Liof aug2013 full web

life in our foothills

FEATURE

August 2013

Lifeinourfoothills.com

Meet

The McLains Martha Spray's

Bearlooms 35 years of

Art upstairs August 2013

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FEATURE Editor's note

W

ith each new issue of this magazine our contributors present to you another fragment of the Foothills.

We like to think we take you on a journey each month as you read page to page; a journey that helps you unravel another layer of why you love living here.

Some of you may have lived here for years, yet still may not have experienced any of the breathtaking artwork gracing the spaces of Upstairs Artspace for the last 35 years.

Maybe, new to the area, you moved here enthralled with bringing your life in closer connection with the earth, the land you build your life upon.

The McLains are doing so – tilling the earth for food, carving it into practical, yet stunning pieces, and drawing inspiration from it for healing and craft. You’ll meet them and learn more about how they strive to live with that same closer connection to the earth you might yearn for day by day.

Peak in too on Martha Spray, a talented creator of collectible bears, as she explains what makes this her mode of art. More than the classic teddy bear – these bears come to life through the careful hands of Spray and her love of creating their personalities.

We’ll also present a visual feast upon the happenings of the 50th annual Coon Dog Day before talking paint colors and cabbage.

Through this publication we aim to celebrate the diversity of interests and talents making this community so rich. As always, we’re constantly seeking suggestions for features.

Feel free to contact me at samantha.hurst@tryondailybulletin.com or by phone at 828-859-9151.

Samantha Hurst, Editor

samantha.hurst@tryondailybulletin.com

on the cover Glenn McLain and his family work hard to live in unity with their land here in Polk County.

They till it for food and draw inspiration from it for daily life, whether it be improving the quality of food they eat or crafting a new work of art.

Photograph: Mark Schmerling Cover design: Samantha Hurst

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PUBLISHER Betty Ramsey EDITORIAL Samantha Hurst Leah Justice Gwen Ring CONTRIBUTORS Barbara Childs Gillian Drummond Kirk Gollwitzer Robin Edgar Carol Lynn Jackson Erik Olsen PRODUCTION Samantha Hurst Gwen Ring MARKETING Harry Forsha Kevin Powell Lenette Sprouse ADMINISTRATION Jessy Taylor DISTRIBUTION Jeff Allison Jonathan Burrell Tony Elder Ethan Price

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 Inc. [the Publisher]. 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: Editor, Life in our Foothills, 16 N. Trade Street, Tryon, N.C. 28782.

Life in Our Foothills is available free of charge at locations throughout Polk County and upstate South Carolina. Please visit lifeinourfoothills.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $35 for one year by emailing subscribe@lifeinourfoothills.com or by calling 828-859-9151, ext. 101.

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@lifeinourfoothills.com or by calling 828-859-9151.

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features 24

Bearlooms

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Upstairs Artspace celebrates 35 years

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The McLains

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Saluda's Coon Dog Day in pictures

Martha Spray tells us about making collectible bears – by hand.

After 35 years this art gallery remains committed to its founding.

This family works to leave the earth they live on better than they found it.

Treat yourself to local We've found essential daily items – soap, lotion, even deodorant – made right here in the foothills.

Photographer Mark Schmerling captures the elements that made the 50th annual Coon Dog Day a unique family event.

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COLUMNS 42 In Good Taste

Food traditions make best of local fare.

46 Country Living

Allow paint to punch up the pizazz of a room.

IN EVERY ISSUE 8 Out & About

60 64 Then & Now - Gordon Wright

Plan your calendar for the new year.

Gerald Pack talks of how Gordon Wright affected his life and writing.

10 Short Stories

66 Liza Goodlett

14 Foothills Featured

68 Darbie Barr

Concerts, exhibits and know-how clinics right around the corner.

Catch a glimpse of recent events such as Tryon's Gallery Trots, Landrum Library's Patriotic Parade and more.

APPOINTMENTS 59 Equestrian events 60 George Morris

A legend of local equestrian lore returns.

Young equestrian leads competitors judged by George Morris.

Greenville Foothills Pony Clubber Darbie Barr answers questions about her participation in the club.

70 Michael Kocher

Kocher returns from school at Savannah College of Art & design

71 Recognizing true triumphs

Pam Stone reminds that its not all about trophies.

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FEATURE

Monthly Contributors Barbara Childs

Barbara Childs is a freelance writer for Appointments.

She has authored two children's books, "Sammy and the Cow Bird" and "Dear Bianca, Yours, Rudyard." Child's horse Bagheera and she were the National Champions of the USA in 1987. She also served on the Illinois Dressage and Combined Training Board of Directors for 11 years. Sutton is the horse she loves and rides today.

Gillian Drummond

Growing up and moving around the world taught Drummond three things; that change is positive, there are wonderful people everywhere and you can always create a home. She moved to Tryon in 2010 and opened her decorating business. She has been in the field for over 35 years. Her mission is to be your guide in creating a beautiful, comfortable haven.

Robin A. Edgar

Freelance journalist Robin A. Edgar writes for local, regional and national publications from her home near Lake Lanier in Tryon. She also conducts life writing workshops around the country based on her book, In My Mother’s Kitchen: An Introduction to the Healing Power of Reminiscence.

Kirk Gollwitzer

Kirk Gollwitzer is a freelance writer frequently writing articles for Google News Service, and other media organizations. After a successful career in business, Kirk found his true passion in telling a story through writing, photography and video. Kirk has a passion for music and major interest in sports. He is also writing a novel which will be adapted to a screenplay.

Erik Olsen

A native of Germany, Olsen began learning about photography at a very early age. Over the years, he worked in the TV news industry until making the decision to transform his expertise into a business. Today, he is blessed to follow his given passion and pursue what he loves for a living, filmmaking and photography. Winner of CNN's iReport award.

Deadlines Life in our Foothills publishes the last Thursday of each month.

The deadline to submit content for the consideration of staff is the 1st of each month for the following month’s magazine.

The staff of Life in our Foothills has the right to edit any and all content before inclusion in the publication. Please send your items to samantha.hurst@tryondailybulletin.com.

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FEATURE

Left: Nikki Talley will perform at Summer Tracks Aug. 9.

Below: The Green River Games are coming in September.

CALENDAR August August 3, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Electrochemical Etching with Julia McIntyre This workshop will teach the basics of electrochemical etching, a non-toxic, environmentally friendly method of etching copper, brass, nickel silver or mild steel.

Tryon Arts & Crafts

You will learn how to pattern a copper and nickel silver billet to create your own mokume stock and fabricate jewelry pieces from your own personal pattern.

Tryon Arts & Crafts August 10, 1 – 5 p.m.

Star Ornament in a Box Class Mill Spring Ag Center

August 10, 5 – 7 p.m.

Moment in Time Opening August 6, 11:30 a.m.

Wrap-Up Party for Polk County Tryon Painter & Sculptors 26 Maple, Tryon Public Library's 2013 Summer Reading Program August 10, 5 – 8 p.m.

Info: 828-894-8721 Tryon Gallery Trot Harmon Field, Tryon Multiple galleries throughout town offer works by local, August 8, 1 – 5 p.m. regional and national artists.

Star Ornament in A Box Class Tryon Mill Spring Ag Center August 8 – 9, 6 p.m.

Youth Cheer Camp Ages 3 – 12 years old.

Info: jennifer.belue@spart1.org Landrum High School August 9, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Saluda Top of the Grade Concert Old Skate Park, Saluda August 9, 7 p.m.

Summer Tracks – Nikki Talley, Letters To Abigail Roger’s Park, Tryon August 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Mokume Gane Jewelry workshop with Katie Poterala 8 L IFEIN O URFO O T HIL L S. C O M

August 10, 6 – 9 p.m.

Tryon Garden Club’s 85th anniversary celebration Tryon Fine Arts Center August 10, 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Astronomy Program Ring Nebula and Venus near the moon.

Info: Jessie Willard 864-457-2615 FENCE on Hawk’s Ridge August 11, noon – 5 p.m.

Mokume Gane Jewelry workshop with Katie Poterala Learn how to pattern a copper and nickel silver billet to create your own Mokume stock and fabricate jewelry pieces.

Tryon Arts & Crafts

August 16, 10 a.m.

Puppet Show with Ruthie Toothie & Friends presented

by Collins Dental Center Info: 828-894-8721 or polklibrary. org/kids/ Polk County Public Library, Columbus August 17, 4 p.m.-until ?

Tryon High School Class of 1963 50th reunion Class members are invited to enjoy hors d'oeuvres from 4-6 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. and entertainment afterward.

LaurelHurst, Columbus

August 23, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Saluda Top of the Grade Concert Old Skate Park, Saluda August 23, 7 p.m.

Summer Tracks The Honeycutters Rogers Park, Tryon August 24, 9 a.m. – noon TROT Volunteer Training Contact: Robbie Hambright rwhambright@gmail.com

August 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Mokume Gane Jewelry workshop with Katie Poterala You will learn how to pattern a August 17, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Batik on Silk with Christine copper and nickel silver billet to Mariotti create your own Mokume stock Students will learn how to apply and fabricate jewelry pieces from wax resist on silk, based on studies your own personal pattern. from light and dark from photoTryon Arts & Crafts graphs. No experience necessary, but familiarity with painting helps. August 24, 1 – 5 p.m.

12 Days of Christmas Star Tryon Arts & Crafts Book Class Mill Spring Ag Center August 22, 1 – 5 p.m.

12 Days of Christmas Star August 25, 3 p.m.

Book Class Memorial Liszt Corpus on Mill Spring Ag Center Two Pianos with Christopher Tavernier August 22 – 26, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Landrum Presbyterian Church Blue Ridge Dog Agility Clinic FENCE August 27, 7 – 10 p.m.

August 23, 6 – 8 p.m.

Blue Ridge Contra Dance Opening Reception Contra Dancing Natural Wonders Show Party Place Saluda Tryon Arts & Crafts

Left: Tryon High School Class of 1963's 50th Reunion will take place in August.

Below: Blue Ridge Dog Agility Dog Agility clinic comes to FENCE.

August 29, 5:30 p.m.

Ice Cream Social Kids and their families are invited to make ice cream sundaes and a fun craft to take home.

Info: 828-894-8721 or polklibrary. org/kids/ Polk County Public Library, Columbus September Early September Foothills Music Club Gala Concert tickets go on sale Tickets go on sale for the Foothills Music Club's 25th anniversary gala concert. Purchase tickets from any FMC member.

September 6, 6 p.m.

Pacolet Area Conservancy For Lands Sake Dinner & Auction Location TBA September 6, 8 p.m.

Geoff Achison/Randall Bramblett Tryon Fine Arts Center September 6 – 8 Green River Games The Green River Games is a multi-sport competition celebrating the terrain in and around the infamous Green River Narrows.

Like the event’s Facebook page to stay up to date on details.

September 7, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

FENCE Community Garage Sale Contact: 828-859-9021 FENCE

September 7, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dichroic Fused Glass Jewelry with Deborah Harmon Learn how to make your own brilliant dichroic fused glass cabochons.

Tryon Arts & Crafts September 7, 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Astronomy Program Wild Duck Star Cluster Info: Jessie Willard 864-457-2615 FENCE on Hawk’s Ridge September 8, noon – 5 p.m.

Dichroic Fused Glass Jewelry with Deborah Harmon Learn how to make your own brilliant dichroic fused glass cabochons. Create fused glass pieces.

On day two, make your cabs into unique wire wrapped jewelry.

Tryon Arts & Crafts September 11, noon Homeward Angels White Dove release Landrum Fire Department September 12, 1 – 5 p.m.

Kudzu Baskets Class Mill Spring Ag Center September 13, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Saluda Top of the Grade Concert Old Skate Park, Saluda September 14, 1 – 5 p.m.

Kudzu Baskets Class Mill Spring Ag Center

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September 14, 5 – 7 p.m.

Tryon Painter & Sculptors Wildlife Show 26 Maple, Tryon

September 21, 6 p.m.

Rotary Club of Tryon Shrimp/ Sausage Fest Harmon Field

September 14, 5 – 8 p.m.

Tryon Gallery Trot Multiple galleries throughout town offer works by local, regional and national artists.

Tryon

September 26, 8 p.m.

Tryon Little Theater My Way TLT Workshop Tryon Little Theater

September 14, 5 – 7 p.m.

Charlie Ward Memorial BBQ Charlie Ward thanked his loyal customers by holding an annual barbeque. Saluda continues to hold the barbecue in September each year.

Pavilion at McCreery Park, Saluda September 21, 8 a.m.

St Luke’s Foundation Ache Around the Lake Lake Lanier September 21, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tea Bag Art workshop with Bonnie McLain Tea Bag Art started in the Netherlands by a woman who wanted to make a birthday card for a friend.

McLain will teach how to make these embellished gift boxes as well as a never-ending card.

Tryon Arts & Crafts September 21, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Farm Tours Self directed working horse farm tours. The event allows visitors to visit horse farms in the area on the third Saturday of each month.

Collinsville

September 27, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Saluda Top of the Grade Concert Old Skate Park, Saluda September 27, 8 p.m.

Tryon Little Theater My Way TLT Workshop Tryon Little Theater September 27 David Lichman lecture Info: www.davidlichman.com September 28, 8 p.m.

Tryon Little Theater My Way TLT Workshop Tryon Little Theater September 29, 3 p.m.

Tryon Little Theater My Way TLT Workshop Tryon Little Theater September 29, 3 p.m.

Mary Comerford Memorial Classical Quintet Landrum Presbyterian Church

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Bramblett & Achison FEATURE

return to the Tryon Fine Arts Center

Friday, Sept. 6 Tryon Fine Arts Center Tryon, 8 p.m. www.randallbramblett.com www.geoffachison.com Both Randall Bramblett and Australian Geoff Achison boast impressive careers, and together their performance is sure to be phenomenal - as those that were at their sold-out show at the center in 2012 will tell you.

Bramblett has played alongside Gregg Allman, Levon Helm, Delbert McClinton and Widespread Panic.

He has numerous solo albums including his latest, The Bright Spots, which is a chart leader and fan favorite since its release in May on New West Records.

Achison, a gifted guitarist, songwriter and band

leader, tours annually in the United States to satisfy fan demand, also has a new release, Box of Blues.

Bramblett and Achison’s combined effort, Jammin’ In the Attic, was released by Hittin’ the Note Records in 2010 and was immediately tagged as a “super band.”

Bramblett and Achison will play songs from both their individual careers with the razor sharp rhythm section of Michael Steele and Seth Hendershot.

Tryon Garden Club marks 85 years of service The Tryon Garden Club celebrates its 85th anniversary this year with “Four Season’s of Creativity Inspired by Pearson’s Falls,” for which local artists have created work inspired by the falls, one of Polk County’s premier tourist attractions.

After a five-day exhibit of the art at Tryon Fine Arts Center, the celebration will culminate in a party and auction at TFAC on Aug. 10 from 6-9 p.m. called “Let it Sizzle, A Celebration of the Seasons.”

Proceeds from the event will fund “Learning to Grow… Growing to Learn,” a program designed to establish gardens in the four Polk County Elementary Schools in which second graders will partner with the Polk County High School occupational class to plant and maintain the gardens.

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FEATURE

Saluda Top Grade Concerts of the

The Saluda Small Town Main Street promotions team will kick off the Top of the Grade concerts series this summer to carry out the vision of Saluda becoming a four-season destination for both local residents and visitors.

The Top of the Grade Concerts will perform the second and fourth Fridays through October: • August 9 and 23 • September 13 and 27 • October 11 and 25 All performances will be held on center stage from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at McCreery Park. From center stage, attendees can continue their musical evening at the Purple Onion, the Saluda Wine Cellar and the Saluda Grade Café and any other music offerings on that evening.

Attendees should bring their own chairs or blankets.

Food, soft drinks and coolers are allowed. A food provider will be scheduled for each concert with Historic Thompson’s Store & Ward’s Grill providing deli sandwiches and cold soft drinks for the June 28 concert.

Events are rain or shine so you may need to bring an umbrella if rain is in the forecast. In some cases, rain events may move to the pavilion. The events are free to the public and donations are always welcomed.

Performing artists are invited to make contact if they are interested in performing on one of the above dates. Musicians desiring stage time and a captive audience may perform for tips, donations and sales of CDs. To help underwrite the concerts, anyone who would like to sponsor an event is asked to contact the committee.

For music scheduling, contact Judy Ward at judyward@charter.net or 828-674-5958. For sponsorships, contact Cathy Jackson at 828-817-2876 or cathy@ cathyjacksonrealty.com.

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Brady's FEATURE

life & work on display

Later this month, early drawings of dream homes, scribbled notes from a creative genius and books of architectural greats will be on display at the Tryon Fine Arts Center to offer a glimpse into the life and work of Tryon architect Holland Brady.

Dean Trakas, along with area artists Pat Ferrullo and Julie McIntyre are collaborating on an exhibit of Brady’s work to open on Aug. 15 at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. They will begin to set things up on Aug. 12, with a soft opening Aug. 15 and the reception Aug. 16. The show will run through Labor Day. Brady, who was born and raised in Tryon, graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in architecture. Brady eventually settled back in Tryon in l951, where he worked under architect Shannon Meriwether, eventually taking over the firm. Holland continued working for more than 60 years designing homes, commercial buildings and churches.

Memorabilia from Brady’s life includes his accounts from World War II and early drawings of architectural designs far ahead of their time.

Trakas said the public would be able to view a collection of Brady’s classic designs out of the more than 300 projects he worked on through the years.

Ferrullo said Lanier Library plans to join in with the exhibit to display some of Brady’s collections

Fa ll Fest at the Library

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as well. Holland Brady collected a number of things including an extensive assemblage of books, magazines and music, for example.

Within a large scrapbook to be set up at the exhibit, space will be left for community members to bring notes, pictures and more to contribute.

If you live in a Holland Brady home or have an item you would like to have considered for the exhibit, call Pat Ferrullo at 859-3177 or Dean Trakas at 859-6006 or 864-590-3905.

The Friends of the Landrum Public Library will host a series of musical performances to be held on the library’s lawn.

Two groups will return who performed during the New Harmonies performances held last year at the Landrum Public Library.

On August 29, Brushfire Stankgrass will open the series. On Thursday, Sept. 5 The East Tennessee State University Student Pride Band will delight guests with their musical works. A new group, The Wilhelm Brothers from Asheville will perform Sept. 19.

All performances will begin at 7 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, food and beverages, but alcohol is not allowed on the premises.

All ages are invited to this free program for the community.

The Friends of the Library recently purchased a new AV system for the outdoor gazebo that will make the events possible.

FEATURE

women

Babb’s GRADING & LANDSCAPING

under the ho o d

A bright orange check engine light starts pinging from your dash board – what do you do next?

Do you dart into the nearest mechanic shop and let them deal with it? While the foothills might offer many a trusty mechanic, wouldn’t you like to have a bit more knowledge about what could be wrong with your vehicle?

It could possibly just need additional oil or maybe a hose is loose.

Tryon Seventh-day Adventist Church aims to help women better comprehend the hoses, wires and greasy metal under the hood of their cars that normally might cause their eyes to cross.

Widowed, divorced, single or married – all women can benefit from knowing a bit more about what’s under the hood of their car.

The church’s Women Under the Hood course will provide hands-on car maintenance advice.

Through three sessions students will learn the basics of their car and how to maintain them.

In three sessions women will learn what to do if they are in the middle of nowhere and a tire blows out. They’ll understand enough to make sure a mechanic is being honest and will discover what the seven vital fluids are and why they are important.

Women will learn all of this in a hands-on way using their own vehicle.

The class will be held from 6-9 p.m. each Monday, Aug. 12, 19 and 26 at the Tryon Seventh-day Adventist Church. There is a small registration fee. To find out more, call 828-859-6407.

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The Mane Event

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To show appreciation for major donor’s support and generosity, St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation recently held a thank you event with a carriage driving demonstration, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at Fox Meadow Farm.

1. Paul and Pat Sutherland and Digit and Beth Laughridge.

2. Ned Dick, Roger Traxler, Mimi Traxler and Judy Warden.

3. Boyd and Lois Barrick.

4. Gail and Dave Cornelius.

5. Meshelle Colvin and hostess Cathy Taylor.

6. Sherry and Dr. Thomas Dashiell.

7. Petra and Ed Harrelson.

8. James and Renee McDermott.

9. Richard and Joanie Newman.

10. Ken and Heidi Shull.

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Patriotic Parade

Landrum Library held its annual Patriotic Parade Tuesday, July 2. Kids and family members came decked out in their red, white and blue to celebrate the approaching holiday.

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1. Lauren Winterrowd, ElizaCait Millwood, Amelia Campbell and Sarah Campbell.

2. Mackaylan, Lydia and Lana O’Shields.

3. Olivia Clayton, Taylor Byrd, Caleb Emory and Daven Green.

4. Ella McCall.

5. Keira Taylor and Nyajea Ventura.

6. Lainey, Gray and Owen Caldwell.

7. Ella Burns, Beck Burns and Bradley Skipper.

8. Mason Cantrell.

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Columbus 50th Fabulous Fourth

Many families weathered the storm to come downtown for rides, music, carnival food and patriotic displays on July 4 in Columbus. The annual fireworks display had to be postponed but will take place Labor Day. 1. Rachel Goettert, Issac Meford, Sherry Rogers, Hunter Rogers, Jaccob Medford, Sheila Salyers, Charity Salyers, Isaac Salyers, Joseph Salyers and Donnie Rogers.

2. Milli, Marli and Miley – owned by Ruth and Jerry Tyner of Mill Spring.

3. Lorna Dever, Maine Malmstrom, Carl Edney and Cheryl Griffin.

4. Columbus Police Chief Chris Beddingfield and Ben Page.

5. Kelly Bradley, Rachel and Vanessa Raposa.

6. Darlene Fitzgerald, Millie Yelton, Bobby Brown, Chris Yelton, John Keller, and Matt and Gavin Jonas.

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7. Caitlyn Bowen, Buddy Biddy and Caleb Bowen.

8. Janice and Alan Weaver.

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440th Army Band 5 The 440th Army National Guard Band played to an enthusiastic crowd at Tryon Elementary School July 6. The band played battle marches, patriotic tunes, movie scores and jazz numbers.

1. John, Alex and Caroline Rollins with Crys Armbrust.

2. Bob and Kay Thomas.

3. Beryl Dade and Lumie King.

4. Liz Beam and Pat Fiol.

5. Al Hart and Frank Ortiz.

6. Jim and JoAnn Cooper.

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FENCE Summer Camps

FENCE has held several weeks of camps this summer focused on everything from equestrian lessons to nature hikes and other camps.

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1. Megan Hormel.

2. Grace Marshall.

3. Marly Humphries.

4. James Wofford.

5. Freedom Moser.

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Tryon Gallery TROT

Despite the ever present rains of late, art lovers still came out Saturday, July 13 to take in the beauty of local works hanging in various galleries.

1. Greyson, Vince, JoAnn and Gavin Roser with Kim Nelson (second from right).

2. John and Inglis Sellick.

3. Susan and Alec Hopps.

4. Christine Mariotti and Aviva Kahn.

5. Melanie "Ruby" Archer and Alan Keith 6. Betty and Jay Burdue, and Dee and Edd White.

OPPOSITE PAGE: 7. James "Jimmy" Lee, Katie Malone and Brad Fraedrich.

8. Casa Bacot.

9. Alli Halbkat and Erin Thompson.

10. LJ Meyers and Mary Ann Vassar.

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Unity Leadership event

Unity in the Community recently held a weekend of events including a Leadership Dinner, round table discussion/ luncheon and an organic banquet.

The keynote speaker was Rev. Richard Joyner. The project was funded by the Polk County Community Foundation.

1. Beverly McKinney, Sharon Rogers, Terry Bellamy, Lawanna Freeman and Cassandra Staley.

2. Rev. Richard Joyner, Elizabeth Nager and Dawn Jordan.

3. Rev. Rob Staley.

4. Rev. Richard Joyner.

5. John and Tammy Logan.

6. Pastor Stephen Abe. 7. Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy.

8. Kyone Staley.

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Business After Hours

The Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event was held June 25 at The Gorge in Saluda.

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1. Susan DeLuciano and Nadine Naujoks.

2. Selena Coffey, Sue Campbell and Chuck Britton.

3. Wanda and George May. 4. Paul and Robin Pullen.

5. Jim Tabb and Kathy Toomey.

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Bearlooms FEATURE

M artha Spray ’s art s peaks softly

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FEATURE Written by KIESA KAY Photographs by SAMANTHA HURST

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s a little girl, Martha Spray scooped up socks and scraps from her grandmother’s sewing bag and made small stuffed animals.

She grew up with a fondness for sewing and quilting, pleasures she could keep as she traveled around the world with her husband, Dean. A dozen years ago, she developed her skill in textile arts and soft sculptures, and soon BEARLOOMS began.

“I love watching my bears develop as I sew them,” Martha says. “It’s the most relaxing hobby I can have. Sometimes I think I might stop for a while, but then I’ll wake up at night thinking of another bear.”

Martha’s been asked to teach classes in this special textile art, but she hesitates, because the materials can be cost prohibitive. Her tools for this art come from Edinburgh Imports and CR Crafts in Iowa. The fabrics include a special Angora goat hair made primarily in Germany. After shearing, the wool must be woven a special way, strong and tightly set into a natural cotton backing. Martha has tried to find a source from many people who raise alpacas and Angora goats, hoping to find an American supplier, but the process is too labor intensive to be cost-effective. Most fabrics come from Schulte, with some British or Scottish suppliers.

“It’s beautiful wool,” Martha says. “I love the feel of it.

I can’t order from the Internet because I have to feel the texture of the fabric to know it’s right. The colors on a computer screen are way off, too. It can cost $250 for a yard of fabric. My first bears were not mohair, because it takes real courage to cut into that fabric.”

Martha’s first bears had a more human look than they do now, almost like dolls. Most of her bears have glass eyes and wool-felt paw pads.

“I like to think of it as being a bear artist,” Martha says.

“Making handmade bears is a dying art.”

Martha hand-sculpts each bear with exquisite care, and the needlework sculpting gives each bear a distinctive look. No two bears look exactly alike; each one has a special personality. Their furs vary from white to tan to deeper, darker browns.

Careful attention to detail distinguishes Martha’s handmade bears. Ear positions vary, showing an inquisitive nature, careful listening or perhaps a more relaxed look. Each bear has a slightly different shape to the nose. The size and posi-

tion of eyes vary quite a bit, too.

“Younger bears have bigger eyes,” Martha explains.

Most of Martha’s bears have wooden disks and glass eyes, so they’re art, not play toys. Collectors adore Martha’s BEARLOOMS for their originality, their intricate artistry and their sweet aesthetic beauty.

When President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt set an old bear free on a hunting expedition in 1902, a boom time began for stuffed bears, and stuffed bears soon became very popular, mass-produced toys for children. Martha’s bears aren’t teddy bears. They can be surface washed, but not machine washed, so they tend to be most desirable to collectors.

She also makes a line of washable bears with hinged arms and legs that can be toys. The washable bears have deep-sewn eyes that stay put, and they’re softly huggable, but not made of the most expensive fabrics.

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BEARLOOMS

Martha Spray works on the detailing of a collectible bear. She trims his fur and selects eyes.

26 L IFEINO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M

“At the turn of the century, little boys didn’t have dolls. David Spice decided to make bears so they’d have toys that stood on two feet,” Martha says. “For the first time, boys could cuddle and play with bears.”

Her bears are whimsical works of art. She created the polar bear on display at Art Space, a bear with ferocity, a work of textile art that belongs in no one’s toy box.

“I prefer a handmade, jointed bear, with personality,” she said. “I’m inspired by Steiff, in Germany. We lived there for four years.”

Steiff bears have somber faces, though, and Martha’s bears sport trademark smiles. Some of the bears have a thoughtful wistfulness, as if remembering long-ago loves, and other bears just flat-out grin, full of joy and fun.

“My husband saw my first bears, and he said they should be smiling, so I turned up the lines at the sides,” she said.

After completing the soft sculpting, Martha lets the bears rest among her collection of antique handkerchiefs. She sorts and studies, then creates an outfit to fit the bear’s personality. One bear wears a bright clown’s suit, in primary colors.

Another sports a brown hat set at a rakish angle.

“Sometimes, it takes a while to tell if a bear should be a boy or a girl,” Martha says.

Sometimes, too, if a bear stays with Martha for more than one season, she will change the bear’s outfit to suit the next season. BEARLOOMS make delightful family heirlooms and whimsical gifts for birthdays or the winter holidays, she says.

Although born in Louisville, Kentucky, Martha has lived in Okinawa, Japan; Washington, DC; Ankara, Turkey; and Berlin, Germany. Most of Martha’s bears have wooden disks and glass eyes, so they’re art, not play toys. She has three daughters, three son-in-laws, and three grandchildren.

“Since my husband was with the Defense Department, I could travel while he worked,” Martha says. “I learned that even if people have very different views and beliefs, we can respect their feelings and experiences.”

Martha’s travels have taught her that deep down, people of all belief systems can be good at heart. As a traveler to new countries, she often was the stranger: the one entering an established community with different ideas and cultural conceptions.

“I feel very welcome and accepted in Turkey, among Muslim people. The people we’ve met have been very non-judgmental,” Martha said.

FEATURE

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“The greatest things are mutual respect, and not just patience, but actual respect and acceptance of other people with diverse ideas.”

Martha gained that view from going into new places, and being the person with diverse ideas that differed from the norm in a new culture.

“Even if someone’s very different, with unusual ideas, I still respect their feelings and experiences,” Martha says. “I’m a humanist.”

From 1983 to 2011, Martha and her husband enjoyed a second home in Turkey, but maintaining homes on two continents proved to be a challenge.

“It was so hard to let it go, but it wasn’t easy to keep up a second home from such a distance,” Martha says.

Consequently, two years ago, they decided to simplify to one residence here. They’ve kept their close connections and deep friendships in other parts of the world, though. They’ll vacation soon to a pleasant pensione across from the Four Seasons in Istanbul, followed by a visit with friends who have a home on the Black Sea. No matter where their travels take them, they’ll return home to Tryon, and BEARLOOMS. Martha’s busiest time of year for sales tends to be in the autumn and winter, as people choose gifts for the holidays, but she makes her bears yearround. Martha and BEARLOOMS can be reached at 828-859-7057. •

FEATURE

up sta ir s

A RTS PAC E contemporary art spac e in Tryon Written by ROBIN EDGAR Photographs submitted

T

he word “upstairs� can mean to go to a higher level, higher rank or position.

Since Upstairs Artspace started in Tryon 35 years ago, the non-profit contemporary art gallery has aimed higher. Rising from humble beginnings as the first contemporary art gallery in North Carolina, it is now regionally recognized as a center for contemporary art.

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UPSTAIRS ARTSPACE It all began when Tryon artist Craig Pleasants decided to do something about the region’s lack of an avant-garde art gallery. His mission was not necessarily to sell the art as much as to create a venue to show it.

“No one in the state was exhibiting contemporary art in 1977, except for Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) in Winston-Salem,” said Pleasants.

“I wanted to establish a place for conceptual, installation and performance art — all popular art forms in the 1970s.”

Although his vision was big, funds were limited, so he and his wife, Sheila, established the Upstairs Artspace in the upstairs bedrooms of their Tryon home on Markham Road.

The first invitational show in June 1978, featuring Pleasants’ work as well as other conceptual artists Nancy Weaver, Tom Sayre, Richard Kern and Richard Craven and received favorable reviews in the Asheville publication the Arts Journal.

Incorporating as a non-profit with Craig, Sheila and local poet Sam McMillan as the original board of trustees, the space came alive with art installations, concerts and pyrotechnic performance artists. By 1979, Pleasants decided to move the gallery to a more public space and rented the loft over the old Tryon Toymakers store on Trade Street.

“We did the renovation ourselves for $200 and our monthly rent was $25,” recalls Pleasants. “We had some very unusual shows, including David Sedaris in a performance piece called 'Housing and Urban Detective'; Julia DeMaree, a Raleigh artist that made a house out of Tyvek before anyone had heard of it; and Jenny Holzer about the time she was doing the ‘inflammatory’ posters in New York City that made her famous.”

In 1983, with the help of volun-

30 LIFEI NO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M

FEATURE

teers and $1,200 in donations, the gallery moved to a larger space above the old Tryon Federal Savings and Loan building. The gallery continued to build on its reputation with cutting-edge shows.

After acting as executive director for six years, Pleasants and his wife moved to New York City in 1984 and, five years later, on to work for the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, but the Upstairs continued to thrive and grow, as it mined other sources of talent in the community and beyond.

“No small credit should go to the staff, present and past,” says Mary Ann Claud, former board president. “One of the executive directors, Virginia Warren Smith, was a noted photographer and Frank Thompson, went on to become chief curator at the Asheville Museum of Art.” In 1986, the Upstairs transitioned to another loca- Past board members at the gallery's then newly purchased building. An anonymous donor purchased the current space in 2000. tion and rented the building owned by the Town of Tryon at 285 N. Trade Street.

With $1,000 for architectural

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UPSTAIRS ARTSPACE

design from the NC Arts Council and a donation from NC Nations Bank for electrical work, local volunteers transformed the 2,000 square foot area into a gallery space that served the community for 16 years.

In the summer of 2000, an anonymous donor purchased the current location at 49 S. Trade Street. The non-profit raised more than $350,000 with the help of grants from the Polk County Community Foundation, the Janirve Foundation and private donors for an extensive renovation. Upon its completion in May 2004, the building nearly doubled the prior exhibition space with two large galleries on each level, plus a small works gallery.

"People are blown away when they see the gallery — not only because it could be in New York or London, but the art remains true to Craig's desire to showcase exciting trends in today's art," says longtime Upstairs volunteer Nancy Holmes, who has curated more than 100 exhibits.

Although the Upstairs Artspace has grown in rank and stature, Pleasants’ mission to aid the development, understanding and appreciation of contemporary art and craft forms endures. Over the years, its shows have explored climate change, recycled objects and gun control, as well as unique "takes" on traditional genres like portraiture, Top: A patron views pottery pieces in the Older Than Dirt exhibit earlier this year. Middle: Two young girls view an exhibit related to Tryon dollmakers.

32 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M

35t h

UPSTAIRS

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION "100X100" Fall Fundraiser

• Open to the public; no admission fee • One hundred original paintings created by one hundred professional artists for sale at $100 a piece.

Where: Upstairs Artspace Gallery 49 S. Trade Street Tryon, NC

When: • September 14, 2013 opening reception.

Sale begins at 7:30 p.m.

• September 28, 2013 closing reception and auction of larger canvases. landscape and still life — often with groundbreaking, firstof-its-kind exhibits.

"Last year, the gallery held the region’s first-ever international exhibit of encaustic art, an ancient technique involving colorful wax instead of paint. This year's ‘Upload’ show did it again, exploring an entirely new art form — photographs shot and manipulated using smartphones," says Harold Maass, the president of the current Upstairs board.

“The visionaries who built the Upstairs gave this area a gift — a scrappy, innovative venue where artists were encouraged to break rules,” says Maass. “The challenge now is to make sure the gallery doesn’t just live up to those traditions, but continues stretching and smashing through walls, to make the next 35 years even better.”

To help the Upstairs mark 35 years of bringing contemporary art to Tryon, 100 regional and national artists are making 10-by-10-inch paintings to be displayed and sold at the gallery in a Sept. 28 fundraiser. Each piece will sell for $100 on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to attend the opening reception on Sept. 14.

For more information about the 35th anniversary fall fundraiser, contact Kimberly Ward at kcward89@gmail.com or 864-978-0258. •

MCLAINS

Mc Lains Chickens feeding at Sunshine Valley Organic Farm.

THE

A family livi ng cl os e to the ea rth

34 L IFEINO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M

I

Written and photographed by MARK SCHMERLING

t’s the right thing to do,” stresses Glenn McLain of Mill Spring, when discussing his organic farming operation. “The truth speaks.” So do the results.

Glenn’s wife Bonnie, an accomplished artist, art teacher, book author and fashion designer, applies herself with the same integrity and purpose.

“People recognize that I love what I do,” she said recently. “If you enjoy it, that’s what counts.”

Their son, Brett, has carried on the woodcarving that he and Glenn shared while the family lived in rural northwestern New Jersey, but has built an international reputation as both a carver and creator of functional and flawlessly executed work.

All three have used their hearts and imagination, along with plenty of hard work, to fashion a life utilizing and enhancing what nature offers. Monday through Friday, 9-to-5 is not part of their lives.

As creator of Purple Dragonfly Studio, Bonnie has journeyed far from her summer as a camp counselor with a $5 budget for six weeks of teaching art to 25

FEATURE five-year-olds. After purchasing as many empty wooden sewing thread spools as $3 of that allocation would permit, “We made necklaces; we made puppets with these spools.” She also collected natural material to add a dimension.

After college, Bonnie worked with window displays “for every upscale store in Montclair, New Jersey.”

“Then, I went into New York City, into the garment district,” where she designed women’s sportswear, including freelance designs. “That was all done with ruler and pencil.”

At Sunshine Valley Organic Farm, Glenn raises garlic and garlic scapes (Scapes are the tall, slender and spicy rounded shaft, that grow beyond the leaves, and can be sautéed or eaten raw), sweet potatoes, kale, mushrooms, asparagus, winter and summer squash, yellow and green beans, tomatoes, crinkle cress, cabbage and catnip.

It’s a “classic spread of culinary foods,” he notes.

In addition, he cultivates wild persimmons and makes vinegar from them. He also raises medicinal plants.

Many of the farm’s products are sold in the store at the Polk County Agricultural Center in Mill Spring. Both Glenn and Bonnie sell their products at the tailgate market at the ag center, too.

Recent arrivals to the farm are nearly 150 young dual-purpose heirloom chickens, which will produce eggs and meat. A few months back, after losing most of their chickens to predation by both wild

Glen McLain owner of Sunshine Valley Organic Farm, near Mill Spring,is less interested in the bottom line than in the integrity of what he does, and how his practices related to the earth. He's shown with a Barred Plymouth Rock chicken, an heirloom breed that he's raising for eggs and meat, along with Black Javas, another heirloom breed. "At this point," says McLain, I can't sacrifice the truth for the false promise of money."

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MCLAINS

Top: Brett McLain, center, a woodcarving artist got his start with his dad, Glenn (at right), but now operates his own business, Freehand Custom Carvings in northern New Jersey. The shop also features New Jersey's International Gallery of Wood Sculpture. Sean Egan, left, one of Brett's carvers, accompanied Brett on a recent visit to his parents' home near Mill Spring. View Brett's work at www.customchainsawcarvings.com.

Bottom: Glenn McLain will soon plant these healthy sweet potato starts, which will produce from six to eight sweet organic potatoes each.

36 L IFEINO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M

animals and uncontrolled dogs, the McLains purchased Barred Plymouth Rock and Black Java chicks.

Both breeds were popular on small, family farms some generations back, and both have been nearly lost in the race to produce the highest yield of eggs and meat, regardless of the consequences to the environment, human health and to the birds themselves.

Shunning conventional farming methods, which sometimes rely on dangerous chemicals to control weeds and pests and antibiotics and growth stimulants for some animals, Glenn goes beyond what would qualify as organic methods.

“I also raise indigenous microorganisms for augmenting soil biology. That’s a vital, important part,” he said.

Black soldier flies, for example, a

FEATURE native, non-nuisance species, are the basis for a nearly self-perpetuating system of soil building and animal feeding.

More consumers are realizing what organic producers like Glenn know and practice.

Industrial agriculture provides little species diversity, and does not preserve or augment natural soil nutrition, while biological agriculture promotes diversity of both crops and specific species.

The latter enriches the soil, and protects groundwater quality, Glenn says.

Glenn is accustomed to hard physical work, having toiled with his father in construction at an early age, then becoming a logger often working with draft horses to remove the logs from the job.

As a logger, he grew fond of his workhorses, including how they worked in harmony, while treading more lightly on the land than modern logging equipment. And, while he uses a modern tractor for some of his current operation, “given the opportunity, my choice of power would be draft animals.”

Farmers can, and must, keep track of expenses, but their time is often more of a donation, spent doing something they love and find rewarding.

“The income from farming is cost-plus,” remarked Glenn recently. “I write my time off — boom, period!” But he can live with that because he knows what he is doing is in balance with nature.

“At this point, I can’t sacrifice the truth for the false promise of money.”

Unlike many farmers whose lives are ruled by grim toil, Glenn, who toils and improvises constantly, sees a bigger picture, a product of organic farming and of helping perpetuate heirloom crop and livestock varieties.

Top: Sunshine Valley Organic Farm provides local customers with many varieties of produce, including this garlic that will be for sale at the Mill Spring Agriculture Center and other venues. Some of Glenn McLain's wellknown organic sweet potatoes are there now. Bottom left: Jerusalem artichokes (Which are not related to either Jerusalem or to artichokes) are the edible tubers of certain sunflowers. Many folks know these delicacies as "sun chokes." At Sunshine Valley Organic Farm, not far from Mill Spring, Glenn McLain cultivates these treats, mostly for use at home. Glenn and Bonnie's son Brett, who is an accomplished artist in wood carving, recently visited his parents, and dug up some of these sun chokes. Bottom right: This is a sweet potato start, that, when planted, will produce six to eight sweet potatoes.

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MCLAINS

These boxes appear to be intricately-carved from metal, but, instead, are skillfully and imaginatively crafted from paper and metalicized heating and air conditioning tape. Bonnie McLain's classes open students' minds to their own creative potential and sense of accomplishment.

Two more of Bonnie McLain's creations. With a degree in art from Greenbriar Junior College in West Virginia, McLain has also written eighteen books, and lives her philosophy of "If you enjoy it, that's what counts."

38 LIFEI NO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M

Becoming this close to the soil and to the earth’s pulse has been a journey.

At one point, when living in New Jersey, Bonnie and Glenn owned and operated Craft in Hand Resources, where they produced and sold handcrafted aromatic, red cedar country gifts. Employing as many as 20 individuals, they sold their products

FEATURE

"Never-ending cards," boxes crafted from intricately-folded paper, and other creative items prepared from materials found in the home, are hallmarks of Bonnie McLain's Purple Dragonfly Studio, near Mill Spring. McLain, who also teaches, has made a life-long career in art and fashion design. Here, she displays many of her favorite creations.

throughout New England.

“That was a neat business. Our kids worked in it with us,” Bonnie said.

Given that background, and much practice and hard work, Brett has become internationally known as a carver, with an inclusive line of products.

“I started carving when I was 17,” he recalls.

His early material came from Glenn’s timber harvesting with horses, when large tree crotches were sometimes left behind.

Those crotch pieces often had more figure than others.

“I started playing around carving them,” Brett recalled. Soon, he met other carvers, and began selling his own work. From abstracts, he moved to carving animals. Some of that earlier work – charming carved bears peering out from their respective logs – is AU GU ST 2 0 1 3

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Panache Boutique Style Elegance Flair Junior’s and Women’s

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offered for sale at the ag center.

Now, “We do all sorts of things,” Brett continued, including human figures, fine tables and even bar stools.

At their shop, Freehand Custom Carvings, in Newton, N.J., Brett and his carvers host other carvers from around the world.

There, they sell their work. Visit www.customchainsawcarvings. com or e-mail at freehandcustomcarvings@yahoo.com.

Those associations have led Brett to wood sculpting camps in Scotland, Germany and England. This year, he’ll travel to Denmark for a symposium. In some competitions at these camps, Brett has finished third. He earned the top prize in a German competition.

Though Glenn himself began carving on soapstone in sixth grade, and also began drawing, he admits, “Until Brett brought it out, I was a closet artist.

Glenn and Bonnie’s business in New Jersey, while successful for a time, faltered, recalled Bonnie. “The market, in 1988, dried up. I started making silver jewelry. When we went on the road, Glenn would do carving.”

Eventually, however, Bonnie lost interest in making jewelry, but true to form, she adapted, when their daughter, Heather Amy, got her interested in paper craft.

“I loved paper, and cutting paper, and coloring paper,” recalled Bonnie. Soon, she was making boxes and books from scratch. Now, she teaches many of the crafts she learned through the years. Some of those include her “never-ending cards,” metal boxes and flower designs to place on paper boxes made from intricately folded paper.

She enjoys “taking things seen around the house, and crafting something nice enough to present as a gift.”

Of her teaching, Bonnie notes, “It empowers people to be able to make something.”

She teaches some 20 classes posted on the calendar at www. polkcountyfarms.org. For more information on classes, check the calendar or visit www.purpledragonflystudio.blogspot.com.

You may also call 828-625-1180.

“I go with the flow of what the girls (mostly women) want to learn,” she said, noting that classes are also open to men.

“I have no objection to men taking my classes. More men are fascinated, but more women take the classes.

Bonnie has combined her art background with a master’s degree in psychology, which she has used in art therapy.

When she’s not teaching or producing her ingenious “neverending cards” and other pieces, Bonnie is writing. In addition, she notes, “I like to knit and felt. I don’t think there’s a craft I haven’t tried ... I do a lot of collage work. I love to cook ...”

One of her favorite art forms is zentangling, which with one line at a time, an artist can create repeated patterns of infinite variety. “It’s an art that’s very peaceful,” Bonnie noted.

“It brings your mind into meditation.”

Regardless of whom she is instructing, Bonnie’s goal is the same.

“I love bringing light and peace into their experience.

She closes her written communications, “Love, light and peace. Bonnie.” •

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e g a b b a C

FOOD FOR FOODIES

An added va l u e

Written by CAROL LYNN JACKSON Photographs submitted

L

ocal food traditions archive a regional inheritance of the foods we feast upon after their harvest.

I still look to those ingredients today as place-based staples for meals throughout the year. Crops like corn, beans, squash, kale, beets, cabbage, Jerusalem artichoke, wild mushrooms and berries are but a small reminder of the intersection between two cultures in early America.

Like this heirloom produce, using recipes old and new help us remember that every bite we take comes from the soil, and that it's up to us to cultivate a life in which each mouthful can nourish our families with a deep sense of place.

They also lend plans for farmers to value-add their crops through preserving.

Many folks put up produce for over winter, but also when bumper crops come in. Corn, beans and cabbage come to mind quickly when preserving a harvest. Cabbage adds value when it becomes sauerkraut and can preserve with the simplest recipes to the more complex and exotic. Fennel seed, onion, pickling spices and garlic help make diverse krauts with green and napa cabbages.

Kimchi is another fermented cabbage dish in which the Koreans consume a whopping 2 million tonsper year. But they are not the only ones. As the raw food craze takes off, the fermented cabbage dish is spreading beyond the Korean peninsula to win over the Western world. Popularized in part by Sandor Katz, self-proclaimed fermentation fetishist, kimchi is now widely consumed – from the Tennessee countryside Mr. Katz calls home, to trendy restaurants in New York and L.A. Yet, for Koreans, kimchi is far from a hot, new trend: it's a matter of survival, tradition and cultural identity.

We also see cabbage transformed into Cha Cha, a southern American relish usually made with tomatoes and peppers.

Summer veggies are in their prime this month all around the foothills. Bon Appetit’.

42 LIFEI NO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M

COLUMN

Brats

&

Sauerkraut!

Want your next barbecue to overflow with flavors of Polk County?

We have got a perfectly easy barbecue menu ready for you – brats and sauerkraut!

Does the idea of making your own sauerkraut just exhaust you from head to toe? Don’t fret, Marti and Dan Wells of Buttercup Cottage and Dan’s Garden in Saluda have taken care of the work for you.

Their kraut goes amazingly well with brats from Achin’ Back Acres or Jeff and Charlene Searcy right here in Polk County (we tasted it ourselves). Both the brats and the sauerkraut can be purchased any given Saturday at the Columbus Farmers Market from 8 a.m. – noon. You can also get the brats at the Mill Spring Ag Center’s Farm Store.

Classic Ruben Sandwich Recipe submitted by Marti and Dan Wells of Buttercup Cottage in Saluda.

- Pepperage Farm Jewish Rye bread - Corned beef or pastrami, thinly sliced - Buttercup cottage sauerkraut - Swiss cheese, thinly sliced - Thousand Island salad dressing - Spicy mustard, optional • Spread dressing on one slice of bread and mustard, if you like, on other.

• Stack corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese on bread, top with other piece of bread.

• Grill with butter (like making a grilled cheese sandwich) until bread is crispy and cheese is melted.

• Cut in half and serve. Use as much of the beef, sauerkraut and cheese as you like. Also delicious using turkey or roast beef.

Ramsey’s Kimchi Recipe submitted by Betty Ramsey.

While living in Korea I developed a fond love for the smelly, but oh so delicious, cabbage Kimchi. My neighbor and friend Son Ye agreed to teach me how to make it if I would teach her how to make milkshakes. It is a trade off my family heartily enjoys to this day.

2 heads of Napa cabbage – cut into 2” slices 2 tablespoons garlic – diced 1 daikon radish (about 4” long by 2” around) peeled & grated 1 bunch of green onions – cut into 1” pieces ½ cup Korean chili powder (more or less to taste) 1-tablespoon sugar Sea salt or course kosher salt – you will need at least 1 cup • Thoroughly wash cabbage and chop into 2” pieces. Use the outer & inner leaves (all but the bottom inch or so).

• Using a large bowl add a 1 to 2” layer of cut up cabbage, sprinkle with sea salt and add another layer, sprinkle with salt again. Continue until you have used all the cut up cabbage. Place a large heavy plate on the top and let sit for several hours or over night.

• Pour off water and rinse cabbage thoroughly. Drain cabbage; remove as much water as possible.

• In large bowl mix cabbage and remaining ingredients, using your hands massage the ingredients into the cabbage until thoroughly mixed.

• Kimchi is ready to eat. Place in jars and refrigerate. You can make the kimchi hotter or milder depending on your taste by increasing or decreasing the Korean chili powder.

After three weeks the kimchi will begin to ferment and take on a “ripe” flavor. While hotter, it’s still delicious when mixed in fried rice, stir fry, etc.

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TREAT YOURSELF

t a e Tr you r se l f

At the snap of a finger, "locovores" around the foothills can spout off their favorite farm for sunflowers or THE bee guy to purchase honey from but did you know you can find your everyday beauty essentials made locally too?

Those same ingredients that nourish you internally can also provide healing and protection for your entire body.

If you truly are all about local - we'll show you another way to support your neighbors and find great buys.

These products smell good and make you feel good.

44 LIFEI NO URFO O THI L L S. C O M

FEATURE

Bee Blessed creates this Hand and Foot Balm, as well as a Lip Balm, sold at the Mill Spring Agricultural Center; $8 and $2.

Herbal Mood Mister, created by Alison Strever and Lindsay Caesar from MagMell Farm, sold at the Mill Spring Agricultural Center; $6.95.

Dark Corner Soap & Candle Co. creates this handmade soap in Landrum. Shown here in scents, Gardner's Coffee and Clean, the soap sells for $4 a bar.

Cocolaurin Crème in lavender, bergamot, citrus, jasmine and unscented. Created by Pure Health For You and Dr. Chuck Whalen; sold at the Mill Spring Ag Center; $8.95 for 2 oz.

Pit Stop Deodorant, sold at the Mill Spring Agricultural Center, in 4 oz. and 2 oz. sizes; $12.95 and $8.95.

Dark Corner Soap & Candle Co. also sells hand and body lotions like this one, Carolina Peach, for $3.50 a bottle.

Goat’s Milk Soap Bars, sold at the Mill Spring Agricultural Center; $5.95 a bar.

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COUNTRY LIVING

46 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M

r o l Co

COLUMN

: infinite possibilities Written by GILLIAN DRUMMOND Photograph submitted

A

coat or two of paint can transform a room in many ways, including its look, mood and feeling.

Summer is almost behind us, and the fall is poised to open before us.

The autumn for me doesn’t mean only the end of summer, but rather a feeling of a door opening on infinite possibilities. This feeling, along with looking at my house through new eyes now that I am beginning to think about Thanksgiving and Christmas, brings me to a yearning for some transformation. And in a house, nothing brings transformation more easily or more completely than color.

This beautiful dining room with the gorgeous deep brown walls is painted with Benjamin Moore “terrazzo brown.” The trim is “stoneware” and the ceiling “perspective” all from Color Stories.

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I recently had the opportunity to work with a young family to transform their home through color. The house they had just bought was neither traditional nor contemporary.

The living room was two stories high in one part with many tall windows all covered in white shutters. The other end of the room had a normal 8’ foot ceiling, which appeared low in contrast, as there were no windows. The room also ran into both a passageway to the master bedroom and the

When choosing colors, think of what makes you happy or unhappy, anxious or calm.

An Authorized Agency for

entrance hall. The previous owners had painted all the walls white. There was also a fireplace with a brick chimney that unfortunately went the entire height of the tallest part of the room. You would walk into the room, and the only thing your eye would be drawn to was the chimney.

My clients had no furniture for this room, so the initial makeover was through the color applied to the walls. We painted the space a beautiful, warm shade of yellow and the entire space came alive. You no longer noticed the chimney as much. Now the contrast between the wall of white shutters and the yellow surrounding walls gave the room some architectural interest. The dark passageway to the bedroom was lightened, and the entrance foyer became warm and inviting.

We also painted the adjoining kitchen dining area. The wood wainscoting and the dark green hearth and fireplace surround in the dining area matched the cabinets and countertops in the kitchen. We painted both spaces a complimentary shade of “Wasabi” green. This color enriched the wood, and my client’s collection of blue and white china stood out, displayed along the top of the cabinets in the dining room.

White walls, unless a room is designed specifically to have white walls, are too safe and boring. Every contractor’s favorite linen white, often used in spec houses, well, it always looks lifeless. Contractors and painters like this color because it covers well, and one doesn’t have to do as good a paint job. Instead, think of this as your blank canvas … now, what do you want to create to make it come alive with color?

When choosing colors, think of what makes you happy or unhappy, anxious or calm. You have to analyze yourself, your likes and dislikes, and the use of the space you are decorating. We all react to color, both positively and negatively. For example, I am very uncomfortable with orange.

Recently, at a restaurant, which had its tables painted different colors, I was seated at an orange table. After five minutes, I asked to be moved to another table. It was yellow and I was much happier.

Experiment with color. The worst that can happen is that you repaint it another color.

Complicated rooms look better with subtle color, be-

cause the eye floats easily around the space and takes in all the details in the complex room. Accenting architectural elements is better accomplished with bold, bright or deep colors with white trim, such as a room in an English Georgian house that has moldings and overdoors.

Recently I received a brochure from one of the major paint companies with the new “fashion” colors. This whole concept bothers me greatly. It is fine for clothes that we replace regularly and which aren’t necessarily terribly expensive. But we put a lot of money into our home furnishings, and we live with them on a daily basis for a long time.

Fashion colors become outdated quickly, and your home becomes dated and out of style. Choose and use the colors you love.

Benjamin Moore just came out with a new product called Color Stories. To me it is the most exciting paint product to come out in years. It is full spectrum color, which, unlike conventional formulas for paint, does not use black or gray tints in the formulation of these gorgeous colors. Standard formulations normally use two to three pigments. Color Stories formulations use five to seven pigments blended in very precise amounts. These full-spectrum colors have a complex visual dynamic that gives you an unexpected experience.

The colors are alive; they have greater clarity and are richer and more vibrant than traditional colors. There are 240 colors. Each one creates depth, overtones, nuance and luminosity and depending on the time of day and the light they take on different characteristics and appearances. They evoke emotions and feeling and will bring your rooms to life and truly reflect your personality and taste. They remind me of when I first apprenticed for one of the old society decorators in New York. Our painter mixed each color we wanted on the job using tubes of beautiful pigments. The colors were always beautiful and had a great luminosity to them. This paint is available at Williamson’s Paint in Landrum.

One of the other interesting design projects we completed recently was for clients who had purchased a beautiful, fairly new house. They had filled it with their marvelous furniture and exquisite accessories. I was asked to do the window treatments and some finishing touches. The husband had been adamant that he did not want to paint because it felt too disruptive. When we finished, everything looked very nice, but something was missing. The walls were all linenwhite. The house never came alive! The wife decided to paint the dining room. It changed the room dramatically, and her husband was easily convinced that the disturbance was worth the aggravation. The whole house now glows with warmth, comfort and personality - a total transformation. So if you’re feeling the need for some change in your life, remember, color has infinite possibilities. • Gillian Drummond has her design studio in Tryon, North Carolina. Please visit her website at www.drummondhouseco.com. You can reach her at 828-859-9895.

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appointments Pescado, a 16 year old Argentinean Tb owned by Lee Reynolds Heelan, won the Horse and Home derby June 14 at the Derby madness show at FENCE. “Fish” as he is known, won the Horse and Home Derby in March and was second in the same derby in May. Heelan has owned Fish for 11 years from Francisco “Pico” Martinez and Pablo Barrios. Heelan said Fish has been one of the most consistent horses she has ever owned.

“In 2004 and 2005 we were fourth in the National USEF Horse of the Year awards for the Amateur Owner Hunter 35 and over division. I have also shown him in the Regular Working Hunters, Amateur Owner Jumpers and Regular Conformation Divisions,” Heelan said.

At the end of the 2009 season, Heelan decided to turn Fish out for the winter. He ended up staying in semi-retirement for two years, starting back in January 2012.

“I thought it would be fun to show him in the derby’s they were beginning to have at the local shows,” Heelan said. “He had never done the Derby’s before. He was very successful at them. Last year we were second in two 2500 Nickerdoodle Derbys, won the BRHJA Pro/Am derby, won two SCHJA Derby’s, then in December we won the SCHJA Derby Finals in Camden, S.C.”

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EQUESTRIAN CALENDAR Aug. 1 Equestrian Trails Coalition of WNC Contact dr.b@rutherfordlargeanimal.com.

Aug. 24 TRHC Schooling Horse Trials at Windridge Farm Contact Laura Weicker 828-863-0480.

Sept. 14 Hunter Pace for South East Children’s Home at Scot’s Grove Contact www.wchpace.org.

Sept. 14 Gallery Trot in Tryon Aug. 24 Harmon Hopeful at Harmon Field Contact Kim Nelson info@skyukafineart.com.

Contact Lauren Allen 828-506-2335.

Sept. 14-15 Borderline Dressage at FENCE Aug. 24 Aug. 3-4 Contact Kay Whitlock PSJ Back to School Horse Show at TROT Volunteer Training 910-692-3504.

Contact Robbie Hambright FENCE rwhambright@gmail.com.

Contact psjshows@aol.com Sept. 17 or call 803-649-3505.

Pisgah Trailblazers meeting at Aug. 24-25 Brick’s Pizza Kitchen, Columbus Dressage Clinic with Valerie Aug. 6-9 6 p.m. eat, 7 p.m. meet Robert Zandvoort Dressage Clinic Swygert at Brown Bear Farm, Contact Michael Atkins Hendersonville, N.C. Contact Joy Baker Contact Nicole@brownbear- Michael@atyourserviceair.

828-817-0315 com. farm.biz.

Aug. 10 Sept. 18 Sept. 1 Gallery Trot in Tryon FRC meeting Hunter Pace, Friends of Contact Kim Nelson at Harmon Field Cabin FENCE, FENCE benefit. info@skyukafineart.com.

Contact 828-863-4924.

Contact Dot Moyer dot. moyer@gmail.com.

Aug. 17 Hunter Schooling Show at Biltmore Sept. 5 Equestrian Center Equestrian Trails Coalition of Contact WNC emclean@biltmore.com.

Contact dr.b@rutherfordlargeanimal.com.

Aug. 17 Horse Country Farm Tours Sept. 7 Contact inveigh@aol.com.

Greenville Foothills Pony Club Contact greenvillefoothillAug. 17-18 spc@gmail.com.

BRHJA Summer’s End Show at Harmon Field Sept. 9 Contact Lewis Pack Start of TROT Fall Session 828-894-2721.

Contact Robbie Hambright rwhambright@gmail.com.

Aug. 20 Pisgah Trailblazers Monthly MeetSept. 14 ing at Brick’s Pizza Kitchen.

Harmon Hopeful at Harmon Columbus 6 p.m. eat, 7 p.m. meet. Contact Michael Atkins Field.

Contact Lauren Allen Michael@atyourserviceair.

828-506-2335. com.

Aug. 1 and 2 Biltmore Mini Riding Camp Contact emclean@biltmore.com.

Aug. 24 Greenville Foothills Pony Club Meeting Contact greenvillefoothillspc@gmail.com.

Sept. 14 FRC Show at Riverbend Equestrian Center Contact Margo Savage 828-863-4924

Sept. 20-23 Buck Brannaman Clinic at Garrison Arena, Clemson, S.C. Contact Dottie Davis 828-891-4372.

Sept. 20-23 Buck Brannaman Clinic Horsemanship Clinic 1 and 2 at Clemson Garrison Arena.

Contact. Dottie Davis larryanddottie1@bellsouth. net.

Sept. 20-22 Paul Belasic Clinic at Blue Moon Farm.

Contact Sophie Clifton sophie@montana.net.

MORRIS

A stop on the way to greatness

An American trainer and judge of horses and riders in the hunter and jumper disciplines.

Written by JUDY HEINRICH Photographs by ERIK OLSEN

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hile many notable equestrians have influenced Tryon, Tryon takes special pride in having influenced one of the sport’s true legends: George Morris. Morris came here 57 years ago as a boy chasing a dream, and the lessons learned and relationships formed here ultimately helped him not only master his sport, but forever change it. We caught up with Morris when he was here in June to conduct one of his sought-after clinics and serve as guest equitation judge for the 85th Annual Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Horse Show.

Morris was born in 1938 and grew up in New Canaan, Conn., where, he says, “everyone seemed to have a horse or two.”

He and his siblings rode with the New Canaan Mounted Troop, but only George caught a life-long riding bug.

He continued training at Ox Ridge Hunt Club and became quite a good rider until he found himself with a crisis of confidence at age 12.

“I had become completely timid because I’d been overfaced,” he recalls.

It was then that Morris became a student of renowned horseman Gordon Wright, who, Morris says, “started me from scratch and ultimately gave me not just my riding but the life I’ve lived. He was a second father to me – my riding father.”

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The Wright-Morris partnership was so successful that in just two years, at the recordsetting age of 14, Morris won both the AHSA Medal Final and the ASPCA Maclay Cup Final, the nation’s two premiere hunt seat equitation championships for young riders.

“Those wins put me in a high-profile position even though I was very young,” Morris says. “Then I moved into show jumping, had good horses, had a lot of desire and became successful pretty quickly.”

Above: George Morris at the 1960 Olympics. Below: Morris on horseback during his visit to Tryon.

That success brought Morris to Tryon in 1956, where the US Equestrian Team (USET) was practicing and holding trials for the Stockholm Olympics.

“I brought four good horses with me and they stayed at Harmon Field while I stayed in a cottage at Cotton Patch Farm,” Morris remembers. “I was not on the team, not riding under Coach Bert De Némethy, I was just there as a ‘promising boy’ with a chance to try out with the team. We worked out at Harmon Field and I remember doing lots of hill work in that area – those were some steep hills!”

It wasn’t all work, Morris admits, recounting the occasion he and Frank Chapot – a future six-time Olympian – stopped at a local hack stable, pretended they’d never ridden, were shown how to mount, walk, trot and whoa, and within an hour were jumping the horses all over the place.

“The owners couldn’t believe how we’d progressed in such a short time!” Morris recalled.

That first trip to Tryon unfortunately had a bittersweet ending for Morris.

“When the team trials were held, I came in second only to Bill Steinkraus, a member of our bronze-medal team at the 1952 Olympics.

But the selection committee did not pick me for the team. My parents and I were so sure we’d be going to Europe – I had come in second – and we were just devastated. Over time I realized the committee made the right choice: I had no international experience, I’d never been to Europe. It was a wise decision and a blessing in disguise.”

When USET trials were held in Tryon again a couple of years later, karma was on Morris’ side: There were five riders in contention for four team spots when De Némethy pulled Morris aside to tell him that one of the others was dropping out to get married … so Morris was on the team!

“That’s how that one worked out,” Morris recalls. “Attrition, or whoever was left standing got on the team.”

Between 1958-60, Morris rode on eight winning Nations Cup teams, won Team Gold at the 1959 Pan American Games and Team Silver and individual fourth at the 1960 Rome Olympics. That was to be Morris’ only Olympics as a rider since he gave up his thenAU GU ST 2 0 1 3

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George Morris working with attendees at his recent clinic in Tryon.

required amateur status to become a professional trainer a couple of years later.

No one has coached more winning Olympic riders and international stars than George Morris, with students of his medaling at the 1984, 1992, 1996 and 2004 Olympic Games.

He became chef d’equipe (or coach) for USET Show Jumping in 2005, leading them to team and individual silver at the 2006 World Equestrian Games and Team Gold and individual bronze at the 2008 Olympics.

“George brought the US Equestrian Team back,” says Polk native and horseman Gerald Pack. “He brought it back and made it extremely competitive again by bringing back the basics.”

George Morris has always been about “the basics,” as evidenced at his recent Tryon clinic.

“I like horse training,” he said. “I don’t like gimmicks, I like horse training.”

He is hailed as the single most influential teacher of jumper riders in the nation and as the “father of hunt seat equitation.” His books are highly regarded and his clinics quickly sell out. At 75, he has no intention of curtailing his schedule, since teaching riders is a love second only to riding itself. And ride he does, every day.

Over the years Morris has had occasion to visit Tryon, primarily to see his old mentor, the late Gordon Wright, who had relocated from New York to establish Wright Way Farm in Gowensville. With luck, Morris’ travels will let him come our way again soon. • Morris works with riders on learning to adapt and creating a contract with their horses.

George Morris is such a giant in the equestrian world that just saying “George” provokes immediate recognition. Fans have created multiple good-natured tributes including an ongoing “Most Interesting Man” takeoff on the Dos Equis character and “WWGMD?” bumper stickers, bracelets, hats and even underwear.

If you’re wondering WWGMD, one safe bet would be inside leg to outside rein … see below for that and other tidbits from his Tryon clinic.

• If you put yourself in this position – attending a clinic – BE WILLING TO TRY SOMETHING. You like to use your hands? Put them down. You hate your stirrup up a hole? Put it up anyway. ADAPT. Try things. I take lessons from Robert Dover and I do exactly what he tells me to.

• MAKE A CONTRACT WITH YOUR HORSE. You carry your hands and he’ll carry his head. Don’t leave your hands on his withers – take him over the jump and then raise your hands.

• After the jump or from your galloping position, SINK SOFTLY BACK ONTO YOUR CROTCH, don’t set back on your seat.

• DON’T JUMP FOR YOUR HORSE. Relax your legs and close your hands – the horse does it.

• WORK ON THE DISCIPLINE; the dressage, the flat work – they’re as important as the jumping.

• TO GET THE CORRECT LEAD, INSIDE LEG TO OUTSIDE REIN. If the horse is cross-cantering, breaking to one side or misbehaving - inside leg to outside rein. It’s the holy grail of riding: inside leg to outside rein.

• EDUCATE YOURSELF, ESPECIALLY THE EDUCATION OF OLD. Read books

by Gordon Wright, Bill Steinkraus, Bert de Némethy. They had scope.

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khaki breeches, boots and his hunt cap with a brown hacking jacket — typical army dress. And he better not catch you holding hands with your girlfriend. He would rip you to shreds. ordon Wright was a man before his time — a Amateurs paid for their own lessons, but the professionals man who set the stage for the horse show world could always count on free training from him. Throughout his of today. career, he helped many a professional rider improve their skills.

One of the top professionals of his era, he was a competitor, instructor, clinician and author whose influ- He had a way of nurturing talent and bringing good people into the world of horses, people like Gussie Busch, Betty Lyons, Jarrett ence is still felt to this day, long after his death. For his many Schmidt, John Strauss, Bert Firestone … the list goes on. contributions to the sport, he has deservedly been inducted He had gotten his own leg up back in the 1920s when he was into the United States Show Jumping Hall of Fame. accepted into officer training school at Fort Riley, Kan., then the And to think we were fortunate enough to have Wright U.S. Cavalry base and generally acknowledged as our equestrian living right here in Tryon for so many years. I had my first clinic from him when I was 16 years old down at the old ring “think tank.” Suddenly, he went from riding broncos and working rodeos out west to Second Lieutenant in the Everyone would congregate at the ring on Sunday cavalry regiment, exchanging ideas with great horsemen like Major Harry Chamberlin and afternoon and wait for Gordon to come down the Captain V.S. Littauer, both proponents of forward riding seat, which was a new hill from the Pine Crest Inn where he’d go for one the concept at the time. of their great Pine Crest brunches.

Their association would have a profound impact on sport horse enthusiasts at Ziegler Field, which was, and still is, owned by the Town of across America, with the three men revising the “U.S. Cavalry School Manual” for a new, civilian audience. Through their works, Tryon. Sadly, in the 70s, the town took down the fence and destroyed the jumps, but the surface of the arena still remains. American riders would be given a common set of riding principles formerly exclusive to the cavalry. I am lucky enough to have all four Everyone would congregate at the ring on Sunday editions of their completed works in my library. afternoon and wait for Wright to come down the hill from Gordon learned the mechanics of riding early on, and was able the Pine Crest Inn where he’d go for one of their great Pine Crest brunches. It was exciting to ride and train with him. He to create a system of teaching that really worked. He produced more Medal/Maclay winners than anyone in history excepting had a real formula for teaching you to ride. He broke everyhis devoted student, George Morris, who regularly trained with thing down into the correct basics, which were made up of him, as did Bill Steinkraus, Victor Hugo-Vidal and others. Gordon four elements — your legs, your base, which people call the also trained several U.S. Olympic competitors to laurels and was a seat, your upper body, which your eyes control, and lastly, driving force behind the founding of the United States Equestrian your hands, which take a lifetime to master.

Team, which has its roots in Tryon.

It was a good program, a strict program. But Wright alHe had come to this area on a Southern fox hunting tour back ways insisted upon teaching just one element at a time, believin the 50s and gotten to know Carter Brown who showed him ing that if you burdened a rider with too much at once, they around. Like so many other people, he fell in love with Tryon and walked away with nothing. That attitude probably stemmed from his time in the cavalry in Fort Riley where they brought was soon spending winters here with his customers, hunting and showing at the local schooling shows routinely held each Sunday at people together from every walk of life and changed them into skilled riders through a basic program of horsemanship Harmon Field.

Gordon enjoyed hunting here. In the l973-74 season Betsy, mythat everyone could adapt to.

There was always an underlying discipline with Wright. He self and Gordon became Joint Masters of the Greenville County Hounds, which Betsy and I later kept as a private pack for about 40 never stepped into the arena except when he was attired in

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"Learning to Ride, Hunt and Show" was one of several books Gordon Wright wrote, along with editing several others.

years. Gordon demanded the same standards of correctness in the hunt field as he did in the riding arena. A rider must keep up with the pack, keep their horses under control and be able to ride correctly through the ditches and over hills. A person could not be turned loose and hope and pray he got to the other side. Again, that attitude came from the cavalry.

As much as Gordon enjoyed hunting, it was teaching the basics that he most loved. While he still maintained a large riding facility in White Plains, N.Y., by the early 60s, he had sold his share in Saxon Woods farm, located beside the Block House, to the Schmidts, and bought a place in Gowensville, SC, which he named Wright Way Farm.

He envisioned starting a school where professionals could come and learn the correct basics of riding and then, go out into the world and teach those same principles to others. Betsy and I, along with Di Southworth and Anne Aspinal, were the first to be inducted into The Wright Way School of Horsemanship.

It was a wonderful experience. After we finished, we all sat down and wrote the teacher’s manual, which provides the first 48 hours of riding. Gordon thanked us and said “this is my last book.” By then, he had written or edited a total of seven books including “Learning to Ride, Hunt and Show.”

He was growing too old to finish his mission. He died at age 87, in Landrum. However, by his books, his clinics and through his students, he left a legacy in safe hands — both with his amateurs as well as with the professionals he produced during his career.

Gordon emerged onto the scene at a pivotal time, both for equestrian sports and also for me personally. My Sunday afternoon lessons were the beginning of a lifelong journey with horses that would take me to 12 different countries, giving me a life I could scarcely have imagined. What an experience to have been passed down to me, right here in the great Tryon area.

Stay tuned. •

GOODLETT

Liza Goodlett with the Junior Overall award.

G oo d le tt captures junior overal l award

Photographed by ASHLEY GOODLETT Written by BARBARA CHILDS

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iza Goodlett, 17, loves riding hunter and jumper and equitation with her horse Frisco.

Liza grew up with riding, and it has formed into a passion for her.

Right now Goodlett is working on gaining points for the ASPCA Maclay and USEF Pessoa Medal Classes. Her longterm goal is to gain enough points to go to the regionals for each class

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and to get on a NCAA Equestrian Team either at University of South Carolina, University of Georgia or Auburn.

Goodlett's horse is Testarosa, also known as Frisco. She says he's the sweetest horse one will ever meet. He's an Oldenburg, 18 hands high, and he is 13 years old.

“Trust me, I'm not lying! He is a true gentle giant,” she said. “His favorite treats are Nature Valley Granola Bars. He is obsessed with them.

Frisco always tries his best and hardest for me no matter what the conditions. We showed in a terrible rainstorm in Conyers, and he was perfect. He is also talented and jumps more than a foot over everything.”

Goodlett rides at Still Creek Farm and schools there with Holli Adams, her trainer. "She is an awesome teacher, and very talented because she is encouraging, funny, and rides and shows competitively herself," says Goodlett.

Working without stirrups has been a challenge for Goodlett because she rides at home during the week. Having a lot of self-discipline is tough, she said.

The most important classes for Goodlett and Frisco are the ASPCA Maclay Medal, USEF Pessoa Medal, and the Washington Hunter Jumper Phases. She is trying to qualify for the regionals in each class and hopefully advance to the finals.

Having a family-owned farm with horses is not easy according to Goodlett. It requires a ton of extra work and true dedication. The few wins that Goodlett has acquired assure her that all the hard work and long hours really pay off. Also, with Frisco, she has learned much about having the right horse as a partner.

Goodlett's horse before Frisco did not get along well in the show arena. But with Frisco, the opportunities for them as partners are endless.

"He makes me feel invincible, and that is a once in a lifetime feeling! I cannot wait to see what is in store for Frisco and myself in the future," says Goodlett.

Goodlett is planning to be a dermatologist. Her career will not be rooted entirely in horses, but she wants to own and continue to show, and be able to afford this expensive sport. Horses will always be a part of her life, she said. •

APPOINTMENTS

“His favorite treats are Nature Valley Granola Bars.

He is obsessed with them.”

Top: Liza Goodlett and Frisco in the show ring. Bottom: Betty Oare, Liza Goodlett and Mr. George Morris. Liza won the Betty Oare Overall High Point Equitation Junior Rider award during the Tryon Show with George Morris judging.

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Fe eli ng at ho me

Tell all about your gorgeous horse-age, breed, level of training, personality, what he likes to do in pony club and also in showing, how did you acquire him?

Highland Park Thor my OTTB (Off-the-track-Thoroughbred) is 10 years old. Thor has a good foundation in eventing but was not used much in the past four or so years, so I am eventing him at the Beginner Novice level right now, but we will be moving to Novice real soon…he is that good. Thor is gentle, hardworking and tries so hard to please me. I’ve only owned Thor since February 2013. We are still in the “get-to-knoweach-other” stage. He is remembering his training more each Questions by BARBARA CHILDS ride, and learning my style as well. He is still a bit green, so we When did you join the Greenville Foothills Pony Club and are taking it slow. I don’t mind taking a step backwards to bring what rating do you hold?

Thor up to where I was before I got him. My last horse, Regal I joined GFPC when I was 6 years old, nine years ago. Last sumChivas, was diagnosed with bi-lateral navicular and is now permer I passed my C3 rating and in the fall I passed my HB. I am manently retired. When I heard the news about Chivas I didn’t now a C3 Traditional. think there would ever be another horse in the whole earth that could fill the hole left in my heart. I rode/trialed a lot of horses What are your long-term goals with riding and what goals before finding Thor. The minute I sat on him, I knew he was are how focused on for the present?

With pony club, I’d like to reach the A certification level. Currently going to help me, and that another horse did exist for me.

I am working on my B certification and hope to take the test in What do you enjoy most about riding and your pony club the summer of 2014. Beyond pony club, I dream about going to Rolex one day. My friends and I went to Rolex this year; it was so experiences?

When I ride, I feel as if I am at home. Riding makes me relax impressive. Of course my favorite rider is Beth Perkins, and got and it gives me something to look forward to everyday. I most to be there at the finish line of her cross-country ride, and see her stadium round. I cannot put in words what it was to be there, enjoy cross-country because of the fast pace and interesting jumps. In pony club I love how this organization has taught me amazing doesn’t seem strong enough.

Darbie Barr overcomes set backs

Left: Bay, Highland Park Thor, at Carolina Region's Show Jumping Rally, April 2013. Photo submitted Dodie Barr. Right, bottom: Grey, Regal Chivas, at C3 certification test, July 2012. Photo submitted Dodie Barr. Right, top: Bay, Highland Park Thor, at Carolina Region's Eventing Rally/Stadium Jumping Phase, May 2013. Photo submitted Dodie Barr.

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how to take responsibility and how to teach. I also really love the friends who have been brought into my life all because of this club. Further, the instructors who are brought from all over the USA to teach clinics to pony clubbers are so amazing because I would not have this opportunity without pony club.

What are some of the challenges you face and overcome to be a better, stronger rider?

As a young rider, I was fearless. I had a serious fall when I was 11 years old, and it took me about a year of hard work to overcome the confidence I lost in that fall. My trainers were patient and worked very hard to help me. I remember my first show after the fall, I cried all the way through the cross-country portion of the ride, but I did it. I was so proud when I came across the finish line. It was then that I knew I was ready to move on.

Explain your award with the honored varsity letter in equestrian sports. What were requirements for this award? How did you accomplish all of the equestrian requirements? Who do you school and take lessons with?

USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) has a high school varsity equine sports program allowing qualified high school riders to earn their “letter.” I had to submit an application showing I rode 100-plus hours in the current school year, entered at least three shows, and kept up my grades (I had to submit a transcript) to the governing body.

The USEF officials evaluated my paperwork, and approved my application. I could never have made the required 100plus hours of riding if it weren’t for my three instructors, Janna Ritacco, Carolyn West and Amy Nichols. I also received an occasional lesson from Allyson Hartenburg, and I’ve attended many clinics with visiting instructors. I feel all of them played a role in my award.

Will you be showing this summer in our local area shows-if so what classes and where?

I am starting my summer with three camps; GFPC summer camp, the Carolina Region’s summer camp, and Smiling Horse Farm’s summer camp. From there I will be entering as many local schooling shows this summer and fall. My goal is to get Thor to the Novice and maybe training level before year’s end. He wants to please me so much, I am sure we’ll move up quickly enough.

Some people will remember my name from when all my tack was stolen off the back of my mom’s truck in January 2012. I was so overwhelmed with the love the horsing community showed me, my mom and I wrote an article, which ran in Practical Horseman magazine and other publications too. The best part of this story is that in July of 2012, I found a man selling all my tack at the flea market. I got all my tack back; it was a true blessing. •

KOCHER

Home for the summer

SCAD equestrian Michael Kocher keeps busy during summer months

Written by BARBARA CHILDS

also rides two 4-year-olds, Kaomi and Kushabye, for his brother this summer. His brother sent Kocher the two young horses so he could have more time to focus on his string of Grand Prix horses. Both of the young horses are well bred by proven mares and stallions, and the goal for these horses is to have them jumping consistently 1.10-meter classes by summer's end in preparation for the 5-year-old class of YJC. Kocher also rides his dad's horse, Vera, who will debut in the baby green hunters at some point this summer.

“I am particularly that is extremely careful and has continued to excited about this group of horses because allow Kocher to jump larger tracks even when they have helped me become a well-rounded he is away at school. Kocher will show him at horseman. With the exception of Watch Me, the TRHC shows all summer, and he will do these horses are green and inexperienced, so I some of the night classes. need to be patient and clear about what I ask Kocher also has some green project horses of them,” Michael said. to work with and ride this summer. Shine or “I think that being patient with working Big Bob (his barn name) is a 6- year-old home- with young and problematic horses is essenbred thoroughbred. Kocher says he has scope, tial to having a successful professional equine and has also demonstrated that he has a quiet, career. My short-term goals are to continue to lazy temperament. progress with these young horses and hopefulKocher has him jumping 1.10-meter jumper ly sell one of them by the end of summer. And classes currently but will hopefully finish the I am looking forward to going back to SCAD summer jumping at 1.20-meter classes. Kocher in the fall.” •

Michael Kocher is home for the summer from his continuing equestrian program at the SCAD (Savannah School of Art and Design).

This summer Kocher is working at his parents' farm at the Blockhouse Stables and will ride and show a variety of horses. "Watch Me" is a horse offered to him by his brother, Andy Kocher. "Watch Me" is an Oldenburg gelding

“I think that being patient with working with young and problematic horses is essential to having a successful professional equine career.”

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Recognizing true

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s h p m u i r t

FEATURE

Written by PAM STONE

sun-drenched coast of Spain with great local wine and As a regular contributor to “Dressage To- charming cobbled streets to meander while the rest of the day” magazine, I'm assigned certain subjects world is shivering in early spring temperatures and riding by the editor so that my column will, hope- in layers of clothing in covered arenas. fully, jibe with the focus of that month’s However, had you asked me as a wide eyed teen, I, particular issue. like so many other neophytes to the sport, would have Generally, the editor's email to me will proclaimed, "I want to make the Olympic Team!" a lofty read something like, “April is our 'Internadream, to be sure, that one earnestly believes before the tional Issue', so if you can write something realization of the talent and finances required for such a berth.

It took me a long time to understand there are triumphs on horseback that are, perhaps, every bit as sweet as feeling the ribboned medal slipped over ones head: The emotionthat corresponds with that, that would be ally fried ex-jumper that became a competent and grateful great.” dressage mount, happily accepting of leg and seat. A sales Piece of cake, really. Shall I write horse, I later purchased, deemed "impossible to compete" about winning the 2009 World Cup, or my owing to a chronic, lolling, tongue issue that, while we may thoughts on having the highest score at the have earned only in the low 60 percent at FEI, never once last Pan Am Games? displayed his tongue in the show ring after a lot of paOh, wait, that wasn't me. tience and understanding ... and, most recently, the lovely, Mining for humor, what I ended up writ- little, unbroken mare who was rescued from a dire situaing about was my ambition of competing tion as a youngster, now beginning her education later than on the ‘Sunshine Tour,’ not so much for the most, but giving me bouquets of effort with each ride. glory of cantering down centerline with the We riders all have our moments of triumph. And just red, white and blue USA patch sewn into because they don't land you on the cover of a magazine my tailcoat lapel, but for the fact that this doesn’t make them any less heart swelling or important. competition is held in the white-washed and Good riding to you! •

We riders all have our moments of triumph.

And just because they don't land you on the cover of a magazine doesn’t make them any less heart swelling or important.

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DUDLEY

Catching the

Dudley and Madeline.

T

Written by BARBARA CHILDS

he dog days of summer are here.

The butter moon in the night sky shows its face with light and swollen fullness of secrets, the daylight brings orange tiger lilies, golden yellow Stella Doros, elder flowers, Queen Anne's delicate white lace, heavy morning dews on the pastures, and know that all is indeed good.

In the midst of this pastoral setting of serenity and peace lies a mystery.

The Dudley Detective Agency is open, and we (my trusty assistant and sleuth, Madeline) aim to please.

"Oh, Dudley come and see murder most foul," says Madeline.

There, lying beside the blooming pink fairy rose bush is a hen and she's cold stone dead. A crimson trickle of blood beside her soft feathered neck. I feel the answer is blowing in the wind and power hoof it up the hill. There,

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in the glowing golden light of early morning is the perp, a young male fox with a glistening red coat and black bushy tail. He turns and eyes me with boldness and coils ready to spring. I grow big, my nostrils flaring, my ears pointed forward, my tail swishing like a sword ready for battle as I paw the ground with power and authority. I propel myself forward like an explosive torpedo towards the perp. BAM! He lowers his tail between his hind legs and runs off. My trusty assistant has been distracted with the new dog, Hope, and is frolicking and playfully engaging in happy canine and donkey behavior, while I am solving crime.

This is a responsibility I take seriously and vigilantly so the barn life here is safe and secure. This murderous villain will return as he has been empowered with the thrill of the kill and will seek to hunt again. Vengeance will be mine when he returns. •

Now for the news and big buzz on the summer equine scenes around town.

Did you notice that Dr. Lindsey Boone will be the new vet at the Tryon Equine Clinic. She is a rider and loves her horse life. She will be part of the staff in August.

Robbie Hambright and her Gypsy Vanner horses are gorgeous. Kitty Kessler joins her for trail rides in the Pacolet Valley.

Hokan Thorn likes the partnership with his Prix St. Georges horses, Gabrielle and Roxanna. They are great together and showed well at the big dressage show at Fence.

KC Betzel and her Mustang horse, Tomorrow's Sun, showed Prix St. George and had a beautiful ride at the dressage show.

Jodi Lees and Lenox, her Swedish warmblood mare, showed fourth level with a sterling winning ride in dressage at Fence. They are gorgeous and so perfectly

APPOINTMENTS balanced and graceful together.

The Derby Night at Fence had 41 entries and Lee Reynolds Heelan and her horse Pescado won the $2500 purse.

Darbie Barr was part of the jump crew for the George Morris clinic. She worked hard and learned a lot. Her favorite part of the clinic was watching the changes George Morris made in all the riders.

Michelle Sumner and Dark Knight Stables has been showing her beautiful Friesians at the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show. Engbert fan e Hoeer was Grand Champion in the walk/trot class. Hoera van De Oliftak was the walk, trot, canter champion. Michelle is preparing for the annual Keurig that will be hosted at Fence for the first time in September 28-29. All Friesians in the

Southeast will come to receive their title for the remainder of their lives.

Carolyn West is driving a hot new car and loving it-a BMW Mini-Sports Van. West is riding the Friesians for Michelle Sumner and enjoying her training days with these beautiful moving horses.

Michael Kocher is riding some young green horses for his brother and showing his brother's horse, Watch Me. Kocher is working for his dad, Kelly, at the Block House Farm and loving his summer experience 'til he returns to classes at SCAD in the fall.

Madeline has returned to the barn tired and pleased with her canine play with Hope.

Hope is grinning and acting like she has two tails of happy victory with her donkey friend. •

Elevate your retirement

without changing your area code.

Avocado

orange spinach toss If you are serving and grilling meat candy like beef, pork poultry, Madeline says this summer salad is perfect. The avocado has the health benefits for your heart and does not raise the LDL cholesterol. Avocados are full of B vitamins, E and K as well. It is also a natural digestive aid, while the fiber is effective for appetite control. So go for it and enjoy. Watch the expression of true love on your family's faces when you serve this winning salad. From our hearts to your heart.

1/4 cup orange juice 4 1/2 tsp. lemon juice 1 Tbls. sugar 1 Tblsp. vinegar 1 Tblsp. canola oil 1/4 tsp. grated orange peel 6 cups fresh spinach 11 oz. mandarin oranges drained 1 small cucumber thinly sliced 1 or 2 medium ripe avocados peeled and sliced Combine the first 7 ingredients.

Place spinach in a big bowl and top with oranges, cucumber, avocados. Drizzle with dressing.

You might be surprised to find the retirement lifestyle you’ve been looking for is already in your community, at Tryon Estates. Nestled in the foothills in Columbus, we’re a community that keeps you close to everything you love about this area. We’re an ACTS Retirement-Life Community, built on proven financial stability and a faith-based mission to provide security and peace of mind through ACTS Life Care™. Call us at 828.414.8913 to discover how Tryon Estates can elevate your retirement experience.

Tryon Estates An ACTS Retirement-Life Community

ACTStryon.org

617 Laurel Lake Drive • Columbus, NC • 828.414.8913 ACTS Retirement-Life Communities® is celebrating more than 40 years of strength as the leader in service to seniors.

! y a H PARTING GLANCE

This picture was taken during hay baling on the Pleasant Hill Plantation in Rutherfordton, the Mountain Creek area. Photo submitted by Amy Cecelia Owens.

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FEATURE

Enjoy Independent Apartments, Rental Patio Homes, or Ownership Villas, Assisted Services at The Bridge at Lake Pointe Landing or Skilled Nursing and Rehab on our beautifully manicured 50 acre campus in the heart of Hendersonville.

Experience amenities that include fine dining, a pool, theatre, exercise room, billiards room, libraries, housekeeping and laundry services, 24 hour nursing services, and more.

True maintenance-free living!

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Coming in 2013...

A New Patient Wing!

Judy Lair, St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation Board Chair; Fred Foy, St. Luke’s Hospital Board Chair; Ken Shull, St. Luke’s Hospital CEO

Building Better Healthcare for Our Community www.saintlukeshospital.com