Life in Our Foothills - September 2023

Jeff Allison General Manager

ON THE COVER

FROM THE EDITOR

Here in the Foothills, there is no shortage of fantastic eateries, top-notch small businesses or incredible entertainment. As the first signs of autumn begin to emerge, now is the perfect time to highlight the “Favorites of the Foothills,” as voted on by you!

As we do every year, we asked our loyal readers to name their favorite establishments in Tryon, Columbus, Landrum and Saluda, and you enthusiastically responded! With tens of thousands of votes submitted, this month we present to you the “Favorites of the Foothills.”

We congratulate all of those who were nominated and won, and we hope you are inspired to get out and visit a few of the establishments listed!

Also this month, we feature a fascinating place to visit in Tryon, Sandhurst Leather. Owner Mark Walter talks with us about his love for the equestrian community and his history of handcrafted saddles and tack.

We also stop by Mill Spring for a one-of-a-kind music festival that celebrates the life and legacy of an iconic founder of bluegrass. The Earl Scruggs Music Festival, held over three days in early September, features world-renowned artists who were all influenced by Earl Scruggs, a North Carolina native whose approach to playing the banjo changed music forever.

Additionally, we get the latest update from our resident spokespony, Pebbles, as she relays a tale about her ability to focus on the joys in life while recovering from a medical issue.

Earl Scruggs Music Festival

Three Days of Bluegrass in Mill Spring

(Story on page 20)

Story by Storme Smith

You’ll find all this and more in this month’s edition. We hope you like 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

life IN OUR STAFF

FOOTHILLS

General Manager

Jeff Allison

Graphic Design

Joshua Turnock

Marketing

Kevin Powell

Distribution

Jamie Lewis

Administration

Sydney Wilkie

CONTRIBUTORS

Mark Levin, Writer and Photographer

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

Linda List, Writer and Photographer

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

Clay Johnson, Writer and Photographer

Clay is an award-winning documentary producer and writer as well as a contributing producer for PBS NC’s “North Carolina Weekend” show. He also produces educational videos and writes magazine and newspaper articles. Johnson and his wife Debra moved to Tryon in June 2021 and enjoy exploring the outdoors. He can be reached at cj@ clayjohnsonproductions.com.

Claire Sachse, Writer and Photographer

Once the editor of the Tryon Daily Bulletin, Claire Sachse now manages several freelance side-hustles in the public relations and publishing arena. She’s also working on writing a mystery novel in which an editor solves crimes in a fictional (maybe) mountain railroad town. Raised by a painter and a diplomat, she considers herself immensely lucky to have a home full of weird and wonderful art, and a passport full of stamps.

Storme Smith, Writer and Photographer

Storme Smith is a writer who lives in the Foothills of North Carolina. He is the co-founder and publisher of Buno Books, and has a passion for the arts. He also enjoys writing about the history, sports and unique people and places of our area.

Pebbles, Writer

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

Earl Scruggs Music Festival

Sep. 1-3, 10am-11pm

Tryon International Equestrian Center

25 International Blvd, Mill Spring

Earlscruggsmusicfest.com

Saluda Tailgate Market

Sep. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 4:30-6:30pm

West Main St., Saluda

info@polkcountyfarms.org, 828-894-2281

Friday Night Cornhole

Sep. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 6:30-10pm

Iron Key Brewing Company 135 Locust St., Columbus

Columbus Farmers Market

Sep. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 8am-12pm

Courthouse Square, Columbus info@polkcountyfarms.org, 828-894-2281

Landrum Farmers Market

Sep. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 8am-12pm

221 W. Rutherford St., Landrum

Artists & Writers Coffee

Sep. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 9-11am

Tryon Fine Arts Center

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org, 828-859-8322

Tryon Painters & Sculptors

Show:

All Members Exhibit + A Guest Artist

Through Sep. 16 Wed-Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 11am3pm

Tryon Painters & Sculptors

78 N. Trade St., Tryon Tryonpaintersandsculptors. com, 828-859-0141

Chess Instruction and Competition

Sep. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 12:30-4pm

Columbus Library

1289 W. Mills St., Columbus Polklibrary.org

GF Pancake Breakfast

Sep. 3, 8:30-10am

Adawehi Wellness Center 401 Adawehi Ct., Columbus Adawehi.com

Drumming Class (Adults)

Sep. 3 & 17, 4pm

Adawehi Wellness Center 401 Adawehi Ct., Columbus Adawehi.com

Yoga at the Library

Sep. 11, 18, 25 6pm

Landrum Library, 111 Asbury Dr., Landrum

Saluda Chess Club

Sep. 5, 12, 19, 26 3-5pm

Saluda Library

44 W Main St., Saluda Polklibrary.org, 828-722-5218

Harmon Classics

Labor Day Spectacular

Sep. 7-10, 8am-5pm

Tryon International Equestrian Center

25 International Blvd, Mill Spring Tryon.com

Fall Bird Walk

Sep. 7, 8am

F.E.N.C.E Center

3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon 828-859-9021

Trivia Night

Sep. 7, 14,21, 28

7-9pm

Iron Key Brewing Company

135 Locust St., Columbus

IronKeyBrewing.com, 828-8021045

Shakespeare & Friends presents “Hamlet Requiem”

Sep. 7-10, 7:30pm

Tryon Depot, 22 Depot St., Tryon

Shakespeare-friends.com

Westside Mixer

Sep. 8, 6-8pm

Tryon Arts & Crafts School

373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon Tryonartsandcrafts.org, 828859-8323

Hogback Mountain Day

Sep. 9, 8am-6pm

Downtown Landrum

CityofLandrumSC.com

Blue Ridge Agility Club

Sep. 7-10, 8am-5pm

F.E.N.C.E Center

3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon

Fence.org, 828-859-9021

Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass

Open Mic Poetry

Sep. 9, 6-8pm

Tryon Coffeehouse

62a N Trade St., Tryon 828-505-9221

Music at the Market: No Speed Limit

Sep. 9, 7pm

Landrum Farmer’s Market

221 West Rutherford St., Landrum CityofLandrumSC.com

Equestrian Conversation Group

Sep. 11, 6-8pm

Tryon Coffeehouse

62a N Trade St., Tryon Facebook.com/

sacredconnectionshorsemanship, 828-5059221

Bingo to the Rescue

Sep. 14, 26

5-7pm

Landrum Depot

864-457-3694

21st Annual Rotary Shrimpfest

Sep. 15, 6pm

Landrum Farmers Market

221 W. Rutherford St., Landrum

Sponsored by Rotary Club of Tryon

Exhibit: Fictions of Fauna Animals in Art Sep. 16 – Nov. 1

Show Opens Sep. 15, 6-8pm

Tryon Arts & Crafts School

373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon Tryonartsandcrafts.org

Walnut Creek Preserve

Speaker Series: Raptors Inspire! Sep. 16, 10:30am-12pm

Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center

179 Wood Thrush Ln., Mill Spring ConservingCarolina.org

Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass

Sep. 16, 7:30pm

Tryon Fine Arts Center

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon TryonArts.org

Concert: Tom Fisch

Sep. 17, 4pm

F.E.N.C.E Center

3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon Fence.org, 828-859-9021

Landrum Library Speaker Series: Dragonflies of the Upstate

Sep. 19, 6pm Landrum Library

111 Asbury Dr., Landrum ConservingCarolina.org

NC Special Olympics Equestrian Tournament

Sep. 21-24, 8am – 5pm

Tryon International Equestrian Center

25 International Blvd, Mill Spring Tryon.com

North America Suffolk Horse Association

Sep. 21-24, 8am-5pm

F.E.N.C.E Center,

3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon Fence.org, 828-859-9021

Fourth Fridays in Tryon

Sep. 22, 5-7pm Trade St., Downtown Tryon

Basic Knifemaking Workshop with Billy Salyers

Sep. 23, 8am – 5pm

Tryon Arts & Crafts School

373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon TryonArtsAndCrafts.org, 828-859-8323

Feed the Foothills/Harmon Field Music Festival

Sep. 23, 2-7pm

Harmon Field

117 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon CarolinaFoothillsChamber.com, 828-8596236

Opening Reception

All Members Exhibit: We’ve Got Rhythm

Sep. 23, 5-7pm

Tryon Painters & Sculptors

78 N. Trade St., Tryon

Tryonpaintersandsculptors.com, 828-8590141

Music at the Market: Back 9 Band

Sep.23, 7pm

Landrum Farmers Market

221 W. Rutherford St., Landrum

Sip & Paint Sunday

Sep. 24, 2:30pm

Mountain Brook Vineyards

731 Phillips Dairy Rd., Tryon

Mountainbrookvineyards.com/events

Dyeing Silk Workshop with Ellen Davison

Sep. 28 & 29, 9am-3pm

Tryon Arts & Crafts School

373 Harmon Field Rd. Tryonartsandcrafts.org, 828-859-8323

Chamber Business After Hours

Sep. 28, 5-7:30pm

City of Saluda, 6 E Main St., Saluda, info@carolinafoothillschamber.com, 8596236

Tryon Little Theater presents Honky Tonk Angels

Sep. 28, 29, 30 at 7:30pm

Sep. 30 and Oct. 1 at 3pm

Tryon Fine Arts Center

34 Melrose Ave., Tryon

TLTinfo.org

FENCE Open Horse Show

Sep. 30, 9am – 5pm

F.E.N.C.E Center

3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon Fence.org, 828-859-9021

Combat Rolling for River Kayak

Sep. 30, 10am – 12pm

H2o Dreams Paddling School, 3851 Green River Cove Rd. Suite B, Saluda H2Odreams.com

Sandhurst Leather

You’re in for a surprise when you walk into Sandhurst Leather for the first time. What might grab your attention is how spacious the building is. This old building was once a warehouse and has since housed several different businesses including Openroad Coffee Roastery. The next thing you might notice is how much natural light beams through windows down both sides of the building. And then you’ll smell that leather. Equestrians will sense the quality of that smell as it will remind them of a brand-new saddle or a set of hand-made reins.

At first glance, you might think

you’ve entered a museum of sorts. There are plenty of photographs capturing moments in life, an assortment of guitars, a library of books, and then you’ll meet Mark Walter, the owner. In just a couple of minutes, you’ll get the sense that he’s an animated person. And all these objects will generate a story. If Mark’s around, plan to spend some time as he’s a talker.

Mark has a thousand stories to tell and every item in the building is going to remind him of some connection he has to something else. It makes for a fascinating visit. It won’t be long before you will become lost in thought as to why

you walked through those doors.

You’ll soon learn that Mark knows his business. Sandhurst Leather, on US 176 just West of Tryon, originally opened to serve the area’s equestrian community. Its original reason for being was to repair saddles and do other related work to mend and improve equestrian gear. While Mark assists with everything, his associate, Clarence Brown, is the experienced craftsman who skillfully puts back together a saddle that has served its owner well. Mark knows a good thing when he sees it. Clarence has worked with the Walter family for decades.

Story and photography by Mark Levin

Photos line the walls in Sandhurst Leather and each photo has a story to tell.

A warehouse filled with more than you might expect!

Some of the items for sale in addition to their own handiwork.

Mark grew up in the saddlery business. His father was the coowner of Beval Saddlery which has been in continuous operation since 1955. Mark knows the industry and has owned saddlery companies for years. For a time he traveled the competition circuit with a fully equipped tractor-trailer filled with just about everything a competitor might need. Several years ago, he learned about the developing Tryon International Equestrian Center during some of his trips to Wellington Equestrian Center in Florida. He set his sights on Polk County and first bought the building in Tryon over a dozen years ago. Only when he convinced Clarence to join him four years ago did Sandhurst Leather consider itself open for business.

Mark Walter knows the feel of a well-made saddle firsthand. It wasn’t all that many years ago when he was a renowned rider himself. Framed photos of some of his equestrian highlights are displayed around the shop. His riding might be in the rearview mirror, but he sees a future in helping others enjoy the sport.

In addition to repairing saddles, Sandhurst Leather also makes and sells other custom leather goods such as guitar straps, purses, holsters, saddle bags and lots of belts. They also sell an assortment of other items they pick up from local craftspeople and have even invited others in to share their space including a professional potter.

Mark has a solid work ethic. He stands behind his work and is proud to say, “Our work is made in the USA and is guaranteed for life.” His dad drilled into Mark the business philosophy that, “Just because you bought it ‘right,’ doesn’t mean you sell it wrong.” With Clarence Brown’s eye for detail and commitment to making sure each stitch is right, the folks at Sandhurst Leather are proud of their work.

Expert saddle and other repairs are handled by Clarence Brown. Clarence has been associated with the Walker family for over 30 years.

Work ready to be picked up, reworked, or bought off the rack.

John Ingrassio, owner of Leather with Love.

Mark Walter, owner of Sandhurst Leather

Tools of the trade. Some tools have been in use for decades and others recently placed into service.

AND THEN THERE’S LEATHER WITH LOVE…

Recently, John Ingrassio opened an associated leather business in Mark’s space. John’s business is called, “Leather with Love.” John knew Mark from the leather business in New York and Connecticut and jumped on the opportunity to move where the weather suited him better. John considers “belts” to be his specialty and he was in the right place at the right time when one of the coaches of the University of Georgia Equestrian Team saw some of his belts. She asked if he could stamp “Georgia” into a belt and from there the ball got rolling. Now in addition to providing belts for the University of Georgia Equestrian Team, his work has also caught the attention of the coaches for the equestrian teams at Southern Methodist College and Texas Christian University.

Recently John and Clarence have developed a braided lead that’s turning

John Ingrassio, owner of Leather with Love.

Interior of the building.

heads in the equestrian world. John says, “If you can dream it, I can craft it.” And like Mark, he’s quick to point out…it’s all made in the USA (in Tryon to be more specific) and guaranteed for life.

The two businesses complement each other and Mark and John each have their own specialties. They offer services and goods that everyone can appreciate, not just the horse crowd. And they’ll welcome you even if you just want to pretend for a while that you’re in a museum.

BUSINESS INFO

Sandhurst Leather and Leather with Love can be found at 687 North Trade Street in Tryon. Go by for a visit to get a true feel of the kind of work they do including repairs and fabrication. Would-be customers from out of town can ship saddles and other leather goods in need of repair to the shop. Sandhurst Leather phone is 828/ 4401373. Phone for Leather with Love is 843/ 360-1345.

Expert saddle and other repairs are handled by Clarence Brown. Clarence has been associated with the Walker family for over 30 years.

OCT. 5

NOV. 9

FEB. 20

APR. 8

PM

ABOVE: Mark Walter, owner of Sandhurst Leather.

RIGHT: John Ingrassio spreads out a piece of eather about to become a series of belts. LEFT: Tools of the trade. Some tools have been in use for decades and others recently placed into service.

JOHANNES MOSER (Cello) MARC–ANDRÉ HAMELIN (Piano)

CALEFAX REED QUINTET ELIAS STRING QUINTET

ARSENTIY KHARITONOV (Piano)

THREE FRIDAYS OF THE KING OF INSTRUMENTS

Three organ concerts at 7:30

at Holy Cross Episcopal Church

Earl Scruggs Music Festival

A Celebration of Bluegrass and Community

Story by Storme Smith, photography courtesy of Earl Scruggs Music Festival

The Earl Scruggs Music Festival held each Labor Day weekend is more than just three days of great bluegrass music. The annual event is a celebration of the life and legacy of one of the genre’s most influential figures.

A Cleveland County native, Earl Scruggs was a banjo virtuoso who helped define the sound of bluegrass music in the 1940s and 50s. He was a member of Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys before teaming up with guitarist Lester Flatt to form the Foggy Mountain Boys. Together, Flatt and Scruggs recorded some of the most iconic songs in bluegrass history, including

“Foggy Mountain Breakdown” and “The Ballad of Jed Clampett,” which served as the theme song for the TV show The Beverly Hillbillies. Scruggs’ influence on the genre cannot be overstated.

His innovative banjo playing style, now known as the “Scruggs style,” involved picking the strings with three fingers instead of the traditional two. This technique allowed for faster, more precise playing and became a hallmark of bluegrass music. Scruggs’ legacy lives on in the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, N.C., which houses exhibits about his life and career, as well as educational programs and

live performances.

The Earl Scruggs Music Festival was founded in 2020 as a way to celebrate Scruggs’ life and contributions to bluegrass music. The festival takes place at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring and features three days of performances by some of the biggest names in bluegrass music. This year’s festival is hosted by Jerry Douglas and features headlining acts like Emmylou Harris, Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters and the Del McCoury Band. The Earls of Leicester, Tony Trischka’s Tribute to Earl, The Jerry Douglas Band,

Della Mae, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Jake Blount, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Shawn Camp, Sister Sadie, Twisted Pine, I Draw Slow, Rissi Palmer, Jon Stickley Trio, Tray Wellington Band, Henhouse Prowlers, The Foreign Landers, Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth, Armchair Boogie, Zoe & Cloyd, Pretty Little Goata and Into the Fog are just some of the wellknown acts that are performing at this year’s festival.

The festival showcases a variety of free and separately ticketed activities throughout the weekend, including a “Bourbon & Bluegrass” tasting hosted by The Infamous Stringdusters’ Travis Book, a charity golf tournament benefiting Junior Appalachian Musicians, a Sunday gospel brunch featuring the music of Darin and Brooke Aldridge and a “Sips & Strings” painting class.

JT Scruggs, Earl Scruggs’ nephew and a board member of the Earl Scruggs Center, spoke to Life in Our Foothills magazine about the festival’s origins and its importance to the community.

“We started having conversations with WNCW at the end of 2018 and in 2019, announced that we were going to have our first festival in 2020,” Scruggs said. “I was the board chair for the Earl Scruggs Center at the time, but will always do anything I can to make the organization successful. After postponing for two years, we were finally able to host our first festival on Labor Day Weekend in 2022.”

Scruggs reflected on his first memories of his Uncle Earl, remembering him coming home to visit family. “We’d either get together at Dad’s or Horace’s, they were all brothers. When I was first married, I remember seeing Flatt and Scruggs at a local school – it was the first time I saw them perform live. They parked the tour bus at Dad’s house and he cooked dinner for the band. Dad’s house was near the road and people driving by saw the bus

Earl Scruggs Music Revue take the stage

and stopped by, wanting to see Earl.”

Scruggs noted that the festival is more than just a celebration of his uncle’s music – it’s also a way to drive economic development and community revitalization.

“Music is a really important part of our community,” Scruggs said. “Earl’s

music and legacy have enabled us to create the Earl Scruggs Center and the cultural resources it provides, which has driven revitalization and continues to drive economic development in our community.”

Jerry Douglas, a Grammy-winning dobro player and member of the

Bluegrass Hall of Fame, will perform at the festival and serve as emcee.

“Earl Scruggs is possibly the first musician I remember hearing,” Douglas said in an interview with Life in Our Foothills. “My father was a great admirer of Flatt and Scruggs and they were either on the radio in the mornings

Bela Feck was a headlining act at the inaugural Earl Scruggs Music Festival

when I was going to school and my dad was on his way to work at the steel mill. At night I listened on my tiny radio with its lo-fi earpiece to the rock stations out of Cleveland, Ohio, so I was a confused young man. I loved both kinds of music and wondered if they could co-exist. They do.”

Douglas also said he believed that the music Bill Monroe was trying to perceive only came true when Earl Scruggs became a member of his band.

“I think it had to be a revelation to Bill and a surprise that one man playing the same instrument Bill had tried and failed to excite people with reached such a pinnacle so rapidly,” Douglas said. “Only Earl Scruggs was capable of doing that. He was assured of a long bright career because of the alchemy he created with his friend Lester Flatt.”

When asked about his involvement with The Earls of Leicester, a band that performs

Grammy-winning dobro player Jerry Douglas serves as emcee at the festival

Flatt and Scruggs songs in the original Foggy Mountain Boys style, Douglas says he “set out to find the right people who could fill the roles of the individuals that comprised the band and its magical sound.”

“We channel Flatt and Scruggs down to the details of their musical backups in the appropriate places and the solos they performed,” Douglas said. “It’s as close as I, or anyone will ever get to play in the original band.”

A headliner of this year’s festival, Emmylou Harris has grown to become a household name over the years.

“I love Emmylou Harris,” Douglas said. “Through the years, we have been great friends from the first time I met her in DC and later when we recorded in the Los Angeles canyons. Emmylou is a star. Not just in music but in how she cares about everyone she meets and the concerns she associates with. She never stops leaning forward into the knowledge that has brought her into the

spotlight. She isn’t afraid of trends. She creates them.”

Tryon International Equestrian Center adds to the unique charm of the Earl Scruggs Music Festival. The center, which hosts horse shows and other equestrian events throughout the year, features a state-of-the-art arena and plenty of room for camping and RVs. Festivalgoers can also take advantage of the center’s on-site restaurants and amenities.

“This event is a celebration of Earl Scruggs and his musical legacy, but the boundaries of what he has given us have advanced and continue to give everyone something they can relate to,” Douglas adds. “This is a very positive and creative ongoing experiment, very much like how we all go about our lives. Forever trying to improve and broaden our acceptance of all walks of life. Plus, it’s music, the universal language.”

For more information about the festival, visit earlscruggsmusicfest.com.

Becky Buller Band performs at last year’s festival a series of belts.

Earl Scruggs Music Revue

Favorites of the Foothills Reader’s Choice Awards

Photography by Jamie Lewis

Tryon Daily Bulletin

Food and Drinks

Best Appetizer

Winner / Side Street Pizza & Pasta

Runner Up / The Brick Pizzaria

Second Runner Up / Iron Key Brewing Company

Best Asian

Winner / Soulisas Thai Fine Dining

Runner Up / Joy Wok ll

Second Runner Up / Fuji Express

Best Bakery / Sweets

Winner / All Good Things Bakery

Runner Up / Southern Manners

Second Runner Up / Martha’s Amish Bakery

Best Breakfast

Winner / Southern Manners

Runner Up / Nana’s Kitchen

Second Runner Up / Katie D’s NY Bagels and Deli

Best Burger

Winner / Calvert’s Kitchen

Runner Up / The Hare and Hound

Second Runner Up / Iron Key Brewing Company

Best Chicken Sandwich

Winner / Bojangles

Runner Up / Mountain View BBQ

Second Runner Up / Calvert’s Kitchen

Best Coffee Shop

Winner / Open Road Coffee

Runner Up / All Good Things Bakery

Second Runner Up / Big Guns Coffee

Best Fast Food

Winner / Manzolina’s Eatery

Runner Up / Bojangles

Second Runner Up / Wendy’s

Best Fine Dining

Winner / Newman’s Restaurant at the Orchard Inn

Runner Up / Caro-Mi Dining Room

Second Runner Up / Soulisa’s Fine Thai Dining

Best French Fries

Winner / Southern Manners

Runner Up / Calvert’s Kitchen

Second Runner Up / Mountain View BBQ

Best Hot Dogs

Winner / The Dog House

Runner Up / Boots and Sonny’s

Second Runner Up / Calvert’s Kitchen

Best Ice Cream

Winner / Trade Street Creamery & Sandwich Shoppe

Runner Up / Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream

Second Runner Up / Buck n Brew

Coffee and Ice Cream

Best Lunch - Southern Manners

Best Lunch

Winner / Southern Manners

Runner Up / Calvert’s Kitchen

Second Runner Up / Mountain View BBQ

Best Mexican Food Winner / El Campesino

Runner Up / Cocula’s Mexican Grill

Second Runner Up/El Sureno’s

Best Mixed Drinks

Winner/Southside

Smokehouse

Runner Up/Green River Tavern

Second Runner Up / The Hare and Hound

Best Pizza Winner / Side Street

Pizza & Pasta

Runner Up / The Brick Pizzeria

Second Runner Up / Buck’s Pizza

Best Restaurant in Columbus

Winner / Southern Manners

Runner Up / Calvert’s Kitchen

Second Runner Up / The Rural Seed

Best Restaurant in Landrum

Winner / The Hare and Hound

Runner Up / Southside Smokehouse

Second Runner Up / Soulisa’s Fine Thai Dining

Best Restaurant in Saluda

Winner / Purple Onion

Runner Up / Newman’s Restaurant at the Orchard Inn

Second Runner Up / Ward’s Grill

Best Restaurant in Tryon

Winner / Side Street Pizza & Pasta

Runner Up / Nana’s Kitchen

Second Runner Up / Cafe La Gaule

Best Seafood

Winner / Newman’s Restaurant at the Orchard Inn

Runner Up / Calvert’s Kitchen

Second Runner Up / Katie D’s Sea Shack

Best Antique Store - Tryon Antique Mall

Best Steak

Winner / The Hare and Hound

Runner Up / Newman’s Restaurant at the Orchard Inn

Second Runner Up / The Rural Seed

Best Vineyard / Winery

Winner / Parker-Binns Vineyard

Runner Up / Overmountain Vineyard

Second Runner Up / Mountain Brook Vineyard

Best Wings

Winner / Side Street Pizza & Pasta

Runner Up / Mountain View BBQ

Second Runner Up / The Brick Pizzeria

Lifestyle & Entertainment

Best Campground

Winner / Orchard Lake Campground

Runner Up / Emberglow Outdoor Resort

Second Runner Up / Silver Creek Campground

Best Farmer’s Market

Winner / Landrum Farmers Market

Runner Up / Columbus Farmers Market

Second Runner Up / Saluda Tailgate Market

Best Golf Course

Winner / Link’s of Tryon

Runner Up / Tryon Country Club

Second Runner Up / Bright’s Creek Golf Course

Best Live Music Venue

Winner / Green River Tavern

Runner Up / Rogers Park

Second Runner Up / Purple Onion

Best Local Festival or Event

Winner / Columbus Fabulous 4th Festival

Runner Up / Coon Dog Day

Second Runner Up / Tryon International Film Festival

Best Place to Take a Hike

Winner / Pearson’s Falls and Glen

Runner Up / Bradley Falls

Second Runner Up / FENCE

Best Place of Worship

Winner / The Well

Runner Up / Foothills Community Chapel

Second Runner Up / Coopers Gap Baptist Church

Best Restaurant in Columbus - Southern Manners

OakBridge Terrace Assisted Living at Tryon Estates, a spectacular lakeside community nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, o ers residents and their families the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’ll receive all the round-theclock, personal care and help they need, including skilled nursing, to enjoy life with a host of friends and planned activities. Discover how OakBridge Terrace Assisted Living will put that to work for you and the people you love. Call us today. 888-380-2561 AboutActs.com/Bulletin

Best ChiropractorDr. Clay Baker

Medical and Health Services

Best Dental Office

Winner / Wood Creek Dental

Runner Up / Tryon Family

Dentistry

Second Runner Up / Carolina

Foothills Dental

Best Doctor’s Office

Winner / Blue Ridge Health - Polk

Runner Up / Family Physicians of Landrum

Second Runner Up / Foothills

Medical Associates

Best Hospital

Winner / St. Luke’s Hospital

Runner Up / Spartanburg Regional

Second Runner Up / Rutherford

Regional Health System

Best Pharmacy

Winner / Landrum Drug

Runner Up / CVS - Columbus

Second Runner Up / Foothills

Pharmacy

Best Consignment Shop - Second Chance Thrift Store

Best Retirement

Community / Assisted Living

Winner / ACTS Tryon Estates

Runner Up / White Oak

Retirement

Second Runner Up / Laurelhurst / Laurelwoods

Best Veterinary Office

Winner / God’s Creatures

Animal Hospital

Runner Up / Landrum

Veterinary Hospital

Second Runner Up / Bonnie

Brae Veterinary Hospital

Best Place to Work

Best Place to Work with 1-10 Employees

Winner / AlignLife of Tryon

Runner Up / Habitat ReStore in Landrum

Second Runner Up / Newman’s

Restaurant at the Orchard Inn

Best Administrator- Aaron Greene

Best Antique Store - Tryon Antique Mall

Best Place to Work with 11-25 Employees

Winner / Calvert’s Kitchen

Runner Up / Price Services Heating and Air

Second Runner Up / Caro-Mi Dining Room

Best Place to Work with 26-50 Employees

Winner / Stott’s Ford

Runner Up / Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital

Second Runner Up / Ingles Markets

Best Place to Work with 51+ Employees

Winner / Polk County Schools

Runner Up / St. Luke’s Hospital

Second Runner Up / Polk County

Government

Education

Best Principal Winner / Dr. Cari Maneen / Tryon

Elementary

Runner Up / Mr. Giles / Polk County High

Second Runner Up / Dr. Kim McMinn / Polk Central Elementary

Best Restaurant in Landrum - Hare and Hound

Best Elementary

School Teacher

Winner/Jennifer

Wadell/Polk Central Elementary

Runner Up/Wendi

Owens/Tryon Elementary

Second Runner Up/ Kellie Bradley/Sunny

View Elementary

Best High School Teacher

Winner / Debbie

Camp / Landrum High

Runner Up/Emily

Pereira/Polk

County High

Second Runner Up/ Chauncy Barber / Polk

County High

Best Insurance Agent - Michelle Dusenberry Waldmen

Best Bakery SweetsAll Good Things Bakery

Best Middle School Teacher

Winner / Lennox Charles / Polk County Middle

Runner Up / Paula Brown / Polk County Middle

Second Runner Up / Cindy Dusenbury / Polk County Middle

Professionals

Best Administrator

Winner/Aaron GreenPolk County Schools

Runner Up/Cathy RuthPolk County Government

Second Runner Up/ Donna Wood - AlignLife

Chiropractic

Best Attorney

Winner/Phillip Faegan

Runner Up/Billy

McFarland

Second Runner

Up/Mark Feagan

Best Insurance Agency - Dusenberry Insurance

Favorite Bank Foothills!

Best Chiropractor

Winner / Dr. Clay Baker

Runner Up / Dr. Eric Tickle

Second Runner Up / Dr. Gina Barros

Best Dentist

Winner / Dr. Levi Hunt

Runner Up/Dr. Newman

McGarity

Second Runner Up/Dr. Moneyhun

Best Doctor

Winner / Dr. Jeffrey Viar

Runner Up / Dr. George Kim

Second Runner Up / Dr. Sandra McCormack

Best Electrician

Winner / Becker Electric

Runner Up / Danny Willis Electrical

Second Runner Up / Blackwell Electric

Best Farrier

Winner/Keith Painter

Runner Up / Aaron McAbee

Second Runner Up/ Jack Montgomery

Best Hair Stylist

Winner/Makayla

Ledford - Karma Salon and Boutique

Runner Up/Carla

Sain - Salon 3:15

Second Runner Up/ Pam Tessnear - Tangles & Toes

Best Home Builder /Contractor

Winner/Highland

Design & Construction

Runner Up/Yoder Construction

Second Runner Up/ Rimer Construction

Best Wings - Side Street Pizza

Best Campground - Orchard Lake Campground in Saluda

Best Insurance Agent

Winner / Renee Dusenbury

Waldmen - Dusenbury Insurance

Runner Up / Derrick Overholt - Main Street Insurance Group

Second Runner Up / Kameron KerrFarm Bureau Insurance

Best Law Enforcement Officer

Winner / Sheriff Tim Wright - Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Runner Up / Chief Randall HodgeTryon Police Department

Second Runner Up / Dep. Ben Page - Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Best Mechanic

Winner / Stott’s Ford

Runner Up / Searcy’s Automotive

Second Runner Up / MJ’s Auto Repair

Best Minister

Winner / Brannon Poore - The Well

Runner Up / Paul Beiler - Foothills

Community Chapel

Second Runner Up / Dewayne

Sherman - Cooper’s Gap Baptist Church

Best Photographer

Winner / Tonia Hodge

Runner Up / Sheila Nolt

Second Runner Up / Monica

Stevenson

Best Plumber

Winner / Staley Plumbing

Runner Up / Hyder Plumbing

Second Runner Up / Bates

Plumbing

Best Realtor

Winner / Erika Bradley - Century 21

Runner Up / Cindy ViehmanTryon Foothills Realty

Second Runner Up / Jeremy Wood - SC / NC Realty

Best Server

Winner / Kylee - Calvert’s Kitchen

Runner Up / Amanda - Side Street

Pizza & Pasta

Second Runner Up / Myra - CaroMi Dining Room

Best Veterinarian

Winner / Dr. Lindsay Lefler - God’s

Creatures Animal Hospital

Runner Up / Dr. Angel Mitchell -

Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital

Second Runner Up / Dr. Iain FitchBonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital

Service & Retail

Best Antique Store

Winner / Tryon Antique Mall

Runner Up / Dark Horse Antique

Market

Second Runner Up / Old Mill Market Square

Best Art Gallery

Winner / Upstairs Artspace

Runner Up / Tryon Painters and Sculptors

Second Runner Up / Whimsical World Gallery

Best Auto Parts Store

Winner / Advanced Auto Parts

Runner Up / Carquest Auto Parts

Second Runner Up / NAPA Auto Parts

Dr. Jason Glover is a board-certified and fellowship-trained Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon, serving Polk and Rutherford counties. Glover specializes in a procedure called Lapiplasty®, a 3D correction for bunions, and is accepting new patients from both North and South Carolina.

Best Bank / Credit Union

Winner / HomeTrust Bank

Runner Up / State

Employees Credit Union

Second Runner Up / First Citizens Bank

Best Consignment / Gift

Shop

Winner / Second Chance

Thrift Store

Runner Up / P3 Retail

Second Runner Up / Wild Petunias

Best Feed Store

Winner / The Hay Rack

Runner Up / McGuinn’s

Store

Second Runner Up / Tim

Edwards Landscaping and Supply

Best Financial Planner

Winner / Ashworth

Financial

Runner Up / Edward

Jones

Second Runner Up / Wells

Fargo

Best Fitness / Gym

Winner / Burn 31 Fitness

Runner Up / My Gym & Fitness

Second Runner Up / PRO Physical Therapy

Best Florist Shop

Winner / Bunny’s Blooms

Flower Shop and Gifts

Runner Up / Four Winds

Florist

Second Runner Up / Bodega Noir

Best Funeral Home

Winner / McFarland

Funeral Chapel

Runner Up / Petty Funeral Home

Second Runner Up / Sanders Funeral Home

Best Garden Center / Nursery

Winner / Avery Creek

Nursery

Runner Up / Tim Edwards

Landscaping and Supply

Second Runner Up / Down to Earth

Best Hair Salon

Winner / Karma Salon and Boutique

Runner Up / Salon 3:15

Second Runner Up / Tangles & Toes

Best HVAC

Winner / Price Services Heating and Air

Runner Up / All Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning

Second Runner Up / Barton Brothers

Funeral Chapel

Best Insurance Agency

Winner / Dusenbury Insurance

Runner Up / NC Farm Bureau Insurance

Second Runner Up / Main Street Insurance

Best Landscaper

Winner / Jay’s Lawn Service & Landscape

Runner Up / JB Trees & Scapes

Second Runner Up / Aoki Landscape and Design

Best Law Firm

Winner / Feagan Law

Runner Up / McFarland and McFarland

Second Runner Up / John Hovendon Law

Best Non-Profit

Winner / Thermal Belt Outreach

Runner Up / Foothills Humane Society

Second Runner Up / Steps to HOPE

Best Funeral Home - McFarland

Best Burger - Calvert’s Kitchen

Best Oil Change

Winner / Stott Ford

Runner Up / Landrum Lube

Second Runner Up / Searcy’s

Automotive

Best Pest Control

Winner / Nelon-Cole Termite and Pest Control

Runner Up / Terminex

Second Runner Up / Justice & Son

Exterminating

Best Real Estate Agency

Winner / Tryon Foothills Realty

Runner Up / New View Realty

Second Runner Up / WWE Realty

Best Self Storage

Winner / Keystone Self Storage

Runner Up / Clean and Tidy Storage

Second Runner Up / Thousand Pines Storage

Best Service Organization

Winner / Steps to HOPE

Runner Up / Thermal Belt Outreach

Second Runner Up / Rotary Club of Tryon

Best Tack Shop

Winner / The Hay Rack

Runner Up / The Farm House

Second Runner Up / Re-Ride

Consignment Shop

Best Tires Shop

Winner / Dill’s Tire

Runner Up / Stott Ford

Second Runner Up / Pierce Tire

Best Tree Service

Winner / JB Trees & Scapes

Runner Up / Allison Tree Service

Second Runner Up / 4 Seasons Tree Care

Best Tubing Company

Winner / Green River Cove Tubing

Runner Up / Silver Creek Tubing

Second Runner Up / Wilderness Cove Tubing

Best Place to Work with 51+ Employees - Polk County Schools

Miss Kitty keeping the seat warm

Dutch, the Anatolian, on watch on the ranch

A Few of My Favorite Things

Fresh pine-scented shavings, And whiskers on barn cats, Spotless new feed buckets, And soft rubber stall mats, Bales of compressed alfalfa, Tied up with two strings, These are a few of my favorite things,

When the horsefly bites, When the wasp stings, When I am feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, And then I don’t feel so bad!

Some periods in each of our lives are just a bit more challenging than others. Too much rain followed by too little. Bouts of colic and enduring sleepless nights in the normally peaceful stable wreak havoc for humans and horses alike. My life is close to perfection for a pony, but I am not immune to trouble.

For some unknown reason, I foundered in both of my front feet. This is an exceedingly painful condition. It feels like walking on broken glass, barefoot. My stall had to be prepared with deep pine shavings and my walkout paddock filled with soft sand to

cushion each step. During this time, I had to focus on a few of my favorite things.

In my case, misery did not readily welcome company. However, I was happy to see Sedona, when she came in each evening to the neighboring stall. I also welcomed the gentle Australian Shepherd, Sable, and our watchful Anatolian, Dutch. He loves to come out and nap in my pasture when I am in the barn. It gives him a great vantage point for viewing all the rescue horse pastures on the north side of the ranch.

I also enjoyed the visits with Miss Kitty, our sweet tabby barn cat. She often naps in the hay, or on top of the tack trunk next to my stall. Miss Kitty is a gentle soul. She is quiet, undemanding, and a wonderful addition to our lives. We never see a mouse here, thanks to her vigilance.

One possible cause of my founder was my annual vaccinations were too hard for some unknown reason on my petite body. The founder set in a few days after receiving my shot for Eastern/Western equine encephalomyelitis, tetanus, and West Nile virus. The dosage they administer to me at 300 lbs. is the same as a full-size, 1,000 lb. horse. Then, add the rabies vaccine on top of this. I felt awful for a few days

Story by Pebbles

and then came the founder. Another possible reason is that I reacted to the higher levels of sugar in the grass when mother nature blessed us with bountiful rain after a long dry

spell. The grass grew so quickly throwing up rich seed heads. These seeds are delicious and high in sugar.

No one caught it at first that I was out of sorts. Since I spend

a lot of my day napping in the shade, it was not immediately apparent I was in trouble. Then I started limping as it was becoming difficult to walk up to the gate.

Founder (laminitis) is inflammation of the laminae of the foot, a serious condition, caused by the pedal bone rotating and pointing towards the equine’s sole. It is also one

Pebbles with her best friend Sedona

of the most common reasons for disability and lameness in ponies and horses. The soft tissue structures attach the coffin or pedal bone of the foot to the hoof wall and the inflammation damages the laminae causing extreme pain in the foot.

My entire schedule with my pasture pal Sedona had to be rearranged. A grazing muzzle was placed over my mouth when I went out for a few hours a day on my green pasture. I hobbled to my shady corner under the old oak trees and watched Sedona graze happily while I suffered the indignity of the muzzle.

It only took me three outings before I devised a plan to break this torture device, using the fence to pry it apart and break the hardware. Ponies, as everyone knows, are far more clever than horses. I had outwitted everyone who thought that muzzle was a smart idea. My grass time had

Sable, an Australian Shepherd, the sweetest dog ever

Miss Kitty thinks the tractor is sexy

to be kept to a minimum until cool weather returned, and the grass went dormant. My hooves also required trimming every two weeks to address the angles of my feet to take the pressure off my toes and ease the pain. The dying part of my hoof was also trimmed out to make room for new growth and healthy tissue. All this labor of love was conducted by Heather’s husband, Scott Homstead, who is a trained farrier; this is just one of his many talents here on the ranch.

What I have failed to mention, up until this point, is that my devoted mistress, Heather Freeman, who cares for me was also only able to hobble during this ordeal. She had taken a bad fall off her favorite trail horse, Night Lark, and the result was a shattered femur right below the ball of the hip joint. The area and severity of the break made the repair work exceedingly challenging for the orthopedic surgeon. The operation did not go well. In total, it took three additional surgeries and lots of recovery time before she could walk without a walker or cane. So, the two of us were certainly a pair, limping along to tackle small amounts of exercise to keep our spirits up daily.

During our convalescing, Heather also installed a lovely shade garden behind the house. While I could not participate, it was good to know she had a project to lift her spirits beyond just adoring me. The garden is truly a paradise for hummingbirds, butterflies, and Heather. Because I might eat something I should not, like jasmine for example, which is toxic, I cannot enter the flowerfilled oasis.

Everyone needs joy to keep them focused on the good things. So, despite all the suffering, enjoying a few of our favorite things while the two of us mended, helped us not to feel so bad. Who does not like the sound of that music?

2023-2024

Individual tickets on sale August 18!

SEASON EVENTS

Sept 16, 2023

The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass

Nov 4, 2023

Rita Hayworth: The Heat is On!

Feb 10, 2024

The Kruger Brothers

Mar 23, 2024

Kings Return

Show Times: Saturdays 7:30 pm

Season tickets on sale now!

For more info and online ticket purchase

TAKE SALADS AL FRESCO FOR A SWEET

SUMMER MEAL

Get out of the kitchen and head outdoors this summer for fresh, delicious meals that call for lighting the grill and relaxing in the warmth of the season. Take some of your favorite courses - like salads, for instance - to the next level by adding grilled ingredients for that perfect bit of char.

This Grilled Sweetpotato and Blueberry Salad offers all the tastes of the season with

spring salad mix, fresh blueberries, walnuts and blue cheese. Topped with homemade lemon honey vinaigrette, it's a light yet filling meal fit for warm days thanks in part to the superfood that takes it to new heights: sweetpotatoes.

As one of the most versatile vegetables that's easy to add to a variety of recipes for flavor and nutrition enhancement, sweetpotatoes can be a key

ingredient in simple or elevated, sweet or savory dishes alike. Whether they're cooked on the stove, baked, microwaved, slowcooked or grilled to a perfect doneness with a crispy char, they can be an ideal addition to better-for-you summer meals.

Plus, they're a "diabetes superfood" per the American Diabetes Association because they're rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all

of which are good for overall health. When enjoyed with the skin on, one medium sweetpotato contains more than 100% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A, an important vitamin affecting vision, bone development and immune function. They're also a good source of fiber and rich in potassium.

Another fun fact: the National Sweetpotato Collaborators officially adopted the one-word

spelling in 1989 to avoid confusion with equally unique and distinctive potatoes, which are also grown and marketed in the U.S. Sweetpotato is a noun, not an adjective, meaning "sweet" is not a descriptor but part of the actual nomenclature. This is different than other potatoes using adjectives like white, red or russet to describe an entirely different vegetable. Find more nutritional information, fun facts and summer recipe ideas at NCSweetpotatoes.com.

Grilled Sweetpotato and Blueberry Salad

Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission and Andrea Mathis (beautifuleatsandthings.com)

Servings: 4

Lemon Honey Vinaigrette:

6 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 1/2 tablespoons honey salt, to taste pepper, to taste

3 medium sweetpotatoes, peeled and sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

4 cups spring salad mix

1 cup fresh blueberries

1/3 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)

To make lemon honey vinaigrette: In bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and honey. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Preheat grill to medium heat. Drizzle sweetpotatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill sliced sweetpotatoes on each side about 5 minutes, or until sweetpotatoes are tender and slightly charred. Remove from grill and let cool.

To arrange salad, spread spring salad mix onto large platter and top with grilled sweetpotatoes, blueberries, walnuts and blue cheese crumbles.

Top with lemon honey vinaigrette and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.

Source: North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

The Perfect Place at the Perfect Time

Retirement years are the perfect time to do things you’ve always wanted to do. And White Oak Village in lovely Tryon is the perfect place.

We provide the right combination of support and independence for you to build an engaging, healthy senior lifestyle in the beautiful North Carolina mountains. Enjoy spacious 1- and 2-bedroom apartments – each with a private sunroom and access to unsurpassed amenities and services.

Start your next chapter at White Oak Village.

FUEL FOR FULL DAYS OF LEARNING

Between morning routines, days spent in the classroom, extracurriculars and homework, it may seem like there's never enough time in the day

during the school year. However, making time for tasty meals and snacks doesn't have to be another burden on jam-packed schedules. These quick recipes for a

flavorful twist on a breakfast favorite, easy-to-make sliders featuring kid-friendly flavors and delightful treats to enjoy at the end of the day can help keep little learners (and older

family members, too) fueled up and ready to tackle all the school year throws their way. Find more recipes to get you through busy back-toschool season at Culinary.net.

A Fresh-Baked After-School Sweet

After a long day of learning or a tough homework assignment, many kids love a warm, chocolatey homemade cookie. Once your kiddos pack away the calculators and put their pencils down, serve up an ooey-gooey delight as a reward for all that hard work. These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are ready in just 30 minutes and made with high-quality ingredients you can count on like C&H Dark Brown Sugar for that familiar homemade flavor. Find more sweet after-school desserts at chsugar.com.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Yield: 18 cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups C&H Dark Brown Sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and cook until foaming and golden brown. Remove from heat and transfer to heatproof bowl. Place in refrigerator until solidified, about 45 minutes.

In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

Once butter has solidified, remove from refrigerator. In bowl of electric stand mixer, using paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar at medium speed 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla. Mix until combined. Scrape sides of bowl as needed. Reduce

speed, add flour mixture and beat to combine. Add pecans and chocolate chips; mix at low speed until combined. Place dough in refrigerator and rest 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using 2-ounce ice cream scoop, portion out dough on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 3 inches apart. Gently flatten dough balls using palm. Bake 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets 10 minutes then transfer to wire rack. Serve warm.

SIMPLIFY SCHOOL NIGHTS WITH EASY, CHEESY MEALS

Putting a delicious, kid-friendly meal on the table in an hour or less is goal No. 1 for many families. When the hectic schedules of back-toschool season are in full effect, saving some precious time in the kitchen can make all the difference.

Take a homework timeout and bring loved ones running to the dining room for family favorites like Sweet Heat Pickled Beet Grilled Cheese. This modern take on a childhood classic pairs sourdough bread with brie cheese, a spicy-sweet hit of hot honey and juicy Aunt Nellie’s Diced Pickled Beets.

If letting your oven do the work is an even more appealing solution, try an easy recipe like Bacon

Wrapped Potato Stuffed Chicken. As a meal and side dish all in one, this simple weeknight dinner starts with cutting a pocket

Sweet Heat Pickled

Beet Grilled Cheese

Recipe courtesy of MacKenzie Smith of “Grilled Cheese Social”

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 12 minutes

Yield: 2 sandwiches

4 slices (3 ounces each) sourdough bread

2 tablespoons hot honey

1 small wheel (8 ounces) brie, at room temperature, cut into thin strips

8 ounces Aunt Nellie’s Diced Pickled Beets (1/2 jar or 2 individual diced

pickled beet cups)

2 tablespoons fresh basil, cut into thin strips

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste

Place two bread slices on cutting board. Drizzle with hot honey then add 4 ounces brie evenly across bread.

Drain beets and pat dry. Add evenly on top of brie followed by basil and remaining brie.

Spread 1 tablespoon butter on one side of remaining bread slices. Sprinkle with 1/4 tea -

spoon garlic salt. Place top piece of bread on each sandwich.

Heat cast-iron or frying pan over medium-low heat then add sandwiches butter sides down. Butter top sides and add remaining garlic salt.

Cook about 5 minutes on each side, or until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted, flipping halfway through.

Once sandwiches have cooked on both sides, remove from heat and serve.

into boneless, skinless chicken breasts before filling with cheesy goodness.

Layer cheddar cheese slices inside the chicken then spoon in READ German Potato Salad made with thinly sliced potatoes, bacon and a sweet-piquant dressing. Finally, fold the chicken breasts closed, wrap with bacon slices and bake 40 minutes to tender, juicy perfection with a final broil to crisp the bacon.

To find more family-friendly meals fit for busy weeknights, visit AuntNellies.com and READSalads.com.

Bacon Wrapped

Potato Stuffed Chicken

Recipe courtesy of “EZPZMealz”

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

2 pounds (approximately 4 large) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 slices sharp cheddar cheese

1 can READ German

Potato Salad with sauce

8-12 bacon slices nonstick cooking spray freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 400 F. Using sharp knife, slice

pocket or slit into each chicken breast and fold open.

Place two slices sharp cheddar cheese in pockets then spoon 4 ounces potato salad onto cheese.

Fold chicken over and close so cheese and potatoes are inside pockets.

Take 2-3 bacon slices and completely wrap stuffed chicken breasts, tucking loose ends of bacon on undersides of chicken.

Spray baking dish with nonstick cooking spray then place bacon wrapped chicken on tray. Season chicken with pepper, to taste.

Bake approximately 40 minutes until internal temperature of chicken reaches 160 F.

Turn oven to broil on high (500 F) and broil 2-3 minutes to crisp bacon until chicken reaches 165 F.

Remove from the oven and rest 5 minutes then serve.

A BEAUTIFULLY BAKED

BEEF DINNER

Many families crave savory and delicious weeknight meals. After a long day of work and school, it’s time to gather around the table to share a mouthwatering meal and memories together.

For something truly wholesome, try this Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Cauliflower and Spinach Salad. It’s a full meal the whole family can enjoy, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it makes it to feed all the smiling faces.

This meal has layers of flavor and sneaks in a few vegetables like spinach and cauliflower, but even picky eaters can’t resist trying it.

Start with a beef tenderloin and drizzle it generously with olive oil. Add 2 tablespoons of pepper. Flip and repeat on the other side. Bake for 12 minutes at 475 F.

Next, add one head of cauliflower to a mixing bowl with five shallots cut into quarters. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil; mix well with salt and pepper, to taste. Add

Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Cauliflower and Spinach Salad

Servings: 4-6

1 beef tenderloin (4 pounds), wrapped with butcher’s twine

9 tablespoons olive oil, divided

4 teaspoons pepper, divided

1 head cauliflower

5 shallots, quartered

2 teaspoons salt, divided

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 package (5 1/2 ounces) baby spinach

dried cranberries, for garnish

Heat oven to 475 F. Place beef on baking sheet. Rub 4 tablespoons olive oil and 2

teaspoons pepper into beef. Bake 12 minutes.

In large bowl, toss cauliflower, shallots, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper to combine. Scatter vegetables around beef and bake 18-25 minutes, or until desired doneness is reached. Allow meat to rest 15 minutes covered in aluminum foil.

In medium bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, mustard and remaining salt and pepper until combined. Add spinach; stir until combined.

Serve by layering spinach topped with cauliflower and shallots then sliced tenderloin. Garnish with dried cranberries.

this to the baking sheet with the beef tenderloin and bake 18-25 minutes.

While that’s cooking, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to a mixing bowl with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper and baby spinach.

To plate, add baby spinach salad first then the cauliflower and shallot mixture and, finally, that juicy, perfectly cooked beef tenderloin. Garnish with cranberries for a splash of color.

This meal is satisfying and only requires some mixing bowls and a large sheet pan to make cleanup a breeze so you can focus on what really matters most: time with your loved ones.

Find more recipes and savory main dishes at Culinary. net.

J BLAIR ENTERPRISES Gutter

Installation, French Drains, Gutter Cleaning, Fascia Repair, and more. CALL JOSH: 864398-3158

Clean Bee Residential Cleaning Service FREE

ESTIMATES! Offering Weekly, BiWeekly, 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 828-980-3560 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! Adk for Charles 864-285-8486

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! 864-2933437 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 828-440-1415 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, Storage of produce. Starting pay is $15/hr, Indoor Temperature Controlled Facility. Benefits After 90 Days: Health Insurance, 401K, Paid Vacation. Call or Stop by for More Info! 828-393-4135 520 Pinefield Dr. Tryon, NC 28782

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.

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.

Landrum/Campobello

2BR/2BA, Appliances, with scenic views and convenient to interstate, two levels. $975/ month + security deposit Call: 864-590-7444

Current Openings The Town of Tryon is currently seeking applicants for full-time positions in Public Works Water & Sewer Department. Job applications may be obtained at Tryon Town Hall, 301 N. Trade Street, Tryon, NC 28782 or download at tryon-nc.com/town-government/ employment/. Open until filled EOE

Every Season Landscaping, LLC Friendly, Dependable Service. 828-308-6792 828817-2057 Lawn Mowing & Maintenance. •Yard Work •Leaf Removal •Mulching •Gutter Cleaning •Pressure Washing •Deck Building & Staining. Tryon Area. Find us on Google: Every Season Landscaping, LLC

HOME FOR RENT WITH EXQUISITE MOUNTAIN VIEWS IN TRYON 3BD/2BA, UPDATED, ALL APPLIANCES, FULLY FURNISHED. $2800, Utilities up to $250/ mo included CALL SUSAN 864.484.3657 FOR MORE INFO. Owner agent.

Attn: Care Givers of Loved Ones With Memory Issues Free Supervised Care for two hours at The Meeting Place, Columbus, NC May 11 & 25.

Limited Participation Preregistration required, Contact Peggy Wyllie for details: 828859-6339. Free program offered by The Foothills Dementia/ Alzheimer’s Care Givers Support Group in order to provide respite for care givers. Monthly meeting for care givers the last Wednesday of each month at 3:00pm at The Meeting Place.

Manuel Flores Construction

•Stucco •Block •Brick •Tile •Concrete •Stone Work 864361-1794

PART-TIME FINANCE OFFICER (up to 19 hours) Pettigrew Regional Library, Plymouth, NC Qualifications: * Knowledge of state, county, and federal fiscal and personnel regulations, policies, and procedures. * Knowledge of the application of established bookkeeping and accounting principles and techniques to governmental accounting transactions. *Knowledge of Quickbooks and Microsoft Office programs. * Ability to understand standard financial statements and reports. * Ability to meet deadlines and plan sequence of work. Education and Experience: *Minimum: Associates Degree. Courses in bookkeeping or accounting with at least 3 years appropriate experience is required.

*Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree with at least 3 years appropriate experience. Application Process Please submit a cover letter and resume to: Judi Bugniazet headquarters@pettigrewlibraries. org PRL is an EOE

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

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

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

HOME FOR RENT WITH EXQUISITE MOUNTAIN VIEWS IN TRYON 3BD/2BA, UPDATED, ALL APPLIANCES, FULLY FURNISHED. $2800, Utilities up to $250/ mo included. CALL SUSAN 864.484.3657 FOR MORE INFO. Owner agent

Hiring adult Christian for a church in Landrum. Person must have a love and experience teaching and playing with children. Able to be flexible between, newborn room, 2yr,and 3yrs, and 4-6yr old rooms Sundays 9:30-12:30pm. $15 per hour. Call Teresa @ 828-817-1450

FOR RENT! 2BR 1 BA IN SUNNY VIEW. SUITABLE FOR A COUPLE OR SINGLE. NO PETS. $500 MTH PLUS DEPOSIT. 828-625-4820.

Waterboy Plumbing LLC

“Residential Service and Repair”

Jerrad McCall 803-869-5899

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 •FullTime EC Teacher Asst/Bus Driver - up to $15/hr •Open Interviews Tue/Thur 2pm-4pm for Custodial & Food Service •Substitute Teacher/Food Service - $13 an hour Visit https://polkschools. org/personnel/ to apply Or Call:828-894-1001

$10 Off Spring Preventative Maintenance (Reg $75)

Rutherford Heating and Air 828287-2240

LAWSON PAINTING Residential Painting •Interior & Exterior

•Ceiling Texturing •Light Carpentry Free Estimates Please Call: 864-494-3397