January / February 2017
sophisticated. stylish. sassy.
ING R U T A E F
Arden Dental Serving North Carolina Families since 1985
THE COLD
A Perfect Day in Madrid Betty Sharpless
Valentines Dinner for 2 Romantic Dining Ideas
Winter Court SophieMagazine.com
Fashion Show
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Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 | 3
January / February 2017
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
stylish. sophisticated. sassy
Hannah Davis
GENERAL MANAGER/PUBLISHER Patricia Martin Betts
Founder and CEO of BANGS® Shoes talks to Meg Hale Brunton how she is making giving back her business.
IT/PRODUCTION MANAGER Jeff Ruminski
32 Winter Court
Photographs by Carr Elliott and Myriah Wood
6
8 Women of WNC
Captured by photographer Jennifer Mesk.
10 4th Annual Here’s Hope Fundraiser
Photographs capture the elegant event.
12 Taking
Brave The Cold
Comfortable fashions from Lululemon Athletica - Asheville.
22 Scout Boutique
34 Betty’s Book Review “Locally Laid” is a fun and
18
Trunk Show
35 Meg’s Movie Review
Meet
The Doctors
at Arden Dental Group.
“ Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” receives 9 out of 10 stars.
24
Betty Sharpless tells us: DON’T WAIT! Go now; go as soon as you possibly can.
28 Let’s Get
Cooking
Debi Manfre shares an easy and delicious Valentine Dinner for 2 menu.
14 Gen Bohéme
By Kristen Marie Greene of KMG Photography
16 Garden Bloomers
B etty Sharpless shares her perfect day in Madrid, Spain.
30 Can We Talk?
Lauren Griffin,
M.A., LPC ponders the question “Is a perfect marriage possible?”
PHOTOGRAPHERS Craig Burgwardt Katy Cook Carr Elliott Kristen Marie Greene Jennifer Mesk Myriah Wood ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Pam Hensley Rick Jenkins Rose Lunsford
CIRCULATION MANAGER Sam Howell
36 Goth Faerie Ball Photographs by Craig Burgwardt
38 Things to Do
An expanded calendar of activities around WNC.
42 Sophie Celebrates You!
43 Real Men Read Sophie Meet Rick Jenkins, Iwanna Sales Manager.
44 Concerning
Our Community
COVER CREDITS: Photograph by Katy Cook • Model: Audra Boykin • Clothing & accessories provided by Lululemon Athletica - Asheville: City Trek Trouser* Ponte $128, Love Tee $58, Going Places Jacket $128, Vinyasa Scarf $58, All Day Tote $128 • Hair & makeup stylist: Linda White from Carmen! Carmen! at Belk • Cover design by Rachel Hoeft 4 | Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
CONTRIBUTORS Meg Hale Brunton Lauren Griffin, M.A., LPC Andy Hale Susan Reinhardt Betty Sharpless
SALES ASSISTANT Jayme Pressley
Biodynamic Wine!
Andy Hale explains the process of this practice.
CREATIVE SERVICES Carrie Harder Rachel Hoeft Randy Whittington
CLASSIFIED SUPERVISOR Angela Frizzell
27 Share Your Love with 13 Ready To Travel?
CALENDAR EDITOR Carrie Harder
FASHION COORDINATOR Angela Ramsey
Photographs by Myriah Wood
to the Caribbean to Repair A Broken Heart
S usan Reinhardt tells us about her “special” place in the world to escape.
witty weekend read.
CREATIVE EDITOR Debi Manfre
SOPHIE MAGAZINE 31 College Place Asheville Office Park, Iwanna Bldg. Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 274-8888 Share your ideas and inspirations. Email writer@sophiemagazine.com with recipes, books, and article ideas. To list your events on our monthly calendar, email calendar@sophiemagazine.com. Follow Sophie on Facebook and Pinterest. Scan this code to access
sophiemagazine.com Sophie-Magazine sophiemagavl Distributed throughout WNC, Sophie is a complimentary monthly magazine for today’s woman. Contributions are welcome and may be sent via e-mail. Include your name, address, and phone number, so we can contact you if we decide to print your submission. Sophie reserves the right to edit any editorial submissions. Sophie also reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or article that is deemed inappropriate for the publication. No portion of Sophie may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. None of the information herein is intended as medical or professional advice.
from the publisher Sophie magazine strives to be inspiring and motivating to our readers, and a showcase of what’s happening in the local fashion scene. Last year’s FashMob events, which were dreamt up by Duncan Chaboudy, knocked it out of the park, to quote Deven Balsam, who hosted a recent Fashion Show “Winter Court.” We are so grateful to the many local designers, models and stylists that make these local fashion events happen. As we move forward in this Patricia and Angela Kim at the Scout new year, we are inspired by Boutique Trunk Show. Hannah Davis’ story of startPhotography by Myriah Wood www.mcw-photo.com ing her own socially-mindful shoe business called BANGS, which invests 20% of their profits towards helping people start their own business. I personally found the path she took, and the people she met along the way, as a reminder to never give up on your dreams. In this issue we talk travel, and Betty Sharpless has walked the talk, and shares her personal experiences of a perfect day in Madrid. It will make you want to get a passport and start exploring the world. Susan Reinhardt did, and jetted off to the Caribbean to repair a broken heart in her hilarious article. I recently attended a Trunk Show at Scout Boutique in Biltmore Village, and had a blast! Meeting new fashion minded women, jewelry and accessories designers, and trying on new Angela Kim creations was so much fun. I encourage you to look for these small pop-up fashion gatherings to jump start your wardrobe. There are so many good things in the pages of Sophie for January and February, I could go on and on. I’ll end with wishing all of our readers and advertisers, a Happy New Year, and a reminder, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!
Patricia Martin Betts Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 | 5
PEOPLE
Hannah Davis Makes Giving Back Her Business By Meg Hale Brunton
A
s a teenager in Columbia, South Carolina, Hannah Davis never imagined she would, one day, run her own business. “Like most college students, I was against the establishment; I hated business. I was pro-service and wanted to help people.” Davis smiles, “I had never seen the reality of what businesses could do in the world, but I knew I wanted to make the world a better place.” At the time, Davis figured she would do that by becoming an environmental lawyer, or working for a non-profit. So, she earned her degree in Political Science at Clemson University. She also minored in Mandarin, a skill which she would find useful in her near future. When Davis graduated in 2009, she found that the Housing Market Crash of 2008 meant that a college education no longer guaranteed her job security, as it had done for her parents’ generation. Having an interest in Buddhism and a desire to learn about a vastly different culture, she signed a contract to teach English in China for a year. She moved to a city in Eastern China called Nantong. “I loved it, but it was really hard. I could uncomfortably get around, but couldn’t have a 6 | Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
fast-moving, intellectual conversation. There was a level of disconnect from the world around me, and I was so far away from my family.” Davis adds, “I wouldn’t take it back because what it made me do was really question everything that I knew to be true, because I had nothing but time, and my brain, and my thoughts. So, I took that opportunity.” While shopping one day, Davis found a pair of single-tone, rubber-soled canvas boots (the kind worn by Chinese workers and farmers) and got the idea to create a similar shoe to sell in America and start a socially-mindful business. She called the company BANGS after the Chinese symbol, meaning ‘Help.’ In 2010, she moved back in with her parents and began working towards starting her business. “I got this really horrible piece of advice when I was 21, to do as much of it as I could without asking for help. And I did that for about a year and a half and nothing happened.” Davis grimaces, “I had no shoes. I had a website, a business card, but nothing was happening.” She decided to move to Charleston and found work as a waitress. On Valentine’s Day 2012, she picked up a shift for a friend and even took over a table for a waitress in another section. The patrons at the table asked her to tell them something interesting about herself, and she told them she was working to start a socially-conscious shoe company. When they asked to see her business plan, she was embarrassed to say that she didn’t have one (or really know how to make one). She took the man’s business card though, and Googled him when she got home. She was shocked to find that he was a retired executive from VF Imagewear, the parent company of such apparel lines as: Van’s Shoes, JanSport, Nautica, and The North
Face. The man, George N. Derhofer, (along with his wife Gail) partnered with Davis and invested in her company. “We have been running, and growing, the company together for four years now,” Davis says. “He is my mentor, business partner, friend. It’s turned into this really amazing business partnership.” BANGS invests 20% of their profits towards helping people start their own businesses through their sister company, Kiva. Kiva is a microfinance organization that partners with lending facilitators to ensure loans to new entrepreneurs, and mentors those individuals as they start their companies. Davis feels BANGS’ partnership with Kiva creates a sustainable fundraising mechanism to further their good works. “When you help someone start a business, you’re taking the reliance off a third-party organization. It’s a much more sustainable way to help people in the long-term.” She adds, “The way that BANGS is approaching give-back is the idea of ‘giving a man a fish, versus teaching a man to fish’: Providing opportunities versus things.” BANGS is 100% virtual and outsources every aspect of the business. Their shoes are made in a family-run factory in Vietnam. “Manufacturing in Asia has such a negative connotation,” Davis sighs, explaining that the family that runs the factory takes great pride in their business and the ethical way in which they run it. “Factory work isn’t a negative thing in Asia, it is a way to pay your bills,” Davis states. “I’m really proud of it.” Davis quickly learned that her ‘community’ of customers were adventurers. “The theme that I saw in all of our customers was this desire to explore and discover and adventure,” she says. For previous generations, she explains, “luxury was
stuff. For our current demographic, luxury is flexibility, travel, time, and adventure.” Her audience also appreciates that, when they buy BANGS products, they are making a responsible purchase. That’s why BANGS’ motto is: “Your adventure helps others find theirs.” Having started a business at 22 with no business experience whatsoever, Davis says of her success: “It was a perfect storm… or I’m a stubborn butthead and didn’t give up.” She admits that, as much as she loves what she does, learning to promote her business was a challenge for her. “For this vision to become a reality, we have to sell shoes.” Davis adds, “It doesn’t matter how genuine and authentic our vision is. If we can’t be competitive with other big brands, then nothing happens.” Now 29, Davis is founder and CEO of a successful online business. BANGS has shipped their products to all 50 U.S. states and 10 different countries. They have also helped 226 entrepreneurs in 49 countries, and created a Brand Ambassadors Program with over 1,300 participants around the world. Davis’s plan is to keep growing. “We can keep scaling this business model. We can sell a lot of shoes, and help a lot of people,” she says. In her spare time, Davis works at Odd’s Café in West Asheville, practices yoga, and hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway. BANGS’ latest shoe edition, inspired by the beauty of Asheville area, comes out this January and is called ‘Blue Ridge Parkways’. As for her future, Davis says she would like to, one day, serve as a mentor for a new business owner, the way the Derhofer did for her. She professes to be nervous about undertaking that role. “Those are big shoes to fill.” Visit: bangshoes.com for further information on Hannah Davis or BANGS shoes.
BANGS invests 20% of their profits towards helping people start their own businesses....
Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 | 7
PEOPLE
“These are our children, of course we spoil them.”
wnc WOMEN of
What’s something you love about Asheville? “That’s a tough one. There’s so much to love.” Probably how local-centric and unique the community is.”
Photographed by Jennifer Mesk, HumansOfAsheville.net
If you could give someone one bit of advice what would it be? “To remember self restraint is self respect.”
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“Don’t be fearful. Trust in yourself and everything will be fine.”
Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 | 9
COMMUNITY
Elegant Fundraiser Provides Much Needed Help for Patients BY CAROLYN COMEAU PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY ANTHONY HARDEN, ALT MEDIA PROS, BALL PHOTO, SUSAN REED AND SOPHIA HICKS
Host, Victoria Dunkle
Sara Laws
Renee Perdue
Lori Ledford
Tim Bennett
Tiffany Sizemore
Linda McCarson
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Beauty, inside and out. Community. Love. These word “snapshots” only begin to describe the fourth annual Here’s Hope luncheon, fashion show, and auction, the Hope Chest for Women’s signature annual fundraising event. The nonprofit offers financial aid, education, and support to women from 22 regional counties diagnosed with breast and gynecological cancers who struggle financially due to high insurance costs and mounting medical bills. The Hope Chest enlisted an inspiring roster of courageous survivors, their distinguished escorts, invested community members, and generous corporate and nonprofit supporters for the event, whose efforts ensure that women undergoing treatment receive the help that allows them to heal. This year’s Here’s Hope was elegantly executed, thanks to host Victoria Dunkle and lovely venue, Asheville Event Centre. The sophisticated, locally sourced luncheon was catered by Chef Lisa of Ingle’s Markets’ Chef’s Kitchen, as guests enjoyed a delicious meal while models sassily strutted their stuff to live string music provided by Ron Lambe and Company. The Asheville Outlets provided the models’ up-to-the-minute ensembles and accessories. The Hope Chest for Women is grateful to all who made Here’s Hope happen – from behind-the-scenes organizers, to our generous supporters, the many auction/raffle donors and15 local dedicated men from city/county government, law enforcement, clergy and medical community, all delighted to wait tables. The board and staff of the Hope Chest know well that volunteers are the nonprofit’s lifeblood, and they deeply appreciate the hard work of all 75 caring volunteers who made this year’s Here’s Hope a smashing success. hopechestforwomen.org
Floral arrangements by Ingles
L to R: Julie Heinitsh, Joyce Morgan, Sara Laws, Myra Ramsey
Sheri Walters
Kahlani Jackson, Miss Asheville 2016 and Trina Gragg Jackson
L to R: Dr. Nathan Williams, Christen, Tara, Audra, and Taylor. Dr. Luke Roberts with Blue Ridge Orthodontics presents a $10,000 check to The Hope Chest for Women.
Music by Ron Lambe and Company
WLOS TV’s Jay Siltzer and Sheri Waters
Our beautiful models. L to R: Debbi Short, Tina Gragg Jackson, Patsy Prior, Kathy Hipps, Sheri Waters, Yvette Jives, Martha Reece, and Joni Marion and Cannon.
Representative Brian Turner and Binford Virginia Jennings
Our servers. L to R: B.C. District Attorney Todd Williams and Nancy Schmidt, Board member Tony Newsome, Asheville Humane Society’s Ex. Dir. Tracy Elliot, Dr. Terry Schmidt DDS, Owen Lovejoy with Hope Chest, and Asheville City Council member, Brian Haynes
Linda and Joe McCarson
Kathy Hicks
L to R: Gayle Long, Anna Hasskamp, Christy Sneller and Tonia Hicks
L to R: Donna Cottrell, Mary Ruppe, Diana Slagle, Christy Sneller, JoAnn Morgan and Marilyn Walker
B.C. Clerk of Court Steve Cogburn
L to R: Portia Sutton, Karen Turner, and Joyce Smith
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ENTERTAINMENT
Taking to the Caribbean to Repair A Broken Heart
By Susan Reinhardt
T
he best (OK, craziest) stunt I pulled in my youth, was the worst according to Mama. Even today, some 30-plus years later, it pains her to discuss the topic. She just curls into a mental fetal position and tries to change the subject. She certainly didn’t approve of my decision at the young age of 24 to pack three suitcases and a typewriter and UP and leave the country. “I didn’t like you over there,” she said. “You took everything in your house and didn’t last over there but a month. Then you had to pack all that stuff up and bring it back. You didn’t even have your suitcases at the baggage claim where I retrieved you. Everything was stuffed in some big cardboard thing, spilling clothes all over the airport.” Semi-fresh out of college in the winter of ’86, I decided to quit my newspaper job at the Myrtle Beach Sun News. I’d been a reporter there for only 18 months, when I thought the time had come to take off, shuck my responsibilities and cheating geezer boyfriend to write the Great American Novel.
As with most hog-wild adventures, this one relates to a man – escaping the philandering old fogey who’d strayed with a realtor and a bevy of women in other professions or indiscretions. I nicknamed this man the “Duke of Habit,” because his OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) raged to the point it took three hours for him to leave his house every day. I’d met him one afternoon while in the newsroom of that Myrtle Beach paper. He waltzed in looking like Robert Redford and approached my desk where I was eating a brownie, crumbs all over my face. After a few exchanged pleasantries, he asked me to dinner. During that first date, he behaved in a most peculiar fashion. Jittery as a squirrel in the road, he refused to eat his meal until a glass of ice water arrived at the table. Upon receiving his H20, he dipped his napkin into the glass and proceeded to bathe his face until it beaded. Kind of like a hamster or raccoon might work their little paws to clean and groom. I couldn’t wait to get home, and made up an outlandish story about my cat having cataracts, only I had no cat. Suffice it to say I gave him another chance. Oh, and here’s the kicker. The Duke of Habit was filthy rich and almost 93. Kidding. He was 43 and I had just turned 23, which didn’t go over well with Mama since they were roughly the same age. Our romance consisted of whirlwind travels throughout the United States and other countries. I was living the good life, caught the traveling fever, and discovered my passion for snorkeling while in Bermuda. After a few broken engagements, I realized deep pockets and a roving eye weren’t enough to keep me tethered to this Lothario. And so it was with a broken heart that I boarded the ultra-cheap and now defunct People Express Airline and flew to Miami, then caught a puddler to St. Thomas where I cruised in a ferry towards my final destination - St. John, the most beautiful and preserved island I’ve ever seen and explored. Not that I’ve jetted to many Caribbean isles, but I do know that once I gazed at that sea and it’s magnificent shades of blue, turquoise and green, I was hooked. I knew this was it. My “special” place in the world. It’s much like when you ask newcomers to Asheville, “Why did you move here?” The answer is invariably the same. “I came for a visit and fell in love.” To this day, I try to save enough money to revisit St. John every few years. And if my ship ever comes in, I know where it’s sailing. Susan Reinhardt is the author of the hilarious and quirky novel “Chimes from a Cracked Southern Belle,” along with “Not Tonight Honey, Wait ‘Til I’m a Size 6,” “Don’t Sleep with a Bubba.” and “Dishing with the Kitchen Virgin.” susanreinhardt.com
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Ready to Travel?
TRAVEL
Ladies, start your lists!
F
By Betty Sharpless
or a lot of folks, world travel is the stuff of dreams (or nightmares), something that will happen someday. I am here to tell you: DON’T WAIT! Go now; go as soon as you possibly can. With the current state of the world, global warming and a really great monetary exchange rate, NOW is the time to get on the bus, plane, boat or trail. If you are a first timer, you may want to join a group tour. However, there are lots of ways to travel as an individual or with a friend that are not scary at all. Traveling on your own gives you total control over your itinerary. Want to take an all day cooking class? No problem. Stay an extra day in Seville, Spain (and who wouldn’t?)? It’s up to you! A day trip out of the big cities to a castle or a beach? Easy! First thing on your list, even a year ahead, is a passport. You need to allow at least 4 months for things to go wrong with this, and hope for the best. You may also want to get the TSA pre check to allow you to cruise through TSA. Once you have taken care of this, pick your destination. Don’t be afraid to travel to a city that does not speak English. If you are traveling to a tourist destination, they will have enough English to communicate with you. Once you have a general A great sense of humor and sound sleeper! The idea of where, treat yourself perfect travel companion! Betty and Eva set off to some time on Trip Advisor to France. (Tripadvisor.com) to decide what you might want to see, and good ideas to make your trip easier. Trip Advisor is a user based rating system, so you are getting advice from regular folks who have been there. It’s a great way to find out about cooking classes, tour guides and drivers. Next, where to stay? If you don’t like to keep re-packing, you may want to stay in a central location with good bus and train connections. It’s fun to have a “favorite” restaurant or bakery during your stay. If you want to cover more ground, allow for travel time between places when deciding how long to stay…usually a whole day will be taken up with getting from one town to another and resettled. Try to stay at least three nights in any given town or you will be exhausted from changes. My travel companion Terrie and I are huge fans of Booking.com. They let you choose from B&Bs that have breakfast and speak at least some English. There are customer ratings there as well. Booking.com has never let us down. It also offers easy cancellation and last
minute changes. (We actually narrow down our choices by looking at the breakfast pictures!!) At least three months out make your plane reservations. Ninety days is supposed to be the optimal time to reserve, but start poking around search engines for flights four months out, to get an idea of the price ranges. Closer to the trip, check the weather forecasts and regulations for carry on luggage. No matter how long your trip is, try to keep your luggage to one carry on bag, one day sized back pack and a lightweight bag that can be folded into your carry on in case you buy one too many cans of fresh olive oil or chocolate… Each airline has regulations for bag size and weight. Be sure to check ahead. Carry on is the only way to ensure your luggage arrives with you. Pack any medications and your kit bag in the back pack, just in case. Pack two color copies of your passport, one in your bag and one in your travel partner’s bag. Buy a TSA approved lock for your suitcase, and put one key in your partner’s wallet or bag and one pinned to your backpack liner. Your bags are packed and you are ready to go! Load up your Kindle and allow plenty of time to get to the airport and through TSA. Have a great trip, and don’t forget to send Sophie Magazine a postcard! Betty Sharpless is a professional free-lance gardener, writer and quilter who loves to travel and loves to come home to the mountains even more.
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“There’s a Goddess in all of us. She’s incomplete, improvised and rushes through her day as if late for the train, trailing a cloud of fringe and patchouli and half dreamt dreams behind her. So we find her in our play and daring. In that space of permission and connection, where every face is a crystal ball, we remember that she has always, always been in us.”
Photos, Production and Concept: Kristen Marie Greene of KMG Photography | www.KristenMarieGreene.com Art Director: Hannah Wood Jewelry: Black Black Moon | www.BlackBlackMoon.com MUA: Kay Marie Hill of Colour Me Kay ~ Cosmetics by Merle Norman of Asheville NC Hair: Emma Dubin of Periwinkle Hair Designs Models: Sarah Johns, Emma Dubin and Andrea Kleinke
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HOME & GARDEN
GARDEN BLOOMERS
By Betty Sharpless
T
his past fall, my intrepid friend Terrie and I decided to branch out from travels to Italy and give Spain a try. We flew into Barcelona and out of Lisbon, Portugal. While Terrie’s favorite city was Seville, located on a river like Asheville; my favorite city was Spain’s capitol of Madrid. We took the train from Barcelona to Madrid, which was a delight, landing at Met Madrid hotel in the heart of Madrid. This day started with the most amazing breakfast of my life. Turns out, folks in Madrid think it is perfectly normal to start their day dipping churros (unsweetened dough sticks) into a coffee cup of the most amazingly rich
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dark sipping chocolate until the chocolate is gone. As it happened, our hotel was only three blocks from the oldest chocolateria in Madrid: Chocolateria San Gin’s. Now I know what heaven smells like! It was fun to watch the locals watch us tourists experience our chocolate. After cleaning my cup and my chin, I started off to the Royal Botanical Gardens in the museum district of Madrid. I had noticed that there was an artist’s exhibition at the gardens when we passed them on our way to the Prado and Reina Sofia museums on previous days. I was delighted to have time to explore the gardens at my own pace. Spain was also having a dry spell and the gardens were in a state of distress. It was hard not to just roll up my sleeves and get to work. I kept poking around until I finally found the exhibition hall. The hall was a long T-shaped building with windows to catch the daylight and simple white walls. Just inside the door was a quiet woman at the sign in desk who welcomed me to the exhibit. On either side of the entrance were colorful paintings of close-ups of flowers: peonies, iris, roses, all in exquisite detail on large canvases. Breathtaking! In the second wing was a picture that really resonated with me as a quilter. The large canvas showed a woman sewing from the back with a small child keeping her company. At the bottom of the canvas, 3-D cloth birds were attached to the surface, then more birds flew off the canvas to onto the exhibit’s white walls. I was delighted to know that someone else could feel their dreams become real and fly while creating with stitches. As I was buying my small souvenirs and ready to leave, the welcoming lady let me know that SHE was the artist! With my small Spanish and her small
English, we shared how much we loved flowers and sewing. She was delighted to learn that I totally felt the same way while creating with my sewing machine. Carmen Varela was kind enough to let me take her picture next to the lovely iris painting to share with you, Sophie readers. She was tickled to know readers in North Carolina would hear about her works! You can see more of her works at Carmenverela.com. From the botanical gardens, I made my way to a tiny museum called the Caixa Forum to see their impressionists exhibit. While I loved the exhibit, I really marveled at the two stories high living green wall that framed the entrance. You could really see the designer’s vision in the colors and textures in the wall’s pattern. This wall was the most green I had seen since arriving in Madrid. After soaking up so much art, I made my way back to meet with Terrie for a late lunch of artisanal pizza and local wine, while watching a camerawoman recording a rap artist for a music video. With full tummies and perhaps a bit too much wine, we made our way back to hotel Met
Madrid for a Spanish siesta…what a wonderful tradition! Back out in the evening we enjoyed the buskers in front of the royal palace, especially the young musician playing Pachebel’s Cannon in D major. So hauntingly beautiful in the twilight. A perfect way to end the perfect day, in Madrid. Betty Sharpless is a professional gardener, writer and quilter who loves to explore gardens around the world. Thanks to all the Sophie readers who enjoy the Perfect Day series and for letting Sophie magazine know! Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 | 17
FASHION
THE COLD Whether it’s weightless warmth for cold hikes, soft shields for windy, rainy runs, or crafted silhouettes for busy classes, we’ve got all you need for a season of sweat, the great outdoors, and some seriously good times.
Sculpt Tank $58 Scuba Hoodie $118 Wunder Under Pant $98 Mantra Leg Warmers $54 Fringe Fighter Headband $18 Free To Be Tranquil Bra $52
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FASHION
Wunder Under Pant $98 Tie It Up Singlet $58 Hybrid Headband $14 Energy Bra $52 Sit In Lotus Wrap $148 The Mat 5mm $68
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FASHION
Brave The Cold Jacket $298 It’s Fleezing Cold Zip Up $128 Restless Pullover $88 Speed Tights* Brushed $108 Shakti Sherpa Mittens $48 20 | Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
FASHION FA S H I O N C R E D I TS : PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
828.442.0337 katycookphotography.com ALL CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY:
Historic Biltmore Village 1 Kitchin Place • Asheville 828.277.5320 facebook.com/luluemonAsheville ASSISTANT FASHION STYLISTS:
Erin Grier & Katie Kaminkow STORE MANAGER:
Mara Breindel
ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER:
Lorrin Brown
HAIR & MAKEUP BY:
Linda White
Asheville Mall • 828.296.9463 FASHION COORDINATOR:
Angela Ramsey MODEL:
Audra Boykin
Circuit Breaker Skirt $68 Fresh Tracks 1/2 Zip $118 Run For Cold Vest $148 Fast Paced Run Visor $28
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FASHION
friends gather at TRUNK SHOW Photography by Myriah Wood www.mcw-photo.com
Dema Badr, owner of Scout Boutique.
Missy Baker models an Angela Kim creation and necklace from India Hicks.
Nur Edwards, Joanne Badr, Leah Miller, and Sophie Miller enjoyed the variety of fashion, jewelry and accessories.
Sexy designs by On The Inside Lingerie. Donna Storrow looking pretty in an Angela Kim red lace blouse.
Original jewelry designs by OSTA Jewelry.
Angela Kim and Michelle Baker strike a pose. 22 | Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
Chunky metal and leather tassel styling from Anna Blair.
Anastasia Ostapovich gets sassy with a SleepSwag eye mask.
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HOME & GARDEN
By Andy Hale
’m basically a walking Asheville stereotype. I drive a Subaru, buy organic produce, ask if the chicken special is local and check all my baked goods for transfats. While I’m not exactly a health nut, I care about what I put in my body. I’m the same way with the wines that I drink. There are over 70 different additives that can be mixed into your wine that range from egg whites for filtering particles, to potentially hazardous chemicals killing bacteria in cheaply made wines. These are the wine equivalent of processed foods, and I avoid them like bad Bordeaux! It’s important to me to buy wines that are responsibly made. That is why I drink Biodynamic wine. Don’t feel bad if you haven’t heard of Biodynamic farming, it’s a little obscure—though it has been around for over a hundred years. Unlike organic farming, there are no chemicals allowed in the vineyard at all except for a pinch of sulfites to stabilize the wine. Instead of pesticides, they grow plants that naturally repel insects and use herbal mixtures and composts instead of fertilizers. The goal here is to rejuvenate the soil. As Sebastian Nasello, a winemaker from Montalcino, once put it, “Organic farming does no harm to the earth. Biodynamic farming aims to make the earth healthier.” Domaine Leflaive in Burgundy claims Biodynamic farming saved a diseased vineyard of theirs and Montinore Vineyards in Oregon said they have reduced the cost of their wines since they went Biodynamic, because the grapes are healthier, and less prone to problems. The practices in the vineyard resemble some used in the Farmer’s Almanac, but with some astrological mysticism thrown in. Grapes are harvested under the full moon, some jobs are only performed during the alignment of certain planets and stars and you must bury cow horns filled with manure and herbs in each vineyard. Weird. Although in a recent blind tasting, biodynamic wines were selected over their conventionally made counterparts 9 out of 10 times. They must be doing something right! If you want to try Biodynamic wines, there are many to choose from!
Check out the wines from Morella, located in the Puglia region of Southern Italy. Their red from the grape Negroamaro drinks like a dirty Zinfandel, big and spicy, and the white blend shows loads of citrus flavors, with a distinctly floral finish. From Oregon, check out the gorgeous, aromatic whites and food friendly Pinot Noirs from Montinore. I’m particularly a fan of their white blend, Borealis. The nose is all spiced orange peel and flowers and it’s just slightly sweet to taste. The gorgeous Spanish Grenache from Altaroses drinks more like spicy Pinot Noir than your typical Grenache fruit bomb. Light and silky with an elegantly rustic flavor, it pairs with almost anything! You must try the Austrian Grüner Veltliner from the mother and daughter owned winery, Müller Grossman! It’s probably the cleanest tasting wine I have ever tried, with flavors of citrus peel, white pepper and a mineral finish. This year, don’t feed your loved ones the fast food of wine. Share your love this year with wines that aren’t only delicious, they are actually good for you as well! Andy Hale is a Certified Specialist of Wine and cofounder of the Asheville School of Wine at Metro Wines and the Blind Tasting League of Asheville. He was a Sommelier at The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island, SC and now teaches classes at Metro Wines. Follow him on Twitter @avlwinegeek
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HOME & GARDEN
LET’S GET COOKING BY DEBI MANFRE
e n i t n e l a V 2 r o f r e n Din There’s nothing more romantic than a private dinner for two when you want to spend some time with your significant other. It can be as low-key as you like or over-the-top romantic with fresh flowers and candles. Whichever you choose to do, I’ve got you covered with this easy and delicious dinner menu.
Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail This pretty, purple-red-hued, sparkling cocktail is perfect for Valentine’s Day.
MAKES 2: 4 Tbsp. pure 100% pomegranate juice, chilled 2 Tbsp. Cointreau 1 tsp. pomegranate seeds 1 tsp. orange juice 1 bottle of Champagne, sparkling wine or Prosecco, chilled 1. Spoon 1/2 of each ingredient into each Champagne flute. Top off each flute with chilled Champagne, sparkling wine or prosecco.
Parmesan Wonton Crackers These parmesan wonton crackers are incredibly easy to make and a great alternative to processed, super-salty, terrible-for-you snacky things. They are super addictive.
1/2 cup olive oil 25 wonton wrappers 1 cup of parmesan cheese, shredded 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste 1. Preheat the oven to 375º 2. Cut the square wrappers in half to form rectangles. Lay wonton pieces out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and lightly sprinkle with parmesan cheese, parsley, salt and pepper. 3. Bake at 375º for 4-8 minutes or until wontons are brown and crispy. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Source: lifeasastrawberry.com
Asian Slow-Roasted Salmon Tender sesame-glazed salmon fillets on a bed of baby bok choy, carrots, and edamame. FOR THE GLAZE: 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 Tbsp. sesame oil 1-1/2 tsps. rice wine vinegar 1 tsp. grated fresh ginger 1 tsp. minced garlic 1/2 tsp. cornstarch FOR THE SALMON: 2 6 oz. size, center-cut salmon fillets 1 Tbsp. sesame oil 1 tsp. grated fresh ginger 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp. minced garlic 2 whole carrots, peeled and julienned 28 | Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
2 heads baby bok choy, thinly sliced 1/2 cup frozen, shelled edamame, thawed FOR THE GLAZE: 1. Combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, ginger and garlic in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch and whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside. FOR THE SALMON: 1. Preheat the oven to 300°. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the salmon fillets on the pan. Drizzle 1 Tbsp. of sesame oil over the salmon and season with pepper. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. 2. Meanwhile, heat the remaining Tbsp. of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ginger, pepper and garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the carrots and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the carrots begin to soften. Add the bok choy and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the leaves are wilted. Add the edamame and cook for another minute, until warmed through. 3. To serve, divide the vegetable mixture between 2 plates and drizzle with some of the sesame-soy glaze. Top each pile of vegetables with a salmon fillet and spoon the remaining glaze over the top.
Source: tastykitchen.com
Gluten-Free Deep Dish Hot Fudge Brownies
A perfect fudgy chocolate treat for you and your sweetie! 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 2/3 cup + 2 tsp semisweet chocolate chips 1 egg 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/8 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 Tbsp. almond flour/meal 1 Tbsp. brown rice flour Optional ice cream or whipped cream for serving, if desired. 1. Preheat oven to 325° and place two 6-ounce ramekins on a baking sheet. 2. Melt the butter and 2/3 cup chocolate chips in a medium bowl over simmering water and stir until smooth. Remove the bowl from the pan and let cool. 3. Combine the egg and sugar in a medium bowl and whisk until thick and lighter in color. 4. While whisking, gradually add the melted chocolate, then whisk in the salt, vanilla, almond meal, and rice flour. 5. Divide the batter between the two ramekins and place 1 tsp. chocolate chips in the center of each ramekin, pressing down lightly. Bake at 325° for 18-22 minutes or until not quite set, and the tops crackle. 7. Let cool slightly before serving, topping with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Source: cupcakeandkalechips.com Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 | 29
LIFE SKILLS
Is A Perfect Marriage Possible? By Lauren Griffin, M.A., LPC
I
t’s a new year, a new beginning and Valentine’s day is just around the corner. What a wonderful time of year for couples in love. What a difficult time of year for couples in struggling relationships. How does our idealized version of the perfect marriage sabotage our ability to have a relationship that works for us? What is the perfect marriage myth? The perfect marriage effortlessly embodies a strong, close connection, complete empathy, respect and trust supported by effective completely open communication, and topped with ongoing passion and intimacy. Wow! How do we achieve it? To achieve the perfect marriage, it’s important to be fortunate enough to grow up in an environment where we learned through example the life skills necessary to create the perfect marriage. Our childhood and adult experiences must provide the foundation for our perfect skill set that allows us to direct
our world in ways that only serve us well. We would choose compatible and stable partners with similar perfect life skills combined with an inherent sense of empathy, caring and self worth. Our life would flow and our marriage succeed, perfectly. We would move forward together in raptured bliss, skillfully maneuvering all of life’s challenges. What? That’s not your experience? The myth of the perfect marriage sets up unrealistic expectations and devastating disappointments that complicate and destroy relationships. In disappointment, the focus turns to any perceived flaw in our partner, even distorting their strengths and criticizing attributes we once adored or found charming. In reality, many of us grew up experiencing a past filled with examples of troubled adult relationships with few demonstrations of positive life skills. Except in cases of abuse, most families are doing the best they can with the knowledge they have available to them. Sadly, that effort may not provide us with all the skills we need in life. As adults, we have a choice to stay on autopilot and continue the path of self defeating patterns we observed and learned or choose to learn a new way of managing ourselves. Recognizing how our patterns of behavior contribute to the cycles of disappointment and disconnectedness in relationship can start to change our interaction. We can learn to create a new more authentic way of relating to one another. We can learn to understand how marriage works for us in a unique form that supports our values and desires. There is no perfect marriage, only a marriage that is right for each couple. When each of us stops blaming the other and realizes how together we created the miserable parts of our relationship, the door opens for the possibility of change and growth. Learning to talk to each other in a different way plays a big part in the process of healing our relationships. Communication deficits ravage relationships generating anger, resentment and hurt. Frequently, misunderstandings occur because the listener is busy planning their comeback to what they think is being said instead of listening to what is actually being communicated. This pattern generates misunderstandings that lead to anger and blame. Learning to effectively listen and reflect what was heard is a vital basic skill that creates huge improvements and builds intimacy. Relationship counseling is a process of discovering areas of the relationship in need of improvement and learning the skills to implement to support the viability and growth of the marriage or relationship. Lauren Griffin, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice in Asheville. Connect with her online at WNCcounseling.com or call for a complimentary phone consultation at (828) 782-3388.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MYRIAH WOOD www.mcw-photo.com MODEL: Emily Beverley | DESIGNER: Amanda Rose
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he ending of FashMob was the catalyst for my decision to do a fashion show. I don’t think I can replace the exact recipe that made FashMob so terrific, but I did hope to capture the collaborative spirit of those events. Duncan Chaboudy knocked it out of the park with FashMob, he brought to life something that was stirring quietly under the surface. And there is so much vibrant, honest talent in Asheville, it needs more outlets in which to shine and reach people.
ABOVE RIGHT Photographer: Myriah Wood Model: Na’ama Ella Asido Designer: KatDog Couture
I do plan on doing more events like Winter Court. I’m going to try for three each year – Winter, Spring and Midsummer. Right now they’re for the general public and, mirroring FashMob, are a means for designers, models and photographers to come together and create promotional material and showcase their work. As someone new to fashion and upcycling, it was a great learning experience for myself, and the other designers’ positivity and encouragement were invaluable to me.
ABOVE LEFT Photographer: Carr Elliott | Model: Liina Moy | Designer: Moth & Rust
Putting together Winter Court was just a lot of serendipity and joyful collaboration. Often when I do an event, I like to spin a little fantasy and folklore into it, it’s just CLOCKWISE something I enjoy. And the designers really vibed with Photographer: Myriah Wood Model: that. So we had a show that was above and beyond the Sara Nicholas | Designer: Claire Dima norm, and that was terrific. I was also lucky to get my forPhotographer: Carr Elliot | Model: Andrea Ingham mer co-resident DJ Rexxstep (aka Eric Stephens) to spin a Designer: Foxfire Designs great set for us, and Ida Carolina to be our MC. We had Photographer: Myriah Wood | Model: Julia high energy music, humor, a little political commentary, Davant | Designer: Jon Pierce Fashions and just fierce, gorgeous fashion delivered by a diverse group of models, designers and stylists. I can’t wait for us Photographer: Myriah Wood | Model: to do it again in the spring. Chartreuse Flowers | Designer: Fire Beads Photographer: Carr Elliott | Model: Eric Moore | Designer: Mon - Jean-Pierre
by Deven Balsam Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 | 33
ENTERTAINMENT
BETTY’S BOOK REVIEW
T
“Locally Laid,” by Lucie B. Amundsen
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“Locally Laid”
he middle of the dark days of winter is a good time to daydream about bigger gardens, fruit trees and of course, cute little baby chickens. All this in the name of sustainability. Cold short days are perfect for daydreams… Locally Laid is the tale of what happens when a businessman dreams of being a chicken farmer. Not just a six chickens in the back yard while keeping his day job chicken farmer, a huge commercial free-range chicken farmer in Minnesota. The book, written by his wife, chronicles the wonders and the disasters of making this dream come true. All this happened way before free-range, farm to table, and CSA’s were in our everyday conversation. Locally Laid is really two books happening concurrently. There is the personal story of families, kids and relationships taken to the brink and back while bringing the dream to life. Alongside this are several serious commentaries on how and why American farming practices need to change to provide better, cleaner food and livable wages for farm families.
Sometimes these informative segments are a little preachy, but if you want to skip over them, you will still enjoy this fun book with a happy ending. If you too are thinking about quitting your day job to frolic in green pastures with colorful fat hens, you should definitely read this book before dumping the 9-5. If you just like a fun and witty read, this would be a great weekend read.
Betty is a professional freelance gardener and writer and the proud owner of backyard hens. Fortunately for them, she is not going to quit her day job and jeopardize their Rice Krispies snacks.
ENTERTAINMENT
MEG’S MOVIE REVIEW
I
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”
don’t know about you, but I am plenty-happy to be back in the wizarding world of J.K. Rowling, with her latest film venture, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” This film, directed by David Yates (“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”), holds many distinctions from the regular Harry Potter canon, and is actually more of a prequel, or spinoff, of the previous series. Firstly, it is set in the 1920’s United States, rather than modern-day England. It is also not based on a Rowling novel, but is instead a screenplay that she wrote specifically to be produced on film. All of the Harry Potter movies have faced an insurmountable standard to be judged against: the books. This is not the case with “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” since it is based on a fictitious book that is referenced in the actual Harry Potter novels. The film tells the story of Newt Scamander, whose book “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” was required reading for Harry Potter and his classmates at Hogwarts Academy. Scamander
“...This movie also give audiences their first peek at Grindelwald, one of the most dangerous wizards...”
is a collector of rare, magic, and misunderstood creatures. He has come to the U.S. with a suitcase full of these beasts, who are not only fantastic, but also escape artists. Wacky hi-jinx ensue. In addition to premiering the embodiment of Scamander, this movie also give audiences their first peek at Grindelwald, one of the most dangerous wizards in Rowling’s works. All that the readers of the Harry Potter series really know about Grindelwald is that he is very powerful, evil, and has an epic wizard battle with Dumbledore around the time during which “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is set. Can you say sequel? Anyone want to take bets on who will play him? Benedict Cumberbatch? Colin Firth? The movie’s special effects are absolutely the best part of it. The amazing and adorable creatures that Scamander chases around New York City, especially the Bowtruckle, the Niffler, and Dougal the Demiguise, are what truly make the film one not-to-be-missed. While not the cutest, the most impressively-animated creature in the film is the Obscurus, who takes on a dark foggy form most of the time, but at others, seems clearly human. If I’m being honest, the actual plot is a little vague and leaves something to be desired. Scamander has come to America to return a single creature to his native home, but it is never explained why he is doing it now, why no Americans have ever seen this type of creature before, or why Scamander needs to make the trip at all (since the homebound beast in question can fly). Lastly, we don’t know why Scamander opted to make the journey with all the other creatures that he has captured in tow (You know, the ones that escape and that he must find.) “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is so darn likeable though, that I didn’t give a moment’s thought to the film’s plot-holes. This was largely due to the fantastic cast of actors in the movie. Eddie Redmayne (“The Danish Girl”), fresh off his Oscar win for “The Theory of Everything,” is perfect as the awkward Scamander. Dan Fogler (“Balls of Fury”) is hilarious and endearing as Kowalski, the Muggle (or No-Maj, depending on where you’re
from) who gets mixed up in Scamander’s magic muddle. Alison Sudol (“Transparent”) also gives a memorable performance as Queenie, while clearly imitating Marilyn Monroe’s character in “Some Like it Hot.” While understated, when compared to the other characters, Katherine Waterston (“Jobs”) also does a fine job of playing Tina. And let’s face it, we’re all just glad that Colin Farrell (“Alexander”) is working, portraying the corrupt MACUSA Senior Administrator, Percival Graves. I thought the movie was an excellent start to the next saga of Rowling’s characters. If I’m being objective, I would have to admit that I am among the many that were thirsting for a way to stretch out the Harry Potter chronicles a little longer. Still, I think that “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” succeeds masterfully in doing so. I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Meg Hale Brunton reviews movies for Sophie every month. She has a Creative Writing degree from UNCA, loves fresh-made popcorn, and throws an annual Oscar party at her house. Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 | 35
FASHION The 4th Annual Faerie Arts Festival presented by Bioflyer Productions on November 11 was held in the beautiful ballroom of the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville. The adult extravaganza was entitled “Goth Faerie Ball.” The event celebrated the holiday season with some of the region’s best artists and musicians. Sponsored by Wicked Weed Brewing of Asheville it is an annual fundraiser for Eblen Charities. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG BURGWARDT
DJ Malinalli played dance rhythms with special lights and sound. Sarah Merrell returned with another collection of the best fashion designers and models in WNC.
Designer: Sheila Thibideaux Model: Ryan Moore Makeup: Tia Renay Hixon
36 | Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
Designer: Olivia Mears, Model: Aislin Freya Pax, Hair: Jenna Wilson, Makeup: Jennifer O'Leary
Designer: Maria Llabres, Model: Maria Llabres, Hair & Makeup: Vanessa Sogan
Designer: Susan Sertain, Model: Emma D, Hair: Charlotte Murphy, Makeup: Emma D
Designer: Rosanne Capone, Model: Camille Reid, Makeup: Kay Marie Hill
“
BEST BODY PAINT. Body Painter: Aline Backes, Model: Charlotte Ring
To dress as a faerie, donning wings, is to actively join in the dance, to be connected to creative spirit. Graceful or ecstatic dance; the radiant, rhythmic heartbeat; friendship; music; all these move easily across the boundaries, transcending language, race, and time.
“
Brian Froud, internationally acclaimed faerie artist
BEST OVERALL DESIGN.
MOST CREATIVE DESIGN. Designer: Olivia Mears, Model: Kayla Beavers, Hair: Jenna Wilson, Makeup: Kayla Beavers
Designer: Kristin Alexandra Tidwell, Model: Devon La Fae, Hair: Charlotte Murphy, Makeup: Kay Marie Hill, Wings: Uber Kio, Necklace: Amelia Pate
Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 | 37
of Commerce partner annually with numerous workforce & industry allies to promote career opportunities in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism and other growth industries in Western North Carolina. Wednesday,
January 18, 11am4pm. Davis Event Center, WNC Agricultural Center. For more info, homecomingjobfair.com
HAVE EVENT? HAVEAN AN EVENT?
Submit your events online: sophiemagazine.com/calendar or send events via email: calendar@sophiemagazine.com
the Cake” and join Asheville Mardi Gras for fun and dancing.
for purchase from Asheville Pizza Co and the Hop Ice Creamery!
Friday, January 6, 7pm -12am. Eleven
S aturday, January 7, 10am-1pm. The
on Grove, 11 Grove Street. $10 at the door, $20 membership dues. For more info, visit ashevillemardigras.org
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Sunday, January 1, Lake Lure Inn, 2771
Memorial Highway, 12pm. For more info visit lakelure.com
JAN NEW YEAR HANDPAN
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MEDITATION The handpan is a new instrument founded in Switzerland just 15 years ago. Worldly known for it’s magical music – the experience of the handpan is a rare gift. This workshop is designed to allow the tones of the handpan to deeply relax you in a healing environment. Kara will guide you into a state of healing with meditation and music of steel allowing you to leave the cave feeling balanced, peaceful, and blessed. Friday, January 6, Asheville Salt
Cave, 6-7pm. For more info visit ashevillesaltcave.com
JAN TWELFTH NIGHT
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The baking of King Cakes is a tradition that begins on King’s Day (Twelfth Night), at the start of the Mardi Gras season. Take your chances on grabbing the “Baby from 38 | Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
JAN BIG BAND & SWING
DANCE WEEKEND Bring your dancing shoes and hit the floor for a weekend of great Big Band hits at the Omni Grove Park Inn. This is a “don’t miss” weekend for those who treasure the Big Band era of music and dance.
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JAN NEW YEARS DAY POLAR
PLUNGE Hundreds of brave (and crazy) people take the annual New Year’s Polar Plunge at the Beach at Lake Lure and freeze to support local charities.
Orange Peel. For more info, visit theorangepeel.net
JAN CAZ-MA-TAZZ
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The Pyle family invites you to a special musical event to benefit family members who lost everything in Hurricane Matthew on October 8, 2016. The event will be headlined by Artimus Pyle & Friends (Hall of Fame drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd) and will also feature performances by David Earl & the Plowshares (Rock Funk Soul), Chappell (Global Fried Tribal Boogie). A special preconcert “Artimus Pyle Storytime” session will start the night at 6pm.
Friday-Sunday, January 13-15, The
Omni Grove Park Inn. For more info visit omnihotels.com
JAN 11TH ANNUAL
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HOMECOMING CAREER FAIR
The Economic Development Coalition and the Asheville Area Chamber
JAN DRAWING DISCOURSE
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The opening events and the exhibition of UNCA’s annual juried international exhibition of contemporary drawing are free and open to everyone. In 2015, there were to 908 entries from 307 artists. Exhibit will remain on view through February 17. Friday, January 20, S. Tucker Cooke
Gallery, Owen Hall, UNCA. 5pm lecture, 6pm reception. For more info visit art.unca.edu
JAN 10TH ANNUAL WINTER
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WARMER BEER FESTIVAL A showcase of WNC’s regional craft brewery scene. Ticket price includes a souvenir stein, beer samples from over 40 breweries, food from a local caterer, and musical entertainment from two bands. Half price Designated Driver tickets. Saturday, January 21, US Cellular Center, 3pm - 7pm. For tickets & more info visit ashevillebeerfest.com
Friday, January 6, Salvage Station, 6pm. For tickets & more info visit cazmatazzbenefit.eventbrite.com
JAN KID HOP HOORAY!
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A kidcentric indoor dance party brought to you by The Orange Peel and The Hop. Featuring 2 special performances by the Underdog Crew, Asheville’s bboy and bgirl dance crew! Playing Child-Appropriate FUN dance music!There will be FREE Glow accessories for your little dancers, plenty of room to run, dance, and get their sillies out while it’s cold outside, and snacks
ASHEVILLE RESTAURANT WEEK: JANUARY 17-26 30+ participating restaurants around Asheville. EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM/RESTAURANT-WEEK
Saturday, January 28, Blue Ridge Mall,
Hendersonville. For more info visit hendersoncountync.org
FEB ASHEVILLE SYMPHONY
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brews, along with beer flights and original beer cocktails. An ABC brewer will be present to answer questions and chat. Sunday, February 12, Edison Craft
With the fluid logic of a dream, the grace of an acrobatic dance, the humor of a child’s cartoon, and the heart of a love story, Shadowland celebrates the strange and wonderful power of the dark to show us who we are with the aid of Pilobolus’s signature talent and finesse.
PRESENTS “MUSIC FROM FANTASIA” Walt Disney’s two Fantasia movies offer an unforgettable marriage of classical music and ingenious illustrations. This concert program includes selections from both Fantasia films with a focus on composers who paint pictures with their evocative scores. Highlights include Stravinsky’s The Firebird, and the wry Piano Concerto No. 2 from Shostakovich, which features guest pianist Inon Barnatan—the New York Philharmonic’s first Artist-in-Association.
Wednesday & Thursday, January 25 &
Saturday, February 11. Thomas Wolfe
Thursday & Friday, February 16 & 17,
JAN PILOBUS:SHADOWLAND
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26, Diana Wortham Theatre, 8pm. For tickets & more info visit dwtheatre.com
JAN ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS
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FESTIVAL
An annual performing arts, multiple venue festival that provides artists with opportunities to explore the edges of their work, to collaborate across genres and to bring new and innovative performances to culturally adventurous audiences. Founded in 2002, AFAF has been keeping Asheville interesting for over a decade. Thursday - Sunday, January 26-29.
For schedule and more info, visit ashevillefringe.org
JAN DANCING WITH THE
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ASHEVILLE STARS
Performances by both professional and student dancers, including couples exhibition, in styles such as Ballroom, Contemporary, Latin, Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Salsa, Tango, and many more!
Auditorium. For more ashevillesymphony.org
info,
visit
FEB THE ART & SCIENCE
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OF LOVE Based on the scientific findings of John Gottman, Ph.D., who studied over 3000 couples in four decades, this workshop from Couples Workshops NC is designed to strengthen your relationship. Working in privacy, you will connect, and take home a box of techniques, cards, tools and tips to support your relationship in your everyday lives. For couples of every age, ability, and sexual orientation. Saturday & Sunday, February 11&12.
Doubletree by Hilton Asheville Biltmore. couplesworkshopsnc.com
Saturday, January 28, Diana Wortham Theatre. dwtheatre.com
JAN BE ACTIVE DAY
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Sponsored by the Department of Public Health, this free event includes information and demonstrations of resources in our area to inspire everyone—from toddlers to seniors—to be more active.
FEB BEER BRUNCH SERIES:
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ASHEVILLE BREWING CO Asheville Brewing Company introducing “Love Ninja” at Edison at the Omni Grove Park Inn. There will be an exclusive menu utilizing ABC’s
Ales + Kitchen, Omni Grove Park Inn. For reservations visit omnihotels.com
FEB CAMILLE A. BROWN &
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DANCERS Recipient of the 2016 Jacob’s Pillow Award, one of dance’s highest honors, Camille Brown and her dancers take the stage by storm with rhythmic dance and witty humor, showcasing pieces that range from light-hearted, to spiritually based, to politically charged with a healthy dose of comedy. Diana Wortham Theatre, 8pm. For tickets & info visit dwtheatre.com
FEB ARTS & CRAFTS
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CONFERENCE Enrich your understanding of the Arts & Crafts Movement as the historic Omni Grove Park Inn celebrates the 30th anniversary of the most popular Arts & Crafts event in the world.
FEB ASHEVILLE MARDI GRAS
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PARADE
Everyone is invited to participate in, or simply spectate this family-friendly spectacle showcasing our local personality and creativity. Asheville’s Mardi Gras downtown celebration is rapidly growing as more and more sparkles, feathers, and beads show up each year to march in the annual parade. Sunday, February 26, 3pm. Downtown Asheville. For parade route & more info visit ashevillemardigras.org
FEB LADYSMITH BLACK
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MAMBAZO Four-time Grammy Award winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo brings South Africa’s rich musical traditions, incorporating vocal harmonies, signature dance moves, and charming banter to round out a heartwarming performance. Tuesday, February 28, Diana Wortham Theatre, 8pm. For tickets & info visit dwtheatre.com
Friday-Sunday, February 17-
19, Omni Grove Park Inn. For schedule of events & more info visit arts-craftsconference.com
FEB THE VAGINA
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MONOLOGUES A play written by Eve Ensler, based on interviews with over 200 women. Although there are aspects of the show that are heart-wrenching, the majority of it is absolutely hilarious! This year marks the 18th anniversary of the play being performed across the world. 90% percent of the proceeds from this production will go directly to Helpmate of Asheville. This is not just a show for women; men are especially encouraged to attend. Saturday, February 25, The Orange Peel. For tickets & more info visit theorangepeel.net
FEB 16 & 17 CAMILLE A. BROWN & DANCERS Diana Wortham dwtheatre.com Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 | 39
storytelling format in the vein of “This American Life,” An evening of stories and songs from some of Asheville’s most interesting writers, performers, and citizens. Each installment features a central theme Real people. Real stories. Real good times. 35 below. For tickets & more info, visit ashevilletheatre.org
THE FUTURE OF FIXING
THE GREAT AMERICAN STRIP-OFF!
January 5-21; Thurs-Sat at 9 PM The Magnetic Theatre presents The Great American Strip-Off!, Conceived, Directed, and Hosted by Boo Velvet (aka Kathleen Hahn). All performances $21 online/$24 at the door. Adults only, please.
Through January 7 An open source exhibition and program that promotes engagement with making and repair. Sixteen international and national design studios and artists whose work addresses the concept of repair, either through fixing things, materials, process, systems, or attitudes. The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design. craftcreativitydesign.org
Magnetic 375, 375 Depot St. For tickets & info visit themagnetictheatre.org
North Carolina Stage Company. $1640. ncstage.org
LISTEN TO THIS
January 26 & February 23; 7:30pm Local actor/comedian Tom Chalmers invites you to take part in what is quickly becoming one of Asheville’s most popular series, Listen to This. A 40 | Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
The Village Potter, 191 Lyman Street,
#180. For current class offerings and to register call 828-253-2424 or visit thevillagepotters.com
WOMEN’S FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CLASSES The Financial Empowerment Center at OnTrack WNC offers a full range of financial counseling & education services with a women-centered approach, responding to unique needs & perspectives, to help you reach your financial goals.
DANCE + TRANSFORM CLASSES
Christine Garvin features a variety of dance classes at The Colourfield in downtown Asheville. Sign up for classes in Contemporary Hip Hop Flow, Jazzy Cabaret, Belly Balance among others, or undertake her special Metamorphosis Program. The Colourfield, 54 Ravenscroft Dr. For complete class listings and more information visit christinegarvin.com
35 below. For tickets & more info, visit
January 25 - February 19; Wed - Sat: 7:30pm; Sun: 2pm; Select Saturday Matinees: 2pm The sequel to last season’s smash hit, Jeeves Intervenes.The lovable yet hapless Bertie and faithful valet Jeeves return!
A range of classes for adults designed to welcome the beginner, welcome back the prodigal potter, guide a new enthusiast to the next steps and offer mentorship for those wanting to explore their skills and learn from a generous community of artists.
Broad Ave. Most classes are free, preregistration required. Call 828-2555166 to register. ontrackwnc.org
January 6-22; Fri & Sat: 7:30pm; Sun: 2:30 pm A hilarious satire in five acts, each of which tells the exact same basic plot about a young woman unable to pay rent to her evil landlord. However, every act is performed in the style of a different famous composer – from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim to Andrew Lloyd Webber! You don’t need to catch all the references to still love every minute of this fast-paced comic valentine.
JEEVES IN BLOOM
THE VILLAGE POTTER
OnTrack WNC Offices, 50 French
THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS (THE MUSICAL!)
ashevilletheatre.org
BEGINNER BEEKEEPER EDUCATION COURSE
DESIGNED FOR DRAMA: FASHION FROM THE CLASSICS
February 10 - July 4 The artistry of great literary works, costume design, and movie making comes together in a new exhibition premiering at Biltmore House. The exhibition showcases more than 40 award-winning movie costumes from 13 films based on favorite books in George Vanderbilt’s personal collection, including Sherlock Holmes, Finding Neverland, Anna Karenina, and Pride and Prejudice WNC Ag Center. Cars or Family Vans: $20
Activity Van or Mini Bus: $40, Limo: $40, Tour/ School Bus: $80 shadrackchristmas.com
LAUREL CHAPTER OF THE EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD AMERICA
Thursday, January 6 Ashley Lawrence, a chapter member, will be providing instruction on bargello, a type of needlepoint embroidery consisting of upright flat stitches laid in a mathematical pattern to create a motif. This project can be made into several different items including an eye glass case, a bookmark, or a phone case. Cummings United Methodist Church,
3 Banner Farm Road in Etowah/Horse Shoe, NC. Registration is 9:30 to 10am followed by a short business meeting and the program until noon. If interested, contact Carol Foster (828) 686-8298 or Janet Stewart (828) 575-9195.
January 16 - February 27 The Henderson County Beekeepers Association (HCBA) and NC Cooperative Extension are offering this course featuring classroom lectures & handson apiary sessions. The beginning beekeeper will learn the practical knowledge and skills required to successfully manage a colony of bees. Class size limited; registration required. M ountain
Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center, Mills River. Register at hcbeekeepers.org
HANDS ON! A CHILDREN’S GALLERY
Hands On! offers an affordable, educational and fun way to spend the day with your children, grandchildren, and students ages 1 – 10. This is a safe gathering place where kids can be kids while learning is nurtured. Hands On!, 318 N Main St, Hendersonville. For complete class listings visit handsonwnc.org
VALENTINE’S DAY POTTERY FOR COUPLES Friday, February 10, 7-9pm Saturday, February 11, 7-9pm Sunday, February 12, 4-6pm Tuesday, February 14, 7-9pm Come sip a glass of wine and nibble on chocolates while you and your partner explore the sensual aspects of clay. We’ll even help you re-enact the scene from Ghost! We’ll glaze and fire the work for you, so you can have a permanent reminder of a great date! Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts,
236 Clingman Ave. All levels, beginners welcome. $95 Per Couple. To register, visit odysseyceramicarts. com
WILD ABUNDANCE CLASSES
A variety of classes offered March through November including: Essentials of Homesteading and Permaculture, Ancestral Foods Cooking Classes, Women’s Basic Carpentry Class & more! F or complete class listings and more information visit wildabundance.net or call 828-775-7052
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COMMUNITY
Sophie
JAMI DANIELS has been named chief executive officer (CEO) of The Daniels Group, an Ashevillebased commercial printing company and call center service. Jami is the third generation to lead the family business.
Park Ridge Health Pediatrics is expanding care to our growing community with the addition of JACQUELINE SITTON, F.N.P. to its care team. Sitton is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She began caring for the people of Western North Carolina nearly 10 years ago as a Registered Nurse in the Park Ridge Health Emergency Department.
JILL HOGGARD GREEN, PH.D., RN, Chief Operating Officer, Mission Health and President, Mission Hospital, is among the top women hospital leaders in the nation, according to Becker’s Hospital Review 2016 edition of its list of 130 Women Hospital and Health System Leaders to Know.
Te ag u e C a m p b e ll D e n n i s & Gorham, LLP is pleased to welcome MINDY C. WUDARSKY to the firm’s Asheville office where she’ll concentrate her practice in business and employment law. Mindy has been representing clients in complex business litigation and transactional matters since 2008.
Park Ridge Health welcomes BRENT R. COYLE, M.D. to Park Ridge Health Psychiatry. He is board-certified in Psychiatry and brings more than 25 years of experience to Park Ridge Health’s Behavioral Health Services.
TERRY ROBERTS, PhD, has been selected as the Western N o r t h C a ro l i n a H i s to r i c a l Association’s recipient of the 61st Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award for his novel, That Bright Land.
Send your accomplishments, achievements, recognitions, or business news to writer@sophiemagazine.com and we will publish you on this page!
Include your full color photograph, saved as high quality JPEG at 300 dpi. Please limit the number of words to 35. Sophie reserves the right to edit content. 42 | Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
REAL MEN READ SOPHIE Rick Jenkins
• Has lived in the area for over 20 years. Originally from Leadvale, Tennessee. • Sales Manager at Iwanna.
• Favorite saying: “Everybody dies, but not everybody lives”.
• Favorite season: Summer - Loves the warm weather and all the activities you can do like fishing, vacationing and riding his Harley. • Has 3 dogs named Max, Blade and Hoss. • Favorite actor: Clint Eastwood • Favorite movie: “Unforgiven” • Favorite food: Prime Rib
We know that men read Sophie!
Send a photo of your man reading Sophie to writer@sophiemagazine.com, and you may see your photo published in the magazine!
Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 | 43
CONCERNING OUR COMMUNITY
Canongate Catholic High School Wins First Place at NCTC High School Play Festival! Canongate Catholic High School is celebrating after bringing home firstplace honors from the 2016 North Carolina Theatre Conference High School Play Festival, held at Gardner Webb University. Canongate’s theatre program, led by director Jennifer Murrey, made the school community proud with their presentation of “The Crane Wife”, a traditional Japanese folk tale. Not only did the young school win a Superior rating and the Judges Choice award for Distinguished Play, Mrs. Murrey won an Excellence in Directing award and Senior Quinn Kelsch was honored for Excellence in Acting. Additionally, Canongate won a Festival Spirit Award and Excellence in Set & Properties honors. Canongate Catholic High School opened in 2013 to provide students a small, safe, creative environment for an authentic education. Students prepare for college by advancing in literacy, scientific knowledge, and critical thinking. Graduates have gone on to be accepted into higher education such as the University of Dallas, Appalachian State University and Belmont Abbey.
Hillman Foundation Announces 2016 Innovations In Care Winners The Rita & Alex Hillman Foundation has announced the 2016 recipients of the Hillman Innovations in Care Program, a multi-year initiative funding leading edge, nursing-driven programs that address the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations. The winning projects – a telehospice program serving rural western North Carolina, and an advanced illness care program supporting the communities served by African-American churches in Alameda County, CA – were selected from a diverse field of over 160 applicants. The Foundation’s Advisory Committee praised the grant recipients for their creative approaches to addressing some of healthcare’s most intractable challenges, and for their efforts to meet the triple aim goals of improving health, reducing costs, and improving the patient and caregiver experience. “This year’s grant recipients are potential game changers,” said Ahrin Mishan, Executive Director of the Hillman Foundation. “Each person-centered, community-focused program is uniquely positioned to make a national impact on the care of underserved populations with advanced illnesses.” The local recipient who will receive a $600,000 three-year grant, is: FOUR SEASONS COMPASSION FOR LIFE, Flat Rock, North Carolina (Principal Investigator: Michelle Webb, MSN, RN, CHPCA). The grant will leverage Four Season’s federally funded telepalliative care model to develop a program providing remote, in-home hospice services to people in western North Carolina. Four Seasons serves a number of rural, low-income counties in a geography and climate that does not allow for consistent, coordinated health care and poses numerous challenges for nurses charged with regular 44 | Sophie JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
hospice care home visits. Hillman funds will be used to improve patient and family satisfaction and health outcomes by implementing a care management portal to be used in conjunction with the telehospice program. Specially trained nurses will seek to efficiently and cost effectively provide hospice care by remotely addressing symptom and pain management, medication adherence, advance care planning, and spiritual and psychosocial needs. Visits will be conducted using TapCloud, a HIPAA-compliant app, and a web-based video Michelle Webb RN conferencing service. Patients or their caregivers Chief Operating Officer (including long-distance caregivers) will enter Four Seasons information on symptoms and medication use via patient portal software, and nurses, together with the hospice team, will use this information, along with online vital sign measurement, to monitor progress, adjust treatments, and determine when in-person visits are needed. “Telehospice is a promising care delivery innovation that can enhance communication among caregivers and the care team, and improve the hospice experience for those most in need,” said Bobbie Berkowitz, RN, PhD, FAAN, Dean of the Columbia University School of Nursing and chair of the Foundation’s Advisory Committee. “With over 35 years of award-winning experience in hospice care, Four Seasons is well equipped to implement and lead this effort.”
The Vagina Monologues If the title got your attention, good, it should. The Vagina Monologues is a play written by Eve Ensler, and is based on interviews with over 200 women. The purpose of the Monologues is to raise funds and awareness for antiviolence groups in our local communities in an effort to end domestic and sexual violence Photo credit: Capturing WNC Photography against women. 90% of the proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Helpmate of Asheville - which offers crisis-level services for victims of domestic violence and their children. The remaining 10% of the proceeds will benefit the V-Day foundation. Allison Taylor of WNC Weddings & Events and Skillful Solutions, will be directing, producing, and acting in this charity production for the 5th year. The cast is diverse group of talented ladies, who are predominately from Brevard - and who all graciously donate their time and talents to this event. “Over the past 4 years, I’m proud to say that we’ve raised and donated over $18,000 to local organizations that support those who suffer from domestic violence,” says Taylor. This is not just a show for women; men are especially encouraged to attend. “These are issues that affect your mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and friends. Although there are heart-wrenching parts to the show, many of the monologues are absolutely hilarious - and attendees tend to walk away with sore cheeks and stomachs from laughing,” says Taylor. This production will be held at The Orange Peel in Asheville on Febru-
ary 25th. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are available on-line at theorangepeel.net, or at the door. The Monologues definitely contain mature material, and it is recommended for ages 17 and up. Anyone age 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Those wishing to make a financial contribution to the cause can donate directly to Helpmate of Asheville (helpmateonline.org), referencing “Vagina Monologues”.
TD Charitable Foundation Supports OnTrack WNC with Donation to Support Homeownership The TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, recently donated a total of $5,000 to OnTrack WNC Financial Education & Counseling as part of the foundation’s commitment to giving back to the community. OnTrack WNC is a nonprofit committed to helping people in Western NC meet their financial and housing goals through education, counseling, coaching, and support. The grant from the TD Charitable Foundation provides funding for OnTrack WNC’s Homebuyer Program for people who would like to own a home of their own. The program includes both education and counseling. The 12-hour HUD-approved Homebuyer Education series includes budgeting for homeownership, understanding credit reports/scores, and working with Realtors, closing attorneys, and mortgage lenders. The education is followed by Homebuyer Counseling in which OnTrack WNC housing counselors provide clients with support and guidance to identify next steps and create an Action Plan to move toward their goal. “Purchasing a home is challenging in this area with high housing costs and wages that are below the state average, especially for first-time homebuyers” said Celeste Collins, Executive Director of OnTrack WNC. “TD Charitable Foundation’s support of our Homebuyer Program means potential homebuy-
ers have a local resource to learn about the complicated process of purchasing a home, determine their personal housing affordability, and connect with local resources to make their dream a reality.” A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is a vital element of the TD Bank philosophy. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank® and the TD Charitable Foundation provide support to affordable housing, financial literacy and education, and environmental initiatives, many of which focus on improving the welfare of children and families.
Friends of the Smokies #GivingTuesday Fundraiser A Huge Success Friends of the Smokies were truly humbled by the outpouring of support for our Park from all over the country. They had planned for a big fundraising day on #GivingTuesday, November 29, but couldn’t have never planned for this. Thanks to you, they have raised more than $40,000 and donations were still pouring in, well over their $15,000 goal. 100% of your donations will help meet the greatest needs of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, beginning immediately with emergency relief efforts from these horrific wildfires. Donations can be made at donate.friendsofthesmokies.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/smokiesfriends. For donations to support communities outside the park effected by the fires, visit the American Red Cross website, redcross.org.
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