January Pinestraw 2025

Regain Your Health Reveal Your Beauty

New Year.

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Winner 2022-2023-2024 Best Performing Arts Venue

There's something for everyone at BPAC

Jim Caruso's Cast Party with Billy Stritch

Colorful Hat Circus & Variety

Joe DeVito

Liza's at the Palace Real Housewives of New York

from Fox News Channel's Gutfeld!

MAINSTAGE SERIES Friday, January 31 • 7:00 PM

COMEDY SERIES Friday, February 28 • 7:00 PM

FAMILY FUN SERIES Saturday, March 1 • 5:00 PM

Garrison Keillor

Wizard of Oz on Ice

David Anthony

FAMILY FUN SERIES Monday, March 31 • 7:00 PM

COMEDY SERIES Monday, May 5 • 7:00 PM

A Prairie Home Companion Lake Wobegon Days

MAINSTAGE SERIES Friday, March 28 • 7:00 PM

Concessions Available Wine | Beer | Soda | Snacks Season Sponsors

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Morgan Sills, Executive Director

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Photograph by Matthew Gibson

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SEVEN LAKES WEST • $448,500

SEVEN LAKES WEST • $398,000

ABERDEEN • $450,000

107 WOODCOCK COURT Charming 4 BR / 2.5 BA home located in a quiet cul-desac in popular 7LW. Layout is bright with an open and spacious design. Primary suite is located on the main level with all other bedrooms on the upper level. Home has been well maintained and has lots of curb appeal!

108 VANORE ROAD Adorable 3 BR / 2 BA home located on a quiet street in 7LW. The interior is bright and open with a formal dining room, nice kitchen and large primary bedroom.

Home has been extensively updated to include fresh paint, new carpet, new roof and sealed crawlspace.

478 KERR LAKE ROAD Wonderful 4 BR / 2.5 BA Craftsman-style home in Legacy Lakes offers a great design with lots of nice features. Layout is cozy with nice upper level with access to unfinished attic/storage area that could easily be bonus room. A must see!

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PINEHURST • $430,000

PINEHURST • $285,000

PINEHURST • $499,900

15 MONMOUTH COURT Beautiful 3 BR / 2 BA white brick mid-century modern home in a great Pinehurst location offering a split bedroom floorplan with bright, open layout with hardwood flooring in main living area and bedrooms.

250 SUGAR GUM LANE, UNIT 135 Great 1 BR / 1 BA 1st floor, waterfront condo on Lake Pinehurst! Fully furnished with beautiful water views along the back. Perfect for an investment property or golf get away.

450 SPRING LAKE DRIVE New construction underway in Village Acres!

Two-story 4 BR / 2.5 BA home with open living area on main floor and all 4 bedrooms and 2 baths on upper level.

ABERDEEN • $479,900

ABERDEEN • $449,900

CARTHAGE • $235,000

519 N. SYCAMORE STREET Beautiful newly constructed 4 BR / 2.5 BA move-in ready two-story home. Layout is bright and open with nice finishes throughout. All 4 bedrooms and 2 baths on upper level.

515 N. SYCAMORE STREET Beautiful newly constructed 4 BR / 2.5 BA move-in ready two-story home. Layout is bright and open with nice finishes throughout. All 4 bedrooms and 2 baths on upper level.

556 STAGE ROAD Cozy 1 BR / 1 BA cottage that comfortably sleeps 4. Located just outside of Carthage in a quiet spot and a short drive to Pinehurt/ So.Pines area. Perfect investment property!the clubhouse!

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PINEHURST • $1,795,000

PINEHURST • $935,000

PINEHURST • $715,000

855 LINDEN ROAD Beautiful 5 BR / 4.5 BA French Country home on 2.99acre lot. The interior is bright and open with beautiful views. There is a great saltwater pool and separate accessory dwelling in the back. This home is impeccably maintained w/fine finishes throughout!

169 PAGE ROAD Charming 3 BR / 2.5 Charlestonian home located in historic Old Town. Home has an open concept design with beautiful details throughout. The main level hosts a spacious primary suite with luxurious en-suite bath while the upper level has a cozy feel with a second fireplace!

17 MCMICHAEL DRIVE Wonderful 3 BR / 3.5 BA golf and waterfront home situated on one of the most beautiful lots along the 18th fairway of the Magnolia course in Pinewild CC. Floorplan is bright and open with lots of windows.

Enjoy peace and privacy with stunning views!

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PINEHURST • $560,000

SEVEN LAKES SOUTH • $506,000

PINEHURST • $810,000

270 MCKENZIE ROAD W. UNIT 63 Attractive 3 BR / 2.5 BA GOLF FRONT condo located on the 15th fairway of Pinehurst #3 in Phase II of Quail Hill with transferrable PCC membership. Won’t last long!

108 DEVONSHIRE AVENUE E. Well-maintained 3 BR / 2.5 BA home on the 1st Fairway of the course in 7LS. The interior is spacious and bright, and the exterior is every golf lover’s dream, complete with putting green and incredible three-tier deck. This home is a must see!!

63 ABBOTTSFORD DRIVE Gorgeous 3 BR / 4 BA GOLF FRONT property off the 14th green of the Holly Course. Home offers exquisite detail and quality craftsmanship that a discriminating buyer will appreciate!

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SEVEN LAKES SOUTH • $560,000 251 DEVONSHIRE AVENUE W. Unique 3 BR / 3.5 BA home overlooking the 10th green of the award winning Seven Lakes CC and golf course. Home has spacious design with spectacular golf and water views from nearly every room!

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SOUTHERN PINES • $550,000

PINEHURST • $889,000

10 RAVENEL COURT Lovely 2 BR / 2 BA townhome in popular Middleton Place.

Home has been extensively updated throughout to include bathrooms, oak hardwood flooring in dining room/living room/family room, refinished countertops in kitchen and new appliances. Lock and leave and in great condition.

18 ABBOTTSFORD DRIVE Beautiful 4 BR / 3.5 BA custom golf front home situated on the #6 green of the Magnolia Course at Pinewild CC. Home has been well maintained and updated throughout. Pinewild membership attached.

Re/Max Prime Properties, 5 Chinquapin Rd., Pinehurst, NC 910-295-7100 • 800-214-9007

www.ThEGENTRYTEAM.COM • 910-295-7100 • Re/Max Prime Properties 5 Chinquapin Rd., Pinehurst, NC

January 2025

FEATURES 63 Still Life

Poetry by Martha Golensky

64 Forever Gatsby

By Stephen E. Smith

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece turns 100

68 Writer’s Retreat

By Bill Case

A celebrated — and forgotten — author winters in Pinehurst

74 First Impressions

By Deborah Salomon

A home with a sunny disposition

83 January Almanac

By Ashley Walshe

DEPARTMENTS 15 20 25 27 33 37 39 43 44 47 49 51 55 59 92 108 111 112

Simple Life By Jim Dodson PinePitch Tea Leaf Astrologer By Zora Stellanova The Omnivorous Reader By Stephen E. Smith Bookshelf Hometown By Bill Fields NC Surround Sound By Tom Maxwell Dissecting a Cocktail By Tony Cross Focus on Food By Rose Shewey Crossroads By Robert Kowalski Out of the Blue By Deborah Salomon Birdwatch By Susan Campbell Sporting Life By Tom Bryant Golftown Journal By Lee Pace Arts & Entertainment Calendar SandhillSeen PineNeedler By Mart Dickerson Southwords By Jim Moriarty

Cover Photograph by Tim Sayer

6 PineStraw

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

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M A G A Z I N E Volume 21, No. 1 David Woronoff, Publisher david@thepilot.com

Andie Stuart Rose, Creative Director andiesouthernpines@gmail.com Jim Moriarty, Editor jjmpinestraw@gmail.com Keith Borshak, Senior Designer Alyssa Kennedy, Digital Art Director alyssamagazines@gmail.com Emilee Phillips, Digital Content emilee@pinestrawmag.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jim Dodson, Stephen E. Smith CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS John Gessner, Laura L. Gingerich, Diane McKay, Tim Sayer CONTRIBUTORS Jenna Biter, Anne Blythe, Tom Bryant, Susan Campbell, Bill Case, Tony Cross, Brianna Rolfe Cunningham, Mart Dickerson, Bill Fields, Tom Maxwell, Mary Novitsky, Lee Pace, Todd Pusser, Joyce Reehling, Deborah Salomon, Scott Sheffield, Rose Shewey, Angie Tally, Kimberly Daniels Taws, Daniel Wallace, Ashley Walshe, Claudia Watson,

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Ginny Trigg, Advertising Director 910.693.2481 • ginny@thepilot.com Samantha Cunningham, 910.693.2505 Kathy Desmond, 910.693.2515 Terry Hartsell, 910.693.2513 Erika Leap, 910.693.2514 Christy Phillips, 910.693.2498 ADVERTISING GRAPHIC DESIGN

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Jack Andrews, Frank Daniels III, David Woronoff In memoriam Frank Daniels Jr. 145 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Southern Pines, NC 28387 www.pinestrawmag.com ©Copyright 2025 Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. PineStraw magazine is published by The Pilot LLC

10 PineStraw

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

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SIMPLE LIFE

The Island Baby A tale of the most perfect storm

By Jim Dodson

January is a special month in our family.

ILLUSTRATION BY GERRY O'NEILL

That’s because three members of our scattered tribe are January babies. It could have been four if I hadn’t missed my due date by two days and wound up being a February groundhog.

My late father’s birthday is the 18th and my mother’s the 24th. But our oldest child’s birthday on the 28th holds the true winter magic.

Back in September 1990, as we lay in bed looking up at the stars through the skylight on our first night in the house on Bailey Island, my first wife, Alison, said quietly, “Let me have your hand.”

She placed it on her belly, and, sure enough, for the first time ever, I felt something flutter, soft as a hummingbird.

“That’s him,” I whispered in awe.

“Or her,” she said.

Friends were concerned when we told them we planned to move to an island off the Maine coast for the winter while beginning construction of our house on the mainland.

In good weather, they pointed out, the hospital was a good 45-minute drive away — across two adjoining islands, over three narrow bridges and through three tiny villages. In bad winter The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

weather, the trip had been known to take hours.

From Labor Day to June, only about 300 souls inhabited the durable rock island where we set up housekeeping in a fine cottage, which provided us with a 20-mile view of the coast. Within days of our arrival — news spreads fast on a small island — we’d met the folks who ran the community store, the postmistress, several lobstermen and a chatty gentleman named Bob, sort of the island’s de facto mayor and charge d’affaires of information and snowplowing.

“When the snow flies, the drifts can get pretty wicked out here,” he explained, and turned pale when we mentioned we were in the family way — due in early February. “I’m awfully glad you told me,” he said seriously. “We’ll keep an eye on you.”

A few days later, a lady at the store slipped me a scrap of paper with a phone number and said, “I heard about your situation. Call anytime if you need to — Herman’s got four-wheel drive.” Not long after that, one of the local lobsterman pulled me aside and said, “I’ve got a boat that’ll chew through anything. Just give a holler.”

Such nice folks, those island souls.

While we settled in to wait for the baby, they prepared for winter snow, fixing drafts, hooking up plows, topping up the woodpile and getting buckets of sand ready. I realized how much the mariners loved the drama of winter storms. Hard weather makes good timber, as they say in the north country.

There was a dusting of snow two days before Christmas, folPineStraw 15

SIMPLE LIFE

lowed by wind, arctic cold and nothing more. While the islanders scanned the skies for telltale flakes, we scanned a baby book for boy names. Everyone — I mean everyone — was certain we were going to have a boy, including yours truly.

“How about Herman,” I suggested.

Alison laughed. “You mean after the four-wheel guy?”

“More as in Melville, the great white-whale guy.”

Given our location, I suggested other strong nautical names, including Noah, Davy Jones, Billy Budd and Horatio Hornblower — “Hank” for short.

Alison merely smiled and shook her head. Other family members chipped in several male family names.

As the winter deepened and the delivery day approached, only my wife and my dad believed the baby would be a girl.

In the meantime, the islanders grew visibly tense from the absence of snow. Snowplows sat idle; the boys around the stove grumbled over their morning coffee at the community store.

It turned out, in fact, to be the unsnowiest winter on the island in a century. Just our luck. Poor islanders. By early January you could feel their desperation to push snow and fling sand. A few days before the month's end, Alison joked that our baby would arrive with a snowstorm.

Her mouth to God’s ear.

That Friday night, as we were dining at our favorite restaurant in town, it began to snow like mad. Mainers live for the winter’s first good snow. You could see the relief in their faces. “Better late than never,” our waitress cheerfully declared as she delivered des-

sert. “Hate to waste my new snow tires!”

Moments later, Alison’s water broke. We left our dessert behind and went straight to the hospital down the block.

The delivery doctor said we still had several hours to go. So, as mother and baby settled in, I drove out to the island to get some clothes and feed the dog. By the time I got there, a blizzard was in full force and even my four-wheel Blazer had difficulty navigating our unplowed lane.

It took another two hours to get off the island, over the bridges and back to the hospital. By the time I climbed the final hill into town, the snow had stopped and a brilliant sunrise bathed a silent white world in golden light. It was a sight I’ll never forget.

I got to my wife’s side 10 minutes before the baby arrived.

The next afternoon, we brought our newborn home, bundled up like an Eskimo baby. The snow was so deep, we had to park at the community store and slide down the hill on our rumps to our cottage doorstep.

Stamping around, folks on the island were downright giddy.

Bob was deeply relieved. Snowplows roared and news of the birth quickly spread.

Everyone who peeked at our new arrival wanted to know what we named our sweet island lad.

“Margaret Sinclair,” I proudly told them.“Maggie for short — after both of her grandmothers.” PS Jim Dodson can be reached at jwdauthor@gmail.com.

CHEERS TO T HE NEW YE AR AND TO YOUR DRE AM HOME IN 2025

16 PineStraw

25 Chinquapin Rd. Pinehurst, NC 28374 www.linhut af f.com | linhut af f f@pinehurst.net The Art & Soul of the Sandhills 910.528.6427

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45 CHESTERTOWN DRIVE - FOREST CREEK

Absolutely breathtaking, beautifully landscaped property with nearly one acre in the prestigious gated Community of Forest Creek. Charm and character abound throughout, with nothing spared in either design or quality of materials. Reclaimed heart pine, European stone flooring, Rutt cabinetry, Waterworks fixtures, gourmet kitchen, wood burning fireplace, luxurious Master suite, wine cellar and so much more.

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255 CHEROKEE ROAD - OLD TOWN

VILLAGE FAVORITE! Elegant Georgian style home in the sought after historic OLD TOWN location. Just a 2 1/2 block walk to the heart of the Village. Fabulous home seamlessly combines formal with casual living. A gourmet kitchen and large island, opens to the family room with a corner fireplace. Special 3-room mother-in-law suite with separate entrance and private garage. This phenomenal home boosts a 4 car garage and beautifully landscaped yard..

$2,475,000

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55 PALMETTO ROAD – PINEHURST

FULL VIEW OF PINEHURST NO 2, the famed Donald Ross masterpiece. Location with all the extras.

Totally upgraded home, hardwood floors throughout, a handsome fireplace in the living room, separate dining room. Full kitchen opens to a bright family room with a fireplace and a wall of glass.

Master bedroom on the first floor. Radiant heated floors in the second MB ensuite. Spacious climate controlled garage with cabinetry. Private outside with patio and storybook Gazebo.

$2,495,000

535 DONALD ROSS DRIVE – PINEHURST

Elegant, all brick, custom home on desirable Donald Ross Drive less than two miles from the Historic Village of Pinehurst. Large open rooms, floor to ceiling windows, hardwood floors in main areas and deep molding. Perfect for entertaining, the dining room has a tray ceiling and double door access to the expansive deck overlooking private yard with pond and gazebo. Large 3200 square foot unfinished walk-out basement with workshop, cedar closet and lots of storage.

$995,000

O ST N R U H PINE

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84 POMEROY DRIVE - PINEWILD

Stunning, custom-built all brick home overlooking the 5th green of the Gary Player designed course in desirable Pinewild Country Club. A home easily suited to formal and casual evenings; special features abound in every room. From the custom mahogany double front doors to the extra-large island with upgraded granite countertop to the sideby-side stainless double wall ovens to the geo-thermal system, nothing was spared in either design or quality of materials.

5

160 THUNDERBIRD CIRCLE – GOLF FRONT

Like NEW CONSTRUCTION at the end of the cul-de-sec completely surrounded by Pinehurst No 5 Golf Course. Private, secluded, with lush green fairways as far as the eye can see. Sellers took home down to the studs to create a stunning, mid-modern golf haven.

Large “Accordion” glass doors fold back for an open Great Room to the outdoors. Chef kitchen with Bertizoni stove, Bertizoni microwave drawer, Bertizoni refrigerator and more.

$847,000

$899,000

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509 COTTAGE LANE – LONGLEAF CC

Soaring ceilings, large open spaces, ample windows with natural light flooding every room.

Charming separate garage doors, handsome entry with stone walk-way, inviting foyer opening to long view of dining room, living room with vaulted celing and sunny Carolina Room. Enjoy morning coffee or evening cocktails on the open deck overlooking the golf course.

$549,000

121 TRIPLE CROWN COURT LONGLEAF CC

Spacious home in Longleaf Country Club conveniently located between Pinehurst and Sourthen Pines. Great room opens to dining room, kitchen with breakfast area opens to family room, plus a Carolina room, plus a handsome deck and an office off Master bedroom. Granite in kitchen and stainless appliances. Move-in ready!

$569,000

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PinePitch Happy Birthday to The King You can get your wiggle on celebrating Elvis’ 90th all day long — we’re talking all day long — on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst.

From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. there will be an examination of Elvis’ roots in gospel music. Then, at 3 p.m., watch an expanded version of his comeback 1968 TV special, “Elvis: One Night with You.” Finally, beginning at 7 p.m., Vivian R. Jacobson will discuss the connection between Elvis and Marc Chagall, and their shared passion for life and art. All programs are in the Owens Auditorium. For information and tickets go to www.ticketmesandhills.com.

Zee Zee at the Top The 2025 Classical Concert Series sponsored by the Arts Council of Moore County hosts the electrifying pianist Zee Zee at the Sunrise Theater, 250 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines, at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20. An imaginative and electrifying performer, at the age of 5, after beginning her musical training in Berlin, Germany, Zee Zee quickly became one of the most sought-after young artists of her generation.

For additional information go to www.sunrisetheater.com or www.mooreart.org.

Four Part Harmony The North Carolina Harmony Brigade, an elite group of barbershop singers, comes together one weekend a year for the annual Harmony Extravaganza, from 7 – 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, in BPAC’s Owens Auditorium, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Singers come from all over the United States, Canada and Europe to perform songs like “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” “Moonlight Becomes You,” “Make ’Em Laugh,” and more. For tickets and info go to www.ticketmesandhills.com.

20 PineStraw

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Who doesn’t love a bluebird? David Kilpatrick will answer all your questions about the beloved birds beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, at the Ball Visitors’ Center at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, 3245 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Then, on Tuesday, Feb. 4, Amanda Bratcher, horticultural agent with the N.C. Cooperative Extension in Lee County, will speak on the subject of decorative ornamental grasses. For additional information or to register for either program go to www. sandhills.edu/horticuturalgardens/upcoming-events.

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

At the Met If you can’t get to Cairo this month do the next best thing and attend the Metropolitan Opera’s live streaming presentation of Giuseppe Verdi’s tragic opera in four acts, Aida, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Sunrise Theater, 250 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines. For more information go to www.sunrisetheater.com.

Ruth Pauley Lecture Series Dr. Katy O’Brien, a past chair of the Brain Injury Association of Georgia, a member of the Academy of Neurological Communication Disorders and Sciences, and a 1994 graduate of Pinecrest High School, will discuss “The Thinking and Talking Brain: Communication, Connection, and Mental Health after Brain Injury and Concussion” on Tuesday, Jan. 21, in BPAC’s Owens Auditorium, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. For more information and tickets go to www.ticketmesandhills.com.

One if by Land, Two if by Sea Join the professional tribute band The British Invaders, dressed in proper black Nehru suits and playing vintage instruments, as they recreate the excitement that swept across America from the other side of the pond in the 1960s. The performance begins at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, at BPAC’s Owens Auditorium, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. For more information got to www.ticketmesandhills.com.

Do You Know That in D Major?

Showbiz superstars hit the stage and things get lively with a few special guests in Jim Caruso’s “Cast Party” with Billy Stritch on the piano at BPAC’s Owens Auditorium, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst, on Friday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. Every Monday night since 2003, Cast Party’s open mic night and variety show has brought Broadway glitz and wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City. Caruso and Stritch have taken the show on the road, celebrating talent in London, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Chicago, Austin, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Dallas, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, the Hamptons, Provincetown, Miami, Orlando, Delray Beach and now Pinehurst. For more information go to www.ticketmesandhills.com.

A Good Man The Sandhills Community College Department of Theater will perform the 1957 off-Broadway production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown based on Charles Schulz’s comic strip Peanuts that first appeared 75 years ago in 1950. Opening night is Friday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in BPAC’s Owens Auditorium, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. There are additional performances on Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. For information and tickets go to www.ticketmesandhillscom.

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

PineStraw 21

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presents

Experience Parisian Passion with Kate Liu’s exquisite performance of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No 2 and The Philharmonic’s stirring rendition of Ravel’s Bolero, led by Maestro Wolff.

Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 7:30pm Owens Auditorium, SCC Reserve your seat today!

www.carolinaphil.org 5 Market Square, Village of Pinehurst (910) 687 0287 The Carolina Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 non-profit.

TEA LEAF ASTROLOGER

Capricorn

(December 22 – January 19)

W

rite down these words and revisit them often: Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. We all know you’re capable of scaling treacherous heights. But at what cost? Your life force is precious. When Venus enters your sign toward the end of the month, things look seriously dreamy in the romance department (rock-steady commitment paired with the warm-and-fuzzies). Here’s the catch: You’re going to have to wreck your own heart wall.

Tea leaf “fortunes” for the rest of you: Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) Dare you to read just for pleasure.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20) Try googling power pose.

Aries (March 21 – April 19) Don’t forget: A seed can lay dormant for years.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Refine your spice cabinet.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) The system needs a reboot.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Delete the app.

Leo (July 23 – August 22) The last sip is the sweetest.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22) It’s time to dust off the old you-know-what.

Libra (September 23 – October 22) Conditions are ripe for cuddling.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) Release what wants to go.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) Consider swapping out that lamp. PS Zora Stellanova has been divining with tea leaves since Game of Thrones’ Starbucks cup mishap of 2019. While she’s not exactly a medium, she’s far from average. She lives in the N.C. foothills with her Sphynx cat, Lyla.

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OMNIVOROUS READER

Endless Fascination The troubled life of F. Scott Fitzgerald

By Stephen E. Smith

In his 1971 memoir Upstate, literary

critic Edmond Wilson grouses about college kids knocking at the door of his “Old Stone House” in Talcottville, New York. “They want to know about Scott Fitzgerald and that’s all,” he writes.

Wilson was Fitzgerald’s classmate at Princeton University, and he edited Fitzgerald’s The CrackUp and the unfinished novel, The Last Tycoon.

If you’re a reader of literary biographies, you can understand Wilson’s peevishness. Bookstore and library shelves are lined with Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald bios. Matthew Bruccoli’s Some Sort of Epic Grandeur is the definitive work. Still, there are many other bios — at least 30 — that are worth considering: Scott Donaldson’s Fool For Love, Arthur Krystal’s Some Unfinished Chaos, Niklas Salmose and David Rennie’s F. Scott Fitzgerald: A Composite Biography, among others.

Robert Garnett’s recent Taking Things Hard: The Trials of F. Scott Fitzgerald contributes significantly to the material available on the Jazz Age author and will be of particular interest to Fitzgerald aficionados with a North Carolina connection.

Garnett, a professor emeritus of English at Gettysburg The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

College, is best known for his biography, Charles Dickens in Love.

His Fitzgerald study is less inclusive than his work on Dickens, covering the final 20 years of Fitzgerald’s life, but his research is meticulous and reveals aspects of Fitzgerald’s personality that other biographers have ignored or overlooked.

During his most prolific years — 1924-1935 — Fitzgerald’s primary source of income was his short fiction (he published 65 stories in The Saturday Evening Post alone), and he was paid between $1500-$5,000 per story when a Depression-era income for a high-wage earner was $1,000 a year. Garnett focuses on the better-known stories — “The Ice Palace,” “A Diamond as Big as the Ritz,” “The Intimate Strangers,” “Babylon Revisited,” “One Trip Abroad,” etc. — to explicate the romantic themes and ineffable mysteries that defined Fitzgerald’s checkered life.

The story “Last of the Belles,” written in 1927, exemplifies Fitzgerald’s return to the familiar theme of romantic infatuation and lost love. The story closely parallels Fitzgerald’s time in Montgomery, Alabama, where he served as a young lieutenant during World War I. He incorporates his courtship of his future wife, Zelda Sayre, into the narrative and transforms her into the character of Ailie Calhoun, “the top girl” in town. The narrator, identified only as Andy, is smitten by Ailie, but she becomes enamored of Earl Schoen, a former streetcar conductor disguised in an officer’s uniform.

“The Last of the Belles” plays off Fitzgerald’s strong sense of PineStraw 27

OMNIVOROUS READER

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class, his longing to recapture youthful romance, and his grieving “for that vanished world and vanished mood, Montgomery in 1918 . . . a living poetry of youth, warmth, charming girls, and romance.” “The Last of the Belles” is Fitzgerald’s final attempt to recapture the South of his youth and its alluring women.

A close reading of the stories opens a window into Fitzgerald’s thematic preoccupations, allowing the readers to glimpse aspects of his thinking that are not readily apparent in his less spontaneous, more ambitious novels. But it also presents the reader with a challenge. Garnett provides a synopsis of the stories he cites, but to fully comprehend his explications, it is necessary to read the stories in their entirety, an undertaking that casual readers might find laborious.

Fitzgerald’s North Carolina sojourn is at the heart of Taking Things Hard. In the Fitzgerald papers at Princeton’s Firestone Library, a personal journal kept by Laura Guthrie, a palm reader at Asheville’s Grove Park Inn, draws an intimate, nonetoo-flattering portrait of Fitzgerald during his saddest period. “The 150-page singlespaced typescript follows him closely, day by day, often hour by hour,” Garnett writes. “Most Fitzgerald scholars are aware of it; few have read it through, fewer still have mined it.” Garnett believes Guthrie’s journal “is the most valuable single source for any period of his (Fitzgerald’s) life.”

In the early spring of 1935, Fitzgerald fled Baltimore for Asheville. He rented adjoining rooms at The Grove Park Inn, where he wrote a series of historical stories for Redbook. Garnett describes these stories as “wooden, simplistic, puerile, awash in cliché and banality, with ninth-century colloquial rendered in a hodgepodge of cowboy-movie, hillbilly, and detective novel.” These amateurish stories were the low point of Fitzgerald’s writing career.

Guthrie became Fitzgerald’s confidant, constant companion and caregiver. He and Guthrie were not physically intimate, but she was enamored. Of their first dinner together, she wrote, “He drank his ale and loved me with his eyes, and then with The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

OMNIVOROUS READER

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his lips for he said, ‘I love you Laura,’ and insisted, ‘I do love you, Laura, and I have only said that to three women in my life.’”

The story Guthrie tells is anything but inspirational. Fitzgerald was intoxicated most of the time — she recorded that he drank as many as 37 bottles of beer a day — and he insisted that she remain at his beck and call. “He is extremely dictatorial,” she wrote, “and expects to be obeyed at once — and well.” As the summer progressed, his drinking grew worse, and he eventually turned to gin “with the idea,” Guthrie noted, “that he had to finish the story and that he could not do it on beer, even if he took 30 or so cans a day, and so he would have to have strong help — first whiskey and then gin.”

In June, Fitzgerald headed to Baltimore and detrained briefly in Southern Pines to visit with James and Katharine Boyd. His conduct while visiting with the Boyds was such that he felt compelled to write a letter of apology when he arrived in Baltimore.

In late 1935, Fitzgerald took a room in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and wrote his self-deprecatingly “Crack-Up” articles. Published in Esquire in 1936, these revealing essays marked the end of his career as a popular novelist and short story writer. He would eventually move to Hollywood, spending the remainder of his days toiling for the dream factories and outlining a novel he would never complete. He died there in relative obscurity in 1940 at the age of 44.

A century after its publication, The Great Gatsby remains a mainstay of the American literary canon, and critics and scholars continue re-evaluating Fitzgerald’s life. No matter how many times they retell the story, it will never have a happy ending. PS Stephen E. Smith is a retired professor and the author of seven books of poetry and prose. He is the recipient of the Poetry Northwest Young Poet’s Prize, the Zoe Kincaid Brockman Prize for poetry and four North Carolina Press Awards. His latest book is The Year We Danced: A

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Hear This: New Year, New Ears!

Make 2025 the year you finally tune into life’s most important moments.

Whether it’s catching every word of your favorite song, not missing a single punchline, or simply hearing loved ones a little clearer, this New Year, give yourself the gift of better hearing. Because good things come to those who listen.

Upgrade your hearing, upgrade your year!

Southern Coast Audiology & Audiology of the Sandhills are now

HEAR

Brittany Brown

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CAROLINA

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Belinda Bryant, HIS

BOOKSHELF

January Books FICTION The Stolen Queen, by Fiona Davis Annie Jenkins is fed up with living in the shadow of her mother, a former fashion model who never tires of trying to revisit her glory days. She is ready to forge her own life. So when an opportunity to work for iconic former Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland falls into her lap, Annie jumps at the chance. Diana wants her to help organize the famous Met Gala, known across New York City as the “Party of the Year,” hosted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and renowned for its star-studded guest list. Charlotte Cross, leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the museum’s celebrated Egyptian art collection, wants little to do with the upcoming gala. Never much for socializing, she’s consumed with her research on Hathorkare — a rare female pharaoh dismissed by most other Egyptologists as a vicious usurper, one who was nearly erased from history. That is, until the night of the gala, when one of the Egyptian art collection’s most valuable artifacts goes missing . . . and there are signs Hathorkare’s legendary curse might be reawakening. As Annie and Charlotte team up to search for the missing antiquity, a desperate hunch leads the unlikely duo to a place Charlotte swore she’d never return to — Egypt — placing them both directly in danger.

Rosarita, by Anita Desai Away from her home in India to study Spanish, Bonita sits on a bench in El Jardin de San Miguel, Mexico, basking in the park’s lush beauty, when she slowly becomes aware that she is being watched. An elderly woman approaches her, claiming that she knew Bonita’s mother — that they had been friends when Bonita’s mother had lived in Mexico as a talented young artist. Bonita tells the stranger that she must be mistaken; her mother was not a painter and had never traveled to Mexico. Though the stranger leaves, Bonita cannot shake the feeling that she is being followed.

Days later, haunted by the encounter, Bonita seeks out the woman, whom she calls the Trickster, and follows her on a tour of what may or may not have been her mother’s

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

past. As a series of mysterious events brilliantly unfolds, Bonita is unable to escape the Trickster’s presence, as she is forced to confront questions of truth and identity as well as specters of familial and national violence.

The Heart of Winter, by Jonathan Evison Abe Winter and Ruth Warneke were never meant to be together — at least if you ask Ruth. Yet their catastrophic blind date in college evolved into a 70-year marriage and a life on a farm on Bainbridge Island with their hens and beloved Labrador, Megs. Through the years, the Winters have fallen in and out of lockstep, and out of their haunting losses and guarded secrets, a dependable partnership has been forged. But when Ruth’s loose tooth turns out to be something much more malicious, the beautiful, reliable life they’ve created together comes to a crisis. As Ruth struggles with her crumbling independence, Abe must learn how to take care of her while their three living children question his ability to look after his wife.

And once again, the couple has to reconfigure how to be there for each other.

NONFICTION Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose, by Dr. Martha Beck We live in an epidemic of anxiety. Most of us assume that the key to overcoming it is to think our way out. And for a while it works. But there is always something that sends us back into the anxious spiral we’ve been trying to climb out of. In Beyond Anxiety, Beck explains why anxiety is skyrocketing around you, and likely within you. Using a combination of the latest neuroscience as well as a background in sociology and coaching, she explains how our brains tend to get stuck in an “anxiety spiral,” a feedback system that can increase anxiety indefinitely. To climb out, we must engage different parts of our nervous system — the parts involved in creativity. Beck provides instructions for engaging the “creativity spiral” in a process that not only shuts down anxiety but also leads to innovative problem solving, a sense of meaning and purpose, and joyful, intimate connection with others and the world.

PineStraw 33

BOOKSHELF

CHILDREN’S BOOKS To See an Owl,

by Matthew Cordell To hear an owl takes patience.

To see one, well, that’s magical.

Caldecott-winning author/illustrator Cordell brings the magic of the woods to life in this stunning picture book just perfect for nature lovers. (Ages 3-7.)

Teapot Trouble: A Duck and Tiny Horse Adventure,

by Morag Hood Sometimes the best readalouds are the most ridiculous ones, and any time Duck and Tiny Horse are around, giggles are sure to follow! Join our heroes as they determine the very best way to extricate a crab from a teapot and have a grand adventure along the way. (Ages 3-7.)

On Our Way! What a Day!,

by JaNay Brown-Wood A birthday! A gift? Hmmm . . . just what would make Gram happy??? A delightful journey ends with a group effort, a celebration of found things and a very happy Gram. This sweet story is a perfect read for families who delight in the joys of nature, music and time together. (Ages 3-7.)

Wings of Fire: Escaping Peril,

by Tui T. Sutherland Not since Harry Potter has a series had such a wide following of dedicated readers as Wings of Fire.

Fantasy, adventure, dragons, intrigue — this series has it all. Now the story evolves through graphic novels. Grab a copy of No. 8 for the Wings of Fire superfan in your life. (Ages 8-14.)

PS Compiled by Kimberly Daniels Taws and Angie Tally.

34 PineStraw

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Where Community and Active Living Meet Introducing Penick Village’s Newest Expansion, designed to elevate your way of living.

Comfortable Living Spaces: Step into comfort with our 44 beautifully designed Independent Living residences, each thoughtfully crafted to provide you with a home that’s as comfortable as it is stylish.

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Village Pavilion: In our state-of-the-art wellness building, you can engage in various activities, including Pickleball, personal training, and an overall focus on your health and wellness.

Welcoming Community: Enter through our updated Welcome House, a space designed to safely welcome you, and your guests, into our community.

Penick Village invites you to join our community, where we’re not just redefining retirement living, we’re elevating it to new heights.

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Laura Whitfield Untethered

Tent for Seven

January 15 at 5:00 PM

Andy Corren

Bennett Parten

January 9 at 5:00 PM

Somewhere Toward Freedom

Dirt Bag Queen January 16 at 5:00 PM

January 24 at 5:00 PM

Marion Elliott Deerhake

Meryl Gordon

The Woman Who Knew Everyone

Jane Pratt

February 21 at 11:00 AM

February 6 at 11:30 AM

Mary Ann O’Donnell presents

Understanding Your Relationship to China Through Objects January 21 at 5:00 PM 140 NW Broad Street • Southern Pines, NC • 910.692.3211 www.thecountrybookshop.biz • Text us for special orders 910.690.4454

Scan to view all of our upcoming events

HOMETOWN

Boogie Oogie Oogie Till you just can’t boogie no more

By Bill Fields

I went off to college in the fall of

1977, and Saturday Night Fever came out that December. If I was paying attention to the path outside my residence hall any given night during freshman year, I would see Randy walking toward Franklin Street in Chapel Hill.

He was a man on a mission, the closest thing our dorm had to Tony Manero, John Travolta’s character in the hit movie with disco as its core. Randy walked with purpose, dress-shoe soles on brick announcing his presence. Product in his blond hair, a couple of off-duty buttons on a fancy shirt with a substantial collar, he was a striding testimonial to various synthetic fabrics and soon to have a black-light handstamp to enter his favorite night spot.

Randy was headed to the Bacchae, which for a time was called Mayo’s Bacchae, the longer name including that of the establishment’s operator, a small-town North Carolinian with New York City tastes.

In the late 1970s, Tony Manero would have been right at home at the Bacchae. Its black-and-mirrored walls, lighted dance floor, colored strobes and faux fog were a backdrop for the pulsating, four-on-the-floor beat of the disco music: Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Yvonne Elliman, Heatwave, Chic, Wild Cherry.

I didn’t dress the part the way Randy did, although I’m sure I turned up at the Bacchae more than once wearing some residual polyester garment from my golf wardrobe. My clothing deficit notwithstanding, I met a couple of girlfriends there, one of whom I dated for about a year, until it became clear that her affection for Rod Stewart was greater than for me.

It is jarring to think that the disco days are as far removed from today as the Charleston era was when we were grooving to “Never Can Say Goodbye,” “We Are Family,” “Le Freak” or “Boogie Oogie Oogie.”

Disco peaked in 1978 and ’79, declining soon thereafter, much to the dismay of my dormmate Randy, but not before making an appearance in the then-sleepy Sandhills.

I was reminded of those times not long ago when I had a

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

sandwich at 715 Broad in Southern Pines. In the mid-1970s that space was Castle of Dreams, which advertised being “The Best in Disco Entertainment.” Tuesday was Teenage Night, when those under 18 gathered to drink Cokes and summon the courage to ask a classmate to dance. The evenings would occasionally end with a beer on the sly out by a pond in Highland Trails, an activity that didn’t make my reply when Mom asked about my night out after I arrived home as the 11 o’clock news was coming on.

But the Castle was D-league disco compared to Crash Landing, which I discovered once I was of legal age. Crash Landing was located on U.S. Highway 1 North in Southern Pines, a large warehouse-style building situated on a slight rise, set back from the thoroughfare with a large parking lot in front sometimes not big enough to hold all the cars.

Many of us came to the Crash on college breaks and during the summer, catching up and doing our best on the dance floor.

As was the case in Chapel Hill, there was a cadre of dancers at the Crash who knew what they were doing, who knew the kind of moves Travolta and company did in Saturday Night Fever.

Most of us were just moving around, building up a thirst for a Budweiser or a Miller High Life. I had gotten put into a socialdance physical education class after most of the more common P.E. courses were filled up, but my foxtrot experience was of little help. On the very rare occasions I departed the Crash with someone’s phone number, it was harvested by conversation not my skill at the Latin hustle.

The best move I remember from the Crash Landing period involved a friend who was driving me home one winter night.

Just as he was making a turn in Manly, it was suddenly like a fog machine was pointed at his sedan’s windshield. With the defroster obscuring his view, he made a left on the wrong side of the frontage road median. A highway patrolman was nearby and, blue light flashing, immediately pulled us over. They talked for five minutes standing in the cold, my buddy and the officer, then we were on our way. No ticket. No written warning. Just advice to be careful and go straight home. A lot has changed beyond the music. PS Southern Pines native Bill Fields, who writes about golf and other things, moved north in 1986 but hasn’t lost his accent.

PineStraw 37

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Making Music in the Woods And putting money in artists’ pockets

By Tom M axwell

There’s a 63-acre compound on Bor-

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN GESSNER

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NC SURROUND SOUND

land Road, out in the rolling Orange County countryside near Hillsborough. On it is situated a log cabin, a barn, and several other outbuildings stuffed with the kind of gear that only true believers would collect: a Neve 88R mixing desk originally commissioned by New York’s Electric Lady Studios; a live reverb chamber; several isolation booths; and, aurally immersive Dolby Atmos mixing capabilities. This particular compound goes by the name of Sonark Media, and it’s a thoroughly modern complex offering recording, performance and streaming capabilities.

Sonark is the brainchild of Steven Raets, a Belgian-born polymath. Up until 2012, Raets had been working for the “big three” investment firms: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase. That all changed the following year, when he retired.

“Then basically the question was, what was gonna be the rest of my life?” Raets says. “I’ve always had a big passion for music.

I’ve played in all kinds of bands since I was 12 — party bands, original bands, when I lived in Belgium and London. I’ve always The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

been involved in music; that’s always been my destiny. I just happened to be really good at mathematics and statistics, so I ended up in a trading role, but I knew I was going to go back to music.

That moment happened in 2013.”

Raets built a home studio in the basement of his Chapel Hill home — he’s married to a UNC professor — and started producing records. Once the kids were out of the house, the couple decided to scale down. They bought a farm not far from where they lived and began fixing up the old log cabin on the property.

But Raets wanted to move up, literally, from the basement.

“I said to my wife, ‘You know, I want to keep doing music,’” Raets said. “‘So, if we’re moving from this house, then you have to allow me to build a proper studio.’ And she said, ‘Yeah.’”

Raets’ idea of what constitutes a “proper” studio might differ a little from most industry entrepreneurs. For one thing, he and his partners run three full recording studios on the Sonark property: Studio A, with a huge live room, high ceiling and three isolation booths; the smaller Studio B; and a renovated barn dedicated to rehearsals, live performances and streaming. The rooms sound amazing, and the gear is impeccable. If this was all the Sonark gang did, it would be more than enough. But these people are true believers.

“I think we’re uniquely set up to help the music industry rethink how music should be made, distributed, enjoyed and monetized,” Raets says, “and that is basically what keeps us awake every day.

How can we help our musicians make more money in this world where music has become worthless? That’s our mission at Sonark.”

PineStraw 39

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The fact that this question is even being articulated is refreshing. Without getting too technical about it, many of the fundamental revenue streams for musicians have dried up over the last few decades.

Unless you’ve established a national touring base, it’s tough to make enough money at each gig to put gas in the van to get to the next town. Vinyl records have made a comeback, but they’re considered merchandise, to be sold along with band T-shirts, posters and hoodies — and many clubs take a percentage of this money. Merch is welcome supplemental income, but it will hardly keep body and soul together. That leaves digital streaming.

In the past year and a half, Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek has made over $345 million, with his top executives coming in a close second, leaving megastars like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift in the dust. This is because a generous calculation of Spotify’s payout is about $0.003 per stream, and that’s allowing for the artist having complete control over their intellectual property, which is seldom the case. So even Swift — the most streamed artist on the platform — has yet to earn the kind of dough Ek has made.

Raets and his colleagues have spent a lot of time on the issue of putting money into musicians’ pockets, and they’ve come up with PIE TV, a subscription platform that allows users to stream Sonark-produced live performances on demand.

“It was inevitable that, as our technology advances and becomes more sophisticated, and as the bandwidth of our wireless devices increases, music will be viewed as well as listened to,” Raets says. “For years, I’ve been thinking of how to do that in a way that could be packaged and make sense for both the artists and those who help produce it. We finally came up with this idea where we would start producing intimate shows with bands but produce them as if you are in the PNC Arena, except with maybe 150 people there. We give the band a very controlled environment with enormous amounts of production value.”

Sonark performances are shot on at least a half-dozen high-definition digital cameras, while the audio is sent to Studio A for mixing. Edited audio and video are then synced and sent out for broadcast on the PIE TV app. Artists are paid guarantees for their performance, and they own part of the intellectual property of the broadcast and so are entitled The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

NC SURROUND SOUND

to an ongoing royalty share from future streaming.

Compare this to the hugely popular YouTube live performances where none of the revenue generated from those videos goes to the artist. Admittedly, this is no different than live television performances in days of yore. “If you were going to play Jimmy Kimmel or Saturday Night Live or Austin City Limits, you would have to do it for cost,” Raets says. “You get very little out of it as a

band except for a huge platform and promotional value. But the monetization goes entirely to the network.”

PBS NC has taken note, broadcasting a season of Sonark Sessions: Live from the Barn featuring 10 North Carolina-based artists. As far as Raets is concerned, there’s no reason to stop there. “North Carolina is an incredibly fertile ground for talent,” he says. “But we really don’t have an industry.

There’s not a lot of jobs around. I want to create awareness of the fact that the music industry is not a hobby; it’s a valid center of revenue. You have only to look at Austin, Texas, to see how that worked out for them. Twenty-five years ago, it didn’t exist.

Now, the music industry contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues to the city. My dream is to do something similar to that for North Carolina. There’s a lot of potential here and you can feel it bubbling everywhere.” PS Tom Maxwell is an author and musician. A member of Squirrel Nut Zippers in the late 1990s, he wrote their Top 20 hit “Hell.”

His most recent book, A Really Strange and Wonderful Time: The Chapel Hill Music Scene 1989-1999, was published by Hachette Books in April.

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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

PineStraw 41

MORTGAGES IN ALL 50 STATES

D I S S E C T I N G A C O C K TA I L

The Classic Martini Story and Photograph by Tony Cross

Let’s start the year off right with the world’s most

sophisticated cocktail, the martini. Although the exact origin is unknown, the movie character James Bond comes to mind whenever this drink is mentioned. Even though the classic “shaken, not stirred” quote is not the way to prepare this cocktail, there is still something very charming about seeing a man dressed to the nines ordering it. To quote bartender and owner John Clark-Ginnetti, “Why is Bond drinking a martini? He needs to be civilized. He’s a mass murderer; he’s an assassin. So how do you take this horrible person and temper him into somebody who’s doing it for the honor of the sovereignty?”

There are a few problems these days when it comes to ordering the martini. For starters, ever since the martini craze of the 2000s, it’s probably inevitable that any liquid in a V-shaped glass will be called “a martini.” It’s not.

Another issue is that most bartenders aren’t making the cocktail correctly. A year ago, I went into a self-proclaimed “craft cocktail bar” only to watch my bartender shake the hell out of the martini I ordered. This cocktail needs to look delicate — you wouldn’t violently shake your bottle of cabernet franc before drinking it, so don’t do it to the vermouth either. And, speaking of vermouth, it has to be refrigerated, or it will spoil.

Consistency is key: A bartender from Thursday night using 3 ounces of Tanqueray to 1/2 ounce of vermouth and another bartender on Saturday mixing a 50:50 ratio reflects a lack of any house specs. What would I recommend? I’ve always used Plymouth gin — it’s soft, slightly citrusy and not juniperforward. Juniper is the ingredient in gin that technically makes it “gin,” but it’s also the ingredient that turns people off. For the vermouth, I like Dolin Dry, a very fresh and light fortified wine.

The key to a great martini — besides the proper ingredients — is for it to be piercingly cold. Make sure to fill the mixing vessel with plenty of ice, all the way to the top, and stir until it gets as cold as possible. The proper dilution of water is a must when stirring your drink. Some like to freeze their gin (I do) to get a head start on the chilling process.

Lastly, I’ve always preferred a lemon twist to olives in my martini. Smelling the oils of the lemon as you bring your chilled martini glass to your nose lets you know that you’re about to enjoy one of the best cocktails in the world.

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Specifications 2 ounces Plymouth gin 1 ounce Dolin Dry vermouth

Execution

Combine gin and vermouth in a chilled mixing glass. Pack with as much ice as possible and stir until the glass is frosted, while allowing proper dilution. Strain into a chilled martini glass. These days, I prefer using a Nick & Nora glass. Take the peel of a lemon, expressing its oils over the cocktail and placing the peel in the glass. PS Tony Cross owns and operates Reverie Cocktails, a cocktail delivery service that delivers kegged cocktails for businesses to pour on tap — but once a bartender, always a bartender.

PineStraw 43

44 PineStraw

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

FOCUS ON FOOD

This Old Chestnut Sweet and nutty soup for a frosty day

Photograph and Story by Rose Shewey

Not only is the chestnut tree an icon of

the American wilderness, it is also the namesake of the original dad joke. Long before social media shaped everyday speech, a cheesy pun was simply known as an “old chestnut,” going back 200 and some years. Apparently, generations of dads before yours had a cringeworthy sense of humor, imagine that!

All jokes aside, why do foragers, folklorists and foodies go all googly-eyed at the mention of chestnuts? There are many reasons, and the nearly extinct American chestnut tree is one of them. Known as the “redwoods of the East,” these native chestnut trees wouldn’t just grow strong and tall. A fully grown tree was able to produce up to 100 pounds of nuts — try squirreling away that many conkers for the winter!

While American chestnut trees don’t make it past a young age due to various diseases, other varieties are thriving.

Fortunately for us, a stately sweet chestnut tree of European descent — such as the ones I grew up with in Germany — is happily growing in the heart of Aberdeen, right along our stomping grounds in the historic district. With permission from the owner, we have made it a tradition to forage a handful of chestnuts in the late fall. Even though these nuts are perfectly edible, they usually end up adorning our seasonal nature table, carefully curated by our 6-year-old.

For actual culinary purposes, we rely on the store-bought variety of edible chestnuts, typically those imported from Italy. If I can get my hands on fresh chestnuts, they will be boiled (not roasted) and enjoyed right out of the pot, but the occasional batch is destined for a creamy chestnut soup. Since chestnuts are mild in flavor, I like to keep the recipe simple, avoiding ingredients that tend to overpower their subtle earthy aroma. A splash of sherry and a pinch of cinnamon turn this soup into a warming, nutty-sweet meal for a frosty winter day. PS German native Rose Shewey is a food stylist and food photographer.

To see more of her work visit her website at suessholz.com.

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Wintry Chestnut Soup (Serves 6) 2 pounds fresh chestnuts or 1 pound roasted and peeled chestnuts from a jar or bag 1/4 cup unsalted butter 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 6 ounces) 1/4 cup sherry (optional) 4 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth 1 thyme sprig 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 cup heavy cream Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions

You can skip this step if using ready-cooked chestnuts, otherwise, add water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Score the shell of the chestnuts on the rounded side with an X, cutting through to the inner skin of the nut, and add to the boiling water. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the scored edges expose the nut. Drain and allow the chestnuts to cool for a few minutes, then peel while the nuts are still warm.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan, add onions and cook on medium heat until softened, about 6-8 minutes. Add the wine and cook over medium heat until the saucepan is almost dry. Add chestnuts, stock or broth, thyme and cinnamon. Cover the pot, bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes.

Puree the soup in a blender (working in batches if needed) or use an immersion blender until you have the desired texture. Return the soup to the pot if using a stand blender and bring to a simmer once more. Add cream, season with nutmeg and adjust to your taste with salt and pepper.

PineStraw 45

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CROSSROADS

Bowled Over Finding the right words

By Robert Kowalski

Fifty-one years ago, Ed Miller

spoke. He didn’t speak standing at a podium in a crowded auditorium. He spoke sitting down, in a smoked-filled bowling alley, to five teenagers, in front of lane 20. Ed’s speech was brief. He spoke only long enough to utter three one-syllable words in a graveled, Brandoesque voice.

“Don’t get old,” he said.

Competitive league bowling was all the rage when my friends and I joined an adult league. We were still in high school. The grown men wore slacks and monogrammed bowling shirts. We wore bell bottom blue jeans and T-shirts. The adults were annoyed. We were cool. The nights we won they grumbled about those damn kids. When we lost, they wore smiles of satisfaction believing that order had been restored.

Ed Miller was the worst bowler in the league. If they gave a trophy for futility, Ed would have won in a landslide. He had deep-set humorless eyes. His ill-fitting attire made him look wider and shorter than he really was. He always sat at the edge of the bench closest to the rack: silent and stoic. He stared out at the pins seeming to be contemplating 10 personal tragedies. When his turn came, he’d limp to the rack, pick up the ball and, without aiming, take four short uneven steps and, instead of rolling the ball, drop it with a loud thud. It took an eternity to hit the pins. He never seemed as interested in the outcome as he was resigned to it.

We were playing Ed’s team the night he spoke. It was late in the season. If we won all three games, we’d clinch first place in the league. Ed occupied his usual spot at the edge of the bench.

We won the first two games by comfortable margins. The third game was close. Due in large part to Ed missing a one pin spare in the last frame, we eked out a victory. My teammates and I The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

were backslapping and trash-talking when Ed looked up and, to no one in particular, said those three little words. “What did that old man say?” one of my teammates asked.

“He said, ‘Don’t get old,’” I replied.

We looked at each other and dismissed Ed with a shrug. He was just a sore loser throwing shade on our parade, I thought.

We went on celebrating. From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of him as he struggled with his ball bag. I couldn’t help but stare as he fought to scale the two steps to the main level. I turned away for a moment and when I looked again, I saw the back of his head as he limped out the door.

When he didn’t show up the following week, I assumed he was still suffering from the sting of the previous week’s defeat.

I asked one of his teammates where Ed was. I was told he fell at home and broke his hip. “He wasn’t a young man,” his friend said. I never saw Ed Miller again.

Through the years, Ed’s words have nagged at me. What is old? Was old a journey or a destination? Would it happen gradually or all at once? Would I know when it happened to me?

Recently, I was walking off the 18th green when one of the guys in our group said he had to hurry home because it was bowling night. Immediately my mind returned to those days when the kids battled the men for pots of cash and bragging rights.

Ed Miller’s ghost returned as well. This time I had an epiphany.

Maybe the lesson was less about getting old and more about staying young. If we weren’t so cocky that night long ago and Ed wasn’t so sad, his words might have been different. Instead of a dire warning, he might have said, “Stay young, my friends, as long as you can.”

Wisdom isn’t the only thing that comes with age; it can also bring regrets. If Ed Miller and I could have parted with a smile and handshake that night, our victory over the men would have been so much sweeter. PS Robert Kowalski is a transplanted Midwesterner who is glad to be living in the Sandhills of North Carolina.

PineStraw 47

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OUT OF THE BLUE

A Snowball for All Seasons Another cat finds a comfy home

By Deborah Salomon

For the past 14 years, I have devoted

this January column to my kitty companions, the last in a long line of adopted foundlings. Or so I thought. I am an animal person, happiest when in a relationship with a warm furball. But when coal-black, super-intelligent Lucky and fussbudget Missy died within six months of each other, I had a good cry, penned eulogies and announced my retirement, vowing not to weaken unless a hungry, sad kitty showed up at my door one frigid night.

Which is exactly what happened. I opened the door. She walked in . . . and that was that.

In March I devoted a column to her, prematurely as it happens, since multiple feline traits have emerged since then. So you cat deniers will have to dread January a bit longer.

I named her Snowball for eponymous reasons: She is covered in fine, wispy, pure white fur — a striking contrast to her pink mouth, nose and ears and, especially, her baby blue eyes. I could have bestowed Farrah since her beauty/coloring reminds me of Ms. Fawcett. Names aside, Snowball is the most gorgeous cat I have ever seen. Maybe the most beautiful in the world.

Simply staring at her makes me feel better.

Even when she has just removed each kittyfood “shred” from the bowl and strewn them around the mat, a bugle blast attracting an ant army.

But that’s OK because she’s so beautiful, especially after loving a lifetime of tabbies, marmalades, tigers and calicos. I am mesmerized, watching her groom out a hundred tufts of milkwhite fur which stick to the carpet like Krazy Glue.

After Snowball’s grand entrance I kept things low-key for a while, to let the newcomer adjust before The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

our first visit to the vet. He declared her female, 2-3 years old, in good health. He was reasonably sure she had been spayed.

Hmmm. Then why the restless week when, more talkative than usual, she showed interest in getting out? No neighborhood toms showed up to serenade the damsel. It passed, as did any desire to explore beyond four window perches where she chatters at the birds and squirrels — a kitty version of The View.

Since I work from home, Snowball and I are best buddies. She quickly established a routine: eat, play, nap, window-gaze, snack, play, nap, eat, get under my feet. She takes wicked pleasure in coming between me and the computer. When I coax her off the desk, out come the claws, morphing Farrah Fawcett into Jane Fonda.

When I sit down to watch TV she nips at my legs. Some nerve, she hisses, to prefer CNN’s Wolf Blitzer over my pulchritude.

Maybe Snowball needs a playmate, although I’m not sure her ego (or my shins or debit card) would allow. I Googled cat toys, finding one that promised “hours of invigorating and satisfying play for only $10.” Her reaction: a disdainful glance, not even a swat. Turns out she’s more into aluminum foil balls, easily swatted under the sofa.

She does adore chasing the disgusting black water bugs that creep in the back door. Being brushed . . . heaven, the equivalent of the full monty at a Pinehurst salon.

Don’t get me wrong. Snowball is affectionate without being mushy. I’ve yet to hear a purr.

She sleeps quietly beside me all night, demanding nothing. Early on I was able to get across that the kitchen counter is not her happy place. But Snowball’s attitude indicates that, beauty being in the eye of the beholder, she is an eyeful.

And doesn’t she know it.

Look, I can’t deny missing Pumpkin, Max, Sophie, Sam, Sadie, Shim, Oreo, Lucky and Missy. Each had a distinct personality, as well as long, healthy lives filled with love and chicken livers, as I hope Snowball will.

Because a thing of such beauty should be a joy almost forever. PS Deborah Salomon is a contributing writer for PineStraw and The Pilot. She may be reached at debsalomon@nc.rr.com.

PineStraw 49

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B I R D WA T C H

Oh, Canada The goose who came to dinner

By Susan Campbell

That unmistakable honk — we

have all heard it. Especially near golf courses, public parks or bodies of water. Canada geese can be found just about anywhere in our state. Their tan bodies, long black necks and heads with the characteristic white “chin strap” are unmistakable. Males, or ganders, are a bit larger than the females, referred to as geese, but other than that, the sexes appear identical. Pairs do remain together for life. However, if need be, they will seek a new mate in late winter. These handsome birds are vegetarians and well adapted to a variety of wet habitats.

At this time of year, aggregations of Canadas can number from hundreds into thousands of birds. Sadly, however, most of the birds are not wild individuals. The geese you are most likely

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

to encounter are the descendants of farm-raised Canadas that were introduced for hunting during the first half of the last century. With no parents to show them where to migrate to and from, they immediately became sedentary, hence our ability to encounter these large waterbirds on any day of the year.

For many years, Canada geese were the most abundant of the larger migratory waterfowl wintering on our Coastal Plain.

Tundra swans and snow geese were in the minority. Then as food became more abundant to the north — specifically as a result of agricultural practices around the Chesapeake Bay — the birds began short-stopping in the 1980s.

Concurrently, the number of snow geese has increased.

There is greater availability of food on the tundra during the breeding season, with a decreasing snowpack as temperatures have increased. And in the winter, there is less in the way of competition from Canadas. Snow geese are leerier of hunters and not so easily fooled by decoys as they were 30 years ago.

Swans, too, are far more challenging to hunt. Therefore, the number of birds surviving to breed come spring has boosted population numbers.

If you know where to go, you can encounter wild Canada geese in North Carolina though the locations are restricted PineStraw 51

B I R D WA T C H

to our coast. The larger wildlife refuges, such as Pungo, Mattamuskeet and Alligator River, host birds from up north each winter. These birds are as skittish as our local birds are tame. Although there is waterfowl hunting on these properties, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is careful to limit both the days when and the areas where hunting occurs. The majority of the acreage of these federal lands is truly a refuge for these and other species of waterfowl during the winter months.

Habitat on the refuges, as well as much of the adjacent state and private property, is managed to attract wintering swans and ducks in addition to geese. Cover crops such as corn, millet and a variety of native perennials are carefully fostered during the growing season as food sources for the visiting birds. Fields are flooded right before the flocks arrive to provide safety from terrestrial predators, such as bobcats, coyotes and even red wolves. These impounded areas have dikes with watercontrol devices that maintain the desired depth. Additionally, public access is controlled to reduce human disturbance.

Should you go in search of wild geese, there is plenty of

access for viewing. There is a long history of bird- and wildlifewatching on our federal refuges. Birdwatching and photography are very popular activities — especially in winter when the number of birds is nothing short of spectacular. There are good maps of the walking trails and roads open for driving. Thousands of people flock to marvel at the phenomenon each year. Some of us head east to ogle waterfowl multiple times during the season.

Regardless of where you encounter Canada geese in the winter, be aware that other waterfowl may mix in to gain what we think of as the “safety-innumbers” strategy. A lone snow goose, Ross’s goose or white-fronted goose may hang out with the Canadas for a few days or even a few weeks. This could be the case with the flock in your neighborhood. So the next time you pass a group of Canadas, it might be worth stopping to see if an unusual individual has joined the party. PS

The larger wildlife refuges, such as Pungo, Mattamuskeet and Alligator River, host birds from up north each winter.

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Susan Campbell would love to receive your wildlife photos or observations. She can be reached via email at susan@ncaves.com.

PineStraw 53

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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

SPORTING LIFE

A Sad Sign Reeling in an omen

“I thought of the endless garbage barges that are trundled out of Miami into the blue bright Atlantic. When the sea begins to stink, man better have some fresh green planets to colonize, because this one is going to be used up.”

— John D. MacDonald, One Fearful Yellow Eye

By Tom Bryant

Linda and I were camped in our little Air-

stream at our favorite Florida winter destination, Chokoloskee Island, right below Everglades City. It had been a hectic trip. Usually we try to take our time on the adventure south, trying to avoid other snowbirds who are in a bigger hurry to escape the winter cold. But on this trip, it seemed that the migration had doubled. Camper trailers and motor homes were elbow-to-elbow at the campgrounds, and we were lucky to find sites at the transient encampments along the route.

We always stopped along the South Carolina coast to enjoy special landmarks and good seafood, especially at Pawleys Island, Georgetown, Charleston and Edisto Beach. But on this trip, like the campgrounds, the restaurants were packed and had waiting lines. It was shaping up to be a different kind of winter sojourn.

The managers of the campground and marina we call home

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

for a couple of weeks in Chokoloskee had caught the snowballing of the snowbirds, and they had increased the number of parking sites. The problem with that was each site was smaller, or it seemed so. With the park being slam full, maybe the sites just seemed tiny. We were determined to make the best of it, though, and just enjoy the surroundings and camaraderie of the many friendly people there.

Everything was perking along nicely. We were getting used to the tight surroundings, catching a few fish, and enjoying the warm weather. We had about four days left before heading back home, so I decided to try fishing from the causeway that connected the compact island with Everglades City.

Early the next morning I decided to walk the nearly 2-mile hike to where I wanted to try my luck. Later, Linda was going into town to get a few groceries and said that she would pick me up if I was ready. The walk was uneventful. I only saw three or four cars on the causeway and thought most folks must be sleeping in.

I found a good spot under several alders that had been trimmed for shade and threw out a hooked shrimp on my bait casting rig and sorta hoped nothing would bite. The plan was to kinda kick back and use this morning to remember days gone by when I fished the bay with my grandfather. Back then, Chokoloskee was a true island, accessible only by water.

A soft warm wind was blowing out of the southwest, and ripples splashed gently on the bank. It was a contemplative time.

It was like my mom told me years ago when I was in a hurry to get some chore or another finished. “Slow down, son,” she said.

“Build memories, because when you reach old age they will be a pleasure to you.”

About a hundred yards out in the bay I saw a couple of porPineStraw 55

SPORTING LIFE

poise dive and roll as if they were playing. I had seen them before from my canoe. They would approach the boat like friends, surf across the bow a time or two, then dive, and I wouldn’t see them again. They became a welcome diversion, and I was glad to have their company on one of my last days of fishing.

Early boaters were heading out to the gulf while the tide was in. The bay gets almost impassable to bigger boats when the tide is out, thus the value of fishing from a canoe. I used to haul my Grumman on our winter trips but found it was easier to rent from the marina and save all that lifting and toting.

It was a wonderful morning. Cumulus clouds floated like cotton puffs, moving slowly across the beautiful blue sky. I had an optimistic feeling that nature would remain the same for years to come.

But then, here came empty plastic water bottles all attached to the holder that kept them together, floating in on the high tide.

I remembered what John MacDonald recorded in his Travis McGee book about all the garbage barges dumping their loads off the shores of Miami Beach. The same thing is happening in New York City. I’ve seen, with my own eyes, refuse barges being towed down the Hudson River out into the Atlantic to be dumped.

The older I get, the more I realize that this wonderful planet is gradually being used up. In my hometown, trees that we took for granted are mowed down to allow more and more construction. In my youth I hunted the swamps of Black Creek in South

Carolina, not far from the family home place. Now a golf course in the gated community of The Country Club of South Carolina takes the place of giant cypress trees where I used to roam at will.

Black Creek is no more than a fast water flowing ditch, a natural hazard for golfers.

One of the finest natural wild game habitat farms I had the privilege of using later in my duck hunting years was located in Alamance County, North Carolina, just 30 minutes from my house. That land has been sold and developed into 5- and 10acre so called mini-farms. Wild game that used to frequent the acreage has dispersed or become semi-tame pests accustomed to the easy life of living next to humans.

I once declared that I would never, in my observations of outdoor life, exclaim noisily: “Things aren’t like, nor nearly as good, as they were when I was a boy.” That sad thing which I haven’t proclaimed until today is unfortunately now a fact.

I used my fishing rig to cast out and hook the floating water bottles. I reeled them in and stowed them in my fishing bag for proper disposal later. I decided to call it a day for fishing. Time to hike back to camp and begin the chore of getting the rig ready to head back north. PS Tom Bryant, a Southern Pines resident, is a lifelong outdoorsman and PineStraw’s Sporting Life columnist.

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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

G O L F T OW N J O U R NA L

Buck and a Quarter Celebrating the Queen of the South

By Lee Pace

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY PINEHURST RESORT AND COUNTRY CLUB

The first day of 2025 represents the

launch of year number 125 in the existence of the Carolina Hotel, the grand and glorious structure commissioned by Pinehurst founder James W. Tufts to serve as the centerpiece for his fledgling wintertime resort.

The hotel was built with four stories in a T-shape, “thus all the rooms are open to sunlight and air,” noted The Pinehurst Outlook. It had 250 individual rooms and 49 suites, each with telephones, fireplaces, electric lights, steam heat and velvet carpets. The east wing featured a music room where the Pinehurst orchestra played nightly.

“It is painted in colonial colors, yellow with white trimmings,” said the Outlook in early January 1901. “It commands a view of the whole village and the surrounding country in all directions.

The grounds appropriated exclusively to the hotel are extensive and laid out in walks, bordered with trees, shrubbery and flowers. Roses, pansies, pinks and English violets are still in bloom.”

And most notably, it was located just a short stroll or trolley ride from “the most extensive and diversified golf ground in this country.”

The Carolina has been building on that legacy ever since.

The most famous names in golf have spent the night at The Carolina. Golf administrators and rules officials from the USGA and the R&A have checked in. Writers from Golf Digest and commentators from NBC Sports have been guests.

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

“Staying at The Carolina is like going back in time, to a much simpler time,” says Scott Straight, a frequent guest from French Lick, Indiana. “The history of this place is amazing. It’s like going to Yankee Stadium.”

“Looking at all the old photos on the walls, it’s amazing what it looked like 80 years ago and thinking, wow, all the greats of golf have come through here,” adds Charlotte’s David Williams, also a long-time regular at The Carolina.

The hotel, christened the “Queen of the South” upon its opening, has been a bucket list destination around the world of golf. It’s never looked and functioned better than it does today after an extensive renovation and upfitting that ran from November 2021 through the spring of 2024, when changes were completed in time for the U.S. Open Golf Championship.

The guest rooms have been renovated and are brighter, featuring new fixtures, finishes and custom-built furniture. The bathrooms have been expanded and upgraded with improved lighting and soundproofing. There are espresso machines on desks beneath wide-screen televisions. The previous guest rooms included large closets built originally to store the bulky trunks that travelers took by train and steamship on two- and three-week excursions. Now golfers pop in for a weekend, carry compact synthetic clothing and need only a wardrobe to hang their bags.

The lobby features new furnishings, comfortable seating areas and brighter, modern lighting fixtures that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The public spaces are accented by the return of notable touches from the past, such as the arched windows framing the exterior. The new design also includes updated check-in and concierge desks. There is a new coffee shop and just on the outside of the structure is an expansive patio and fire pit.

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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

G O L F T OW N J O U R NA L

Construction workers addressing changes to the hallway ceiling as you walk from the central lobby toward the east wing discovered that some 40 feet of original arched ceiling and dormer windows had been covered up years ago. In the spring of 2024, they knocked out the drywall ceiling and removed decades’ worth of the accumulation of asbestos, sprinklers and wiring.

Calvin Burkley, Pinehurst’s director of projects and planning, contacted the resort’s consultant, Glave & Holmes Architecture, for ideas on how to restore the old look.

Now as guests meander down the hall, looking at photos of Ben Hogan from the ’40s and Jack Nicklaus from the ’70s, they’ll bathe in natural light beneath a grand curved ceiling and dormer windows.

“It’s just lighter and brighter and brings a whole new look and feel to the hallway,” Burkley says. “Guests who’ve been coming here for 20 or 30 years walk through here and are just astounded.

They love it. It’s such a majestic look.”

Burkley joined the Pinehurst staff in 2018 and is in charge of all construction that is “not green” i.e., those projects away from the golf courses and landscaping.

“We want to make sure this is the best place for people to come for a long time,” he says. “We want to make sure we protect the history of it; that it’s timeless, historic, relevant and forward thinking.”

The Ryder Cup Lounge was a mainstay of the lobby for years and paid tribute to Pinehurst having been the venue for the 1951

competition between the American side and the Great Britain and Ireland team. But since hosting the 1999 U.S. Open, with three more to follow over a quarter-century, Pinehurst has developed a close kinship with the USGA, rendering its interest and chance of hosting another PGA of America owned-and-operated Ryder Cup null and void.

The Carolina Vista Lounge resides where the Ryder Cup Lounge once sat and is built around an expansive, rectangular bar. Specialty cocktails salute the game of golf. “The November Nine” is fashioned after the nine points the Americans won in winning that 1951 Ryder Cup by fusing bourbon and Carolina pecans. “The Amateur” is made of mezcal, lime and pomegranate juices and chipotle syrup to salute the North & South Championship — an event open to amateur men, women and seniors that began in 1900 as a means to draw golfers to Pinehurst and publicity to the resort.

All the improvements aside, the rambling hotel has preserved one of its charms. The floors in places still squeak. And not every golf ball struck with a putter on a late-night putting session before lights-out rolls perfectly straight. May those things never change. PS Lee Pace has written about the Pinehurst experience for more than three decades from his home in Chapel Hill. Write him at leepace7@ gmail.com and follow him @LeePaceTweet.

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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

January 2025

Still Life Entering that gallery so many years ago, I spotted a gem, the perfect fit for the remaining blank space on one wall in my living room.

It’s a small piece, really, to dominate such a large room — two slender pale yellow vases, each graced with a modest bouquet of brilliant orange hibiscus blooms, set off within an ornate gold frame, which glistens whether bathed by the afternoon sun or more simply, in the reflected light of a nearby lamp.

When I return to my apartment after dinner, I sometimes amuse myself by spinning a backstory for the painting: a peace offering from a contrite beau who’s wounded his sweetheart, a birthday gift from a loving daughter to honor her hard-working single mother.

But always it welcomes me home, and reminds me I’m still here.

— Martha Golensky Martha Golensky’s most recent poetry collection is titled Pride of Place.

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Pat Reagan as Jay Gatsby

By Stephen E. Smith • Photographs by Tim Sayer Photographed at Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities

t 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 27, 1966, I sat in the old Southern Railway depot in Greensboro waiting to catch the Peach Queen to D.C. for the semester break. It had been snowing all day, and the train was running late, but I’d brought along my English 112 anthology with the intention of reading The Great Gatsby, which was assigned to all secondsemester freshmen: “In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since . . . ” and so forth.

I tried to connect with the characters, but I didn’t know anyone like Nick Carraway or Tom and Daisy Buchanan. My family didn’t drive a snazzy automobile or live in a mansion with a swimming pool, but I read through chapter five before putting the novel aside. I spent the remainder of the evening playing penny-ante poker.

The conductor called “All aboard!” at about 11 p.m., and my fellow refugees and I climbed onto an olive-drab heavyweight prewar passenger car that had been added to the train to accommodate the increase in ridership. The heat wasn’t working properly and the lighting was poor, but I picked up reading Gatsby in chapter six as we lurched out of Greensboro. By the time we arrived in Richmond, Fitzgerald was waxing poetic and I’d made the necessary connection: “When we pulled out into the winter night and the real snow, our snow, began to stretch out beside us and twinkle against the windows, and the dim lights of small Wisconsin stations moved by, a sharp wild brace came suddenly into the air. We drew in deep breaths of it as we walked back from dinner through the cold vestibules, unutterably aware of our identity with this country for one strange hour, before we melted indistinguishably into it again.”

I finished my reading of Gatsby as the Peach Queen rocked through northern Virginia. It was still snowing, and it occurred to me, in my fatigued, mildly sentimental state, that Fitzgerald was correct: the future was already gone, “ . . . lost in the vast obscurity where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night.” It was obvious that he had a clear vision of what it meant to be an American: “ . . . tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms further. . . .” I knew, too, that the novel wasn’t intended to be read as a realistic depiction of life. It was an allegory with meaning and intent beyond its narrative components. Mostly, I was struck by the novel’s resonance — the futility of Gatsby’s untimely demise — and during the semester break, my mind kept drifting back to passages that struck me as lyrically poignant. I’ve been an admirer of Gatsby ever since.

In more than 50 years of hanging out with writers of various stripes and persuasions, I’ve never known one who didn’t consider F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby an essential and enduring moment in American literature. Gatsby was published 100 years ago, and considering the intervening Great Depression, World War II, the endless military, economic and political turbulence that has bombarded our consciousness — and the sad fact that we now live in an America where the laundry detergent we buy amounts to a political statement — it would seem inevitable that the novel would have lost some of its relevance. But that has not happened. For the thoughtful reader, Gatsby speaks as clearly and profoundly now as it did in 1925.

It’s reasonable to expect contemporary audiences to be mildly annoyed by the social ambiguities that intrigued readers a century ago. For example, there is no justice in Gatsby. In the early 20th century narratives — cinema, drama, black and white TV,

Matt Lamb as Nick Carraway with Pat Reagan as Jay Gatsby print media — the bad guys rarely got off without suffering the consequences of their misdeeds. Tom and Daisy, the characters Gatsby most admires, betray him, mastermind his murder by proxy, and are none the worse off for having done so. “They were careless people, Tom and Daisy — they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or the vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together and let other people clean up the mess they had made.” There’s undoubtedly a touch of the real world in that outcome.

Moreover, Fitzgerald set his novel during Prohibition, a longforgotten period when the possession of alcoholic beverages was against the law. Audiences reading the novel a century ago were very much aware of the scourge of alcohol addiction and the lawlessness of the cold-blooded criminals who controlled the distribution of intoxicating beverages. The passage of time has turned the mobsters of the ’20s into cartoons. In our world, criminals pop up on our phones and computer screens and stand on our street corners peddling overdoses. We’ve come to expect that they will get away with it.

Fitzgerald was no intellectual or social critic, but he was a masterful prose stylist, and the best passages in his stories and novels are all based on the musings of a perpetually love-sick frat boy who can’t let go of the past. Alcohol exacerbated this nostalgic inclination — and Fitzgerald was a hard drinker. The tales of his near-apocalyptic benders are legion and oft-repeated in biographies. Excessive drinking would eventually kill him, and it probably robbed his audience of more and better art. Still, the prominence of heavy drinking in the novel was a daring inclusion in 1925. Only Hemingway made a bigger deal out of alcohol consumption, and his settings were in foreign countries. To his credit, Fitzgerald constantly points out the ill effects of excessive

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alcohol consumption (Hemingway does not), but he never possessed the self-awareness to incorporate that knowledge into his disorderly lifestyle.

I suspect Gatsby strikes many contemporary readers as “quaint,” and its historical context no doubt casts a nostalgic shadow over those who find the Roaring ’20s — that frenzied period of economic prosperity and cultural change as depicted in Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 razzle-dazzle film treatment — captivating and kitschy. But what else does the novel offer? Orgies and automobile accidents, suicide and murder, unrequited love and impotence, giant symbolic eyeglasses, an ash heap, and a fatal fascination with the relationship of the past to the present — bits and pieces of plot and substance we might find in any postmodern American novel.

None of these minor inducements explains Gatsby’s lasting appeal.

It comes down to the theme — what Fitzgerald tells us about ourselves. The simple, direct and obvious message is best couched as a question: Is it possible to realize spiritual happiness through material possession? We may pretend to know the answer, but few of us ever practice a viable response, so we keep reading — and pondering. And Gatsby lives on and on.

Having bragged about my writer friends’ appreciation for Gatsby, I admit that an equal level of enthusiasm was not always shared by the college students I taught during my 34 years in academia. Once a semester, I’d announce that we’d be reading The Great Gatsby, and I’d look at my students, their faces a gauzy web of bewilderment, and I knew that I’d be unable to adequately communicate my enthusiasm for Fitzgerald’s masterwork. For a teacher of literature, there is no more discouraging moment than when he or she realizes that a student isn’t going to comprehend the joy a great book can impart, and how it can change one’s life for the better.

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

HAIR AND MAKEUP BY RETRO STUDIO; COSTUMING BY SHOWBOAT COSTUMES

Pat Reagan (Jay Gatsby) with Brynna McMillan as Daisy Buchanan I’d tell the students how I’d discovered Gatsby, replete with snowstorm and my rail trip north, and I’d read a few of my favorite passages. In most cases, I convinced them to read and enjoy the novel. Of course, there were always a few souls who’d resented the assignment since before they were born, but by and large, my students came to understand what Fitzgerald was telling them. I like to believe their lives were better for it.

For those who live in the Sandhills, a Fitzgerald connection is immediately accessible. In the late spring of ’35, the author of The Great Gatsby visited with novelist James Boyd and his wife, Katharine, in their home in Weymouth Heights, now the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities. Boyd and Fitzgerald shared an editor at Scribner’s, the celebrated Maxwell Perkins, who also edited Hemingway, Thomas Wolfe and Sherwood Anderson, and at Perkins’ insistence, Boyd had been cajoling Fitzgerald to visit for more than a year. He hoped that Boyd, solid citizen that he was, would have a positive influence on the wayward Jazz Age author. That did not happen.

Fitzgerald drank too much while visiting with the Boyds, and a week after his stay in Southern Pines, he wrote a lengthy letter of apology from Baltimore’s Hotel Stafford. “In better form I might have been a better guest,” he wrote with typical candor, “but you couldn’t have been better hosts even at the moment when anything that wasn’t absolutely — that wasn’t near perfect made me want to throw a brick at it. One sometimes needs

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

tolerance at a moment when he has least himself.”

If Fitzgerald was the American author most representative of the Roaring ’20s, that final evening with the Boyds in the Great Room at the Weymouth Center marked the end of the Jazz Age. The mid-’30s were the darkest period of his life. He was heavily in debt to Perkins and his agent, Harold Ober. His wife, Zelda was confined to the Sheppard-Pratt psychiatric hospital in Baltimore, and his financial resources were drained by his high living and his daughter’s tuition at the exclusive Bryn Mawr School. Because of his wastrel reputation, his short stories, always his primary source of income, were becoming difficult to place in popular magazines.

Fitzgerald soon relocated to Hollywood to write for the movies. When he died there in 1940 at the age of 44, Boyd wrote to Perkins that he’d recently reread The Great Gatsby and considered it the finest work of fiction written between the wars. He was correct in that appraisal.

Fitzgerald’s last royalty statement from Scribner’s, dated 1 August 1940, was for $13.13, which included the sale of seven copies of Gatsby. The novel was reissued to GIs during World War II. Eventually, it became ensconced in our literary canon, fitting neatly into the “major themes” approach to teaching American literature. In recent years, The Great Gatsby has sold over half a million copies annually, with over 30 million copies in print worldwide. PS

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By Bill Case John P. Marquand’s breakthrough novel, The Late George Apley, won him the Pulitzer Prize. From 1939 until his death in 1960 at age 66, six Marquand novels cracked the top 10 in annual sales. No author, including Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck, surpassed his output of bestsellers in that time frame. During Marquand’s heyday, he appeared on the covers of Time and Newsweek magazines, and Life magazine labeled him “the most successful novelist in the United States.”

Thus Pinehurst was abuzz in early 1956 when it was learned the famed author was staying in town for the winter. Convinced

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there was more October-like weather during colder months in Pinehurst than anyplace else, Marquand rented a house for the season — Nandina Cottage —and would purchase it three years later. He described its location as “the first house on the right after the double road becomes a single road, coming in from Southern Pines.”

The writer became enamored with the Sandhills during monthlong visits in 1954 and ’55 when he lodged with old friends Gardiner and Conney Fiske, Bostonian patricians who wintered in Southern Pines. The Fiskes’ home, called Paddock Jr., was in horse country. Conney rode in hunts (sidesaddle, no less) with the Moore County Hounds. Friends since 1912, John and Gardiner The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

met as undergrads at Harvard University, where Marquand wrote for The Harvard Lampoon and Fiske served as the magazine’s business manager.

Though the Sandhills constituted a relaxing change of scenery for Marquand, he did not curtail his writing. His early morning hours in Pinehurst were invariably spent working on new pieces. “As of this week,” noted a reporter who interviewed the author for The Pilot in February 1956, “he has just finished a serial for the Saturday Evening Post — which required a trip to the Orient last year. He has ‘almost finished’ an introduction to novels of his that are being reprinted; he is doing a couple of pieces for Sports Illustrated magazine; and he’s getting ready to start a new novel: subject undisclosed.”

For roughly 10 days each month, family matters and business dealings necessitated Marquand’s departure from his “fairly quiet life” in Pinehurst for trips to Cambridge, Massachusetts and/or New York City. He owned a home in Cambridge, where his second wife, Adelaide, spent the bulk of her time, sans John. On visits to New York, Marquand conferred with representatives of his publisher, Little, Brown and Company. While in the city, he generally bunked in with longtime friends Carl Brandt and his wife, Carol.

Brandt, Marquand’s literary agent since the early 1920s, helped jumpstart his client’s career by arranging for regular placement of his early short stories in the Saturday Evening Post, Cosmopolitan and other magazines. Both Carl and Carol (also a literary agent) contributed to Marquand’s climb to the top rung of authors by encouraging him to write novels. Carol also assisted John’s writing by persuading him to orally dictate his musings to a secretary.

Marquand’s most successful novels, including his Pulitzer Prize winner, contained heavy doses of satire. Several targeted the perceived foibles of New England’s old guard upper crust — the pomposity, clannishness, snobbery, excessive focus on family history and devotion to exclusive social clubs. While Marquand’s characters also shared some redeeming qualities, Boston Brahmin types nevertheless resented his portrayals.

When asked whether he might someday be tempted to write unflatteringly about Pinehurst and its residents, Marquand responded that the prospect seemed unlikely, adding that he “could perhaps some time write a book about Pinehurst — but then I’d probably not be able to come back here again.”

On the surface, Marquand seemed to possess the same deep

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

roots of the very bluebloods he satirized. He came from old-line stock, his ancestors arriving in the Colonies in 1732, settling in Newburyport, Massachusetts. There was family money, at least at first. The early generations of Marquands operated a thriving shipping business, so successful that John’s great-grandfather worried his wealth had become an embarrassment to his Puritan nature.

The writer’s grandfather, also named John P. Marquand, made his mark as a New York stockbroker and investment banker.

When he passed away in the 1890s, each of his six children, including the author’s father, Philip Marquand, inherited approximately $100,000, a tidy fortune at the time.

With the proceeds of that bequest, Philip purchased a seat on the New York Stock Exchange, and life was luxurious for Philip, wife Margaret, and young John in their spacious Rye, New York, home. The Marquands employed a cook, maid, coachman and a nanny. But when the Panic of 1907 upended financial markets, Philip lost everything, including his seat on the exchange.

The family’s upscale lifestyle came to a screeching halt. As John remarked later, “I was just a little boy living comfortably with my parents, and the rug was pulled out from under me.”

Philip, having been trained as an engineer, decided his best chance for a financial rebound was to seek employment on the West Coast, but he and Margaret concluded it was not financially

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Young John P. Marquand, circa 1925

feasible for their son, then 13, to accompany them. Thus it was arranged in 1907 for John to live with his two maiden aunts (Bessie and Mollie) and grand-aunt (Mary) in Newburyport at Curzon Farm, a family homestead built by the prior generation.

It had survived tough economic times thanks to the frugality of the aunts, who, perhaps, lived a bit too parsimoniously, since the dilapidated Curzon Farm was in dire need of repairs throughout Marquand’s residence.

During that time yet another aunt, Margaret (aka Greta) Hale, frequently visited Curzon Farm along with her six children. Greta was the wife of Herbert Hale, the son of Unitarian theologian Edward Everett Hale, author of a classic 1863 short story, “The Man Without a Country.” Coincidentally, Edward Hale also had connections to Pinehurst. At the behest of village founder James Tufts, he conducted nondenominational church services, a religious forerunner to what would become The Village Chapel.

Marquand befriended his Hale cousins, but quickly became aware of the economic disparity between them and himself.

Enrolled at prestigious private schools, the cousins enjoyed vibrant social lives. By contrast bookish and shy, John attended the local Newburyport High School and had few social outlets. His tight-fisted aunts exacerbated his discomfiture by informing him he would never be able to afford life’s niceties.

Marquand was a good enough student to earn a scholarship to Harvard University, beginning in the autumn of 1911. Though he aspired to be a member of one of the university’s famous social organizations, such as the Porcellian Club, founded in 1791, none asked him to join.

Marquand would later satirize the Harvard clubs for their pretentiousness, but by the same token, he grudgingly admired the traditions and sense of kinship the clubs promoted — an ambivalence reflected in his novels. Though later referring to himself as a “poor social outcast” at Harvard, Marquand’s time there could not have been all bad. Writing for the Lampoon carried weight on campus.

After graduating in 1915, Marquand landed a position as a reporter with the Boston Transcript newspaper, earning $15 a week.

He fell in love with and devotedly courted the beautiful Christina

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Sedgwick, progeny of a legendary Boston family — the very sort Marquand would later skewer. The young man was awestruck upon learning that Christina’s uncle, Ellery Sedgwick, was editor of Atlantic Monthly. He could not imagine a lowly hack reporter like himself ever writing anything worthy of publication in Uncle Ellery’s highbrow magazine.

Perhaps to impress Christina, Marquand joined a local National Guard unit — Battery A of the Massachusetts Field Artillery. In June 1916, his unit was ordered to Mexico to pursue the bandit Pancho Villa. Marquand made more friends in three months in Battery A than in his four years at Harvard. During his time on the border, he developed a gift for oral storytelling. His histrionic and comic presentations induced sidesplitting laughter from fellow soldiers.

When America was drawn into World War I, Marquand joined the Army. In contrast to his Mexican experience, bloodshed and death surrounded him on the fields of France, though he managed to return from the war physically unscathed.

After discharge from the Army, Marquand headed to New York with hopes of earning an income that would persuade Christina to marry him. To save money he lived with his Hale cousins. Following a brief stint as a Sunday feature writer for the New York Herald, Marquand entered the field of advertising, pitching slogans for Yuban Coffee and Lifebuoy Soap. But he despised the ad world and began considering whether he could make a living as a writer.

After observing that many fictional pieces appearing in the post-war magazines were “about a man of low social standing who falls in love with a girl who’s socially above him,” Marquand submitted a short story with that theme to the Saturday Evening Post. To his surprise, they bought it. To build on this triumph, he

Marquand is second from right, next to last row The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Christina Sedgwick Marquand

retained Carl Brandt, who assisted in placing more stories, generally for $500 apiece. Eventually Marquand segued to the writing of mystery stories, featuring Mr. Moto, a Japanese secret agent specializing in solving international crimes.

Marquand asked Christina to marry him several times during their seven-year courtship, though she, concerned they could not live comfortably on his writing income, put him off. When Marquand (with Brandt’s aid) sold a serialized novel in 1922 to Ladies Home Journal for $2,000, she consented. The newlyweds settled on Beacon Hill, Boston’s high society section, and would parent two children.

The marriage encountered turmoil almost from the start.

Christina was needy and John was impatient with her, particularly when she interrupted his work. So that he could write in peace, he rented a small room on Charles Street. To further avoid his wife, Marquand frequently bivouacked with the Fiskes at their Beacon Hill apartment.

Christina’s mother compounded the couple’s conflicts, disparaging her husband’s writing, labeling it cheap pulp fiction — hardly writing at all! “Why,” she wondered out loud, “can’t John write something nice for Uncle Ellery at Atlantic Monthly?” In fact, the Atlantic paid its contributing writers a pittance compared to the sums other publishers were doling out for Marquand’s potboilers.

John and Christina divorced in 1935. By then, Carl Brandt had married Carol. Marquand’s best friends were now two married couples — the Fiskes and the Brandts. In his biography The Late John Marquand, Stephen Birmingham writes that Marquand “enjoyed being the third point in a triangle that included a happily married couple . . . In these triangles he felt safe, comforted, loved — and assured of free lodgings, which he definitely appreciated.”

It was during the breakup of his marriage that Marquand began work on The Late George Apley, his satirical portrait of Boston’s upper class. To make sure he was headed in the right direction, he sought critical advice from Conney Fiske. Her insider’s knowledge of Old Boston and awareness of both the frivolities and positive attributes of her class helped temper Marquand’s ocThe Art & Soul of the Sandhills

casionally derisive tone. Conney would continue to play a sounding board role for Marquand throughout his career.

Set in the 1930s, The Late George Apply is the story of a wealthy gentleman, John Apley, who asks the undistinguished Boston author Horace Willing to write a no-holds-barred biography of John’s recently deceased father, George Apley. The request presents a dilemma for the fictional Willing, having been a friend of the deceased and thus naturally reluctant to disclose any unflattering details of Apley’s life.

Willing tells the story in epistolary fashion, quoting correspondence from his friend’s personal papers. Against all mores of upper crust (and Protestant) Bostonians, Apley courts a lovely Irish Catholic girl, Mary Monahan. This sort of departure from the natural order of things is, however, doomed on Beacon Hill.

Apley is unable to resist societal pressures and abandons the relationship. Willing, a bigger snob than his deceased friend, unsurprisingly approves of this decision, characterizing the dalliance as “a youthful lapse” on George’s part.

In a telling letter quoted by Willing, Apley admonishes his Harvard student son, John, that nothing, including the achievement of good grades, is more important than joining a prestigious club — an obvious reference to Marquand’s own Harvard experience.

In the letters the Beacon Hill elite stick together, travel together and attend the same schools. They tend to avoid contact with outsiders — even wealthy ones — if they lack a Back Bay connection.

Though pointing out the pomposity of all this, Marquand subtly expresses admiration for the positive qualities of George Apley: strong support of public and charitable activities, adherence to tradition, and unflinching loyalty.

While the book was no potboiler, it brought Marquand to the attention of more intellectually inclined readers than those of

Marquand’s agent, Carl Brandt, with wife Carol

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Marquand holding teacup circa 1940; left of him, Conney Fiske; right, Gardiner Fiske

his Mr. Moto series. When he was announced the winner of the 1938 Pulitzer Prize — besting Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men — his ex-mother-in-law must have been aghast.

In the same year he divorced Christina, Marquand met Adelaide Hooker on a visit to China. He was immediately attracted to her and, presumably, to her family legacy as well. Her direct ancestor, Thomas Hooker, founded Connecticut. Adelaide’s father headed an electrochemical manufacturing company, and her sister was the wife of John D. Rockefeller III. John and Adelaide would marry in 1937 and parent three children. However, Adelaide’s personal ambitions and insistence on involving herself in John’s business affairs aggravated him. She, in turn, suspected John of unfaithfulness, and not without cause. Over their 22-year marriage, mutual bitterness increasingly characterized the couple’s relationship. As he had with Christina, John sought escape, often in the companionship of the Fiskes and Brandts.

Though domestic tranquility proved largely illusive for Marquand, financial success was not. His follow-up novel, the New England-themed Wickford Point, placed fourth on the bestseller list for 1939. Though cast as fiction, the book appears to be a thinly veiled satirical reprise of Marquand’s childhood experiences at Curzon Farm. The members of the novel’s Brill family are recognizable stand-ins for John’s quirky, shabbily gentile aunts, and legacy-conscious Hale cousins. The book’s protagonist, Jim Calder, seems a dead ringer for John.

Marquand turned to the ominous backdrop of World War II to frame his mid-1940s novels. So Little Time, published in

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1943, ranked third in the bestseller list that year. The story deals with Americans who could not bring themselves to confront the likelihood of war in the uncertain period leading up to Pearl Harbor.

The author followed this success in ’46 with another sales hit, B.F.’s Daughter, in which the rebellious daughter of a conservative tycoon (B.F.) leaves her good-guy boyfriend to marry a left-leaning scholar. Enhancing the melodrama is the former boyfriend’s death in the war. Conflicts galore follow.

When World War II ended, many returning G.I.s chose business careers to achieve success and financial security. Marquand, observing a downside in climbing a company’s organizational ladder, authored Point of No Return in 1949. The plot centers around the question of whether the fictional Charles Gray will win a promotion to vice-president of the bank.

While his wife, Nancy, desperately wants it to happen, Charles is ambivalent. Disillusioned by the rat race and feeling looked down upon by the town’s elite, he is certain that obtaining the vice-president position will not lead to happiness. Nevertheless, when he ultimately receives the promotion, Gray dutifully accepts it. Life goes on, albeit unsatisfactorily.

Marquand’s rather dreary ending suggests that the Charles Grays of the world are powerless to resist society’s expectations, and it is futile for them to try.

Marquand novels were made into movies (and later television dramas) featuring major Hollywood stars like Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, Susan Hayward, Kirk Douglas, Ronald Colman, Robert Young and Hedy Lamarr. Peter Lorre played a recurring role as Mr. Moto in eight films. Enhancing Marquand’s income from novels and films were commissions earned from his stream of short stories, which magazines continued to snap up. He also became a Book of the Month Club judge, a gig paying $20,000 annually. By 1950, his combined annual income from these assorted ventures topped $100,000, remarkable for the time.

His success led to other perks. With Gardiner Fiske greasing the skids, he joined Boston’s Somerset Club, the preferred club of Boston Brahmin families. He played golf at another aristocratic haunt, Myopia Hunt Club. Harvard welcomed its newly discovered favorite son with open arms. Literary critic Terry Teachout noted that Marquand “bought his way into society with money made by writing stories and novels satirizing the world that had initially spurned him.”

So aside from his growing estrangement from Adelaide, The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

life was good for John P. Marquand when he arrived in the Sandhills in the mid-1950s. An ardent golfer, he joined Pinehurst Country Club. Frustrated by his high handicap, Marquand took lessons from the club’s professional, Harold Callaway. A favorite Marquand anecdote involved Callaway’s graphic tip for hitting a middle iron shot: “Imagine a fat man bending over in front of you. You’ve got to swing so the head of the club will go straight up his a**.”

Marquand generally played golf as a single at Pinehurst’s five courses, accompanied only by caddie Robert “Hard Rock” Robinson. Hard Rock, a charter member of the club’s Caddie Hall of Fame, cheered Marquand’s intermittent good shots.

But when the putts weren’t falling, Robinson would lighten the author’s mood by relating tales from his own colorful past. A tap dancer in his youth, Hard Rock appeared in early Fox Movietone films and claimed to have once danced with Gloria Swanson.

Soon after his arrival, Marquand joined The Tin Whistles, a membership society of Pinehurst Country Club’s male golfers formed in 1904. Given Marquand’s golf bashfulness, it is unlikely he made many appearances in society competitions, and there is no record of him having won anything, though he did become a regular attendee at Tin Whistle social occasions. His affability and whimsical humor must have made a favorable impression, since the author was elected to the organization’s board of governors and served on its Audit Committee.

Marquand also joined The Wolves, a men’s bridge club.

Friend and fellow Wolves member George Shearwood recalled a game of bridge with John that “died a natural death somewhere around the second deal, if, indeed, it ever even got that far” once Marquand began spinning tales.

Guests at Pinehurst’s cocktail parties experienced Marquand’s stand-up act in its top form. “Give him an audience, however small, and he was off,” marveled Shearwood. “He was a terrific storyteller, the more so with his hand wrapped around a glass, whose contents may have contributed somewhat to his bent for the sardonic, satiric and sometimes almost satanic.”

Marquand made friends with a number of Pinehurst couples, including the Shearwoods, and hosted numerous gatherings at Nandina Cottage. Despite immersion in the village’s social whirl, he did not neglect his morning writing routine, dictating to secretary Marjorie Davis, who stayed in a small apartment over the garage. One novel Marquand partially wrote there, Sincerely, Willis Wayde, contained a Pinehurst reference when Wayde attends a convention at the Carolina Hotel.

He also penned a hilarious spoof of country clubs for Sports Illustrated titled “Life at Happy Knoll.” One character, Old Ned, serves as Happy Knoll Country Club’s bartender. He can’t mix drinks worth a damn, but management fears replacing him because he knows too much. Though a poor mixologist, Ned is an attentive listener and a master at getting overserved members to unburden themselves, hearing more confessions of adulterous affairs than a Catholic priest.

Then there is the club’s golf pro, Benny Muldoon. Having won the state open, he threatens to leave Happy Knoll for more profitable digs at rival Hard Hollow Country Club. Despite his

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

golf chops, Benny is a terrible instructor who never improved a member’s game. He’d rather chase women than teach them.

Yet management views it imperative to overpay Benny so Hard Hollow won’t snatch him away.

Enterprising young board member Bill Lawton suggests the club liven up its annual dinner by hiring a “professional drunken waiter” for the evening’s entertainment. A more senior member responds, “Why pay for an artificial drunken waiter when flocks of real ones would be present at no additional cost?” While members at Marquand’s two real golf clubs, Myopia Hunt and Pinehurst Country Club, may have speculated as to whether the author was satirizing them, it’s doubtful he was targeting Pinehurst. He revered the place. “At least it has one thing that other resorts lack,” he wrote, “a consistent and carefully maintained tradition. I know of no other winter resort where money in and of itself counts for so little.”

Though Marquand’s Pinehurst experiences during the late 1950s brought him a degree of tranquility, unsettling events disrupted his personal life. He constantly warred with Adelaide before finally divorcing. His two best friends, Gardiner Fiske and Carl Brandt, passed away. Bouts of loneliness seem to have gripped Marquand, given that he asked both newly widowed Carol and Conney to marry him. Both women declined, though Carol and John apparently did maintain an intimate relationship.

The loss of his close friends caused Marquand to brood. “Just think,” he reflected, “I’ve spent all my life working so I can meet and have fun on their own level with people like the people at Pinehurst, and now all the best ones are dead or dying, and all the rest are nothing but God-damned fools.”

Marquand mitigated his ennui with public appearances and peripatetic travel to far-flung places. The Pilot, keeping track of the whereabouts of locals, reported his excursions to Boca Grande, Florida; Italy; the Virgin Islands; Greece; and east Africa. His six-week visit to the latter destination was made in the company of travel agent George Shearwood, On July 15, 1960, a few months after his African journey, Marquand died suddenly in his sleep at his summer home in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He was 66. Shearwood summed up his friend’s time in Pinehurst: “John Marquand, in those winters of his life down here, full of prestige, and still strutting in stage center to the enjoyment of all of us and himself in particular . . . a very relaxed, amusing good companion who fitted into the local scene with ease, and perhaps a sense of happy relief at being far removed from the crowded world in which he fought his way to the peak of his profession.”

While Marquand reached the top rank of authors during his lifetime, it is also true that neither he nor his writings achieved the lasting import of a Steinbeck or Hemingway. Perhaps it is because the subjects he generally tackled, though riveting in their time, became passe. He held no illusion that his fame, or that of his novels, would long endure. “When you are dead,” he mused, “you are very dead, intellectually and artistically.” PS Pinehurst resident Bill Case is PineStraw’s history man. He can be reached at Bill.Case@thompsonhine.com.

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STORY OF A HOUSE

First Impressions A home with a sunny disposition

By Deborah Salomon • Photographs by John Gessner

W

ho says you can’t tell a book by its cover? Or, for that matter, a house by its façade?

This one — with bright yellow clapboards, bumpy fieldstone walkway and fanciful front porch — almost shouts “Welcome!” from the end of a long wooded driveway opening onto a busy road. Carry-On Cottage, its name posted on a tree, was built in 1937, and sounds as upbeat and admired as one of its previous owners, Miss Hall, a legendary fourth-grade teacher.

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Further provenance is unnecessary. Given the enthusiasm and skills of owners Linda and Larry Wolf, how could living there not be a sunny experience?

Linda and Larry were high school sweethearts in Connecticut, married during college, lived in Boston, then on Linden Road in Pinehurst. Larry, fit and perpetually tanned, directed tennis programs at Pinehurst Resort and elsewhere. Linda attended the New York School of Interior Design.

Renovation spins their wheels. They bought Carry-On Cottage in 2005. “A home base for our three kids,” Linda explains, as well as a project worthy of their skills.

The three kids now arrive with five grandkids to an expanded homestead that fairly oozes personality expressed in bright colors, family memorabilia, Design Market “finds” like metal end tables painted bright red, and the occasional surprise: Linda points to two interior split (“Dutch”) doors, left behind by an owner with tall dogs who objected to being shut away. A framed sign from The Tennis General Store recalls a previous business venture. A tiny table set for chess reminds Larry of his parents, and a stormy seascape by son Tyler represents Linda’s bout with chemotherapy.

Renovations, as expected, went way beyond cosmetic. All systems needed replacing. The one bathroom begged an upgrade but in 1930s black and white, with beadboard panels. Two additions happened at separate times. The first resulted in a small TV den adjoining the kitchen, the other a master suite/sitting room/spa bathroom. New window frames were made to match the old. Hooked rugs over original knotty pine floors add character, as do glass doorknobs. The armoire was rescued from the Pinehurst Hotel, painted black and distressed, while the carved settee came from grandparents.

A four-poster bed, antique quilts and family photos complete the retro charm.

Linda didn’t shy away from splashy floral upholstery in the living room, the colors echoing her and Tyler’s paintings, several depicting their favorite hydrangeas, others Cape Cod scenes mounted The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

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on deep-turquoise walls, a color furloughed from the modern décor palette.

No surprise that the fireplace burns wood.

For Larry, wood is a hot topic. Tennis, it seems, isn’t his only game. Observe the massive, roughhewn corner cupboard in the small TV room. “I made it for the children’s toys,” Larry says, with modest pride. He also made their dining room table, a patio picnic table and a long bench. The edge of his low coffee table bears teeth marks left by the grandchildren. Other handiwork, Linda says, “was made to look old,” while some light fixtures surely arrived by FedEx. For the last century renovators have come to lavish space and funds on kitchens. Jumbo appliances circling islands weren’t an issue in the thrifty ’30s. Linda and Larry’s kitchen, a carefully planned second renovation completed during the COVID shutdown, is a small pass-through done in black and off-white, with a two-seat breakfast bar. For this cooking couple, more important than the latest gadget is a cookbook written and illustrated by the Wolf children, a compilation of their Grandma Bonnie’s recipes. Sausage gravy, anyone?

Despite the attention lavished on the interior Larry calls the cottage an “outside house” where, weather permitting, Christmas brunch is served on the patio. His al fresco activities include replanting donated dead chrysanthemums which, few people realize, are perennials that will bloom again.

Larry’s raised beds yield tomatoes and peppers, which he pickles.

The Wolfs, soon celebrating their 50th anniversary, have accomplished what many couples desire without achieving: “This will be our retirement home,” Linda says. A manageable size, convenient location, repository of cherished family artifacts, informal and sturdy on a big lot with a firepit and a shed.

To seal the deal, the exterior glows an appropriate sunshine yellow. Now who says you can’t judge a book by its cover? PS

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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

A L M A N A C

January

And suddenly, you know: It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.

— Meister Eckhart

By Ashley Walshe

January is a flickering candle, a blanket of starlight, a question blurted in the dark.

Before the day breaks, the quiet morning lures you into its luscious chamber. Outside, whispers of ancient myths illuminate the inky sky. You light a candle, watch the flame perform its sacred dance.

Quivering in perceived stillness, the fire speaks in a language raw and primal. What but the ecstasy of darkness could make the light act as a howling dervish? What but the silent tongue can taste the succulence of nothing?

Deep in the forest, a barred owl dances like a candle, wings raised as he bobs and sways in naked branches.

Who cooks for you? he cries into the silken void.

Who cooks for you-all?

The quiet cradles every note.

Who cooks for you? he blurts again, urgent and steady.

The candle shivers. The silence deepens. The mystery bellows back.

Soon, the brightest stars will fade into the tender blush of dawn. Flickers of a hidden world will vanish. The everything of silence will be gone.

Sop up the rapturous blackness of this pregnant morning. Be as the trembling candle — danced by an unseen song. Let the silence deepen, let the darkness sweeten, let the mystery make itself known.

Winter Bloomers Bless what blooms in this barren season: Christmas roses, early crocus, daffodils, snowdrops, clematis and — what heavenly fragrance! — aromatic wintersweet.

Translucent yellow flowers adorn the bare branches of this deciduous shrub, perfuming the air with lemony sweetness. Native to China, this woody ornamental thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Nothing like a dainty olfactory delight to greet us at the dawn of this bright new year. What’s best? The deer can’t stand it.

Out With the Old Nothing lasts forever. But the mail-order fruitcake comes pretty darn close.

Dig into the history of this notable loaf and you may find yourself down the nut-studded rabbit hole. Ancient Egyptians buried their pharaohs with it. In ancient Rome, the dense cake sustained soldiers in battle.

And in the early 18th century, “plum cake” was outlawed throughout Continental Europe on account of its “sinfully rich” ingredients.

What was once a symbol of grand indulgence became a cheapand-easy Christmas gift when department stores began stocking their shelves with the commercially made wonders we all know and, well, know. Some love it, some loathe it, and — on January 3 — some hurl this Yuletide offering into the great blue yonder.

National Fruitcake Toss Day started in Manitou Springs, Colorado, in the 1990s. Their annual event, called the Great Fruitcake Toss, features various competitions in which participants launch the bricklike loaves by hand, slingshot or cannon. Fruitcake remains are donated to local farms for animal feed or compost. A gift that keeps giving indeed.

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PS PROfiles The People & Businesses That Make The Sandhills A More Vibrant Place To Live And Work!

JANUARY 2025 SPONSORED SECTION

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LOLLY NAZARIO

MANDY BERG OWNER, HOME STAGER

When Mandy Berg founded Complete Design Group of North Carolina, it was more than a career move. While she’s always had an affinity for a well-styled home, after discovering home staging, that interest quickly became a passion. She loves seeing an empty space come together in a matter of hours and enjoying the impact that organization, decluttering and styling can have in an occupied home.

Mandy is a “Pinehurstian” at heart, even though she wasn’t born in the area. Her greatgrandparents came to Pinehurst during the Donald Ross era, and when she and her husband, Billy, moved here in 2018, her two children became the fifth generation of her family to live here. Luckily they all love calling Pinehurst home as much Mandy always has.

It was her homecoming to Pinehurst that introduced her to home staging. When she began making their new house a home, her Realtor noticed her keen eye for design and suggested the idea, encouraging her to explore the field of staging.

Unlike many other home staging services, Mandy and her team own their own inventory and have a warehouse of carefully curated furniture and decor to fit a variety of spaces, on trend with the latest styles in home design. This helps ensure a seamless service from installation to pick-up.

While realtors rave about her services in staging successful listings, vacant or occupied, Mandy offers design consultation for private homes as well. Mandy understands that selling a home can be stressful and loves that her staging helps lead to the desired result. Many times clients end up wishing she’d come in while they were still living there, and she’s happy to answer that call as well.

If you’re seeking to create your own special place in the Sandhills this year, or need help sprucing up your listing, reach out to Mandy and her team at Complete Design Group of North Carolina to curate a beautiful space that will welcome you (or them) home.

407.668.8673 CompleteDesignGroupnc.com

LISA RENEE OLDROYD, MSN, FNP-BC

Pretty is as pretty does. That couldn’t be more true for Lisa Oldroyd, owner of the new small business VOSS Aesthetics and Wellness, PLLC located at Studio Elite in Aberdeen. Lisa’s spent much of her 20+ year nursing career working in facial and plastic reconstructive surgical areas. She’s completed 40 volunteer medical mission trips to Third World countries doing cleft lip and palate surgeries. Lisa even founded her own non-profit organization, Surgical Wings Inc., that provides financial assistance for surgical mission trips, worldwide.

Lisa brings her life experiences and nursing expertise to VOSS, namely facial balancing through the use of Botox and fillers. She specializes in naturallooking lip filler and aesthetic and medical Botox treatments for both men and women with the goal to create beautiful, balanced, natural facial and neck features with youthful hints, never looking “done.”

According to her patients, these natural looking enhancements are Lisa’s trademark. And they would know – as a solo practitioner, Lisa controls her own schedule, giving her the time to consult with every patient and discuss their goals and expectations. That personal attention and anatomical expertise is unique in the market, and keeps her patients coming back.

And so will her friendly pricing. VOSS membership includes exclusive prices for members on Botox, VOSS medical grade skin care line, and lip and dermal fillers, for a patient experience centered on you.

Lisa and her family left her hometown of Santa Cruz, California in 2003, after a discovering “a community that felt like family” in Moore County. Along with her husband and son Lisa has created circles of dear friends, both in the medical community and the equestrian community. She welcomes the opportunity to help you achieve your personal aesthetic goals at VOSS.

Studio Elite • Aberdeen, NC 910.944.4744 • 910.585.0030 vossaestheticsandwellness.com surgicalwings.org

POYNER SPRUILL LLP In the fresh light of a new year, everyone is eager to set new goals. One of the best resolutions you could make is to finalize your estate plan. Tackling this hurdle now will be a gift to your family for years to come. The trusts and estates attorneys at Poyner Spruill LLP’s Southern Pines office are here to help.

Poyner Spruill is a storied firm, tracing its history back to 1883. The long-established Southern Pines location has flourished under the leadership of Chalk Broughton, a devoted Moore County native. Chalk was inspired by his father, who served locally as a trusts and estates lawyer for over 50 years. They both shared a love of counseling families with their estate planning needs.

Chalk is excited to welcome Tyler F. Chriscoe to Poyner Spruill as a partner. Tyler is also a native of northern Moore County, and his family represents a long line of local potters.

As a first-generation college graduate, Tyler comes from a family that always prized education, and becoming an attorney was a childhood aspiration. In college, he found his passion while studying legal philosophy, as it offered both intellectual rigor and a path to serving others. Today, Tyler thrives by helping his clients navigate complex legal matters, saying, “with the firm’s long-standing tradition of excellence in this area, I am honored to carry that legacy forward while serving my home county.”

Tyler and Chalk focus their practices on estate, trust, and probate law. They advise individuals, families, and closely-held business owners on all aspects of their estate and tax planning matters, as well as issues relating to the transfer of business interests to family members in a tax-efficient manner. They are the only attorneys in Moore County who are North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialists in Estate Planning and Probate Law.

CHALK BROUGHTON

135 W New Hampshire Ave, Southern Pines, NC 910.692.6866 poynerspruill.com The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

TYLER F. CHRISCOE

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DR. DALE MCINNIS, EdD HEAD OF SCHOOL

The O’Neal School is a Moore County institution, providing an independent education to children of the Sandhills for over 50 years. Now, as of November 2024, they have a hometown boy in the Headmaster’s chair.

The new Head of School, Dale McInnis, EdD, was born in Pinehurst and raised near Ellerbe in Richmond County. He chose to stay in state for his education, earning his doctorate in higher education administration from NC State University and a master’s in business administration from Campbell University. Even as a college student at UNC-Pembroke and while earning his Campbell masters, Dale has always lived and worked in the Sandhills.

With a grandchild on the way in the Charlotte area, Dale and his wife Thomasa are excited for many good things to come in the new year, not least of all those on Airport Road.

Dr. McInnis has 32 years of experience in education working in the North Carolina Community College System, the past 14 years as president at Richmond Community College. The O’Neal School’s reputation, location and history made it an appealing place to expand and extend his career, continuing to serve students and their families in a new setting.

Wallace O’Neal Day School was founded in 1971 by a group of parents in the community who wanted an independent school education for their children in grades 4-6. Since then, the School has grown to serve students from preschool through high school and has changed its name to The O’Neal School.

With plenty of laurels already in their crown, such as the 100% college acceptance rate of O’Neal graduates, the #1 ranking of The O’Neal Athletics Program and its place in the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina, Dr. McInnis knows there are still brighter things to come for the team at O’Neal.

“I am ready to help build on the School’s excellent reputation, its brand and rich history of success,” he says.

“My greatest achievement is serving students and learning of their accomplishments and successes. Being trusted to help young people grow into great people is a source of pride and satisfaction.”

3300 Airport Rd • Southern Pines 910.692.6920 • ONealSchool.org

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403 Monroe St, • Carthage • 910.947.3739

KEITH MONEYMAKER NEW OWNER

JACKIE CRAVEN

KEVIN PURVIS

FORMER CO-OWNER

FORMER CO-OWNER

MID-STATE FURNITURE A second-generation entrepreneur, Keith Moneymaker is known for his innovative approach and deep commitment to community.

Since taking over his family business in 2013, he has transformed Sweet Dreams Mattresses & More into a trusted regional brand and industry leader. Under his leadership, Sweet Dreams expanded its visibility and services, including founding the Dreams 4 All Foundation in 2016, which has donated thousands of mattresses to families in need, earning Keith recognition in Furniture Today’s 40 Under 40 awards.

Another family business, Mid-State Furniture, was founded by Lois Jean Purvis in 1987, who built it into a trusted community staple through determination and a strong work ethic. After her passing in The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

2023, her children, Jackie Craven and Kevin Purvis, continued her legacy. Ready to retire, they found the perfect successor in Keith, a local entrepreneur with a deep respect for Mid-State’s history.

Keith is excited to honor Lois Jean’s legacy while introducing fresh energy and innovation, maintaining the store’s established identity while modernizing operations and offerings. New designfocused elements, led by an expert interior designer, will include curated vignettes and an expanded selection of furnishings. With his vision and respect for tradition, Keith is poised to build on Mid-State Furniture’s success, ensuring it remains a vital part of the Carthage community.

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Over $200,000 was raised for The Boys & Girls Club during their Variety Show at the Sunrise Theater this past November— enough to provide sponsorships for 135 local children.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE SANDHILLS Children are our best hope for the future but their vulnerability can place them at a disadvantage. Fortunately for kids here in the pines, not all heroes wear capes. For the past 25 years, members of this community have been stepping up to serve the children of Moore County through The Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills.

The Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills was established in 1998 and welcomed Moore County’s youth beginning in 1999. General Francis Roberts, a community stalwart and Club alumnus ignited the initiative, finding an ally in Pat Corso, the President of the Pinehurst Resort at the time. Their efforts, bolstered by the success of the 1999 US Open at Pinehurst #2, were further championed by celebrated golf course architect Tom Fazio and Robert H. Dedman, Sr., the owner of the Pinehurst Resort. The Dedman Family’s generous donation of $500,000 was pivotal in laying the foundation for the Club’s long-term success and the 2002 transformation of the old Southern Pines Fire Station into the Club’s current home marked a significant milestone.

Over the years the Club has flourished and expanded to four centers now serving 1,200 children annually, with more than 12,000 children served in total here in Moore County. 13 full time employees and 39 part time employees work tirelessly at the four different locations – The Baxter Teen Center, Logan-Blake Unit, The Sandhills Community College Unit, and The Trinity Performing Arts Unit. Together with volunteers, they provide programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, workforce readiness, and character development. From STEM activities to leadership programs and sports, children can find a safe, supportive environment where members can learn, grow, and thrive.

Every weekday after school, the team serves Club members by offering transportation from school, homework help, a hot meal, and engaging structured programs and activities. All four Clubs are open daily after school from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – when research has shown children to be most vulnerable to gangs, violence and other risky behaviors – offering young people a range of fun and productive activities. During the summer, the Clubs stay open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing three daily meals, exciting field trips, and fun summer activities. In many cases these centers serve young people with nowhere else to go. Families contribute just $50 for the school year and $150 for the summer, ensuring affordability for all.

The Boys & Girls Club is filling an urgent need in our community. More than 60 percent of the Club members receive free or reduced lunches, and 42 percent come from single parent households. But those numbers don’t seem as daunting stacked against the encouraging stats which reflect the power of structure and mentorship in their lives: 90% of Club members believe that they can stand up for what is right; 87% believe that they make a difference in their community, and 96% are performing at grade level for their age.

The hard work of The Boys and Girls Club team does not go unnoticed, and this program has been voted Best of the Pines for “Best Summer Camp”, and “Best Place to Give Your Time and Money.” Moore County is a community filled with love and generosity, and the ability to serve Club members is made possible only by the unwavering financial support and dedication of our incredible community. Volunteers can assist in regularly recurring Club activities, execution of special event programming, or the incredibly fulfilling mentoring program, working oneon-one with a Club member for the course of an academic year. So, if you’re too old to take advantage of that “Best Summer Camp” award, consider sharing your time and resources over at The Boys & Girls Club. You’ll be glad you did.

2024-25 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Vinette Gordon (Chair)

Mark Scott (Vice Chair)

Tom Boals (Treasurer)

Jeff Gilbert (Secretary)

Bill Van O’Linda (Immediate Past Chair)

Tiffany Bartholomew Linda Carrier Jonathan Davis Whitney Foushee Christa Gilder George Graham Bryan Hawkins Paul Whit Howard Nancy Kiska Paul Kochis Mary Logan Tony Price Pat Rudovsky Linda Schneiter Gena Smith Kristi Snyder Alfreda Stroman Libba Thomas David York

160 Memorial Park Ct, Southern Pines • 910.692.0777 • sandhillsbgc.org

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January ����

To add an event, email us at pinestraw.calendar@gmail.com

arts & entertainment Although conscientious effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, all events are subject to change and errors can occur! Please call to verify times, costs, status and location before planning or attending any events.

Thursday, January 2 SUPPORT GROUP. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The Sandhills Chronic Kidney Disease Support Group meets the first Thursday of each month at the Clara McLean House, Shadowlawn Room, 20 First Village Drive, Pinehurst. Info: angela@sandhillsckd.com or kathy@sandhillsckd.com.

Friday, January 3 LUNCH BUNCH. 11:30 a.m. Adults 55 and older are invited to dine on different cuisines each month as we visit restaurants in the area.

Carpool with friends or meet at the restaurant.

Dining locations will be chosen the week before. Info: (910) 692-7376.

Saturday, January 4 KID’S SATURDAY. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Families are invited to a monthly themed craft event to socialize and get creative.

Geared toward ages 3 - 10. Given Memorial Library, 150 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 295-3642 or www.vopnc.org.

WATCH PARTY. Kids in grades K - 5 can stop by the library for a cozy winter watch party all day long. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www.sppl.net.

Sunday, January 5 ART DEMONSTRATION. 2 - 4 p.m. Watch our instructors as they demonstrate the various mediums they will be teaching. Then register for the classes that interest you. Artists League of the Sandhills, 129 Exchange St., Aberdeen.

Info: www.artistleague.org.

92 PineStraw

Alcohol Ink Art Class

Tuesday, January 7 • Douglas Community Center WRITING GROUP. 3 p.m. Are you interested in creating fiction, nonfiction, poetry or comics? Come to the Sunday Afternoon Writing Group. Connect with other writers and artists, chat about your craft, and get feedback about your work. All levels welcome. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: lholden@sppl.net.

Monday, January 6 QUILTS OF VALOR. 12 - 4 p.m. Quilts of Valor meets the first Monday of each month to create lap quilts made especially for veterans. If you sew, bring your machine, if you don’t sew, you can iron or cut out fabrics for new designs. This is a free program. Moore County Senior Enrichment Center, 8040 U.S. 15-501, West End.

Tuesday, January 7 BRAIN FITNESS. 10 - 11 a.m. Adults 18 and older are invited to enjoy short relaxation and brain enhancement exercises, ending with a mindfulness practice. Eve Gaskell will be the instructor. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

ALCOHOL INK ART. 10 - 11 a.m. Adults 55 and older can enjoy this easy and beautiful alcohol ink-on-tile art class. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

WINTER SOWING PARTY. 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Join Liz Myers-Chamberlin, environmental activist/educator and organic/regenerative gardener to learn about the biodiversity crisis. Start with a short movie, then plant some native seeds using the winter sowing method. All seeds, soil and supplies will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring plastic jugs. Ball Visitors’ Center at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, 3245 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info and registration: www.sandhills.edu/horticultural-gardens/ upcoming-events.

Wednesday, January 8 GOSPEL MUSIC. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. See how Elvis was deeply touched by gospel music.

Owens Auditorium, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info: www.ticketmesandhills.com.

ART OF CHAGALL. 1 - 2 p.m. See famed French artist Marc Chagall at work in his studio. Owens Auditorium, 3395 Airport Road, The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

JA N UA RY CA L E N DA R Pinehurst. Info: www.ticketmesandhills.com.

ELVIS SPECIAL. 3 - 4 p.m. Enjoy “Elvis: One Night With You.” Owens Auditorium, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info: www.ticketmesandhills.com.

OPENING EXHIBIT. 6 - 8 p.m. The exhibit “Shade of the Longleaf Pine” will be on display. Arts Council Galleries, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: www. mooreart.org.

learn about topics in science, technology, engineering, art and math, and to participate in STEAM projects and activities. This month the Climate Crisis Working Group will have stations set up to explore solar panels, composting and emergency preparedness kits. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or kbroughey@sppl.net.

Thursday, January 9

CORNHOLE. 12 - 1 p.m. Adults 55 and older are invited to play cornhole with friends. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

Friday, January 10 PRUNING WORKSHOP. 1 p.m. Explore techniques, timing and plant-specific pruning needs during this presentation with Ashley Grubb, area horticultural agent with N.C. State Extension. She will provide demonstrations, answer questions, and provide a pruning calendar for the Sandhills region.

Free of charge. Ball Visitors Center at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, 3245 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info and registration: www.sandhills.edu/horticultural-gardens/ upcoming-events.

Saturday, January 11 CRAFT DAYS. Children and their families can come by the library for Drop-in Craft Days and work on crafts and coloring at their own pace. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www.sppl.net.

Sunday, January 12 STEAM. 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Elementary-aged children and their caregivers are invited to The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

WHITEHALL BOOK CLUB. 2 p.m.

Southern Pines Public Library’s book club for adults meets to discuss this month’s book. The book club is open to the public. Whitehall Property, 490 Pee Dee Road, Southern Pines.

Info: mmiller@sppl.net.

Thursday, January 16 READ BETWEEN THE PINES. 5 p.m.

Do you love reading and discussing amazing books? If so, join SPPL’s evening book club for adults, “Read Between the Pines.” Copies of the book are available at the library to check out while supplies last. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: mhoward@sppl.net.

ELVIS AND CHAGALL. 7 p.m. Enjoy a fascinating evening with a multimedia experience of “Elvis and Chagall.” Owens Auditorium, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info: www. ticketmesandhills.com.

TEXTURE IN THE GARDENS. 10 a.m.

Join this docent-led tour to see how each area of the gardens offers a variety of textures that provide winter interest. Free of charge. Ball Visitors’ Center at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, 3245 Airport Road, Pinehurst.

Info and registration: www.sandhills.edu/ horticultural-gardens/upcoming-events.

Wednesday, January 15

Pruning Workshop Friday, January 10 Ball Visitors Center, Sandhills Horticultural Gardens

Monday, January 13 PHOTO CLUB. 7 p.m. Sandhills Photography Club monthly meeting presents “Amazing Photo Destinations: The Outer Banks of N.C.” with Mark Buckler showcasing the stunning diversity of the Outer Banks. Guests welcome.

Sandhills Horticultural Gardens Ball Visitors Center, 3245 Airport Road, Southern Pines.

Info: www.sandhillsphotoclub.org.

Tuesday, January 14 HATHA YOGA. 10 - 11 a.m. Adults 55 and older can increase flexibility, balance, stability and muscle tone while learning the basic principles of alignment and breathing.

You may gain strength, improve circulation and reduce chronic pain practicing gentle yoga postures and mindfulness. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

AARP TALK. 12 – 12:30 p.m. Adults 55 and older are invited to join AARP for a fraud talk. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE. 6:30 p.m.

This is the annual members’ meeting where members can make short presentations on topics, read a Civil War letter or give a brief history of a Civil War relative. Meeting starts at 7 p.m. Open to the public. Civic Club, corner of Pennsylvania Ave. and Ashe St., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 246-0452 or mafarina@aol.com.

Saturday, January 18 STORYTIME. 10:15 a.m. Saturday Storytime is a once-a-month program for children from birth to age 5. There are stories, songs, rhymes and smiles as caregivers and young children interact and explore the fun of language and early literacy. This indoor story time has some space constraints. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: www.sppl.net.

ORIGAMI WORKSHOP. 12 - 2 p.m. Kids in grades 3 - 8 can enjoy a youth origami workshop with Rollie Sampson. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Campbell House, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info and registration: (910) 692-2787 or heather@mooreart.org.

HARMONY BRIGADE. 7 - 9 p.m. Enjoy the 31st Annual Harmony Extravaganza with the North Carolina Harmony Brigade, an elite group of barbershop singers. Owens Auditorium, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst.

Info: www.ticketmesandhills.com.

Monday, January 20 CLASSICAL CONCERT SERIES. 7:30 p.m.

Listen to music from classical pianist Zee Zee. Sunrise Theater, 250 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines. Info: www.sunrisetheater.com.

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JA N UA RY CA L E N DA R

Tuesday, January 21 BRAIN FITNESS. 10 - 11 a.m. Adults 18 and older are invited to enjoy short relaxation and brain enhancement exercises, ending with a mindfulness practice. Eve Gaskell will be the instructor. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

CANVAS ART. 10 - 11 a.m. Adults 55 and older can enjoy this fun step-by-step tutorial with canvas art. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

BINGO. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Adults 55 and older are invited to play 10 games of bingo. Cost is $4 for residents and $6 for non-residents.

Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

CHEESY SOCK DAY. 12 - 2 p.m. Adults 55 and older are encouraged to wear their creative socks for a chance to win a fun prize.

Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines.

Info: (910) 692-7376.

BOOK CHAT AND CHILL. 5:30 p.m. Join a relaxed evening of bookish conversation. Bring a book to chat about (or one to swap if you’d like) and enjoy great company, good vibes and plenty of literary inspiration. Southern Pines Growler, 160 W. New York Ave., Southern Pines. Info: mhoward@sppl.net.

RUTH PAULEY LECTURE SERIES. 7 - 8 p.m. Listen to a presentation by Dr. Katy O’Brien on “The Thinking and Talking Brain: Communication, Connection, and Mental Health after Brain Injury and Concussion.”

Owens Auditorium, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info: www.ticketmesandhills.com.

Thursday, January 23 INTEREST MEETING. 2 p.m. Looking to join a book club? Interested adults are invited to this organizational meeting. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: mmiller@sppl.net.

Friday, January 24 EXPLORING BLUEBIRDS. 10 a.m. Whether you are a recreational birdwatcher or a citizen scientist, you can enhance your skills and have

your questions answered. David Kilpatrick will be giving a presentation. Ball Visitors Center at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, 3245 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info and registration: www.sandhills.edu/horticultural-gardens/ upcoming-events.

HOMESCHOOL HANGOUT. 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Homeschool Hangout is a monthly drop-in space for homeschooling families in grades K-12. Meet up with others and work on activities based on this month’s theme. We will have some activities and resources available for you, but please bring your own. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: www.sppl.net.

BOOK EVENT. 5 - 6 p.m. The Country Bookshop welcomes Bennett Parten, to talk about his book, Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman’s March and the Story of America’s Largest Emancipation. The Country Bookshop, 140 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines. Info: www.ticketmesandhills.com.

Saturday, January 25 DOG FUN RUN. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Bring your four-legged friend for exercise and socialization

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Universalist

1650 Valley View Road• Southern Pines, NC Adjacent to Hyland Golf Course on US 1

910-692-0855 • www.WindridgeGardens.com Winter Hours: Fri.-Sat, 10AM-5PM • Sun. 1PM-5PM

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

JA N UA RY CA L E N DA R in this fun run through the woods. All entries will receive a participation prize. Medals will be given to 1st - 3rd place winners. Cost is $5 per pet and $2 per additional pet. Registration required. Whitehall, 490 Pee Dee Road, Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

Community Congressional Church, 141 N. Bennett St., Southern Pines. Info: www.ticketmesandhills.com.

Wednesday, January 29 CONCERT. 7 p.m. Enjoy a guitar concert featuring French classical guitar virtuoso Gabriel Bianco. McPherson Theater, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info: www.sandhillsbpac.com.

PRESENTATION. 10:30 a.m. Cindy Scheibnovosel will present “Historic Clothing of the 1850s.” She will share her knowledge of the culture and customs behind historic fashions as well as display pieces that she has made. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: www. sppl.net.

Thursday, January 30 WELLNESS CLASSES. 10 - 11:30 a.m. For adults 18 and older to explore educational topics improving the overall mind, body and spirit. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

MET OPERA. 1 p.m. Verdi’s Aida. Sunrise Theater, 250 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines.

Info: www.sunrisetheater.com.

TRIBUTE CONCERT. 8 - 10 p.m. Listen to the British Invaders, a professional tribute band covering the great British bands of the 1960s. Owens Auditorium, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info: www.ticketmesandhills.com.

DOUGLASS CENTER BOOK CLUB. 10:30 a.m. Multiple copies of the selected book are available for checkout at the library. The Douglass Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: mmiller@sppl.net.

Book Event

Sunday, January 26 MUSIC PROGRAM. 4 - 5 p.m. Violinist Megan Kenny and violist Holland Phillips present a program of dance-themed repertoire.

Friday, January 24 • The Country Bookshop

SENIOR OUTING. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Adults 55 and older can take a trip to the Temple Theatre to watch The Sweet Delilah Swim

New Year, 1-18

MUSIC EVENT HARMONY BRIGADE

The North Carolina Harmony Brigade’s 31st annual harmony extravaganza!

Owens Auditorium

1-24

AUTHOR EVENT Bennett Parten

The Country Bookshop welcomes author Bennett Parten.

The Country Bookshop

1-25

MUSIC EVENT THE BRITISH INVADERS

New You!

HARD-TO-FIND SIZES AND WIDTHS

65,000 items in stock | Men’s 7-17, 2A-6E | Women’s 4-13, 4A-4E

Tribute band to all the great British bands of the 1960s.

Owens Auditorium

1-31

MAINSTAGE SERIES Jim Caruso’s Cast Party

Showbiz superstars hit the stage alongside up-and-comers.

Bradshaw Performing Arts Center

MORE EVENTS & BUY TICKETS AT TICKETMESANDHILLS.COM CREATE YOUR OWN EVENT

info@ticketmesandhills.com

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

the shoe market

Family-Owned, Full-Service, High-Quality Comfort Shoe Store 4624 West Market Street • Greensboro | 336.632.1188 | theshoemarketinc.com

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JA N UA RY CA L E N DA R Team. Cost is $45 for residents and $63 for non-residents. Info: (910) 692-7376.

Friday, January 31 MAINSTAGE SERIES. 7 - 8:30 p.m. Enjoy Jim Caruso’s “Cast Party” with Billy Stritch.

Owens Auditorium, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info: www.ticketmesandhills.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, February 8 CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Savor chocolate treats of all kinds, including our “church fudge.” Enjoy a gift boutique, doughnut and hot chocolate bar, a boxed lunch, a cake walk, a chef’s chocolate demonstration and a silent auction. Pinehurst United Methodist Church, 4111 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info: www.pinehurstumc.org.

WEEKLY EVENTS

Thursday, February 6 BOOK EVENT. 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The Country Bookshop welcomes Marion Elliott Deerhake discussing her book Jane Pratt.

Weymouth Center, 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: www.ticketmesandhills. com.

Friday, February 7 BROADWAY PRODUCTION. 7 p.m. The Sandhills Community College Department of Theater presents You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Owens Auditorium, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Info: www.ticketmesandhills.com.

Mondays WORKSPACES. 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Given Tufts Bookshop has a new pop-in co-workspace open on Mondays and Thursdays in the upstairs conference room. Bookshop floor and private meeting room by reservation only. Info: www.giventuftsfoundation.com.

WORKOUTS. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Adults 55 and older are invited to get their workout on. Open Monday through Friday. Cost for six months: $15/resident; $30/non-resident.

Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

CHAIR YOGA. 9 - 10 a.m. For adults 55 and older. Help offset body aches encountered with desk work. This is an accessible yoga class for bodies not able to easily get up from and down to the floor. Do standing or sitting in a chair. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

STRENGTH AND BALANCE WORKOUT. 11 - 11:45 a.m. Adults 55 and older are invited to enjoy a brisk workout that focuses on balance and strength. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

RESTORATIVE YOGA. 12 p.m. For adults 55 and older. Practice gentle movements to improve well-being, circulation, and alleviate pain. Bring your own mat. Free of charge.

Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

GAME ON. 1 p.m. For adults 55 and older.

You and your friends are invited to play various games such as corn hole, badminton, table tennis, shuffleboard, trivia games, and more.

Each week enjoy a different activity to keep moving and thinking. Compete with friends

Chocolate

FESTIVAL

Shop local & handmade at Downtown Southern Pines’ own pottery studio and gallery Mon-Sat 10 to 5 www.ravenpottery.com

260 W. Pennsylvania Ave • Southern Pines, NC • 336-465-1776

Saturday, February 8 9 am - 1 pm

ENJOY:

SILENT AUCTION (9 AM-12 PM)

AMAZING CHOCOLATE TREATS DONUT & HOT CHOCOLATE BAR COOKING WITH CHOCOLATE DEMO

GIFT BOUTIQUE BOX LUNCH CAKE WALK

Proceeds go to: Kind Souls, Sandhills/Moore County Coalition for Human Care, Family Promise of Moore County

PINEHURST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

910.215.4559 | www.pinehurstumc.org

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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

JOIN US IN JANUARY

Benefit Luncheon January 28, 2025 • 11:30am at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst

3245 Airport Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374

Join us for our annual fundraising luncheon to support our mission: to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking rebuild their lives.

1/7 - Native Plant Winter Sowing Party, 1:30pm 1/9 - Monthly Tour - Texture in the Gardens, 10:00am 1/10 - Pruning Workshop, 10:00am 1/24 - All About Bluebirds, 10:00am

Interested in giving or attending?

RSVP

https://www.sandhills.edu/horticulturalgardens/upcoming-events.html

An Independent, Interdenominational Church An Independent, An Independent, Interdenominational Welcoming Interdenominational Church Church Christians of All Welcoming Welcoming Christians All Christians ofofAll Denominations Denominations Denominations

DONATE

Unifying all learn more at friendtofriend.me/2025luncheon Christians through Unifyingthe all Word of God Unifying all Christians through Three Distinct Christians through the Word of God the Word of God Sunday Worship Three Distinct Three Distinct Sunday Worship Sunday Worship Services Services Services

8:15amDistinct Communion Service Three Services

Three Distinct Services

2nd & 4thDistinct Wednesday of theService month 8:15am Communion Three Services 9:30am Family Service 8:15am 8:15am Service American Heritage Girls andCommunion Trail Life Troop 9:30am Family Service 11:00am Traditional Service 8:15am Holymeet Eucharist 1898 at Heritage Hall

9:30am Family 8:15amService 11:00am Service HolyTraditional Eucharist

11:00am Traditional Service Holy9:30am Eucharist 8:15am Communion Service THE VILLAGE CHAPEL AND 9:30am Service Family Service Family withService 8:15am Communion 9:30am CHANGING DESTINIES MINISTRY 11:00am Traditional Service Children’s Sermon 9:30am Family Service Family Service with HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS 11:00am 11:00am Traditional Service SEMINAR FOR PARENTS & YOUTH Children’s Sermon Traditional Worship JAN 24 • 6 -8:30 PM Nursery is provided for all services.

11:00am

8:15am 9:30am Communion Service 10 Azalea Road • Pinehurst • 910-295-6003 Join usService to learn howService 9:30am Family Traditional Worship Join us to discover Family with www.tvcpinehurst.com you can protect yourself Nursery provided allyour services. www.facebook.com/tvcpinehurst what ismakes us for unique.

10 Azalea Road • Pinehurst • &910-295-6003 others Traditional from becoming a 11:00am Service Children’s Sermon Join us victim to discover www.tvcpinehurst.com of human trafficking www.facebook.com/tvcpinehurst what makes us unique.

11:00am

Three Distinct Services 8:00am - Holy Eucharist 9:30am - Family Service with Children’s Sermon 11:00am - Traditional Worship

Traditional Worship

Nursery is provided for all services.

10 Azalea Road • Pinehurst • 910-295-6003 Join us to discover www.tvcpinehurst.com The Art & Soul of the Sandhills www.facebook.com/tvcpinehurst what makes us unique.

10 Azalea Road • Pinehurst • 910-295-6003 www.tvcpinehurst.com • www.facebook.com/tvcpinehurst

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JA N UA RY CA L E N DA R and make new ones all for free. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

TAI CHI. 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. For adults 55 and older. Improve balance, mentally and physically, to help reduce the rate of falls in older adults, while increasing vitality, posture, and relaxation. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

BRIDGE. 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. For adults 55 and older. Enjoy games of bridge with friends.

Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

Tuesdays BABY RHYMES. 10:15 a.m. Baby Rhymes is specially designed for the youngest learners (birth- 2) and their caregivers. Repetition and comforting movements make this story time perfect for early development and brain growth. There is a duplicate session at 10:45 a.m. An active library card is required.

Dates this month are Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W.

Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www.sppl.net.

Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

GAME DAY. 12 p.m. Enjoy bid whist and other cool games all in the company of great friends. For adults 55 and older. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

BRAIN BOOST. 10 - 11 a.m. Test your memory while creating new brain connections. This is a free program. Moore County Senior Enrichment Center, 8040 U.S. 15-501, West End.

CHESS. 1:30 - 5 p.m. Join a chess group, whether you have been playing for a while or never played. This is a free program. Moore County Senior Enrichment Center, 8040 U.S. 15-501, West End.

KNITTING. 10 - 11 a.m. Learn how to knit or just come enjoy knitting with other people. This is a free program. Moore County Senior Enrichment Center, 8040 U.S. 15-501, West End.

LINE DANCE. 4:45 p.m. Put on your dancing shoes and line dance. This is for beginners and is a free program. Moore County Senior Enrichment Center, 8040 U.S. 15-501, West End.

Wednesdays

BABY STORYTIME. 10 - 11 a.m. Have fun developing the foundation for your baby’s later reading with stories, songs and play.

Open to parents and caregivers of infants from newborn to 24 months. Moore County Library, 101 W. Saunders St., Carthage. Info: (910) 947-5335.

CHAIR AEROBICS. 10 - 11 a.m. For adults 55 and older. Put on your boogie shoes and let’s jam. Get fit partying up a sweat to music through the ages. Stand and chair dance to this energizing, low-impact aerobic workout.

Douglass Community Center, 1185 W.

LEARN AND PLAY. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Enjoy an open play date with your toddler or preschooler with developmental toys and puzzles as well as early literacy tips for parents and caregivers to incorporate into daily activities. Dates this month are Jan. 8, 15, 22 and

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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

JA N UA RY CA L E N DA R 29. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www.sppl.net.

IMPROV ACTING CLASS. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For adults 55 and older. Are you ready to laugh and have fun? Sign up for a free improvisational acting class. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines.

Info: (910) 692-7376.

PIANO. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Join Flint Long to either play piano or just listen. This is a free program. Moore County Senior Enrichment Center, 8040 U.S. 15-501, West End. LINE DANCING. 12 - 1 p.m. Looking for new ways to get your daily exercise in and care for yourself? Try line dancing. For adults 55 and older. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines.

Info: (910) 692-7376.

BRIDGE. 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. For adults 55 and older. Enjoy games of bridge with friends. All materials included. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

DANCE. 2 - 2:30 p.m. For adults 55 and older. Instructor Maria Amaya will introduce dance fitness in a class designed for anyone who wants to gently and gradually increase cardio function, mobility, and balance while having fun at the same time. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines.

Info: (910) 692-7376.

LINE DANCING. 2 p.m. The town of Vass will host line dancing for seniors every other Wednesday. Cost is $5 per session. Vass Town Hall, 140 S. Alma St., Vass. Info: www. townofvassnc.gov.

CHAIR VOLLEYBALL. 1 - 2 p.m. For adults 55 and older. Get fit while having fun. Free to participate. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines.

Info: (910) 692-7376.

TAI CHI. 2 - 3 p.m. For adults 55 and older.

Improve balance, mentally and physically, to reduce the rate of falls in older adults, while improving vitality, posture and relaxation. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

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IMPROVISATIONAL ACTING. 3 - 4 p.m.

For adults 55 and older. Explore this dynamic art form through a variety of roles, unleashing creativity, embracing the unexpected, and sharing some laughter together. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

LIBRARY PROGRAM. 3:30 p.m. At The Library After School (ATLAS) is an afterschool program for ages kindergarten through second grade who enjoy activities, crafts, stories, and meeting new friends. Dates this month are Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www.sppl.net.

TAI CHI. 6:30 p.m. Come learn tai chi. There is no age limit and the classes are open to the public. Cost is $10 per class. Seven Lakes West Community Center, 556 Longleaf Drive, Seven Lakes. Info: (910) 400-5646.

Thursdays WORKSPACES. 7 a.m. - 3p.m. The Given Tufts Bookshop has a new pop-in co-work-

Moore County’s Generator Guys!

910-241-4752 YOUR PREFERRED LOCAL GENERAC DEALER

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PineStraw 99

JA N UA RY CA L E N DA R space open on Mondays and Thursdays in the upstairs conference room. Bookshop floor and private meeting room by reservation only. Info: www.giventuftsfoundation.com.

MOORE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. The year-round market features “producer only” vendors within a 50-mile radius providing fresh, local and seasonal produce, fruits, pasture meats, eggs, potting plants, cut flowers and local honey. Crafts, baked goods, jams and jellies are also available. Market is located at the Armory Sports Complex, 604 W. Morganton Road, Southern Pines.

GIVEN STORY TIME. 10 a.m. Bring your preschooler to enjoy stories, songs and activities. Given Memorial Library, 150 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst. Info: 910-295-3642.

BALANCE AND FLEXIBILITY. 10 - 11 a.m.

Adults 55 and older are invited to enjoy a class to help reduce the risk of taking a tumble while increasing the ability to recover if you do.

Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines.

Info: (910) 692-7376.

MUSIC AND MOTION. 10:15 and 10:45 a.m. Does your toddler like to move and

Feel fabulous in fur this winter!

Supplies are on site. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

ZUMBA. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Adults 55 and older are invited to get and stay fit by joining this free Zumba dance workout series. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

Cabin Tours

CHESS AND MAJONG. 1 p.m. For adults 55 and older. Bring a board and a friend.

Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

groove? Join Music and Motion to get those wiggles out and work on gross and fine motor skills. For 2 - 5 year olds. An active library card is required. Dates this month are Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www.sppl.net.

CABIN TOURS. 1 - 4 p.m. The Moore County Historical Association’s Shaw House grounds, cabins, and gift shop are open for tours and visits. The restored tobacco barn features the history of children’s roles in the industry. Docents are ready to host you and the cabins are open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Shaw House, 110 W. Morganton Road, Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-2051 or www.moorehistory.com.

Thursdays • Shaw House

CROCHET CLUB. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Adults 55 and older are invited to come with friends to create fun designs and memories.

IMPROVERS LINE DANCE. 3 - 5:30 p.m.

Put on your dancing shoes and line dance.

This is a free program. Moore County

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4139 NC Hwy 211 | West End, NC

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

JA N UA RY CA L E N DA R Senior Enrichment Center, 8040 U.S. 15501, West End.

W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

LITTLE U. 3:30 p.m. Introducing Little U, Southern Pines Public Library’s preschool program for children ages 3 1/2 to 5. There are stories, songs, rhymes, and activities that explore the world of books, language, and literacy. Little U is a fun and interactive program designed to help preschoolers develop early literacy skills in preparation for kindergarten and beyond. Dates this month are January 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-8235 or www.sppl.net.

JAM SESSION. 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Do you like to play an instrument, sing or just listen to music? Come join a music jam session.

This is a free program. Moore County Senior Enrichment Center, 8040 U.S. 15501, West End.

TRIVIA NIGHT. 7 - 9 p.m. Come enjoy a beer and some trivia. Hatchet Brewing Company, 490 S.W. Broad St., Southern Pines. Info: www.hatchetbrewing.com.

Fridays AEROBIC DANCE. 9 - 10 a.m. For adults 55 and older. Enjoy this low-to-moderate impact class with energizing music for an overall cardio and strength workout. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185

TAP CLASS. 10 - 11:30 a.m. For adults 55 and older. All levels welcome. Cost per class: $15/resident; $30/non-resident. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

QIGONG. 1 p.m. For adults 55 and older.

Classes will consist of chair and standing movements to help soothe achy feet, tight hips, and lower back pain while easing restrictions in mobility. Free of charge. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376.

BRIDGE. 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. For adults 55 and older. Enjoy games of bridge with friends. All materials included. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-7376. PS

Lookin’ for Linda LADIES FASHION BOUTIQUE

from page 111

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PineStraw 101

Arts & Culture

MAKE YOUR MARK

Christ Church Anglican

To advertise on PineStraw’s Arts & Culture page call 910-692-7271

HOLY COMMUNION: Sunday 10:30am Wednesday 10:00am King James Version Bible 1928 Book of Common Prayer 1940 Hymnal

Diocese of the Holy Cross The Anglican Catholic Church Founded Advent I November 28, 2004

750 Fairway Drive, Southern Pines NC 28387

arts

910-246-0955 | cca-nc.org

All lectures begin at 7 p.m. and are held in BPAC’s Owens Auditorium at Sandhills Community College. Registration is required and FREE. Please scan the QR Code or use the TicketMeSandhills link below to register.

The Ruth Pauley Lecture Series also welcomes your donations to help us offset our yearly costs.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: TicketMeSandhills.com ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: RuthPauley.org

102 PineStraw

& culture

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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Arts & Culture

Community Congregational Concerts presents

CAMELLIA CHAMBER MUSIC PROJECT

910-944-3979

Gallery Hours: Monday - Saturday 12-3pm Gallery • Studios • Classes

129 Exchange Street in Aberdeen, NC artistleague@windstream.net • www.artistleague.org

January 26, 2025 • 4:00 PM

Come to the Dance!

Violinist Megan Kenny and violist Holland Phillips present a program of dancethemed repertoire. Join us for the music of Chopin, Handel, Milhaud and more as we hear the waltz, the sarabande, the mazurka, the polonaise, the jig and others.

Community Congregational Church 141 North Bennett St. • Southern Pines 910.692.8468 www.communitycongregational.org/concerts

TICKETS:

Paint a Bowl & Fill a Bowl

Visit The 9th of September in Southern Pines and paint a soup bowl for Empty Bowls; a fundraising event to benefit Sandhills/Moore Coalition.

Empty Bowls, a community-wide event, takes place in March and features a simple meal of soup, bread and dessert from area chefs.

Attendees will receive a hand pained bowl from The 9th of September as a reminder of their neighbors in need.

$18.00 each includes bowl, paint, & firing Call ahead to ensure availability Painted bowls will be donated to Sandhills Coalition The 9th of September 2160 Midland Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387 (910) 695-9063 Share your creativity by painting a soup bowl for the Coalition!

For more information, visit www.sandhillscoalition.org or call (910) 693-1600 ext. 207 The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Instructors Demonstration Day and Class Registration Event Artists League of the Sandhills Sunday, January 5, 2:00-4:00 Start the new year off by taking an inspiring art class or workshop. On January 5, visit the League and watch our instructors as they demonstrate the various mediums that they will be teaching - then register for the classes that interest you. There will be preview demonstrations and information about classes in Problem Solving, Abstract Painting, Drawing, Pastel, Oil, Oil with Cold Wax, Watercolor, Gouache, Acrylic, Alcohol Ink, Encaustic Wax, Fiber Art, Scratchboard, Mixed Medium, and Collage. Learn something new, advance your current skills, and discover the benefits and discounts of a League membership.

The exhibition of our instructors’ paintings will be hung in our gallery and will remain open through Thursday, January 30th . Join us for a fun afternoon and enjoy light refreshments. You can view the complete class and workshop list on our website.

Gallery Hours: Monday - Saturday 12-3pm Ask Us About Becoming a Member • 129 Exchange Street in Aberdeen, NC Visit our website for many more classes. www.artistleague.org • artistleague@windstream.net PineStraw 103

Arts & Culture

Based on Roald Dahl’s novel, the world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious chocolate factory…but only to a lucky few. Five golden ticket winners embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination, including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa-Loompas!

BOOK BY David Greig | MUSIC BY Marc Shaiman | LYRICS BY Scott Whittman & Marc Shaiman | BASED ON THE NOVEL BY Roald Dahl DIRECTED BY Marc de la Concha | CHOREOGRAPHED BY Isaiah Silvia-Chandley | MUSIC DIRECTION BY James Clark, Jr. Rated G for EVERYONE. This musical is perfect for the entire family! | TICKETS- $19–$37

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW! CFRT.org | 910.323.4233

Visit the Arts Council Galleries at Campbell House in January & February to view an art exhibit,

In the Shade of the Longleaf featuring

Jonathan Douglas & Will Defee Exhibit Open January 8February 12, 2025 Meet-the-Artists Opening Reception: Fri., January 10 (6-8p) Gallery Hours: Weekdays (10a-5p) Weekend Date & Hours: Sat., January 18 (12-2p) And by appointment, by calling the Arts Council at 910-692-2787 *The Arts Council offices and galleries will be closed on January 20, 2024.

104 PineStraw

The Arts Council’s

proudly presents

Classical Concert Pianist

Zee Zee Mon., January 20 7:30 PM Sunrise Theater

Basic Origami Workshop

Art Saturday January 18 • 12-2 PM Arts Council Galleries at Campbell House 482 E. Connecticut Ave. Southern Pines

“A powerful, passionate and compelling representation of pure artistry.”

- Los Angeles Times

Come learn with artist Rollie Sampson and create a modular unit to take home.

Thank You to Our Series Sponsors

Open to youth in grades 3-8 Only 20 spots available! $5 members $10 non-members Please call or email to register:

heather@mooreart.org 910.692.2787

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

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Patti Callahan Henry FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025 • 3 — 5 p.m.

The Colonnade at Revolution Mill: 900 Revolution Mill Drive • Greensboro, NC 27405

O.Henry magazine proudly presents Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times-bestselling author of 19 novels, including Becoming Mrs. Lewis, Once Upon a Wardrobe and Surviving Savannah. We invite you to celebrate the release of Patti’s latest novel with us. The Story She Left Behind, out on March 20, is a tale that spans decades and continents, crossing from the coast of South Carolina to England’s Lakes District, and weaving together mystery and family legacy with the lyrical prose Patti’s fans know and love.

Books are available for purchase with ticket to be picked up at event, plus we will have The Country Bookshop on hand with more.

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The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

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Pick up a copy of the 2025 Bride & Groom at The Pilot’s office or online at pinestrawmag.com

PineStraw 107

SandhillSeen

An Evening with Jimmy Webb Sandhills Comunity College Owens Auditorium Friday, November 22, 2024 Photographs by Diane McKay Crystal Brown, Jessica Locklear

Gary & Marcia Krasicky

John & Jo Williams, Amy & Charles Crabtree

Joe Brown, Julie Voigt

Deb & Bruce Hockman

Kit McKinley, Rip Charbonnet

Stephanie & Jim O'Malley

Ollie & Wanda Sweeney, Barbara Huitzingh, Harlan McCaskill

108 PineStraw

Germaine Elkins, Morgan Sills

Kathy & Tom McPherson, Don & Rae Anne Kinney

Jennifer Dail, Joshua Ward (Tito), Cassidy Asbury

Sarah Prestipino, Glenda Kirby

Penny Enroth, Leo Reddy

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

SandhillSeen Opening Meet & Blessing of the Hounds Cameron's Meadow Thursday, November 28, 2024 Photographs by Jeanne Paine Jay Bozick, Jennifer O'Tuel, Grace Bozick

Peter Doubleday, Rev. Thomas Hurbold

Margot Rawlings, Susan Wain

Jena & Kensington Kirby, Chelsea Haefiner, Lauren Clarke, Amy Heklvig

Anne Tate, Kirk & Sallie Beth Bell

Isabelle Jones, Lincoln Sadler, Dr. Jock Tate, Mel Wyatt, Thomas Neville, Moore County Hounds

Mary Grace & Ashlee Huntley, Eleanor & Laura Turner

Molly & River Hopton

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Graham Stallings, Ash Virtue, Casey Holderfield, Bill Virtue

Peggy & Blair Miller, Ashleigh Blackman, Kelly Miller, Kellyann & Chris Irwin

Colin MacNair

Leann McKoy, Margo & Talia Carter

Wil & Sara Trohaniis, Fran White, Elle & Sara Trohanis

Tyler & Emily Cook

PineStraw 109

Pine ServiceS

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110 PineStraw

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

Tasteful Resolutions January PineNeedlerTasteful Resolutions ACROSS 65. Lieu 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across 66. Barely beat, with “out” 1. “Heinz 57“ dog 1. "Heinz 57" dog 14 15 16 67. Diet choice 5. Bikini parts 5. Bikini parts 68. Insignificant 9. Birdlike 18 19 17 9. Birdlike69. Snow transport 14. Biology lab supply 20 21 22 14. Biology supply 70.labBBs, e.g.

15. Garage job 15. Garage job 16. Dentist’s direction 23 24 25 26 27 28 DOWN 16. Dentist's direction 17. Miles per hour, e.g.

31 32 33 29 30 Maid e.g. of fiction 17. Miles 1.

18. Credit card co. per hour, 2. Land on Lake Victoria 19. Artist Max 34 35 36 37 38 18. Credit Card Co. 3. Kind of artist 20. Diet choice 19. Artist Max 39 40 41 4. Pine, fir or oak 23. “Much ___ About Nothing” 20. Diet choice 5. Hold responsible 42 43 24. Dusk, to a poet 23. "Much6.___Chew About over 25. Military decoration Nothing" 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 7. Help unlawfully 29. A Judd 24. Dusk, 8. to a Chamber poet music group 54 55 56 51 52 53 31. Against or opposite prefix 25. Military decoration setting 9.

“Gladiator” 33. “Rocks” at the bar 57 58 59 29. A Judd10. Art appreciation 34. App with pics, familiarly 31. Against opposite 11.orSetting for TV’s 63 64 60 61 62 36. French lemon prefix “Newhart” 39. Diet choice 66 67 65 33. "Rocks" the bar mount 12.atBalaam’s 42. Copper film 13. pics, After expenses 34. App with 69 70 68 43. Biologists’ study familiarly 21. Restrain (2 wds) 44. Ashes holder Adjective for a large-scale 36. French22. lemon 45. New Mexico art community 39. Calcium-rich, lime-deficient soil 53. Hunky-dory 39. Diet choicesaga 47. Flower perfume volcano 55.40.Watered plants 26. Italian money 67. Diet choice 40. Sicilian11.

Setting for TV's Sicilianthe volcano 51. Enthusiastic approval 42. Copper film 58.41.Cashmere, 27. Social science major 68. Insignificant 41. Answer"Newhart" Answer e.g.

43. Biologists' study 54. ___ Beta Kappa 42. Baby dog 59. Fizzy drink 28. Big ___ Conference 12.

Balaam's mount 69. Snow transport 42. baby dog 44. Ashes holder 56. ___ Khan 46. Diet choice 60. Cooking meas.

30. Calf-length skirt 13.

After expenses 70. BBs, e.g.

46. Diet choice 57. Guys who live in the 45. New Mexico art 48. Gong 21. Restrain (2 wds) 61. Absorbed, as a cost 32. Drug dealer community mountains 48. Gong 49. Certain discrimination 62. Grant freedom to 35. Interference Down 22.

Adjective for a large60. Claw 47. Flower perfume 49. Certain discrimination 50. Spanishscale ruralsaga property 37. Embedded, as tiles 63. Charged particles 51. Enthusiastic approval 1. Maid of fiction 52. Depth charge target 50. Spanish rural property 38. Exam 26. Italian money 2. Land on Lake Victoria 64. Auditory 54. ___ Beta Kappa 52. Depth charge target 27. Social Science major 3.

Kind of artist 56. ___ Khan 53. Hunky-dory 28. Big ___ Conference 4. Pine, fir, or oak 57. Guys who live in the 55. Watered the plants 30. Calf-length skirt 5. Hold responsible mountains 3 58. Cashmere, e.g.

32. Drug dealer 6. Chew over 60. Claw 659. Fizzy drink 9 2 7. Help unlawfully 63. Charged particles Sudoku:35. Interference 8 60. Cooking meas. in the grid so group every row,37. Embedded, 8.Fill Chamber music 64. Auditory 6 9 4 as tiles 61. Absorbed, as a cost every column andsetting every 3x3 box38. Exam 9. "Gladiator" 65. Lieu 62. Grant freedom to4 contain the numbers 1-9.39. Calcium-rich,7lime2 10. Art appreciation 66. Barely beat, with deficient soil "out" 3 9 7 1 Puzzle answers on page 101 Mart Dickerson lives in 5 1 Southern Pines and welcomes suggestions from her fellow puzzle 9 masters. She can be reached at 6 5 martaroonie@gmail.com.

8 The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

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PineStraw 111

SOUTHWORDS

Snowblind

By Jim Moriarty

When Golf World magazine, the publication

birthed in Pinehurst in 1947 by Bob Harlow, had a vacancy in 1979, I was asked to leave my job as a sportswriter at the South Bend Tribune in northern Indiana to join the staff. In those days GW and its printing presses were housed in what is now one of Southern Pines’ municipal buildings along U.S. 1. Dick Taylor, the editor in chief, offered me the exalted position of the No. 3 person on a staff of, well, three. My official title was associate editor only because I don’t believe Dick thought it kind to use the term peon.

It was, however, a job that any self-respecting golf-obsessed journalist would have fallen all over themselves to get. And I took a cut in pay — which, by the way, was none too generous to begin with — to accept it.

I did not, however, make this brilliant career move out of an unbridled love of golf. My wife, the War Department, our 3-year-old little girl, Jennifer, our cat, Tang, and I were driven out of South Bend by far more powerful forces — the Blizzard of ’78.

It began snowing on a Thursday. The Tribune was an afternoon paper, and I was doing the layout of the sports section that morning. I went in at 6 a.m., though to be honest this schedule often featured a phone call from the sports editor, Joe Doyle, who wanted to know where the hell I was. On that particular day, after discharging my office duties, I was set to travel with the Notre Dame hockey team to cover their Friday and Saturday night games against the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. This would never happen. You try explaining to some people in North Dakota that you couldn’t make it because it snowed.

Anyway, at roughly 10 a.m. I left the office and attempted to go home. It had already snowed 20 inches or so. In fact, it wouldn’t stop snowing until Sunday, piling up something in the neighborhood of

112 PineStraw

35 inches altogether with drifts much, much higher. Trust me, that’s a rough neighborhood.

It was clear that getting home was going to be a challenge. Our modest house on Fox Street was more or less in the middle of the city, and while I managed to slalom, slip and swerve to within roughly four blocks of home, that was as close as I was going to get.

Up North, there are unwritten rules covering these things. One is that you don’t, under any circumstances, abandon your car in the middle of the road. One sunny day, the snowplow will come, and snowplows don’t give a damn about your car. So, when I’d gone about as far as I could go, I backed up, turned the wheel hard left, stomped on the accelerator and lurched into someone’s front yard. I came back to dig it out five days later.

That evening on the local news — please explain to me how we could get three feet of snow and not lose electricity in South Bend, but if a squirrel walks across a power line on Indiana Avenue seven blocks of Southern Pines goes dark for two days — the local sheriff gave a Knute Rockne-esque pep talk. It went something like this: “Now listen everyone, we’re going to get the emergency routes cleared as fast as we can, but the side streets are going to take some time. My advice to you is, if you really need to go somewhere, start digging.”

And we did. The whole neighborhood. We dug an elaborate network of paths to each other’s houses. The snow was two Jennifers high on both sides. The shoveling brigade dug out the alley behind our row of houses — no plow was ever going back there — so people could get their cars out of their garages. The War Department’s sister had left her copper-colored Hornet parked next to our garage in the backyard while she was off to college. We didn’t see it again until April.

True to the sheriff’s word, the emergency routes were cleared with reasonable dispatch. People attached little orange flags on sticks (the kind you see on some bicycles) to their cars so they could see one another at intersections.

Nothing came down our street for seven days, and then it was a frontend loader. So, when Dick Taylor called, North Carolina seemed like a very good idea indeed. I could figure out all that pesky golf stuff later.

Jim Moriarty is the Editor of PineStraw and can be reached at jjmpinestraw@gmail.com.

The Art & Soul of the Sandhills

ILLUSTRATION BY KEITH BORSHAK

Go South, young man

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