Life in Our Foothills - March 2025

March 2025 Life in Our Foothills

Angelina Beltrami

A Heart Behind Filmmaking March 2025

TDDA

Revitalizing Community Spirit

Paul Reid

A Writer and a Friend

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

CONTRIBUTORS Mark Levin, Writer and Photographer

Mark is retired from a career in education, both in and outside of the classroom. He enjoys traveling in his campervan and finding stories about the people and places encountered along the way. You can follow his blog at FoothillsFaces.com as well as at youtube.com/ TheCountryLifeWithColumbusMark.

Linda List, Writer and Photographer

Linda List’s career was spent in the food industry, often surrounded by chocolate and candy. Retirement and the Tryon Daily Bulletin have provided the opportunity for her to share her writing. Growing up in New York on the Canadian border, she lived most of her adult life at the foot of the Rockies in Golden, Colo. And is now enjoying life in Landrum the foot of the Smokies.

Kirk Gollwitzer, Writer and Photographer

Kirk Gollwitzer is a freelance writer, musician, photographer, videographer, and real estate broker specializing in buying and selling homes and horse properties. A former key figure and co-founder of the Tryon International Film Festival, he has done several documentaries and has written two novels.

Emily Williams, Writer and Photographer

Emily Williams is a recent graduate of North Greenville University with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing while working as a substitute teacher.

In her free time, Emily loves to explore Western North Carolina, try out new coffee shops, and write fiction and nonfiction alike.

Storme Smith, Writer and Photographer

Storme Smith is a writer who lives in the Foothills of North Carolina.

He is the co-founder and publisher of Buno Books, and has a passion for the arts. He also enjoys writing about the history, sports and unique people and places of our area.

Pebbles, Writer

Pebbles is the “spokespony” for HERD, or Helping Equines Regain Dignity, a local nonprofit that saves equines from dire conditions and in many cases slaughter. She dictates her monthly columns about her adventures, and what a rescue organization does, to Heather Freeman.

Pebbles and Heather can be reached through HerdRescue.org

MARCH 2025

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FROM THE EDITOR

A Jeff Allison Publisher

ON THE COVER March 2025 Life in Our Foothills

Jeff Allison Editor

Angelina Beltrami

A Heart Behind Filmmaking March 2025

TDDA

Revitalizing Community Spirit

Paul Reid

A Writer and a Friend

Four-leaf Clover An Update from Pebbles

$4.95

A Heart Behind Filmmaking:

Local Director Angelina Beltrami Story on page 30

Story By Emily Williams

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s we welcome the arrival of spring this month, we also welcome a few fascinating features on local folks here in the Foothills.

First, we visit the folks behind the Tryon Downtown Development Association, who work to champion both historic preservation and modern development in our beloved town. The TDDA is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and Executive Director Lourdes Gutierrez and Town of the town’s planning director, Tim Daniels, share some insights on what the organization is working on this year.

We also meet with Paul Reid, a wellknown face in Tryon and a man of many talents. Paul, a journalist, author, and historian, highlights his career, which has taken him from manufacturing to Harvard, from war zones to presidential campaigns, and from local newspapers to the New York Times bestseller list. Additionally, we’re introduced to local filmmaker Angelina Beltrami, whose work as an actress and director is a most interesting story.

Of course, we also hear from our resident spokespony, Pebbles, as she shares her excitement for spring’s return and a bit of history about St. Patrick’s Day. You’ll find all of this and more in this month’s edition! We hope you enjoy what we’ve put together for you this month, and as I do each month, I encourage readers to reach out and help us share your story. Email me at jeff.allison@tryondailybulletin.com with any thoughts or ideas for upcoming issues. As always, thanks for reading!

STAFF Publisher and General Manager Jeff Allison Graphic Design Zeal Kadhikhaye Marketing Lynn Cromer Distribution Jamie Lewis Alex Greene Administration Stacey Tully

life IN OUR

FOOTHILLS Life in Our Foothills is published monthly by Tryon Newsmedia LLC. Life in Our Foothills is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Tryon Newsmedia LLC. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Please address all correspondence (including, but not limited to, letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to Manager, Life in Our Foothills, 16. N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, or email to jeff.allison@ tryondailybulletin.com. Life in Our Foothills is available free of charge at locations throughout Polk County and Upstate South Carolina, and online at www.tryondailybulletin.com. Subscriptions are available for $30 per year by calling 828-859-9151.

To advertise, call 828-859-9151.

MARCH 2025

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CONTENTS 10

Calendar of Events

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Foothills Discoveries

Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve Trail

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Revitalizing Community Spirit

Tryon Downtown Development Association

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Thoughts on a Man, a Writer, and a Friend

30

Paul Reid

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A Heart Behind Filmmaking

Angelina Beltrami

40

Pebble

A Four-leaf Clover

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48

Quick Bites

49

Marketplace

50

Ad Index

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS All Members Exhibit: Before & After Through March 1 Tryon Painters and Sculptors 78 N. Trade St., Tryon Tryonpaintersandsculptors.com Gypsy A Musical Fable March 1, 7 & 8 at 7:30 pm March 2 & 9 at 3 pm Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon Tickets: TLTinfo.org Columbus Winter Market March 1 & 15, 10am – 1pm Iron Key Brewing 135 Locust St., Columbus Yoga @ Your Library March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 6 pm Landrum Library 111 Asbury Dr., Landrum

Louder than Words: All Members Exhibit March 8 - April 26 Reception: March 8, 5-7 pm Tryon Painters and Sculptors 78 N. Trade St., Tryon TryonPaintersAndSculptors.com Saluda Library Speaker Series: Owls of the Carolinas March 11, 2 pm Saluda Library 44 W. Main St., Saluda ConservingCarolina.org The Talented Mr. Ripley March 11, 7 pm Tryon Theater 45 S. Trade St., Tryon Tryonarts.org/film-series

Irish Cuisine Gallery Dinner with Roe Sprouls March 13 Members’ Exhibit & Celebration Tryon Arts & Crafts School Tryonartsandcrafts.org Reception March 6 Tryon Arts & Crafts School 2025 Landrum Quilt Show Tryonartsandcrafts.org March 13 & 14, 10 am - 5 pm March 15, 10 am - 4 pm Landrum Farmers Market Yoga @ FENCE 221 W. Rutherford St., Landrum March 7, 14, 21 at 9:30 am Foothills Equestrian Nature Center LandrumQuilters.com 3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon World Wanderings Fence.org (Focus on Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day) Pet Caricature Drawings March 18, 3:30 pm March 8, 11 am - 12 pm Polk County Public Library Purrrfect Bark 1289 W. Mills St., Columbus 155 W. Mills St., Columbus polklibrary.org $$, Facebook.com/ BrianVasilikCaricatures Friends of Agriculture Breakfast March 19, 7 am Green Creek Community Center 2382 Coxe Rd., Tryon 828-894-2281

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MARCH 15 Michael Jefry Stevens Quartet featuring Christian Howes March 15, 9 am Melrose Ave. and Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonSuperSaturday.com

Winter Bird Walk March 20, 9 am Foothills Equestrian Nature Center 3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon Fence.org Chamber Business After Hours at Bright’s Creek March 20, 5:30 pm 2222 Palmer Rd., Mill Spring Register: CarolinaFoothillsChamber.com Paws in Landrum Pet Expo March 22, 10 am - 2 pm Landrum Farmers Market 221 W. Rutherford St., Landrum 864-457-3694

Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: Lessons from the Field, with Sci NC Exec. Producer and Host Frank Graff March 22, 10:30 am Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve ConservingCarolina.org Something in These Hills: The Culture of Family Land in Southern Appalachia March 25, 6 pm Landrum Library 111 Asbury Dr., Landrum ConservingCarolina.org

MARCH 16 Mapping My Universe: Paintings & Works on Paper by Luis Jaramillo Parallel Line: Dana Jones & Ralston Fox Smith From Earth to Archetype: New Clay by Glenda Guion March 16 - April 25 Reception: March 16, 2 pm Weds. - Sun. 12-5pm 49 S. Trade St., Tryon UpstairsArtspace.org

Chimney Rock State Park Wildlife Program for Kids Nocturnal Animals March 25, 4pm Polk County Public Library 1289 W. Mills St., Columbus polklibrary.org March Into Reading: Storytime with a Ranger from Cowpens National Battlefield March 27, 10:30 am Landrum Library 111 Asbury Dr., Landrum 4th Fridays in Downtown Tryon March 28, 4-7pm Downtown Tryon shops & galleries Chase Away The Blues March 29, 6 pm Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon Tryonarts.org/chaseawaytheblues Introduction to Glass Mosaics with Wendy West March 29 & 30 Tryon Arts & Crafts School Tryonartsandcrafts.org

MARCH 15 Distinguished Speaker Series: Tommy Tomlinson March 30, 3 pm Lanier Library 72 Chestnut St., Tryon TheLanierLibrary.org

Super Saturday March 15, 9 am Melrose Ave. and Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonSuperSaturday.com

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FOOTHILLS DISCOVERIES Compiled and Photographed by Mark Levin Each month, you’ll be introduced to something in our area that’s worth some exploration. Some of these will be familiar, but perhaps you’ve never been or haven’t been in years. And others might be things you have never heard of or thought to visit. All of these will be family-friendly and either free or inexpensive. Get out there!

The kiosk at the entrance to the preserve and the trail.

Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve Trail

Just a few minutes from Landrum is a local treasure that won’t disappoint. The Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve Trail starts out as a gentle slope suitable for everyone, and then things get a little more strenuous. If you go the distance, you’ll get to some views of the South Pacolet River.

There is parking for several cars at the trailhead. It’s not crowded on weekdays but can be busy on weekends. The trail is popular for day hiking, bird watching, and walking. Hunting is allowed in the area, so users must wear orange during hunting season. Dogs are welcome to join you, but should be leashed.

The trail is an “out and back” with a total distance of approximately 5.5 miles. Elevation gain is 954 feet. Most users rate this as moderate. I guess that depends on your fitness level. I’ll unofficially declare this a moderate “plus.” It starts out as a gently rolling trail and gets more strenuous when you reach a set of wooden steps. Continue along the trail as you go up the north side of Squirrel Mountain and down the south side to the South Pacolet River.

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Follow the purple blazes.

You’ll walk alongside a creek for the first part of the hike. You’ll cross over several small bridges before the trail starts to climb.

A view of the preserve along the well-maintained trail.

Christine Willmerdinger from Campobello enjoys the trail almost as much as her pup.

The Anthonys from Marietta, SC, enjoyed the trail with their dogs.

These steps are the beginning of the more rugged part of the trail.

How to Find It?

The parking area is on Oak Grove Road, Landrum. You can take Highway 11 (north, some people say it’s west) from Gowensville for about 4.5 miles and turn right onto Oak Grove Road. In about a mile, look for the preserve and parking area on your left. There are signs.

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President Kevin Parker speaks at the TDDA’s annual meeting.

Revitalizing Community Spirit Tryon Downtown Development Association

By Storme Smith

T

here’s an old saying that goes, “When you live in a small town, you do what there is to do.” The Tryon Downtown Development Association, led by Executive Director Lourdes Gutierrez and Town of Tryon Planning Director Tim Daniels, works to ensure that there’s always something fun and engaging to

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do Tryon.

Downtown Tryon is more than just a collection of shops; it’s a canvas rich with arts, culture, and a strong community spirit fostered by local businesses and owners. Under the guidance of Gutierrez and Daniels, along with a dedicated board of local citizens and business leaders, the TDDA strives to enhance the town’s charm and bolster its economic vitality through

thoughtful and inclusive urban revitalization efforts.

The TDDA's mission is straightforward and impactful: to preserve and elevate the community of Tryon through a downtown revitalization program that prioritizes economic growth while embracing excellent urban design and historic preservation.

By focusing on these pivotal areas, the TDDA aims to ensure that Tryon remains an inclusive

Steven Siler (left) has spearheaded several food events for the TDDA, including the BBQ Beatdown.

hub for cultural enrichment and recreational activities.

As the designated local administrator of the North Carolina Main Street program, the TDDA uses the Main Street America™ model, incorporating its four-point approach of organization, promotion, design, and economic vitality. This strategic framework enables measurable improvements that resonate throughout the community.

Central to the TDDA's mission is its Board of Directors, led by President Kevin Parker and Vice President Denny Crowe. This dedicated group, including Secretary Wanda May and Treasurer James Cullen, along with other committed members, exemplifies a collective passion for community-driven strategic decisions that shape the future of downtown

Skip Crowe, Deny Crowe and Nancy Holland run the TDDA table on the 4th Friday MARCH 2025

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Tryon.

During the recent “TDDA Year in Review,” the organization celebrated its 30th anniversary of revitalization efforts in downtown Tryon, highlighted by significant renovations that have sparked a resurgence in local businesses postCOVID. New enterprises are now making their homes downtown, driven by successful Fourth Friday events that enhance foot traffic.

Among the event highlights was the revival of the beloved April Fools Festival, led by community member Sam Bell, alongside the annual Tryon Beer Fest. The TDDA has long partnered with town officials on various projects while

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

TDDA has plenty of Town of Tryon schwag available at events.

preserving treasured traditions, including Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s festivities.

This past year, Tryon has experienced $3.63 million in public and private investments, with enhancements made to nine buildings showcasing the collective efforts to rejuvenate the town center.

“It’s all about harnessing the community's strengths and working together to achieve our goals,” says Gutierrez, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with organizations at local and state levels, such as the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

At its core, the TDDA integrates innovation with tradition, championing both historic preservation Morris the Horse has benefited from landscaping and uplighting thanks to the and modern development.

TDDA. New projects respect the

town's rich heritage while revitalizing the downtown area, ensuring that it maintains its unique charm.

The organization’s recent initiatives are already making an impact. Morris the Horse has received beautifications around its base to improve picturetaking experiences, thanks to new stone slabs and color-changing uplighting installed to showcase Morris effectively at night.

These efforts, fueled by the Tryon Garden Club and local volunteers, represent the community’s spirit and commitment to enhancing its charm.

Further improvements along the right bank surrounding the iconic clock tower have been implemented, with new plants and uplighting enhancing the area’s

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pedestrian appeal.

Generous support from the Community Foundation of WNC and local groups has made these transformative efforts possible.

“Not only do these enhancements beautify

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the area, but they also facilitate better connectivity between Depot Street and Trade Street,” Gutierrez adds, illustrating how these changes will promote greater foot traffic and visibility throughout

downtown.

The influence of Steven Siler has been meaningful, who Daniels says spearheaded the idea of making more events food-themed and making downtown a destination

The embankment beside the clock tower has improved thanks to the TDDA’s efforts.

that foodies will love. New events susch as the Chili Cookoff and International Food Fest saw huge turnouts in 2024.

Looking ahead, the TDDA has an exciting lineup of events for 2025, including the Second Saturday pizza-themed activity in April, the historic preservation-focused Fourth Friday in May, and the International Food Festival in June.

With the TDDA leading the charge, Tryon is poised to become a premier destination for arts and culture in North Carolina, showcasing its rich history while building a unified, thriving community.

The heart of Tryon beats stronger than ever, inviting everyone to be a part of its evolution.

The TDDA is led by Executive Director Lourdes Gutierrez and Planning Director Tim Daniels.

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The Last Lion: Defender of the Realm, 1940–1965, co-authored by William Manchester and Paul Reid, covers Winston Churchill’s wartime leadership. The book became a New York Times bestseller. (Photo bay Paul Reid)

T h o u g h t s

on a Man, a Writer, a

n

d

a Frien d Paul Reid

By Kirk Gollwitzer

I

’ve spent nearly two decades in Tryon and immersed myself in various facets of the community. I’ve had the privilege of meeting numerous nationally recognized illustrators, actors, poets, and musicians. Tryon felt like a sponge, saturated with talent seeping from every pore. As I built friendships with these individuals, I accumulated a wealth of exceptionally talented connections. I thought my bank of acquaintances could hold little more—until one day, I was introduced to a man in a dark green felt fedora, seated at the table next to me at our local wine bar, the Tryon Bottle, on Trade Street. He was smoking a cigarette and nursing a glass of red wine—Chianti, as it turned out.

Somehow, I learned that this intriguing individual was a best-selling author—the writer of the acclaimed Churchill biography The Last Lion: Defender of the Realm, 1940–1965. Many might have simply tipped their hat to the man and moved away from his cigarette smoke, but not me. I was captivated. His name is Paul Reid.

For the past few years, I had been absorbing every book, article, documentary, and piece of writing on World War II, treasuring all I learned. At night,

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I would sit in bed by my lamp, reading an old, moldy copy of Mein Kampf.

As a writer myself, the more I studied World War II—and especially Adolf Hitler—the more I wanted to learn. I was also fascinated by the fact that most people of my generation and younger have little knowledge of World War II, Hitler, the man who started the war, and Winston Churchill, arguably the most important figure in bringing the war to an end.

Suddenly, here I was, friends with a local man in our little town of Tryon who happened to be one of the world’s foremost experts on Paul Reid with former President George H.W. Bush at Cheeca Lodge. The handwritten inscription from Bush extends best wishes to Reid from the Florid a coast. (Photo by Paul Reid)

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Paul Reid (third from right) appears on Face the Nation in 2013 with Bob Schieffer (center) and his son, Patrick (second from right). He discussed his work as a historian and journalist. (Photo by Paul Reid)

not only Winston Churchill but also World War II. I am proud to say that I was given a signed copy of The Last Lion: Defender of the Realm, 1940–1965, which spans 1,183 pages. Reading it was no small endeavor.

The book is deeply detailed, covering all aspects of Churchill—from his wife, Clementine, and his children to his character and political decisions. This volume in the series begins just before World War II when Churchill was in his mid-60s.

Each chapter moves through the war in remarkable detail, often on a near-daily basis, covering not only the war’s progression but also Churchill’s interactions with almost everyone he encountered.

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His direct, firm, and often frustrating relationship with Franklin D. Roosevelt is well documented, and it becomes clear that if not for Churchill’s persistence, the United States might never have entered the war when it did.

At times, the sheer depth of information can be overwhelming. Yet other moments left me laughing out loud, as the book reveals Churchill’s remarkable humor. He was a man full of life, indulgence, wit, and defiance—known for his love of cigars, alcohol, and extravagant meals, all while leading Britain through its darkest hour.

Hitler, Stalin, Roosevelt, and the other key players

s, with an inset of Reid and Williams A newspaper spread by Paul Reid featuring Ted William r and life. (Photo by Paul Reid) together. Reid interviewed Williams about his caree

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Paul Reid poses with a Churchill bust after speaking at the Petroleum Club of Houston. Reid, who completed The Last Lion, is a sought-after expert on Churchill. (Photo by Paul Reid)

on the chessboard of World War II had met their match in Churchill—a man who thrived on both war and diplomacy. In my opinion, if Churchill had been an evil man instead of one determined to achieve peace and end the war, he might have been utterly unstoppable.

Paul was a speaker and panelist at the Tryon International Film Festival twice.

Perhaps not a common feature for most film festivals, but as a writer, I felt it was necessary to highlight those who create the stories behind films—whether full-length features, historical fiction, or documentaries.

We discussed the writing process, strengthening the

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Paul Reid at home in Tryon. (Photo by Georgia D. Reid)

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literary mind, fact-checking, readability and, most importantly for me, maintaining a steady flow of inspiration.

For me, writing a book takes at least three to five years; for Paul, it was a daily process spanning more than eight years. I needed to understand that level of commitment.

Paul once said, "I had fancies of being a 'writer,' so in my late 30s, I sold my half of the steam valve company I co-owned with my brother. I knew if writing didn't work out, I'd have a nest egg to take my family forward for years."

He transitioned from business into journalism with confidence but also with an acute understanding of the risks.

So, who is Paul Reid, this man in our small town of

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A note from PBS journalist Jim Lehrer to Paul Reid, praising his April 6, 2003, story on the Marines. Lehrer commends Reid’s writing as being in the “Hemingway tradition” and salutes him as both a former Marine and a journalist. (Photo by Paul Reid)

Tryon? Here is a snapshot: He is a journalist, author and historian known for his dedication to telling the stories of history’s most significant figures and events.

His career, spanning decades, has taken him from manufacturing to Harvard, from war zones to presidential campaigns, and from local newspapers to the New York Times bestseller list. His ability to connect with people— whether world leaders or ordinary citizens— has set him apart as a writer who captures the essence of his subjects without personal bias.

Reid’s journey began in manufacturing before he pivoted to journalism, earning his bachelor’s degree from Harvard Extension School in 1990. He then spent a decade as a feature writer for The Palm Beach Post, developing a reputation for in-depth, compelling reporting. Throughout his career, he amassed more than 1,000 bylines in major publications, including The Boston Globe, covering stories that spanned local interest to global affairs.

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A June 20, 2013, letter from former President George H.W. Bush to Paul Reid, thanking him for sending a copy of his book. Bush expresses his appreciation and sends regards to Reid and his son, Patrick. (Photo by Paul Reid)

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His work earned him Cox Newspapers Writer of the Year award twice in six years, a significant achievement given Cox’s extensive reach in cities such as Austin, Atlanta, Dayton, Palm Beach, and Orlando.

Reid reported from some of the world’s most volatile regions, covering wars in Colombia, Yugoslavia, Northern Ireland, and Iraq. "I went to Colombia after an old friend, an FBI agent in counter-terrorism, put me in touch with federal agents there. I was embedded with the Colombian Na-

tional Police and did three or four stories about the hunt for Pablo Escobar, the paramilitaries, and the drug trade." His ability to navigate these conflict zones and present stories with clarity and depth solidified his reputation as a fearless journalist.

In 2003, renowned historian William Manchester, struggling with health issues after suffering two strokes and losing his wife, asked Reid to complete the third volume of The Last Lion biography series, Defender of the Realm, 1940–1965.

The two had developed

Historian William Manchester (left), Rev. Mac Douglas (center), and Paul Reid (right) in Middletown, Conn. Douglas, a WWII veteran, was part of a visit that led to Reid completing The Last Lion. (Photo by Paul Reid)

a friendship after Reid met Manchester at his home in Middletown, Connecticut. Reid accepted the monumental task and spent the next eight years completing the book, which was published in 2012.

The biography became a New York Times bestseller, reaching No. 6 on the list and remaining in the top 10 for nine weeks. The Wall Street Journal named it one of the best books of the year. It was a defining achievement in Reid’s career, cementing his status as a respected historian.

After decades in journalism and about to start his Churchill biography, Reid settled in Tryon, North Carolina. He is often found at a café chair right next to mine. There, he might reflect—if asked—on his career and the many extraordinary individuals he has encountered. His contributions to literature and journalism, particularly his completion of The Last Lion, have left a lasting impact on historical storytelling and reporting.

But more than anything, becoming friends with Paul was a tremendous deposit into my bank of friendships.

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Beltrami and the crew on A Wedding for Belle set

Beltrami with the cast and crew of Cooking with Katina

A Heart Behind

Filmmaking: Local Director Angelina Beltrami

Story by Emily Williams and photographs courtesy of Angelina Beltrami

C

reative endeavors like art, music, and film have long been a part of the Foothills and Upstate. Without a doubt, creativity seems to course through

the veins of this land, bringing connection, happiness, and a sense of purpose to many who call these mountain towns home. The creative nature of the area also attracts other creatives from across the country looking for a supportive, friendly, and hard-working community that will help them grow their artistic

craft.

One such creative person who moved to this area to pursue her passions in filmmaking is local actress and director Angelina Beltrami. She shares her passion for film, her methods of acting and directing, and the reason the Foothills and Upstate are such valuable communities to

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Actress and director Angelina Beltrami

filmmakers.

Beltrami was born in New York City, but her family continued moving south, eventually settling in West Virginia. “My background is not affluent,” she specifies. “I have three tbrothers, and my dad has his own business. We had feast or famine years with my dad running his own business. So, everything I did in life, I did on my own, essentially. I clawed my way up.”

Beltrami worked her way to get into Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, where she majored in photography.

Already knowing she had a love for creative art forms like photography, Beltrami wanted to pursue other artistic endeavors during college. Not having the opportunity to do theater 32

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as a child, she decided to join multiple community theater groups in West Virginia and Maryland. “I was trying to figure out what most people figure out in high school, asking myself, ‘What do I like? What do I want to do? In what direction do I want to go?’ So, I just threw myself into acting,” Beltrami states.

When she began acting, however, she realized that she both liked and disliked it. Running into issues with the female beauty standards placed on actresses in the modern era, Beltrami felt discouraged and restricted in her artistic pursuits. “I didn't want to be in a system where I was constantly being told I'm not good enough, essentially,” she says.

Feeling as though she was not able to have creative input in

any of her roles as an actress, Beltrami began to pursue improv. “Improv kind of reframed acting for me, in a way,” Beltrami claims. “It's a much more positive experience. I can control the narrative, I can be expressive, and I can be who I want to be.”

Beltrami continued to be involved in acting and improv in the West Virginia and DC areas through her twenties and into her thirties.

When she and her husband decided to move in 2022, they took a trip south to find the perfect place to settle that would meet their work, personal, and creative needs.

Working full-time as a remote government contractor, Beltrami could move anywhere she liked, but she wanted to settle in an area that promot-

Behind the scenes of filming

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ed her love for the outdoors and supported her desire to continue performing improv.

She and her husband toured Charleston, Green-ville, and Asheville during their trip, and they fell in love with Greenville. They saw all the Upstate had to offer for actors, and they were also drawn to the food scene, outdoor lifestyle, and southern charm of the area.

Once the couple settled in, Beltrami found an improv club in Greenville that also taught classes. As she was introduced to the improv scene in the area, she also became more aware of opportunities for directing films. In West Virginia, Beltrami had the opportunity to direct theater and always knew how to find the bigger picture in the play’s story. She wanted to apply that to film, and she found a community of writers and actors in the Foothills and Upstate who were ready and willing to work with her.

“So far, I have found the professionals who are working here are really good people. They have qual-

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ity. They are respectable,” Beltrami shares. In the past two years, she has worked closely with many actors, writers, and assistant directors on various projects.

Last year alone, Beltrami worked on sixteen projects, including short films, features, commercials, and music videos.

Her favorite project from last year was a short film she directed called “No Happy Endings,” which premiered at the Tryon International Film Festival in November of 2024. Beltrami took pride in her film, especially after receiving encouragement and praise from TRIFF judge Frank Calo after he watched it.

“Don’t get me wrong, I still have so much to learn.

I'm always open to learning more,” Beltrami shares, adding that she is currently taking a film production course to better her craft before filming her upcoming project. This year, Beltrami plans to focus on directing and will soon be working with first assistant director Heidi Kinder, with whom she has worked many Beltrami with actor Braxton Angle from A Wedding for Belle

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times, to direct a short film written by screenwriter Alex Steele titled “Simon Says.”

With every project Beltrami directs, she wants to make sure she creates a positive, supportive atmosphere where everyone on the team feels heard and respected. “I've been told many times that the director sets the tone on set,” she states, which is why she always works to be honest with her crew and makes sure everyone knows she is there to listen to feedback and work with them. When she works with her team on this level, making sure they are prepared and feel like they have a creative say in the film, Beltrami finds it is then that her cast can tap into their full creative potential.

“Sets can be pressure cookers,” Beltrami claims, “so you just have to do your best and have a great attitude.” Beltrami also suggests that, for those looking to become a filmmaker or actor, it is best to have another job first that requires interaction with others to build Professional shot of Beltrami

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respectful communication skills and a good work ethic.

When a person does begin to work on a set of a production, Beltrami encourages them to “give the people in charge a bit of grace because they're under the thumb of a lot of things that you cannot

see. You don't know what the guy above him is telling him. Having a bit of grace and understanding goes a long way.”

The more she has learned about filmmaking, the more Beltrami has come to love filmmaking, especially in this area. She finds

inspiration in the beauty and diversity of the landscape of the Foothills and Upstate, but more than that, she finds inspiration in the hardworking people who live here. “I really respect the people here who have busy lives, but they are making it happen,” says

Live shot on the set of No Happy2025 Endings37 MARCH

Beltrami about her fellow local filmmakers and actors.

“They are not letting anything stop them, which is awesome.” She has also been warmed by the hospitality she has been shown by the locals as she has filmed and presented her works in the Tryon area.

Beltrami has found that the market for filmmaking here is like no other market in the country. Where other markets see filmmaking as a job, the people in the Foothills and Upstate see it as a passion, which is how she sees it, too. “People get really fixated on being famous or making a lot of money from films, but I just want to explore it and get better at it for my joy,” she shares. Beltrami has no intention to stop pursuing her passion any time soon, nor does she plan to stop sharing the joy of her artistic endeavors with everyone in this area which she lovingly calls home.

Beltrami with makeup artist Nikki Miller

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Film Poster for the short film No Happy Endings MARCH 2025

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Pebbles in Clover

Clover A Four-leaf

By Pebbles

T

he doldrums of winter have wreaked havoc on my lustrous coat. I look more like a ragamuffin than a stunning chocolate palomino pony with gloriously dappled attire. Luckily, spring is returning soon. I will shed this excess hair. Soon, I will transform once again into a remarkable diva.

Having endured the hardships of a nasty season of gray skies paired with cold temperatures, I am ready for a pleasant change. The fierceness of this winter had me dreaming about purchasing a one-way ticket to a warmer climate on a verdant island. Happily, the temperatures are climbing, and so are my spirits. Trees are beginning to bud; the robins are back in force, and the grass will soon spring forth. I am feeling lucky this month. It is time to commence my search to find a four-leaf clover in my pasture. Clover flourishes in the cooler, spring-damp weather.

Common throughout much of the countryside, clover is rich in fiber and vitamins, making it a tasty addition to a horse’s diet under the right circumstances. White clover (Trifolium repens) is a hardy and easy-to-grow variety and can be especially beneficial due to its high protein content, aiding in muscle growth and energy. However, horses can develop health issues from consuming too much of a good thing, including tasty clover.

What is the importance of finding a four-leaf clover, you may ask? Some believers see these rare finds as lucky charms but is there more to it than simply good fortune?

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Midas strikes a pose, ready to start under saddle

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Avenue of The Stars at age three

Each leaf symbolizes something unique—faith, hope, love, and luck.

Both Irish shamrocks and four-leaf clovers are symbols for St. Patrick's Day. This tradition started in the Emerald Isle. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, the anniversary of this saint’s death in the fifth century.

The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years.

St. Patrick lived during the fifth century and is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and came to Ireland as a slave in his teens. He escaped, later returned to Ireland, and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people.

Reportedly, the four-leaf clover brings good luck to those who find them. Historians debate the origins behind this longstanding belief. Clover is often confused with three-leafed shamrocks, which hold religious significance.

At our ranch, we have green and purple-colored shamrocks in the garden.

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Some have spread into the neighboring pastures just beyond the garden’s border fence. They like to position themselves in light shade near the rose bushes. By contrast, the four-leaf clover is a rarity in any garden, as most clovers have a trifecta of leaves.

If folklore is true and you want a bit of the "luck of the Irish," then go hunting for a four-leafed clover, not a shamrock. The scarcity of a four-leaf clover makes it a lucky find. According to experts, the probability of finding one is 1 in 10,000. That is because a patch

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of clover will produce a fourleaf clover at a rate of only one in 10,000. A typical clover stand contains 10,000 plants in an area of about 13 square feet. Therefore, one needs to search closely in an area about the size of a dining table to find a four-leaf clover.

We need a bit of good Irish luck this spring. With the long, hard winter came the challenges of training our young rescue horses.

My mistress Heather Freeman and the dedicated volunteers of HERD have been busy work-

ing our young steeds when the weather permits. We have a few equines turning age three, and they will leave us to enter training with professionals to find new homes. Avenue of the Stars, Midas Touch, and Sonnet are being readied to depart. The veterinarian is scheduled to draw new Coggins tests and administer spring vaccinations so they are protected for their departure. At the training facilities, they will be introduced to new horses. Therefore, protection from flu and other equine diseases is vitally important. They

Midas in training in HERD

have lived here for most or all their young lives, isolated from the outside world. These lucky horses have grown up under exceptional care. Avenue was born here on the ranch three years ago. Midas and Sonnet arrived together in the fall of 2023.

No detail is overlooked in

the preparation for these horses’ departure. Heather, her husband Scott, and the volunteers work diligently, perfecting each of the equine’s groundwork skills. The youngsters must accept a saddle, stand tied at the barn groom stalls, and load comfortably into the horse trailer. These horses

have learned to read human body language. They understand the cues to back up, give their heads in soft flexion, and stand respectfully. Each equine will also change direction calmly.

They make eye contact with their trainer in the center of the round pen asking for instruction.

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Our horse students also tackle obstacles in the playground, like the teeter-totter, with a calm demeanor.

All of this takes considerable time to master for a young equine. This foundational training is what sets HERD apart from many other rescues. It is a labor of love and long-term commitment. Calculating the actual hours that go into helping these horses mature with good manners and confidence is about as difficult as finding a four-leaf clover.

I witness the training sessions from the comfort of my pasture. Watching them practice perfecting their skills causes me to work up a light sweat. A nap is essential for me between their sessions. Oh, how I enjoy a good spectator sport!

It would be wonderful to send this trio of fine horses off with a good luck token from me. Therefore, it is time for me to reexamine my pasture carefully. I am sure that, “I’m looking over a fourleaf clover that I overlooked before. First is the sunshine, the second is the rain, third is the roses that bloom in the lane.”

Avenue of The Stars at birth in HERD

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onnet to start training soon at Smokey Hollow Farm in the Landrum/Tryon area

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QUICK BITES

Cherry-almond ice cream is a scoop above the rest

Ice cream is a beloved dessert. The extraordinary number of flavor combinations that can be achieved simply by mixing together a few ingredients undoubtedly contributes to the popularity of ice cream.

For those partial to cherries and almonds, there’s nothing better than combining those flavors in this recipe for “NoChurn Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream” from “Jane’s Patisserie” (Sourcebooks) by Jane Dunn.

No-Churn Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream Serves 10 200 grams pitted cherries (about 1 cup) 450 milliliters double (heavy) cream (about 2 cups) 397 grams condensed milk (14 ounces) 1 teaspoon almond extract 1⁄2 teaspoon pink food coloring (optional) Cherries and toasted flaked almonds, to serve

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Add the pitted cherries to a blender and blitz until smooth.

Pass through a sieve to remove any lumps and set aside.

Pour the cream into a bowl and whip to soft peaks.

Put the condensed milk, almond extract, pink food coloring (if using) and puréed cherries into a separate bowl and stir to combine, then pour the mixture into a container, like a large loaf tin.

Freeze for at least 5 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight so it has time to get the correct texture. Remove from the freezer about 20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.

Scoop into bowls and serve topped with fresh cherries and toasted flaked almonds.

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