run business. We are that quintessential Italian American family. From joyous times to trying times, the food we share is at the heart of our traditions. We come together around food and wine, and that’s what we bring to the restaurant. We want our guests to feel like their coming to our home because in a sense the restaurant is our home.”

by Marlene Osteen

The Original Paoletti’s 1953

Paoletti’s Delray Beach 1976

Paoletti’s Highlands, NC 1984

Ristorante Paoletti Highlands. NC 1992

Maria Paoletti, National Restaurant Show 1981

LefttoRight:VijayShastri,KyleTarczynski,andArthurPaoletti

Plateau Dining Guide

The Restaurants of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS

Asia House - (828) 787-1680

Black Bear Cafe - (828) 482-7020

The Blue Bike Cafe - (828) 526-9922

Bryson’s Deli - (828) 526-3775

The Cake Bar - (828) 421-2042

Dusty’s - (828) 526-2762

El Azteca - (828) 526-2244

Highlands Burritos - (828) 526-9313

Highlands Deli SweeTreats - (828) 526-9632

Highlands Tavern - (828) 526-9002

Madison’s Restaurant - (828) 787-2525

Midpoint (828) 526-2277

Mountain Fresh - (828) 526-2400

The Ruffed Grouse - (828) 526-2590

The Secret Garden - (828) 305-7509

Spinx Highlands - (828) 526-4191

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

Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160

Cornucopia Restaurant - (828) 743-3750

El Manzanillo - (828) 743-5522

The Fix Bar & Lounge - (828) 743-7477

Jim’s Place at Sapphire Country Store - (828) 966-4011

JJ’s Canteen and Eatery - (828) 743-7778

The Library Kitchen and Bar - (828) 743-5512

Mica’s Restaurant - (828) 743-5740

Mountain Cafe - (828) 577-0469

Panthertown Cafe - (828) 862-3663

Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company - (828) 743-0220

Slab Town Pizza - (828) 743-0020

Slopeside Tavern - (828) 743-8655

Subway - (828) 743-1300

Town and Country General Store (828) 547-1300

Ugly Dog - (828) 743-3000

Villa Amato (828) 885-7700

Wendy’s - (828) 743-7777

Whiteside Brewing Company - (828) 743-6000

Winslow’s

(828) 743-2226

Plateau Lodging

Accommodations on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

BREVARD, NC:

Meraki Escape - (828) 463-7440

CASHIERS, NC:

High Hampton Resort - (800) 648-4252

Hotel Cashiers - (828) 743-7706

The Lakehouse - (904) 753-0247

Landmark Vacation Rentals- (877) 926-1780

Mountain Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-0258

The Orchard Guest Cottage - (828) 743-7614

Pebble Creek Village - (828) 743-0623

Silver Creek Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-1999

The Wells HotelA Cashiers Experience - (828) 761-6289

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

Rentals - (828) 526-1717

Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-3717

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

Lotts of Sky - (404) 395-4000

Lullwater House - (423) 488-2799

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

Silver Creek Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-2999

The Wells Hotel - (828) 482-7736

Whiteside Cove Cottages - (828) 526-2222

SAPPHIRE, NC

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 37 High Holly - (828) 505-6190

LAKE TOXAWAY, NC

Cabins at Seven Foxes - (828) 877-6333

Earthshine Lodge - (828) 862-4207

Greystone Inn - (828) 966-4700

Lake Toxaway Realty Company - (828) 508-9141

SHOPPING

Pages 184-197

photo by Susan Renfro

CELEBRATE BIODIVERSITY

The southern Appalachian Mountains are one of the most biologically diverse regions in the temperate world. Our diverse groups includes trees, mosses, millipedes, spiders, moths, beetles, fungi - and of course - salamanders.

Embroidered Salamander Cap | $ 32

Highlands Nature Center | Highlands

HIGH OCTANE HIGH ART

Artist William Colt brings the thrill of open roads into your home. 10 classic sports cars paintings available, or have you car commissioned.

Ferrari Town by William Colt | $ 900 Art Highlands Gallery | Highlands

Plateau Picks A few of our favorite things

COMFORT AND STYLE

Live your most comfortable life - and look fabulous - in this perfectly paired combo. The oversized, colorful blouse fits effortlessly with the tie-wasted palazzo pants - for a look that blends comfort with style.

Blouse $ 40 | Pants $ 67

Fern of Highlands | Highlands

This versatile antique is a wonderful example of the French Regency era, with scrolled feet and carved drawers with rococo style handles - all a beautiful, warm color.

French Regence Style Fruitwood Commode | $ 4850 Edgewood Antiques | Cashiers

ECO-FRIENDLY STATEMENT

Touting the 4 Rs: Recovered, Reclaimed, Repurposed, and Reforested - this rustic piece is crafted with sunbleached Fresno Burled wood and European oak.

4-Door Buffet Sideboard | $ 4,999

Atelier Maison & Co | Cashiers

PERFECT POCHOIR

These original, hand-colored Art Deco Pochoir prints by Jean Bukhalter, Circe 1930, are in very good condition with excellent color.

Jean Burkhalter Hand-Colored Print | $ 595ea Josephine’s Emporium | Cashiers

STACK ‘EM UP STYLE

Wear these duo-colored necklaces separate - or pair them up - for the ultimate in fun with style.

Flower Pendant $ 245 | Chain $155

Pearl Chain $ 999 | Pendant $ 2,310

Elephant Pendant $ 650 | Chain $145

Long Chain $1,025

Wish & Shoes | Highlands

HUMMINGBIRD CLASSIC

Keep hummingbirds well-fed and visiting your garden with this timeless bright red feeder. A built-in ant cup in the center protects the nectar from ants, while the raised flowers offer bee resistance.

HummZinger Feeder | $ 32 99

The Bird Barn | Cashiers

Three Vibrant Artists

The trunk shows at Acorns, 212 South Fourth Street in Highlands, are exclusive exhibits of regional artisans and makers.

MichaelHofman

The creative curators at Acorns, Old Edwards home décor and furnishing store, have a flair for discovering regional artisans and makers, while cultivating their careers through a series of trunk shows. This month they spotlight three vibrant, contemporary artists with comprehensive exhibits of their works.

Theresa Forman Art Trunk Show: July 8. For Theresa Forman a passion for art, and a hunger to create something beautiful began in early childhood. But it wasn’t until later in life that she was able to fully pursue the fine art and painting that had called to her for so long.

Now, as a painter associated with the Chastain Arts Center Community in Atlanta, Forman has distinguished herself with her landscapes and still life’s that reveal the harmony and beauty in nature. Primarily rendered in oils, her works echo a sense of peace and

elegance. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I observe the majesty of God’s creation, says Forman.

Carol Misner Art Trunk Show: July 15 The paintings of Carol Misner on display here reflect the simple beauty, grace, and fragility of the botanicals they portray. The kinds of exotic plants and flowers and trees that inspire her are everywhere, growing wild along the roads, in backyards and vacant lots. Some of the plants are native to the Plateau, others have come from her travels. From dogwood to honeysuckle and prairie smoke to sapphire sky—all are represented in monochromatic tones. So diaphanous and gossamer are all her works, that it has been said that they “resemble x-rays in watercolor. It’s an effect she achieves by the delicate layering of her acrylics. Misner’s work can be found in private collections and homes and business throughout the nation.

Michael Hofman Trunk Show: July 28–30: Asheville artist Michael Hofman likes to say that “The wonder of clay, and the curse is that it can become anything. Everything I make starts out the same – as a flat slab of damp clay.” Yet by combining clay with lace, Hofman can create objects that will be cherished for generations - exquisite porcelain, dinnerware, vases and serving pieces to round out your tablespace. Using materials that nature provides, Hofman’s employs glazes that dress each piece in a skin or dazzling colors that often mimic precious gems, stones, and weathered metals. Each is a work of beauty, a singular piece in a copycat world.

by Marlene Osteen

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Everything for Home

Rusticks captures the sophisticated mountain chic aesthetic for its clients. You’ll find it at Canoe Point in Cashiers.

Rusticks in Cashiers is an eclectic transitional home furnishings excursion. In fact, visiting the Canoe Point store on beautiful Cashiers Lake is nothing like most retail store experiences. Owners and designers work year-round to attend various furniture, accessory, and lighting shows nationwide to peruse quality and stand-out lines to meet the needs of residents and visitors alike in the Cashiers-Highlands area. The long-standing, 30-plus-year-old retailer offers the latest “mountain chic’’ ambiance through its extensive selections of living room, dining room, bedroom, patio and outdoor furnishings, lighting, art, and accessories – everything needed to dress a new or refreshen a well-loved home. Styles and designs are based on extensive research of lines and listening closely to customers to learn their wants and needs.

Stacie Platt, Rusticks’ manager and one

of its interior designers, pointed out that clients will be especially enthused to learn of the large selection of outdoor and patio furnishings, including outdoor rugs and accessories. “The goal is to bring that inside feel outside to make it a full extension of a home’s living space,” she said.

For this season, Rusticks has truly amped up its offerings of upholstery. “We actually have new items arriving daily.” She noted that customers love that the upholstery and other items present a nod toward current trends, but without taking away from the Rusticks’ signature look that they are known for, which is modern married with cottage and rustic.

“Clients appreciate our look,” Stacie added, offering that the stores’ vignettes present ideas for shoppers.

The latest market Rusticks’ designers attend is in Atlanta, Georgia, “where we will acquire even more new home

furnishings and accessories before the season ends,” said Platt.

The original Rusticks shop was first located above the Greene & Associates architectural offices in Cashiers at Chestnut Square. However, its popularity resulted in the necessity to expand the store space in 1994 and again in 1996. Eventually, a new location was constructed and is located within Canoe Point on Cashiers Lake.

Besides offering extensive lines for home décor – as well as complete interior design services – Rusticks enjoys sharing interior and exterior design trends with our community and clients. More information visit rusticks.com. Plus, following the store on Facebook and Instagram ensures up-to-date information about special sales and public events.

by Deena Bouknight

/ photo by Susan Renfro

All About Rugs

For 25 years, Bounds Cave Rug Gallery has been enchanting its clients with its exquisite range of handmade rugs gathered from all over the world. Discover for yourself what’s made this bazaar of the beautiful a Plateau Institution – 763 Highway 107 South in Cashiers.

Julio,Diane,Miguel,JudyBrown, andMarkPetrancosta

For a quarter of a century, Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery in Cashiers has been laser focused on finding a varied collection of handwoven floorcoverings that become the centerpieces of homes all throughout the Plateau – as well as where visitors reside nationwide.

Besides enjoying the summer season of numerous loyal customers and visitors, Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Cashiers. However, the owners of the Gallery have more than four decades of experience as rug dealers. Like discovering a fine wine, finding quality-made, one-of-akind rugs requires a distinct skill set.

Owners Mark Petrancosta and Judy

Brown personally and carefully curate their inventory of handwoven and handknotted rugs from all over the world. Their goal is to offer representations from every top rug-making country in the world. In fact, their acute expertise ensures that their carefully chosen inventory is of the highest quality.

“Whatever your décor style, you’ll find the perfect rug at Bounds Cave’s,” commented Brown. “We offer traditional rugs, new and antique rugs, as well as transitional and contemporary rugs.”

Whether customers need one rug for a specific room or rugs to adorn an entire home, they will be assisted and guided until they are satisfied with selections.

Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery does not just have rugs for inside the home, but for those outdoor “rooms” as well. Rugs by Sunbrella are known for durability and cleanability – but also for stunning beauty to pull exterior furnishings together to create welcoming vignettes.

And, for individuals who might think that all hand-woven rugs are cost prohibitive, all price points are offered for Bounds Cave’s customers. Their entire inventory of rugs will be discounted periodically this summer. No matter the budget, customers can find the right rug to meet the right budget.

“For a client with a conservative budget, all the way to the most serious collector, there’s a rug for your every need here,” added Brown. “Take advantage of the deep discounts we offer, and you’ll get quality and price that is unparalleled. Price, quality, knowledge, and friendly service, it’s all here.”

For more information, visit Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery at 763 Highway 107 South in Cashiers and enjoy the experience of texture, color, and design that is the artistry of handwoven rugs.

by Deena Bouknight

photo by Mary Gillan

A Fixture for Generations

For over 70 years, The Brier Patch has been a must-visit Fall Down the Rabbit Hole. It’s easy to discover why – stop by 4186 Cashiers Road (US 64) just outside Highlands.

CatherinePeay

While some restaurants and retail stores are here today, gone tomorrow, others are fortunate enough to have long-lasting appeal. The Brier Patch in Highlands is in its seventh decade – and is still counting. Multiple generations of residents and visitors have enjoyed shopping at the Plateau shop for gifts, and increasingly for lighting, decorative accessories, and furnishings.

The current owner is Catherine Peay, but she explained that her mother, Virginia Appleton, worked for the founding couple, Ralph and Cordelia Yancey, and Virginia and her husband, Jon, ended up purchasing the business from the Yancey family in the 1980s. When Catherine moved to Highlands in 1991, she worked with her mother and then was eventually given The Brier Patch in 2000.

Her parents are deceased, but Catherine said she has memories of working at the store with her mother; although she

essentially oversees all the buying and management of the store, her husband, Jack Peay, “is always a big help.”

Catherine pointed out that so many people enjoy perusing the approximately 2,000-square-feet of inventory at the charming gray cottage store that they make doing so an outing. Often, they end up relaxing on the back porch and taking in the vistas of Shortoff Mountain, the highest peak in Macon County.

“I keep a selection of outdoor furnishings out there for them to look at,” she said, “and there are so many unique items inside and out that makes it fun to explore. And I try to keep new things coming in.”

She added, “The Brier Patch has upholstered and leather chairs, a huge selection of lamps, small dining tables and desks and consoles, hunt boards, foyer piece – pretty much everything people need to equip and decorate their homes. And I’m always seeking a variety

of quality home furnishings and accessory suppliers.”

Peay listens to customers. Anyone searching for a particular piece can provide her with some details and she will be on the lookout during her shopping trips. “That’s my motivation for getting more upholstery. People were asking and I listened. People are also coming in looking for larger mirrors. And, always, distinct lamps have been a huge seller – many are porcelain and crystal; but I have a huge assortment of looks and sizes. Popular are some smaller lamps for kitchen counters or bookshelves, but customers need the larger lamps as well.”

by Deena Bouknight

A Shared Love of Cashiers

For its new owners, The Cashiers Store is the epitome of a deep community pride. It’s located adjacent to Cornucopia at 16 Cashiers School Road in Cashiers and is open 11:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Tuesday through Sunday.

ErikaMasonandLesleyMadden

Longtime friends, and now business partners, Erika Mason and Lesley Madden both share a common love of, and pride in, the Cashiers community so when the opportunity arose to purchase The Cashiers Store last August they jumped at the chance. Talk about a perfect fit – this was it. A store to celebrate Cashiers with Cashiers-branded items of every description. Erika and Lesley believe you should wear your community pride on your sleeve, hat, or drinkware.

When the previous owners of The Cashiers Store decided to sell so they could expand and focus on their other business, Vivace, they immediately thought of Erika and Lesley as the perfect partners to continue this successful business.

Erika had often discussed her dream of owning her own business with Lane Leddy of Vivace. Her background in

merchandising and as a golf professional at the area’s premier Country Clubs are perfectly suited for this venture. Lesley is a Cashiers native whose roots and happy memories run deep. She also dreamed of owning her own business, and one showcasing her pride in the community was tailor-made. These two are proof that if you love what you do it will never feel like work.

A store to celebrate Cashiers…

The Cashiers Store, as the name implies, sells a plethora of Cashiers branded lifestyle items, athleisure wear, casual pieces, and functional items that you’ll be proud to wear and use every day. You’ll find joggers, t-shirts, sweatshirts,

hats, belts, sweaters, performance pullovers with 50SPF that are perfect for all your outdoor activities, Goodr sunglasses, tote bags, insulated drinkware and so much more.

Stop in and check out their inventory and you’ll find yourselves rubbing elbows with visitors who want to take a piece of the mountains home with them, and residents who love the quality and versatility of the pieces and who realize that if you’re lucky enough to live in paradise you might as well flaunt it. By the time you leave, you’ll most likely have engaged in conversation with other shoppers and found yourself sharing stories and memories. It’s that kind of neighborly place.

by Mary Jane McCall / photo by Mary Gillan

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A Breath of Mountain Air

Though it boasts a vast inventory, it’s the wise counsel and personalized service of Chris Chastain and his team that fuels the success of The Consignment Market.

ChrisChastain

What’s new at The Consignment Market located at 12 Chestnut Square in Cashiers?

Longtime manager Chris Chastain, who’s been with the business since its inception 17 years ago, is now the proud owner, a natural fit if there ever was one. After his service in the Army as a qualified Airborne Infantryman, and his pursuit of a college education, Chris found his niche in the furniture and home accessory field when he started at Cobbie’s Interior Designs in Cashiers, and he never looked back.

His diehard work ethic, discerning eye and more than half a lifetime of experience helping customers sell and buy furniture, as well having an eye for design and display, are all qualities that have helped The Consignment Market become a favorite across the Plateau.

Chris learned early that customer service

and satisfaction are the lifeblood of a business. He listens to his customers and then springs into action helping them find just the right items that turn their mountain homes into the warm welcoming space of which they’ve dreamed.

Stepping into The Consignment Market is a delight as Chris has a knack for artfully arranging these high end, gently used furniture pieces into displays that allow you to envision them in your own home. Each display is complemented by home accessories of every kind and description. Whether you’re searching for the perfect rug, lamp, or other accessory; or an entire house or room of furniture it’s likely you’ll find it here.

Speaking of lamps, The Consignment Market is your go to place for an extensive selection of lamp shades. Those in the know realize that a new lampshade can change the entire feel and look of a home. Sometimes it really is

the little things.

Let’s not forget that outdoor living is a huge part of our mountain lifestyle, and The Consignment Market has an expansive outdoor pavilion where you’ll find great items for your porch or patio.

From pickup of consignment items and delivery of purchased items, Chris and his team at the Consignment Market are your one stop shop. They make your shopping experience seamless and stress free – as fresh as a breath of mountain air.

Which brings us to the next order of business for Chris. The start of a new year in 2024 will see the business name changed to Mountain Home Consignments. Same great place, same great service, just more appropriately named for what they do – bring style and comfort to our mountain spaces.

by Mary Jane McCall / photo by Mary Gillan

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WEST END

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803. Art Highlands Gallery

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OUT NC 106

➡ Aery Chiropractic

➡ Peak Experience

➡ High Camp

➡ Highlands Outpost

➡ Highlands Aerial Park

➡ Vineyard at High Holly

➡ Fire + Water

➡ Bella’s Junction Cafe

➡ Sky Valley Country Club

➡ Dillard Stables

OUT 64 WEST

➡ Jackson Hole Gem Mine

OUT 64 EAST

➡ Edelweiss Pastry Boutique

➡ Black Rock Design Build

➡ Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty

➡ WHLC

➡ Highlands Lawn & Garden

➡ Skyline Lodge/ Oak Steakhouse

➡ Highlands Rock Yard

➡ Highlands-Cashiers Hospital/ Mission Health

➡ Allen Tate/ Pat Allen Realty Group

➡ Zen Spa

➡ The Brier Patch

➡ Highlands Dermatology

➡ Roman’s Roofing

HICKS ROAD

➡ Highlands Side x Side

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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NORTH

2.

THE

THE VILLAGE GREEN 142. Village Green Commons 143. The Village Green 147. Bazaar Barn WEST 64 155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 156. Creekside: - Silver Creek Real Estate Group - Pilates of Cashiers

Toby West Antiques

Sotheby’s International Realty

Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry

Whiteside Art Gallery

Betsy Paul Properties

Lenz Gifts DOWN 107 NORTH

Edgewood Antiques & Fine Furnishing

➡ Bazaar Barn Second Location

EAST

DOWN 107 SOUTH

➡ Silver Run Reserve

VISIT CULLOWHEE

➡ Four Seasons Landscape

VISIT GLENVILLE

➡ Crawford Construction

➡ Happ’s Place

➡ K-9 Meadows

➡ Signal Ridge Marina

➡ Silver Creek Real Estate Group

➡ Smoky Mountain Transportation

➡ Waterfall Cruises by Captain Mark

VISIT NORTON

➡ Town & Country General Store

VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY

➡ Appalachian Construction

➡ Bear Tracks Travel Center

➡ Grand Olde Station

➡ The Greystone Inn

➡ Historic Toxaway Market

➡ Killer Bees

➡ Lake Toxaway Company

➡ Los Vaqueros

➡ Sweetwater Perk & Creamery

VISIT SAPPHIRE :

➡ Balistreri Realty

➡ Hidden Valley Tavern

➡ Sapphire Valley Real Estate

➡ NC Mountain Life

➡ Whistlin’ Dixie

VISIT BREVARD :

➡ Brevard Music Center

➡ Meraki Escapes

➡ Number 7 Arts

VISIT ROSMAN :

➡ Headwaters Outfitters

VISIT WAYNESVILLE :

➡ Metzger’s Burlwood Gallery

A Hidden Gem On Lake Toxaway

The Spa at The Greystone Inn is a restful haven for locals and travelers alike. A day spent indulging in restorative therapies and a stroll around this gorgeous property are just what the doctor ordered, especially for those who live nearby.

For over a century, guests have flocked to The Greystone Inn for a restful reprieve from an unrelenting world. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the shores of Lake Toxaway, the largest private lake in North Carolina, a true oasis awaits those who find themselves here. Often a hidden treasure for those who live nearby, the Spa at Greystone Inn is a serene escape for the local community. Although some might think that this luxurious spa is reserved for guests of the inn, this passionate staff is just as dedicated to their local roots as they are to their world-class offerings. “This is an experience for everyone – locals, seasonal residents, and even people who’re simply on their way through this part of Western North Carolina,” says Shannon Ellis, who owns the inn with her husband, Geoffrey. The Spa at Greystone Inn is just that, an experience. Steeped in a rich history, both locals and travelers can immerse themselves in

everything this peaceful refuge offers. “It’s all about finding peace, tranquility, and soaking up an experience that is the best of The Greystone Inn,” Ellis continues. With a spa open to the surrounding community and beyond, she remarks, “We have an exceptional staff of massage therapists and aestheticians, and they’re ready to provide an unforgettable experience.” After a journey down a quaint stone path, you’ll be welcomed into the Spa with citrus water and locally made teas while you await your therapy. The Greystone’s commitment to wellness is made clear with its abundance of restorative offerings; Eastern-style, hot stone, and couple’s massages, nourishing sea mud and body exfoliation therapies, lymphatic drainage treatments, and holistic facials are just the beginning.

With entirely customizable spa options available, The Greystone Inn prioritizes wellness in a holistic sense. Guests of the Spa can also participate in guided medita-

tion classes and private yoga sessions. “In addition to these treatments, our guests can stroll the grounds of The Greystone Inn and soak in the beauty of the landscape and the lake,” says Shannon. “They can enjoy wine or cocktails and nibbles from our bar and restaurant, which adds another dimension to the idea of relaxation and rejuvenation,” she notes.

A short drive in for the day to enjoy the Spa, a refreshing drink on the dock, and a luxurious dinner is the ultimate local experience. “We’ve always treated every guest of The Greystone with a deep degree of pampering,” says General Manager Paulette Todd. Experiencing the tranquility of the Spa at The Greystone is an invitation to which all are invited, especially those closest to home. For a genuinely intimate spa experience, learn more by visiting greystoneinn.com or calling (828) 966-4700 to experience the magic for yourself.

by Becca Smith

Recipes From Their Home

An abiding friendship powers both of the Los Vaqueros Mexican Restaurants – in Highlands at 30 Dillard Road (next to the Farmer’s Market) and in Toxaway, at 9 Toxaway Falls Drive.

Afriendship, hard work, dedication, and a stellar menu have resulted in success for the two Los Vaqueros restaurant locations: one in Highlands and the other in Toxaway.

“My business partner, Rigoberto Zendejas, who goes by Rigo, and I met when we were just teenagers working together as dishwashers in a large restaurant in Franklin,” said Ivan Soto. “We love the mountain because it reminds us of home in Mexico, where we were born and raised until we were 14 years old. And we love the quiet towns of Western North Carolina. We feel very happy to be part of the wonderful mountain communities.”

Sotos added that while working together, he and Rigo began discussing future plans and learned that they both held a passion for the restaurant industry.

“I remember the day I said, “Hey

Rigo, I think we should start our own restaurant,’ and he said, ‘That’s a good idea; let’s do it.’”

While the restaurants did not come to fruition for another 10 years, Sotos pointed out: “We love working in the restaurant industry, and that has been the

… everything is made to order and is as fresh as it gets.

key to our success (with Los Vaqueros). We especially love the support we get from our customers – both tourists and locals. They know they can count on us to be here every day to greet them and to enjoy the food we cook from scratch. In fact, we cook every single thing at our restaurants from scratch … everything is made to order and is as fresh as it gets.”

Some of the owners’ family recipes

on the Los Vaqueros menus are the homemade Carnitas and the “delicious” Mexican Rice and Refried Beans –“some of the best you will ever try.”

Other “favorite” items are the Fish Tacos, Fajitas, Diablo Tacos, and more.

“Our customers tell us it’s not easy to decide what to order because it’s such a big menu. But we are always listening to our customers and we want to offer them the best food possible. And our goal is to regularly come up with different dishes.”

The two locations of Los Vaqueros are in Highlands at 30 Dillard Road (next to the Farmer’s Market) and in Toxaway, at 9 Toxaway Falls Drive. A plus regarding the Toxaway location is that diners can also enjoy a view of Toxaway Falls. Restaurants are open from 11:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. seven days a week.

by Deena Bouknight

HISTORY Pages 214-217

photo by Susan Renfro

Take a Stroll ThroughHighlands History

Step back in time and meet the men and women who shaped the Plateau with Highlands Historical Society’s Walk in the Park, July 14-15.

Take a walk down memory lane and join the Highlands Historical Society as they revive their popular Walk in the Park on Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15, from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. each day. This Walk in the Park brings history alive as visitors stroll through Highlands Memorial Park where actors bring history to life as they portray some of the Town’s most influential early settlers.

Step back in time and rediscover our town’s roots by hearing tales from our earliest settlers, including Dr. Mary Lapham, a lady ahead of her time, inspired during a trip to Highlands in 1893to switch careers when she noticed the need for medical care in small communities. She subsequently left her banking career and graduated from the Women’s Medical College of Philadelphia and pursuing advanced studies in Switzerland and Vienna. Her field of expertise was the treatment of tuberculosis and she returned to Highlands and opened a TB sanatorium in 1908. Actors will also portray one of our founding fathers, Samuel Kelsey, who will recount the legendary story of

how Highlands was discovered. Others portrayed will be Joe Webb, a prolific log cabin builder whose cabins are still sought after; Charlie Wright, famous for the 1911 rescue on Whiteside Mountain and winner of the Carnegie Gold Medal for Bravery; and his wife, Helen, proprietress of the legendary Helen’s Barn, among others. Many of the characters will be portrayed by living relatives, which makes their stories much more meaningful.

Tickets for the event are $15 and children under 12 are admitted free. Tickets are available at the Highlands Historic

Village at 520 North 4th Street, which is open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M., or by calling (828) 787-1050. You may also visit their website at highlandshistory.com and tickets will also be available on the days of the event at the Highlands Community building. Attendees will park at the Community Building and be transported to the Memorial Park by van. No private vehicles will be allowed in the park during presentation hours.

The Historical Society is especially excited to offer free admission to those under 12 who may be hearing some of these fascinating stories for the first time. The more you know about our forefathers, the prouder you are to be a part of this community and HHS is happy to pass this pride to future generations, thereby preserving our history.

by Mary Jane McCall Scan to learn more.

You don’t have to be a pirate to enjoy a search for treasure. The Zachary-Tolbert House and the grounds located at 1940 Highway 107 South in Cashiers and home to the Cashiers Historical Society offer a couple of opportunities to search for treasure. For those of you who may not know geocaching is a real-life treasure hunt.

The idea of geocaching and treasure hunting was born on May 1, 2000, when President Bill Clinton announced that GPS or Global Positioning System developed by the US Department of Defense would be modified. Selective Availability (SA) would be turned off, allowing civilians using their own devices the ability and accuracy of searching about 32 feet or more.

On May 3, 2000, Dave Ulmer decided he would celebrate the end of SA. He hid a

A Great Place to Geocache

bucket of trinkets in the woods outside of Portland, Oregon, and announced the location in a posting. This announcement was the beginning of a hobby that continues today to be popular among all age groups.

In his posting, Ulmer set in motion all the rules, the container, the trinkets, and the logbook – the rule of take something, leave something, sign the logbook. Within a day, the original stash was found and within days more stashes had been hidden, and within a month a stash had been hidden in Australia.

Geocaching turns every location into an adventure! It’s become the world’s largest treasure-hunting game. The hobby is worldwide. The only real change has been a name change, no more stashes, but now the treasure is referred to as a cache.

CHS has hidden two caches to encourage

visitors to spend time visiting the grounds and which of us doesn’t think would be great to find a treasure?

To begin the search, log into the official site, geocaching.com, enter a zip code and the latitude and longitude. The website provides the necessary information to get started. Cashiers Historical Society provides a great place to begin your hunt. Geocaching is fun for all. So, get outside, get moving, and challenge yourself to find a secret location, solve a challenging puzzle and most importantly explore the grounds at Cashiers Historical Society. Many guests remark that it’s a fun place to search for a cache and at the same time learn a little of the local history. The grounds are open each day from dawn to dusk.

by Sandi Rogers, Cashiers Historical Society

Armistead’s Much Ado

A dizzying array of incidents and characters swirled around the singular Mr. Armistead Burt.

“In Abbeville, we don’t want to hear about your illnesses or grandchildren!” the late director of the Burt-Stark Historic Mansion (and local social arbiter) told people who ventured onto those topics.

Margaret Bowie was still going strong in her 90s when her tenant (she lived next door to the mansion in her own 19thcentury showplace) heard her lay down the law to friends.

R. Douglas White’s Kiss the Magnolia Tree is an affectionate memoir of his 12 years living with his friend and landlady “Miss Margaret” (though she was a widow and in fact a grandmother who loved to discuss her own grandchildren). It’s also an account of Abbeville in the 1990s, a charming and historic town in upstate South Carolina, which was the subject of two fine articles in The Laurel by Cashiers historian Jane Nardy after she led a group of CHS members and friends on an overnight

trip there in 2007.

Why all this ink for Abbeville in our magazine? Because it was the home of Armistead Burt (1802-1883) for whom the historic mansion there is partially named. But Stark was also an owner of the Zachary-Tolbert House (now owned and operated by the Cashiers Historical Society and without his name even though he was famous in his day) and spent summers there from 1873 until 1881, hosting people like Thomas Clemson, and visiting his friend Wade Hampton III just down the road at his hunting lodge (today’s High Hampton resort). Stark, a whiz-bang lawyer (“many a culprit went free” due to his abilities, as his buddy Gov. Perry put it) and U.S. Congressman and married to a niece of vice-president John C. Calhoun, is today best known for hosting Jefferson and Varina Davis on their flight from Richmond in the spring of 1865.

Mr. White is a Presbyterian minister

who frequently visits Highlands with his wife. His charming rendering of Abbeville’s denizens – including Miss Margaret’s mutt named Possum who bit most everyone and may have returned as a ghost to bite some more – in Kiss the Magnolia Tree is both very funny and very moving.

Dr. S. Robert Lathan (whose great book on Wade Hampton in Cashiers I wrote about last year) was on that Abbeville tour with Jane and became intrigued with Burt. His easy and informative Who Was Armistead Burt is the satisfying result of that historical fascination. We will talk more about McDuffie in next month’s issue, as Burt was his second in a series of duels *with the same man* and you don’t want to miss it.

by Stuart Ferguson, Local Historian, Shakespeare & Company

photo by Susan Renfro

LIFESTYLES & WELLNESS

Pages 222-241

photo by Susan Renfro

I Had This Funny Feeling

Timing is everything – though it did take David Young a while to get around to proposing.

Susie Davis and David Young were students at the University of Florida when they bonded over Highlands. Six years later they were married and living in Highlands. And here is how the fairy tale happened. Susie first caught David’s eye at Bennigan’s restaurant in Gainesville where he spotted her in March 1983. He told his friend Cal at the time, “I am going to marry that girl.”

In retrospect it was an odd thing for David to say. Not only was David in a serious romantic relationship, but Cal had earlier mentioned his own interest in Susie.

In any case, Susie and David chatted briefly. He told her he was just finishing his first year in the master’s program in building construction and learned that she was about to graduate and planning to enroll in the MBA program in the fall.

When she asked him where he was from and he told her he was from Highlands, she joked, “No one’s from Highlands.”

Although David lived mostly in West Palm Beach at the time, he explained “Actually I am, I was born at the Highlands Hospital.” Susie, who had grown up in Scituate, Mass., had moved to Jacksonville the summer before 6th grade and spent childhood summers at riding camp at High Hampton in Cashiers.

Years later Susie recalled their initial meeting, “We had a fun conversation, and I thought he was very, very handsome, but also a little arrogant. I think he thought I was interested in his roommate.”

David reflected that “I had this funny feeling about her from the start. She was really pretty. I was charmed by her look and manner; her laughter, how happy she was with her friends. I didn’t know if she

liked me, but I liked her. “

It wasn’t until he had broken off his previous relationship, it was May, that David telephoned. When he did, Susie was in the shower and by then her recollection of him was hazy. She didn’t take the call. But her roommate who had answered the phone, was from West Palm Beach, knew David and urged Susie to return the call.

Their first date was at Snuffy’s Restaurant – a college hangout with great food. “I remember eating my burger and looking over and realizing he wasn’t eating – he was talking a lot. I asked him if I could have his,” Susie said. David was smitten immediately, he recognized in her a warmth and wit that he found refreshing.

They began dating. “David was cute, very sweet, kind, and helpful. He would

SusieandDavidYoung

come over and fix everything in the apartment.” A couple of months later they visited David’s family in Highlands and Susie realized she was in love. Although David admits to knowing all along that they would eventually marry, he wasn’t ready to commit.

David completed his master’s program in 1984 and moved back to Palm Beach, working for a developer as a project manager. Susie stayed on in Gainesville to complete her master’s program, getting a job in Ft. Lauderdale with NCNB after graduation.

Though they continued to see each other, they were both very involved with their careers.

It was 1986 before things got serious.

In 1987 David proposed. They had been together for four years by that point. David remembers that even his mother asked, “What are you waiting for?”

“We were devoted to each other, but I didn’t want to get married too young.

Susie hung in there, I knew she had job offers everywhere but she waited for me. Her friends always thought I should have asked sooner.”

They pledged their troth in April 1988 at the St. Edwards Catholic Church in Palm Beach. A reception for 200 guests followed at the Sailfish Club, and after a honeymoon to Napa Valley they settled down to domesticity in West Palm Beach.

That summer, on a visit to Highlands, at a meeting of the Young family it was decided that the newlyweds would move to Highlands to work in the family business. Which they did in 1989 so that David could supervise the family’s commercial and residential properties, and Susie manage Wits End, the Main Street store started by David’s grandmother 83 years ago.

Their oldest daughter, Rebecca was born in 1990; their son Tyler in 1992, and the twins – Kevin and Caroline in 1997.

Susie recounts the early days of their marriage, the years raising the children, as some of the most romantic and best of times. Though she’s quick to add that, “All the different phases of our lives have been wonderful in different ways.” Thirty-five years later, their love still thrives. They each happily tell me how they have stayed together.

David speaks to Susie’s “outgoing love of people, her interpersonal warmth and the kindnesses she shows everyone.” He admires her skill at running Wits End and the masterful job she did raising our four children.”

Susie talks about David’s “sincerity, his warmth, his passion for everything he does, his work ethic and his dedication to me, his family and the family legacy.”

And finally, “His smile can still make me melt when he walks in a room – just as it did 40 years ago.”

by Marlene Osteen

With all the cray-cray gunslingers in the world, the idea of everyone going au natural is sounding less and less ridiculous.

If you’ve been to a nude beach (i.e., accidentally came across one, heh-heh), you know 15 minutes of exposure to nekkiddity and Voila! Bodies become kind of meh. When everything’s out in the open, there’s no more mystery or stigma. And with no places to conceal weaponry, there’re no worries about danger – unless, of course, you work in a bacon-frying factory. But the mere thought of public nudity (and gun control) cranks up America’s fussiness to level 10.

Here’s the simple truth. Nudity isn’t going to make any of our parts fall off. And if there’re no gun concealments, well, nobody gets shot.

True confession. I visited a nudist colony with an acquaintance, just to see how bad it was. I wasn’t going for the visuals.

Like I said, after 15 minutes, it’s kind of a yawn anyway.

Okay, I was going for some of the visuals. But I was there mostly as an informationgathering writer – yeah, that’s it. No, really. I was curious. Was nudity a free-thinker’s expression of his/her/their life-choices? Was it a voyeuristic gawk at other’s twiddly-bits?

Or was it none of the above – just letting the breeze, the trees, a lot of knobby knees, and the fleas interact with us in a natural world?

As it turns out, the grand finale of my nudist date-night was this: a whole bunch of naked, lumpy, bumply people, letting it all hang out, piled on top of each other in a mound of giggles and farts. Human beings never abandon their talent for flapdoodle.

And that, brothers and sisters, is where I drew the line. I’d need a prophylactic bodysuit and several martinis to touch that

pile of people parts with a 50-foot-pole. And I don’t even drink.

Needless to say, the relationship didn’t last long. My date’s reliability was as scant as his clothing. Thank goodness, as a nudist, he didn’t have holsters or suspicious skin pleats. Okay, there was that appendectomy scar that was highly suspect.

Of course, not all nudists are mental – or men, for that matter. I’ve known several women, tortured by hot flashes, who removed their Frigidaire’s shelves and drawers, made a few air-exchange and light adjustments, and jumped in the icebox for some chillin’ in the world’s tiniest Airbnb.

If you’re game for more nudist colony nuttery, read David Sedaris’s Naked. I leave you with a Letterman quote, “You’ll never catch a nudist with his pants down.” Or a gun.

by Donna Rhodes Illustration by Norma Jean Zahner

Donna bares the truth about the au naturel life.

Visit Like a Local 200 Main by Old Edwards

A night at 200 Main is a reminder of how life should be experienced.

Over the years, Tricia and I have noticed those winter articles in this very magazine about Old Edwards Inn offering special rates for local residents to get away, right here on the Plateau, at one of their internationally recognized properties.

But work schedules never gave us a clear couple of days to take advantage of their hospitality, and the prospect was shoveled onto our ever-expanding Bucket List (which includes, for me, Boxing a Kangaroo – How many seconds do you think I’ll last?)

So, you can imagine our astonishment when Marjorie told us that we’d enjoy an all-expense paid overnight stay at

200 Main, plus lunch at OEI’s exclusive Wine Garden! It was the equivalent of a company of angels launching into a chorus of “Hallelujah.”

And here’s the kicker – since this would be a review that would require a certain level of anonymity, the staff wouldn’t know that we were locals whose last getaway featured a Motel 6 outside of Griffin, Georgia!

That’s right – we’d arrive as out-of-town one-percenters looking to escape from the demands of running the world. (Fortunately, no one noticed that we arrived in a pollen-encrusted lightlydented Prius).

Even at check-in, we began to feel the

nonstop jerks and jabs of life slip away. Juanna, the Hotel Manager, who was minding the front desk was warm and equanimous and she gave us a great introduction to the concierge-level of service the place is famous for.

“Just remember to relax,” she told us as she handed over the key folder.

We remembered, Juanna, and it was apparent when we entered our room that every aspect of 200 Main exists to further that simple advice.

Our room was large (vast by the standards of Manhattan or London) and so comfortable – including a balcony overlooking Main Street and, this is vital, a fireplace.

I wasted no time in heading out to the balcony and enjoying the late afternoon sun and taking the time to truly observe the little comings and goings that animate my beloved town. This is the true beauty of the Plateau – the generous spirit of its people, extended to one another and to people arriving for the first time.

Tricia and I contributed our part after dinner, when we wandered down to the slate-tiled fire pit, so inviting on a spring-time evening still marked with a snap of cold.

We were soon joined in lively conversation with Bill and Edie Sarnoff from Cold Spring, New York, and Keith and Rebecca Reynolds from somewhere in Louisiana. It’s so easy in this perpetually stressed era to forget the sweet

blessing of simply chatting with others, strangers brought together by fortune and circumstance.

Speaking of unexpected delights, I’d forgotten the decadent joy of sleeping in front of a roaring fire. The last time I’d done so was during the Blizzard of ’93. It was nine days without electricity and that didn’t seem as romantic. This was bliss.

And speaking of deep indulgences, I have to mention how Tricia fell in love with our enormous, have-a-seatand-get-comfy shower. Paired with Molton Brown Mandarin & Clary Sage soap, Tricia rediscovered the delight of relaxed showering.

The next morning at checkout, we continued our charade as out-of-towners and asked about easy hikes and sights to

see. Front Desk Manager Brandon gave us insider’s advice – take the Highlands Greenway to get a flavor of the town, visit both Bridal Veil and Dry Falls, and swing down into Horse Cove for a beautiful drive.

See, it’s those personal moments –from warm hosts like Juanna and Brandon, the people around the fire pit, and the Highlanders going about their business viewed from the balcony –combined with the luxurious amenities and appointments, that give 200 Main its distinctive flavor and ambience. I’m sorry that it took me so long to discover this.

by Luke Osteen

Summer Wellness Tips for Mind & Body

Here are some tips to Hello Summer…my favorite time of year!

That’s easy to say, having lived in the Highlands-Cashiers area for 21 years where I have been spoiled by the mildly warm temperatures and lush mountain fauna that accompany the longer days. There’s also an energy that comes with summer that can be uplifting, making health and wellness goals more attainable and easier to prioritize.

With that, I thought I’d share some wellness tips for mind and body since the summer season on the plateau has so much to offer when it comes to fun in the sun, embracing Mother Nature’s beauty and her bounty, and for DIY wellness.

Tip #1 – Move Your Body. Sit less and move more by incorporating activities like yoga, qigong, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or hitting the gym. These activities can help bring heart rate up,

burn calories, improve circulation, increase endorphins, make you feel happier, increase energy levels, and build strength and flexibility.

Tip #2 – Nourish Your Body. Eat seasonal food, buying produce from locally grown CSA’s and farmer’s markets, explore new recipes that are full of color and nutrients to incorporate into your weekly meal plan, and order farm fresh cuisine from local restaurants. Fresh juices and smoothies are also great additions to your diet. Making the switch to organic is also a great way to lighten the load of toxins the body’s organs must filter and may help keep disease at bay.

Tip #3 – Quiet Your Mind. Dedicate time to reducing the bombardment of mental chatter, fear, stress, and anxiety by incorporating techniques that trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, assisting in the release of the fight or flight response for the mind (and body).

There are some wise choices to derive every measure of goodness and tranquility in this busy, busy season.

Meditation, breathwork, reiki, restorative yoga practices, sound baths, connecting with nature, journaling, and surrounding yourself with positive people and experiences can assist in finding calm amongst the chaos of life. Taking a break from technology via a digital detox can also prove worthwhile.

Tip #4 – Practice Self-Care. Restore balance by being mindful and supportive of your health and wellbeing. Consider starting a morning routine that doesn’t involve work or caring for others. A routine that includes an element of mind/ body exercise as mentioned above, prayer, reading, tea or coffee, or anything that makes you feel energized and ready for the day. Hydrating the skin by eating foods like lettuce, cucumber, and watermelon, drinking plenty of water, taking regular sauna sessions, skin care treatments for face and body, dry brushing and other exfoliating prac-

tices, massage, and vitamin D through sunlight, food, and supplements.

Tip #5 – Have Fun. Make time for things that make you smile and laugh. Enjoy time with family and friends, catch a sporting event, have a game night, dance like no one is watching, listen to music or maybe catch a live show. Do things that create a playful spark. Be silly. Try new activities. Fun can lessen stress, lead to better sleep, ease pain, help you cope, and keep your spirit young.

Happy Summer!

by

Mary Abranyi Mary Abranyi is a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the owner of Cashiers Valley Fusion and Bungalow Boutique where she offers a variety of classes, services and products for mind, body, and home including yoga, reiki, journaling, sound healing, movement for Parkinson’s classes, halo therapy salt room, full-spectrum infrared sauna, massage, and skin care.

Celebrating What Makes Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and Eckerd Living Center Excellent

Highlands Cashiers Hospital and Eckerd Living Center’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the quality of their team members.

Dedication. Expertise. Diverse experience. Curiosity. Deep compassion.

All of these terms describe those who choose careers in hospitals, whether they are caregivers, environmental services professionals, nutrition department team members, pharmacists, or administrators. No matter what department someone works in at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital or Eckerd Living Center, our community can be assured that caring for our patients and ensuring their comfort are their foremost concerns, every day.

There are few examples of community institutions that I can think of that have more investment in the quality of life of its residents than a hospital. HighlandsCashiers Hospital and Eckerd Living Center are places of healing, fellowship, support, and involvement. In our community, it’s the norm for people – our own team members and the members of our community (members of which often overlap) – to come together to make our community healthier.

This may be visiting your primary care physician for your annual wellness exam or a preventive screening like a mam-

mogram or colonoscopy. Or it may be our participation in a community-wide health event, like the Covid-19 vaccine initiative or educating the public about health issues at events such as the Highland Mountaintop Art and Craft Fair, where we’ll be offering BMI and blood glucose screenings, as well as a teddy bear “hospital” for the kids. Since we strive to see each opportunity to care for a patient or resident as unique — because everyone is — we approach every task as a heartfelt commitment. Whether you visit us with an urgent need for care in our Emergency Department or you are coming to see a loved one recovering from surgery, our aim is to make your experience here a positive and memorable one.

For example, when a nurse stays a few more minutes to trade a story, share a laugh, or hold a patient’s hand, the impression and experiential memory that remains with a patient is pivotal to how they perceive who we are. In other words, our integrity is measured just as much through intangibles as data-driven patient outcomes.

We are fortunate to be able to care for

our patients with the most sophisticated tools we have available, from state-ofthe-art imaging technology to offering surgical services provided by extraordinarily skilled and caring surgeons. After a capital investment from HCA Healthcare, we are preparing to get upgraded CT and MRI machines, which will enable our caregivers to provide even better care to our patients, as they remain close to home. This new equipment brings the most advanced medical technology to the Plateau.

For example, the new CT has the ability to provide cardiac imaging, which will allow our doctors to quickly scan the heart to help diagnose coronary artery disease. The new scanners are much faster and will reduce scan times.

As always, every Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and Eckerd Living Center team member is grateful that our community members put their trust in us. Our people are the heart of what we do and I couldn’t feel prouder of them.

by Tom Neal RN, MBA, MHA, CEO/CNO, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital

TomNeal

Dedicated to Improving Health

The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the residents of Highlands, Cashiers, and surrounding communities. This organization is funded by generous donations from individuals like you, and 100% of these funds go directly toward supporting various programs and initiatives that promote health and wellness in our beautiful mountain communities.

One of the most influential ways we achieve this is through our grant programs. The Health Foundation actively seeks partnerships with organizations that offer transformative solutions capable of advancing our mission to enhance the health and well-being of the Highlands, Cashiers, and neighboring communities. By strategically allocating grants, we have already made a significant difference in the lives of many individuals across the plateau. In just four years, we have awarded over 90 grants to more than 70 organizations, and this is just the beginning. While the needs of our community are extensive, the Health Foundation’s support has enabled more people to access

the healthcare they require, resulting in improved overall health and a reduction in health disparities. The Health Foundation is committed to working closely with local leaders and partners to ensure that everyone in the region has access to quality healthcare.

We are proud to support critical primary care services through the Blue Ridge Health – Highlands Cashiers clinic. Additionally, we provide assistance to our local schools by funding on-campus school nurses. These investments ensure that our children have access to essential healthcare services. Through these partnerships and others like them, we strive to elevate the health and well-being of all individuals residing on the plateau.

Furthermore, the Health Foundation is committed to advancing mental wellness and creating a community where mental health is valued, supported, and prioritized. By investing in programs like the Plateau Behavioral Health Collaborative and the BEE Kind initiative, we strive to promote mental wellness and support the mental health needs of all individuals in the communities we serve. We firmly

believe that mental well-being is interconnected with physical health and that a holistic approach is crucial for achieving overall wellness.

The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for our community members. We deeply value your continued support as we work together to create a healthier future for all. By donating to the Foundation, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who reside in the Highlands, Cashiers, and surrounding Western North Carolina communities. Together, we can ensure vibrant, healthy living for everyone in our area. If you are looking to support an organization that is committed to improving health and well-being in your community, consider contributing to the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation today.

To learn more about the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation or to donate online, visit HCHealthFnd.org.

by Josh Bryson, Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation

The generosity of Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation’s donors has enabled it to extend vital grants across the Plateau.

The Bane of Plantar Fasciitis Pain!

Plantar fasciitis is a puzzling pain in the foot.

Dr.SueAery

The plantar fascia is a very stout layer of fascial or connective tissue that runs along the length of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. It acts like a spring every time we put our foot down to move forward, jump or brace ourselves.

Some injuries to this tissue are due to repetitive action such as shoveling, running or playing tennis or basketball. Sometimes it just happens over time as we overuse this extraordinarily strong and durable tissue. The excess wear and tear from the overuse or injury causes pain that can manifest at the heel, along the arch or the base of the big toe, or from a heel spur. It can be relentless and often feels worse after rest, causing disruption to sleep, first steps in the morning and normal daily activities.

Another potential component of this injury is the mobility of the pelvis, hip, knee, ankle and foot joints. These are

often the culprits in the evolution of the injury, so making motion corrections can help with the progression of healing as well as the lasting effects of healing the tissue.

There are many approaches to “fixing” this injury and pain. Many people choose over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. Some choose ice baths, stretching apparatus or even invasive, painful injections or surgery. The results vary depending on the extent and duration of the injury. Determining the initial mechanism of the injury also comes into play as we seek a solution for the problem.

Over the years in my offices, I have used acupuncture, ultrasound, massage therapy and nutrition to reduce the persistent inflammation. Each of these has had good results, but nothing compares to TRT (Tissue Regeneration Therapy)!

This non-invasive and highly effective therapy is the best that I have found in 17 years of practice. The unfocused sound waves target the injured tissue and recruit stem cells to the site that needs healing, reducing inflammation, softening tissue, breaking up adhesions, and increasing blood flow by 200 percent. Nothing else works at this ferocious pace to help the body “fix” the problem. During the three years that we have been using TRT, it has remained 90 percent effective. Now, there are some that don’t respond as we hope, so we work more on their inflammatory problems with diet, exercise and daily habits. My overall word of advice is this – stop suffering and take smart action to eliminate the misery associated with Plantar Fasciitis!

by Dr. Sue Aery, Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Can you build an estate plan like a house?

If you’ve ever been involved in building a house — or even if you’ve just heard about it — you know that there’s a well-defined process to be followed. But here’s something to think about: Some of the same steps connected to constructing a home are the same as those needed to build an estate plan. What are those steps? Here are some to consider:

Get the right “builder.” Unless you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer, you’ll probably have to hire someone to build a house for you. Of course, you’ll make your wishes known about what you want your house to look like, but you’ll be relying on the builder’s expertise. And the same is true with estate planning — you’ll want to share your goals and vision with a legal professional who’s experienced in creating comprehensive estate plans. Build a strong foundation. “Every house

needs a strong foundation” isn’t just a metaphor — it’s true for every house that’s built. And when you create an estate plan, you also need a foundation that includes whatever basic elements are appropriate for your situation — a will, a living trust, power of attorney and so on. Make the necessary additions. Even if you’re pleased with your new house, you may eventually decide to make some changes, such as adding on a new bedroom or bathroom. And the structure of your estate plan may need to undergo some modifications, too. For example, if you drew up a will two decades ago, but haven’t looked at it since, it may be out of date — especially if you’ve experienced changes in your life, such as new children or a divorce and remarriage. That’s why it’s a good idea to review your estate plans at least every few years.

Protect your investment. Of course, when you build a new house, you’ll have to insure it properly. And while there’s

no actual “insurance policy” for an estate plan, you do have ways to protect it. For one thing, you need to make sure beneficiary designations on retirement plans, investment accounts, insurance policies and other assets are correct. These designations are powerful and can even supersede the instructions in your estate-planning documents. So, as mentioned, if you’ve had significant life changes involving your family, you need to ensure your beneficiary designations are updated if you want to protect how insurance proceeds, investments and other assets are distributed.

Watch for mistakes. It’s unfortunate, but mistakes do happen in home construction. Water stains can indicate that water is seeping through cracks in the foundation. Or cracks in retaining walls and garage floors could be a sign that the concrete structures were installed improperly.

Estate plans can also contain errors or

bad choices. Some are inadvertent, such as failing to put intended assets into a trust, but others are done with the best of intentions, such as naming adult children as joint owners of your assets. Even if your children are quite responsible, this move could give their creditors access to your money. If you want your children to be able to step in as needed, you could find other methods, such as giving them power of attorney.

Following these “construction” techniques can help you create an estate plan that can last a lifetime — and beyond. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

Todd Holder

Everything they Ever Wanted

Lake Toxaway offered a magical setting for a couple’s dream wedding.

Bryn McDermott and Andrew Gavre were married on October 29, 2022, at the Greystone Inn in Lake Toxaway.

They had met more than five years earlier in Atlanta at the bar at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Years later, Andrew would recall that, “When I arrived, I knew there was only one person there I had any interest in talking to.”

He remembered being surprised when

Bryn initiated a conversation because she was there with another guy (a co-worker as it turned out).

Though they talked for only a couple minutes, Bryn was enchanted, “I thought he was charming which was delightful because it’s rare to find a fellow that’s both handsome and charming.” Upon leaving, she slipped him her business card, pretending they had a business connection. He said he’d email.

A week later they had their first date. Romance happened quickly. By year’s

end they were living together. Later they talked about how unlikely their meeting was. In April 2017, Bryn was a practicing attorney, defending companies in product liability cases, traveling around the country. But at the last minute her trip had been cancelled. And Andrew, who was working as a sales representative for an industrial supply company, had decided on a whim to go out on a Wednesday night to a bar he had never been to before.

In July 2021, Andrew got down on

bended knee and proposed at “the spot” – the couple’s favorite place in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park, a place where they had had a million dates.

“We’re over the moon!” Bryn posted on Instagram.

The couple’s commitment to a wedding celebration that would be a weekend long experience influenced their wedding planning, eventually leading them to the Greystone Inn in Lake Toxaway. When deciding where to exchange vows, they wanted a place where their guests could all stay in one place, and where they could host the ceremony and

the reception.

Andrew was eager to tie the knot in the fall, at a locale where the seasonal color foliage would be the most brilliant. From the moment the couple set foot at Greystone, they knew it was the perfect place for their destination wedding. Not only was the venue beautiful with sweeping views, but it also incorporated everything they wanted in a wedding – the promise of great weather, a farm-to-table menu, and plenty of space for their loved ones. They set the date for October 29, 2022.

The couple’s vision came together

flawlessly, perfectly capturing the North Carolina mountains, dressed up in a spectacular autumn palette. Festivities began on Friday night. While the wedding party and immediate family members celebrated at the rehearsal dinner, guests kicked back and enjoyed the sunset aboard Miss Lucy – the inn’s custom-built mahogany cruiser. After dinner everyone met in the bar for drinks and conversation.

And then it was time for the main event. As Andrew wrote in the note he sent Bryn, “Babe, It’s finally here! I can’t wait to meet you at the altar and get

married. What a wonderful weekend with all our friends and family.” Saturday, Wedding Day, was a marathon. After waking up at 6:00 A.M., Bryn and the wedding party got off to an early start with hair and make-up at 7:00 A.M. Her beauty vision and classic updo were natural and timeless. The bride, bridesmaids, and both Moms spent the day getting ready in the Rockefeller Suite and the inn’s catering team brought everyone Mimosas, trays of crudités, fruit and BLT’s.

Bryn had fallen in love with the Rosa Clara Couture princess gown with its

long sleeves, lace bodice, deep v-back, tulle ballgown bottom, and long train, the moment she saw it. She went all in on the something borrowed, something blue and something new tradition –donning blue sandals, her grandmother’s ruby ring and a 4-leaf clover, (which also honored Bryn’s St. Patrick’s Day birthday), pinned to the underside of the gown’s bottom.

At 5:00 P.M. Bryn’s father escorted her down the aisle to the altar alongside Lake Toxaway. A slight mist briefly hung over the 50 seated guests. The bridesmaids wore blue velvet elbow length sleeved

long dresses from Jenny Yoo, that played up the wedding bouquets of white, and ivory florals of roses, and ranunculus with greenery and touches of blue seen in the ribbons. The groom wore a classic black tuxedo with a white shirt and black bow tie. His groomsmen stood beside him in similar black tuxes.

The couple had asked the Associate Minister of their church, Peachtree Road United Methodist, to perform the nuptials, but before pronouncing them “man and wife,” she directed them to share an emotional moment and turn around and look at their loved ones.

“It was amazing, I am so glad she did that, I never would have experienced such a profound pause had she not done that,” Bryn said.

For the cocktail hour, waiters passed trays of brie and fig jam crostini, mini beef wellington and gruyere and ham gougeres to the assembled guests who mingled on the lakeside patio with its blue umbrellaed tables.

At dinner in the main dining room, white draped tables were set with gold rimmed plates, and chandeliers swathed in greenery sparkled above. Guests dined on she- crab soup, and had their

choice of entrée; pork tenderloin or paillard of chicken, served with twice cooked smashed potato and haricot vert. They finished with a wedding cake of strawberry champagne with vanilla buttercream.

Andrew and Bryn hired a DJ to entertain, and they shared their first dance to a choreographed custom mash up of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” (their song) and “You Should be Dancing” by the Bee Gees. And there was still more; at an after party at the Mansion the assemblage ate grilled cheese sandwiches and truffle French

Update: Since their vows, each of the couple has had a career change. Bryn, realizing that “life needs to be celebrated every day”, launched her online home décor store, thesprucerie.com. As for Andrew he is now Vice President of Pro-Pest Management, the commercial pest control company his father started the year he was born.

by Marlene Osteen

fries while Andrew, his Dad, and the groomsmen jammed on guitars into the wee hours.

photos by Amy Arrington Photography

GIVING BACK

photo by Susan Renfro

A Lifetime of Service

At 62, Fire Chief Randy Dillard, Cashiers/Glenville Volunteer Fire Department, has seen it all. As part of the long-standing Cashiers Dillard family, he has lived and breathed firefighting his whole life.

“When I was six years old, I stood and watched the clearing of the land for the fire house,” he said. “My father, Thomas Franklin Dillard (who died in 2016) was the department’s charter member and worked to get the first fire truck purchased in 1967. I joined February 12, 1979, at 18 years old – as soon as I could. Back then, all that was required was a show of hands to vote me in as a volunteer firefighter; now you have to apply, go through tests, background checks, etc. I volunteered and then at 25, I was voted in as chief and I’ve been chief ever since.”

Sixteen years ago, Chief Dillard became the first full-time paid firefighter in the area and has worn a multitude of hats, including getting the green light seven years ago to begin hiring employees.

Currently, there are 11 paid firefighters and 23 volunteers with the Cashiers/ Glenville Volunteer Fire Department, which covers a 135-square-mile area. Average number of calls is around 1,000 annually, with at least 45 of those structure fires and about 70 brush fires. Serving has been a family affair. His brother, Tommy Dillard, worked as a volunteer fire fighter for a while. Chief Dillard’s daughter, Amanda Blanton Dillard, is a paramedic in Macon County, and his son-in-law, David Blanton, is a canine officer.

Chief Dillard admits that a firefighter’s job is challenging and dangerous, but when someone has the tug to want to save lives and structures, there is no stopping them. In fact, one of “the worst” calls the area has ever experienced happened on June 20, 2017. He explained, “We went to the country club at Sapphire for a gas leak, and when the guys got there, there was a vapor cloud about nine feet deep and

a 1,000-gallon tank was turned over. The fire had started and it was so hot. It sounded like a 747 plane. Within 23 minutes, the firefighters got everyone out of the way. But then all of a sudden, with no warning, one of the tanks blew and pushed some guys back about 10 feet. It was an absolute miracle that there were no injuries. We finally got a handle on it and ended up with the most help we’ve ever had in my 37 years. We saved over half the country club. It was definitely the worst fire I’ve ever been to.”

Chief Dillard pointed out that a challenge in the mountains is tapping into enough water. The department has several trucks, 25, and has increased the water tank trucks in recent years.

“One thing we are proud of is that we have been able to save many structures, and as a department, we do tours of the station and rides for kids,” he said.

by Deena Bouknight photo

Fire Chief Randy Dillard has been on the scene for his entire life.

by Mary Gillan

RandyDillard

In Support of Students

Rotary Club of Highlands awards $12,000 in Scholarship Funds to four outstanding Highlands students.

In its 40th year of supporting exceptional High School Seniors, the Rotary Club of Highlands awarded a total of $12,000 to four students on May 16.

Anna Stiehler plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Luke Hartman is bound for Virginia Tech; J.J. Postell will attend Athens Technical College and Eliza Tate will attend the University of Kentucky. In addition to graduating with grade point averages in the top of their classes, all four students have athletic accomplishments and exemplify Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self” through their volunteer work on behalf of local non-profits.

All four are also clear eyed about their career goals. Stiehler will major in Political Science on a pre-law track. Hartman will major in Computer Science

with an emphasis in Media/Creative Computing following his interest in 3D modeling and animation. Postell is passionate about becoming a high school Math teacher, hoping to eventually earn a PhD in Mathematics. And Tate wants to become a first -to-assist physician’s assistant specializing in pediatric care and a certified Child Life Specialist who helps guide children and families through hospitalization and medical care.

The Rotary Club of Highlands has awarded over $250,000 in scholarship funds since 1987. Scholarship awardees are eligible for funding from the Rotary Club of Highlands throughout their college experience provided they follow Rotary rules.

Scholarship Chair Cynthia Dendy recognized Committee Member Sue Blair for her twenty-four years of service on the Scholarship Committee. Dendy

congratulated the parents of the 2023 scholars and wished the graduates well, quoting from Curious George:

“It’s a zoo out there. So, keep your sense of humor.

Life can be a high wire act; the trick is keeping your balance. Unlock the potential in others. Imagine the best! Prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

Make the most of a messed-up situation. Give free hugs.

There will be bumps in the road. The trick is to get right back on your bike and pop a wheelie!

Keep Curious!

And Remember that Every Ending Is A Bright New Beginning.”

by Jane Jerry, Rotary Club of Highlands

left to right) Cynthia Dendy, Rotary Club of Highlands Scholarship Chair, J.J. Postell, Eliza Tate, Anna Stiehler and Luke Hartman.

The Peggy’sOpen for Business

After a confounding winter, The Peggy Crosby Center is in the midst of its busiest season ever.

The Peggy Crosby Center is charity-central for our Highlands community. So, when a wicked wintertime rolls over The Peggy and snaps her pipes like matchsticks, her Board makes sure she snaps right back.

Six non-profits and seven start-ups rely on the PCC facility. When those businesses were figuratively and literally frozen, the Board, staff, and patrons came to the rescue.

But it wasn’t as easy as it sounds. A lot of Peggy’s would-be rescuers were crippled by the same storm. Service companies were stretched thin.

Board Member Charles King says, “A Herculean task, led by Board and staff to get the Peggy back into full operating capacity for its tenants was accomplished at April’s end. That was just in time for many of the businesses to host their clients in the building for the season.”

Charles adds that the winter storm-cloud had a silver lining, “What turned out to

be a fix-and-repair project, resulted in an opportunity to improve the décor and infrastructural elements of the building. Some of the tenants took advantage of the respite to refresh/revamp their spaces, among them, Center for Life Enrichment and Kitchen Carry Away & Catering.”

And there’re more upgrades. The Peggy now has fresh, new flooring and carpeting throughout the building, with a fresh coat of paint to brighten the space.

In addition, several plumbing improvements were made, including replacing the incredibly old main drain line from the building and adding a new grease trap drainage system for the Kitchen.

The Board ‘s major priority is and always will be focusing on the occupants. They thank the tenants for their patience and support of the repair process. Charles says, “It’s our mission to ensure our tenants have a safe and fully operational facility in which to conduct their respective businesses.”

Special thanks go to all PCC’s donors, Board, staff, tenants, and crews who helped them get back up and running. Our community made this possible. It takes a village – and sometimes a quick thaw!”

A final word from the Board: “We cherish our family of businesses and continue to maintain a safe and effective working environment for them. Whether a roof, new flooring, or plumbing repair, the Board welcomes input from tenants. We want to keep Peggy ready and rocking steady.”

Stop by and see the improvements. Grab take-home at the Kitchen. Wiggle your toes in the new carpet. And if you contributed to Peggy in her need this winter, consider yourself a hero.

Thank you for keeping Peggy the heartbeat of Highlands’ charity and start-ups.

by Donna Rhodes

Cuteness Abounds at Carpe Diem Farms!

Every dog has its day. For Miss Hathaway, it was May 26 at Carpe Diem Farms.

We have a big announcement to make! Carpe Diem Farms has a new family member. May 26, the canine crew increased.

Jethro has been looking for a permanent, in-house playmate for months. Together we headed to Greenville, South Carolina, to find a perfect match – a two-month-old “Mini-Me” look-alike Bernedoodle.

In keeping with the Beverly Hillbilly theme of naming the canine crew, Ellie Mae the Yorkie, Jethro Blair the Bernedoodle and now Miss Hathaway who will be called Hattie for short, joined our happy family. I must admit, it wasn’t love at first sight, for Jethro but five days after her arrival the tide has turned, and a wonderful kinship is forming. The cats, Lilly Belle and Gracia de Dios, together with Ellie Mae are still deciding – so far, they think it was a bad idea.

We had a wonderful birthday celebration last month for the horses. If you couldn’t be with us celebrating the six turning 16-32 years of age, we hope to see you sometime down on the farm.

Some days I get stopped on the street, at the grocery, or in the Post Office by followers of our amazing Morgan mare, Battersea Tracy (aka Tracy).

In late October 2018 Tracy developed an abscess in her right front hoof that went rogue in her hoof. The resulting infection required three operations. She lost the wing and a portion of her medial side of her coffin bone. She survived and within nine months was thriving back in her herd.

Within months due to the loss of her hoof bone, her leg at the fetlock joint began rolling over her hoof. The result: Another operation cutting the deep digital tendon to release the hoof. Following six months of healing, she was once again running with the herd. Now, four years and seven months since we began, every day starts and ends with Tracy care. Her loving spirit, resilience, fortitude, innate purpose to be with her herd, and an amazing teacher for me and her caregivers to think freely. Through her we invent new possibilities.

by Sue Blair, Carpe-Diem Farms

Just Listen

All the creatures around us are conveying a message.

There is so much uncertainty in the world. The daily news chronicles, and sometimes compounds, these troubling times. It’s hard to know which is worse — the stresses of the known, or the anxiety of the unknown. But I know this to be true. No matter what happens here at home or across the ocean, no matter what happens to affect our jobs, our homes, our health or our wealth, our pets love us. Unconditionally.

As a no-kill shelter, the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society celebrates life. Our shelter pets do not languish behind steel bars and inside cramped cages. There are no concrete block walls here. No chain link gates in dark, dank, and depressing buildings. Our dogs romp and run all day in acres of outdoor play yards, and our cats and kittens relax and roam in cageless playrooms and porches in one of the most modern animal welfare facilities in North Carolina.

Through our rescue work, humane care, and finding forever homes, we bring people and pets together. And through our multiple community

outreach programs like low-cost and free spay/ neuter, low-cost rabies vaccinations, and a free food pet pantry, we keep people and pets together.

Many times, folks will tell me, “Oh, if only the animals could tell us what they are thinking.”

My response is always the same. “Rest assured; the animals will always tell us what’s on their mind. Most of us, unfortunately, are unable to understand. Or unwilling to listen.”

Unconditional love conquers all. Let’s celebrate that. And… let’s listen.

Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c) (3) non-profit animal welfare organization located at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire, one-and-a-half miles east of the Cashiers Ingles in between Cedar Creek Club and Lonesome Valley on Highway 64. Visit us online at chhumanesociety. org. Tax-deductible donations to support our lifesaving work can be mailed to: CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717.

by David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

Our Hometown

Even with its natural beauty and gloriously mild weather, at its core the allure of Highlands is built upon the generous spirit of its people.

With the summer season upon us we wanted to thank the residents of Highlands for continuing to provide a warm welcome to visitors from near and far. Our friends, family and others who visit Highlands each summer are the economic engine that keeps Highlands a thriving community for all to enjoy.

There is something undeniably alluring about Highlands. Visitors may be drawn to Highlands for our natural beauty –waterfalls, scenic views and hiking trails - but there are also intangibles, such as friendly service, a safe environment,

clean air and our unique history and culture. These assets are invaluable - not just to visitors but to residents, too.

Year-round the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC works to improve the quality of life for our fellow residents and enhance the community as a dynamic place to live and work. Locals and visitors are always invited to drop into the Welcome Center at 108 Main Street for brochures, maps and destination information. We have suggestions for new adventures and experiences whether it is your first visit, or you’ve been here all your life.

We are proud of our charming little town, and we know you are too! While you are enjoying the live music at a Saturdays on Pine outdoor concert, shopping on Main Street or dining in one of our wonderful restaurants, smile at or say hello to someone new. They may be visiting for the weekend or a summer resident, but either way they will appreciate the gesture. Remember, a great place to live is a great place to visit.

by Johanna Fein, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC

Catching That Local Spirit

The Community Volunteer & Resources Expo, held June 7 at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers, proved to be a vital resource for the entire community.

When organizers envisioned the Cashiers Community Volunteer & Resources Expo, they knew how important to the health and local spirit of the entire Plateau.

“Cashiers and Highlands are among some of the most giving and philanthropic communities,” explained Big Brothers Big Sisters Danielle Hernandez about the First Citizens Bank-sponsored gathering. “We have some of the best opportunities to not only Get Connected with ways to give back, but to Get Connected with services available to the community as well. This free event will be open to the general public from Cashiers and Highlands, Macon County, Jackson County, and other neighboring counties. If someone wants to find resources available in the community, this will be the place to visit. If they’re seeking to donate your most precious gift, their time, there are going to be plenty of organizations willing to take

them up on their offer.”

But there were added benefits to the groups that were participating, courtesy of First Citizens Wealth Management. In addition to participating in the Expo, they could also attend a non-profit seminar tackling the challenges of enriching relationships with donors and boards, as well as economic challenges and smart financial practices for nonprofits. The seminar would take a hard look at donor retention across generational differences and provide opportunities for questions. All of that planning paid off and all of those lofty expectations were met when the Expo was staged June 7 on the Village Green.

In all, nearly 100 people showed up to take in the presentations, represented by 31 non-profit organizations in Jackson, Macon, and Transylvania counties.

Hernandez was elated at the response. “Volunteers are the salt of the earth,”

she said. “Their gift of time provides opportunities to our communities, which help fill needs, provide support, and create relationships between services and people.”

The 2023 Community Volunteer & Resources Expo was organized and hosted by local nonprofit leaders across Cashiers and Highlands: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce and the Village Green. We are humbled by the collaboration with First Citizens Wealth Management for sponsoring the entire event in support of all community members and the Missions of our local non-profits.

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

Dedication, Experience and Love

The crew at Mountain Life Properties are immersed in the high stakes world of luxury real estate. To learn more, stop in at 134 Maple Street in Highlands, call (828) 200-7231 or visit MountainLifeRE.com.

Doug Treadwell and his wife Monica came up to the mountains to escape the summer heat in Naples Florida. The beginnings of Mountain Life Properties was formed in the summer of 2017 as Doug began as a single broker company working out of his home office with his four-legged assistant Gracie.

In the spring of 2018 Doug was approached by Landmark Realty Group to join their brokerage. The Mountain Life team quickly became one of the highest producing teams in the Plateau. The opportunity to acquire the office at 134 Maple Street was the impetus to move out of the Landmark office and establish the newly independent Mountain Life Properties focusing on luxury real estate in the Highlands and Cashiers Plateau.

“This luxury real estate firm provides exceptional concierge services, boasting a highly skilled team of agents with

diverse designations, expertise and professionalism ensure unparalleled service and results,” says Doug. “With a reputation for excellence, we offer a great team that is committed to delivering the utmost quality in every transaction.”

Mountain Life Properties is wellpositioned to assist individuals in finding their dream home in the mountains.

“Our dedication, experience, and love for the mountain lifestyle will make the home-buying journey a positive and successful one for our clients,” says Doug. “Embracing the mountain lifestyle is an important aspect of our team’s understanding and appreciation for the unique qualities and attractions that mountain living offers. Whether it’s the tranquility, natural beauty, outdoor activities, or community spirit, our team understands the desires and needs of those seeking a mountain home.”

Mountain Life Properties’ consistent success relies on accurately analyzing

current trends within the North Carolina real estate market, masterful marketing endeavors, and understanding our client’s wants and needs to help better serve you.

“Through our compassion, expertise, and unequal service, we ensure that the people who come to us receive an unparalleled experience,” says Doug. “Our Brokers have an accumulation of over 100 years of real estate experience and sell $100’s of millions of real estate each year. We are the exclusive real estate company for Golf Life Navigators for the western North Carolina area. Golf Life Navigators is a source for golfers looking to match with a golf course community. Using Golf Life Navigators’ educational resources, we keep up to date with all the golfing communities in the Western North Carolina area to better serve our clients.”

by Deena Bouknight

Live well. Run free.

A private, low-density amenitized community, located on the prestigious 107 South corridor just five minutes from the center Cashiers, NC.

Silver Run Reserve is paradise of natural beauty o ering a variety of amenities for indoor and outdoor fun and wellness, and a range of large estate homesites and built cottages. Call for more details and a tour of this beautiful community.

WELCOME HOME.

828.342.3194

BETH TOWNSEND Co-Owner / Broker

COLEEN GOTTLOEB Broker-In-Charge

TIM HEATLEY Broker CLAY CANTLER Broker / Licensed Assistant

KARALINE CANTLER Broker / Administrator

JESSICA HOHEISEL Broker / Licensed Assistant

LIZ HARRIS Co-Owner / Broker

ANN MCKEE AUSTIN Co-Owner / Broker

SUSAN HEATLEY Broker

TK HEATLEY Broker

SANDY BARROW Broker

JOHN BARROW Broker / Rental Coordinator

MAGGIE ELMER Broker

PHOTO BY IRV WELLING

Cashiers

39.18 ACRES A rare opportunity to acquire this premier Cashiers, NC acreage located on the prestigious Highway 107 South corridor, just three minutes from town! Much of the land is nearly level with a creek and stream running through it, and an elevated area offering great homesites with gentle topography and views of Chimneytop Mountain, Rock Mountain, Big Sheepcliff, and others. This property would make a beautiful private estate just minutes from the center of Cashiers and close to Wade Hampton, High Hampton, and Chattooga

OFFERED FOR $6,900,000

Club. Enjoy the excitement of your favorite club and the privacy of your own quiet estate just a couple minutes away. This land also offers excellent commercial, residential or mixed-use development potential with its great location, frontage on Highway 107 South, gentle topography, and views. MLS 101855

Silver Run Reserve

5 BR / 5.5 BA This gorgeous estate is located in the beautiful Silver Run Reserve, just five minutes from the center of Cashiers. It features a brand new 6 bedroom home scheduled for completion at the end of 2023. The fantastic home is designed by renowned architect TS Adams, with interior design in partnership with the very talented McAlpine House, and construction by Harris Custom Homes. The gentle lot boasts incredible views of Whiteside Mountain that sweep through the trees and beyond into the Meadows of Silver Run Reserve.

Silver Run Creek ows just below the house providing excellent shing, natural plunge pools, and wading areas for children. This home is located an easy walking distance to all of Silver Run Reserve’s wonderful amenities, and is in a convenient location within the community yet tucked back in the acreage for ultimate privacy. This great estate has it all and is a must-see! Please reach out to Liz to schedule a tour, or for a detailed information booklet on oor plans and nishes. MLS 101991

High Hampton

OFFERED FOR $3,650,000

by wood, stone, and cedar shake exterior detailing, a dutch door, and gas lanterns. Many interior walls are painted shiplap, hardwood oors are nished with muted warm gray tones, specialty lighting is featured throughout, and unexpected pops of color punctuate each room. Most furnishings are negotiable and may be purchased separately from the real estate. MLS 101511

Pinnacle Ridge

4 BR / 4.5 BA Soaring in every way, this beautiful high elevation home presents the nest in mountain living! Majestic, long range views are available from every major room in the house. Located off coveted Cedar Creek Road, gated, elevated Pinnacle Ridge is a quaint enclave of approximately 15 lots, and offers central water system, paved roads and quality driven architectural standards. Paved driveway, mature landscaping and a pretty front porch provide the perfect greeting to this traditional yet current home. The pine paneled living room has soaring ceilings, a stone oor-to-ceiling replace and loads of windows facing the easterly views, with direct access to the large porch. A cased opening leads to kitchen and dining, and the Carolina Room with another oor-

to-ceiling replace. The laundry, powder bath and hallway to the two-car garage are adjacent to the kitchen. The primary is the only bedroom on the main level. It, too, has soaring ceilings, an adjacent home of ce, direct porch access and en suite bath. Upstairs are two generous guest suites and a large tness/game room located over the garage. The lower level offers an additional living room with a replace, movie theatre and the nal guest suite with easy access outdoors. Upgrades such as low maintenance Hardie Board siding, blown insulation, encapsulation, new roof in 2021, new interior paint, and hardwired security cameras make this a great opportunity to purchase a home that will allow you to play instead of work when you are in the mountains! MLS 102135

Continental Cliffs

5 BR / 6 BA Looking out, and starting from the left, stands Rock Mountain, then Chimney Top, Terrapin, and Whiteside Mountain. Entering the home with its new double-doors with glass panes, step into a lovely foyer, then a sizable great-room with a dining area seating at least 10, oor-to-ceiling stone replace, and a wall of windows facing the view. To the left is a large kitchen and keeping room with plenty of comfortable seating. Just off the kitchen is the rst of two laundry rooms

OFFERED FOR $2,995,000

and a charming den/library. Also on the rst oor is the lovely primary bedroom with replace and an en suite bath with the gorgeous mountain view and doors out to the deck and covered porch. In addition, there is a guest bedroom on the main oor with en suite bath. Downstairs is a spacious den with wood-burning replace and three bedrooms. The home is located in the charming and welcoming neighborhood of Continental Cliffs and is a short distance to the Crossroads of Cashiers. MLS 102229

Cullasaja Club OFFERED FOR $2,500,000

4 BR / 5.5 BA This beautiful mountain home located within the gated community of Cullasaja Club and only a short drive from the entrance, boasts 4 bedrooms, 5 full baths and one half bath. The master bedroom, on the main level boasts his and her baths. Nearby is a lovely, spacious of ce with lots of light from outdoors. His and her closets and a laundry room nearby with new washer and dryer. In addition to the of ce, there is a handsome library with ample book shelves and large TV.

The kitchen boasts gas range, many built-ins, a spacious pantry, and a lovely breakfast room with sunlit windows and doors out onto the deck. The home has a 2-car garage, readily accessible from the main oor. Upstairs is one bedroom with an en suite bath, and downstairs is a large, beautiful area with spacious den with replace, two bedrooms and two baths. There is also access to a single garage for the golf cart. Walking outside from this area takes you right to the golf course! MLS 101675

SANDY BARROW | C 478.737.9664

JOHN BARROW | C 828.506.9356

Silver Run Cottage

4 BR / 4.5 BA Silver Run Cottage living offers mountain modern homes available in an effortless package to make the purchasing process easy for prospective buyers. The cottage streets are quaint and tucked away off the main road with a majority of cottages providing some type of mountain view. Both cottage plans feature approximately 3,000 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, four full baths, and one half bath. Enjoy gathering around the cozy replace either in the living room with beautiful oor-to-ceiling windows or out on the vaulted screened porch providing seamless indoor/outdoor living. Silver Run Reserve offers many desired amenities and activities such as: The Water Plant — tness and activity center including a

OFFERED FOR $2,250,000

state of the art golf instruction and simulation lab; Open recreational space featuring small lakes, rolling meadows and a beautiful creek winding throughout; The Lost Library (estimated to be completed in 2024) — a hiking destination located on the highest elevation mountain point with sweeping panoramic views; The Meadow House (estimated to be completed in 2024) — indoor/outdoor seating areas, open air bar, commercial demonstration kitchen; Pool and Pool House (estimated to be completed in 2023) — panoramic mountain and meadow views from the pool and pool deck. Activities include hiking, shing, boating and swimming, and curated events and experiences.

MLS 101371

High Hampton

3 BR / 3 BA This classic High Hampton cottage was completely renovated in 2021 and updated to include today’s amenities while keeping the charm of its past. Featuring ample entertaining spaces inside and out, the great room opens onto a spacious stone terrace and the dining room opens onto a covered sitting porch looking toward the golf course on the 1st hole green. The cottage boasts two beautiful stone replaces, one in the keeping room off the kitchen and breakfast area

OFFERED FOR $2,100,000

as well as the other in the large great room. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet and en suite bath with separate tub and shower. Two guest rooms share an updated bathroom. A bunkroom and additional bathroom are at the other end of the house and make a nice space for kids to play and sleep. The home is in a great location within a short walk to the High Hampton amenities! MLS 101616

Whisper Lake

3 BR / 3.5 BA This stunning property gently presides over a quiet pristine mountain lake and has a lovely long-range view of Hogback Mountain. The double lot provides privacy yet is in the midst of a vibrant and fun-loving community. As with a notable wine, this home has several “ avors” that create its unique style—Arts and Crafts, California contemporary, and luxury ocean liner, too! The home is well built and maintained, nished with ne materials, and a pleasure to behold. Entering the house draws one into the great room with beautiful cherry oors, soaring ceilings with specialty beams and wood-burning replace with raised hearth. Large oor-to-ceiling windows afford expansive lake views and lots of natural light. Above, a fantastic home of ce with balcony is accessed by a double helix stairway. The great room has access to the covered porch with replace, pass through windows to the

kitchen, and phantom screens. The porch connects to additional decking and accesses the art studio which would also make a ne sunroom. The master bedroom has a makeup niche, lounging nook (by the big lake view windows), double vanities, tub and shower. The open kitchen has views to both the front yard and lake. It has an island, tile oors, granite countertops, two sinks, specialty cabinetry, and induction cooktop. The pantry has its own windows, as does the large laundry. Downstairs offers guests their own cheerful living room with direct access to a deck and the lake, along with a kitchenette and two bedrooms and baths, and a bonus room. While the lake creates an unparalleled view, the entry side of the house runs a close second with its terraced gardens and mature landscaping. MLS 102158

Snowbird

80.81 ACRES Topping out at 4,310’ elevation, the prime building site on this 80+ acre estate parcel has tremendous views. Already in place on this tract is a strong well, underground power and a small “bath house” with sink, shower and toilet. Gather the family around the expansive repit and take in the cool mountain evenings. The

OFFERED FOR $1,840,000

lower pasture contains approximately 8 acres of fenced and unfenced land suitable for horses, goats, gardens or crops. The gated Snowbird neighborhood is known for its large tract layout, family and dog friendly lifestyle, and miles of private trails lacing through deep woods, open rolling elds, and across streams and waterfalls. MLS 101547

Holly Forest

3 BR / 3 BA This charming home is on the Cashiers side of the Holly Forest neighborhood, near Camp Merrie Woode, and to get there one drives past beautiful Fair eld Lake! The home’s circular driveway is on a gentle grade providing easy access. Just inside, an expansive vaulted ceiling contains the great room with wood-burning stone replace, dining and kitchen with open concept and great lighting. Main bedroom and two guest rooms are nicely separated for privacy. Off the great room there is a conditioned sunroom with many windows

OFFERED FOR $775,000

providing excellent additional year round living space, plant oasis, or a quiet place to read and relax. Upstairs is a nished large vaulted room with a private bath which could be used for an excellent home of ce, over ow guest space or TV/game room. Outside the lower yard has mature landscaping and steps to a trail leading to a mountain dipping stream on the adjoining community property. Despite its close proximity to town and the Wyndham amenities, this home has a very private feeling.

MLS 101918

BETH TOWNSEND , GUILD ELITE™