May 2023: The Laurel Magazine

L aURe L

The

Cover Artist, Terry Warren

JANET CUMMINGS Managing Partner janet@thelaurelmagazine.com

MARJORIE CHRISTIANSEN Managing Partner marjorie@thelaurelmagazine.com

Publisher’s Note

Welcome to the May Issue of The Laurel Spring has finally taken hold of the landscape, our namesake Mountain Laurel prepares to bloom, and the calendar is quickly filling with occasions both intimate and grand.

Let’s welcome our friends who spend their winters in sunnier climates and extend a warm invitation to participate to those who are here for just a few days. Believe us, as spectacular and beguiling as the Plateau’s natural wonders, it’s the people who give the place its unmistakable charm.

Join the conversation, share a meal with us, and join us in this timeless dance. Thank You!

Janet and Marjorie

MICHELLE MUNGER Art Director mungerclan5@aol.com

SARAH FIELDING Account Manager sarah@thelaurelmagazine.com

LUKE OSTEEN Editor / Writer luke@thelaurelmagazine.com

DONNA RHODES Writer dmrhodes847@gmail.com

MARLENE OSTEEN Writer marlene.osteen@gmail.com

MARY JANE MCCALL Writer mjmccall777@gmail.com

DEENA BOUKNIGHT Writer dknight865@gmail.com

THOMAS CUMMINGS Distribution Manager jothcu@yahoo.com

Contributing Writers: Ann Self, 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.

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to the

Any substantial

that are the fault of the magazine will be subject to a reduction or reimbursement of the amounts paid by the advertiser, but in no case will any claim arising from such error exceed the amount paid for the advertisement by the advertiser.

WHAT TO DO

Pages 14-65

Weekends are for Music

Music returns to Highlands with a trio of outdoor concerts.

Pop-Up Bagpiper Performances, Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine Outdoor Concert Series bring diverse sounds to residents and visitors.

On the first Saturday of each month through October 7, live performances by Highlands Bagpipers take place from 4:30 to 5:00 P.M.

The first in the series is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, at Town Square. Highlands Bagpipers is comprised of musicians Margaret Tooke and Glenn Morris who have previously performed as part of the Highlands Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting events.

The performances honor Highlands’ heritage, which includes

settlers and laborers from Scotland and Ireland as well as a history of serving as a cultural center for artists and musicians.

Beginning May 19, free outdoor concerts will be held downtown each Friday and Saturday night. Friday Night Live, which highlights traditional mountain music and local talent, takes place at the Town Square on Main Street. Jay Dummonds kicks off the series with his sweet Southern and twang-tinged baritone.

The Saturdays on Pine concerts begin May 20, in conjunction with the annual Meander in May, the free, self-guided arts festival. The Boomers are back by popular demand, bringing their lively performances to the stage at Kelsey-

Hutchinson Founders Park.

The bagpipe performances, Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine Outdoor Concert Series are organized and hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.

For more information about these or other events, go to visithighlandsnc.com, call (828) 526-2112 or send an email to events@highlandschamber.org.

by Johanna Fein, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC

Meander in May

Meander in May is a buoyant crosstown celebration set for Saturday, May 20, all around Highlands. Everyone’s invited and everything is free.

It’s May, the weather is warming, the Plateau has taken on shades of emerald and we’re ready to wander … here, there, and yonder. Visit Highlands, NC/Chamber of Commerce encourages you to offer the following invitation to one or more friends and come downtown to do your wandering.

Meander in May, set for 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Saturday, May 20, will take place throughout downtown. This free, self-guided

event brings live musical performances, artists, craftspeople, and fun demonstrations to locations across the town.

That means you’ll discover music from bluegrass to jazz, and artists displaying their talents in jewelry making, painting, woodworking, photography, plein air painting and more. These musicians and artists will be situated all over town.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to watch, listen, engage,

and indulge in other offerings along the way. Participants will be provided with an event map to go and seek out their favorite artist/musician.

The day is capped by a concert at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park at 6:00 P.M.

And in keeping with the theme of walking, make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes!

by Luke Osteen

Annual Plant Sale

Local gardens and landscapes (and the people who love them) have

cast their hopeful gaze toward the Mountain Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale, May 27 at the Highlands Ball Field.

Who doesn’t long to have the most beautiful landscaping and flowers in your neighborhood and who hasn’t struggled to find just the right plants to grow in our unique environment?

I’m sure many of us have purchased plants that simply didn’t thrive or live up to their potential or our vision. Well, worry no more fellow gardeners and plant lovers, simply mark your calendars to attend the Highlands Mountain Garden Club’s annual plant sale on Saturday, May 27 from 9:00 A.M. until noon at the Town Ballfield at the corner of Highway 64 and Hickory Street.

This unique plant sale offers you the chance to purchase native plants grown by some of the most accomplished gardeners on the plateau. The plants here have all been lovingly cultivated in native soil and are plants native to our area, so they are ideally

suited to our unique ecosystem. These acclimated plants will grow and thrive for years to come. The guesswork has been taken out of the equation of whether it will grow and thrive in our climate.

There will be as many as forty different types of plants, from those that attract pollinators such as Bee Balm, Astilbe, and Clematis, to the always popular Hosta in its many varieties, Cinnamon Ferns, Creeping Jenny, Coneflower, Bleeding Heart, Forsythia, Iris, Daylily, and many other offerings, including Dahlia bulbs. If you’ve admired a plant in any local garden, you’ll most likely be able to purchase it here and have a chance to chat with the gardeners who have lovingly tended to those plants from seedling to sale.

There is something so satisfying about getting your hands dirty and tilling the soil, bringing beauty to your yard and landscape.

Buy your plants here and join the community of your fellow gardeners who work so hard to share the bounty of their knowledge and hard work.

This is the Mountain Garden Club’s largest fundraiser of the year and proceeds are used to fund scholarships for local students who are studying horticulture, environmental studies, and education, as well as for other community projects, conservation efforts, and community gardens. It is a chance to beautify your garden while giving to a good cause.

Club member Debby Hall stresses that, “our group of dedicated volunteers work tirelessly, starting early spring, to bring a beautiful selection of plants, tools and garden art to the sale. We are so appreciative of the community support we get each year.”

Be prepared to come early as the sale is extremely popular and long lines form quickly. Cash or check only, please.

by Mary Jane McCall

CLE Presents

Education is not preparation for life. It is life itself.

Center for Life Enrichment brings you some of the world’s best authorities on life. Spend some elevating hours with national and global experts in politics, science, history, law, folklore, the arts, and so much more.

“This month we’re promoting three highlighted June programs,” says Fallon Hovis, Executive Director of CLE.

They are:

• Pulitzer Prize winning author Ed Larson

• Historian and author Eren Taser

• Garden Safari Tour and Cocktail Party, with Mary Palmer Dargan

If you’re not already a fan of Ed Larson, here’s your chance to meet this man of letters who’s earned some impressive numbers:

One Pulitzer Prize, 1998; Seven continents on which he’s lectured; One New York Times best-seller; 20 languages into which his work has been translated;

14 books of which he is author or co-author.

Join his lecture, “The Scopes Trial in History and Folklore,” Tuesday, June 27, 10:00 A.M. to Noon; cost is $30 (members)/$40 (non-members).

On Wednesday, June 28, attend “Conceived in Liberty,” 10:00 A.M. to Noon, $30/$40.

Eren Taser, a Bostonian who’s now an instructor at UNC-Chapel Hill, is captivated by the religious and social history of Soviet Central Asia. Soviet and Muslim, his first book, examines Soviet policies toward Islamic institutions. Don’t miss his presentation, “Putin’s War in Ukraine: the Russian Empire

Reborn?” set for 2:00 to 4:00 Thursday, June 22, $30/$40.

On Friday, June 23, attend “NEOM: Line City in the Saudi Desert;” $30/$40. For our garden lovers and flower aficionados, let’s stick in a green thumb and pull out a plum of an event, Garden Tour and Safari Cocktail Party at Fernwood, with its 280 feet of private waterfalls. This is the home of licensed landscape architects Hugh and Mary Palmer Dargan, ALSAs.

Enjoy their Out of Africa Dining Pavilion on the banks of the Upper Horse Pasture River. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres await. Hop aboard the CLE coach (parking is limited). Enjoy the ride and a party you’ll never forget.

For more information, contact Center For Life Enrichment Office at (828) 526-8811.

by Donna Rhodes

The Center for Life Enrichment provides invaluable lessons about life in the Big World and life here on the Plateau.

Garden Fresh Goodies

Spring has sprung, summer is right around the corner, and we’re all celebrating the season’s verdant promises.

For many of us that includes seeking the freshest ingredients for our lighter summer menus and here on the Plateau we are fortunate to have two farmers’ markets for our shopping pleasure.

Farm-to-table freshness is at our fingertips thanks to The Green Market-Locally Grown on The Green, Cashiers farm stand and local market that is held every Wednesday from 2:00 until 5:00 P.M. under the outdoor pavilion at the Village Green Commons, and the Highlands Marketplace every Saturday morning at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park from 8:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M.

Local farmers and purveyors of artisanal food and wellness products gather here under colorful tents selling the bounty of the season. Fresh produce of every imaginable kind can be found here on any given day. Tomatoes, corn, green beans, peppers, onions, squashes, and lettuces of every type offer you a chance to prepare the ultimate farm-to-table meal.

Farm-raised meats are also available, as are more exotic food items such as locally foraged mushrooms. It’s a delight to discover all that awaits you at these markets.

You’ll also find fresh eggs, homemade breads, pastries, pies, quiches, jams, honey, jellies, relishes, and dips, just to mention a few of the many delicious items available. Your options are limitless so take your time to savor

the selections. It’s a new and different delight every week so visit weekly to find the best of what’s in season. There are often local craft items available for sale here too, as well as plants and flowers. These markets offer just what you need to bring spring beauty into your homes.

Both markets are conveniently located in the center of their communities so getting there is easy and free parking is plentiful. They offer the perfect stress-free shopping environment so stop into one or both and up your culinary game. Quality ingredients make for sumptuous meals. Buying local has never been easier.

by Mary Jane McCall

The full spectrum of local flavors can be harvested at The Green Market and Highlands Marketplace.

A Grand Summer Luncheon

Laurel Garden Club’s Grand Summer Luncheon, set for July 20 at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, will explore the intricacies of 21st Century Etiquette. For more information or tickets, visit laurelgardenclubhighlands.com

Laurel Garden Club will celebrate the arrival of the Busy Season with its Grand Summer Luncheon, set for 11:30 A.M. Thursday, July 20, at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in Highlands.

Organizers promise a fabulous gourmet lunch, silent auction, and a presentation by April McLean and Debra Lassiter of Perfectly Polished: The Etiquette School. April is always looking for new and innovative ways to communicate etiquette and manners. April grew up in a very small rural town of Millen, Georgia. She brings a twist of Deep South antics to stereotypically dry and boring subjects. While Debra holds tight to Etiquette

Expectations, April tends to find the realistic and believable approaches to life’s circumstances.

Debra sets the bar high for those she coaches and expects in return the standards are never deviated from. There are no exceptions. With a smile on her face and love in her heart she will never compromise on her level of success. She genuinely believes that everyone is capable of living a life well “polished.” Thirty-five years of interacting with society makes her the Social Rule Enforcer. Debra grew up in Athens and is proud to still call the city her home. You can purchase tickets to the luncheon at laurelgardenclubhighlands.

com or at The Dry Sink, 450 Main Street in Highlands.

The purpose of the Laurel Garden Club is to “aid in the protection and conservation of our natural resources, encourage civic beauty and roadside beautification, stimulate the fine art of gardening and enable cooperation with other organizations furthering the interest of horticulture and conservation.”

Proceeds from the luncheon will be reinvested in the Highlands community with grants to further horticultural and conservation.

by Luke Osteen

photo by Susan Renfro

Sweet Groovin’ Sounds

Groovin’ on the Green returns to The Village Green in Cashiers on most Friday nights through October.

The season on the Plateau officially begins Memorial Day weekend, and that means that the stage is set for the premiere Groovin’ on the Green concert.

That means that this year those first sweet sounds start on Friday, May 26 with beloved local band Nitrograss. Nitrograss, both sonically unique and visually appealing in their performances, provides a carefree and exciting atmosphere of pure acoustic ear-fodder. The percussive banjo of two-time national champion Charles Wood lays the foundation for the band’s unique style.

(This concert is sponsored by The Laurel Magazine. That means we’ll be there in the crowd. Please look for us and tell us

what you’re thinking – about the communities, about your life, and about us. We mean it!)

These concerts are held at the Village Green on Frank Allen Road in Cashiers, most Friday nights throughout the season. Music starts at 6:30 and the show goes on rain or shine. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged and appreciated, and parking is plentiful.

On June 9, another crowd favorite, The Caribbean Cowboys, brings their talents to stage. These slightly off-kilter cowboys have been entertaining audiences up and down the East Coast for over 30 years and these guys can, and do, play it all. From classic rock, blues, reggae, and country to, as their name sug-

gests, beach tunes, you’ll enjoy a concert you won’t soon forget. Lead singer Steve Weams is a master of encouraging audience participation, so plan on singing along. This concert is sponsored by Landmark Realty.

Bring a chair, your family, your friends and even your dog (who must be leashed and under your control at all times) and join the fun on the Green, Fridays at 6:30 P.M. Don’t forget to bring a picnic supper and a cooler of your favorite beverages, or you can purchase food and beverages from one of the vendors on site.

The Village Green will be providing a limited number of 10×10 tents. If you’d like to book a tent, please visit cashiersvillagegreennc.com.

by Luke Osteen

Music Bingo

Music Bingo is revving up Sunday evenings at The Ugly Dog Pub in Highlands.

The Ugly Dog Pub in Highlands has long been a hub for geeky gameplay since opening two decades ago.

Now, in keeping with their slogan, “music, food, beverage and atmosphere that will keep you company,’ owners Kay and Thomas Craig have added music bingo to the weekly event calendar. To be clear Music Bingo is not the game your grandmother played in the basement of a church fellowship hall!

Think of it as Bingo meets Name That Tune meets Trivia!

The Craigs who have long hosted music and game nights added music bingo after noticing its recent popularity with patrons looking to connect socially while enjoying music.

It’s a fun and exciting take on the classic bingo game, with songs replacing the numbers on the bingo card. After receiving a card, the host – in this case local DJ Chris Moxley – plays a song and if the song is listed on your card, you tick it off. Moxley keeps playing tunes until someone gets five chips in a row on their bingo card and calls out, “Bingo!”

All the songs and boxes are in a defined music genre. The audience plays the game on their phones, often using the Shazam app to help identify the music. There are four rounds of play, and the winner of each round receives an Ugly Dog gift card to be redeemed for food and beverage.

Moxley describes it as “an equal opportunity game,” and says, “I just want everyone to have fun.” He tells me that favorites are 90’s country, 80’s rock and dance music, and some slightly new, like Bruno Mars and Pitbull. Although, sometimes it’s disco, sometimes it’s funk – its music from the 60’s to 2020 and the categories change every week.

“Imagine the last hour of a wedding reception with a good DJ spinning tunes, and folks dancing like no one’s watching. People get nostalgic,” says Moxley.

Music Bingo is hosted every Sunday at Ugly Dog Pub from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. Playing is free, and patrons are advised to get there early as seats fill up quickly.

Upcoming at Ugly Dog on May 26, is Bluegrass and Americana group Darren Nicholson Band. Performing on June 17, and July 7 is Andrew Wooten Caroline’s Roost – music “that feels like a pine-covered moonshine still on a foggy mountainside somewhere in the Carolinas.”

For more information, visit theuglydogpub.com. Chris Moxley can be reached at ambitiousentertainment.net.

by Marlene Osteen

Merry Musical May

May brings the sounds of the Plateau springing to life.

We celebrate the new season with joyful mountain music.

Songs romanticizing May date back centuries. In 1595, Thomas Morley wrote Now is the Month of Maying, a madrigal that includes the lyrics:

Now is the month of maying

When merry lads are playing. Each with his bonny lass, Upon the greeny grass.

Fie then why sit we musing Youth’s sweet delight refusing. Shall we play at barley-break?

“Barley-breaking” translates “rolling in the hay.” Going from Marley’s “maying” to Lerner and Loewe’s “Lusty Month of May” is a short musical step. And, like that short step, many a June wedding has followed a passionate May frolic.

We have our own May music here in the mountains. You can hear it this month at free concerts featuring local musicians

holding forth with pure musical joy.

On Saturday, May 6, at 4:30 P.M., the Pop-Up Pipers, a bagpipe duo, will pipeup at various locations around downtown Highlands. This monthly musical event occurs May through October.

On Saturday, May 13, the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau will host Mayfest from Noon to 3:00 P.M. There’ll be storytelling, face painting, arts and crafts, food, and music. Go to 558 Frank Allen Road in Cashiers.

On May 19, 6:00 to 8:30 P.M., Friday Night Live in Highlands will feature Jay Drummonds at Town Square. Expect blues, folk and rock music.

Saturday, May 20, from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. in Highlands, Meander in May will be a walking opportunity. Music from bluegrass to jazz, as well as art and crafts will be staged at various locations around town. A self-guided map will be provided.

Also on May 20, from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M., Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park will host The Boomers. This well-traveled band has performed at a presidential inaugural ball, NFL owners meeting and local weddings.

Friday, May 26, presents concurrent musical opportunities. From 6:00 to 8:30 P.M. Highlands-based Silly Ridge (banjo, mandolin, guitar, harmonica) will perform in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

Also on the 26th, from 6:30 to 9:00 P.M., Nitrograss will sound off at the first monthly Groovin’ on the Green event in Cashiers. Bring lawn chairs to this event sponsored by our own Laurel Magazine

On May 27, 6:00 to 8:30 P.M, Saturdays on Pine Concert will present The Swingin’ Richards. Expect “Megaphones,” “Daddy Blue” and other Southeastern favorites to rock at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park in Highlands. Merry musical May from The Laurel Magazine!

Humility, Swagger, and Music

It’s the sounds of country when Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly visit The Farm, Thursday, May 25. For updates and to book online, visit OldEdwardsHospitality. com/OrchardSessions.

MartinandKelly

On Thursday, May 25, the sounds at the Orchard Sessions at The Farm at Old Edwards will be country. Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly will play and sing in a program that defines the best of country music – the singular ability of country musicians to create a close rapport with their audiences.

Jilly Martin loves the song “Over the Rainbow” and knows how to yodel. She was a toddler when she started singing by her grandmother’s piano and seven when she began singing in church. It wasn’t too many years later that she sang for several hundred thousand for the 4th of July festivities with the Boston Pops. She played gigs around New England, chasing her dreams as a solo artist when Ryan Brooks Kelly asked her to sing a debut on an EP he was working on.

By the time he met Martin, Kelly had long been breaking barriers, forging his own creative presence in the industry.

His smooth-soulful vocal ranges had shined in performances as the opening act for such artists as Lynrd Skynard, the Doobie Brothers, Chicago, and Joan Jett.

In the studio, the two clicked. As Kelly related to Limelight Magazine, “We decided that we really liked how our voices and harmonies blended.” The two decided to team up, “to create a duo to reckon with.”

The pair are both inspired by the music of Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, Brad Paisley, and Miranda Lambert. Those influences are evident in the music they perform and the songs they write that bridge the gap between new and traditional country music.

Clearly, their decision to join their musical talents was the right one.

With just the right amount of humility and swagger in their originals, covers, and performances, they complement each other on and off stage. As one

critic reported, “Jilly has the rare ability to deliver a vocal story with complete honesty, whether a gentle ballad or a powerful anthem. Ryan’s guitar work is a skillfully inspired force, and their harmonies blend with exquisite seamlessness whether presented as a two-piece acoustic duo, three or fourpiece act.”

As is well known to Plateau music lovers, the Orchard Sessions are a rare opportunity to connect simultaneously and viscerally to nature and the performing artists. The show begins at 6:00 P.M. and concludes around sunset at 8:00 P.M. There is a $40 cover charge for the public. Every ticket includes light bites and a cash bar.

by Marlene Osteen

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Much To Do About Everything

It’s a Jam-Packed Calendar for the Plateau’s twin libraries.

Adult programs at the Cashiers library even includes gardening programs from the N.C. Cooperative Extension, according to Serenity Richards, branch librarian.

“Also, in May, we’re introducing a brand-new program called Toddler Time, each Wednesday 2:00 to 3:00 P.M,” Richards says.

In addition, the Cashiers library offers Youth Theatre programs through the summer months, as well as:

June 3: Dia del Nino (Children’s Day)

June 8: Waterfalls Concert with Bryan Heller, presented by the Friends of the Library

June 13-17: Bookstore Clearance Sale

June 19: Cashiers Kids’ Color Course (rain date: June 26)

June 22: Blood Drive 1-6 P.M.

Friday Family Events start at 10:30 A.M. each Friday from June through July, with

the topics as follows:

June 23: NC Aquarium Star of the Show

June 30: Professor Whizzpop

Tuesday mornings at 10:30 A.M. are the STEAM programs throughout the summer months, and on June 20 and July 18 are special nature programs hosted by the Highlands Nature Center.

Wednesdays at 10:00 A.M. is Storytime, with special guests visiting:

June 21 - Balsam Mountain Trust, with turtles, snakes, and opossums; and,

June 28 - children’s author Ritu Anand. Hudson Library in Highlands has a packed schedule as well. Carlyn Morenus, branch librarian, pointed out that Kids Zone takes place every Thursday at 3:30 P.M. Highlights include:

May 4: Program for kids with Patrick Brannon of the Highlands Biological Station

June 8, 22, July 13: 4H Extension programs for kids, such as creating fairy gardens, making butter, gardening, bees and other pollinators, and more

3rd Thursday of every month: Lego Club Nature mornings for kids are presented by Highlands Nature Center; they take place Tuesdays at 10:15 A.M. And, Family Storytime is every Thursday at 10:40 A.M.

Author Susan Boyer kicks off the Books & Bites program on Friday, May 12, at 12:30 P.M., and the full Books & Bites series schedule will be presented in the June issue of The Laurel.

by Deena Bouknight

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Be A Part Of It

When Highlands Performing Arts Center and The Bascom put together a tour of New York City’s most exciting cultural attractions, the results are exhilarating.

MaryAdairTrumbly and KarinPeterson

The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts and Highlands

Performing Arts Center are offering a dazzling tour of New York City and scenes that look into some of New York City’s most exciting cultural attractions, Sunday, October 1 through Friday, October 6.

What better way to celebrate our shared commitment to the arts than by taking a trip to New York…

essential parts of the city? Thank you to our patrons who help create a vibrant and vital presence of the arts to the HighlandsCashiers Plateau.”

food, an oyster bar and so much more. This is Karin’s and my dream trip to NYC and we can’t wait to share it with you,” says PAC Executive Director Mary Adair Trumbly.

For the itinerary and to learn more, visit highlandsperformingarts.com or thebascom.org.

by Luke Osteen

“At The Bascom, we are so excited to further our partnership with the Performing Arts Center by offering this shared opportunity for the community,” says Bascom Executive Director Dr. Karin Peterson. “What better way to celebrate our shared commitment to the arts than by taking a trip to New York, where visual arts and theatre are

“Join us for a fun time in NYC, curated for the theater goer, the art connoisseur, and the foodie. A dinner and cabaret show, two Broadway shows, a backstage tour of the MET Opera house, a tour of Christie’s, a private tour in the Metropolitan Museum with Dr. Laura Corey, a tour of MOMA; Italian

A dinner and cabaret show, two Broadway shows, a backstage tour of the MET Opera house, a tour of Christie’s, a private tour in the Metropolitan Museum…

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HCP Returns

Highlands-Cashiers Players raise the curtain on their most suspenseful offering yet – Night Watch, May 18, 19, and 20 at 7:30 P.M.;

Sunday, May 21 at 2:30 P.M; May 25, 26, 27 at 7:30 P.M.; and Sunday, May 28, at 2:30 P.M.

DirectorMichaelLanzilotta

Highlands-Cashiers Players is staging Night Watch at Highlands Performing Arts Center (507 Chestnut Street), Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows will be held at 7:30 P.M.; and Sunday shows at 2:30 P.M.

Night Watch is the story of a woman, Elaine Wheeler, who is plagued by insomnia and one night, while looking out her window, thinks she sees a dead body in the building behind hers.

Several people, including Elaine’s husband John, best friend Blanche, maid Helga, and neighbor Mr. Appleby try to get to the bottom of this horrible mystery, but soon everyone begins to question Elaine’s sanity. No one is truly who they seem, and the audience will be guessing throughout the show what is going on.

As play Director Michael Lanzilotta said, “Opening this season with a suspense story will hopefully reinvigorate the community in supporting community theater. Our all-volunteer team is dedicated to bringing entertainment to our Plateau.”

With twists and turns, Night Watch reveals its truths slowly, culminating in a riveting climax.

For more details and tickets, call (828) 526-8084.

by Luke Osteen

Scan for tickets.

Gone But Not Forgotten

Highlands American Legion Post 370 will conduct a Memorial Day Event on Monday, May 29 at 10:00 A.M. at Veterans Plaza in Highlands.

The Memorial Day service will include remarks by Highlands Mayor Pat Taylor and Post Commander Ed McCloskey will act as master of ceremonies and keynote speaker.

Chaplain Zach Claxton will give the opening prayer and Past Commander and Post Bugler Ed Jones will play taps. Post 370 veteran members, family, friends and the public are encouraged to gather at 10:00 A.M. on Memorial Day, May 29, in Highlands at Veterans Plaza located across from the Police Station and behind Town Hall.

Memorial Day honors more than 1 million servicemen and women who fought to defend our country from the time of the American Revolution through the War on Terror. They paid the

ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for our country. President John F. Kennedy famously said, “The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. The path we shall never choose, is the path of surrender, or submission.”

The first national observance of Memorial Day was on May 30, 1868. General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic selected May 30, 1868 as a day to honor the fallen. At the time it was known as Decoration Day. The holiday was proclaimed to honor the Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War. Logan apparently chose May 30 because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. By the late 1860s, many towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these

The Highlands Cashiers Hospital organized a luncheon for veterans and families last Veterans Day thanks to the generosity of Tom Neal Hospital Administrator and his staff.

countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers. Mary Ann Williams of Columbus, Georgia proposed the “idea of strewing the graves of Civil War soldiers - Union and Confederate” with flowers. Her idea has become a tradition that remains alive to this day.

Official Recognition of Memorial Day happened in New York in 1873. By 1890, every state had adopted it. The World Wars turned it into a day of remembrance for all members of the U.S. military who fought and died in service. In 1971, Congress standardized the holiday as “Memorial Day” and changed its observance to the last Monday in May.

Several customs have grown around Memorial Day and they include placing flags on Veterans graves. This year Phil Potts will continue his tradition of placing flags at the Highlands Cemetery on Thursday, May 25, at 5:30 P.M. Veterans, families and friends are welcome to join Phil and members of Highlands American Legion Post 370 in placing the flags.

Just before Memorial Day the American Legion traditionally offers Poppies, the classic Memorial Day symbol, for sale to commemorate the service of all veterans. The well-known John McRae poem, “In Flanders Fields” was inspired by the poet/soldier’s special moment when he saw poppies scattered throughout the battlefield surrounding his artillery position in Belgium. The flowers filling the war-torn battlefield in this iconic display of tragedy and beauty gave the author the inspiration to write the poem. Poppies will go on sale again this year in front of Brysons grocery near the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Memorial Day is a solemn time of year when the country honors the ultimate sacrifice of its veterans. Join your local American Legion Post 370 at our memorial day service rain or shine on May 29 at 10:00 AM at Veterans Plaza.

by Mary Jane McCall

Mental Health Awareness Month

Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation and the Counseling Center of Highlands reminds us to Bee Kind: Mental Health Begins with Kindness.

Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation and the Counseling Center of Highlands have partnered together to raise awareness throughout the upcoming month of May for Mental Health Awareness.

May 1: Bee Kind Yoga, Breathing to Affect Positive Mental Health; 10:30 to 11:45 A.M. or 5:15 to 6:15 P.M.; Provided by Ashby Underwood, $20; at Yoga Highlands

May 2: Highlands Community Table; 6:00 P.M., Free.

May 9: Compassion and Reciprocity; Lessons from the Pollinator Garden; Tuesday, May 9 at 10:00 A.M. Studies show that spending time in the natural world can raise our awareness of the other species that share this world with us and build our own capacity for compassion. Free; at 11 Lower Lake Road, Highlands.

May 10: Bee Kind Event; Honeybees and the Christian Imagination: A Lesson in the Kindness of God. Explore together what some of God’s smallest creatures have to teach us about kindness and community. Free; at Episcopal Church of the Incarnation.

May 11: “Bee Kind Bingo” Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Highlands and benefitting the Counseling Center and Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation; at Highlands Community Building. $1 per bingo card, Raffle tickets for prizes: $5 each or $20 for 5.

May 13: Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau MayFest; 12:00 PM to 3:00 P.M; at the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau

May 18: Satulah Sunset for the Spirit; Sponsored by the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust; Meet at Kelsey-Hutchison Founders Park at 7:00 P.M. and hike to Satulah for the 8:30 P.M. sunset. Free.

May 20: BEE Kind Forest Bathing Walk; 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. $20 per person at 111 Lower Lake Road, Highlands.

May 21: BEE Kind Forest Bathing Walk; 9 A.M. to 12 P.M; $20 per person at 111 Lower Lake Road, Highlands.

May 26: Community Coffee with the Mayor; 11:00 A.M. at Hudson Library.

Month of May: Bascom Bee Kind: Join The Bascom for some fun self-guided activities for youth and families.

A Grand Musical Revue

Highlands Performing Arts Center celebrates their new facility with a spectacular gala – 6:00 P.M. Saturday, June 3. Highlands PAC is located at 507 Chestnut Street.

“Hey, let’s put on a show!”

That’s the line that animated dozens of MGM musicals in the 1930s and 40s.

It’s also the spirit that’s bringing us Highlands Performing Art Center’s Gala Revue at 6:00 P.M. on Saturday June 3, at The PAC.

“Join us for an evening of food and entertainment showcasing Highlands finest entertainers and food vendors,” says organizer Cindy Trevathan. “All the food and entertainment is being provided by people within a 30 mile radius of Highlands. Most are donating their services so 90% of the ticket price

will go to supporting the PAC and help with the project overruns incurred as a result of the Pandemic.”

All of that goodwill, all of that community spirit, will provide revelers with a Gourmet Cocktail Buffet provided by Sean Dobruck and Mark Ellis, a complete bar featuring wines and signature drinks from Farm to Cocktail; performances by the Bluegrass band The Foxfire Boys; Classic R&B and dance music by The V8s; and music by members of The Smoky Mountain Brass Band.

“And there’ll be special appearances by some of our local Broadway stars,” says

Cost of the revue is $200 and tickets are limited. For tickets or more information, visit highlandsperformingarts.com. All proceeds help support operations of the Performing Arts Center, whose mission is to provide high quality venues and performing arts for the HighlandsCashiers community.

by Luke Osteen

Trevathan. “It’s a wonderful way to test out our new dance floor!”

Scan for more info.

Celebrating Birthdays

It’s birthday season for the wise, compassionate horses of Carpe Diem Farms. You’re invited to a celebration, 1:00 P.M. June 11 at Carpe Diem.

The ancients called horses the messengers between us and the divine, companions to the gods. In the Bible, it said in Job 12: Ask the very beasts, and they will teach you.

In the company of horses, we can learn volumes about ourselves and our inter-connectedness to all life. Horses give us insight. They mirror our emotions, our energy system – what you think, what you feel. They give us living biofeedback.

Mark your calendars for June 11 – it’s a Birthday Celebration and Gratitude Day for the horses of CDF!

The horses of Carpe Diem Farms are the foundation of our existence.

The horses of Carpe Diem Farms are the foundation of our existence. Over the past 26 years there have been 21 horses who have served children and adults alike. They have taught, empowered, healed wounds, and befriended more than 4,000 participants.

It’s hard to believe that from June through September, Anna Banana, who arrived as a gift from France Bunzl, as a three-month-old will turn 21 in June, Battersea Tracy, who joined the herd at 18 months as a spitfire, orphan foal – she’ll be 20. Tracy’s “niece” Battersea Violet, who arrived from Virginia at three is turning eighteen; Izzy the Oldenberg was seven, now 17; Quarter Horse Reebok Mercedes joined us as a six-year-old and celebrates her 16th year and finally, our mini Pumpkin we believe to be 32.

We invite you to spend the afternoon, 1:00 to 4:00 P.M., with the horses at the farm, celebrating them and the magic and miracles they have brought to the lives of all who have had the privilege to be in their presence.

Mark your calendars for June 11.

In addition to cake with the horses, we will provide tours of the farm. Included will be a visit to the Easy’s Slipper production center. The horses of CDF inspired the creation of the patented composite rubber glue-on slipper shoe – helping to heal and provide comfort for horses around the globe.

Hope to see you down on the farm!

by Sue Blair, Carpe-Diem Farms

Young Summers

Sydney Galarda is a high school student from Charleston, South Carolina. She’s been spending her summers with her grandparents here on the Plateau for the last eight years.

After spending eight summers in the mountains, you tend to find things to do that everyone enjoys. Sometimes it’s not easy to start finding those things, though.

So, as a teen, here are some things that you and the children and teens you stay with might enjoy doing!

First, there’s the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. I know most people don’t go to libraries anymore, but my sister and I visit this one about twice a week to participate in games, go to movies, and try other fun things that they do! Every Thursday, they have movies for both adults and kids to watch. While the kids’ movies do tend to stay more towards Disney and family-friendly

movies, the adult movies vary more and have more action in them, which may be more engaging for your teens.

Tuesdays are when most of the games happen, which range from crafts to theater to storytelling to outdoor color courses. A library is still a library, so take a look around! There’s a vast selection of books from all genres, as well as a more bookstore-esque room where you can buy books to keep for low prices. They also have a DVD shelf where you, your teen, or the children coming with you can pick out movies you like. You can also visit the Village Green nearby, which has a playground and some short trails for you to explore.

Second, if you’re staying near Cashiers,

there’s also Fairfield Lake and various smaller beaches for everyone to enjoy. Yes, I realize that getting kids and teens out of the house and off their devices can be challenging at times, but my sister and I always enjoy swimming. At the lake, there’s a buoyed swimming area with a floating dock on one end that my sister likes to jump off. I typically stay in the shallow water, since I prefer the sand and usually make sandcastles. There are also fish that swim around and may come up to you while you’re in the water. Fishing is allowed outside of the swimming area if you have the proper license to do so.

If your child or teen is on the more adventurous or outdoorsy side, congratulations, there are also a lot of trails, waterfalls, and other things for you

to do with them! One thing my sister, the more adventurous one of us, likes to do is go ziplining. One good place to try this is Highlands Aerial Park, near Scaly Mountain. Also, Highlands Outpost offers tubing, fishing, gem mining and their mountain coaster.

For the animal lovers out there, we recently discovered Whitewater Equestrian Center, where you can go and ride horses with a group of people and a guide. My sister and I had never ridden a horse before going there and they kindly guided us through what to do, so experience doesn’t matter when you visit. In addition to getting to ride horses, there are also several nice areas to take pictures as well as a rest stop along the trail.

For the more indoorsy animal lovers, my sister and I have recently taken on a challenge that we think others would enjoy, too. Since we couldn’t go out as

much during the pandemic, we started staying inside and watching animals that passed by the house on various cameras we have set up or, if we were lucky, by actually seeing them. We’ve been taking pictures of everything we see and running them through an app on her phone that identifies the animal and gives some facts about them, such as their genus and species, their diet, what they do, and if they’re dangerous or not. She also has an app that does similar things for plants. Finally, the Sapphire Valley Resort Rec Center and Community Center have plenty of things to do, too. You can go to the community center every Wednesday to play Bingo for cash prizes. While many people wouldn’t think this is exciting for teens and children, there are actually quite a lot who go every week during the summer, and who would turn down the possibility of winning money? You do have to pay for your bingo cards.

Outside, there are pools, mini golf, a track, a river trail, a playground, and dog parks for those of you who bring your animal companions to the mountains with you. There’s also a little spot for gem mining! Inside, there’s a saltwater pool, checkers, and an arcade. Yes, they do have an arcade that works exactly like older arcades used to and has some of the original games, such as Pac-Man and the claw games. So, stick a quarter in and your teen is back to gaming. In the winter, the community center also has skiing and snow tubing.

Also, please know that some of these things may require you to be a property owner or amenity card holder to do; they’re not all open to the public, so call ahead.

by Sydney Galarda / photos by Susan Renfro

Fourth Annual Barn Dance

Mountain Youth Charities has the party for you at its 4th Annual Barn Dance & Bar-B-Cue, June 23 at The Chimney Pond Farm in Glenville.

Mountain Youth Charities, which has proved to be a reliable supporter of youth-oriented nonprofits in Southern Jackson County, is drawing up plans for its 4th Annual Barn Dance & Bar-B-Cue, set for 6:00 P.M. Friday, June 23, at The Chimney Pond Farm in Glenville.

Over the years, the Barn Dances and Bar-B-Cues have supported Hampton Preschool, Summit Charter School, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM), Blue Ridge School and Blue Ridge Early College.

This year’s party will benefit Blue Ridge School Education Foundation, supporting Blue Ridge School Athletic Booster Club & Parent Teacher Organization, JAM, and other local youth charities.

Funds are raised through donor sponsorships, patron tables, ticket sales, a live auction, a raffle, and other generous donations.

In the summer of 2019, the 3rd Annual Barn Dance and Bar-B-Cue was attended by almost 200 patrons, raising over $70,000 to benefit numerous local youth organizations. The 2020 event paused due to limitations of Covid-19, things are on track for a successful 2023 incarnation and for many years to come.

The event includes a Bar-BCue dinner, live country music, square dancing, line dancing, and performances by the Junior Appalachian Musicians.

Visit mountainyouthcharities.org.

Summit Bear Run

Lace up those Chucks! Chow down those carbs! It’s Summit Charter School’s Cinco De Mayo

5K Summit Bear Run, set for 6:00 P.M. Friday, May 5.

Summit Charter School is staging its Cinco De Mayo 5K Summit Bear Run on Friday, May 5.

The 5K is being held to raise money for the Summit Family Fund. The Summit Family Fund helps Summit Charter School bridge the gap between what they receive from the government and the actual cost of educating a student.

This is a 5K out-and-back course with a mixture of hard-packed gravel and paved roads. Registration ends May 3.

Summit is offering a Cinco De Mayo Dinner Option (you must preregister), which includes chicken, beef, or bean tacos, chips, and a drink for $12.

Summit Charter School’s unique place-based curriculum allows students to apply classroom lessons to meaningful hands-on learning experiences in the outdoors. This, coupled with STEAMfocused programs, foreign language, and a wide-variety of extra-curricular activities, enables Summit to graduate students who are academically prepared, engaged in the community, and strong in character.

To register, visit summitschool.org and follow the link.

by Luke Osteen

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Four Fun Concerts

The Slopes are alive with the sound of Sapphire Valley’s summer concert series.

TooMUCHSylvia

Spring and summer mean many things on the Plateau but some of the most joyous and anticipated events are our outdoor concerts.

Music and dancing under the stars are synonymous with weekends in the mountains and among the most anticipated are Sapphire Valley Resort’s Concerts on the Slopes, held at the base of Ski Sapphire Valley.

This series of four concerts bring fun to the middle of the week each month throughout the season, beginning on Tuesday, June 27, at 7:00 P.M. with the versatile band Too MUCH Sylvia.

After a fun day in the sun bring the entire family out to cool off in the night air with a soft summer breeze blowing and the sounds of music wafting through the air.

Too MUCH Sylvia is a four-piece band who have played together since 2000 so their sound is polished, and they know

how to entertain a crowd. Featuring smooth vocal harmonies, a sense of fun, and a playlist that includes everything from beach music, soft melodies, 70s funk, 80s rock, Motown, and more, this group can play it all.

Steve Long, their primary vocalist, and guitarist won the prestigious Male Vocalist of the year with the Carolina Beach Music Association. With those musical chops, we think beach music lovers should start warming up their shag dancing skills now. Eddie Howie plays bass and can sing it all, from 80s rock to the Jersey Boys. The keyboardist, Rick Lee, has been known to liven things up with a few rock and roll songs, and drummer Don Leonard keeps it all lively.

The Ace Party Band will play on July 18, The Embers on August 8, and the Cat5 Band on September 3. Make plans now to attend all and if you buy season tickets

you can get all four for $75. Otherwise, tickets are $22 in advance or $25 the day of the show. Parking is plentiful and free, so bring your friends, family, food, and beverages for an evening of fun under the Carolina stars.

Sapphire Valley Resort Marketing Director Linda Foxworth says, “our concerts are great fun for our resort guests, but also for the entire community and our employees”.

Celebrating their 22nd year this season, we couldn’t agree more.

For more information, visit sapphirevalleyresort.com and keep an eye on Sapphire Valley Resort’s Facebook page.

by Mary Jane McCall

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Raising Fun and Funds

Rise and Shine is a joyous celebration of life on the Plateau. This year’s event will happen on Sunday, July 30 at 5:30 P.M. at the Cullasaja Club.

In 2012, the Highlands Community Fund, an affiliate fund of the Community Fund of Western North Carolina saw a decline in contributions following the recession of 2008 and 2009.

Gayle Cummings, a Highlands Community Fund board member, de -

cided 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

RiseandShine,2012

Child Development Center, in earlier years, and knew how to throw a party. Gayle’s first Rise and Shine was in 2012. Starting from scratch, Gayle and three other board members of the Community Fund put their heads together over cocktails and created a guest list from scratch. This list of friends and associates in Highlands and Cashiers were excited to have a new party mid-summer in Highlands. Rise and Shine was born. It is in late July and early August and has become a fixture on the summer calendar.

The first Rise and Shine was at The Bascom in the outside covered area. Gayle and her crew needed good food and one board member, whose son who had just started a barbecue restaurant, agreed to supply the food. Gail picked flowers from the roadside for decorations and another board member went to Franklin to get fingerprinted for a liquor license. Gail found the band, the

Caribbean Cowboys.

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

GayleCummings

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.

In 2022, the Community Fund distributed $82,000 to 12 organizations. We look forward to seeing folks on Sunday, July 30, at the Cullasaja Club, and more information will be available later.

Highlands Community Fund, an affiliate fund of the Community Fund of Western North Carolina, started in the late 1990’s with an endowment of $70,000. Today its endowment exceeds $2 million.

by George Manning

Rise and Shine has evolved over time

Distinctly Highlands

The Highlands Motoring Festival’s opening June 8

Meet and Greet celebration at Art Highlands Gallery revs up the town’s social calendar.

The 16th Annual Highlands Motoring Festival begins Thursday, June 8, with a weekend packed full. In fact, the festival has grown from a Saturday afternoon car show for local enthusiasts into a four-day global festival. Attendees and spectators come from far and wide, and thousands of dollars are raised for three charity partners: Literacy and Learning Center of Highlands, REACH of Macon County, and the Community Care Clinic of Highlands and Cashiers. Distinction surrounds the festival, starting with the 5:00 P.M. June 8, Social Gathering Meet and Greet at Art Highlands Gallery (formerly Invocative Fine Art), a new gallery at 521 North 4th Street. Founded by Chiropractor Steve Hinkey and his long-time partner/ girlfriend Beata Gola, an art curator, Art Highlands Gallery provides plenty of space for festival participants to get to know fellow auto enthusiasts among

the backdrop of not only Dr. Hinkey’s creative art, but also with 30 other top contemporary artists’ works on display.

Art Highlands Gallery’s official grand opening is June 16, following the festival. Unique cars will be parked on the gallery’s lawn.

During the Thursday evening reception is also a focus on world-renowned British-born race car driver Brian Redman. On Friday evening, the festival committee, with assistance from Highlands Police Department, will stage a Main Street Parade where interesting and collectible classic cars will be highlighted.

The centerpiece event of the festival is Saturday’s “Cars in the Park” car show in the Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in downtown Highlands. Eighty-five special classic cars have been invited through a rigorous application process. There will be classics ranging from 1907 to 1989, both American and European.

The 2023 featured marque is BMW, where 15 carefully curated classics will tell the history of the brand. Other 2023 entries will include cars from Duesenberg, Ferrari, Porsche, Ford, Cadillac, Jaguar, Chevrolet, and many others.

On Saturday night there will be a “Fundraising Gala” with a dinner and program at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club. Brian Redman will discuss his 60-plus year career in international motorsports.

The festival concludes on Sunday morning with the “High Octane” car show and social gathering at Kelsey Hutchinson Founder’s Park.

The Highlands Motoring Festival is free to the public, but donations are suggested. To volunteer or for more information visit the festival’s website at HighlandsMotoringFestival.com.

by Deena Bouknight

Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM and 1:30 PM, Earthshine Lodge. Music Bingo, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Public House.

Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM and 1:30 PM, Earthshine Lodge. Steep Canyon Rangers, 4 PM, Highlands Performing Arts Center. Music Bingo, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Public House.

Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM and 1:30 PM, Earthshine Lodge.

HCP’s Nightwatch, 2:30 PM, PAC. Music Bingo, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Public House.

Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM and 1:30 PM, Earthshine Lodge.

Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.

Highlands Food Pantry

10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church. Community Table, 6 PM, Highlands Community Building.

The Bookworm , 11 AM - 4 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Locally Grown on the Green, 2 - 5 PM, The Village Green. Youth Pottery, 3:30 PM, The Bascom. Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub.

Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 4 PM. Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:15 PM, Lewis HallVillage Green Commons. Snakes!!!! presentation, 3:30 PM, Hudson Library. Travis Owens Artist Talk, 4 PM, The Bascom. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive.

Mountain Findings, open 10 AM - 1 PM. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 4 PM. Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM and 1:30 PM, Earthshine Lodge. Live Music, 5:30 - 10 PM, Hummingbird Lounge. Cinco De Mayo 5K Summit Bear Run, 6 PM, Summit Charter School.

Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church. 4 5 1 2 3

Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM, Kelsey Hutchison Founders Park. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 4 PM. Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM and 1:30 PM, Earthshine Lodge. National Theatre Live, The Crucible, 1 PM, Highlands Performing Arts Center. Pop Up Pipers, 4:30 PM, downtown Highlands. Live Music, 5:30 - 10 PM, Hummingbird Lounge. Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.

Highlands Food Pantry

10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church. Under The Stars, On The Rocks with Brandon Carter, 6:00 PM, Oak Steakhouse. PAC Youth Theatre, 7 PM, Highlands Performing Arts Center.

The Bookworm , 11 AM - 4 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Locally Grown on the Green, 2 - 5 PM, The Village Green. Youth Pottery, 3:30 PM, The Bascom.

Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub. PAC Youth Theatre, 7 PM, Highlands Performing Arts Center.

Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 4 PM. Healing Theater + Meditation 4-6 PM, Art Highlands Gallery. Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:15 PM, Lewis HallVillage Green Commons. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive.

Mountain Findings, open 10 AM - 1 PM. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 4 PM. Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM and 1:30 PM, Earthshine Lodge. Books & Bites, with Susan Boyer, 12:30 PM, Hudson Library. Live Music, 5:30 - 10 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.

Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM, Kelsey Hutchison Founders Park. Coppley Trunk Show, TJ Bailey’s. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 4 PM. Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM and 1:30 PM, Earthshine Lodge. Live Music, 5:30 - 10 PM, Hummingbird Lounge. Outdoor Live Music, 6-9 PM, Grand Olde Station. Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.

Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.

Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.

The Bookworm , 11 AM - 4 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Locally Grown on the Green, 2 - 5 PM, The Village Green. Youth Pottery, 3:30 PM, The Bascom. Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub.

Highlands Food Pantry

10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 4 PM. Opening Reception, 4-6 PM, Ann Lea Fine Art Gallery. Healing Theater + Meditation 4-6 PM, Art Highlands Gallery. Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:15 PM, Lewis Hall. Chef Steven Satterfield Dinner, 6 PM, The Farm at Old Edwards. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive. HCP’s Nightwatch, 7:30 PM, PAC.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM.

Brax Trunk Show, TJ Bailey’s. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 4 PM.

Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM and 1:30 PM, Earthshine Lodge. Live Music, 5:30 - 10 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.

Friday Night Live, 6 PM, Kelsey Hutchison Founders Park. HCP’s Nightwatch, 7:30 PM, PAC.

Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM, K-H Founders Park. Brax Trunk Show, TJ Bailey’s. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. AARC Adoption Day, 10 AM-3 PM, Currahee Brewing Co. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 4 PM. Meander in May, 11 AM - 8:30 PM, downtown Highlands. Met Opera, 12:55 PM, PAC. Live Music, 6 PM, K-H Park. Live Music, 5:30 - 10 PM, Hummingbird Lounge. HCP’s Nightwatch, 7:30 PM, PAC. Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.

Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.

Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.

The Bookworm 11 AM - 4 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Locally Grown on the Green, 2 - 5 PM, The Village Green. Youth Pottery, 3:30 PM, The Bascom.

Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub.

MAY 28

Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church.

The Bookworm, 11 AM - 4 PM. Veterans Flag Ceremony, 5:30 PM, Highlands Cemetery.

Dip Your Pen in Heaven 4-6 PM, Art Highlands Gallery. Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:15 PM, Lewis Hall. Orchard Sessions 6 PM, The Farm at Old Edwards.

Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive.

HCP’s Nightwatch, 7:30 PM, PAC.

Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. Mountain Findings, 10 AM - 1 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 4 PM.

Peter Millar Trunk Show, TJ Bailey’s.

Llama Hike Experience, 11 AM and 1:30 PM, Earthshine Lodge.

Live Music, 5:30 - 10 PM, Hummingbird Lounge.

Friday Night Live, 6 PM, Highlands Town Square.

Groovin on the Green, 6:30 PM

HCP’s Nightwatch, 7:30 PM, PAC.

Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM, Kelsey Hutchison Founders Park. Peter Millar Trunk Show, TJ Bailey’s. Mountain Garden Club Plant Sale, 9 AM, Highlands Ballfield. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM - 2 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM - 4 PM. Live Music, 5:30 - 10 PM, Hummingbird Lounge. Saturdays on Pine, 6 PM, K-H Park. HCP’s Nightwatch, 7:30 PM, PAC. Live Music, 9:30 PM, High Dive.

29

Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church. Memorial Day Service, 10 AM, Highlands Veterans Plaza. Art League of Highlands-Cashiers meeting, 5 PM, The Bascom.

64 MAY 2023 | THELAURELMAGAZINE.COM

Highlands Food Pantry 10 AM - 6 PM, Highlands United Methodist Church. Village Nature Series, 5 PM, Village Green Common’s Lawn.

The Bookworm 11 AM - 4 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Locally Grown on the Green, 2 - 5 PM, The Village Green. Youth Pottery, 3:30 PM, The Bascom.

Art Benefit, drawing 5 PM, Betsy Paul Real Estate. Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub.

— Edwin Way Teale

30 14 12

ON THE HORIZON June Events July Events

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

Highlands Performing Art Center’s Revue Gala

6 PM, Highlands Performing Arts Center

Join the PAC for an evening of food and entertainment showcasing Highlands finest entertainers and food vendors. All proceeds help support operations of the Performing Arts Center, whose mission is to provide high quality venues and performing arts. highlandsperformingarts.com

THURSDAY - SUNDAY, JUNE 8 - 11

Highlands Motoring Festival

Highlands NC is the backdrop for seven events spanning four days. Events include two curated driving tours, a Parade of Main Street, evening social events, and two car shows in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, only steps away from Main Street Highlands and its dozens of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and inns. highlandsmotoringfestival.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 23

Annual Barn Dance & Bar-B-Cue

This year’s party will benefit Blue Ridge School Education Foundation, supporting Blue Ridge School Athletic Booster Club & Parent Teacher Organization, JAM, and other local youth charities. mountainyouthcharities.org

SATURDAY, JULY 15

Low Country Shrimp Boil

6 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

Regarded as one of the more popular summer food events and a highlight of the Highlands July calendar is the Lowcountry Shrimp Boil. Hosted by friends of Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, this sought after event returns to the Park for the 6th year. foundersparkhighlands.org

JULY 1 - AUGUST 6

Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival

Welcome to the 42nd Season of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. Exceptional programs this season will include “The Three Graces”, Gryphon Trio, Viano and American String Quartets, “The French Connection” with Michael Gurt and Zuill Bailey, the debut of Chee-Yun, and the final Gala concert: “Festival All Stars.” h-cmusicfestival.org

SATURDAY - SUNDAY, JUNE 24-25

Mountaintop Art and Craft 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

OPENING FRIDAY, JUNE 23

Mountain Theatre Company’s Jersey Boys

7:30 PM, Highlands PAC

Back by popular demand, after a sold-out run last season, Highlands’ favorite Jersey Boys are back for a special limited engagement! And Emanuel Carrero will return to reprise his star-making role as Frankie Valli! mountaintheatre.com

SATURDAY - SUNDAY, JULY 22 - 23

Summer Colors Fine Art Show

Held at the Sapphire Valley Resort Community Center, this event will feature the original artwork of talented regional artists. Paintings, photographs, glass, wood, one-of-a-kind jewelry and other original artwork will be on display and for sale. artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com

THURSDAY, JULY 20

Laurel Garden Club’s Grand Summer Luncheon

11:30 AM, Episcopal Church of the Incarnation

Laurel Garden Club will celebrate the arrival of the Busy Season with a fabulous gourmet lunch, silent auction, and a presentation by April McLean and Debra Lassiter of Perfectly Polished: The Etiquette School. laurelgardenclubhighlands.com

EVENT SERIES

Locally Grown On The Green Wednesdays | 2-5 PM | The Village Green

Friday Night Live Fridays | 6-8 PM | Town Square

Highlands Marketplace Saturdays | 8 AM-12:30 PM | KH Founder’s Park

Saturdays on Pine Saturdays | 6-8 PM | KH Founder’s Park

OPENING FRIDAY, JULY 21

William Jameson Exhibition

4 - 6 PM, Ann Lea Gallery

Renowned North Carolina landscape artist Bill Jameson is July’s featured artist. A house is not a home until a Jameson landscape adorns its wall. Bill’s exhibition runs through August 16.

annleafineartgallery.com

Village Nature Series Last Tuesdays | 5 PM | The Village Green Pop-Up Pipers First Saturdays | 4:30-5 PM | Around Highlands Orchard Sessions Select Dates | 6-8 PM | The Farm at Old Edwards June 15, July 12, Aug. 3, Aug. 24, Sept. 14

2023 Under the Stars Guest Chefs Select Dates | June 6, July 11, August 22, September 12, October 3 | Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge Old Edwards Chef Dinners Select Dates | 6:30 PM | The Farm at Old Edwards | July 14, Aug. 27, Sept. 24, Nov. 10 Groovin’ On The Green Select Fridays | 6:30 PM | The Village Green | June 9, 23; July 1, 7, 21; Aug. 11, 25; Sept. 1

Under the Stars Guest Chefs Select Dates

REDEFINING LUXURY

REAL ESTATE MARKETING

RESULTS DRIVEN, EXPERIENCE FOCUSED

MOUNTAINTOP GOLF & LAKE CLUB OFFERED FOR $5,950,000

THE NUMBERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

$249,905,571

Silver Creek Real Estate Group

$238,291,600

Sotheby’s Intl Realty

$197,124,751

Landmark Realty Group

$174,027,579

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Meadows Mountain Realty

$154,804,135

McKee Properties

UNBEATABLE SALES VOLUME WITH OUR EXPERT MARKETING!

HOW SILVER CREEK REAL ESTATE GROUP COMPARED TO THE TOP 10 COMPETITORS IN THE HIGHLANDSCASHIERS BOARD OF REALTORS [1]

$142,596,041

Allen Tate

$93,826,204

High Hampton Realty, LLC

$74,060,000

Lake Toxaway Company

$70,313,646

Country Club Properties

$61,691,174

Keller Williams Great Smokies

THE 2022 LEADING BROKERAGE ON THE PLATEAU

Achieving the highest transactional dollar volume and the most transactions closed per Highlands-Cashiers 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.

RECREATION & CREATION

Pages 72-91

Big Laurel Falls

Big Laurel Falls is a splendid sight for those willing to answer its moderate hike.

Big Laurel Falls is a beautiful waterfall located southwest of Franklin in the Standing Indian Basin. It flows over an outcropping and drops 35 feet. From there it flows into the headwaters of the Nantahala River. From the trailhead, the easy-to-moderate hike is only about a half-mile to the falls. Chances are you will not find the trail and falls crowded with people so you can

enjoy the solitude of the forest.

Directions

From Highlands take Highway 64 West to the intersection of US441/23 and US64 in Franklin, continue west on 64 for 12 miles and turn left on West Old Murphy Rd. Drive just under 2 miles and turn right on FR67 at the sign for Standing Indian Campground. In 1.7

miles the road forks. The right fork leads into the campground but stay left and drive an additional 5.1 miles to a pullout on the right. The last section of the route is gravel but generally maintained. There’s a sign here for Laurel Falls and Timber Ridge.

Trail description

The trail begins at the pullout on the

right. It descends to Mooney Creek and crosses a footbridge. When the trail splits go right to get to Big Laurel Falls. There is a section where you will have to encounter roots and rocks.

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.

Meandering the Chattooga

The discoveries and the enchantments pile up on the first portion of the Bartram Trail.

“The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.” ― Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It and Other Stories

Apleasant surprise recently was my discovery of the “first” section of what is considered the Blue Ridge portion of the Bartram Trail.

It officially starts in Georgia, about 15 miles drive down pastoral Warwoman Road to Hwy. 28 and a spot on the Chattooga River called Russell Bridge. From there, one can hike a mile or so out and back to the parking area.

Or, for adventurous, sturdy hikers, an almost 10-mile swatch can be achieved with a second car parked at the Sandy Gap trailhead on the graveled Sandy Ford Road, off Warwoman. Regardless of the hike distance chosen, the draw of this section is most certainly the Chattooga River. It is one of those rivers that offers it all: wide vistas, rocky outcroppings, and sandy river islands.

Around one bend are rapids and small falls that ease gradually

into glassy waters so crystal clear that the river bottom is visible no matter the depth.

Another bend and the river is narrower, with tight groves of mountain laurel and rhododendron hugging the banks. Arched bridges, built by the forest service workers or Bartram Trail volunteers, make it easy to cross the river when necessary. In some spots along the river are wide open and well-used camping areas, complete with fire pits. One fire pit even includes a grill that someone hauled in and left.

When naturalist, horticulturist, and explorer William Bartram traversed this area in the 1700s to document foliage and wildlife in what was then Cherokee Territory for his Travels book, the Chattooga may have been somewhat different in spots due to time and nature’s impact on the landscape. Yet, one can imagine that what they see today is at least very similar to what Bartram experienced more than 200 years ago.

And when an imposing Bald Eagle swooped down and perched confidently on the limb of a tree directly in my path, I felt assured that Bartram indeed must have witnessed such sights as well.

While this trail can be hiked at any time, warmer weather enables hikers to truly enjoy the pristine waters of the Chattooga. Many areas, in fact, are easily accessible for wading or full-on swimming in pools that beckon. Take a dog and let them enjoy it as well.

The Bartram is easy enough to follow with some carved stone markers indicating direction and mileage, and other signage indicates when a forest service road or trail intersects. Just as long as the yellow blazes are paid attention to and followed, hikers typically have no issues staying the course.

The only challenge is crossing Dick’s Creek near the Sandy Ford trailhead. It’s not that deep, but the sides are steep. A bridge apparently washed out there, but searching around for a place to cross reveals a downed tree that at least enables hikers to get over Dick’s Creek without getting shoes wet.

Check out All Trails or GAIA GPS apps for trailhead directions and trail navigation indicators, but also consider purchasing a Georgia Bartram Trail map – super handy – from Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy site at blueridgebartram.org.

by Deena Bouknight

MAGGIE ELMER

Deep Knowledge. Unmatched Experience. Maggie Elmer is a Broker with McKee Properties, a luxury real estate firm in the area for nearly half a century. Maggie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Natural Resources from Clemson University, and taught environmental education before going into the real estate business. Prior to affiliating with McKee Properties, she served as Office Manager in the real estate sales office of High Hampton. She and her husband Ben, a fishing guide at Brookings, are avid hikers and gardeners, and have recently added a passion for beekeeping. Maggie is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist with GUILD™ recognition. Learn more by visiting MaggieElmerBroker.com.

CONTACT MAGGIE ELMER: 803.493.5734 / MAGGIE@CASHIERS.COM

Summer Activities

Wondering where the Wild Things are? Look no further than the Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Road, your guide to all things Wooly and Winged and Willowy.

Can you hear that? The whispers of summer are growing louder and louder!

Summer is one of the best times to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature blanketing the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Whether you’re looking to learn something new, searching for a familyfriendly adventure, or simply wanting to explore our region, the Highlands Nature Center’s upcoming summer programs offer something for everyone.

The Nature Center, part of Western Carolina University’s Highlands Biological Station, is a must for locals and visitors alike. Spring hours are currently underway with the museum open on Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Summer hours begin May 29, expanding visiting hours to Mondays through Saturdays, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. This will mean more opportunities to stop by to peruse the museum’s natural history exhibits, meet live animals, enjoy

the Kids Exploration Room, and more!

The onset of summer hours is great for those interested in diving a bit deeper into the natural wonders of our region as it marks the start of free, daily educational programs. Offerings will include animal feedings, garden tours, and more. There’s something for all ages and interests, and no registration is required. For those looking for after-hours adventures with the family, get ready for free “Nature Center Nights” programs each Tuesday and Wednesday night between May 30 and July 26. Discover strange and fascinating facts about our slimy salamander friends, meet live owls while learning all about these amazing nocturnal raptors, and more! These programs require registration.

Whether you are a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the world around you, the Nature Center also offers Zahner Conservation Lectures on Thursday

evenings at 6:00 P.M. between June 15 and August 10. Guest speakers will cover topics ranging from the importance of the forests within our region to the impact of microplastics in our waterways to the relationship between climate change, insects, and birds.

With summer on the horizon, why not make the most of the warmer months and discover a whole new world of adventure and learning?

With so many options to choose from, it is easy to find a Nature Center program that fits your schedule and interests. See all program details and times at highlandsbiological.org. The majority of programs are offered for free and are open to the public. Be sure to check out our printable monthly program calendar and hang one on your fridge! These programs are made possible by the Highlands Biological Foundation.

by Winter Gary, Highlands Biological Foundation

An Annual Affair

Though they’re in it for fun, most 3 Rivers Fly Fishing anglers are pretty serious about the stakes. For more information, visit 3riverflyfish.com, or contact Chris Wilkes at (828) 526-5298.

For 11 years, Atlanta-based Scott Offen has been teaming up annually with his long-time friend, Dennis Simeone of Canton, Georgia, to participate in the 3 Rivers Fly Fishing Festival. In 2021, the team won the event. The 12th Annual 3 Rivers Fly Fishing Festival takes place this year during the weekend of May 4-6. Up to 50 teams fish within the boundary of 2,200 miles of fishable rivers in Western North Carolina to not only compete based on specific criteria, but also in an effort to raise money for the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund for Highlands School graduates.

Guided and non-guided team competitions involve catching trout from one native river, one hatchery supported river, and one delayed-harvest river.

Offen, retired horticulture buyer, has been visiting the Plateau with his family for many years. And it’s his connection with the Wilkes family, owners of

Highlands Hiker, that first piqued his interest in the tournament. While neither he nor Simeone, owner of a wholesale nursery in Jasper, Georgia, own a home in Highlands or Cashiers, they stay at a friend’s home during the tournament and sometimes bring friends and family members to be involved in some way in the weekend’s activities.

Shared Offen: “I’m one of these guys who started out as a bass fisherman and became interested in fly fishing in the mid-1990s. I’m self-taught and always learning. I’ve fished in Montana, lots of places in North Carolina, and in North Georgia. Participating in 3 Rivers is not only a great time of comradery, but it’s also rewarding when you come up with the right fly and determine the right spot.”

The top waterways that the Offen/ Simeone team prefer are the East Fork of the French Broad River, the Tuckaseegee near Cullowhee, and the Davidson River.

“And then the tournament means that you can be totally removed from the stresses of life – just surrounded by natural beauty. And it’s great to see all the wonderful settings, even if you’re not successful.”

Chris Wilkes, an owner of Highland Hiker, which is one of the main sponsors of the event, explained that all proceeds from the $500 per two-person team entry fee benefits the school.

The festival schedule includes the 6:00 P.M. May 4 Opening Night Cocktail & Skills Competition, at which time the tournament’s rules will be addressed. On May 5, participants declare destinations and head to the rivers, but not before grabbing coffee and a bagged lunch. Saturday concludes with a 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Awards Dinner and Auction.

by Deena Bouknight

Time for the Wildflowers

Spring is Here!

Our loamy forest floors are rich with splashes of color.

I love springtime, the leafless forest begins to show life as the wildflowers begin to emerge.

The light environment in a dormant forest is great for those plants that can handle temperature fluctuations of spring. It’s risky to emerge and flower early, there is the potential of getting killed by a springtime frost.

Among the first plants to emerge here in the mountains of Macon and Jackson Counties are Oconee Bells, Bloodroot, Liverwort, Toothworts, and Trout Lily. All of these plants have something in common, they are long-lived clonal perennials. While they have pretty flowers, sex can be risky behavior when cold weather could mean pollinators don’t show up.

The spring woodland plants are adapted to continue to reproduce via vegetative reproduction clones to survive to another

day when flowering could be successful. Clonal production is also a hedge against herbivory.

The plants that come later in the spring are the showy Trilliums, Solomon’s Seal, Bellwort, Yellow Mandarin, and Violets (to name just a few). These later emerging plants tend to belong to the Lily family (not the Violets), have spear-shaped emerging shoots, and are ant-dispersed. In that one sentence I have listed the topics of a plethora of botanical doctoral dissertations and perhaps a future article.

Some suggest that the early spring of 2023 is due to climate change. Well…maybe, but keep in mind that spring of 2021 was late. The early spring of 2023 and its interruption by a cold snap in mid-March may be due more to weather variability than climate change. Emergence of the spring ephemerals are triggered by soil temperatures while the forest trees leaf emergence

respond to day length.

The best forests in our region to find spring wildflowers are in rich cove forests, sites with richer and moister soils. The finest of those can be found at Whitewater Falls, High Falls/Rough Run, and my favorite Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. There are many others but there isn’t space here to list them all.

Indeed, spring is the perfect time to get outside, enjoy nature, and explore the many wild and wonderful places in and around Highlands and Cashiers. If you love our natural place and want to learn more about the organization that is conserving our most ecologically valuable land for the benefit of ours and future generations, visit hicashlt.org or contact Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust at info@hcltnc.org.

by Gary Wein, Executive Director, Highlands Cashiers Land Trust

photos by Andrew Renfro

Leave it All Behind

Fly fishing for me is all about interacting with nature and escaping from the fast-paced life that most of us have come to recognize as normal.

It’s more of a feeling than an activity. When I put the truck in park, and begin to pull my waders on, I am 100 percent certain that one thing is true: The next few hours are going to be great, and there is absolutely nothing that is going to mess that up!

I haven’t found many other activities in life that I can say the same thing about. For instance, one of my hobbies is mountain biking. I love mountain biking, but I swear every time I get on the thing, I get a stark reminder that I need to get in better shape. Fly fishing

has never done that to me. It’s always been there as the more “therapeutic” of my hobby selections.

Sure, things go wrong as they do with everything. Sometimes you fall in the water and get wet…but then you dry out. Sometimes you hang your fly way up in the tree, and must break it off – but again, a little bit of re-rigging and you are right back at it.

Maybe it’s the sound of the water running and tumbling over the rocks that’s so soothing, but I find it hard to get stressed or frustrated standing in a trout stream. I often come to the trout stream that way…but leave feeling better.

Then, I always ask myself the same question: “Why don’t I do this more often?”

The month of May is arguably the best

time of the year to go fly fishing in Western North Carolina. Make some time to get out there and enjoy it!

There’s little that can go wrong, and a whole lot to gain.

If you’ve never tried your hand at fly fishing, now is the perfect time – ask a friend that has some experience to take you or consider booking a local fishing guide to show you the ropes.

Whether you’re new to the sport, or an old pro, don’t forget to stop into the local fly shop for the inside scoop on what to use and where to go!

by Matt Canter, Brookings Anglers

You can leave the stress of the modern world behind by simply stepping into the stream.

Soaking in Nature

Dr. Mark Ellison’s Village Nature Series presentation will examine the green magic waiting to be discovered in our forests – 5:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 30, at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers.

Mark Ellison, Ed.D., has been living in the Western North Carolina mountains long enough to be somewhat of an authority on the restorative aspects of nature.

On May 30, the Village Natures Series topic in Cashiers is “Hiking to Heal: An Intro to Forest Therapy.” Dr. Ellison, of Pinnacle Forest Therapy, presents free to the public an interactive learning experience involving the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest therapy) and the healing benefits of spending time in nature.

Certified as both a forest therapy guide and forest therapy trail consultant by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, Dr. Ellison explained that a central component of forest therapy is “promoting good stewardship of natural resources and conservation.” Besides understanding the benefits of forest therapy, participants will enjoy a sensory experience that ends with a traditional shinrin-yoku tea ceremony.

Dr. Ellison, who is the Dean of Students at Southwestern Community College, when he is not basking in nature, shared, “I earned my doctorate in adult education and human resource development from North Carolina State University, focusing my research on the restorative benefits of hiking in wilderness solitude. This, combined with my love of helping people experience and learn about the natural environment through walks, help me provide a unique sensory experience in the lush forests of Western North Carolina.”

Dr. Ellison has been featured in various magazines, including National Geographic, Eating Well, and Our State; he has contributed as a writer to various publications; and, he has organized walks/hikes – focusing on the restorative power of shinrin-yoku – for the likes of notables such as singer/ songwriter Amy Grant.

Dr. Ellison offers forest therapy walks by appointment at Pinnacle Park in Sylva. He can be reached by email at hikingresearch@yahoo.com.

The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and The Village Green sponsor a series of lectures each summer. Visitors and residents learn about wildlife in the area and various features of their natural habitats.

Previous presentations have included a focus on raptors, black bears, reptiles, and more. On June 27th, Dr. Gary Wein, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust executive director and botanist presents “Sense of Place: A Final Embarkment.”

The Village Nature Series begins at 5:00 P.M. on the last Tuesday of the month from April through September at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road. For a complete schedule, visit villagegreencashiersnc.com/ village-nature-series.

by Deena Bouknight / photo by Ryan Donnell

Our Colorful Songsters

Spring brings the return of avian glory to our woodlands.

Part of the merriment of May locally is the return to Western North Carolina of migratory warblers. This large family of perching birds is noted for their small size, colorful plumage, and vociferous song. There are 56 species of warblers in North America. Within this large family, males sport splashes of vivid yellow, blue, red, and green and the females tend to be drab olive. The male’s striking coloration helps him defend his territory and protect his mate with whom he might have two broods in one season. His bright plumage also signals to the female that he is mature and worth her attention. Warblers are insectivores that hunt on the branches, trunks and leaves for bugs and worms. They are more easily heard than seen. Occupying their niche in the forest, they are in constant motion twitting, flitting, and hopping about. The various species —Black and

White, Hooded, Black-throated Green, Chestnut-sided, Northern Parula – are abundant in our woodlands in the spring and summer and are best sighted with patience and binoculars. A flock of warblers has been called collectively a “bouquet” of warblers.

The Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) is one of our loveliest summer residents, the masthead bird for our local Audubon Society. They live low in the forest, in the understory of mixed coniferous and deciduous trees. Look in bushes and lower branches. Let his song give him away.

Merlin Bird ID will recognize and identify the distinctive song of the Black-throated Blue which is a good place to start if you are searching for this bird. Sibley describes the male’s song to be “a husky but musical buzz, lazy and drawling…a harsh, slow, rising buzz: zheew zheew zheeeee or zo zo zo zo zo

zo zo zeee.”

Merry May and happy birding from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society.

The mission of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society is to provide opportunities to enjoy and learn about birds and other wildlife and to promote conservation and restoration of the habitats that support them. HPAS is a 501(c)(3) organization, a Chapter of the National Audubon Society. Visit highlandsaudubonsociety.org for information on membership and all activities.

by William McReynolds

Male Black-throated Blue Warbler

photo by Lorraine Emmins.

ARTS Pages 96-117

Let Things Blend Naturally

Terry Warren, an American Realism Artist, has been a dedicated painter for three decades. Chances are you’ve seen his local landscapes and iconic images at The Bascom or in Art League of Highlands and Cashiers exhibitions. His latest creations for The Bascom Gift Shop are nature greeting cards, sold individually or in collections.

With all that art production, it’s clear he possesses an exceptional right brain, but his left brain is equally adept… in executive coaching. He counsels MBA students, motivated entrepreneurs, and global executives, from the U.S. to Australia.

How does one merge art – the physical, and business coaching – the

thought-based?

Terry says, “Let these things blend naturally, and it influences how one works. Consider the word perspective. In art, perspective is about observation. Imagine two trees, one in the distance, one nearby. The closer one appears larger, yet we know the trees are about the same size. We take that into account

Cover artist Terry Warren’s works are a subtle blend of well-reasoned technique and deeply-felt aesthetic instinct.

using rules of perspective. In business coaching, perspective also applies to looking at things at different angles.” Another core belief in Terry’s process is teamwork. Working solo limits one’s knowledge and wisdom. A-ha moments are limited. By tapping into an organization of experience (a treasure trove of brain power), skills multiply exponentially. Terry says, “The results are true in art and business – if you see how things work together, then your

results will soar.”

The vocabulary of art and business, as well as many other endeavors, crosspollinate perspective, clarity, focal point, contrast, balance, movement, harmony, variety. The more you ponder, the more you realize there is a network of elemental threads that stitch all manner of things together.

Terry splits his time between Tennessee and North Carolina. This season, find him at Art League of Highlands Cashiers

events and at art openings. Visit his website at terrywwarren.com. Read his newsletter. Or call him at (615) 720-4188. Whether art, business, or anything related, Terry can be a valuable resource in all your endeavors. Even if it’s owning one of his delightful, commissioned paintings.

by Donna Rhodes Scan to learn more.

The Spring has Sprung

A slew of new exhibits and events mark the Busy Season for Ann Lea Fine Art, 976 Highway 64 East in Cashiers, just past Ingles Shopping Center on the right).

Ann Lea Fine Art Gallery in Cashiers reopened this Spring with exceptional new works. Fresh faces joined the familiar, talented stable of artists, recognized as some of the nation’s finest.

Over the winter, the Gallery team went on a talent search and struck gold. May 18th, join artists and guests at “A Spring Celebration” reception from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the Gallery and meet new Gallery members.

Get ready for a summer filled with exceptional exhibitions and events. In June, the Highlands-Cashiers Music Festival will have their “ Kick-Off Performance, Painting with Music, coordinated with the Gallery’s showing, The Art of Music. Enjoy the impressionistic musical beauty of Debussy and Ravel played by the delightful Rasa String Quartet while surrounded by the gallery’s beautiful artwork. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Cost is $80/person – call (828)

526-9060 for required reservations.

This event will be the first of many, and the next gallery happening could feature your own personal get-together: a wedding reception, a reunion, or a private party. With expansive gallery space (5,000 sq. ft.) and parking abundant, it’s the perfect setting for any size gathering of families, entertainment, auctions, fund-raisers and much more.

Renowned North Carolina landscape artist Bill Jameson is July’s featured artist. A house is not a home until a Jameson landscape adorns its wall. Bill’s reception is July 21, from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Bill will also give a three-day workshop, August 10-12. Call the Gallery at (828) 743-8625 to reserve your space.

August also presents a compelling show by Lauren Betty, with a reception, from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. on August 17. Lauren will be presenting an Artist Talk in conjunction with her showing.

September’s special show, Colors, a gallery artist exhibition, will be launched by September’s reception on the 14th, 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. An oil and cold wax workshop, offered by ML Carpenter, Artist Mentor and Gallery Director, will be held September 11-13. Call (828) 7438625 to register.

October’s featured artist is ML Carpenter with a reception October 12, 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Come experience the Gallery’s exciting new venue for the Arts on the Plateau. For more information, visit annleafineartgallery.com. Open 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Tuesday through Saturday or by appointment. For more information, call (828) 743-8625.

by Donna Rhodes

Into the Wood

A new exhibit celebrates the art and the craftsmanship of three generations of Moulthrop men.

EdandMattMoulthrop

The Bascom’s annual theme for 2023, Origins, invites artists and curators to explore questions about the sources of their ideas, materials, and methods of making.

Many of our exhibits this year focus on the materials of art, including a presentation of works by three generations of woodturners with Into the Wood.

Into the Wood: Ed, Philip and Matt Moulthrop explores the aesthetic and technical breakthroughs of a family of artist-woodturners who have created a new language of self-expression through form, material and process. Curated by Marilyn Laufer and Tom Butler, the exhibition focuses on works made from trees native to the Southeast and includes examples of work by all three Moulthrop artisans. The Moulthrop Family, which hails from Marietta, Georgia, comprises three

generations of internationally acclaimed woodturners: Ed, Philip, and Matt, all of whom have contributed their distinct style to the medium. They are among the most celebrated and collectable contemporary wood artists globally. Their work is included in numerous major collections, including the permanent collections of the Carnegie Museum of Art

They are among the most celebrated and collectable contemporary wood artists globally

(Pittsburgh), the Carter Center (Atlanta), the Detroit Institute of Arts, Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, and in the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington, DC).

Our guest curators, Marylin Laufer and Tom Butler, have been collaboratively and independently curating exhibitions

for over 40 years. Recently retiring to Asheville North Carolina, both had long careers as educators and museum directors. Tom retired as the director emeritus of the Columbus Museum in Columbus, Georgia, in 2014, and Marilyn retired as director emerita from Auburn University in 2018, having taught art history there for many years before she served as the director of the university’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.

Please join The Bascom in celebrating the important origin story of Ed, Philip, and Matt Moulthrop. The exhibition opens on May 13, and a public reception will be held on June 15.

by Billy Love, The Bascom

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Garnering Attention

Steep Canyon Rangers returns to the mountains where it all started – an unforgettable performance at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, Sunday, May 14.

SteepCanyonRangers

It’s a band that has earned kudos and significant attention – especially when actor, comedian, and banjoist Steve Martin performed with them for a spell.

And it’s a band that’s known to Plateau audiences, who still remember its (literally) standing-room-only performance at the Cashiers Village Green in 2010. At the time, member Woody Platt told Laurel’s Luke Osteen how the area was instrumental in shaping the band’s traditional Bluegrass sound.

“I grew up in Brevard and played violin and piano, and sang in the Brevard Boys Choir,” he recalled. “It’s where I met bandmate and best mate mandolinist Mike Guggino and we took that friendship and lessons to UNC-Chapel Hill, where Steep Canyon Rangers was formed.”

(Platt left the band last year, but he’s

still in the neighborhood. He’s living in Brevard, where he offers one-person fishing trips on area streams and rivers. You can contact him at woodyplatt.com/ fishing)

While they have multiple albums out and have garnered a following through concerts and on many musical platforms, the “Rangers,” as they are also known, earned a Grammy-nomination for its North Carolina Songbook project, which is a recording of their live 2019 performance at Merlefest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. There they performed a selection of songs by various North Carolina songwriters, including Ola Belle Reed, Doc Watson, James Taylor, and Ben E. King.

The band’s members currently are Graham Sharp on banjo and vocals; Mike Guggino on mandolin/mandola and vocals; Nicky Sanders on fiddle and vocals; Mike Ashworth on drums

and vocals; and, Barrett Smith on bass, guitar, and vocals. Recently joining the band is singer/songwriter Aaron Burdett on guitar and vocals.

The band’s formation began in college at UNC-Chapel Hill, and they played their way to prominence on the bluegrass/ country and Americana scene, sometimes compared to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Zac Brown Band.

“A Journal of Roots Music” No Depression publication, recently lauded the group’s new album by stating: “Arm in Arm captures the North Carolina group’s innovative spirit, weaving in jazz, gospel, folk, and even rock phrases, creating an intimate and intricate sound that challenges, cajoles, and comforts.”

by Deena Bouknight

MTC is now the resident professional theatre company at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. MTC will kick off the big move this spring and be ready to open Jersey Boys, their first show of the season, in June on the HPAC stage.

“We will, of course, miss many things about The Highlands Playhouse, as it was our theatre company’s home for over 80 years,” says Scott Daniel, MTC’s Executive Artistic Director. “But you can rest assured that we are bringing every ounce of the legacy we built at the Playhouse with us to the HPAC!”

The MTC staff and board have spent much of this spring focused on all the coordination that comes with such a big move. Every costume, prop, and set piece, as well as lighting and sound equipment, computers, desks, and filing cabinets are in the process of making their way to a new home. MTC productions will perform on the new HPAC

stage, while the MTC administration offices relocated to the lower level of the original HPAC building.

“We are overwhelmingly excited about this move to the beautiful new space,” says Daniel. “While the new theater is moderately larger, it is still an intimate performance space, which we know our audiences value.” Audiences will also appreciate comfortable new seats, ample parking, a large lobby which will be comfortable no matter the weather or season, and a state-of-the-art performance space.

Looking toward the future of the company, Daniel stated, “If you love what we do, it is more important than ever to support MTC financially. While the new space is beautiful, our overhead costs will now include rent to the HPAC for both our office space and the use of the stage. This is an added cost for our theatre company, as the Town of Highlands generously allowed us to call

The Highlands Playhouse home for our first 84 years rent-free! We have every confidence, however, that our patrons, donors, and sponsors will step up in this new phase of our expanding organization. Ultimately, this move will allow MTC to grow and improve our productions, our staff, and our organization in all sorts of exciting new ways. We know the best is yet to come for Mountain Theatre Company, and this move is just the beginning!”

Visit mountaintheatre.com for the latest news.

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

Mountain Theatre Company is raising the curtain on some dramatic changes in its 85th season.

LindsayGarnerHostetler,ScottDaniel,and EmanuelCarrero

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Pushing Papers

Give Carly Marie a sheaf of textured paper, a vintage botanical book, old theatre tickets, chocolate tea bags, and a substrate, and the artistic result is jaw-droppingly beautiful. But she hasn’t always been sailing on her river of dreams. She was capsized by a bad romance and a poor business partner. Even so, she didn’t sink. She popped to the surface and began a

new, buoyant life.

“I had done painting and crafting,” she says, “But starting over from scratch gave me inspiration. I started decoupaging and collaging at Noah’s Art Hospital in Franklin. I created custom pieces for them. I called it dec-collaging. It’s the best of both art forms. I love to transform rags and trash to riches and treasures.”

Bonus: Accompanying her new artistic

career (CT Artistry), a new romance emerged.

Regarding commissions, Carly says, “I love crafting mixed media pieces inspired by my clients. I encourage them to pick colors and themes that speak to them. These collages are a creative, unique form of expression. Each piece is expertly handcrafted with delicate attention to detail and love on

Using bits and bobs and scraps of precious and not-so-precious papers, Carly Marie’s art is evocative and irresistible.

every canvas. Creations can be a great birthday or anniversary gift. Each piece is customized and tailored to order, made for that someone special. Let me help you create a personal statement, piece, or gift … a special memory piece for you! Contact me about size/price.”

… starting over from scratch gave me inspiration.

“I want to remind readers that, in hard times, you can revive yourself if you just remember who you are, your worth, your talent, and your strength. “Dirty” that concept delicately on paper and hang it on your wall!”

Find her on at CarlyThompsonArt. and visit her website at ctartistry. wordpress.com. For commissions and recycled donations send her a line at CarlyMarie1024@aol.com.

by Donna Rhodes

Youth Theatre and More

Highlands Performing Arts Center, 507 Chestnut Street, offers a pair of dramas at two ends of the emotional spectrum.

On Saturday, May 6, at 1:00 P.M., the National Theatre of London will present The Crucible by Arthur Miller and directed by Lyndsey Turner.

A witch hunt is beginning. Raised to be seen but not heard, a group of young women in Salem suddenly find their words have an almighty power. As a climate of fear, vendetta, and accusation spreads through the community, no one is safe from trial. Visit HighlandsPerformingArts.com for tickets and information.

As far removed from the Salem Witch Trials as you can get, The Highlands School and PAC Youth Theatre will present The Love Note Jr. at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday and Wednesday, May 9 and 10, at 7:00 P.M. starring the Middle School students.

The Love Note Jr. is the tale of Jessie’s arrival at a new and outlandish school where there is a colorful and zany cast of characters. The ruthless bullies rule the cafeteria, the unique bookworms stick together behind their books, and the watchful Lunch Lady wields a mean soup ladle.

Meanwhile there’s a cute boy named Peter who looks Jessie’s way during math class. Jessie sits alone in her new school cafeteria but gains some comfort from the tiny pink love note that her mother packs into her lunch bag. As soon as the head bully Brittany steals her love note and bites into her tasty sandwich, Jessie knows she is in trouble.

In the musical The Love Note, Jessie and her lively friend, Airy, invent a spicy strategy to overcome

the lunchroom bullies who pilfer her lunch and laugh at her precious love note. Bolstered by her evergrowing hunger, and cheeky advice from Airy, Jessie decides to take “Hot Lunch” preparation into her own hands.

Tickets are free, but please log onto HighlandsPerformingArts.com to reserve your seats.

by Mary Adair Trumbly, Highlands Performing Arts Center

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Deep Connection To Nature

After spreading her techniques and her vision across the US and throughout Europe, Norma Hendrix shares her art with The Art League of Highlands-Cashiers, May 22 at The Bascom.

NormaHendrix

The Art League of HighlandsCashiers is pleased to announce that Norma Hendrix, lifetime honorary member of the Art League, will be the guest speaker at the May 22 meeting. Her presentation at 5:00 P.M. will follow a wine social at 4:30 P.M. All are invited to attend this free event. Her presentation will focus on her recent artist residency in Corris, Wales, and experiences in Bristol, England, where she presented as part of a four-women panel at an international conference.

Hendrix has been an exhibiting artist for over 40 years. She holds a BFA, an MA, and an MFA. She has been an artist in residence and presenter at Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; The Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, Vermont; Atelier Four Winds, Aureille, France, and Corris, Wales.

She was a professor of Drawing, Life Drawing, Painting and Art History for

10 years at Western Carolina University. She founded and directed Cullowhee Arts, an internationally recognized non-profit arts organization. Hendrix participates in international cultural exchange through artist residencies and artist lectures. Most recently, she presented an arts-based paper at the International Conference of Autoethnography, July 2022, in Bristol, England. Her artwork is held in private and public collections in the US, France, England and Wales.

Practices of preparation, composition, and the use of vertical panels have emerged through her study of Asian art, philosophy and poetry. She says of her work, “Drawing and painting are ways I express my deep connection with nature. My art-making really begins during daily walks or hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where I live, or other wilderness places where I travel…”

Hendrix is committed to using environmentally and health-friendly materials, and she therefore makes earth pigment, water soluble paints. She also incorporates other drawing media from graphite and charcoal chunks and powders, sumi ink, and art graf squares, black and red drawing stone from England, etc., all of which are also water soluble. Her supports are rice paper mounted on wooden panels and finished with archival UV protected acrylic varnish.

We know that this presentation will prove to be an interesting and informative one, and we hope you will be able to attend.

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

by

Zach Claxton, Art League of Highlands-Cashiers

Immerse Yourself

Highlands Mountaintop Art and Craft Show will be staged at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park, June 24 and 25. This year, it comes with its own soundtrack.

There are craft shows and then there is the Mountaintop Rotary’s Art and Craft Show held on June 24 and 25 and again on August 26 and 27 at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Pine Street in Highlands. This is a craft show and more – think street festival where you can immerse yourself in the best of mountain heritage.

This two-day event is in its 18th year and each year visitors and locals alike have enjoyed the unique one-of-a-kind art and crafts presented by the region’s most talented artisans and craftsmen. This year, visitors will find much new as Mountaintop Rotary members have worked tirelessly to expand and re-energize the weekend show beyond the confines of a traditional craft show to include the best of mountain music and dance.

Mountaintop Rotary Chair Cath Connolly Hudson studied similar events across the nation and found

that the addition of live entertainment was instrumental in ensuring a show’s continued growth, enjoyment, and success, so they have quite a lineup scheduled for both weekends.

Featured in June will be music by local bluegrass favorites, Nitrograss. These talented musicians are one of the best bluegrass bands around, and we don’t bandy that praise lightly. Come see them and you’ll know what we mean.

There will also be a clogging contest on Saturday that will be judged by Highlands’ own Ginger Mosley, a former national champion clogger with the Southern Precision Dance team, so dust off your clogging shoes and see if you can still cut a rug. If line dancing is more your style, they’ve got you covered as well as there will be a line dance contest on Sunday, coordinated and judged by Susie Flaherty.

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. In the past year, they have built beds for children in Ukraine, provided clean water for children in Mexico, and donated hundreds of coats and shoes to families in our own community. Each weekend also features a Silent Auction with generous donations from the artisans in attendance as well as from our community, so look for your favorite item, make a bid, and cross your fingers that you’ll have the winning bid.

For more information on the show visit highlandsartshow.com or visit their Facebook page for the latest updates.

by Mary Jane McCall

Plein Air’s Panorama

Watercolor is an alchemical medium –colors mixing with water, joining with it, being extended by it – creating new life where none had been before.

– Joseph Raffael

From vast landscapes to miniature compositions, everything is an inspiration for Ken Bowser’s watercolors.

Applying water and pigment to textured paper seems simple enough, but it is intriguingly tricky. While oils and acrylics are forgiving in that you can hit the do-over button, watercolor has no undo or re-do. It’s just a stay-do.

Kenneth Bowser, a painter of 65 years, cozies up to that challenge. He loads a brush. Its tip tracks along a teetering edge, stopping for a dip in a pool of pigment. By his hand, each push, every lift leaves a footprint of organic magic.

Glenville, Ken’s home since 1995, provides a plein air paradise for his classic brushwork. The Autumn colors are divine. Mountainscapes, such as Sapphire Valley’s Holly Berry Mountain Lake, inspire scores of interpretations of Mother Nature’s scenery.

Lately, a still life of fruit, vegetables, flowers or life drawing at Studio Alive (at The Bascom) might be the focus of Ken’s day. Working in-house keeps his skills honed and his feet toasty in winter. But now that spring has sprung, he’s feeling Nature’s call to its panorama of plein air splendor.

Savor Ken’s stunning work at the Highlands-Cashiers Art League summer and fall shows.

Visit Tsartistry in Franklin and/or Gallery 1 in downtown Sylva to see his latest creations. Or contact him at bowser@dnet.net or (828) 743-9759.

by Donna Rhodes

A Six-Week Musical Bonanza

In venues both grand and intimate, the HighlandsCashiers Chamber Music Festival spreads its marvelous sound across the Plateau.

RasaStringQuartet

Thanks to the thriving HighlandsCashiers Chamber Music Festival the soundscape on the Plateau is as bountiful and luxuriant as the scenery. Highly regarded for the virtuosity and artistic excellence of its performers, the festival annually brings together the country’s finest musicians to play chamber music in all its forms. Along the way, it has immeasurably enhanced the cultural environment of Highlands and Cashiers, enriching the lives of its visitors and citizens.

For 2023, in a six-week (July 1 through August 6) bonanza of top chamber music talent, musicians from renowned conservatories, orchestras and companies will come together to play their favorite works. They will perform in grand places – the Martin Lipscomb Theater – as well as smaller and more intimate ones tucked in spaces across the community.

So, hold on to your seat! Ushering

in the 42nd season of the Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival is the enthralling Rasa String Quartet in a program called Painting with Music. On June 25, the Boston-based chamber group brings a string-fueled celebration of the impressionist music of Debussy and Ravel to the Ann Lea Gallery in Cashiers.

Since their founding at the New England Conservatory of Music in 2019, its members – cellist Eunghee Cho, violist Claudia Do Minh Ramos, and violinists Maura Shawn Scanlin and Kiyoshi Hayashi – have toured the US, performing repertoire from the classical, world and folk genres.

Speaking for the quartet, Hayashi talked to Executive Director Nancy Gould Aaron about their upcoming appearance: “Rasa String Quartet has had the amazing opportunity to perform at the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival for multiple years and it

has always been an absolutely inspiring, meaningful, and fun experience. We have especially enjoyed fostering the incredible relationships we have developed, working with the local schools through their education initiatives, exploring the beauty, nature, and culture that Highlands has to offer, and interacting with the lively, supportive, and warm audiences!

The cost for Painting with Music is $80 per person. Call (828) 526-9060 for reservations.

Two days later, on June 27, the Rasa String Quartet will find their way into an even more informal setting at the Highlands Wine Shoppe in a free program entitled Music & Wine from Around the World. Attendees can expect a taste of musical offerings from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and America paired with wines from the same countries.

by Marlene Osteen

Pages 122-138

Like No Other

Lakeside Restaurant is the perfect spot to smooth your feathers and indulge in the gift of a clever kitchen and a warm staff. For more information or to make reservations (a must), please call Lakeside at (828) 526-9419.

It’s located at 531 Smallwood Avenue in Highlands.

Tricia and I scorched the phone line (I know, I’m old) to register our reservation to Lakeside Restaurant. That’s because this little place, just one block from Highlands’ Main Street, is arranged to soothe jangled nerves and comfort a tummy that’s operated for too long on hastily conceived meals.

First of all, Lakeside feels like no other place on the Plateau. The mood is set by its sunny dining room, adorned with,

well, I was going to say large wildlife portraits, but it’s probably more accurate to describe them as wild-life wildlife portraits. I challenge you not to smile when you gaze around the room. The playfulness is sustained by a smiling, quietly confident staff that clearly adore their workplace and its menu. We were served by Sue, and she was heaps of fun in explaining the evening’s specials and her view of them. I’ll repeat what’s turning out to be a theme in my

Post-Pandemic Reviews – you’re missing 60 percent of the essence of Plateau Dining if you ignore your server!

But that unabashed Lakeside seduction began even earlier than the arrival of Sue at our table. That’s the province of manager Keely Reeme, who delivers a broad smile and hearty greeting when you step through the door. In fact, she set the tone for the entire evening.

And of course, there was owner Laura

Huerta gliding through her dining room like one of those Pekin Ducks paddling across the lake five yards out the window. Laura’s always keeping an eye on things, and she visits each table with a smile and a quick word.

But all of this was setting the stage for the meal itself, and that’s where the talents of Chef Kevin Turner, Sous Chef Todd Grove, and Pastry Chef Rosa Cabrera were allowed to continue Lakeside’s relentless seduction.

First up, Tomato Florentine Soup, fresh and somehow infused with Spring sunshine. What a graceful wake-up call to the entire season of sensations.

I was presented with Tuna Tartare

Nachos – a dangerously addictive concoction of crispy wontons, wakami salad, sesame seeds, soy glaze, and wasabi cream.

The main courses were equally confident – Grouper Maison and Soy Demi-Glace Grilled Salmon.

The grouper dazzled – served up with artichoke hearts, cremini mushrooms, and a carefully-balanced lemon & wine sauce.

Though Tricia raved about that amazing piece of fish, I won the night with my choice of salmon. I would have hugged that noble fish, but it looked too good arranged on its plate with asparagus aux orange, jasmine rice pilaf, and a marvel-

ous coconut cream sauce.

With these entrées, you’re probably thinking, “That’s Enough,” but you’d be wrong.

There was an astonishing Bread Pudding awaiting us! Though I haven’t held back in my praise for Lakeside, it’s imperative that you adjust your dining plans to leave room for this sweet, sweet delight. Drenched in rum, it’ll linger in your memory for days, and seduce you into coming back posthaste.

by Luke Osteen / photos by Susan Renfro Scan to learn more.

Serving Up a Spring Feast

With his second cookbook Vegetable Revelations just released, Chef Steven Satterfield shares his culinary magic at a gourmet dinner at The Farm at Old Edwards, May 18.

It has been told that the gourmand and author Joseph Weschberg once described a dinner by legendary French Chef Ferdinand Point, “So brilliant and so breathtaking that it must have prompted immediate phone calls to travel agents all across the United States.”

While I’m far less of a raconteur, the spring feast that Chef Steven Satterfield will serve at The Farm at Old Edwards on Thursday, May 18 warrants no less of a response.

It is likely that many of you know Satterfield. A James Beard awardwinning chef and owner of the acclaimed Atlanta restaurant, Miller Union, has been a guest chef at The Farm at Old Edwards in the past.

As he told me recently on the phone, “Highlands is such a lovely place. I’ve been there multiple times and it’s always exciting to go back, and work with the Old Edwards team. I will be

crafting a menu from one of the tracks of my book.”

He is referring to his recently released second cookbook, Vegetable Revelations.

In his first book, Root to Leaf, Satterfield initiated a gastronomic dialog on vegetables that gave us all a new way of thinking about them. He says that “this book is more about experimenting,” and that, “inspiration came from traveling and tasting and applying those discoveries to vegetables, in order to give my readers more license to play in the kitchen, and to have fun.”

In his introduction he writes that, “I’ve started to venture out of my comfort zone, applying new-to-me flavor profiles and techniques.”

The creative awakening that his travels provided will surely be evident at The Farm. Though the menu is still under discussion, it will certainly be an expression of his passion for vegetables and the

crucial concepts of eating well that he adheres to – quality of the ingredients, locale, and seasonality.

He says that “There will be fish, meat, and dairy, as there is in my books. But vegetables are where I get my inspiration so its where I begin. As it will be the height of spring, I will lean on the delicious produce available – asparagus, peas, and hopefully rhubarb.”

The evening will commence with cocktails in The Orchard and proceed to a seated five-course dinner to include recipes from Satterfield’s new book, accompanied by thoughtful wine pairings.

For those unable to attend dinner, Satterfield will be at Acorns, signing his new cookbook on Wednesday, May 17, from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. To book online, visit OldEdwardsHospitality.com/Events.

by Marlene Osteen

Under the Stars

Celebrity chef Brandon Carter brings his Lowcountry-infused menu to Skyline Lodge’s Under the Stars, On the Rocks Dinner, May 9.

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. The second dinner of the 2023 season on May 9, welcomes Executive Chef Brandon Carter of FARM Hospitality Group (FARM Blufton, Common Thread, Wildflower Café and Strangebird Food Truck).

Carter is an exuberant champion of the cuisine of the Lowcountry. But it was a twisting trail that brought him there. Born in Ohio and raised in Georgia, his culinary influences can be traced to the flavors of a Moroccan restaurant owned by family friends and a trip to visit siblings near Siena, Italy.

“I became enamored with the food and culture,” Carter recounted. “I saw the energy and passion of the kitchen in both places, and the Rockstar persona of the chefs there, and I fell in love

with the industry.”

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, his career began at the Ritz Carlton in Naples, then led him to the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Blufton, South Carolina, before landing a partnership and chef spot at FARM in 2016. The restaurant is aptly named – its founding visionary is a farmer. The inventive verve Carter brought to the staid food scene of the quiet coastal community paved the way for new ventures. The duo has gone on to open Strangebird Food Truck (2019), Common Thread (named to Bon Appetit’s Best New Restaurant List) in Savannah (2021), and earlier this year Wildflower Café, also in Savannah.

Although his dishes retain the global influences of his youth, it’s the Lowcountry region that he calls home that inspires Carter’s cooking. As he told Southern Living, “It’s the way the salt air smells.” The joys of Carter’s menu are abundant. He manages to showcase the ingredients

of his locale in dishes like Roasted Lady’s Island Oysters with horseradish souffle and chives, or blue crab rice adorned with peanuts and shallots. A plate of brown butter cornbread with cane syrup and sea salt pays tribute to the region’s forbearers. For the collaborative dinner with Oak Restaurant at Skyline Lodge, Carter promises a menu that combines the unique flavor combinations for which he has earned a passionate following.

As he told me recently, “I am incredibly excited to recreate these favorite dishes, to tell the stories behind their creation, and to highlight the indigenous ingredients of the Lowcountry.”

Dinner is in the picturesque outdoor pavilion of Skyline Lodge overlooking the Blue Ridge mountains. Tickets are $175+/ person and include a signature welcome cocktail and dinner with beverage pairings. Additional a la carte drinks are available for purchase.

A Family Affair

When I’m working on pages of The Laurel, I like to have noise in the background. So, I just happened to have my laptop playing the C-span feed on February 27, and what I heard coming through my earbuds stopped my work mid-sentence. There was Congressman Joe Wilson on the floor of Congress, talking about the dire needs of the February 6 Turkish Earthquake survivors and how the owners of a restaurant and convenience store in Sapphire, North Carolina, had managed to amass an astonishing haul of relief supplies.

“The heroes who have worked tirelessly to rescue, treat, and comfort those affected by this tragedy must also be

recognized and honored,” Rep. Wilson said, citing Nesli and Vinnie Senturk, the owners of Hidden Valley Tavern and Toxaway Trading Post.

In retrospect, I shouldn’t have been surprised. Though their businesses have only been operating for a few months, the Senturks and their generous spirit have been part of the lowlevel chatter that animates Sapphire and Toxaway all along.

In fact, their generosity has changed the course of this article. I’d originally set out to review Hidden Valley Tavern, but the Senturks insisted that I focus on their relief efforts and their absolute delight that they’ve landed in the midst of such a kind, compassionate community.

“We came to visit our friends a few years ago – on our third day we decided to get a place,” explains Nesli. “I grew up along the Mediterranean and love mountains and water, so this was paradise. I fell in love with Lake Glenville.

“We bought this place (the former Gamekeeper’s Tavern), and this is the first opportunity for the entire family to be involved with our business – our son Kaan, a student at Brevard College, works whenever he’s not in class and is learning every aspect of the business. Our daughter Ashli manages the Toxaway Trading Post. She also oversees her father’s businesses – including the Shell Station and the Wine Shop that’s taking shape. And I love decorating, so I’ve had a wonderful time coming

For the Senturks, the owners of Hidden Valley Tavern and Toxaway Trading Post, Sapphire is a loving community to be part of.

Vinnie,Nesli,Ashli,andKaanSenturk

up with the new look for Hidden Valley Tavern. A lot of our guests have remarked on the McKenzie-Child Décor throughout the tavern. I think it give us a real cozy look that you can feel.”

“What makes it easy for us is the fact that this is not your typical community, where everyone views you as a stranger,” says Nesli. We’ve gotten to know so many of our customers – most of them are repeat customers and they’ve come to view us as their family-owned business.

“We were in Istanbul when the earthquake hit, and people from here were contacting us to see if we were alright.”

That close-knit Sapphire/Toxaway/ Cashiers community allowed the Senturks to stage two fundraisers to benefit the earthquake survivors.

“We donated our all our proceeds from our Valentine’s Dinner, and people who

couldn’t make a reservation because we were booked and people from out of town asked if they could help, so we had a second night for Earthquake Relief with live music and a silent auction and people were so generous,” says Nesli.

“Everything went to the relief agency, and we also ordered 1,000 $5 hygiene kits for women who were victims. Even the restaurant owners, who in another place would be competitors, have been generous in their support of our relief efforts.

“A lady who doesn’t even live here full-time, who just stopped by and asked what we were doing – when I told her, she just said, ‘Can I write a check?” said Nesli. “I don’t even know her name –when I came back, she’d gone, but left a check for $1,000.”

“When we meet the kind people here, and we receive support from the local businesses, we know we made the right

decision,” says Vinnie. “Cashiers Cares came here and asked how they could help with this effort, and they shared with their groups, and Sapphire Valley, Holly Forest, Burlingame have been our biggest supporters.”

Of course, that deep community spirit flows both ways. In addition to opening a much-needed dining destination, the Senturks made a commitment to recognize everyone in the community. The couple made the costly decision to offer gas at the Toxaway Trading Post at rates that matched those off the Plateau.

“Saving a bit on gas is important to everyone,” says Vinnie.

by Luke Osteen

/ photos by Mary Gillan Scan to learn more.

HiddenValleyTavernoffers enticingfoodandbeverageoptions.

Low Country Shrimp Boil

Boil will be staged at Kelsey-Hutchinson

Founders Park in Highlands, Saturday, July 15.

It’s a taste of the Gulf, deep in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains –the Low Country Shrimp

Regarded as one of the more popular summer food events and a highlight of the Highlands July calendar is the Lowcountry Shrimp Boil. Hosted by friends of KelseyHutchinson Founders Park, this sought after event returns to the Park for the 6th year, on July 15.

As denizens of the Lowcountry know, a “boil” is a dish rooted in the Coastal South. It is what the locals eat on those ritual occasions when inlanders are celebrating with barbecue.

Marty Rosenfield, has been cooking the “Boil” for a number of years and is a master in raising the status of this regional dish to culinary superstardom. He is legendary for the lengths he takes to make the dish so spectacularly delicious – applying his singular craftsmanship and blend of spices to the conventional recipe of zesty shrimp, sweet corn on the cob, smoked sausages and creamy potatoes simmered in a

spicy broth.

Started in 2016 as a fundraiser for the park, the event is also used as a “fun raiser” to promote Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park awareness and act as a thank you to patrons and donors.

Though the Park welcomes and accepts donations year-round, the “Boil” is the park’s only fundraiser.

Event Coordinator Bill Edwards said, “The funds raised by the Shrimp Boil finance park projects, and all proceeds are used for enhancements of the park. This affair is for beautification of the park and every net dollar is used for that purpose.” Among the past and future projects are tree trimming, overall floral enhancements, and installation of the chimney, plaques and tables.

Classic 80’s tribute music by the Asheville band LazrLuvr will add to the festivities, which explains the event’s popularity. As Edwards told me, “The

support for the event has been beyond our expectations and because of its purpose and quality we sell out every year.” Tickets include the Shrimp Boil, assorted vegetables, chocolate pudding and two tickets for beer or wine. Nonseafood eaters can elect to substitute chicken if they do so at the time of their ticket purchase. The event is tented and held rain or shine.

Tickets are available at The Dry Sink in Highlands and the Founders Park website, foundersparkhighlands.org.

by Marlene Osteen

Scan to learn more.

Women of Wine

When you raise that glass of wine to Mom this Mother’s Day, consider choosing a wine made by the underrepresented sisterhood of women winemakers. Their tenacity, struggles and successes merit our attention.

No industry reaches further back in history and no other industry has so resolutely excluded women from leadership positions for so long.

In 1974, a mere heartbeat away from the present in the arc of wine’s story, Frank Prial wrote in the New York Times that “Mary Ann Graf, the head winemaker at Simi Winery here, is the only woman in the United State to hold that title – maybe even in the world.”

As recently as 25 years ago in France, the famed Chateau Figeac was one of the very few estates to hire a woman to work in winemaking. “It was previously something of a

taboo that we helped eradicate” said owner Blandine de Brier Manoncourt, Today, only 14 percent of California wineries have a woman at the helm.

But the tide is changing. The trio of talented and pioneering women profiled here are just a few of the many who continue to push the industry forward. Though their stories are different, each has made a mark on the industry in her own way.

Paula Kornell sparkles as much as her bubbles. The California native, and daughter of winemaker Hanns Kornell, founder of Napa’s Kornell Champagne Cellars, she’s been blazing a path into the future of wine since birth. Her Paula Kornell Blanc de Noirs is vivid, bold, mouth-filling, and austerely dry.

One of the most noteworthy examples of success was the 2015 award of “Winemaker of the Year” by the San Francisco

Mothers and all the women in our lives who’ve loved us deserve the finest vintages, especially those created by women.

BibianaGonzalezRave

Chronicle to Bibiana Gonzalez Rave of Cattleya and Alma de Catteleya Wineries. Born in Columbia, she trained in Bordeaux, earned her Oenology degree at the University of Bordeaux, worked at Chateau Haut-Brion and then moved to California to work for Au Bon Climat, Qupe, and Pahlmeyer. All of these influences can be seen in the Alma de Cattleya Sauvignon Blanc that’s held to her unwavering high standards.

Though Cathy Corison was one of very few women when she first entered the wine world in 1972, her renowned and consistently high-scoring wines prove that quality and equality can exist simultaneously. Her highly sought after Cabernet Sauvignons, highlight the power and elegance of the varietal. The 2019 Corison Napa Cabernet is a superb example of her determination to stay true to her vision of Napa Cabernet – “to let the dirt speak.”

by Marlene Osteen

PaulaKornell

This Stuffed Squash Recipe, a favorite of Wendy King, owner of Cashiers’ The Look Boutique, makes excellent use of the Southern garden as it transitions to spring and summer. With its filling of green pepper, tomato, fresh basil, cheese, and bacon, the recipe dresses up the humble yellow crookneck squash, for a dish that’s a celebration of the sweet, zesty, flavors of the season. Though the ingredients may be familiar, the results are nothing less than explosive. Something wonderful and delicious happens when the ingredients are piled into the scooped-out squash shell, and butter and bacon are overlapped atop the filling before its roasted. The payoff, as you will discover, is big!

King tells me she’s been making the recipe for nearly 20 years.

“It came from a 2000 edition of the Southern Living Cookbook,” she says. “I have collected many over the years, but this is one of my favorites. The recipe presents really well and looks good on the plate. It’s a fantastic family and guest favorite.”

Wonderful and Delicious

The flavor-filled ingredients in Wendy King’s Stuffed Squash Recipe are bursting forth in gardens all over this curl of the Southern Appalachians.

Regularly served at family gatherings, King says it’s the dish most sought after by her daughter, and more recently by her 12-year-old grandson. (She and husband Robb also have two sons and a total of five grandchildren.) “Everyone loves it – they’re forever fighting for the last crumbs. There are never any leftovers.”

The recipe can be assembled completely in advance and finished in the oven just before serving, for a quick and easy side dish or a light main course. For best results, King advises using medium squash.

Wendy King’s Garden-Stuffed Yellow Squash

Yield: Six servings.

Ingredients

6 medium-sized yellow squash

1 cup chopped onion.

1 cup chopped tomato.

½ cup finely chopped green pepper

1 tablespoon fresh basil, snipped (or more as to taste)

¼ teaspoon salt

Dash of freshly ground pepper

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese.

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

3 slices bacon cooked and crumbled.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Wash squash thoroughly. Cover the squash with water and bring to a boil. Cover the pan, reduce heat, and simmer 8 to 9 minutes or until squash is tender but firm. Drain and let cool slightly.

3. Cut squash in half lengthwise, remove and discard seeds, leaving a firm shell.

4. Combine onion, tomato, green pepper, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in cheese.

5. Place squash shells in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Spoon vegetable mixture into shells. Dot with butter. Sprinkle with basil and bacon

6. Bake, uncovered at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

by Marlene Osteen

To see the most up-to-date information about dining on the plateau visit thelaurelmagazine.com/restaurants

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

Bridge at Mill Creek (828) 526-5500

Bryson’s Deli - (828) 526-3775

The Cake Bar - (828) 421-2042

Dusty’s - (828) 526-2762

El Azteca - (828) 526-2244

Fressers Courtyard Cafe – (828) 526-4188

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

Rosewood Market (828) 526-0383

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

Cashiers Valley Smokehouse - (828) 547-2096

Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160

Cornucopia Restaurant - (828) 743-3750

El Manzanillo - (828) 743-5522

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

Happ’s Place - (828) 743-5700

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

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

Pages 144-153

CASHIERS PROUD

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT

Hand turned by talented artist David Phillips, this unique design makes this beautiful walnut bowl an immediate conversation piece.

Live Edge Walnut Bowl | $ 800 Jeanie Edwards | Highlands

LET IT RAIN

As raindrops are falling on your head, sunshine will pour from your heart. This spirits-lifing reversible rain jacket will keep you dry and stylish as we enjoy living in our rain forest.

Reversible Artist Designed Rain Jacket | $165

Anne’s | Highlands

A few of our favorite things

TIME FOR SUMMER

Get your skin ready for summer! These hydrating, restorative, anti-oxidant rich formulas utilize all-physical sunscreen actives to support your optimal skin health and provide multilevel UVA/ UVB protection, while protecting DNA, and defending against environmental aggressors.

Extreme Protect $ 85 | Lip Protect $ 24 Canyon Spa | Sapphire

WAY TO CELEBRATE

Got the perfect gift? Find the perfect bag. Stork’s has a plethora of celebration bags, wrappings, paper and cards.

Gift Bags | Assorted Pricing Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship | Cashiers

A VERSATILE TREASURE

This antique grain measuring bucket was crafted in France, circa 1900. It features copper strapping motifs, forged nails on the outside and two side handles. This versatile treasure could be used in a number of ways, such as a waste basket in a powder bathroom, or as a decorative accessory in a kitchen.

c1900 French Copper Bucket | $ 745

Vivianne Metzger Antiques | Cashiers

A PICTORIAL JOURNEY

Sit down and enjoy local photographer Cynthia Strain’s pictorial journey of Highlands. Filled with beautiful photos of our area accompanied by Cynthia’s thoughtful commentary.

Highlands Through The Years | $ 38. 95 each

Cynthia Strain, Photographer | Highlands

A MuchLoved Shopping Tradition

The Bazaar Barn, 1846 Highway 107 N. in Cashiers, is bringing a vast new gallery of household possibilities and greener financial prospects to local nonprofits.

Part of the wonder of living on the Plateau is that our communities embody the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors, and one of the best and most successful examples of that philosophy is the Bazaar Barn run by the Church of the Good Shepherd. So successful has this ministry been that they have outgrown their original space and are now relocating and expanding to 1846 Highway 107 N across from Blue Ridge School in Glenville.

This move expands their space to over 9,000 square feet, a testament to the success of the Church’s outreach ministry to give back to the community. The original Bazaar began 30 years ago as a much-anticipated annual sale. Church members and others in the community would donate household items throughout the year which the Church would store and then sell at their annual outdoor Bazaar.

This much-loved tradition could have

faltered when the pandemic hit in 2020 when circumstances dictated that an annual sale would not be possible. In their determination to continue this important ministry, the Church quickly pivoted from the once-a-year sale to opening the doors of the Bazaar Barn. This proved to be a classic example of good things happening when things seemed at their bleakest.

The church’s mission is “to reflect God’s love through our faith in action” and through their faith and action this ministry stayed alive and well and continues to grow and give back. In the last three years, they have given back an astounding $750,000 to 35 nonprofits across Western North Carolina that improve the lives and circumstances of so many. Here in the Cashiers and Highlands area, among the recipients are schools, libraries, health and dental clinics, scholarship funds, mentoring programs, and services for the elderly.

Skip Ryan, the Bazaar Barn manager, is often introduced as the man who keeps the Barn operating smoothly but he is quick to say that the volunteers who give so generously of their time make the mission possible. The good news is that anyone can volunteer their services here so if you’ve got a heart for giving and a little time, give them a call and you can join this hard-working team.

The Bazaar Barn is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 until 2:00 so stop by and see their new location. Their current location at the Shoppes on the Green is open through June as well. Trust us, you can furnish and accessorize an entire house here, including your outdoor spaces.

Keep an eye on their Facebook and Instagram pages for more information, and if you have items to donate please call them at (828) 226-2888.

by Mary Jane McCall /

photo by Mary Gillan

Take YourTime To Discover

Spring is Bustin’ Out All Over! So’s Main Street Gifts, which has moved into a larger retail space – 364 Main Street in Highlands.

Suzanne andDanYoung

The only good pains are growing pains as Main Street Gifts in Highlands recently discovered when they realized that they had outgrown their original space at 366 Main Street. This successful business needed room to expand so they have now moved a few doors down to 364 Main Street in the space previously occupied by The Toy Store.

This move allowed them to double their retail space much to the delight of their customers as they now have room to expand their inventory to include even more thoughtfully curated items for him, her, home, garden, hostess, pets, and children. They might just as well have rebranded themselves as Main Street Fun after this move because this welcoming store features something for everyone and a stressfree fun shopping experience.

Their expanded inventory is a feast for the eyes and senses. In addition to their

bright silk flowers; colorful pillows; Highlands-themed articles, including “unbearably” cute stuffed bears decked in Highlands attire; shimmering wind chimes; garden items; lamps and shades; table linens & placemats; picnic items; barware; wallets; keychains; belts; and more; they now offer an expanded selection of wooden signs; collegiate items; puzzles; stuffed animals; toys; and, games, as well as items for your furry friends including Tall Tail dog toys. This upbeat shop is to be savored, taking your time to discover and explore the myriad of treasures within. Trust us when we say you can spend hours reading all their wooden signs which make perfect additions to your home or to give as gifts.

They also offer self-care items from western North Carolina artisans including Cullowheegee Farms plant-based soaps, Shade Tree Farms goat milk soaps; and the ever-popular dual use

lotion candles from Element Tree Essentials, which combine aromatherapy and skincare.

Owners Dan and Suzanne Young are enthusiastic about their love of Highlands and delight in carrying on the family tradition of owning successful Highlands businesses. Dan’s family owns Wit’s End, a Highlands fixture that was opened by his grandmother in 1940. In 2016 he and Suzanne decided to make Highlands their full-time home when they purchased The Kitchen Carryaway and Catering, which they still own and operate. Shortly thereafter they made their dream of owning a gift shop a reality when they opened Main Street Gifts.

Main Street Gifts is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. and Sundays from Noon until 5:00 P.M.

by Mary Jane McCall / photo by Susan Renfro

Realizing a Dream

Bejeweled with her own creations and a dazzling assortment of treasures conjured by Locman, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes, Laurel Parham’s Bijou demands a careful browse – 125 South 4th Street in Highlands.

LaurelParham

Laurel Parham’s “dream” since college has been to own and manage a jewelry shop in Highlands. She realized that dream three years ago, opening a shop in Wright Square. The success of that shop led to Parham moving her Bijou business recently to a larger space at 125 South 4th Street. Parham named her shop Bijou because in French the word means “little jewel,” and the play on words was irresistible. Due to handcrafted offerings and a growing inventory of jewelry, Bijou is increasingly becoming known as the Little Jewel of Highlands.

Parham’s experience is extensive. She has enjoyed a 26-year career in metals and jewelry. After working in 1997 as an apprentice with a German jeweler, who taught her the basics of jewelry and metal work, she also sought and earned a degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Not only does Bijou offer clients such

lines as Locman, Ava Couture, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes, but Parham is also on the lookout for distinct lines, such as the Italian men’s line of alternative metals and 18-karat gold called Baraka. A niche at Bijou is Parham’s ability to craft custom pieces due to her innate design sense and creativity as well as her skillset involving computer design and fabrication.

“Many times, I have repurposed people’s heirlooms so that they are more wearable,” she said. “I learn key points about an individual’s life, about the piece itself as well, and I rework a piece to make it more unique, relatable, and wearable for the client.”

Parham’s other specialty is to incorporate colored stones into her one-of-a-kind creations. She offers free consultations, by appointment, for anyone needing guidance about jewelry or who might be interested in having her design a specialty piece.

Parham is an Appalachian Mountains native, with family all throughout the hill counties from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Huntsville, Alabama. Yet she’s called North Carolina home for the past 23 years. Plus, she comes from a long line of hands-on craftspeople, with her father being a furniture maker.

“I’m excited to offer Highlands a meaningful and relaxing jewelry store experience,” said Parham, “And I think of myself as more of a consultant than a retailer. I want clients to know they purchased a piece with confidence.”

When consulting with Parham, clients are asked a series of questions to determine exact wants and needs. “I hope they go away with a piece they will enjoy for a long time or perhaps a lifetime – or that will be enjoyed for many lifetimes by others.”

by Deena Bouknight / photo by Susan Renfro

Jewelry Lovers Rejoice

Acorns, located at 212 South 4th Street in Highlands, unveils an entire season of trunk shows and treasures.

Upcoming trunk shows at Acorns, Old Edwards’ home décor and gift store, will spotlight two of the industry’s most talented designers. Just in time for a summer fashion renewal, the shop will show off their newly acquired trove of beautifully crafted jewels from top designers Elizabeth Locke and Ali & Bird. What is so special about these shows is that each designer brings something different to the table – from Elizabeth Locke’s antique themed jewels to Ali & Bird’s singular pieces that bring a modern flair to classic looks.

Elizabeth Locke: June 23-25 (there’ll be a representative present)

It must have been in her genes. From an early age, Elizabeth Locke spent family vacations touring ancient ruins with her classics-loving father. Chasing lizards across the steps of the Roman forum, on her first visit to Rome at age 11, she fell in love with antiquities. Her fascination

held fast; she vowed to learn Italian and speak Italian; both of which she did. After years living in Italy, she returned to the U.S. to work for Town & Country Magazine and eventually sought and received a degree in gemology. Relying on her experiences abroad, and her visual sensibility, she launched Elizabeth Locke Jewels in 1988, setting her sights on creating one-of-a-kind pieces that incorporate extraordinary antiques into pieces imbued with modern sensibility.

The vintage intaglios, ancient Greek, and Roman coins, and antique Japanese porcelain buttons that she refashions into 19-karat gold earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces are universally admired. Veranda Magazine compared the wrapped in hammered gold pieces to “artifacts returning to life and connecting us, along with Locke, to a world’s long past.”

Ali & Bird: June 30- July 10

Ali & Bird’s bold and stunning collections are the work of Atlanta resident Ali Howell, her daughter Lindsey, affectionately named “Bird”, and her late mother Betty, an aspiring artist from whom Ali inherited her appreciation for all things beautiful and Southern. The inter-generation collaboration features the sterling silver kissing birds that symbolize their art and are reflective of the creativity in every product across their brand.

In Ali and Bird’s hands semi-precious stones, pearls, crystals, and chains are transformed into wearable art to create, “singular, off-center looks that convey a fashion-forward statement to a favorite pair of jeans or your best little black dress.” The team’s lifestyle luxuries are sought by people all over the U.S. and the Caribbean and are sold in more than 200 stores.

by Marlene Osteen

Visit Our Advertisers

WEST END

195. Madison’s Restaurant

196. The Wine Garden

197. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar

201. Hudson Library

202. Country Club Properties

205. Silver Creek Real Estate Group

ON THE HILL

303. Mirror Lake Antiques

305. Jeanie Edwards Fine Art

306. Acorn’s

310. McCulley’s

311. Martha Anne’s

312. The Ugly Dog Public House

313. Old Edwards Inn

318. Peggy Crosby Center: - The Kitchen Carry Away & Catering

207. Creative Concepts Salon

208. Highland Hiker Shoes

210. Highland Hiker

WRIGHT SQUARE on MAIN

(Factoid: Named after Whiteside hero)

113. Edward Jones

117. Country Club Properties, Wright Square Office

119. Highlands Pharmacy

SPRING

400.

404.

406.

VILLAGE

613.

615.

CAROLINA

709.

709.

711.

& Vacation Rentals

NORTH END

803. Art Highlands Gallery

812. Salt Organic

814. Highlands-Cashiers

Chamber Music Festival

814. Highlands-Cashiers Players

814. Highlands Performing Arts Center

814. Mountain Theatre Company

OUT NC 106

➡ Aery Chiropractic

➡ Peak Experience

➡ High Camp

➡ Highlands Outpost

➡ Highlands Aerial Park

➡ Vineyard at High Holly

➡ Fire + Water

➡ Bella’s Junction Cafe

OUT 64 EAST

➡ 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

➡ Allen Tate/ Pat Allen Realty Group

➡ Highlands Dermatology

➡ Roman’s Roofing

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

Being added to our listing is easy! Simply advertise with The Laurel.

319. Lakeside Restaurant

VILLAGE

Jannie Bean Fine Custom Jewelry

Shear Elevations

Brookings Fly Shop

PARK

Cleaveland Realty

Shakespeare & Co.

VILLAGE

High Dive

The Dancing Bear at the High Dive

Chambers Realty

Visit Our Advertisers

NORTH

2.

EAST

142. Village Green Commons 143. The Village Green 146 Sugar Creek Custom Cabinets 147. Bazaar Barn WEST 64 155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 156. Creekside:

- Silver Creek Real Estate Group

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

Being added to our listing is easy! Simply advertise with The Laurel.

Families as Clients

Due to the Covid Shutdown, The Chappells have found a whole new life in the mountains, far from the stresses of life in urban areas.

As Covid-19 finally, finally, slips into the rear-view mirror, we’d do well to reflect upon the many lessons that it imparted.

Arguably, the most important was the relevance of family. We were reminded of how precious those deep connections were as we navigated the challenges of quarantine and the trip-wire sensitivities we developed to random coughs or sudden listlessness.

And now, three years after the entire world shut down, those familial ties have led to a seismic shift in the demographic of the Plateau’s communities. Families from across the country are rushing to establish homes and set up lives in towns that have in the past drawn wealthy retirees and those looking to escape the cares of the world.

“The emergence of younger families as buyers has totally changed the market,” says Kathy Balistreri, whose Balistreri Real Estate is one of the top producers in Toxaway, Sapphire, and Cashiers.

Balistreri cites the case of Sarah and Tyler Chappell of Lighthouse Point, Florida – clients who’ve become friends after she found a getaway home for them in Lake Toxaway.

“During the Fall of 2020, after many months of school and work on Zoom, several family illnesses, a death of the patriarch of the

family (all while trying to run a small business), we decided we wanted to escape South Florida for a few weeks,” says Sarah.

“In November of 2020 we rented a cabin in Sapphire. We loaded up the truck with the two dogs and our teenage daughter to drive the 12 hours to our Covid escape. We immediately fell in love with the area and spent our time hiking and exploring the entire surrounding neighborhoods. The natural beauty and peacefulness of the area was the biggest selling point.

“On a trip down Highway 64, we saw the Balistreri Real Estate sign. It was truly a moment of divine intervention! The Balistreri family is the local real estate company in our area in South Florida and Kathy’s niece helped us buy our home in Lighthouse Point. (Editor’s Note: See, it’s all about family!) I texted her and asked who in your family is in this remote place in the mountains – she immediately texted me Kathy’s number and I called her. At that time there was nothing on the market that met our needs.

“In January 2021, the phone rang and it was Kathy. She had ‘the home’ for us. This ‘just-listed’property checked all of the boxes – it had the woods, the space, the views and the proximity to the Lake Toxaway Country Club and Panthertown. We bought it sight-unseen and were thrilled when we got to see it.

“The summer of 2022 was the first summer we were able

KathyBalistreriand brotherJimBalistreri

to spend a few months here and work remotely. On the 12-hour drive north to the mountains, our daughter cried and was upset that she wouldn’t have any friends or have any fun – that she would be trapped with her parents in the woods all summer. It only took a few weeks and she connected with some wonderful teens in the neighborhood. She had such an amazing summer that on the 12-hour ride back to Florida in August she cried because she didn’t want to leave.

“We hope one day to be able to spend a majority of the year in the mountains.

“The story of the Chappells would have been unusual a few years ago,” says Balistreri. “Now we’re seeing more and more young families discovering all that this Plateau portion of the mountains has to offer.”

by Luke Osteen

Catherine,Sarah,andTylerChappell

The Most Colorful Time Of The Year

With its kaleidoscopic selection of garden décor, gift items, and, of course, plants in every shade of green, business at Whistlin’ Dixie Garden & Gifts is booming (and blooming). Find out for yourself –18138 Rosman Road in Sapphire.

Backrowstandingfromlefttoright: CrystalOwen,ShyanaFisher,FelixMorales,CadeGalloway,ChuckGalloway Kneelinginfrontfromlefttoright: KellieOwen,AprilGalloway

It’s early Spring and as happens every year at this time, dozens of cars have packed the parking lot of Whistlin’ Dixie Garden and Gifts in Sapphire for the nursery’s annual seasonal opening. What sets Whistlin’ Dixie apart, says coowner April Galloway, “95 percent of the plants here are grown on site in our 14,000 square-feet of covered greenhouses.” Folks have gathered to choose among hundreds of different varieties of annuals, perennials, groundcovers, herbs, and shrubbery. They’re also here for the mulches, straws, fertilizers, amendments, and other gardening necessities that are so plentifully stocked.

Locals, visitors, gardeners, and landscapers drive from as far away as Brevard and Hendersonville; and show up from nearby Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire. People flock here both for the wide variety of plant materials, and a knowledgeable staff.

The quality of the plants and attention to

plant care are hallmarks of the Whistlin’ Dixie Nursery. Customers can be confident that the plants are watered and tended according to the individual needs of each variety.

Located on land that was formerly occupied by the Bearwallow Springs Jelly House, April and Chuck Galloway, along with April’s parents, Rex and Judy Dillard, opened the nursery and gift business in 1995.

In 2005 a new building was erected to house a gift shop. It’s a showcase for a wide selection of glazed pottery, and expanded shelf space for a large selection of greeting cards, cocktail napkins and the distinctively designed, high quality soaps and lotions from Stonewall Kitchen’s Michel Design Works.

New this year are Proven Winners Aquapots. The handmade pieces are a favorite among home gardeners, highly coveted for their unmatched design, refined colors, and unprecedented

finishes. One section of the shop is dedicated to holiday décor, including an Americana section for the upcoming July 4th celebration.

A complete garden décor area was added last year. Now Whistlin’ Dixie sells not only the flowers, plants, and vegetables for which it is well known, but also solar lights, wind chimes, lightweight planters, rain chains, wind spins, welcome mats, moss line hayracks and hanging baskets. To meet the demand of the growing body of gardening enthusiasts and the need for more plants, the Galloway’s expanded their nursery yard this year, allowing more room for displays. With the arrival of May and the start of the gardening season, Whistlin’ Dixie is an ongoing and terrific resource for your gardening journey.

Whistlin’ Dixie is located on Rosman Highway in Sapphire. For information, call (828) 966-9619.

by Marlene Osteen

Pages 170-173

The Historic Cashiers Valley

For many years prior to 1996 there were various groups and individuals that had been collecting historical information concerning Cashiers and the early families of the valley. However, it wasn’t until 1996 that a group of individuals came together, organized and began to preserve the history and structures of the area. Cashiers Historical Society was organized as a 501(c)(3) and was first affiliated with the Village Conservancy.

Today, CHS continues as an organization that honors and protects the historic past of North Carolina’s Cashiers Valley.

Through thoughtful educational platforms and the preservation of the Zachary-Tolbert House and dependency, Col. John’s Cabin and the Hampton School, Cashiers Historical Society is maintaining the legacy of a historic place.

In addition, CHS provides a service that fosters knowledge and apprecia-

tion of Cashiers Valley’s history and traditions through hands-on activities. CHS provides programs and events for K-12 students, adults and community/ family audiences, as well as, out of state visitors. In 2003 the first of many events and activities, Founders Day was initiated. This event is provided for the area third and fourth graders from Blue Ridge School, Summit Charter School and home-schooled children. Additional enrichment activities continue to be added at the requests of school staff. Also, activities upon request are provided during the summer months for area children. The Jan Wyatt Symposium, Rambles and The Mountain Heritage Lecture Series give adults an opportunity for programs with engaging speakers, tradition-bearing performers and historically accurate demonstrations.

CHS is especially proud to share with the community the annual Heritage Apple Day, Christmas at Col. John’s Cabin, and a recent addition, Airing of the Quilts. The annual Cashiers

Designer Showhouse is always eagerly anticipated by the community and visitors. This event is the main funding source for CHS.

The society continues to provide a “forever” service by being stewards of and for the historical structures on the grounds. In addition, CHS has shown its strong commitment to the history of the area by saving from demolition Col. John’s Cabin and the Hampton School. The continued maintenance of the Zachary-Tolbert House and dependency are major responsibilities for the society. Finally, as you consider summer plans, add a visit down Hwy 107 South, tour each of the structures, walk the Highlands-Cashiers Trail or search for one of the two geocaching sites. Call the office at (828) 743-7710 for questions or information.

by Sandi Rogers, Cashiers Historical Society

Cashiers Historical Society continues the mission of its founders with a calendar bursting with events and activities.

Meet

James Grant

The curiously incompetent James Grant’s victorious Battle of Echoe was never about glory, but it ended with despair and dishonor.

If you’ve read the wordy Battle of Echoe marker near the county courthouse in Franklin, you’ve met James Grant, the Scot who led the 2,500man expedition sent by the British from Ft. Prince George (the site is now under Lake Keowee) and through Rabun Gap to chastise the Cherokee in June 1761. It was ambushed at Echoe (Otto) but the invaders broke through, scattering the smaller Cherokee force. Grant spent a month ravaging the Cherokees along the Little Tennessee and Tuckasegee rivers. “Fifteen towns and all the plantations (crops) in the country have been burnt…and about 5,000 men women and children drove into the woods and mountains to starve” he reported to his military superiors.

Paul David Nelson’s 1993 book General James Grant: Scottish Soldier and Royal Governor of East Florida, and the Summer 1977 issue of the Journal of Cherokee Studies (with Sir Joshua

Reynolds’s 1762 portrait of chief warrior Ostenaco on the cover), tell the sad story. The Cherokee never recovered and referred to Grant as “Cornpuller.” Grant (1720-1806) himself hadn’t wanted to do it and said that if one considered both sides – Cherokee and colonists – “the Indians have been the worst used.”

Grant became governor of newly acquired East Florida in 1764, living in St. Augustine. There he bought the enslaved Creole cook Baptiste and soon found that he couldn’t do without his culinary talents. In late 1765 Grant and Baptiste served a six-foot-long rattlesnake for dinner. It had just been killed by Grant’s guest William Bartram, exploring Florida with his father John, royal botanist for America.

During the American Revolution, Maj. James Wymess, another Scottish officer who served with Grant at the Battle of Brooklyn, wrote that his countryman was, “Without abilities, or the least

knowledge of his profession; he possessed a kind of cunning, invariably directed to the promotion of his own interest. He was a Gamester, a glutton and an Epicure. In short it may be truly said that he lived only for himself.”

Which the increasingly fat and gouty Grant half admitted: In 1770 he declared that, “My Intention… is to have a good house in London, a good Cook, good Dinner, good Claret and good everything as far as I can to make my Friends Welcome & merry.” Not long after, he unexpectedly inherited the Highland castle of Ballindalloch; was elected to Parliament; and travelled back and forth from the family lair in Scotland to his stylish townhome in London, where he entertained the Prince of Wales and other distinguished cronies, all eager for (the newly freed) Baptiste’s mouthwatering fare.

by Stuart Ferguson, Local Historian, Shakespeare & Company

LIFESTYLES & WELLNESS

Pages 176-199

Greeting Card Moment

It’s 1992 and Robyn Hessling has been taken by a friend to a pig roast at a farm in Goshen, New York. Two things are worth noting here.

First, Robyn is advised in advance that Tom Hessling – a close friend of the farm’s owner, is going to be there. Secondly, Tom is in the process of selling his home in New York and moving to Colorado. It is inevitable that the two will meet – the path to their eventual love affair has already been set. What follows can only be described as a Greeting Card Moment.

Tom Hessling looks up from the horseshoe he is pitching and his gaze lands not on the stake, but on Robyn.

Immediately, he turns to his teammate and says, “Oh my God, I’m going to marry that girl.”

Robyn is no less giddy in her attraction to Tom. She remembers being “Blown away – he was tall, dark and handsome with a square jaw and blue eyes.”

They spent the rest of the evening around the fireplace, never leaving each other’s side, slipping easily into conversation about themselves.

A licensed structural and civil engineer, Tom had forged a career with a consulting engineering firm in New York City. But he’d recently accepted a job working for a new airport in Denver. It was to be a big promotion.

Robyn had been a buyer for New York retailer Abraham and Strauss and was currently teaching first grade. He told her about his motorcycle – a Harley Davidson, and they discovered a mutual love for skiing and country living.

When Tom talked about God, Robyn

thought, “He has substance.”

Tom recalled, “She was a knockout, and had all the things I was looking for – values, family, a love of children.” Intuitively they knew from the beginning, that “this was something,” that they had each found someone special.

The next week they met for pizza. Their first real date followed – dining with another couple at a Spanish restaurant. When Tom had to decide whether he was going to take the Colorado job, and Robyn said she didn’t want to move, he resolved to remain in New York.

They were a couple from then on; their lives unspooling together.

The ensuing two years of their love story is no less storybook. They started rock climbing and skied in Idaho’s Sun Valley. One day after a hunting trip, he asked, “Did you hear me thinking about

We’re not making this up – for Robyn and Tom Hessling, it truly was Love At First Sight.

RobynandTomHesslingwithOscar

you in the woods today?”

After a day teaching, she found an Oreo in her car with a smiley face drawn on an attached card.

Three months after they met, Robyn was the first to say, “I love you.” And he said it back. Everything changed then.

A few months later they were in the car after church when Tom asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?’ She replied, “living in the country with children.” When he told her he wanted the same things, she realized, “There’s nothing stopping us.”

They were married on October 1, 1994, at a historic Baptist church in the center of town. At the reception that followed at a local B&B, they ate homemade chocolate-raspberry cake and danced outside in the rain with 150 family and friends who joined them in celebration. The first daughter, Victoria was born in 1996. By the time their second daughter, Catherine, was born in 1998, Robyn had

found the perfect piece of property in nearby Westtown, New York, on which to build their dream home.

For 8 years, “It was heaven,” said Robyn. Then one day Tom came home and asked, “What do you think about moving to Wisconsin? I have a chance at a significant advancement.”

In 2005 the family relocated to Mequon, Wisconsin, and Tom began work on a complicated interchange in nearby Milwaukee. Over the next 12 years, Tom traveled the country and abroad working on huge infrastructure projects.

While the girls were in school, Robyn became a real estate agent and worked as a realtor for several years. In 2017, after the girls’ graduation from high school, they purchased a home in Sapphire Valley and moved to the Plateau. In years past the family had visited Robyn’s father at his summer home there and had long ago decided it was where they would eventually settle.

October1,1994inWarwick,NewYork

Robyn returned to teaching, and with 35 years experience practicing as an engineer globally, Tom opened Mountain Construction Engineering. Since opening, the company has won recognition for the integrated construction and facility management services they provide to absentee homeowners. Assisting Tom in his work is MCE’s company mascot, Oscar, a Samoyed dog recognizable by his absence of hair.

They are an excellent team. Perhaps it’s their differences that make it so. She is effervescent and gregarious, he’s more introverted. She says she’s “the visionary who wakes up in the morning and sees the future and sets things in place.” He says, “She’s the dreamer, I’m the builder, the doer. She’s my inspiration –she drives me.”

Tom’s right – as I write this story, Robyn is retiring from teaching to join Tom at MCE.

by Marlene Osteen

The Isle of Palms

In nearly 45 years in the wine and food industry, Highlands’ resident Karen Hunt led the most highly regarded companies in the industry – serving as President of DAOU Vineyards and Winery, and a Senior Executive at Peter Mondavi Winery, Frances Ford Coppola Winery, Mars, Inc., and Ben & Jerry’s. During those years, Karen logged thousands of nights in hotels. And what she came to understand in all those nights away is that although any hotel can claim to be a home away from home, and however warm the welcome, sometimes you just need more space to spread out, and a chance to stock your own refrigerator to cook. Desperate for a more comfortable place to stay during extended stays, she discovered

Let’s Go And Get Away

short term rentals. The concept was so life changing she was persuaded to seek out a short-term rental investment of her own.

In 2006, she and husband Mike acquired a small condo in her hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. By 2015, the unit, which she named Carolina Elegance, had generated sufficient profits to fund a second property and then a third.

When a beach house on the highly desirable Isle of Palms became available, it was the perfect place to drop anchor. They called it Carolina Elegance Beach-House. Three years ago, the couple acquired a second property on the exclusive Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle. They named it Carolina Elegance North. Thirty minutes from Charleston, the

Isle of Palms may just be the area’s best kept secret. Bordered on one side by the Atlantic Ocean and on the other by the marshy creeks of the Intracoastal Waterway, this barrier island offers the best of the Lowcountry in one setting. Beyond lazing on the beach, the island offers kayaking with dolphins, ocean fishing, paddle boarding or taking a naturalist-guided boat tour to an undeveloped island. For the artistic, there are painting classes, sweetgrass basket weaving or just studying nature beneath the live oaks. Foodies will want to explore noteworthy restaurants.

You can begin your day with a homemade breakfast at locals’ favorites Sea Biscuit Café or Acme Lowcountry Kitchen; drop in for a cocktail at Darius Rucker’s favorite bar, The Windjammer;

A career spent crisscrossing the country taught Highlander Karen Hunt the supreme value of a luxury getaway destination – leading to Carolina Elegance on South Carolina’s Isle of Palms.

grab a chair and a flounder sandwich perched above the Intracoastal waterway at Islander 71 Fish Camp; and dine extravagantly on celebrated chef Ken Vendrinksi’s pristine Italian-accented seafood at Coda Del Pesce.

Both of Karen and Mike’s homes on the Isle of Palms celebrate the presence and beauty of their setting, capturing the mood of the perfect island retreat. The two recently remodeled homes are family-friendly, cozily furnished and include extra luxe amenities: saltwater pools that can be heated for an extra fee, outdoor hot and cold showers, gourmet kitchens, WIFI, flat screen TVs in every room, low speed vehicles for touring both Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, and proximity to the beach.

Situated at the end of the Isle of Palms where the traffic is light and surroundings peaceful, the 6 bedrooms, 5 bath Carolina Elegance home sleeps 14, with an elevator, and boasts a gourmet kitchen, and rooms that open to the

outdoors. In the backyard, the saltwater pool sits amidst lush shrubbery, plentiful and plush seating, cooking grills, and an outdoor shower. When the sky darkens, strings of fanciful lights brighten the setting and encourage lively conversation. With five outdoor decks, a video game room, and a garage filled with a foosball table, ping pong table and basketball games, it’s as much a multigenerational vacation home as a beach house. Both homes have incredible kid’s rooms with queen bunk beds, toys and everything a child could desire.

An eclectic and charming mix of coastal modern comfort and antique furnishings, guests constantly include in their five-star reviews that the beds are so comfortable that they never want to get out of bed.

Carolina Elegance North is an idyllic 4 bedroom, 4 bath retreat that accommodates up to 12. Inside, the large, windowed rooms are all about maximizing light and space and views

of the outdoors. The gourmet kitchen, truly the heart of this home, opens to a sunroom and a private deck overlooking the marsh. Nestled among the Palmetto trees, the backyard features a pool, hot tub, swing bed, and outside shower with both hot and cold water, along with stunning views of sandy shores, lush marshes and the final two holes of the world-famous Links Golf Course. And on the horizon, Karen and Mike are now working on Carolina Elegance Tranquil Oaks, an upscale glamping site with tiny homes and safari like tents on the lakes.

For more information or to book your escape, visit carolinaelegance.com. Oh, and if you mention this article when booking, you’ll receive a complimentary golf car for a week!

by Marlene Osteen

Mental Health Advocacy

The Plateau’s commitment to good mental health is ensured by supportive local nonprofits, a trio of wise counselors and a caring community.

MichaelGreene

In a World Where You Can Be Anything, Be Kind! During the month of May, National Mental Health Month, the Counseling Center symbolizes the philosophy of kindness with a bee. “We are thrilled to be the lead sponsor of the Counseling Center’s May calendar of Kindness activities,” said Robin Tindell, Executive Director of the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation. It’s exciting to see how many community organizations are joining hands to encourage people of all ages to be kinder.”

Leslie Manning, Executive Director of the Counseling Center beamed as she shared, “Our hive of volunteers has been buzzing with creative ideas, starting with Highlands students who are creating posters to promote kindness.”

The Counseling Center, located at the Peggy Crosby Center, 348 South 5th Street in Highlands, strives to strengthen families and individuals by providing access to quality mental health services

regardless of financial ability.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Michael Greene exemplifies the level of compassionate care available here.

“By far the most interesting part of my new career (and the reason I’m still in this area) is the job I was given by the Plateau Behavioral Health Collaborative. The PBHC came about through the incredible efforts of three local non-profit agencies: the Counseling Center of Highlands, the International Friendship Center, and the Community Care Clinic of HighlandsCashiers. They each needed someone like me, though not full time, so they partnered, hired me, and I now split my time between the three of them. A lot of effort from more than a few folks went into making this happen: the agency directors, their board members, and the many community members who support these agencies. It’s really quite remarkable what they did, and I knew from the start that any partnership so committed to its

mission of service to the local population (especially those underserved) was something I’d want to be a part of. It’s basically a dream job in that I get to work in each of the areas of social work to which I’m naturally drawn: psychotherapy, behavioral health in primary care settings, and helping to provide direct support services to communities,” says Michael. In addition to Michael, the Highlands/ Cashiers area is fortunate to have two more licensed counselors. Tracy Franklin, LCMHC, is affiliated with the Counseling Center. The newest arrival to our area is Shannon Schafhausen, LCMHC, who works for the Blue Ridge Medical Clinic at the Jane Woodruff Clinic at the Highlands Cashiers Hospital. In addition to other areas of care, Shannon brings a particular level of focus and experience with substance use. All three counselors can provide therapy at a reduced cost, and in some cases, free, to clients.

by Jane Jerry

Strengthen Your Core

Pilates of Cashiers is open for everyone seeking to strengthen themselves from the inside out, to improve balance and alignment and enhance their well-being. They’re located at 341 US 64, Suite 203 in Cashiers.

AlexWarren

Pilates of Cashiers is the first fully equipped Pilates studio in the Cashiers/Highlands community. The studio is located in the heart of Cashiers on Highway 64, just west of the crossroads.

The studio owner, Alexandra (Alex) Warren, received her Pilates certification through Power Pilates, a 600+ hour comprehensive education program. She moved to the United States from her native Germany in 1990. Before moving to Cashiers, Alex lived in Charlotte where she had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients from the elderly, to pregnant women, as well as athletes and coaches of the Carolina Panthers.

Pilates is for all ages and body types including bodies with physical limita-

The objective is to make you feel strong from the inside out…

tions like osteoporosis, neck/shoulder/ low back injuries and hip/knee surgeries. This system of exercises, executed with control and mindfulness, will strengthen your deepest inner core muscles. By initiating your moves from a strong core, you will be able to perform daily tasks like walking, lifting and carrying things more conscientiously and efficiently. Independent of skill level or age, Pilates will make your body feel and look stronger and leaner.

“In our studio, we utilize equipment such as reformers, towers, the Cadillac and barrels to create an exercise regimen personalized to your individual needs and goals,” says Alex. “The objective is

to make you feel strong from the inside out, to improve balance, alignment and overall well-being.”

Following the teachings of its creator, Joseph H. Pilates, classical Pilates will make you more mentally and physically productive, streamline your shape and reduce stress and fatigue.

Alex is passionate about making each individual feel stronger and more confident after each session. She enjoys working with clients on a one-on-one basis but also offers duets and mat classes. “Our studio welcomes you with a bright, comfortable atmosphere, where you can work in a friendly and safe environment,” says Alex. “For more information, please call us at (828) 200-9467 or visit our website pilatesofcashiers.com.”

Scan to learn more.

Mental Health Awareness Month

Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by mental illness each year, many of those right here in our community. It is important to talk about how common mental illness is so that we can understand its physical, social, and financial impact.

Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is committed to raising awareness of Mental Health and Wellness and reducing the stigmas around these extremely important conversations.

Our mental health is vital to our overall health and wellness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has been collecting data on the impact of mental illness on our society.

1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year.

1 in 20 U.S. adults experiences serious mental illness each year.

1 in 6 U.S. youth (aged 6-17) experiences a mental health disorder each year.

50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population. People with serious mental illness are nearly twice as likely to develop these conditions.

32.1% of U.S. adults with mental illness also experienced a substance use

disorder in 2020 (17 million individuals). High school students with significant symptoms of depression are more than twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers.

Students aged 6-17 with mental, emotional, or behavioral concerns are 3x more likely to repeat a grade.

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14. Mental illness and substance use disorders are involved in 1 out of every 8 emergency department visits by a U.S. adult (estimated 12 million visits).

Across the U.S. economy, serious mental illness causes $193.2 billion in lost earnings each year.

These numbers are powerful and give us great insight into how widespread this epidemic has become.

The Health Foundation believes that anything that can raise our collective awareness, reduce mental and behavioral health stigmas, and serve as an advocate

for better overall health care is worth our time and energy.

With this in mind, the Health Foundation has invested in grants to support mental health and well-being across the Plateau. Grants for a bi-lingual counselor to the Plateau Behavioral Health Collaborative, a Recreational Therapist with Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau, and a behavioral health and substance abuse counselor at Blue Ridge Health-Highlands Cashiers, just to name a few.

In addition, Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation has partnered with the Counseling Center of Highlands to raise awareness throughout May for Mental Health Awareness Month with the BEE Kind program.

We BEElieve that mental health awareness begins with kindness. The more kind, empathetic, and curious our community can become, the better we all will be as a Plateau.

Look for the BEEs around in the month of May (and beyond). Join us in participating in BEE Kind activities across the Plateau. We should all remember that kindness matters. The little things we do for someone may mean more to that person than we will ever know.

by Josh Bryson, Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation

The mental health concerns of Plateau residents are just as vital as the physical ones.

Some ‘Did-You- Knows’ About Estate Plans

If you’ve done any estate planning, or even if you’re just familiar with it, you probably know the basics — that is, a comprehensive estate plan can help you pass on assets to your family while also achieving other goals, such as designating someone to take care of your affairs if you become unable to do so. But you may not know about some other estate- planning issues that could prove important in your life:

Power of attorney for students – Children heading off to college may be considered legal adults in many states. Consequently, you, as a parent, may not have any control over medical treatment if your child faces a sudden, serious illness or is involved in an accident. Instead, a doctor who doesn’t know your child or your family may decide on a course of action of which you might not approve. To help prevent this, you may want to have your college student sign a medical power of attorney form, which will allow you to make decisions on your child’s behalf if doctors don’t think your child can make those choices. You might also want to combine the medical power of attorney with an advance health care directive or living will, which lets you specify actions you do or don’t want to happen. In any

case, consult with your legal advisor before taking any of these steps.

Community property versus common law – Not all states treat married couples’ possessions equally. If you live in a community property state, the property you acquire during your marriage is generally considered to be owned in equal halves by each spouse, with some exceptions. But if you live in a common law state, the property you obtain while you’re married is not automatically owned by both spouses. In these states, if you buy some property, you own it, unless you decide to put it in the name of yourself and your spouse.

This doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that your spouse has no rights, because common law states typically have rules that guard surviving spouses from being disinherited. But here’s the key point: If you move from a community property state to a common law state, or vice versa, you might not want to assume that you and your spouse’s property ownership situations will remain the same. Consequently, if you do move, you may want to consult an estate-planning attorney in your new state to determine where you stand.

Pet trusts – You always strive to take good

care of your pets. But what might happen to them if you become incapacitated in some way? Unless you have a close family member or friend who’s willing to take over care for your pet, you might want to consider setting up a pet trust, which can take effect either during your lifetime or after you pass away. A trustee typically will make payments to the caregiver you’ve designated for your pet, with payments continuing for the pet’s lifetime or a set number of years. Again, an estate- planning attorney can help you with this arrangement.

Estate planning certainly involves the big-picture issue of leaving a legacy to the next generation. But the issues we’ve discussed can also be meaningful to you, so you’ll want to address them properly. 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.

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

“May,morethan anyothermonthof theyear,wantsus tofeelmostalive.”

—FennelHudson

Where to Turn Dr.SueAery

Navigating the profound challenges of healthcare requires the wise counsel of a compassionate advocate.

Health can be a difficult journey these days. Where do I go, how soon can I be seen, do I need surgery or drugs?

These are hard questions, especially when the situation is dire. Severe pain, bleeding, unrelenting symptoms, coughing and many other health challenges can often be overwhelming to the individual and their family.

Managed healthcare is not as simple as it once was and there are too many questions that go unanswered along the journey. Alternative care can often help in this process and, especially in situations where pain is what is driving the need for immediate care.

I often find that I am part of this journey for my patients as they seek support, counsel and alternative treatments. As a chiropractic physician, I can hold the role as advocate, and sometimes director, when it comes to knowing where to turn

and who to see first. Sometimes the ER is necessary when immediate tests need to be done to gain information, drugs need to be recommended and questions need answers.

Sometimes a patient just needs peace of mind, knowing that their situation is not life threatening. Often, once the worst scenarios are ruled out, patients come to our office for care, knowing that alternative options can help. The therapies that we offer are often enough to quell the pain and restore function, whether healing comes to fruition or buys enough time for the patient before they undergo more drastic procedures. When someone comes to my office with severe pain, we can offer therapies that can relieve the pain, allowing the opportunity for the patient to find some clear direction if they then need a specialist.

Sometimes, guidance is all that’s necessary for someone to know who to

call and what tests are needed. There are even instances when we can help the patient reduce the pain and put them on a healing journey and they don’t need to seek a specialist. These days, the more professionals we have in our corner, listening, caring and offering education as well as healing, the better the healing journey can happen with efficiency. Don’t rule out the natural approach and our ability as chiropractic physicians to help you on your journey to feeling better and whole again. Whether we are treating you solely or helping guide you to the next level of care, seeking help from a good chiropractor can be a great first step in your process of overcoming pain and dysfunction.

by Dr. Sue Aery, Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Looking Beautiful

Certified permanent cosmetic professional Diana Dye offers her unique skill set to the patrons of Shear Elevations, 225 Spring Street in Highlands. For more information or an appointment, call (828) 371-2344.

DianaDye

In 30 years at Highlands salon Shear Elevations, first as a stylist and then as owner, Lisa Shearon has built a loyal cadre of clients.

After all, when it comes to hair you don’t want to mess around. Sure, it grows, but who wants to wait for a bad haircut to grow back or the wrong color to fade?

Simply put, it’s best to put your head –both physically and metaphorically – into the hands of a professional. All of which accounts for the success of Shear Elevations. Her primp place is the perfect place to be at peace with your mane. Clients like 20-year-plus patron Elizabeth Little told me that, “I can trust Lisa to really listen to what I want. She always does what I ask and when I can’t decide, I can rely on her to do something wonderful. I’ve never been unhappy.”

Always searching for new ways to bring the best possible looks to life for her clients, Shearon has recently expanded her

services to include permanent make up. Joining the Shear Elevations team is former California resident Diana Dye. A certified permanent cosmetic professional, Dye has trained in the US, Brazil, and Colombia, South America, with the most skilled and esteemed artists in the field. If you’ve ever dreamed of rolling out of bed looking beautiful, and being able to say, “I woke up like this,” permanent makeup can make that wish a reality. Also known as micropigmentation or cosmetic tattooing, it allows you to sport a fully “done” face without the use of products. Though the procedure dates to the 80’s, the artistry and techniques have truly evolved since those early days when your grandma tattooed her brows on.

Dye offers a wide range of services. Frustrated with getting your brows to look just, right? Dye offers three options: in addition to the familiar microblading procedure, you can opt for powder

brows – a technique designed to create eyebrows with soft powder effect, remarkably similar to powder makeup, or combo brows – the perfect fusion of microblading and powder brows.

Tired of the tedious and time-consuming process of nailing the perfect eyeliner? Consider making your eyes pop and let Dye apply permanent eyeliner. Plagued by uneven lip color? Seek out Dye for lip neutralization. Perhaps the prettiest permanent make up in Dye’s arsenal is lip blushing – a technique used to create anything from a subtle tint to a full-coverage color.

Warm and welcoming, Dye is well known for her commitment to helping her patrons bring their best possible look to life.

Shear Elevations is in Highlands at 225 Spring Street, (828) 371-2344.

by Marlene Osteen

Raising Awareness About Colorectal Cancer and the Importance of Colonoscopies in Our Community

Excluding skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer, and according to the American Cancer Society, the second leading cause of cancer death. The good news, however, is that it is highly treatable when found early. This is why it’s critical to stress the importance of colonoscopies.

Our risk for colorectal cancer can be lowered by making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a healthy diet and avoiding things like red meat, processed meats like hotdogs and deli meat, excessive alcohol, and tobacco. Strive to eat more legumes, fresh vegetables, fruit, dairy, and whole grains. Exercise is also key. Aiming for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week is an attainable goal, which translates to about 30 minutes of movement, five days per week.

Some factors that raise your risk for colorectal cancer include being African American, having a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps, being overweight or obese, certain genetic syndromes, and living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Simply getting older is also a risk factor. Have

a conversation with your provider about your individual risk factors so that they can help guide you toward a screening schedule that’s appropriate for you. The guidelines have recently changed from getting screened for the first time at age 50 to age 45, for those at average risk.

An extraordinary discovery for preventing colorectal cancer is the colonoscopy. Many put off this test due to the nature of it, which involves 2-3 days of preparation for the procedure where you drink a solution that empties your bowels. This allows the gastroenterologist to clearly see your colon as they look for any abnormalities.

The screening itself is simple. You are sedated and in and out of the treatment facility in a short time, but you must have a driver to take you home. During the procedure, the physician inserts a long, thin tube into the rectum that has a light and tiny camera on the end of it. This colonoscope enables them to examine your colon for abnormalities like polyps and remove them if found. They can then be biopsied for cancer. Precancerous polyps are common, which is why this test is so important

and lifesaving.

We proudly offer colonoscopy screenings here at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital thanks to Dr. James Osborne and Dr. Zachary Phillips. Dr. Osborne sees patients at the Cashiers Clinic, while Dr. Phillips sees patients at the Highlands Clinic.

I am passionate about this topic because I myself have lost friends to this disease, and if they had gotten screened in a timely way, their cancer could have been successfully treated. The colonoscopy is one of the most vital health screenings you can receive.

We are all in this journey together, supporting our own and each other’s health. Every HCH team member feels honored to treat you, and we are here to educate and partner with you, doing all we can to provide the most advanced care possible to you and your family.

by Tom Neal RN, MBA, MHA, CEO/CNO, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital

There’s no denying the importance of colonoscopies. Talk to your local health care provider.

A Compassion That Has No Limits

This moment offers a chance to pause, think, feel, and act.

Spring is a time for new beginnings.

It’s a time when Mother Nature shares new blooms and new opportunities for growth. As we watch the transformation unfold before our eyes, we get to enjoy the process of starting over. It’s a beautiful sight to see. Now, just imagine enjoying the same process within your own life. What could you do to refresh your mind, body and home?

We often talk about doing an annual Spring clean of our home. This could include decluttering closets, drawers and storage spaces or doing a deep clean, but it could also be as easy as opening windows and letting in some fresh air. Taking stock of what you need and don’t need is also a good practice. Over time, we

tend to accumulate “stuff” that we don’t need or want but find it difficult to part with for one reason or another. Let go. Going beyond the home and inward to mind and body for a Spring Cleanse also creates an opportunity to release those things that no longer serve you and to lighten your attachment to certain habits and emotional ties.

Taking time to reflect on past experiences or recent circumstances, journaling, prayer, or meditation are effective options to clear the mind. Dedicated breathwork can also help to cleanse the lungs and relax the body. There’s a lot to be said for being able to breathe fully. Although very adaptable, we are seasonal creatures who are affected by the seasonal shifts, whether negative or

positive. If you think about it, the body takes a beating during the winter months with the holidays and overindulgence that comes along with it, and the sedentary tendencies we pick up during the darker, colder days. But these bad habits can be purged.

Eating seasonally has a lot of merit and in the Springtime, brings bright, beautiful colors to your plate that are full of nutrients and can help with elimination and better digestion.

Ultimately, focusing on one or two things is better than not engaging so get out there and take good care of yourself. You deserve it!

by Mary Abranyi, Cashiers Valley Fusion Yoga & Wellness

Women Who Shape the Plateau

Emily Wilmarth

photo by Mary Gillan

Ann Self

photo by Brian O’Shea

Showing Kindness To The Community

Rev. Emily Wilmarth, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Highlands, never seems to tire of serving her family or congregation or community.

Though Rev. Emily Wilmarth is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Highlands, she’s spread her message of love and service throughout town.

That’s because Emily’s a minister who can’t help but be involved in her community. Part of that equation is derived from her happy, busy family life.

Married to Kevin Gates, the couple have two children – Clara (6) and Elliot (2). “I served on the board of the Literacy and Learning Center for two terms,” she says. “These days I’m participating in the Community Childcare Coalition (a group of local leaders and advocates for early childhood education and day care). Kevin has been a regular volunteer and leader with the Highlands Plateau Greenway, and I go out now and then on workdays to help. We love to hike when we can and cultivate the jungle that’s our backyard.” All of that effort, all of that loving concern, has been noticed by the Highlanders she’s encountered.

“I got to know Emily about six years ago, when she enrolled her daughter at Highlands Community Child Development Center,” says Demitra Passmore. “First and foremost, Emily is a genuine person who’s very familyoriented. I enjoy seeing her everyday as she drops off and picks up her son from the childcare center. In the last few years, she has become an extraordinary friend to me. Emily is always willing to

lend a listening ear and approach any situation with empathy and grace.

“For the last 18 months Emily and I have been a part of the Community Child Care Coalition of the Plateau. It’s there where I learned about Emily’s unwavering commitment to the community. She is interested in the children of the community and the needs of the families. Not only does she show interest, she actually gets involved with the community, and is one of the first to step in to help with anything that is needed. If there is one thing that stands out about her, it’s that God’s love is evident in Emily. We are so fortunate to have her as a member of our community, a pastor of one of our churches,

Her involvement in her community really isn’t a surprise when you look at the continuum of her life.

“I was born and raised in Spring, Texas,” she says. “A lifelong Presbyterian, I was attending a church in Houston all through my upbringing.

“I Went to Haverford College in Haverford, Pennsylvania, and graduated with a BA in Religion. After that, I was working for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Atlanta, and then served as a Youth Director at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. From there I attended Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey, and graduated with a Master of Divinity.

“Following seminary, I served at

Central Presbyterian in Atlanta, and the Presbyterian Church of Westfield, New Jersey.”

Which brings us to her arrival in Highlands nine years ago. In addition to shepherding her First Presbyterian congregation, Emily has somehow found time and energy to serve her neighbors off the Plateau with the same degree of dedication.

“I’ve participated in some churchrelated activities in the region, including chairing the board of the Presbyterian Campus Ministry at WCU,” she says. So what’s Emily’s secret, which has embroidered her into the lives of her congregation and lives on the Plateau and even beyond?

Perhaps her friend Bonnie Potts has the answer.

“Emily is a friend that I both admire and respect,” she says. “I admire her for being such a dedicated listener. She listens and she truly cares about anyone who seeks her advice – family, friends, parishioners, and anyone in the Highlands/Cashiers community. She acts selflessly, volunteering her time to numerous community organizations. She shows empathy; she shows love to those around her; and she has an incredible sense of humor. Time spent with her is refreshing and always goes by too quickly. But more than anything, Emily is kind. She shows kindness to people she knows and to all of those whom she doesn’t.”

by Luke Osteen

Emily is always willing to lend a listening ear and approach any situation with empathy and grace.

Leading with Love and Compassion

For Ann Self, the unique beauty and tranquility (tranquility occasionally interrupted by the laughter of children and raucous concerts) is an ever-evolving joy.

As you’re browsing through this issue of The Laurel, take note of all the events that happen at the Village Green in Cashiers.

Somehow, nearly every entity in Southern Jackson County and every local family ends up at the Village Green at some point.

landmark would be transformed into something vital in the life of the community.

Her leadership and professionalism, enhanced by her obvious compassion and sincerity, were always appreciated…

Though she’s too modest to mention it (we had to coax her into being featured in this issue), Ann Self is there with these groups and with these families.

Until her retirement last year, Ann served as executive director of this community touchstone for nine years. Her cajoling and meeting and begging and planning and promising led to this patch of green and splash of wetland into a year-round hive of activity.

“I’m a retired United Methodist minister, and I was serving a part-time appointment. The position opened up and it turned out they were looking for someone with the skills I had — being in church works translates very neatly into nonprofit work.”

“At the beginning, I was literally handed a milk crate with some file folders, a big binder and a couple of disks and I had a desk in my kitchen,” Ann says. “That milk crate and my kitchen desk became the office of the Village Green.”

…and that’s all down to Ann’s tremendous love of this community.

It’s doubtful anyone could have predicted how quickly that this admittedly sleepy

“It’s such a pleasure to work with Ann – when she was in her role in Village Green’s development, as an officer at the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority, and as a community leader in many other efforts,” says her friend Stephanie Edwards, the executive director of the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce. “Her leadership and professionalism, enhanced by her obvious compassion and sincerity, were always appreciated by her many friends at the Cashiers Area Chamber as well as those across the Plateau.”

I’ve been in Cashiers for 12 years, and Ann has been a force of nature that entire time.

“I’ve been in Cashiers for 12 years, and Ann has been a force of nature that entire time,” says Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Librarian Serenity Richards. “A public greenspace, open to all, including a playground, public art, preservation of natural features and habitat, public concerts and events that are free to the community, as well as creating much needed venue space for private community events. All on a whopping staff of one. She never tired of working to improve the Green. Cashiers wouldn’t be the same village we all love without the Green, and that’s all down to Ann’s tremendous love of this community.”

Prior to her retirement, in the midst of all the growth and detours and occasional setbacks, Ann reflected upon her challenges and satisfactions.

“I like to say the Village Green is my sanctuary, and I have the prettiest sanctuary in Cashiers,” she said. “I look very much at what the Village Green does in terms of bringing community together and building relationships as the same as my understanding of church and ministry.” by Luke

Osteen

GIVING BACK

Pages 204-211

Never Give Up

The profound lesson of sweet Mitch’s life has resonated far beyond the Plateau.

When I need some extra motivation to get moving in the gym, I make sure to wear my favorite workout shirt. It has this saying on the front: “It’s not over when you lose. It’s over when you quit.” And that’s just the way we feel about the shelter pets entrusted to our care. These precious cats and dogs may have experienced “losing” prior to their arrival, due to abandonment, neglect or a heartbreaking separation from their human. But their story is far from over. In fact, that’s when it just begins. Because we make sure every animal we save and care for receives daily nutritious meals, any and all necessary veterinary care, and plenty of non-stop love and affection from our staff and volunteers. We never quit on the animals at our no-kill shelter, and we never give up. Just ask Mitch.

It was a cold day in January 2016 when Mitch arrived at CHHS. He was found

wandering as a stray in Tuckasegee and it appeared he had gone without food for several days. We gladly took this sweet hound dog in and gave him safe refuge from the cold. Over time, Mitch was overlooked by potential adopters because first of all, we had (and always have) plenty of hound dogs to choose from, and second, Mitch could be quite stubborn and set in his ways. Time went on. Weeks turned into months, and months led to years. And although we loved and doted on our beloved Mitch, we never gave up on finding him a forever home. As we do with all our shelter pets, we threw Mitch birthday parties, gave him his own personalized stocking at Christmas, and we even made Mitch the honorary dog at our annual Thanksgiving feast.

This spring, after seven amazing years in our compassionate care, Mitch found his perfect human match and the best home a dog could ever hope for. The story of Mitch’s adoption “went viral,” as the saying

goes, was aired on television news stations across the country and was even featured on the website of People Magazine.

If the current news of the day of divisiveness, unrest and uncertainty makes you feel discouraged about our present state of affairs and what our future holds, just remember this message directly from Mitch – Never Give Up.

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 www. chhumanesociety.org or call us at (828)743-5752 for more information. 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

Plugged In

Scott Carter’s passion for action has found a willing partner in the Rotary Club of Highlands.

ScottCarter

People get involved in Rotary Club for various reasons.

Primarily, however, main reasons are service and fellowship. Those were draws for Scott Carter at Rotary Club of Highlands.

About four years ago, he moved to Highlands since he and his wife, Linda, inherited the 1980s-built house first owned by her grandparents, Dr. Baxter and Sue Clement, and then owned by her mother, Susie McCann.

“We are the third generation of my wife’s family to reside in this home in Highlands,” said Carter.

Carter grew up on a family farm in Arkansas and spent much of his career in agriculture. He and his wife lived for a time in Memphis, Tennessee, and were next-door neighbors and friends with Eric NeSmith – a former Rotary Club of Highlands member when he lived in Highlands – and his wife, Connell. “Eric told me that one of the things I needed to

do since I was moving to Highlands was to look into joining Rotary,” said Carter, “so that’s what I did. I’m all about working and serving, and I love working out the logistics of a project, so being involved in Rotary suits me.”

He added, “My goal in joining Rotary was to meet people, serve, and also have some fun. And I’ve realized just how much they do for the community. While I help with the July 4th hotdog handout, weekly community Rotary meals, and more, I make tons of friends and it’s all rewarding.”

Carter also works with Jim Spencer of the Mountaintop Rotary Club and other members to coordinate the Halloween Hotdog Handout, as well as supply food for the Highland High School Athletic Banquet.

“There is just so much that Rotarians do all the time,” he said, “and even though there is so much need for volunteers because of all the projects, I never have

trouble getting members to volunteer. If there is something that needs doing, Rotarians are usually involved.”

Besides sweat equity, Carter said the impact of Rotary Club financial contributions, often based on donations provided during various fundraiser events, help maintain everything from the local food pantry to scholarships to various school needs.

“And we don’t neglect the international Rotary Club efforts, such as those involving polio, clean water, Ukrainian needs, and more.”

“People are eager to help, no matter what the project,” he added. “That makes my job easy.”

by Deena Bouknight

The Helpersand the Doers

After a mid-winter complication, the Peggy Crosby Center is back in business as a communitywide resource.

Highlands is blessed with remarkable non-profits, filled with thinkers, dreamers, helpers, and doers.

Many of these groups call the Peggy Crosby Center home. Peggy’s mission is to provide affordable office space to such community service organizations. That affordability is made possible through the generous contributions of local donors.

In the words of Robert E. Smith, Chair of PCC’s Board of Directors, “We strongly thank all the donors that make this mission possible.”

Peggy would like to shine a spotlight on a few of their generous contributors, again, Robert E. Smith, “Mountain Findings has donated several heart defibrillators so that we have one on each floor. The Cullasaja Women’s Group gave grant money that helped us

over the hump to afford the new roofing project. We were also able to upgrade the HVAC system and our internet service.

“We also had a donation of a refrigerator from Mountain Findings for the kitchen. Without these generous donations and donations from community members, we would not be able to finance these muchneeded improvements. We also have a Pollinator Garden that serves nature.”

This year, Peggy was able to raise money to put a new roof on the PCC. Rotten wood, soffits, and gutters were replaced with new materials as well as the new roof. Many thanks to the Roman Roofing Company for a timely and fine repair.

The Peggy Crosby Center tenants include these nonprofit organizations: The Center For Life Enrichment, Counseling and Psychotherapy, Center of Highlands, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, Highlands Plateau Audubon

Society, Highlands Health Foundation, International Friendship Center, Overland Unlimited Bridge of Hope, The Kitchen that provides catering, and other small businesses that serve specific needs of area citizens.

Again, thanks from Peggy to their treasured donors. “You are our foundation, and the roof over our heads.”

PCC can be found at 348 South 5th Street. Their website is PeggyCrosbyCenter.org.

by

Donna Rhodes

Scan to learn more.

A Whole Lot Safer

Fire, the thing so precious when needed, so frightening when not.

Ryan Gearhart, Fire Chief of Highlands Fire and Rescue, knows every jacket, hose, helmet, and chock in his brand new, state-of-the art station. It was a long time coming, but now, as he surveys the results of years of planning, he can’t help but smile.

The focal point of the new facility is the huge, centralized bays where firefight-

ers, trucks, and gear are rocket-ready to launch in a matter of seconds. In the previous station, where bays, readyrooms, and gear were patched together over the years, it often took many precious minutes for sirens to engage.

Today, it’s a matter of seconds to get on the road, save buildings, forests, animals, and most of all residents and their belongings.

The result: today, you, your family, and

property are a whole lot safer. There are many other ways Fire and Rescue engages with the community. Ryan lists:

1. For kids, we do fire prevention at day cares and lower elementary grades. We teach them young to respect the danger of playing with fire.

2. We invite the community to Open House events for an up-close-and-personal experience. Being touchably-near

Ryan Gearhart takes the reins of Highlands Fire and Rescue in its modern new station.

RyanGearhart

a fire engine is impressive and reminds us of the power of the machine and its intrinsic connection to our daily lives.

3. We do our best to be open and receptive to the needs of our community.

4. Calls are not just for fires. We answer: fire alarms set-off, vehicle accidents, swift water rescue, high angle rescue (if rock-climbers/rappelers get stuck on a mountainside), land search (lost or missing persons). We have an excellent rescue team, each member expert in their field, and if we need a unique specialist, we know where to find one.

5. As first responders, we help Macon County EMS with medical calls.

6. And, yes, we rescue cats stuck in trees. But N.C. Wildlife handles all the bears! Ryan closes with this reflection, “Most people we see are not having a good day. But nine times out of ten, those we serve are very grateful for saving property and lives. Even though their house may be ruined, we save some of their belongings. If we can find three or four things they can salvage as a memory, then we can offer a small memorial to a heart-rending day. An

emotional thank you reminds us of our deep connection to our neighbors.”

To learn more about Highlands Fire and Rescue, stop by and say, “Hey.” It never hurts to bring cookies, Cokes and a “Congrats on your new facility.”

Call (828) 526-3645 and leave a message if you want a tour. Or you can email Chief.gearhart@highlandsnc.org. And, of course, if you have an emergency, always dial 911.

by Donna Rhodes /

photos by Susan Renfro

Happy Grooming Experiences

For pooches needing a bit of pampering or a round of play or a relaxing getaway, there’s no spot like K9 Meadows Boarding and Grooming, 5933 Highway 107 North in Glenville. To learn more or to schedule a visit, call (828) 743-2095.

The team at K9 Meadows Boarding and Grooming in Glenville, along with its mission, has been completely restructured. K9 is the new happy place for your pet – and you. Owner Jay Segal says, “Our motto is Bring Your Fur Babies to the Meadows Where Every Day is a Play Day.”

K9 Meadows can’t wait for you to visit their kennel’s spacious, spotless, relaxed quarters with runs and no cages. The joyful atmosphere makes you want to be a lucky four-legger yourself, spending a play-day on the meadow run.

Meet the staff: Jay, animal-lover and owner; Christi, owner’s better-half and head of marketing and sales; Devin, groomer extraordinaire; and Trevor, Dog Whisperer who oversees the exercise grounds (25 runs). That’s the K9 family. Give them a round of a paws.

One very reassuring thing about K9, is that Jay and Christi live on the compound and can check on specialneeds guests 24/7. Your kitty, pup, bird, reptile, or any variety of pet will be secure, cared-for, accommodated, well-fed, watered, exercised, and treated like royalty.

Customers say their dogs have never been happier when picked up. They travel from as far as Asheville to be groomed. They know that they’re safe with K9 staff’s gentle touch and calming voice.

One of the reasons for this positive turn-around is Devin, who manages the grooming, bathing, and caregiving. She may not remember every owner’s name, but she knows every dog’s name (all 150 of them), their needs, and treat preference.

K9 reaches out to senior canines, those who have diabetes, those who take

Christi andJay,Devin,andTrevor

meds, or those prone to seizures. Owners are not charged a higher rate for those conditions. Should an emergency arise, K9 has a vet on call five minutes away.

It’s rare that K9 has a disagreeable dog patron, but if they do, it’s treated well, but isolated from other animals.

To learn more about K9 Meadows Boarding and Grooming, visit Facebook or call (828) 743-2095. Or simply go and visit. You’ll say, “Howl we ever live without you?”

by Donna Rhodes photos by Mary Gillan

True Craftsmanship

The products of Sugar Creek Custom Cabinets are the result of fine craftsmanship merged with 21st Century sensibilities and techniques. For more information about acquiring hand-crafted products, call (828) 793-0531.

In an age when so much is manufactured overseas and shipped to the United States, it becomes refreshing to learn when true, hands-on, American craftsmanship is available.

Sugar Creek Custom Cabinets is a new joint venture on the Plateau between Gary Clark and Jorge Perez, both of whom have a long history in Western North Carolina as high-quality carpenters. Perez has been the owner and head of operations at Macon Pride Carpentry, while Clark has been the owner of Renovations Home Center in Florida as well as an award-winning representative of Schlabach Wood Designs. In fact, Clark has more than 30 years of hands-on experience in the field of residential construction and remodeling. Together, the Perez and Clark team has acquired the knowledge, experience, and design expertise to guide every cabinetry project to a successful completion.

Sugar Creek Custom provides the very finest, hand-crafted custom cabinets, closets, and furnishings, explained Clark. “We’ve grown from our humble beginnings by focusing on combining quality materials, craftsmanship, and a strong work ethic. We feel these three pillars allow us to offer great value to our customers.”

Although Sugar Creek Custom Cabinets serves the Plateau from its Cashiers location on Highway 64, the main workshop and craftsmanship facility is situated in the heart of Amish Country, in Ohio. “We use the finest American hardwoods from nearby sustainable growth forests,” said Clark, “And, we have a staff of local artisans of Swiss-German ancestry who come to us with generations of expertise in crafting the finest custom cabinets and furnishings.”

He added, “Our family of coworkers gets the opportunity to provide your family with function and beauty to enrich your home. Your project is not just another production quota to meet; it is a unique project to craft. It is a chance to bring your dreams to reality.”

The Sugar Creek design team is led by Danica Mclaren, who Clark pointed out “is not only a very large asset here at Sugar Creek, but also a huge asset to every customer that has the pleasure of working with her as a designer. With years of experience in cabinet and design, she has developed a sharp eye and talent that is evident in every project.”

by Deena Bouknight

GaryClark

Life With Thomas

Editor’s Note: We’d been hearing reports about an unfailingly cheerful Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce volunteer who’d quickly become a favorite of people stopping in for advice or directions and locals just coming in for a quick mood elevator. We asked the Chamber’s Thomas Taulbee for a report, and this is what he sent. (We have reason to believe that Thomas may have helped, but we’ll go ahead and give Chamber the byline.)

My name is Chambers, “The Dog,” and I hail from Charleston, South Carolina, where I was adopted by my favorite human, Thomas.

My mom was a standard poodle and my dad was an Akita. I am nine months old and almost 100 pounds of fluffy happiness. I’m so grateful that Thomas found

me, adopted me and gave me a fur-ever home in Cashiers. Woofs to happiness! From day one, I get to go to work with Thomas, who’s the membership and community relations director for the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce. It’s such an exciting place to work and I have become the official Chamber/ Visitor Center greeter and mascot ( hence my name, Chambers ). The best part of my day is saying “hello” to all the visitors that come by which means more pets for me. We share with our guests all the wonderful things to do in the Cashiers and surrounding area from hikes to waterfalls, and all the yummy restaurants and shopping.

In just five months with Thomas, we have explored so much of the area together and Thomas loves sharing this with visitors. Working with Thomas and Stephanie

makes my new life here the best.

Part of our weekly activities is to go visit members, which Thomas tells me is one of his favorite parts of his job. They are always so happy to see us and of course, I’ve learned a lot from him on how to listen, behave, and be kind to everyone!

Sometimes as a reward for working hard, I get a pup cup from Crossroads Custard or Buck’s Coffee. Pup cups are the best. Being a part of the Cashiers community allows me to live my best life and I’m grateful to all those who have been so kind in welcoming me. I would love to meet more friends, so, please stop by the Chamber during the week to say “hello,” or say “hi” if you see us walking around Cashiers.

Sending lots of Puppy Love, Chambers, “The Dog”

photo by Mary Gillan

ThomasTaulbee andChamber

HighlandsVolunteer Fair

to

P.M. Thursday, June 1, at the Highlands Community Building.

Looking to get involved in your community? There are many ways to serve. Join us at the Highlands Volunteer Fair on Thursday, June 1, from 11:00 A.M to 2:00 P.M. at the Highlands Community Building, 71 Poplar Street, to learn more.

The free event allows individuals who are considering donating time a chance to explore the options available with a variety of nonprofit organizations. No registration is required. Interested residents may drop in during fair hours to browse tables, ask questions about an organization’s work, the time commitment, typical schedule, etc.

The inaugural event was held in 2022 with the following nonprofit organizations participating: Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Center for Life Enrichment, Highlands Biological Station, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, Highlands Motoring Festival, Highlands Mountaintop Rotary, Highlands Historical Society’s Dazzling Dahlia Festival, Highlands Performing Arts Center (PAC), Highlands Volunteer Fire Department, Highlands Welcome Center, International Friendship Center, Macon Literacy Council, The Mountain, Mountain Findings, Mountain Theatre Company at Highlands Playhouse, Pisgah Legal, REACH of Macon County and Warrior Survival School.

“Volunteering offers vital assistance to people in need, worthwhile causes and the community as a whole,” says Kaye McHan, executive director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. “There are also personal benefits such as finding friends, learning new skills and even feeling happier and healthier.”

The Highlands Volunteer Fair is organized and hosted by The Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information about the Highlands Volunteer Fair and other events, visit highlandschamber.org or call (828) 526-5841.

by Johanna Fein, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC

There are plenty of opportunities for improving the life of the Highlands Community – find out at the Highlands Volunteer Fair – 11:00 A.M.

2:00

NATIVE TROUT FISHING

ME-12, 4.24 AC.

Premier mountain estate lot with 180 degree, long-range mountain views and an easy build site sitting close to the highest point in the community

MLS 101128

$1,600,000

FE-3, 8.48 AC. Private farm estate lot with mountain and meadow views, and plenty of gentle space for lawns or private meadows

MLS 93392

$1,350,000

COTTAGES

4 bedroom, 4.5 bath, mountain modern getaways with wooded or mountain views on 0.5 acre lots

CT-9; CT-11; CT-13

UNDER CONTRACT: CT-10; CT-12

SILVER RUN CREEK

THE LODGE

THE WATER PLANT

BETH TOWNSEND Co-Owner / Broker

JOANNE BRYSON 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

SANDY BARROW Broker

MAGGIE ELMER Broker

JOHN BARROW Broker / Rental Coordinator

COLEEN GOTTLOEB Broker-In-Charge

High Hampton

5 BR / 5 BA / 1 HBA This sophisticated newer home is perched on a generous sized lot overlooking the Cherokee Campground park, and has a Chimneytop Mountain view. The location is ideal—in the heart of High Hampton and on the “original” side of the neighborhood, it is within easy walking distance to the club and Inn. Approaching the home from the paved circular driveway and slate covered patio, one

OFFERED FOR $3,850,000

is greeted 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 grey 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

Beth Townsend

› Real estate professional 30 years, with a Cashiers connection since 1970

› Experienced in area-wide construction projects, including being a team member of Wade Hampton Golf Club Development

› Consistently ranked as a Top Performer on the Plateau

BethTownsendBroker.com

WHAT MY CLIENTS ARE SAYING...

“Beth was wonderful to work with as a buyer’s agent. I initially engaged her to help me evaluate a property that was off-market. She did a thorough job and provided the info I needed to determine the asking price was too high. Then she found me a much better property at a reasonable price.” – GARY D.

“We have purchased and sold homes with Beth Townsend at McKee Properties. Her local knowledge and expertise were extremely helpful. She is thorough, detail oriented, very creative, and exible. Above all else she is a wonderful person who I would highly recommend to any of my friends.” – JENNY B.

Bullpen Road

3 BR / 3.5 BA This absolutely charming, perfectly maintained 23.46-acre estate is surrounded by the Ellicott Rock Wilderness section of the U.S. Forest Service. Its private setting offers all the bells and whistles—small trout pond with concrete/stone dam and spillway, hiking trails, waterfall, fenced veggie garden, wood storage building, outdoor replace, and mature, well-maintained landscaping with just the right

OFFERED FOR $2,100,000

amount of lawn. It is compact and stylish, beautifully appointed with ne craftsmanship and architectural detailing throughout. The primary bedroom suite with a generous master bath on the main level has an overlook view of the pond and lawn. This legacy property is one for the story books and is eight minutes from the front gates of High Hampton, and 10 minutes to the center of Cashiers.

MLS 101122

Snowbird $1,840,000

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, a strong well, underground power and a small “bath house” with sink, shower and toilet. The lower pasture contains approximately 8 acres of fenced and unfenced land suitable for horses, goats, gardens or crops.

MLS 101547

Snowbird $1,395,000

45.71 ACRES The East Whitt tract’s gently rolling meadow makes it an ideal property for kids, pets, horses, and ying kites! A beautiful pristine stream runs along the boundary and through parts of the tract and there is a small shared pond. Underground power is installed to this site, and there are excellent choices for homesites.

MLS 101573

C 828.421.6193 | BETH @CASHIERS.COM

BETH TOWNSEND , GUILD ELITE™

Cullasaja Club

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 and a half baths. The master bedroom, on the main level boasts his and her baths. Nearby is a lovely, spacious of ce with lots of light from out-of-doors. 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 sun-lit 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 ensuite bath, and downstairs is a large, beautiful area with spacious den with replace, two bedrooms and 2 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

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 great 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