Life in Our Foothills - November 2023

life IN OUR

FOOTHILLS

November 2023

Life in Our Foothills

A Man of Many Faces Karl Schwartz

November 2023

Woodcarver looking ahead to new adventures

A welder forging art

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FROM THE EDITOR

A Jeff Allison General Manager

ON THE COVER life IN OUR

FOOTHILLS

November 2023

Life in Our Foothills

Man of Many Faces Karl Schwartz

November 2023

A welder forging art

Woodcarver looking ahead to new adventures

Saying goodbye to Royal $4.95

A Man of Many Faces Karl Schwartz

(Story on page 30)

Story by Storme Smith

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

s November blankets the Foothills in its golden embrace, we welcome this season of giving thanks. Our communities have much to be thankful for— friendly small towns, perfect weather, beautiful mountain vistas and a thriving arts scene. We’re also thankful for the craftsmen who infuse our community with their unique touch. This month, we’ll introduce you to more than one.

First, we visit with B.J. Precourt, a 90-yearold folk artist who lives in Mill Spring. We learn a bit about B.J.’s background and enjoy a few of his wood carvings at his workshop.

B.J. is proof that age is just a number, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down as he looks ahead to his next adventure.

We’ll also meet Joe Cooper, a welder who uses his talents to create extraordinary works of art. A regular instructor at Tryon Arts and Crafts School, Joe teaches his copper/textured bronze technique and has created scores of custom metal fabrications over the years.

We’re also introduced to Karl Schwartz, the “man of many faces” who specializes in carving wooden masks. Karl, a retired computer engineer and Vietnam veteran who spent time working at NASA, also creates wooden toys and spoons, and even created the larger-thanlife giraffe that welcomes visitors to Tryon’s Lanier Library!

You’ll find all this and more in this month’s edition! We hope you enjoy what we’ve put together for you this month, and as I do each month, I encourage readers to reach out and help us share your story. Email me at jeff. allison@tryondailybulletin.com with any thoughts or ideas for upcoming issues. As always, thanks for reading!

Jeff Allison Editor

STAFF

life IN OUR

FOOTHILLS

General Manager Jeff Allison

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

To advertise, call 828-859-9151.

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CONTENTS 10

Calendar of Events

12

B.J. Precourt

Ninety-year-old Woodcarver Looking Forward To His Next Adventure

20

Joe Cooper

A Welder Forging Art

30

Karl Schwartz A Man of Many Faces

38

Pebbles

Saying Goodbye to Royal

44

Quick Bites

49

Marketplace

50

Advertiser Index

8

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

12

38

TRYON.COM/SNL NOVEMBER 2023

9

CALENDAR OF EVENTS All Members Exhibit: We’ve Got Rhythm Through Nov. 11 Tryon Painters & Sculptors Tryonpaintersandsculptors.com 828-859-0141

NOVEMBER 4 Rita Hayworth: The Heat is On! 7:30pm Tryon Fine Arts Center TryonArts.org

All ‘Fore’ Charity Steps to Hope Golf Tournament November 3 Links O’Tryon office@stepstohope.org Free Yoga Fridays November 3, 10, 17, 24 at 10:15am F.E.N.C.E Center 828-859-9021 Saluda Shop & Stroll November 3, 5:00pm Downtown Saluda Music at the Market: Borderline Therapy November 4, 6 pm Landrum Farmer’s Market CityofLandrumSC.com Play: Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap November 9-12 & 16-19, 2023 Tryon Little Theater TLTinfo.org Tryon Concert Association presents Arsentiy Kharitonov November 9, 7:30pm Tryon Fine Arts Center TryonConcerts.org Handcrafted Holiday Market Opening & Auction Viewing November 10, 6-8pm Tryon Arts & Crafts School TryonArtsAndCrafts.org, 828-859-8323 Saluda Winter Market November 11 & 25, 9am–12pm Saluda Center 64 Greenville St, Saluda 10

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

NOVEMBER 5 90th Annual Any & All Dog Show

12 – 3pm, Harmon Field, Tryon TryonRidingandHuntClub.org

NOVEMBER 18 Opening Reception: All Members Exhibit-Through the Years 5pm, Exhibit runs Nov. 18- Dec. 23 Tryon Painters & Sculptors Tryonpaintersandsculptors.com, 828-859-0141

Veterans Day Parade November 11, 10:30am Downtown Columbus Polk County Veterans Association

Tryon Half Marathon November 18, 8am Harmon Field TBOutreach.org

Open Mic Poetry November 11, 6pm Tryon Coffeehouse 828-505-9221

Live Music: Izzi Hughes November 18, 5:30pm Tryon International Equestrian Center Tryon.com

Veterans Day Music Celebration November 11, 7pm Landrum Farmers Market Pavilion 864-457-3000, CityofLandrumSC.com

Saluda Pop Up Pantry November 21, 1–6pm 54 Carolina St, Saluda SaludaPantry.com

Landrum Library Speaker Series: Loons of Lake Jocassee November 14, 6pm Landrum Library ConservingCarolina.org TFAC Film Series: “The Notebook” November 14, 7pm Tryon Fine Arts Center TryonArts.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 2 UNCOMMON: Photography by Elizabeth Matheson 1970-2018 Upstairs Artspace UpstairsArtspace.org

Chamber Business After Hours Thursday, November 16, 5:30pm Bright’s Creek Club info@carolinafoothillschamber.com Live Music: Champagne Charlie November 17, 6pm Tryon International Equestrian Center Tryon.com

Saluda Chess Club November 21, 3pm Saluda Library 828-722-5218, PolkLibrary.org Christmas Market November 24-26, 11am – 5pm Tryon International Equestrian Center Tryon.com Roastin’ on the Ridge November 25, 12 – 4pm F.E.N.C.E Center www.fence.org, 828-859-9021 Sip & Paint Sunday November 26, 2:30pm Mountain Brook Vineyards MountainBrookVineyards.com

NOVEMBER 2023

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

B.J. Precourt

B

Story and photography by Mark Levin

.J. Precourt didn’t come to Polk County to become an artist or a craftsman. That wasn’t even a thought when B.J. and his wife, Julie, made the move here nearly 40 years ago. They both retired early. B.J. was a glazier and ran his own successful shop in Hackensack, New Jersey and Julie was a teacher.

They visited the area, fell

in love with what they saw, and bought a historic home on Whiteside Road in the Mill Spring area. It was here that B.J. started his work as a woodcarver. At about the same time, Julie took up quilting and was eventually winning awards for her work as a master quilter.

Julie left a big hole in B.J.’s heart when she died

nearly seven years ago.

He still talks of the love they shared for 70 years including 61 years of marriage. They knew each other since seventh grade.

It’s obvious that B.J. is still processing this loss, but he’s not one to look backward.

B.J., even at age ninety, is always looking ahead to his next big adventure.

He has had quite a life NOVEMBER 2023

13

of adventures including running away from home when he was 14 years old.

A big part of the reason for this was that love for Julie.

B.J.’s mother had died, his father had remarried, and his dad and stepmom were moving to Yonkers, New York. B.J. didn’t get along with his father and had no desire to make that move to a new city and a new school.

B.J. took off on his own and never looked back. He learned that to make it in this world, one needs to learn to be resourceful and to not be afraid of hard work.

As a young teen, he was working multiple jobs just to get by. Eventually, it was discovered that he wasn’t in school, and even in the era of no electronic records, it became obvious that he needed to be enrolled. An uncle took him in and gave him a place to stay. B.J.

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

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settled in enough to graduate high school in three years.

These early experiences helped form the work ethic behind B.J.’s success. He’s only recently started to let others take care of the more physical things that need doing around his place such as mowing, rock work, and the house cleaning.

That frees up more time for woodcarving and more time to think about what he might want to do next. B.J. is always thinking ahead to what’s around the next bend.

B.J. didn’t plan on being a woodcarver. Back in New Jersey, he did carve three big pieces for his family as Christmas gifts. He carved a full-size “Santa” for Julie and that piece still has a special spot in the house. He carved a giant knife for his son who collected knives, and for his daughter, he carved a replica of American Revolutionary

heroine Sybil Ludington. And then he was done with carving.

It was decades later that B.J. decided it was time to give woodcarving a serious try. Most of the work he wanted to do on his house was done, and woodcarving seemed like a good “country” hobby to settle into. He had some basic carving tools gifted to him by a friend, Sebastian (Sebby) Alongi.

He gives Sebby the credit for being his mentor, but B.J. is truly self-taught. He says Sebby was a fine artisan while B.J. considers himself a “folk art” woodcarver. He seems to think this means his work can be a bit more whimsical and even “rough” compared to fine art – but there’s nothing amateurish about any of B.J.’s work.

He started by carving walking sticks with whimsical heads. B.J. says he’s never had to buy any wood. He picks up pieces while he NOVEMBER 2023

15

traipses through the woods or revels in his discovery of discarded bits of wood here and there. He can size up a piece of wood in an instant and instinctively knows what it is going to become. It’s almost magical.

In fact, when you walk into his showroom…B.J. says, “You’ll be in for a WOW moment.” You can see the excitement in his eyes as he talks about what you’re about to experience. The showroom, just a few steps from his workshop, is packed from wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling with his carvings.

There are pieces of all sizes. His showroom and his art bring smiles to his visitors. He’s proud of his work and while he feels that he’s an unknown in a world of professional craftsmen, his work is finding the recognition he deserves. In addition to this issue of Life in Our Foothills, B.J. has graced the covers and pages of other regional magazines.

B.J. is ready for whatever might be ahead. At age ninety,

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BELOW: Tools of the trade.

NOVEMBER 2023

17

he sometimes worries that he won’t be around long enough to try his next big project. He muses that he’s amazed he’s made it this far.

He’s had multiple surgeries over his years. Nothing slows him down. His daughter suggested that perhaps he try his hand at writing. For sure, his life’s story would make for an amazing read.

One thing B.J. doesn’t do is sit around. He’s always learning. He’s always doing.

He’s proud of that.

“It’s important to keep your mind working, to keep thinking, to keep doing,” he says.

His only regret, he ponders, is that perhaps he didn’t thank all the people in his long life that helped him along the way. I’m sure those people took their pleasure in seeing B.J. pull himself out of a tough situation and make the most of his life.

B.J. is a remarkable

man. Here’s to whatever adventures come next.

Business Info: B.J. Precourt’s showroom is open seven days a week during daylight hours. He loves visitors and is happy to have drop ins. B.J. is old school for sure. He does not have a website, doesn’t do social media, or have an email address.

Just honk your horn or give him a call at 828/ 8943910. He loves to chat, share his stories, and let you have your wow moment seeing his creations. His shop and showroom are located at 2125 Whiteside Road in Mill Spring, NC. It’s just around the bend from Parker-Binns Vineyard.

You can watch a video interview the author did with B. J. a few months ago at: youtube.com/ watch?v=cRVGE4mIgps ABOVE: A crow taking shape.

BELOW: B.J. in his showroom.

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Joe Cooper

J

Story and photography by Clay Johnson

oe Cooper will tell you that he’s just a welder, but if you look at his work you understand that he’s truly an artist who uses welding to create beauty.

“It’s exciting to see that flame, that bright, bright flame and all this metal melting,” says Cooper.

Cooper first experienced that excitement as a teenager in 1968 working a summer job at a metal fabrication company where his father also worked in their hometown of Jackson, Mississippi. After graduating from high school, he went to Georgia Tech in Atlanta and got a degree in industrial engineering. During an

internship, he had the chance to travel across Europe and became interested in different cultures, especially their art and crafts. After graduation he accepted a job at the world’s largest manufacturer of welding equipment and supplies but as a sales representative and not a welder.

“I was so excited by the diversity I had seen in my travels in Europe and frustrated by my own lack of knowledge about this whole incredible world we live in that I gave my parents the bad news that I was going to quit my job for this world-class company and I was going to be in

Cupola light fixtures made by Cooper

NOVEMBER 2023

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Cooper with one of his light fixtures

graduate school in anthropology,” recalls Cooper. “That was going to complete my education so I could get on with the rest of my life because I didn’t feel like my engineering degree was sufficient for that.”

Cooper did his graduate work at Tulane University studying world cultures and human evolution. He worked welding 22

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

jobs on the side at a shipyard, petrochemical plants and on oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.

While living in New Orleans he met several metal artists who sold their welded artwork at local galleries.

“I didn’t have Internet or television, I wasn’t married and didn’t have kids so I had the time and wanted to start making

artistic things using welding,” says Cooper. “I was trying to work on my ability to make leaves, and fountains and panels and candlesticks using welding.”

In 1983 Cooper apprenticed with metal artist Lee Robertson at his studio in Missouri.

“He developed the copper textured bronze process and expanded it in so many wonderful,

high-level ways,” says Cooper.

Cooper incorporated Robertson’s process into his own work making large-scale lighting fixtures and lanterns, sculptures and other pieces. In 1986 he took a job at Arthur Silverman’s sculpture studio in New Orleans, which not only earned him a paycheck but also allowed him to continue to learn and hone his craft working

ABOVE: Cooper working in the metal shop at TACS BELOW: Cooper’s bronze Morris atop Tryon clocktower

NOVEMBER 2023

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Cooper teaching at TACS

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A “flower” chandelier made by Cooper

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In 1993 Cooper moved from New Orleans to Sarasota, Florida and resumed his work as an independent metal artist. A friend selling real estate in the resort community of Kiawah Island in South Carolina introduced him to some architects looking for custom fixtures for the homes they were building.

“Instead of putting things in galleries hoping that somebody, someday will walk by and buy them I started finding out that you could get a commission to do something for these architects,” says Cooper. “What they wanted mostly was lighting fixtures because they were building these incredibly high-end houses for people who had traveled all over the world and they didn’t want the ordinary things that you could buy in a lighting fixture store. If other people had one like it, they didn’t

want it. They wanted custom made and they could afford it.”

In 1997 Cooper moved to western North Carolina and continued to do custom metal work on commission for the architects on Kiawah and later launched a website to advertise his work on-line. In 2003 he settled in Tryon and as the demand for his commissioned work increased, he teamed up with local metal artists Bill Ratterree, Patti Peake and Jared Scott to help him meet the demands of his customers.

“They don’t want one lighting fixture to go by the front door, they want two by the front door, three by the side door, four on the patio and then they want a chandelier in the lobby and a bigger one in the main room and there’s a deadline,” says Cooper.

Cooper says his business took a hit after the housing recession and after marrying his wife Cathy

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

NOVEMBER 2023

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ABOVE: Cooper working in the metal shop at TACS BELOW: A light fixture and plaque Cooper made outside the metal shop at TACS

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

A “branch” chandelier made by Cooper

Brettman in 2012 he decided it was time to move on from running his own business. In 2014 he took a job making custom lighting fixtures for the Heirloom Companies near Campobello which works with architects, designers and homeowners to provide high-end custom lighting fixtures and other décor for homes and businesses.

Cooper spends some of his off time serving on the Polk County Appearance Commission and teaching his copper textured bronze technique at the Tryon Arts and Crafts School, which he believes is the only place where it’s being taught. He hopes to pass on a passion that has brought so much joy, not only to him, but also to the people who see his work.

“If the work is successful, it grabs your attention, maybe for just a moment or a second or maybe even longer, but all of the sudden you’re noticing something,” says Cooper. “That’s what I want them to get out of it, to notice. It makes my face smile.”

NOVEMBER 2023

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

A Man of Many Faces Karl Schwartz

K

arl Schwartz moved to the Foothills area from Florida almost a decade ago.

Since arriving, Schwartz, the son of a carpenter, has made an impact in the area by sharing his woodworking skills, and

Story and photography by Storme Smith by teaching and sharing his work with the public.

He’s been a regular Tryon Arts and Crafts School instructor and he built the ‘Bob the Giraffe’ statue at the Lanier Library.

However, Karl, who

grew up in Connecticut, has a background that goes far beyond his skills with a bandsaw. He also served as a Marine in Vietnam and as a computer engineer for NASA. “I learned computer

programming as a Marine.

General Westmoreland needed warm bodies,” said Schwartz. “I basically ended up in computer programming simply because I could read well enough and passed a simple test.”

NOVEMBER 2023

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LEFT: One of the several moving wooden toys on wheels Karl has made over the years. (Photo courtesy of Will Barclift) RIGHT: Shwartz’s wooden mask. (Photo by Storme Smith)

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

A gourd used to showcase Karl’s jack-o-lantern-making class at TACS. (Photo courtesy Will Barclift)

After leaving the Marines, Karl says, “I went to college and was thinking of being an oceanographer when they recommended that with my computer background, I go into engineering.”

Karl put his skills to use working with an established truss-building company after college, where he used hightech computers to determine the size that wooden trusses for various projects would need to be. He would then end up at NASA, where they needed “warm bodies” with a background in computer programming.

He was employed at NASA through the first fifty space shuttle launches, working with other computer programmers in the Apollo building at Cape Canaveral.

“They had a copy of the Apollo lander in the building with three chairs in it, so we would often go sit in there at night.”

His background with computers led him from NASA to Three-Mile Island soon after the partial meltdown at the nuclear plant in Londonberry Township, Penn. “I worked there after the accident, changing everything from digital to analog. We put in an everchanging graph that would tell them the temperature or boron levels, making it easier for the reactors to monitor changes.”

Schwartz eventually moved on to South Florida Water Management, the oldest and largest of the state’s five water districts, using his computer skills to manage the water systems. But Karl, having been around woodworking most of his life, had never given up on his interest in creating things out of wood.

A trip to Washington to visit his sister, an artist, sparked his interest in wood carving once again.

Ceremonial masks carved NOVEMBER 2023

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

by the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest and Inuit tribes provided inspiration for Schwartz. He found the masks’ ability to invoke the spirit of animals to be enlightening. Karl has focused on carving masks and animal figures while developing his woodworking craft, and credits Bernard Edwards, another local TACS instructor, with helping him improve his skill set.

A lifelong learner, Schwartz continues to pursue education and guidance from other great woodworkers.

He hopes to pass this love of woodworking on to others and some of the tricks and skills he has learned along the way by teaching at TACS. Schwartz’s largest and most recent project was the construction of a new ‘Bob the Giraffe’ installation at the Lanier Library in Tryon.

The previous structure had fallen into disrepair, and

Schwartz generously agreed to build a new one. Schwartz handcrafted ‘Bob’ from plywood layers, and his design was based on a 14-inch high carving discovered by the late Harry Goodheart, the owner of Tryon Fine Books. The original carving was actually a vintage handmade toy created at Tryon Toymakers and Woodcarvers, founded in 1915 by Eleanor Vance and Charlotte Yale.

He has also recreated various classic toys for past Tryon Toymaker celebrations and is a regular at the Wood Carvers, Whittlers, and Wood Craftsman Festival held every October in Columbus.

Schwartz’s passion for wood carving extends beyond animal figures, however. He is truly an expert in creating wooden masks.

“Throughout history, different cultures have worn masks for reasons such as war and ceremony,” Schwartz said.

A handcarved wooden spoon in Karl’s collection. (Photo by Storme Smith)

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LEFT: One of the many toys recreated by Schwartz for the local Tryon Toymakers Celebration. (Photo courtesy of Karl Schwartz) RIGHT: Karl stands beside Bob of Lanier’s leg, showing the size of the wooden giraffe statue.

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

More pieces in Karl’s collection. (Photo by Storme Smith)

“To me, masks are physical manifestations of things that don’t necessarily have forms, such as the wind, the forest and the sun.” Schwartz encourages his students to pick something they want to see represented in form, and they often pick something personally meaningful to them.

In addition to maskmaking, Schwartz has taught classes on everything from making wooden spoons to pumpkin carving.

He recently hosted a fun evening of gourd carving and wine sipping. “Carving and teaching about wooden masks translates well to jacko-lanterns,” Schwartz said.

‘Students had free rein to come up with their own facial features and create silly or scary faces to light up their front porch.”

Karl went on to explain

the importance of having a facility like Tryon Arts and Crafts School in our area.

“Tryon Arts and Crafts School has fantastic tools and is wonderfully equipped,” Schwartz added. “They have equipment most folks like me don’t have access to at home.

It’s an excellent place for continuing art education for kids and adults.”

Schwartz says that moving to the Foothills seems to have a positive effect on budding artists.

“I’m starting to think if you weren’t an artist when you moved to the area, you’ll become one once you arrive,” he said, highlighting the artistic spirit of the community.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced carver, Schwartz’s work and classes are sure to inspire your creativity and passion.

NOVEMBER 2023

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Glad I

Didn’t Know

I

Saying goodbye to Royal

n November 2021, we saved He’s A Royal, the quarter-horse colt sired by Goldseekers Jet, sporting incredible Dash for Cash and Three Bars lineage. His racingbred mother was a of similar pedigree and named Blonde Seeker. When we purchased Royal,

By Pebbles he was not halter broke. He was so flashy. We could hardly take our eyes off him. A year later, Royal had blossomed. He became so spectacular after living in our rescue Helping Equines Regain Dignity (HERD), that I devoted an entire column just to him, The

Royal Treatment, in July 2022. I am glad I did not know what lay ahead for him.

This summer, we had Royal well-started under saddle. He sustained an injury to his left hip, between when we purchased him in Texas and his arrival at HERD in

NOVEMBER 2023

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the Carolinas. Unfortunately, it would forever alter his movement and cause him to have to compensate for taking turns or trotting in a tight circle. However, Royal was fine for light riding and possibly could become a therapy horse. Despite his athletic breeding, a more taxing career was not possible.

We posted riding videos of his progress. Some people expressed interest in him for light trail riding and even for obstacle course competitions, like crossing scary bridges or carrying tarps. These challenges were no problem for him. Royal was so calm and brave; he took everything in stride. He was one dignified stoic fellow.

Sedona and I have lived right across the fence from Royal for 10 months. We met him daily underneath the shade of the large corner oak for long, delicious naps.

He was always respectful of ABOVE: Royal in fine form.

BELOW: Royal practicing trailer loading with Kathy Milroy.

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

us and enjoyed our company.

Occasionally we enjoyed a good fast frolic gallop, our little dance together, down the fence line we would go. This was just for our amusement. Sedona always came in first place; she is such an athlete. I am of course the fairest and most delicate of the trio. Royal, by all accounts, was the real headturner. HERD volunteers and visitors liked to watch our antics, as we came gliding to a stop as the fence line ended at the gate. Despite his awkward gait at the gallop, each person commented on how beautiful Royal was.

One day in late summer Royal did not finish his breakfast. I am picky so Heather, my mistress, does not worry on days that I leave part of my meal behind.

However, Royal always eats with gusto. So, it was noted that he was not himself that morning. The next day he

also left part of his grain in the feed tub. His temperature was taken. It was only slightly elevated at 102.5 degrees.

A normal temperature for a horse is 101.5 or slightly below this.

After a dose of pain medication, Royal’s temperature returned to normal, and we breathed a sigh of relief. We did, however, call and make an appointment for the vet to come examine him and our new arrivals, ForgetMeNot and her colt, Jupiter. They had been with us a few days and ForgetMeNot had developed a weepy eye, we needed to have it checked.

Her eye turned out to only be mildly irritated from the long trailer trip to us. The condition cleared right up with some lubrication drops twice a day.

Royal had a fecal test and blood drawn to see why he was out of sorts and moved

A LIFE-SAVING HEART SCAN FREE TO THOSE WHO QUALIFY

A TEN MINUTE INVESTMENT OF TIME that can save your life

The heart scan (a painless and fast heart scan) detects the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries.

The value of the screening is that it helps to determine if you need preventative treatment to ward off a heart attack or stroke.

The heart scan is offered FREE through a grant from Carolina Foothills Foundation. To qualify for the FREE test, you must be uninsured and live in Polk or Rutherford Counties. It’s that simple.

Have your Primary Care Provider send an order to St. Luke’s Hospital today.

StLukesNC.org

St. Luke’s

101 Hospital Drive Columbus, NC 28722

StLukesNC.org

(828) 894-0990

HOSPITAL

NOVEMBER 2023

41

around more lethargic than normal. It was just too hot for our dancing along the fence line game. The blood test revealed bad news. Royal was anemic. More blood was drawn, and it was determined that he had an extremely rare condition called Equine Piroplasmosis, (EP), in his blood. Based on his case history, it was determined he was born with it. His mother must have been a carrier of this blood-borne protozoal infection.

The only way to share the disease with other horses in the USA is by transmitting blood through dirty needles or medical tools where large amounts of blood would be passed from one horse directly into another horse. No insects in this area were the culprit.

It is not carried through biting flies, mosquitoes, or ticks from this part of the

country. The disease is so rare it is not tested for in our country to screen horses, like the Coggins test for horses to travel. Interestingly, horses from other countries are allowed to enter America to race and compete in international equestrian games with EP. They are kept quarantined when visiting this country to perform.

To be sure Royal’s condition had no impact on any other horse with us, blood was drawn from horses on the ranch, from one side of the property to the other. All came back negative. Royal was the only victim. Unfortunately, the prognosis for him to recover was not a good one.

The treatments could cause him more suffering and possibly death by colic.

The hard decision was made to put Royal to sleep humanely here with us. He would be

Royal’s last day with us on the ranch.

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Royal being ridden by Kathy Milroy.

buried on the ranch. It was another blistering hot day here.

He stood under the canopy of the big tree just across from us. Heather stroked him and told him how much she loved him; how gorgeous he was. He rested his head against her and took one last horse cookie from her hand. Royal was a strong horse despite the debilitating disease that cursed his veins.

It took time before he gave in to death. Sedona and I were right there for him, just over the fence watching our friend depart.

One thought came to mind as he left our world. A song that was made famous by country singer Garth Brooks.

“And now, I’m glad I didn’t know, the way it all would end, the way it all would go, our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain, but I’da had to miss the dance.”

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QUICK BITES

5 COZY WAYS TO

ADD WARMTH TO COLD-WEATHER MEALS When the winds howl and the chill of changing seasons brings a crispness to the air, one way to warm up from the inside out is with favorite foods. Filling up on comforting recipes like hearty soups and stews can be the solution you need to fight off cold temperatures.

Consider quick and easy ingredients that add a little warmth to your plate as the cravings for comfort kick in.

Cheese A family favorite in recipes yearround, ooey-gooey cheese is a hallmark of cool-weather recipes.

Consider creamy mac and cheese mixed with your preferred protein, homemade Mexican cuisine topped with melted chile con queso or an appetizer plate with options like brie, Manchego, aged cheddar, Parmesan and more.

Rice If you’re craving a meal that’s big on flavor but short on prep time, it’s hard to top the classic comfort

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food combo of chicken and rice.

This Parmesan Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Artichoke starts with the homestyle taste of fully cooked Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups with carrots, onion and garlic. The BPA-free cups offer a quick and flavorful option for an on-the-go power-up loaded with chicken, vegetables and herbs paired with hearty rice. Ready in only 1 minute, you can enjoy the flavored rice right out of the cup or prepare it as part of this 5-minute recipe on a busy weeknight.

Pasta Whether you prefer spaghetti or penne, bowtie or stuffed shells, pasta provides a simple base for delicious meals loaded with comforting ingredients. For an easy weeknight meal, just choose a type of pasta, sauce and protein to put dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.

Curry Paste Available in many varieties, curry paste is a common ingredient in

South Asian dishes. It typically consists of ingredients like garlic, chiles or peppers, ginger and lemongrass.

When you’d like to add some spice to your menu without bothering with takeout, this Thai Chicken and Rice Soup calls for green curry paste, which is generally spicier than red or yellow versions, but any can be substituted based on your heat tolerance. You can take the dish up a level with lightly seasoned Minute Cilantro & Lime Jasmine Rice for zesty flavor in a BPA-free, microwaveable cup for a simple solution when life gets hectic and preparing a time-consuming meal becomes challenging.

Cayenne Serving up a touch of spice in a wide variety of favorite recipes can be as easy as adding ground cayenne. Made of dried cayenne peppers finely ground to a powder, it’s commonly used in dishes ranging from deviled eggs and pastas to shrimp and barbecue as an easy way to add a warming kick to cold-weather meals.

Thai Chicken and Rice Soup Prep time: 2 minutes

DIRECTIONS Heat rice according to package directions.

Cook time: 5 minutes

In medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine chicken, broth, coconut milk, curry paste and mushrooms.

Servings: 1 INGREDIENTS •1 Minute Ready to Serve Cilantro & Lime Jasmine Rice Cup •1/2 cup (3 ounces) cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped •1/2 cup chicken broth •1/2 cup coconut milk •1 tablespoon Thai green curry paste •3 small shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced •1 green onion, thinly sliced

Microwave on high 3 minutes. Stir in rice and garnish with green onion.

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45

Parmesan Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Artichoke Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Servings: 1 INGREDIENTS •1 Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cup •1 tablespoon olive oil •1 cup spinach, stems removed •2 ounces chicken, cooked and shredded •1/4 cup canned artichokes, drained and quartered •1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

DIRECTIONS Heat rice according to package directions.

In medium saute pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add spinach and saute 1 minute.

Add chicken and artichokes; saute 2 minutes, or until heated through.

Add cheese and rice; stir to combine until heated through.

NOVEMBER 2023

47

A TEN MINUTE INVESTMENT OF TIME can save your life

NATIONAL LUNG CANCER SCREENING DAY Saturday, November 11, 2023 — 9 AM - 1 PM Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in America.

More than 84% of women and 90% of men with a new lung cancer diagnosis are smokers or former smokers. Lung cancer screenings can find cancer before symptoms appear.

HHHHH

Candidates for Screening • Patients 50 to 77 • Current or former smoker within the last fifteen years • Have smoked 20 pack-years or more The screening involves a painless, low-dose CT scan of your chest.

No IV or oral contrast medications are needed. This scan uses up to 70% less radiation than a regular CT scan.

For more information, visit StLukesNC.org/lung-screen or scan this QR code.

48

Please speak to your primary healthcare provider about St. Luke’s Lung Cancer Screening Program.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

(828) 894-0916 StLukesNC.org/lung-screen

101 Hospital Drive Columbus, NC 28722

St. Luke’s CANCER & INFUSION

Marketplace Foothills Magazine • 828.859.9151

Becker Electric is seeking all level of electricians to facilitate growth in our commercial & residential markets Great Wage Package Email resume to: jim.becker@beckerelectric.biz Call:828-348-0977 Clean Bee Residential Cleaning Service FREE ESTIMATES! Offering Weekly, Bi-Weekly, and Monthly Cleanings. Call of Text Brittany Today 864-415-1210 Open to Small Businesses A2A Residential Windwon Cleaning & Driveway Cleaning Free Estimates, Fully Insured 828-9803560 Call, Text, or Email! a2awindowncleaning@gmail. com Nice Guys Yard Clean Up Serving Foothill Mountain Area: Tree Trimming, Brush Pile Burning, Hauling, Shrubbery, Weed-eating, Weed and Brush Spraying, Garage/Shed/Barn Clean Out. Competitive Prices Hourly or By the Job! Call The Nice Guys Today! Ask for Charles 864285-8486 Nik’s Painting 17+ years of experience! We do more than just walls: soft wash, interior/exterior painting, garage floor epoxy coatings, cabinet painting/lacquer, wallpaper & popcorn ceiling removal, deck/fence & interior/ exterior wood staining, carpentry repair. Add a fresh cost to your home today!

864-293-3437 tryonpaiting@ gmail.com Red Door Deals Extreme Discount Store New Inventory weekly, Items include indoor/outdoor furniture, household, health & beauty, and so much more.

Mon-Sat 10am-6:30pm 828440-1415 843-455-6515 Find us on Facebook! 1913 Lynn Road Columbus NC 28722 Sunny Creek Farm Now Hiring Multiple Positions. Hydroponic Farming, Production Crew: Positions Available Greenhouse, Shipping/ Receiving, Management.

Job Responsibilities: Seed sanitation, Growing, Harvesting, Packaging,

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JUST LISTED! $369,356 710 Landrum Trail Landrum – community pool & gated community 3b/2 ½B, 2 car garage, FP, granite counters, FP, granite counters, wood floors, vaulted ceilings. Lane Robbat: 828.817.4663

C.N.A $1,000 Sign-On Bonus 2nd $2 shift diff 3rd shift $1 shift diff RN/LPN $2000 Sign-On Bonus 7p-7a FT PT 3p-11p and 11p-7a C.N.A II PT Weekends. Please apply in person at Autumn Care of Saluda 501 Esseola St. Saluda, NC 28773.

JUST LISTED! $329,323 1639 PARRIS BRIDGE RD, Chesnee 29356. Completely renovated & Permitted 4 b/3ba home on unrestricted 1.23 level acres, granite kitchen counters, covered porch. Bring RV, boat or build workshop, great rental potential.Lane Robbat: 828.817.4663

Bill the painter for all your painting needs! Also do drywall repair and wood repair! 32 years experience.

Like Bill the Pinter on Facebook 828-899-2647 Accepting Applications •Mechanical Maintenance •Diesel Mechanics •Class-A CDL Drivers •Retail Yard Associates/Drivers •Equipment Cleaning Technician •Heavy Equipment Operators •Welder www.hensonsinc.net Click on Employment Opportunities 828-859-5836 Rise & Shine Cleaning Service • 20+ years experience Marj Duncan 828-817-6350 Private House & Commercial Cleaning, Construction Cleaning.

References Upon Request.

We offer green cleaning with American made cleaning products.

Come join the team at White Oak of Tryon.

Benefits (FT). Competitive pay. Great environment!

Applications currently accepted at White Oak of Tryon, 70 Oak Street, Tryon, NC 28782. White Oak of Tryon is an equal opportunity employer.

Manuel Flores Construction •Stucco •Block •Brick •Tile •Concrete •Stone Work 864361-1794 PRICE REDUCED! $550,000 128 Fox Covert Lane, Tryon, NC. 3 B/2 ½ B, FP, decks, 2 car garage, granite Counters, main level master in Hunting Country area.Lane Robbat: 828.817.4663

Waterboy Plumbing LLC “Residential Service and Repair” Jerrad McCall 803869-5899 DIXON AC & HEATING • Your HVAC Service & Repair Expert • Serving the Tryon area for 30+ years. Call (828)863-0555 Epperson’s Tree Service • Complete Tree Service •Dangerous removals •View Cutting •Lot Clearing •Tree Trimming •Crane Removals Serving NC for 25yrs Fully Insured ISA Certified Arborist (828)606-4980 GOOD BY STUMPS Stump Removal Quantity Discounts on 50+ Stumps! As low as $10 each! Call for pricing.

Fully insured. Free Quotes!

Call Ron at 828-447-8775 Lake Pointe Landing, A Century Park Community.

Lake Pointe Landing is not just a great place to live, but a great place to work as well!

We are currently looking for nursing staff including CNAs, RNs and LPNs, offering competitive pay and benefits.

Visit www.centurypa.com today to explore available positions and apply online! Or stop by out facility to fill out a paper application.

STEPS TO HOPE Thrift Barn • Landrum, SC • FT Donation Assistant FT Donation Assistant/Driver Duties include but not limited to: •Greet donors, accept donations, provide tax receipts •Sort/ separate donations •Unload truck after pickups •High School diploma/equivalent •Ability to stand for long

periods & lift heavy items •Backup Driver must have valid driver’s license PTO, Healthcare Benefits included.

Send resume to retail@ stepstohope.org ERIKA BRADLEY, REALTOR® 828.702.5970 YOUR LOCAL REALTOR HELPING YOU BUY/ SELL IN WNC! ERIKAB@ C21ML.COM CENTURY 21 MOUNTAIN LIFESTYLES 640 GREENVILLE HWY, HENDERSONVILLE, NC 28792 Philco’s Pressure Washing Get all the Mold, Mildew, & Oxidation off your house! •Clean Vinyl Siding •Driveways •Sidewalks •Stain & Seal Decks & More! Liability & Workers Comp 31 years Experience Call To Clean Today! Phil Tolleson 864-5991978 or 864-304-8463 POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS •Full-Time Occupational Therapist •Part-Time Food Service Aide - Multiple Locations •Bus Drivers - All Schools •Substitute Teacher/ Food Service/Custodian – All Schools Visit https:// polkschools.org/personnel/ to apply Or Call:828-894-1001 $10 Off Fall Preventative Maintenance (Reg $75) Rutherford Heating and Air 828-287-2240 LAWSON PAINTING Residential Painting •Interior & Exterior •Ceiling Texturing •Light Carpentry Free Estimates Please Call: 864494-3397 INSURED & REGISTERED CALL OR TEXT: 269-2202985 GOOGLE-NEXTDOORFACEBOOK •TOILETS •CEILING FANS •SWITCHES/ OUTLETS •GUTTER CLEANING •LIGHTING FIXTURES•DRYER VENT CLEANING•FAUCETS AND SINKS•REPAIRS AND ODD JOBS

Personal Assistant Need an EXTRA pair of hands?

Serving Landrum & Surrounding Areas” *Daily *Weekly *Seasonally •House Sitting & Pet Sitting •Errands, Shopping, Appointments, •Organizing •Staging Call Estee @ 561.568.7387 seamama69@ gmail.com “References available upon request” PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE! FEAGAN BUILDING, 60 WALKER STREET, COLUMBUS. (1).

3 ROOM OFFICE WITH KITCHENETTE AND PRIVATE BATHROOM. $450/MTH. (2). 3-4 ROOM OFFICE WITH KITCHENETTE AND PRIVATE BATHROOM.$650/MTH. WATER/SEWER AND TRASH DISPOSAL ARE INCLUDED IN RENT. OTHER UTILITIES ARE RESPONSIBILITY OF TENANT. CONTACT: PHILLIP R. FEAGAN 828-894-3541.

HANDYMAN SERVICES SPECIALIZING IN DECKS, PAINTING, CARPENTRY, AND HOME MAINTENANCE. “1 CALL DOES IT ALL.” CALL CHRIS AT (828)3882503 VIEWMONT APARTMENTS 20 VIEWMONT STREET TRYON, NC 28782 SECTION 8 ELDERY/ HANDICAPPED 1 BEDROOM1BATHROOM SMALL PETS ALLOWED 864-384-6406 FOR MORE INFO. David’s Roofing and Remodeling We have •Shingles •Metal •Rubber Roofing •Painting Also! Call David at 828-713-4154 For Rent Commercial Office Space Two rooms, ½ bath, two closets, approx. 600 sq ft.

Available. $600 plus electric Pat Martin at First Real Estate 828-817-4509 Two Homes For Lease •3BR/2BA, 1,800 sq.ft 2 Car garage - $1,725 per month •4BR/3BA, 2,800 sq.ft $1,875 per month Both Homes Less Than 5 Years Old Call: 828899-0000

NOVEMBER 2023

49

ADVERTISER INDEX ACTS Tryon Estates Biltmore House Brunson’s Furniture Carolina Storage Solutions Carruth Furniture Cason Builders Clover Acupuncture Coldwell-Banker Realty Congregational Church of Tryon Dr. Jonathan Lowry Farm Bureau FENCE Foothills Movement Habitat for Humanity Highland Design & Construction Isothermal Community College JB Trees Lake Pointe Landing McFarland Funeral Home New View Realty Penny Insurance Polk County Transportation

34 5 23 29 32 37 7 52 7 16 19 2 50 28 46 32 34 51 14 4 37 40

Prince Gas Company Red Bell Run Rutherford Regional Health SC NC Realty SG Power & Equipment Southern Pet St. Luke’s Foundation St. Luke’s Hospital Stone Setting and Design Strauss Attorneys Tryon Builders Tryon Fine Arts Center Tryon Garden Club Tryon International Equestrian Center Tryon Little Theater Tryon Painters & Sculptors Tryon Presbyterian Church Verri’s Italian Ristorante White Oak Retirement Wild Petunias

33 47 24, 43 23 42 18 41 3, 48 50 46 45 25 36 9 15 28 17 25 19 34

STONE SETTING & DESIGN

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Live the life you choose...

Experience the luxury and comfort of maintenance-free living on our beautiful 50-acre campus, right in the heart of Hendersonville.

Call today to schedule your personalized tour.

828.693.7800

142974

Live the life you choose...

333 Thompson Street • Hendersonville, NC 28792 • LakePointeLanding.com