LIOF-Feb2013

life in our foothills

February 2013

Lifeinourfoothills.com

Love stories

fire

forged by

February 2013

Eleanor and Carroll Rogers

FEATURE

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editor’s note

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bout this time of year we all seem to be seeking warmth. The dreary, rainy days of winter dragging at our temperament, we seek something to engage, uplift and make us feel awakened from winter’s haze.

Within the pages of this month’s issue of Life in our Foothills we hope to bring you stories that do just that - engage and uplift you.

I know, as of late, my husband and I have spent as much time as we can snuggling with our infant daughters under plush warm blankets and are happy to know there is someone out there like Marta deBerard Hanson lovingly knitting blankets for other parents and newborns. Marta took a tragic moment in her family’s life and turned it into a beautiful way of giving to others. We’re happy to share her story.

Another type of warmth emits from the embers of fires at the workshops of George Matthews and Bill Crowell. These talented blacksmiths work day in and day out to bring true craftsmanship back into our homes. Through pressure and heat the two create pieces that would last your family generations. Some decorative works of art, others tools of function that just happen to also catch the eye because of these mens’ attention to detail.

If the warmth of love is what has your brain captivated as we turn the calendar toward Valentines Day, we have stories that will capture your heart as well. Meet Eleanor and Carroll Rogers of Columbus. This lovely couple has been married 75 years - a feat many of us couldn’t even fathom. Carroll, now 100, and Eleanor, now 96, met when she was just a teenager and have spent long and happy lives together.

Of course none of our issues would be complete without other monthly features such as Appointments and In Good Taste by Carol Lynn Jackson. This month, Jackson takes us to Saluda’s Welcome Table for a good meal and camaraderie with neighbors.

Samantha Hurst, Editor

samantha.hurst@lifeinourfoothills.com

on the cover Eleanor and Carroll Rogers marked the kind of milestone few couples ever live to see they’ve been married 75 years and the love still shows. The Rogers are one of several couples we’ve featured to spark your thoughts of love.

Photograph: Erik Olsen Cover design: Samantha Hurst

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PUBLISHER Betty Ramsey EDITORIAL Samantha Hurst Leah Justice Gwen Ring CONTRIBUTORS Barbara Childs Gillian Drummond Carol Lynn Jackson Erik Olsen PRODUCTION Samantha Hurst Gwen Ring MARKETING Nicholas Holmberg Lenette Sprouse ADMINISTRATION Jessy Taylor DISTRIBUTION Jeff Allison Jonathan Burrell Tony Elder Timothy Friend

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.

CONTENTS

features 26

Knitted in love

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Forged by heat

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Love stories

Marta deBerand Hanson knits blankets for young mothers through Steps to Hope. The blankets are in memory of her grandson Michael.

Blacksmiths George Matthews and Bill Crowell create masterpieces and hope that more people continue to see the value in hand-crafted pieces.

We introduce you to three couples who feel they’ve found what love is all about whether they’ve been married two months, four years or 75 years.

46 Gifts of love

If you are stumped on what to buy your valentine this year, we’ve got some ideas, all of which can be found locally.

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CONTENTS

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COLUMNS

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50 Country Living

Gillian Drummond describes elements that create magic in any room.

54 In Good Taste

Saluda’s Welcome Table offers a weekly meal for people in need of food and most importantly, community.

IN EVERY ISSUE 8 Out & About

Plan your calendar for the new year.

10 Short Stories

9 to 5 prepares to take the stage..

15 Foothills Featured

APPOINTMENTS 61 Equestrian events

As warm weather returns so do clinics and shows from carriage driving to dressage.

62 Foxhunter's Cup

Time to get your horse in shape for this year's amateur race at Steeplechase.

64 Love of an Arabian

Lisa Kotalik shares her love for a rare breed.

Catch a glimpse of recent events.

74 Why I Love the Foothills

Get to know Bill Ingham, owner of Trade Street Coffeehouse and why he loves our area so much.

66 FENCE's Mr. Fix-it Joey Thompson keeps things running at FENCE.

72 Dudley

Dudley the Donkey keeps you in the know.

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Doug’s on Rutherford

Community

CALENDAR FEBRUARY

Now – Feb. 23

6” x 6” Show at Tryon Painters and Sculptors TPS members created 6x6 works of art in both 2D and 3D to sell as a fund raiser for the organization.

Feb. 1, 7 p.m.

Fundraising concert Classical guitarists Matthew Smith and Chance Glass present a classical guitar concert to benefit the Mill Spring Farm Store. Tickets can be purchased at the Mill Spring Farm Store or by calling 828863-4377. www.polkcountyfarms.org.

Feb. 2, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Silver Box Clasp with Dan Haga Learn how to cut, bend and assemble box clasps. Silver students will learn how to make a basic box clasp as well as a clasp with a stone setting.

Tryon Arts and Crafts School, 373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon. 828859-8323.

Feb. 2, 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Chase Away the Blues Second annual Chase Away the Blues benefitting TFAC’s Arts in Education program. Featuring local and non-local jazz/ blues performers. Food and beverages will be available. Tickets for this event go on sale Jan. 2. For more information, visit tryonarts.org.

Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC), 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon. 828-8598322.

Feb. 4, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Outreach Souper Bowl Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry asks the community to donate 8 L IFEIN O URFO O T HIL L S. C O M

non-perishable food items during its Souper Bowl from Feb. 4 through Feb. 8. Outreach’s office is open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. MondayFriday.

Wendy Thomas, 828-894-2988 or tbompolk1@windstream.net.

Feb. 5, 9 a.m.-noon

Inspired Drawing class at Tryon Painters and Sculptors.

The Inspired Drawing class, with instructor Lindsey Moore, will run for six Tuesdays from Feb. 5 - March 26.

Tryon Painters and Sculptors, 828-859-0141 or tpsnews@tryonpaintersandsculptors.com.

Feb. 7, 8 p.m.

Narek Hakhnazaryan First prizewinner in the 2008 Young Concert Artists International Audition and Gold Medal winner of the 2011 XIV Tchaikovsky Competition, accomplished cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan will perform at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. For tickets or more information, call 828-859-8322.

Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon.

Feb. 8, 9 a.m. - noon

Sustainable Farming Workshop Farmer Lee Mink teaches the ins and outs of sustainable farming.

Lee has owned and farmed Leap Farm in Polk County for more than 10 years. He focuses on small-scale, intensive, sustainable growing methods. Visit www.mountainbizworks.org.

Feb. 9

Closing bids for “Have a HeART” The last night to bid on your favorite locally made piece of heart art. This fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters will be held during an open house at the Upstairs Artspace. Big Brothers Big Sisters, polk@bbbswnc.org

OUT & ABOUT

Feb. 19, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Memoir Writing with Deno Trakas Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon. 828-859-8322.

Feb. 20 - noon

Recital at Holy Cross Episcopal Church Beth Child, piano

Feb. 21, 1-5 p.m.

Boxes Galore Class Bonnie McClain will teach you to make several homemade gift and accessory boxes as well as paper flowers.

Mill Spring Ag Center; r­egister by calling, 828-625-1180.

Feb. 22 - 24, 8 p.m.

Fold Forming and Brazing with Kim St. Jean Instructor Kim St. Jean teaches how to fold, shape and texture metal to create unique pieces such as a cuff bracelet.

Tryon Arts and Crafts School, 373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon. 828859-8323.

9 to 5: The Musical The Tryon Little Theater will present this iconic stage performance based on the book by Patricia Resnick and the 1980 comedy “Nine to Five,” with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. Directed by Chris Tinkler with musical director, Lena Duncan. For tickets or more information, call 828-859-2466 Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon

Feb. 15, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Feb. 23 – 24

Feb. 9 - 10, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Valentine’s Contra Dance Come join in the ever-growing popular activity of Contra dancing.

Caller Laurie Fisher will guide dancers to the music of the Sheeziks with Alan Dillman on fiddle, Joel on mandolin, Terry on percussion and Wes on guitar and banjo. Beginner lessons at 6:30 p.m.; dancing from 7-9:30 p.m.

The Party Place in Saluda; for directions see partyplaceandeventcenter.com.

Beginning Blacksmithing This workshop at the Tryon Arts & Crafts School will include a little bit of history and a lot about safety. Instructor Walt Meyers will teach students how to build and manage a fire, the use of standard blacksmithing tools and basic forging operations.

Tryon Arts and Crafts School, 373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon. 828859-8323.

Feb. 16, 9 a.m. – noon

Recital at Holy Cross Episcopal Church Kathleen Foster, cello; Rex Gallatin, French horn; Kymric Mahnke, piano

TROT Volunteer Training Robbie Hambright helps those interested in becoming a volunteer for Therapeutic Riding of Tryon (TROT), a program designed with the goal of changing and enriching lives by teaching horsemanship skills to adults and children with physical, cognitive, developmental and emotional challenges in a safe, friendly and supportive environment. Robbie Hambright, rwhambright@gmail.com; Rosemary’s Barn, FENCE, 3381 Hunting Country Rd. Tryon.

Feb. 18, 10 a.m.

Feb. 27 - noon

MARCH

March 1 - April 5

Instructors’ Show at Tryon Arts and Crafts School.

Open to artists who have been or still are an instructor at Tryon Arts and Crafts School. All media generally used in the studios will be allowed.

Saluda Garden Club will meet at the Saluda Library.

Patty Martin at 828-817-9518.

March 2 – April 6

Feb. 19, noon

March 4

Brown Bag Lunch - Michel Stone, author of “The Iguana Tree.”

Lanier Library, 828-859-9535 or lanierlib@windstream.net.

TPS Members’ Show – painting and sculpture.

Start of TROT Spring season Robbie Hambright, 828-859-9021 FEBRUARY 2 0 1 3

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CALENDAR

March 4

FENCE Center, 3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon

March 6 - noon

Recital at Holy Cross Episcopal Church Amy Brucksch, classical guitar; Joanna Mulfinger Lebo, violin.

Start of TROT Spring season Robbie Hambright, 828-859-9021 Recital at Holy Cross Episcopal Church John Gardner, organ

March 10, 1– 4 p.m.

Go Fly A Kite Day Come and enjoy this great day outside - flying kites, picnic lunches and rolling down Hawk’s Ridge. First 200 receive free kites. For more information, contact Tracie Hanson at 828-859-9021.

FENCE Center, 3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon

March 10 – 5 p.m.

Choral Evensong presented by Pastyme A Cappella Singers Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Tryon

March 11, 10 – 11 a.m.

Gardening Seminar “Top 10 Landscaping Mistakes” Seminar with Rhonda Anderson. Also learn the secret timeline to planting carefree flowers this spring.

March 13 - noon

March 15

Call for Artists - Saluda Arts Festival Completed applications must be postmarked by March 15.

Notification of acceptance will be mailed in April.

Susie Welsh at 828-749-3900 or Catherine Ross at 828-7493534.

March 16 – all day

Super Saturday – Children’s Theater Festival Celebrate the 35th annual Super Saturday & Children’s Theater Festival. This day will be filled with both indoor and street performances, exhibition of local crafts and a parade.

Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon. 828-8598322

March 20 - noon

Recital at Holy Cross Episcopal Church Wanda May, soprano; Jeanette Shackelford, piano.

March 21 – 8 p.m.

Orion Weiss Pianist Orion Weiss, whose music has been described as “at once sensitive and technically dazzling,” will perform at the Tryon Fine Arts Center, presented by the Tryon Concert Association. For tickets or for more information, go to tryonarts.org Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon.

828-859-8322

March 25, noon Gift Certificates Available

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Brown Bag Lunch Joseph Bathanti, poet laureate of North Carolina.

Lanier Library, 828-8599535 or lanierlib@windstream.net.

SHORT STORIES

Master Gardeners 15th annual course registration open

Master Gardener volunteers are individuals with an interest in both gardening and volunteer service. If you want to learn more about growing plants in the foothills, are willing to attend training one day a week for 12 weeks, and have the desire and time to commit 40 hours of volunteer service, this program may be for you.

This spring the Polk County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service will be offering its 15th Master Gardener class. Master Gardeners will get a variety of trainings from topics such as lawn care, to tree and shrub identification and care, to learning how to produce quality fruits and vegetables. Individuals involved must also possess an interest in sharing their gardening knowledge with others.

You do not have to be an experienced gardener to participate. An application process will be used to help choose the Master Gardener students. If selected, you will attend special Master Gardener classes taught and coordinated by John Vining of the Polk County Extension Center. This year’s class will have room for 12 participants and will meet on Thursdays.

A fee is charged for the program to offset the cost of a large Master Gardener manual.

This manual is packed full of horticultural information and becomes the personal property of each Master Gardener at the end of the course work. Program participants will receive a minimum of 40 hours of instruction on all aspects of gardening. In addition, a few special field trips will be planned to better inform the future extension volunteers.

After the training is finished, graduates of the program are expected to volunteer at least 40 hours of work back to the local extension horticulture programs. This can be done in a variety of ways: primarily from answering garden questions by phone, and occasionally working on community garden projects.

Classes will be scheduled for each Thursday and is expected to begin in mid-March. The deadline date for applications is Thursday, Feb. 21 at 5 p.m. To receive an application or to learn more about the classes, come by or call the Polk County Extension Center at 8948218.

Tryon Little Theater will present 9 to 5: The Musical, opening Feb. 22 at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. The show, a hilarious story of friendship and revenge, features a large ensemble of area singers, dancers and actors.

This production is based on the 1980 movie that originally starred Jane Fonda as Judy Bernly, Lily Tomlin as Violet Newstead and Dolly Parton as Doralee Rhodes.

Playing those parts in TLT’s production are Hollie Swofford (Bernly), Debbie Craig Archer (Newstead) and Lori C. Lee (Rhodes).

The outrageous musical tells the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company. Locally it will run Feb. 22-24 and March 1-3. Chris Tinkler is the director.

For more information, call the box office at 828-8592466 or visit tltinfo.org.

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SHORT STORIES

2013 Sidney Lanier Award Poetry Competition For the fifth year, the Lanier Library invites poets to submit their work to its Sidney Lanier Award Poetry Competition.

Deadline for entry is Feb. 15.

The annual competition seeks to encourage Carolina poets by offering both recognition and prizes for winning writers. Poets can enter on two levels – as adults (includes college graduates and undergraduates) and high school students.

Former North Carolina Poet Laureate Cathy Smith Bowers of Tryon will judge the competition and award prizes on April 27. The award ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. at the Lanier Library in Tryon.

Winning poets will be encouraged to read their work at the ceremony, which will be followed by a reception at the library. Adult winners will receive prizes of $500, $200 and $100, while winning students are awarded prizes of $100, $50 and $25.

The 2012 competition winners were from Durham, Columbus, Tryon, Black Mountain and Cary in North Carolina and Campobello and Spartanburg in South Carolina.

The library is named for the American poet Sidney Lanier, whose short but highly productive life ended at his home in Tryon but lives on in his literary legacy. From its founding in 1890, the Lanier Library has sought to encourage the literary arts within Polk County and beyond.

For entry forms and additional information, visit the Lanier Library’s website at www.lanierlib.org.

National Quilting Day, Landrum Library National Quilting Day will be held March 16 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Landrum Library. The Landrum Quilters annually sponsor this celebration of quilting in cooperation with the Friends of the Library.

Visitors may bring family quilts in for pattern identification or suggestions on how to complete an unfinished project. The club meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Gowensville Community Center.

For more information, visit www.landrumquilters. com.

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Call to Artists Tryon Fine Arts Center presents a sculpture exhibit and sale open to artists within the southeastern states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. A total of $1,800 in awards will be awarded. Sherry Masters, former manager of Grovewood Gallery in Asheville, will judge the sculpture.

ern states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. Work must be original (no kits), completed in the past two years, and not previously exhibited at Tryon Fine Arts Center.

AWARDS First Place: $1,000; Second Place: $500; Third Place: $300

JUROR Sherry Masters is a native of the Asheville, N.C. area.

She was associated with Grovewood Gallery for 20 years, serving as general manager and buyer from 1997 to 2012.

Previous to Grovewood Gallery, Masters was general manager of Allanstand Craft Shop, owned and operated by the Southern Highland Craft Guild.

Additionally, Masters is co-chairperson of American Craft Week, a national annual event taking place each October to raise public awareness of craft artisans and the craft industry in the United States.

Masters has had the opportunity to judge craft shows across the eastern U.S. including ACC shows, TACA, Kentucky Crafted and Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival.

ELIGIBILITY Open to all artists 18 years of age or older working in various sculptural media residing in the Southeast-

For more information, contact the Tryon Fine Arts Center by calling 828-859-8322 or visit 34 Melrose Avenue, Tryon, N.C. 28782.

April 1, 2013 April 27 and 28 April 29 and 30 May 3, 5-8 p.m.

May 4, 5-8 p.m.

May 3-30 May 14, 6-7:30 p.m.

May 31, June 1

Image submissions due Acceptance of artwork Installation Private opening Show Opening: Public Guided Tours Artist panel discussion Pick-up/shipment of art

Nationally-acclaimed musicians Miles Hoffman & Reiko Uchida Renowned violinist and NPR commentator Miles Hoffman will be joined by Reiko Uchida for a performance at Landrum Presbyterian Church on Feb. 3 at 3 p.m.

The event is free and open to all. It is sponsored by the Mary Comerford Memorial Fund.

Hoffman is violist and artistic director of the American Chamber Players. He also enlightened “Performance Today” listeners every week for 13 years with his musical commentary, “Coming to Terms” in the 90s and until 2002. Hoffman is a graduate of Yale University and the Juilliard School.

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FOOTHILLS FEATURED

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Hospice Volunteer breakfast

Hospice of the Carolina Foothills (HoCF) held its annual Volunteer Holiday Breakfast in December at Landrum First Baptist Church fellowship hall.

1. Missy Tary, Shannon Slater and Clare Lawson.

2. HoCF Medical Director Dr. Andrew Kamell with his children.

3. Volunteer Craig McSwain with sister, HoCF CNA Debbie Denton.

4. HoCF Development Director Diane Nelson, center, with volunteers Ann and DeWayne Carroll 5. Marianna, Leo Tarpley and Marlene Balog.

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FOOTHILLS FEATURED

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VFW memorial ceremony Landrum Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4873 commemorated two veterans memorials at Brookwood Park in Landrum on Sunday, Jan. 13. Post members said they hope the gazebo and memorials in the park give people a place to come and remember those that gave their lives in service. (photos by Anne Regan) 1. WWII Veterans Raymond Copeland, Jack Stone, Fred Fisher, Leo Tarpley and Dever Little.

2. Pastor John Fortner and Ann Tucker.

3. Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Moore and Joyce and James McClure.

4. Anne Tucker, Don Turner and Jean Turner.

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FOOTHILLS FEATURED

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5. Margaret and Joe Corn, Bruce Clayton and Jackie Pittman.

6. Doris Steadman.

7. Lou and Ray Parton, Mariana Tarpley and Don Turner.

8. Judy and Ralph Hall.

9. Kevin Hughes, Ann Tucker, Jerry Tucker and Greg Walker.

10. Brian Murray.

FEBRUARY 2 0 1 3

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FEATURE

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Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Area residents filled the seats of the Tryon Fine Arts Center Friday, Jan. 18 to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as the work to bring unity to our community.

1. Pastor Keith Knox and Deborah Knox.

2. Rosa Bush.

3. Chet Chavez and Natalie Shrewsbury.

4. Paul Nelson and Trudi Hipple.

5. Frances Moore and Menia Carson.

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OPPOSITE PAGE 6. Marquise Lipscomb, Anthony Hamilton, Ariana Jackson and Markell Lipscomb.

7. Jennie and Franklin Smith.

8. Kimberly Ciccarelli and Jamie Mummey.

9. Linda Janke, Ben Pfingstag and Judith Gosser.

10. Bishop and Elijah Mullins.

FEATURE

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FEATURE

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Artist-In-Residence reception

O.P. Earle Elementary held a reception for artist-in-residence Sarah Edwards-Hammond, a sweetgrass basket weaver from Charleston, S.C. on Tuesday, Jan. 16. (photos by Betty Ramsey) 1. Pauline Edwards, Keagan Rogers, Sarah Edwards-Hammond and Cindy Riddle.

2. Emory White, Teresa Dickerson, Valen Egan and Jordan Vaen.

3. David and Zoe Kushubar.

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OPPOSITE PAGE 4. Jennifer, Elena and Joss Kamell with Elizabeth Nager.

5. Jennifer and Nathan Wright.

6. Janice Petty, Elizabeth Smith and Clay Smith.

FEATURE

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FEBRUARY 2 0 1 3

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FOOTHILLS FEATURED

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Faye Lane’s Beauty Shop Stories Patrons enjoyed the one woman show “Beauty Shop Stories,” created on stage by Faye Lane. The show was performed Friday, Jan. 11 at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. Lane also held a writer’s workshop called “Tell and Write Your Own Story,” at ICC’s Polk Campus earlier that day. (photos by Robin Edgar) 1. Sherril Wingo, Joann Hoffman and Wanda Veh. 2. Carrie Knox and Sarah Gayle.

3. Claire and Lin Reed.

4. Dale and Donna Potruski.

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FOOTHILLS FEATURED

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Downtown Saluda Residents and visitors alike enjoyed strolls through downtown Saluda Saturday, Jan. 19. Some grabbed dinner at one of the many restaurants, while others perused through shops looking for gifts and art. (photos by Betty Ramsey) 1. Caroline Adkins, Taylor Herrington, Larryn Thompson and Mary Ellis Thompson. 2. Kathleen Carson 3. Amber Grant and Syman Thomas. 4. Madison Adkins, Melinda Adkins and Sam Thompson. 5. Caroline, Dennis and Connie Witmire. 6. Kevin and Sue Marsh.

FE BRUARY 2 0 1 3

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FOOTHILLS FEATURED

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The Last Lion

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Paul Reid, who finished the third volume of William Manchester’s biographies on Winston Churchill, spoke at the Tryon Fine Arts Center on Sunday, Jan. 13. The Lanier Library sponsored the event and a reception followed.

1. George and Edith McConnell.

2. Bill and Becky McCall.

3. Sally McPherson and Jay Schnider.

4. Jean Wagner and Tammy Coleman.

5. Harry Goodheart and Gloria Underwood.

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FOOTHILLS FEATURED

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Western Carolina Classic Radio Club The Western Carolina Classic Radio Club met Monday, Jan. 14 on the Isothermal Community College Polk Campus. The old time radio program featured was Sherlock Holmes, “The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce.. (photos by Leah Justice)

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1. Hoyt Griffith, Chuck Honeycutt and John L. Johnson.

2. Bob Meeske.

3. Leo Tarpley and Marshall Yeager.

4. Woody Woodham and El.

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KNITTED IN LOVE

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FEATURE

KNI TinTE D love

Written by ROBIN A. EDGAR Photographs by ERIK OLSEN

FE BRUARY 2 0 1 3

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KNITTED IN LOVE

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arta deBerard Hanson was knitting a crib blanket in anticipation of the birth of her first grandchild when she received tragic news. Her daughter-inlaw, Kathy, had developed a life-threatening complication called HELLP Syndrome. To avoid losing both mother and child from this severe form of preeclampsia, the doctors had to deliver the baby as quickly possible. Saving Kathy’s life, they had lost little Michael.

In an effort to comfort her daughter-in-law, Hanson promised to donate the finished blanket in her grandson’s honor to one of her favorite charities.

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As an ongoing remembrance of Michael, she also vowed to make and donate a blanket in every color of the rainbow.

“I chose to make a rainbow of blankets because it is a sign of God’s first covenant with man, and a signal of hope after a storm,” said Hanson.

Growing up in a suburb north of Chicago, Illinois, Hanson spent her summers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, on the shores of Green Bay. It was there that her aunt, Alice Cook, a professor at Cornell University, taught her to knit when she was eight years-old.

“I watched my aunt sit on our beach, reading a textbook and knitting a sweater for her

son at the same time, and wanted to be able to do that too,” she recalls.

Hanson went on to have several careers that centered on teaching and children. When her children were young, she owned and ran day care facilities and wrote a pre-school curriculum which was bought by a major educational publisher and distributed world-wide. As her children entered high school, she became a college and career counselor, responsible for “out-placement” for graduates and dropouts. She spent the last five years before retirement at a private preparatory school.

Charity work was a large part of her life as well. As a

FEATURE

youngster, she and a friend held annual back-yard carnivals to raise funds for Jerry’s Kids and Muscular Dystrophy. Making their own prizes, they held games for the neighborhood

ity, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA) in Palm Beach County. Over the years, she has donated over 150 blankets to abuse shelters, family members, friends and other charities.

Columbus, Hanson searched for a local group to receive her blankets. Hoping to find one that sponsored a shelter for those caught in situations of domestic abuse similar to

minds her of angel’s wings and the label “M.Y. Blanket from Turtle” (Michael’s initials and Hanson’s family nickname). She always makes sure every blanket has at least one mistake because

“I chose to make a rainbow of blankets because it is a sign of God’s first covenant with man, and a signal of hope after a storm.” kids on their front lawn.

“We counted our pennies, nickels and dimes and sent a check, written at the local bank, to that charity,” recalls Hanson.

A Florida resident at the time of her grandson’s tragedy, Hanson donated the first blanket in 2003 to her favorite char-

“Shelters are my charity because the individuals who find sanctuary there often go bravely and without comforts for their children,” she says. “The crib blankets are a sign of support and warmth.”

In August 2011, when she moved to Tryon Estates in

AVDA, she was delighted to find Polk County’s domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and treatment center, Steps to HOPE. Using a basket-weave pattern to knit the blankets, she embroiders the satin binding with a feather-stitch that re-

her son, who had lost his son, Michael, told her that only God can make perfection.

“That perfection is the baby snuggled inside the cuddly blanket,” says Hanson.

For more information about Steps to HOPE visit stepstohope.org/index.html. • FEBRUARY 2 0 1 3

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We’ve moved.

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NEW ADDRESS: 155 West Mills St., Unit 109, Columbus, N.C. 28722 facebook.com/purrrfectbark - 828-894-2444 - eric@purrrfectbark.com

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Now selling wild bird products!

Pet Supplies - Premium Treats - Frozen Raw Diet - Dog Beds - Flea & Tick Wild Bird Products - Dog Crates - Shampoo & Grooming Supplies PE

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forged by

FEATURE

The resurgence of blacksmithing Written by ROBIN A. EDGAR Photographs by ERIK OLSEN

FEBRUARY 2 0 1 3

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BLACKSMITHING

George Matthews

W

ith sales booming on Internet handicraft sites such as Etsy and Germany’s DaWanda, it’s becoming more and more apparent that handmade crafts are hot.

For the foothills, home to a large assortment of craftsmen, the resurgence of this growing market niche is fanning the flames of artisan businesses, particularly blacksmithing.

“People are starting to once again realize the value of the handcrafted product, not only as something that is utilitarian, but as a work of art. What a blacksmith makes can be around in a couple of hundred years from now, and it will still be functional,” says George Matthews, who runs The Village Smithy Studio in Mill Spring and serves on the Board of Directors of Artist Blacksmith Association of North America (ABANA).

Born and raised in New Orleans, Matthews attended law school at Loyola University. He worked in the Maritime Insurance Industry until 1999, when he decided he needed a change.

“I knew I had to make a lifestyle change or I would be dead in a few years. I had been fascinated with blacksmithing all my life, but was afraid people would think I was nuts, but I finally gave it a try,” recalls Matthews.

After working as a blacksmith in Louisiana, he moved to western North Carolina in 2001. The first two years, Matthews worked in the fire 12 hours a day, seven days a week. He finally found a mentor in Buddy Leonard, a retired farrier who began working as an artist/ blacksmith and founded the Gulf Coast Blacksmith Association.

“I honor Buddy by teaching others what he so unselfishly instilled in me,” said Matthews, who spent nine summers teaching blacksmithing to more than 1,000 young men, ages 7 to

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

17, at summer camps in western North Carolina.

Starting the blacksmithing program at Blue Ridge Community College in 2003 with five students, he taught three classes with about 25 to 30 students a semester by the time he left in 2008. He and some core students from the community college started the Foothills of the Carolinas Blacksmithing Guild in 2009, which currently has 25 active members, ranging in age from 10 to over 70. Matthews also continues to teach traditional blacksmithing, using the five coal forges at his shop located on the grounds of the Mill Spring Ag Center to mentor high school students on their senior projects.

“I strive to keep the methods and traditions of the ancient art of blacksmithing alive through our youth, as they are our future,” he says. “They learn that failure is not the end of the world, but the way to success; and to take pride in their work.”

Although he has shown in galleries throughout the South, a good percentage of Matthew’s work is now local. In addition to the Columbus tailgate market, he sells his work through the Farm Store at the Mill Spring Ag Center. He also does local custom commissions and sells items through his web page, www. angelfire.com/la3/blacksmith. •

FEATURE

Samples of George Matthews’ work shows how his environment influences his pieces. Equestrian and nature-themed, many of his works speak to why so many people live here and the fact that many want their home to speak to the beauty of the area. BOTTOM LEFT: Sparks fly as Matthews applies pressure to a heated piece of metal.

FEBRUARY 2 0 1 3

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BLACKSMITHING

Bill Crowell Tryon blacksmith, Bill Crowell, also works on local commissions, mostly within a 50-mile radius from his shop at Saluda Forge in Tryon.

Although his work is tied to the housing industry, which has slowed down recently, he says more and more people are buying custom-made items because they are good quality and they last for generations.

“It’s never too early to shop for the great-grandkids and more and more people are going for the handmade quality that artisans can offer,” said Crowell.

The South Carolina native taught himself blacksmithing 18 years ago, when his artist wife, Kathleen Carson of Kathleen’s Gallery in Saluda, asked him to make a table for her hand-painted tiles. At the time, he had a job selling forklifts which he quit when he got an order from the French Broad River Decoy Company to make 1,440 tables for a catalog company a month later.

“I fell in love with hitting hot metal and opened the Saluda Forge blacksmith shop on Pearson Falls Road in downtown Saluda,” he said.

As business grew and he needed more space, Crowell moved his blacksmithing operation to the property he owned on Ola Mae Way in downtown Tryon, where he continues to make tables for Carson’s hand-painted tiles which she sells in her gallery

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

in downtown Saluda. He also makes custom items such as fire screens and gates for gardens and driveways, often adding his signature hand-crafted magnolia flowers (see www.saludaforge. com).

“The most unusual blacksmith project I have had so far was making a table from a 20 Lb., 2 ft. by 2 ft. computer chip from a 1950s IBM computer,” said Crowell.

Like Matthews, Crowell supports the local blacksmithing community in many ways. A member of ABANA, he also mentors high school students who come to his shop to complete their senior projects. He additionally collects and donates tools for the blacksmithing shop at the Tryon Arts and Crafts School to support others who want to learn and perhaps start a career as a metal artist.

Crowell encourages all aspiring artisans to take a class on running a business. He also cautions them to be prepared for rejection. Most important of all, Crowell says to send the message out that the only way to keep fine craftsmanship in the area is to buy hand-crafted items and to buy them local. •

FEATURE

FE BRUARY 2 0 1 3

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BLACKSMITHING

Bill Crowell of Saluda Forge crafts everything from the practical to the beautiful to the whimsical, based on his customer’s desires. Crowell’s work with metal all started from creating table bases for his wife’s artistic tiles.

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

FEATURE

“I fell in love with hitting hot metal.”

- Bill Crowell FEBRUARY 2 0 1 3

37

LOVE STORIES

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

love stories FEATURE

Stories written by SAMANTHA HURST Photographs by ERIK OLSEN

Love is a funny thing.

We’ve all heard people quote this saying in relation to a host of things in life. People mention it when they talk about meeting their significant other for the first time, when they’re trying to explain their sudden interest in art or college football or when they describe how all of a sudden they don’t need the sleep they got before a baby arrived.

There’s just something about a good love story. Many of us find ourselves drawn to them, especially the ones we can relate to or feel we can aspire to match.

In these articles we wanted to celebrate the month of love by introducing you to three couples.

Carroll and Eleanor Rogers met in the 1930s. As two young adults the Rogers fell in love spending time together at parties between here and Asheville. The classic city girl meets rural country boy story has lasted now for 75 years. Now that is an achievement!

Beverly and Bob Brunson both had been married before and experienced what it was like to have good marriages. But after both their spouses passed, they met each other and have found a new love to enjoy in their later years of life. Its telling of the power of love to brighten the eyes of all of us. Just catch the two of them walking around holding hands; it will warm your heart.

Finally, meet Scott and Sunni Carswell. The two have the newest of marriages among these couples but a deep love all the same. The two met four years ago and discovered a mutual love of family that has allowed them to build the foundation for what they hope will be many years to come.

JAN UARY 2 0 1 3

39

Married July 24, 1937

FEATURE

Carroll & Eleanor

A loving smile illuminates Eleanor Rogers’ face as she talks about meeting her husband, Carroll, for the first time almost 80 years ago.

“He had such a way about him that made him get along so well with so many people,” Eleanor said.

Eleanor discovered Carroll’s beaming personality when they were introduced through a friend named Rachel Jackson while attending a local summer camp. Carroll was 21 and Eleanor 17 when they met and apparently Carroll was hooked.

“He said he was never going to marry a redhead or a southern girl and I was both,” Eleanor said.

He doesn’t seem to mind the lot he was cast though. In fact, he seems quite pleased with the beautiful woman that remains on his arm today.

“She was a gorgeous redhead with freckles all over,” Carroll said of Eleanor. “She was pretty and a lot of fun to be with. She was a beautiful dancer and an exceptionally popular young woman.”

The trick was that when Carroll approached her father to ask to marry Eleanor, both she and her father were “dumbfounded,” she said. Apparently, the girls in her family weren’t allowed to go “steady” with any one boy. So, Eleanor had several boyfriends vying for her attention.

“I had to make a decision or cut him loose,” she said of his proposal. “I liked him and enjoyed his company so much that I couldn’t stand the thought of not seeing him anymore.”

The two were engaged in December. And because she was a minister’s daughter, that meant engagement parties almost every week.

The two then married July 24, 1937.

“You name it, we’ve done it, and more or less together,” Eleanor said.

rogers

The Rogers had five children. And if Eleanor ever was going to change her mind it might have been when they moved to their first house after their honeymoon. Eleanor said there was a red cow eating the garden Carroll planted for her the first day they spent in Spruce Pine. Worse than that, this minister’s daughter said she couldn’t adjust at first to the idea of small town tent revivals where people would burn cigarettes, dance shoes and lipstick.

“I was a city girl and I thought, ‘Oh, my soul!’” Eleanor said.

Carroll quickly moved up in the business world though and, after the second world war, even led the way for his company to install new technology to separate feldspar, mica and quartz for sale to a variety of industries.

Soon, Eleanor learned to fly to calm her nerves when Carroll flew away on business trips. Together the two even flew through a storm that flipped their plane upside down.

They braved storms in life too, in particular when they lost one child to polio.

They survived the early years of marriage though, as well as terrifying plane rides and putting all their kids through college to see the day when they could celebrate 75 years of blissful marriage.

“Attraction is great, but it also takes working at it,” Eleanor said of marriage. “There are many things you have to think about before you act and that’s not easy.”

They’ve spent the last few decades soaking up time with the loving family they built and one another. They both learned to play bridge and have traveled to Rome, the Netherlands, Spain and the Greek islands, among other spots.

“There’s no question in my mind that we got a good deal,” said Carroll.

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LOVE STORIES

Married July 8, 2008 42 LIFEI NO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M

Bob & Beverly

Beverly Brunson once turned as purplish, red as a plum ripe on the vine anytime Bob would grab her hand in public.

“I’m a northerner and we just don’t do that,” Beverly said.

Just try and catch the couple not holding hands now as they stroll through their home at Tryon Estates.

It appears this southern boy, raised in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida has won over Beverly’s northern sensibilities. Funny enough, it all started with a walk around Tryon Estates’ property.

Five years ago Bob, then 86, settled any nerves he might have had and approached Beverly out by the lake. Bob asked Beverly, then 74, if she’d like to sit down for a chat. Beverly guardedly agreed but sat on the other end of the bench as they got to know one another. Eventually she warmed up to Bob and realized that if she didn’t snatch him up some other woman was going to try to first.

“I chased her until she caught me,” Bob said.

The two dated about a year after they met before really ever considering marriage.

In fact, a trip to another continent is what finally convinced Beverly that life just wouldn’t be as rich without Bob by her side. Beverly had planned a trip to Africa with one of her four daughters. She said as she got in the car to head to the airport a sadness overtook her.

“It really clicked in my brain that he was the one, because I looked back at the building and realized I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t want to leave him,” Beverly said.

Shortly after she found herself calling Bob from a satellite phone from the Serengetti; a phone call that cost her $28 per minute! Nine days after she got back the two were married in an intimate ceremony. They’ve since been married for four years.

“There isn’t a day that goes by that he doesn’t make me laugh,” Beverly said.

Apparently a positive disposition is what they were both looking for in a mate.

brunson

“I think her wonderful outlook on life makes this all so easy. She laughs a lot and that keeps me smiling too,” Bob said.

He also said the two find themselves fortunate to have discovered love again at their age.

“We’re blessed to be here in this place [Tryon Estates],” Bob said. “Had we not been here, we wouldn’t have met.”

And then they wouldn’t be found holding hands as often as they are as you walk through Tryon Estates. Beverly said you almost never find one without the other.

LOVE STORIES

Married December 12, 2012 44 LIFEI NO URFO O THI L L S. C O M

FEATURE

Sunni &Scott

Scott Carswell wanted to prove to his girlfriend Sunni that he was ready to take the plunge. Last summer he did just that when he pulled her out onto a diving board to propose.

“She didn’t have any idea what I was doing – I’m pretty sure she thought I was going to throw her in,” Scott said.

Instead, Scott had given out cameras to guests at the backyard barbecue so they all could document the moment.

Sunni said with 68 friends and family members surrounding them she was still surprised. She thought they were simply celebrating his birthday.

“Our friends and parents were so shocked and happy for us. I will always remember that hot summer day,” Sunni said.

The couple first met on a blind date, set up by the wife of one of Scott’s friends, four years ago. Scott said the attraction was immediate.

“I thought, ‘Wow, where did the school system find such an attractive kindergarten teacher,’” Scott joked.

He said he quickly realized Sunni had so much of what he had always been looking for in a companion. Scott, who has never been married before, said being around Sunni gave him a different feeling than he ever experienced before now.

“When I met Sunni, I had a warm, fuzzy feeling,” he said. “Some time ago, singer Tracy Byrd had a hit song (Keeper of the Stars), which says it all, ‘It was no accident, me finding you – someone had a hand in it long before we ever knew.’”

Scott said as they dated he realized what a special person he had found. He said he was especially struck by the fact that Sunni adopted her daughter Ferrin, when Ferrin was just a kindergartner.

“Her willingness to sacrifice and to nurture Ferrin hit a special spot in my heart,” Scott said.

Sunni said Scott’s effort to show love to not only her, but Ferrin as well, captured her.

carswell

“He wanted to be sure we were included in all family gatherings and anything that he had going on,” Sunni said. “We were made to feel important, wanted and irreplaceable (and still does).”

The two found common-ground in their love of family and the outdoors. They enjoy camping, getting out in nature, cooking, gardening, four-wheeling and spending time with family whenever possible.

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gifts

VALENTINE’S GIFTS

WITH LOVE

DINNER & A SHOW For the theater or music lover, nothing beats a night of great food and a seat in the audience for local shows like 9 to 5: The Musical, opening Feb. 22. If music is what your valentine craves, there's also Chase Away the Blues at Tryon Fine Arts Center for an early treat on Feb. 2.

J&J WICKS CANDLES These hand-poured soy candles are made right here in Landrum by Jennifer Johnson. Find them at Main Street Antiques and Collectibles or call Johnson at 864-580-8093. 8 oz. $12, 12.25 oz. $16.

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

FEATURE

HAVE A HEART Give art to your sweetheart and support a good cause. Bidding on Big Brothers Big Sisters hearts, made by area artists, ends Feb. 9 at the Upstairs Artspace. Bids will vary.

TAKE A SOAK At Salamander in Saluda discover dozens of options for your sweetheart.

If you want to give her a personal moment of relaxation, try purchasing this aromatherapy bubble bath with scents of rosemary and mint. $16

HOT STONES At Art of Indulgence near Tryon, massage therapist Lynn Cabral offers hot stone massages, among other relaxing options. Hot stone massage, 1 hour, $50.

FEBRUARY 2 0 1 3

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gifts

VALENTINE’S GIFTS

WITH LOVE

“AFTER THE ROW” Artwork featuring boats and water by Matt Corn. Find this piece and others at Thompson’s Garden Gallery and Outdoor Living, $300.

TAKE A SEAT

Sturdy wicker and wood bar stools would be the perfect complement to any outdoor bar. Thompson’s Garden Gallery and Outdoor Living, $250.

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

FEATURE

HONEY FOR YOUR HONEY Take Valentines Day to a naturally sweet level with local honey from Don Moran.

1 quart $12 and a coordinating honey dipper, $14. Found at Main Street Antiques and Collectibles in Tryon.

DAY OF GOLF

Set your man up for a Saturday on the greens. You’ll please his desire to get outside with the guys and your desire for peace and quiet. Contact The Links of Tryon, Meadowbrook Golf Course or Tryon Country Club.

PAWLEY’S ISLAND HAMMOCKS

For about $170 you can give your sweetheart a hand-crafted place to kick back and relax from a company that’s been around since 1889. Found at Thompson’s Garden Gallery and Outdoor Living.

JAN UARY 2 0 1 3

49

COUNTRY LIVING

magic

Elements that create Written by GILLIAN DRUMMOND Photograph submitted

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

M

y design philosophy for years has been about personal style and comfort – when I started my design business in 1985 this was my aim with all my clients.

“My desire is to create a timeless and uniquely personal environment in which my clients can enjoy their lives. A room should first serve its function, then be comfortable, luxurious and serene, but never take itself too seriously. The combination of color and texture with comfortable upholstery, beautiful woods and unique art and accessories gives a room its personality and style. It should evolve and grow, as we do. The most important element in the creative process is the mutual trust between designer and client – this is the element that creates the magic.”

Looking back over the years, fashions in design may have changed but the essence of these statements still hold true.

COLUMN FEATURE

To create a timeless and uniquely personal environment

A home, to me, should never look dated. Do you remember the gold and avocado in the late 60s or the purple/ lavender of the early 80s? We should live with the colors and styles we love. All the truly great design I have ever seen has been timeless and personal. If you want to do something that is “in fashion,” do it with accessories – pillows, lamps and lampshades. These are easy and less expensive to change. The other way to have an “in” interior is with an “in” color on the walls.

Your home is an expression of you and your family’s interest, collections, hobbies and passions. It should reflect your personal style with color and the furniture you choose as well as the accessories and art. This is where your family and friends enjoy being in a very unique and personal environment.

Next, a room should be comfortable, luxurious and serene.

There has always been a simple human need for beauty and comfort in everyday life. This never changes, so the more comfortable your furniture, the happier your family and guests will be.

LUXURY – how often do I hear “I can’t afford luxury?”

Luxury is not a matter of spending large amounts of money.

It is all about the small things in life that make us feel pampered and special. In this day it is possible to have these little luxuries if we shop for them wisely. Luxury is personal thing – for me it is a large, deep bathtub to luxuriate in with sweet smelling bath salts. What are your little luxuries?

SERENITY – we all need a corner of a room or the house in which to go and be with ourselves and be quiet.

Perhaps a place where you can listen to good music, talk to a friend or just sit and contemplate the beauty of living in the foothills.

A room should first, always, serve its function.

I had a client who always used her library, where the TV resided, for her and her husband to eat dinner. The dining room was only used for large or special occasions. They did not have an appropriate table so she set up a folding card table every night. We rearranged the room and purchased a lovely walnut game table and four chairs. Now they have somewhere not only to eat dinner but also for many other activities.

Downsize. Update. Donate!

The things you no longer need around your house or garage, no matter how small or large, can be of great value to someone else.

Your old sofa, that extra bookshelf, that unused lamp, donated to the Thrift Barn, will de-clutter your home, make another shopper happy, and help us take care of more patients and their families. Everybody wins!

Your past helps support our future!

Highway 14 at I-26, Landrum, SC store hours: Mon-Thurs, 10am – 4pm Friday, 10am – 6 pm Saturday, 10am – 5pm donation hours: Mon-Fri, 10am – closing

864-457-7348

COUNTRY LIVING

A room should never take itself too seriously.

A few years ago, I had a client in Charleston with the most beautiful old Charleston house filled with antiques and gorgeous window treatments. Everything was perfection. They came to me wanting to make it more livable, not so much like a museum.

The first thing we did was add color to the walls. Then we took away some of the symmetry. Almost, everything was in matching pairs, so we mixed it up. She loved doing needlepoint, so I suggested she do some with a humorous bend to it. He liked contemporary art, so we got that out and hung it with all the wonderful old antiques and rugs. The house took on a new life and the clients loved it.

The combination of color and texture with comfortable upholstery, beautiful woods and unique art and accessories gives a room its personality. There is nothing more boring than a room where everything matches – the fabric on the furniture and curtains and the paint on the walls.

I have a collection of furniture in my home that has been partly inherited and found in antique and consignment shops over the years. Nothing matches but they are all pieces I love and they all go nicely with each other. So, if you have a mahogany bedroom set that you love – don’t throw it out, but make sure the fabrics draw your eye around the whole room and the

art and accessories make it your uniquely personal space.

A room should evolve and grow as we do. Perhaps, some of the things you loved at 25 or 30 are not who you are today.

Either pack them away, if they have sentimental meaning, or pass them on to someone who will love them. Collect things as you travel. Buy better quality as you can afford it. Don’t let your house stagnate.

The most important element in the creative process is the mutual trust between designer and client – this is the element that creates the magic. There is a special magic that happens when the people working together trust each other’s needs and talents. I have to trust a client to be totally honest with me about what their needs and wants are, their budget, what they truly don’t like and how quickly or slowly they want to work.

They have to trust my education, my experience, my trained eye and my intuition that I will guide them through the design process so we achieve the home they have dreamed of having.

It is in this trust that a project really comes together in a magical way and goes beyond expectations. • Gillian Drummond has her design studio, Drummond House Co., Interior Decoration and Consultation, in Tryon, NC. You can see her website at www.drummondhouseco.com and reach her at info@drummondhouseco.com or 828-859-9895.

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JAN UARY 2 0 1 3

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IN GOOD TASTE

AW EL

COMIN G T A

BL

E 54 L IFEINO URFO O T HI L L S. C O M

Written by CAROL LYNN JACKSON Contributors PEGGY AND DAVID RIDDLE Photographs by SAMANTHA HURST

COLUMN

I

enjoy opportunities to write about food and how food connects us.

This month with Valentine’s Day, I wondered how to write about food and romantic love and how the two bring people together.

Food connections with love may make us think of oysters and chocolates, rich red wines or champagnes, candies and candied hearts, exotic recipes with rare ingredients. Although I will cringe if my boyfriend gets wind of this, heading down this path for an article really grew to bore me. For most of the time, it’s a consume-atall-costs approach. In doing an about-face on the topic, I became more excited.

There is a meal that exemplifies greater love to me, Agape Love, and that is a meal shared with those who are having a hard time affording it. It’s a weekly free meal offered here, in our foothills.

A group of folks in Saluda recently began a project that is growing into an enduring and enriching addition to community life in Saluda. It is called Saluda’s Welcome Table.

Saluda’s Welcome Table is a dinner offered once a week in the fellowship hall of the Saluda United Methodist Church (SUMC). It is a meal that is especially delicious, healthful and free to whomever would like to attend. It is a weekly gathering of community and neighbors, hungry for food, hungry for conversation, hungry for sharing, hospitality and love. The initial planners of this project were Rob Parsons, pastor of SUMC, and Saluda residents Peggy and David Riddle. A large group of volunteers has followed suit.

“Beyond feeding the body,” said Peggy Riddle. “Saluda’s Welcome Table is an opportunity to reach out to community, build relationships, share our resources and love our neighbors. The many volunteers who have helped launch this project are talented and generous in so many ways, and their can-do attitude makes them a joy to work with!”

The Welcome Table concept has been very successful in Asheville and other communities in North Carolina. Saluda’s continued on pg. 56

FE BRUARY 2 0 1 3

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IN GOOD TASTE

Left: Dave and Peggy Riddle. “We ask people to be in prayer for the hungry in the Saluda community, in Polk County, and around the world,” states Peggy Riddle. Top right: Local students enjoying a meal at Saluda’s Welcome Table. Bottom right: Reverend Rob Parsons comments on how Saluda’s Welcome Table hopes to have an impact on the Saluda community in which it serves. “My hope is that our community is strengthened around the table and that strong community does not leave anyone in need.”

Welcome Table began in late 2012 with support and guidance from other established Welcome Tables and from Cheryl Wallen, who is the director of LifeMinistries Outreach of Givens Estates in Asheville.

After several organizational meetings, a “trial-run” dinner was planned. The following email excerpts reveal the unique volunteer collaboration that continues to make the weekly meal happen: “Fred and I will bring spaghetti for 4- 6 people.”

“If you and Fred are bringing spaghetti, John and I will bring vegetarian lasagna for six.”

“I will bring a side of Italian green beans. Looking forward to seeing everyone again,” Cindy.

“I found a promising potluck recipe for salad that uses fresh spinach and lettuce. Will make for 6,” Edna.

“I will bring dessert that feeds a bunch,” Louise.

There are no hard lines defining this as a weekly meal for the needy; indeed, it’s for those who are hungry, which means a lot of things to a lot of people. One of the founding thought-processes behind Saluda’s Welcome Table is to invite someone who may want to be a part of this endeavor in any capacity - especially those you know who may be financially strapped, or particularly isolated, or in need of community connection. This reminds me of an Ethiopian proverb, “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.”

Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry director Carol Newton has been a guest speaker to the group as well as Saluda school principal Ronette Dill. An outreach committee exists to uncover more ways to reach people living with food insecurity in Saluda.

Slow Food Foothills supports the weekly meal and is offering local foods locator services including Gleaners for Good, a Slow Food Foothills project that is working to train a reliable and productive volunteer gleaning group. This gleaning network salvages good, fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste and then gives them, free of charge, to people who are hungry. This is accomplished by gleaning crops that have already been harvested commercially and by accepting produce that has already been harvested but can’t be sold for various reasons. In both cases, our volunteers take the produce and distribute it to individuals who are hungry and/or Welcome Tables and agencies that assist people in need.

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COLUMN “One of the challenges at this point is spreading the word beyond our immediate circles of friends and acquaintances,” explained David Riddle. “We know that word of mouth works best in most cases, so we’re hoping the enthusiasm of participants continues to spread the word throughout the community.”

However, regardless of the reason they have come, people who attend are simply welcomed and served. Everyone, financially strapped or not, is invited to play a role in the planning, preparations and clean-up, as well as bringing new people.

Comments overheard include, “this is my best meal of the week” and “I finally got a chance to sit down and eat with someone I've known for 50 years.”

Saluda United Methodist Church opens its doors to the community each week by offering space, heat, lights and facilities.

An initial anonymous grant allowed Saluda’s Welcome Table to purchase its start-up supplies, equipment and staples. Since its first meal, a donation bucket sits humbly on the sidelines at every dinner, and funding for future dinners continues through generous weekly donations. To date, Saluda’s Welcome Table treasury has allowed the group to pay for the dinners. Local businesses and civic groups have shown interest in underwriting dinners in the weeks and months to come.

Saluda’s Welcome Table is open to all who are hungry on Tuesdays, from 5:30 – 7 p.m., at the Saluda United Methodist Church on Greenville Street, in Saluda. •

APPOINTMENTS 58 LIFEI NO URFO O THI L L S. C O M

Transitions instructors Lynn Brown and Dania Fadeley (shown jumping here) are offering new courses through Isothermal Community College this spring. “Practical Horsemanship for Women and the Horses They Love� will help female riders learn to deepen the trust bond with their horses. Courses start in March. Call 828-894-3092 for more information. (photo submitted)

THEN & NOW

JAN UARY 2 0 1 3

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

APPOINTMENTS

Equestrian Events FEBRUARY Feb. 3 Hunter Pace at FENCE, www.wchpace.org.

Feb. 9 Harmon Hopeful Show at Harmon Field. Lauren Allen, 828-506-2335

earthlink.net Feb. 17 Green Creek Hounds/GFPC Open House at Green Creek Hounds Kennels. Carolyn Culbertson, chculbertson@earthlink. net Feb. 23 Tryon Hounds Hunt Ball Roberta McKinney, 864-4575497

Feb. 16 River Valley Pony Club (RVPC) mounted meeting with Jodi Lees.

MARCH Denise Ritacco, 864-414-3185 March 1-3 or by email Ritacco5@hotmail.

Paul Belasik Clinic at Blue Moon com.

Farm. Sophie Clifton, sophie@ montana.net.

Feb. 16 TROT volunteer training. Robbie Hambright, rwhambright@ March 2 gmail.com.

Foothills Riding Club Dressage and Stadium Show at FENCE. Feb. 16-17 Margo Savage, 828-863-4924.

Winter Challenge Horse Show.

This year’s show will include a March 2 “Swing 10 for Ashlyn” Derby River Valley Pony Club mounted benefit class for Ashlyn Bell meeting with Annie Maunder. who was recently in a riding ac- Denise Ritacco, 864-414-3185 cident. The show will be held at or by email Ritacco5@hotmail.

Harmon Field in Tryon. Lewis com.

Pack, harmonclassics@aol.com; 828-894-2721.

March 3 Feb. 17 Hunter Pace: Greenville Foothills Pony Club. Contact: Carolyn Culbertson, chculbertson@

Hunter Pace: Clemson Eventing Team, www.wchpace.org.

March 8 RVPC Unmounted Meeting

Denise Ritacco, 864-414-3185 or by email Ritacco5@hotmail. com.

main focus. Linda Salinas; talk@ Dr.DoLinda.com or call 704674-4085.

March 8-9 Carolina Carriage Club Hazard Clinic at Windridge Farm, Rutherfordton. Alicia Henderson windridge@ioa.net

March 17 Hunter Pace: Green Creek Hounds, www.wchpace.org

March 9 Harmon Hopefuls at Harmon Field. Lauren Allen, 828-5062335 March 9 Greenville Foothills Pony Club Meeting Carolyn Culbertson, chculbertson@earthlink.net March 16 Horse Country Farm Tours.

Libbie Johnson, inveigh@aol. com March 16-17 BRHJA Spring Premiere Show at Harmon Field. Lewis Pack, 828-894-2721 March 16-17 Linda Salinas clinic The Carolyn Resnick Method of horse communication, and learning to develop a deep relationship with your horse without force will be the clinic’s

March 23 Carolina Carriage Club Beginner Driving Clinic with Paul Nordan.

March 23 Foothills Riding Club Dressage / Stadium Show at Harmon Field. Margo Savage 828-8634924 March 23 Greenville Foothills Pony Club Carolyn Culbertson chculbertson@earthlink.net March 23 RVPC Mounted Meeting Denise Ritacco, 864-414-3185 or by email Ritacco5@hotmail. com.

March 30 Harmon Hopefuls at Harmon Field. 828-506-2335 March 30-31 Borderline Dressage at FENCE Contact: Kay Whitlock, 910-6923504.

JAN UARY 2 0 1 3

61

FOXHUNTER’S CUP

Fifteen-year-old Will Zuschlag looks behind him as he and his horse stride to victory in the 2012 Foxhunter’s Cup. (photo by Geoff Zuschlag)

Foxhunter’s Cup Written by JENNIFER HICKS Photographs submitted

The Foxhunter’s Cup, a flat race for amateur riders, has run in conjunction with the Block House Steeplechase since 2004.

Not for the feint of heart, the track at FENCE has a steep uphill climb followed by a dramatic downhill slope before heading to the backstretch. The fifth race on the day’s card, the Foxhunter’s Cup draws a group of game horses and riders each year from the local community, with several riders taking more than one run at the cup.

It was initially run as two separate races, one for Thoroughbreds and one for non-Thoroughbreds, but in years when participation was light the races were combined. In 2012 with interest waning among the horses, it was run as a pony race with sections for juniors and adults. The River Valley Pony Club sponsored last year’s pony races and brought handmade platters to present the

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

winners, Will Zuschlag in the 13-18 section and LeAnn Harmon in the over 18 section.

While there are a number of local riders who have contested the race, there have only been a few brave men who have saddled up on race day. Only 15 years old, Will has the unique distinction of also being the youngest winner ever of the Foxhunter’s Cup as the race was only open to adults prior to 2012.

A new member to the Greenville Foothills Pony Club in the fall of 2011, Will’s previous riding experience was limited to some lessons and small shows plus the skills he gained riding on his own at his family’s farm outside Greenville. He also tried out foxhunting a few times with the Tryon Hounds and Green Creek Hounds.

The idea of riding in a race brought out his competitive streak and he got straight to work after the first meeting in January. Will took race director Kelly Murphy’s words about conditioning to heart, working on trot and canter sets in a ring for several weeks

APPOINTMENTS

ABOVE: Zuschlag with the Greenville Foothills Pony Club of which he is a member. (photo by Mark Lehner/ HoofClix.com) RIGHT: The only other man to race on a pony, Jordan Hicks was a last minute fill in on Roudy Outrageous for Mandy Bilharz in 2011. (photo by Don West)

and then moving on to galloping, even finding a spot on his family’s farm to practice galloping uphill.

His pony Pepsi, now 9, will be heading to the start box again this year in the pony division. In Will’s own words, “The race was awesome! Even if I had fallen off halfway around I would have still had a great time. To know my family and friends were in the crowd cheering me on was such a cool experience.” Will’s dad Geoff may even join in the fun this year on a Quarter Horse that lives on their farm.

This year’s Foxhunter’s Cup will be open to both horses and ponies, with separate awards presented to each group, and will run as two separate races if the entries warrant. A properly conditioned horse or pony takes time to prepare, so please contact TR&HC at 828-863-0480 for more information. The first informational meeting about the race was held Jan. 27. Applications are available at www.trhcevents.org and entries must be declared by Feb. 15. At the time this article was written three Thoroughbred horses and two ponies had declared. •

“The race was awesome ... To know my family and friends were in the crowd cheering me on was such a cool -experience.”

– Will Zuschlag

FEBRUARY 2 0 1 3

63

KOTALIK

Love of an Arabian

Written by BARBARA CHILDS Photographs by MARIA GENTRY

W

hen Lisa Kotalik was a young girl reading Walter Farley’s book, “The Black Stallion,” she dreamed of owning her own black stallion.

The reality of that dream came true for her when she started breeding Egyptian Arabian horses in the early 90s. Kotalik lived in Wellington, Fla. before she moved here to Tryon.

The joys of her ownership and friendship with her black stallion lasted 20 years. Then the tragic ravages and destruction of Hurricane Katrina came and swept her stallion away.

Kotalik relocated here to Tryon soon after the passing of 64 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M

her stallion.

It was here that she proceeded to research the bloodlines of the Egyptian Arabian horsed for the purchase of her next stallion. Kotalik found a young, 6-month-old stallion, who is now 4 years old and who she said grows more beautiful every day.

His name is Mystic Sheikh.

Stephanie White, who owns Brandywine Farm in Hickory, N.C. is Kotalik’s dear friend and mentor. White sold Kotalik two Heirloom Arabian mares, and they are happily living at the Tryon farm. These mares are very delicate and refined in their Arabian heritage.

Mystic Sheikh is descended from royalty in the blueblood lines and lineage of the Egyptian Arabian. His great-grandmother was Saema, a mare titled the Queen’s mare. The then Queen of Egypt, Queen Nazili, imported Saema to the United States in 1950. Nazili was the mother of King Farouk, who defected from Egypt.

Three horses were chosen to make the long journey here by steamship. Rough waters and a furious violent storm was the cause of two of the horses drowning. One, Saema, was rescued. She lived to produce the pure line of Straight Egyptian horses, and Kotalik’s stallion is one of them.

“It is the mare that the Egyptians treasure the most over the stallion,” said Kotalik. “Mares are the most valued both for riding and breeding. All the pedigrees are traced through the mare’s line.”

Horses known for the purest of the breed were called Asil.

Crossbreeding with Asil Arabians was forbidden in the ancient Bedouin history and ancestry of the Egyptian Arabian horse.

“We can’t give her as a present or sell her Ya bey A mare like this It is a shame to sell You cannot guide such a horse And you cannot praise her enough in books Indeed her strain is known in all the desert She cannot be followed while I’m on her back, And you can hear sounds from her like mad stallions In the stormy nights.

And I know when I am riding her No man can catch me with their glistening swords And if I chase them with my mare They are afraid of me.”

– from the Manuscript of the Abbas Pasha The Khamseh, according to legend, descends from the five mares, which along with the other mares of King Solomon, were drinking water at a river after a long battle. Then a trumpet blew heralding the mares back to battle. Only five responded to the trumpet call. It was these five mares that founded the five great families of Arabians.

Kotalik has two black mares that are straight Egyptian blue in color. They will have black foals because they are homozygous black. One of her mares is half Andalusian and half Arabian.

Foals from these horses are due in February, March and May. To contact Kotalik about her Arabian horses, email her at Avalonhorses@aol.com.

“When God created the horse He said to the magnificent creature I have made thee as no other All the treasures of the earth shall lie between thy eyes Thou shalt cast thy enemies between thy hooves But thous shalt carry my friends upon thy back Thy saddle shall be the seat of prayers to me And thou shalt fly without wings, and conquer without any sword...”

– from the Koran

JOEY THOMPSON

Joey Thompson, Gretchen Verbonic and Roy Flores of FENCE provide a home for rescued native plants at FENCE. (photo by Pam Torlina)

FENCE’s Mr. Fix-it

By Barbara Childs

Joey Thompson received a unexpected phone call from his friend Melissa LeRoy in 2006 looking for help.

It was in the first week of June – show season – and she needed help preparing jumps, arenas, landscaping, plantings, and all the major chores for the opening of an A Hunter/Jumper Show at FENCE. Joey, of course, responded in good faith.

“I was thrown to the wolves the first week,” said Thompson, who at that time had no experience with horse shows.

Today, with six years of experience in organizing and preparing the grounds and stalls for horse shows at FENCE, Thompson is well imbued with the knowledge to keep the details in perfect running order.

Some of the required work may include the repairs

on stalls that may have been kicked out by a horse, weed eating, fall plantings in the autumn, mowing and checking all the arenas for shows. Maintaining the good running order of equipment used at FENCE is also done by Thompson, and there is a lot of equipment that needs expert attention.

Thompson works well with his partner, Roy Flores.

Teamwork and cooperation is put to the ultimate test for the smooth running of FENCE with its many events and shows. When shows run late into the evenings, Thompson works long hours.

Thompson enjoys working outdoors. He is kind, respectful, and tries to fulfill all the requests that are presented to him by the show managers and competitors.

“Some of the requests often amaze me, but they are all honored,” said Thompson.

There is so much hard work behind the scenes in the preparation for a horse show.

“It doesn’t happen magically,” said Thompson.

Jump crews, three days of ground work with weeding, mowing, plantings, watering the arenas; the dressage shows need extra care of the arenas and rings with dragging them perfectly several times a day, letters and plants near them, judges’ boxes, bells and whistles, snack and water packages for the judge’s stand. Many of the A recognized shows will be graded for their requirements as

JOEY THOMPSON

“Each year brings new changes and new beginnings, but it is always an adventure.”

– Joey Thompson stated in the American federations and their rules.

FENCE Executive Director Carrie Knox said, “Joey has been invaluable for helping me understand the intricate and important workings of this place called FENCE. I am very glad he is here to share his knowledge with me.”

“I am constantly amazed at how much Joey Thompson knows about FENCE; the when, why, where, what and how of things at FENCE. He is always there to help and inform,” said Gretchen Verbonic.

The most challenging aspects of Thompson’s job involve the people. Here a good sense of the positive and respectful mentality toward all is needed. “If requests are a bit ridiculous, I smile, and peacefully carry on,” says Thompson.

Other challenging aspects of running a horse show or any FENCE event may involve power outages where

a show or event is stopped and a generator is used for the needed water and electricity. Cars and trucks need to be jumped at times, a water line breakage can really stop a show until all repairs are safely put in place. And that all has happened.

“It’s never the same. Each year brings new changes and new beginnings, but it is always an adventure” said Thompson.

Thompson has two daughters, Ashley who is 15, and Whitney who is 12. Ashley works at the summer camps at FENCE for the counselors and helps with the programs offered during the summer months. Whitney is very athletic, and as Thompson says, wide open in all her athletic prowess.

Next time you are at FENCE for a show or event be sure to thank Thompson and his crew for all the good work put forth for the show grounds and all the FENCE nature center areas. •

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38

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GARRISON

Michelle Garrison with her leopard Appaloosa, Tasha. (photo by Kyle Garrison)

Seeking hands-on Written by BARBARA CHILDS Photographs submitted

M

ichelle Garrison is an intern at the Tryon Equine Hospital in Columbus.

She has completed her veterinary training and has her DVM. Garrison started her internship in June of 2012 at the Equine Hospital here. She earned her internship training from a clinician at The University of Georgia (UGA) where she attended veterinary school.

“My first experiences with veterinary equine medicine started during my undergraduate studies at Clemson University when I volunteered with an equine veterinarian near my home in Anderson, S.C.,” Garrison said. “Upon entering veterinary school I chose equine medicine and surgery as my emphasis, which allowed me to take equine-focused elective courses. My senior clinical year of veterinary school consisted of three-

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

experience

week rotations that allowed me to gain experience in equine medicine, equine surgery, equine field services, equine anesthesia and equine lameness and diagnostic imaging. About halfway through my senior year I decided I would like to pursue an equine internship to continue my training beyond veterinary school, and that is when I learned about the internship at Tryon Equine Hospital.”

One of the things Garrison enjoys most about her work is following cases at Tryon Equine from start to finish.

“Since horses can be hospitalized for weeks to months at a time, it is a nice change to be able to treat these horses throughout their entire stay. In school each rotation lasted three weeks, and patients were then transferred to the next students as required,” said Garrison.

APPOINTMENTS

Garrison also enjoys being able to assist at all the surgeries (elective and emergency) since there are board-certified surgeons on staff at Tryon Equine.

Garrison has a good handle on the reality of her career as an equine veterinarian and, according to her, nine out of 10 people become a veterinarian because they have a great love for the animals.

That in itself draws them into the profession with the goals of improving and saving lives when possible and providing a compassionate end to those unable to continue comfortably with a quality of life. Unfortunately, the cost of a veterinary education is steadily increasing, and the average income fails to parallel.

“These young students are learning quickly that they must love this profession, but they must also understand how to handle it as their career,” Garrison said.

She said while many people understand the business aspect of a veterinary career, there are always some people waiting to take advantage of the emotional counterpart, and expect services only for the love of their animal.

“It’s tough to leave your work at work. When you have a sick patient at the hospital it is hard to enjoy your night off, and sleep is sometimes unattainable as your mind wanders with worry,” Garrison said. “This is most challenging as you have the duty for speaking for the animal when the most humane option is to end a life, especially when the owner is not prepared for this reality.”

Garrison said her internship has been rich with experiences, and it is not an endeavor undertaken for monetary gain.

“Watching horses recover from a nearly fatal colic, those who are able to overcome severe pneumonia, or those who return to soundness after a debilitating injury all make the job worthwhile,” said Garrison.

Garrison has two Appaloosas, and she enjoys riding the two mares, Alley and Tasha. Alley likes to perform in the hunt seat and jumping, and Tasha likes a nice trail ride.

Working with the Tryon community and staff at Tryon Equine has been a pleasure, Garrison said. She said she is grateful to be in an area where the majority of horse owners are always ready to do whatever is best for their horse. Garrison said she feels it is refreshing to be in an area where owners respect their horses as their partner, as an athlete and part of the family. •

“It’s tough to leave your work at work.

When you have a sick patient at the hospital it is hard to enjoy your night off, and sleep is sometimes unattainable as your mind wanders with worry.”

– Michelle Garrison

FE BRUARY 2 0 1 3

69

KAY

Bradley Kay Bradley Kay and her paint, Missy.

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

APPOINTMENTS

Written by BARBARA CHILDS Photograph submitted

A

bout eight years ago a home-schooled sophomore named Bradley Kay joined Polk County’s Bridle Bunch 4-H Club.

Kay, who lives on her family’s farm in Mill Spring, knew very little about horses before then. But a decision to begin riding lessons with instructor Shannon Smiley and join 4-H drastically changed Kay’s connection with the equine world.

Since then, Kay has become involved in all aspects of 4-H, including Hippology (Latin for the study of horses). She has been involved in other horse related contests including the 4-H Polk County Youth Council.

“I love 4-H more and more with each new year and the many opportunities it provides for my learning and doing,” said Kay. Whether it’s meeting with her club on weekends or traveling to another state with the North Carolina team, 4-H always involves fun, friendship and support, she said.

“The coolest thing about being on a national team is that the teammates come together from all over North Carolina.

You make a lot of friends who share a common interest that you would never have met otherwise,” Kay said. “I love memorizing facts and the charts when studying Hippology, especially the anatomy. It’s really cool because now when I listen to a vet or farrier, I don’t need to ask for meanings of the big and technical terms. I have 4-H to thank for that.”

The most challenging thing for Kay in the study of Hippology is knowing what to study. There are seven source books for her research, and she never knows what is going to be in the contest.

In riding, the hardest and most challenging thing for her is to keep a consistent riding schedule. She said her paint mare, Missy, is her teacher and friend.

“With school and studying it is sometimes hard to find time to ride as much as I would like to. However, I have been squeezing in rides as much as I can and Missy is doing very well,” said Kay. Missy, Kay’s horse, is a 9-year-old paint. Her registered name is Sundancing Black Lace (Kay is not sure who came up with that name). Kay says Missy is curious and playful, but sweet and she loves to jump. Kay is pursuing hunter jumper at Shannon Smiley’s Ross Riding Academy.

Kay hopes that more young people will become part of the 4-H program here in Polk County. Helen Clark is the contact person and she can be reached at 828-894-8218 for more information.

Kay says that 4-H gives you the skills and tools and opportunities, and with some good hard work you can accomplish anything. •

“I love 4-H more and more with each new year and the many opportunities it provides for my learning and doing.”

– Bradley Kay

FEBRUARY 2 0 1 3

71

DUDLEY

heaven

Written by BARBARA CHILDS

A visit and delivery from the hay lady brought green lovely hay for us, and the man who came to help deliver it was holding a bag of apples in one arm and a big bag of carrots in the other.

I looked up at him knowing he was an angel sent from heaven to make me happy. Madeline agreed.

The time is here once again for horse and rider registrations for the shows and sanctioned horse organizations necessary for local, state and national riding and showing points.

Sponsorships are being put in place for the shows, too. Horses and riders are preparing for hunter/jumper shows, dressage, eventing, trail, western riding and rodeo competitions.

Meanwhile, the FERA emergency fund for equines is being highly stocked with pledges and donations. Carrots and monies for equines in need are always welcome. Please donate this year.

Aleah Wicks of Fat Dog Farm in Green Creek has three horses that she and husband Andrew enjoy riding. A fat, fluffy, friendly dog welcomes visitors to their farm where Rhode Island Red hens reside in the hen house and lovely organic gardens thrive. You can enjoy a cup of warm herbal ginger tea and get an ionic foot bath for cleansing and detoxing the body (for humans only) at the farm.

Veronica Hassig will soon start her new business enterprise, Stable Services, and she is organizing a website for its promotion.

She works at the aqua tread at Still Creek Farm in Green Creek.

Veronica also has much equine experience with riding, and she enjoys riding and conditioning a horse for Dr. Anne Baskett.

Too Sexy Stanley is Bonnie Hines driving and riding horse, and she is enjoying him with carriage exercising in the pastures.

Elizabeth Johnson came home from her university studies in geology (Elizabeth rocks and loves to study them) to be with her family and ride Tristin, her thoroughbred. It was wonderful to see her taking a lesson on him with Trayce Doubek.

February is the month of love and valentines and all sweet things, especially apples, molasses treats, ginger cookies, carrots, and peppermints. So “ego amo te”(I love you in Latin) and Je’taime (I love you in French) to my dear friend and stable mate, Dudley (top) and Madeline (bottom). Madeline.

Munching hay together under the stars is very nice, and Madeline is warm as a kitten in her new baby blue winter blanket.

Munch, munch, crunch, chomp •

SENT

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

APPOINTMENTS

Dudley’s Recipe:

Overnight Oats with Berries Here is a recipe that will keep your heart healthy and full of lovely antioxidants for a prize-winning morning of goodness: 1/2 cup oats 1 cup soy milk 1/2 teasp. cinnamon 1 tbl. honey 1/4 cup fresh raspberries or strawberries 1/4 cup fresh blueberries 2 tbl. chopped pecans Mix together.

Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Add more honey before serving if desired.

Yum!

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WHY I LOVE THE FOOTHILLS

Bill Ingham Trade Street Coffeehouse Written by SAMANTHA HURST

Are you from this area? If not, when did you move here and why?

“We moved here from Columbia, S.C. in 1998. I was in the plumbing business there and we were ready for something new. We would drive through this area on weekends and really fell in love with it.”

What attracted you to the foothills?

“We would come up and visit a friend of ours who had a cabin in Saluda and drive around the area during our visits.

My father was from Connecticut and this area reminds me of where he grew up.

I love all of the water, the hills and the trees.”

Do you have family here with you?

“I have a 12-year-old daughter Grace who lives here and my grandson Damon, who is 17, lives with me.”

Ingham also has two grown daughters: Pam, who lives in Albuquerque, N.M. and Beth, who lives in Rock Hill.

Tell us a bit about your first experiences with the town: “My ex-wife and I lived on Pearson's Falls property for five years as gate keepers. We met a lot of people that way. We also used to live within site distance of Rogers Park and it's been interesting to see that place go from an actual dump to such a unique spot.”

What made you decide to open the coffee shop?

“It’s something I had always wanted to do. Anytime I’d go downtown in Columbia or other cities, I’d find myself looking for one to hang out in. One weekend we were driving through town 74 L IFEINO URFO O THI L L S. C O M

here and saw a ‘For Rent’ sign on this shop.

The Inghams found out the shop was already rented, but two months later a phone call changed everything.

“We came up for our anniversary to stay at Pine Crest and on our way in the woman called us to say it was available again. We spent every weekend for six months bringing up materials to paint and decorate the space.”

At first he said it was just a space for artwork but soon they added coffee and that’s when the coffeehouse really took life.

“Everybody I know in this town, I met here,” Ingham said. “Every real estate deal I’ve made came through the coffee shop. Everything seems to happen here.”

Many of those people have become like family to Ingham too.

me; it’s more of a hobby. I love taking a place that has nothing going for it and turn it into a beautiful spot.”

What do you wish more people realized about our area?

“I don’t think people get what an involved community this is. Whether it’s Super Saturday for the kids or events at Harmon Field, it’s a lot more than a retirement community like some people think.”

What about the coffee shop is unique to you?

“We’re family here. See that sign? It’s Unique fact: an old Dylan quote (‘a shelter from the Ingham’s daughter, Grace, 12, and storm’) and I feel like this is what this her best friend Abby Amato were born places is sometimes. The people here one month to the day apart in the same try and make everyone feel welcome, especially those people that don’t feel like hospital room.

“I can see them being best friends for they fit in anywhere else.” the rest of their lives and it’s cool to me Do you have a favorite spot (other that we’ve been able to make those kinds of friendships here,” Ingham said. than the coffeehouse)?

“My backyard … I enjoy getting out in the yard. Yard work is not work for

A parting glance Randy Flynn of Columbus submitted this photo of the old barn at Caroland Farms in Landrum, S.C. for our calendar contest. To submit your own parting glance shot, email your photo to news@ tryondailybulletin.com, with the subject line “Magazine parting glance.�