Life in Our Foothills November 2019

life IN OUR

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

FOOTHILLS November 2019

MIGUEL “TACO” SANTIBANEZ A familiar face of service

OCTOBER 2019 $4.95

THE ZENTETTA CONVERSATIONS Jazz among friends

KIDSENSES

A local treasure just down the road

FROM THE EDITOR

L

On the cover

Miguel “Taco” Santibanez Stott’s Ford Employee (Story on page 34)

Photo by Jullia Zeleskey 4

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Last year, my wife and I decided to break tradition and go out of town for Thanksgiving. The long weekend was the perfect opportunity to get away to the coast to relax before the stress-filled month of December arrived.

When the news was shared with my wife’s parents (whom we have never missed spending a “Turkey Day” with), you would have thought their dog had just been run over. “That’s your father’s favorite holiday.

What about tradition? What about all the family visiting?” were the comments that rang through our heads. Eleven months later, we still haven’t lived down that decision.

A tradition is something you do again and again.

Passing things down from generation to generation.

It’s something you did as a kid and pass onto your kids when you become an adult.

It’s going to the beach every summer. It’s having the same meal on the Fourth of July, then going to watch fireworks. It’s a mom teaching her daughter how to bake a fresh apple pie. It’s a dad teaching his son how shoot a rifle.

There are times that a tradition, carried on for years, can be challenged. I remember when I was in my early teens, I had grown tired of having the same old turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie year after year. I made the suggestion to please change the menu.

Eventually, my pestering paid off. In the years that followed, we had things like chicken wings, fried shrimp, and ribeye steaks. We even had pancakes covered with blueberries and whip cream (not sure how I convinced them to go for that one!)

Now that I have a few years under my belt, I can see the meaning behind traditions, like the traditional “Turkey Day” meal. Sitting here thinking about having that crispy, golden brown fifteen pound bird stuffed with sausage dressing is making my mouth water!

So, let’s all raise our red Solo cups (to cut down on dishes) and give cheers to all! Whatever you do, wherever you go, whoever you’re with, enjoy and be thankful for all you have been given.

From the family here at the Bulletin, to each of you reading this, we hope you have the Happiest Thanksgiving ever!

Kevin Powell, General Manager kevin.powell@tryondailybulletin.com

life IN OUR

FOOTHILLS General Manager Kevin Powell Marketing Magan Etheridge Trish Boyter Ben Bouser

Pagination Jullia Zeleskey Distribution Jeff Allison

Jamie Lewis Alex Greene

Administration Stacey Tully

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 Editor, Life in Our Foothills, 16. N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, or email to kevin.powell@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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Contributors Mark Levin, Writer and Photographer

Mark Levin is retired from a career in education.

In addition to the classroom he has had a lifetime of experiences earning a buck as a photographer, videographer, author, musician and camp director. You can follow his blog about people & places in the foothills at www.FoothillsFaces.com or check out his new podcast he enjoys with a friend of 50 years at www.garyandmark.com.

Vincent Verrecchio, Writer and Photographer

When not working in advertising as a copywriter, art director, photographer, creative director, and finally agency owner, Vince was on a horse with a camera on hand somewhere in North America, Europe, or Africa. Now lightly retired from advertising more than 40 years, he writes about whatever strikes his fancy, looks for interesting photos everywhere, and wanders in the Foothills on a horse

Macy Cochran, Writer and Photographer

Macy Cochran is an English Writing student at North Greenville University. She is a lover of books, coffee and binge watching sitcoms from the 90’s. As a creative writer, she often spends her time working on her novels, poetry and short stories.

Jimmi Buell, Writer

Jimmi Buell, extension agent, family and consumer sciences, Polk County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, teaches cooking and nutrition classes with a focus on improving health with better food choices. She can be reached at jimmi_buell@ncsu.edu or 828-894-8218.

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

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LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

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Contents 10 Around Town

November Calendar of events

16 The Dog Mayor of Tryon

Politics is not just for people

20 Soccer Saturday at Harmon Field A fall tradition at Harmon Field

24 The Zendetta Conversations

A little jazz amoung friends

34 Miguel “Taco” Santibanez

A familiar face of service at Stott’s Ford

42 KidSenses

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PHOTO BY JULLIA ZELESKEY

A Rutherford County treasure

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PHOTO BY MARK LEVIN

52 Titan Titles

This months story by Pebbles

56 John Cash 5 questions

58 Quick Bites Sweet Potatoes

60 Restaurant Spotlight

62 Marketplace 63 Parting Glance

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“Morris in a Cup”

64 Parting Glance Gran Fondo Hincapie coming through Tryon

66 Advertiser Index

Chimney Rock Teasting Room & Bistro PHOTO BY MACY COCHRAN NOVEMBER 2019

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AROUND TOWN Friday, November 1 8:30 a.m.

The HOPE Golf Classic Links O’ Tryon 11250 New Cut Rd Campobello, SC stepstohope.org/events Friday, November 1 7:30 p.m.

Signature Series: MozART Group Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon tryonarts.org

Tryon Rolling Thunder Art Show

Saturday, November 2 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Tryon Rolling Art Show Downtown Tryon exploretryon.com Saturday, November 2 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tryon Beer Fest Downtown Tryon tryonbeerfest.com

Axe and Tomahawk Workshop Tryon Arts & Crafts 10

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Saturday, November 2 7:30 p.m.

Comedian James Gregory Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon tryonarts.org

Monday, November 4 and Wednesday, November 6 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Copper and Textured Bronze Workshop Tryon Arts & Crafts School 373 Harmon Field Rd Tryon tryonartsandcrafts.org Tuesday, November 5 7:00 p.m.

Film Series: Alice’s Restaurant Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave Tryon tryonarts.org

Copper and Textured Bronze Workshop Tryon Arts & Crafts

Friday, November 8 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Wine and Crafts: Christmas Ornaments Workshop Tryon Arts & Crafts School 373 Harmon Field Rd Tryon tryonartsandcrafts.org

Tryon Beer Fest Downtown Tryon NOVEMBER 2019

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Saturday, November 9 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Operation Christmas Child Packing Party Columbus Public Library 1289 W. Mills St Columbus polklibraries.org Saturday, November 9 7:30 p.m.

Karen Dreyfuss, Violin and Glenn Dicterow, Violin Tryon Fine Arts Center tryonconcerts.com

Tryon Concert Association presents guitarist Silviu Ciulei

Sunday, November 10 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Hunter Pace at FENCE, 3381 Hunting Country Rd Tryon fence.org Thursday, November 14 Foothills Music Club Fall Concert 3:00 p.m.

Tryon Presbyterian Church foothillsmusicclub.org

Tryon Half Marathon

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Thursday, November 14 through Saturday, November 16 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Festival of the Hunt – Field Hunter Championships Tryon International Equestrian Center tryon.coth.com/events Friday, November 15 through Thursday, January 5 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Shadracks’s Christmas Wonderland at TIEC Tryon International Equestrian Center shadrackchristmas.com/ tryon-nc

Stained Glass Turkey Workshop Tryon Arts & Crafts

Saturday, November 16 Tryon Half Marathon 8:00 a.m.

Harmon Field in Tryon tryonrunners.blogspot. com Saturday, November 16 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

TROT Horse Show FENCE, 3381 Hunting Country Rd Tryon fence.org

Comedian James Gregory presents his Crock Pots and Chicken Legs Tour NOVEMBER 2019

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Saturday, November 16 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Stained Glass Turkey Workshop Tryon Arts & Crafts School 373 Harmon Field Rd Tryon tryonartsandcrafts.org

Tryon Rolling Thunder Art Show

Friday, November 22 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Tryon 4th Friday Block Party Downtown Tryon exploretryon.com Friday, November 22 6:00 p.m.

TGIF with Silviu Ciulei Tryon Fine Arts Center tryonconcerts.com

Tryon Concert Association present Karen Dreyfuss and Glenn Dicterow

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Saturday, November 23 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Forging an Axe or Tomahawk Tryon Arts & Crafts School, 373 Harmon Field Rd Tryon tryonartsandcrafts.org

Saturday, November 23 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

All Members Show “Magic and Mystery” Opening Reception Tryon Painters and Sculptors tryonpaintersand sculptors.com Sunday, November 24 Comedy Night: Benefit for Mobile Meals 7:30 p.m.

Tryon Fine Arts Center tryonarts.org

MozART Group

Saturday, November 30 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Roastin’ on the Ridge FENCE, 3381 Hunting Country Rd Tryon fence.org

Wine and Crafts Christmas Ornaments

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The Dog Mayor of Tryon Writer & Photographer Macy Cochran At this fun and unique event for animal lovers young and old, people got to vote for their favorite candidate to become the first Dog Mayor of Tryon, all while raising money for the Foothills Humane Society.

The most interesting thing about this event is the winner was not a dog.

Harriet and Mayor Alan Peoples

April Sprinkle and Bill Crowell

Rachel and Jim Hawkins, and Oscar 16

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Dulcie and Jesse Juenger

Jessica Phillips and Alaska

Tradd Hodge, winner of Tryon’s Sidewalk Chalk Art

Haley Viehman and Boon McGourty

Baker, Croft and Paul Baehr

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Cory Phillips and Willow

Brad Cummings, Duchess, Ashley Parrish and Kayla

Susan Woodcock, Rodger Walker and Andy Dandy 18

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Cutie Pie, Josh Owens and Allyn Talbolt

Marianne and Mike Carruth

Jan Clifford and Tanssi

Tradd, Anna, Susanna and Russell Hodge

Barbara Okleson and Charlie B. Goode

Soccer Saturday at Harmon Field Writer & Photographer Macy Cochran Every Saturday from Labor Day to mid-October, Harmon Field in Tryon is alive with the sights and sounds of kids running around and parents cheering for them in as many as four games being played at the same time.

Ada and Judah, and Shiloh The Pup

Ariella, Anelise, Julia and Isacc Yoder; Carrie, Charlie and Gabby Savaia

Sasha and Quinn Overholt 20

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Natalie and Mike Brown

Kelton, Chloe, Kayla, Kendra and Kaiden Kitchen

Tala and Aubrey Austin; Blake, Jeff and Melissa Allison; Cindy Austin

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Corbin Troyer

Nora, Wes, Samuel, and Tonya Wolfe

Owen and Wells Highsmith 22

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

David, Keisha, McKinley and Dewayne

Braden Nodine and Tanner Fain

Quentin Fugate and Susanna Baddorf

Michael Simoncic, Lauren and Leah Dotson

Cohen (Coco Bean) (Photo by Stacey Tully)

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Zendetta:

Vinny Corda, top left, and clockwise down, Jim Peterman, the yoga frog mascot, and Marco Noto.

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Z

Zendetta is a play on words for the name of a jazz trio playing with both a meditative freedom and a focused passion to move listeners.

Marco Noto, drummer, says “Jazz is like a conversation of good friends sharing a bottle of red wine. When we practice and play together, there is no script like a stage play. We have the same vocabulary and are on the same topic but with the openness to express what we’re personally thinking and feeling.

No one conversation is the same as any other. Every session is a learning experience... fresh, surprising, yet at the same time, comfortable. When playing for an audience, we want to draw everyone into the flow of the discussion.”

Vinny Corda, saxophonist, guitarist and flutist, adds,” Our vocabulary is the same...tempo, chords and rhythm...the silence between notes, tension and release. We know the topics...the nuances and details of various types of jazz: classical, fusion, free form, R&B, funk, Latin and swing. Attuned to each other and knowing the arrangements we created together, we can read body language and recognize subtle musical hints to anticipate where an improvisation is going.”

WHERE COMFORT is always in season

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For Zendetta, Jazz is like a conversation with good friends sharing a bottle of red wine.

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Marco was trained in classical piano, but remembers from early on as a teenager, “It seemed that being a drummer in a band might make me more attractive to the girls.”

Jim Peterman, organist, thinks, “We are three very different individuals, each bringing something uniquely our own to an arrangement. There are virtually no limits to the combination of our talents, likes and dislikes and moods of the moment. We each challenge ourselves and encourage each other to be a better artist...eager to experiment, pushing and pulling, bouncing and blending ideas. Whatever the difference in our backgrounds, we find the same creative pleasure in making and hearing the new and unexpected in our music.”

Marco was born in Harrisburg, PA, 1960, and came to Zendetta by way of classically trained piano, a BA in English Literature, an MBA, many bands, and most recently, cyber security for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“I enjoyed piano as a teenager, but it seemed to me that being a drummer in a band might make me

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For Vinny, music is an emotional experience that he wants to share with the audience.

more attractive to the girls. Since my first gig at 14, I’ve worked to connect with audiences, using vibration to make people move and dance.”

For Marco, every drum has a different personality and today he has a selection of drums to help best express what he wants listeners to feel. “When playing, I live for the moments when I get into ‘flow,’ that space where the music seems to play itself, but at the same time I’ve got to listen to be linked with Vinny and Jim.” Born in Queens, NY, 1957, Vinny started playing flute at 10 and added a sax when he began playing in rock bands in high school. Backed with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in music, he ran his own company that serviced and sold computers and developed websites in NYC, while also, over the years, playing and singing with numerous bands. Today, his technical skills are still at work in web development and his Red Door Recording Studio in Columbus.

Marco’s drum collection gives him the wide variety of sounds for Zendetta’s flexibility and versatility.

Jim’s passion used to be R&B. Now he says, “It’s easier to lose myself in the freedom of jazz.”

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“I have no preference for which of my instruments I play,” says Vinny. “Each has a unique voice that challenges and expands me as a musician.”

“I have no preference for which of my instruments I play,” says Vinny. “Each has a unique voice that challenges and expands me as a musician. I do have fond memories of my guitar that I’ve had long enough to wear a second hole near the rosette. And, since my baritone sax is over 90 years old, I call it Grandpa.”

For Vinny, music is an emotional experience that he wants to share it with the audience. Depending on the piece, he wants to see people pick up the beat, get misty or smile and dance.

Jim was born in Wauwatosa, WI, 1944, and started rocking in R&B with a band in 1960 on a Wurlitzer electric piano. “It was portable and loud enough to be heard to keep kids dancing.”

Later with a BA in Fine Arts and a music minor, he started his career as a remodeling general contractor.

Throughout the years of demolition and construction, he never missed a beat in his music. Zendetta is his twentieth band as an organist.

“At Red Door studio, I now have a Hammond B-3,” says Jim with pride. “Same as used by Jimmy Smith on ‘Walk on the Wild Side.’ It’s vintage with vacuum tubes and rotor motor, needs to be oiled, and needs to warm up before I can play.”

Jim doesn’t notice the chips and scars in the sound cabinet or the stains on the cover that imply late nights in a smoky bar. For him, it’s how he can sculpt the sound with warmth and texture, and accent and drive the pulse. For him, comparing the Hammond to a digital organ is like comparing the humanity of a vinyl record to the clipped sound wave of a CD. “Used to be R&B was my passion. Now it’s easier to lose myself in the freedom of jazz. Zendetta is freedom to be different as a group and as an individual. Vinny, for example, is a reincarnated beatnik who brings a natural coolness to his music. Marco likes to push us to stretch harmonically. We each feel jazz differently, but trusting each other, it comes together.”

Vinny says “Marco gives us solid beat to play with and also takes us off in exciting directions. Now and then, his fondness for Greek music comes through.

Jim gets into the math of music, loves the R&B groove, adds hip-hop flavor and has a magic touch in bass and chording.”

Marco observes, “Vinny is so versatile...such a good ear. He listens well and can anticipate where Jim and I are going musically. Transitions are really smooth. Jim is the creamy filling in our musical cookie; the soul of our organic, analog sound.”

“Zendetta is an improvisation,” says Jim. Marco adds, “We’re always discussing new ways to connect with people, at TFAC, in Asheville, the Tryon Bottle, wherever we get a gig. Our music is constantly evolving.” Vinny concludes, “I’ve recorded numerous pieces, but just when we think we’ve got a CD play list, we do something better.”

The Zendetta conversations continue and the CD will be coming.

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“Whatever the difference in our backgrounds,” says Jim at right, “We find the same creative pleasure in making and hearing the new and unexpected in our music.”

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Miguel “Taco” Santibanez

A Familiar Face of Service at Stott’s Ford Writer & Photographer Mark Levin

M

Miguel Santibanez says he doubts 95% of the people he knows…and he knows everyone…know that’s his real name. They know him as “Taco,” a name he picked up in his earliest days working as a teen at Stott’s Ford. It’s a name he likes and the name he prefers. Right off you can see that Taco has a great attitude and it has opened plenty of doors for him in the community.

Taco was born a couple of counties up I-26 in Fletcher but raised in Polk County. He did all of his schooling here and graduated from Polk County High School in 2006. He and his wife, Esperanza, have two children, Tomas and Lexi. Both of his children attend Tryon Elementary School; the school Taco attended a couple of decades ago.

Today, Taco is known around the community as the service manager at Stott’s Ford in Tryon. He has grown up at Stott’s and it’s there that he learned the value of hard work and how it can pay off.

Taco was 15 years old when Robbie Stott hired him. For three years after school and on Saturday mornings, Taco washed cars for Stott’s. Some might think of this as a thankless job but Taco felt appreciated by the Stott family and was pleased to have a job as a teenager. Just a few months after high school graduation, he was asked to move into the service department writing up car maintenance tickets. He didn’t grow up tinkering with cars and NOVEMBER 2019

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Stott’s Ford President, Robbie Stott gave Taco his first job.

They’re posing in front of a 1940 Ford Business Coupe.

“The greatest asset of a company is its people. No man can be successful unless he first loves his work and that certainly holds true for Miguel. The way he cares of our customers’ needs and how he interacts with all our employees is what makes Miguel so valuable at Stott’s Ford.”

- Robbie Stott, President

he told his boss, Robbie, that he didn’t know anything about the business. Robbie assured Taco that he’d train him. And having a bilingual member working with the public was a valueadded to the arrangement.

Taco was up for the challenge, he learned the ropes, he honed his people skills and he benefited from the guidance of the Stott family. He started endearing himself to the customers and the community. A few years ago, he was given the job of “service manager” and today Taco can be found at the maintenance check-in counter, at the desk in his office, or out in the shop talking with a mechanic in one of the bays. He’s in charge of the entire auto service department that employees around a dozen mechanics. It’s a busy place and keeping customers satisfied and happy is a constant challenge. He’s learned to handle the pressures of the job.

Interacting with people is one of Taco’s

favorite parts of his work. It can also be one of the challenges. He insists that all customers be treated with respect. Some folks are okay with a job taking a little longer than expected and others get a bit miffed. Taco does his best to smooth rustled feathers.

“When someone comes in with a flat and needs help, I’m going to help them because they’re really stuck. So if it means I have to pull someone off another job to take care of a fifteenminute repair for someone, I’m doing it. It’s what I’d want others to do for my family and me. It’s how I treat people and how I’d like to be treated.

And that’s the way I believe in doing business.”

It’s that positive and helpful attitude that has gained Taco respect at Stott’s Ford and in the community.

Taco with a couple of his team members, Aaron Stevens and “Rat” Bradley.

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When I arrived for the interview, a customer named Judy Melton was just getting the update on her needed repairs.

She said, “Taco is fabulous! He’s so helpful to me. I’ve almost always brought my cars here for service and Taco is one of the reasons why.”

Outside of his family, Taco’s big passion in life is soccer. He plays on an adult league and his son plays as well.

In the spring and fall, Taco can be found on Saturday’s at Harmon Field as a recreation soccer coach. Currently he is taking a year or so off to

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help concentrate on his son’s skills.

Taco started playing soccer as a boy and honed his skills playing “Classic” soccer, a higher-level league. He didn’t play in high school, which he says he sometimes regrets because, “I could have gotten even better.” He still enjoys playing over at Harmon Field just for fun and is sometimes amazed at the popularity that soccer in the U.S. has today. Always being mindful of the hard work of others, he is very appreciative of the small grounds crew at Harmon Field who break their backs to keep the park ready for play.

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Aaron Pace with Taco at the service desk

Taco has dabbled some with golf and fishing because most of his friends do one or the other, or both. They’ll invite me to go fishing with them, even deep-sea fishing but I’d just as soon just sit on the bank of a small pond taking it easy. “I’m afraid if I really get excited about fishing then I’ll have to buy a boat and things start getting expensive.”

Miguel “Taco” Santibanez loves this community he grew up in. It’s a great place

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to raise a family. I know everybody from politicians to the police…everyone. If I need help, I know where to go. If someone needs help from me, I’m ready to give it my all. The Stotts have been some my biggest supporters and helped make me who I am.

I love my job here, and it’s obvious the feeling is mutual. Taco has spent half his life working with the Stott family. And there’s no place he’s rather be.

Taco with customer Roger Newman.

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Willard Whitson, KidSenses Executive Director, in front of the old Red Rock Cola Bottling Company building that is becoming “The Factory.”

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A Rutherford County Treasure KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum

I

Writer & Photographer Mark Levin

I didn’t know what to expect when I entered Rutherfordton’s KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum for the first time. As a former teacher I have certainly visited some exceptional museums throughout the country and in Europe. So, I think my preconceived notion would be that this museum would be fitting for a relatively small town and something locals could be proud of.

What I was not expecting was to be blown away.

I was astounded by the entire scope of the current museum, the plans for an amazing addition and totally impressed with the executive director. Rutherfordton’s KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum can hold its own among some of the best museums, anywhere.

It might not be the largest, though its current 11,000 square feet is no small space. Near-future plans include an additional 8,400 square feet to house “The Factory,” an innovative space for tweens through teens.

Then you throw in the adjacent Discovery Garden and Rutherfordton is home to a 27,000 square feet educational hands-on learning campus. It really is as impressive as it sounds.

It was my pleasure to get to sit down with Willard Whitson, the museum’s executive director, to chat about the history of the museum, the scope of the museum and the plans for the future. It’s amazing that a town the size of Rutherfordton could attract a professional of this magnitude. His resume is a “who’s who” in the museum world.

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Willard Whitson’s past professional employment has included long and fruitful stints at Red Mountain Natural History Museum in Birmingham, AL (his hometown), the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences and then additional years in the City of Brotherly Lovey at the Please Touch Museum.

Immediately before coming to KidSenses, Willard was president of the National Children’s Museum in Washington, DC. Each of these are world-class museums. Willard and the KidSenses staff have plans to take their place among them.

Willard could be retired. He is “of a certain age” where he could walk away from the stresses and pressures of full-time work. Having a challenge is something Willard thrives on. The thought of leading KidSenses to the next level was too tempting to pass up.

Willard and his wife, Susan, always thought about finding a quaint small town to settle in.

Rutherfordton was never on the list. Willard was

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thinking some of those typical New England villages that you see pictured in Norman Rockwell illustrations. But Susan wasn’t interested in going anywhere cold and it was serendipitous for both of them that Willard spotted a job listing for an executive director for KidSenses. It was fortuitous as well for the museum and the region.

Now, nearly six years into this gig, Willard and Susan have made Rutherfordton home. When he finally decides it’s time to walk away, here’s where they’ll stay. They’ve already put down roots becoming involved in committees, organizations and happenings around the area. It has been a good fit.

It took the original founders nearly five years to raise the three million dollars to get KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum open in 2004. It was a testament to the hard work of these individuals and their various committees and the generosity of the residents and businesses of Rutherfordton and Rutherford County.

They also knew they wanted a facility that would

Victoria Cooper, 3 years old from Kings Mountain, visits KidSenses for her first time with parents Greta and Bill. Victoria says she’s coming back.

This sign pays homage to the original board members and some of the others who were instrumental in getting KidSenses started.

engage kids of all ages knowing that the initial museum phase would be something that would especially appeal to the younger set from toddlers through about tenyear-olds. It was always on their minds that future plans would find a way to engage youth through their high school years. That phase is in the works now.

The newest creation will be an entirely new facility located just behind KidSenses on Taylor Street in a 90-year-old building that was once home to Red Rock Bottling Company. The building has been vacant for a number of years and with that comes the need for major structural renovations. The fundraising is well underway, but it takes time to raise the over two million dollars needed to build and equip something of this scale.

The new addition will be called “The Factory” and will be the ultimate in “maker space” programming for older youth. It is an exciting concept and will include major spaces devoted to an Idea Zone, Tech Lab, Food Studio and Make It-Place.

When combined with all the interesting and engaging exhibits already established and in constant use at KidSenses, the facility will engage the minds of students of all ages. The facility helps students realize that learning is fun and can be a joyful experience.

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Visits to KidSenses and the future “The Factory” can be a life-changing catalyst as students find new ways to explore their world.

Each year over 30,000 kids make a visit to Rutherfordton to experience KidSenses first hand. Additionally, another 30,000 are reached by the museum’s outreach program that travels to many of the 600 schools and libraries in a multicounty region.

To Willard, the best part of serving as executive director is working with the people – and especially his hard-working and dedicated staff. He says, “They’re like family. Everyone wears many hats.”

KidSenses does have a dozen or so part-time staffers that are absolutely crucial to the success of the program, and there’s always room and need for volunteers including older teens. It’s a great way to pick up life skills while helping the community.

As many of us do, Willard’s biggest stressor is worrying about the money. With any small (or large) non-profit, having the funds to fulfill dreams keeps people up at night 48

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and Willard is no exception. But he is committed to seeing The Factory built and opened and only then will he consider what’s next?

KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum is already a major local destination. It’s considered the number one attraction downtown and visitors often spend money in the other shops and restaurants when visiting the museum.

But Willard feels that when The Factory is completed, the campus will become more of a regional destination with people driving greater distances to visit the facility.

Estimates are that the current number of 30,000 annual on-site visitors could double.

KidSenses is a place where children enjoy coming back to time and time again. Exhibits change, minds mature… and each time there is a new discovery to be made. And when The Factory opens, these same children and thousands more will walk across the street with eyes wide open as they find a whole new world of discovery. Rutherfordton, Rutherford County and the entire region should take pride in this amazing learning facility in our own backyard.

Willard stands in front of one of his paintings that adorns the entrance to the Pet Senses exhibit. He invited local residents to come in and model for this painting and one that stands on the other side of the entrance to the exhibit.

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Gale Bischoff staffs the front desk and wears several other hats at KidSenses. Gale started as a volunteer and is now “on staff.”

Serve up some delicious Mexican food in this bilingual exhibit.

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Business Info: KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum is located at 172 N. Main Street in Rutherfordton, NC. Phone: 828-286-2120. Website: www. kidsenses.org. KidSenses is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the school year. There is an admission fee and memberships are available. The museum is free on the first Friday of each month with extended hours until 8:00 p.m. There’s a gift shop with exactly what your child is looking for. Enjoy your visit.

The Alphabet Trail sends children ages 1-4 on a hike around the room learning about Western North Carolina along the way.

The Creation Station is a place where artists of all ages can create lasting masterpieces using a variety of media.

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Titan’s mother Bailey under saddle with Titan tagging along

Titan’s Titles

By Pebbles

I’ve heard it said that good breeding is everything. How a creature prances around, with head held high and finely shaped ankles, is a good indicator in both the equine and human world. Take me for example, I move like a royal about my confines here at the Major’s farm. My entourage of donkeys are always in tow, respectfully behind me as we make our way through the fields.

My mistress Heather knows a few people who have titles attached to their names. They descended from noble families with pedigrees stretching across the ocean to France and England. These gentry sport family crests linking them to ancient lineages descending from kings and queens. Ah to have a title surely is a novel thing. Wondering if one can be secured for me in the future?

Within HERD, the rescue I run as spokespony, we have saved many horses that have registration papers flaunting their pedigree. However, there is only one who can claim to possess three titles in our Carolina Foothills community.

That special horse is young master Titan.

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Titan arrived to us over two years ago as a surprise gift.

He was born on Elaine and Larry Jankins’ farm on a lovely spring morning. His mother, who is now known in our circles as Bailey, had not appeared to be pregnant when we had saved her life. She had such a regal quality and lovely buckskin blonde coloring, with a dark mane and tail. We knew we had to save her. Bailey has one of those movie star glamorous chiseled faces. She possesses lovely big eyes and fine ankles too. She trots around her pasture with ease, a Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco in equine clothing.

HERD member Elaine Jankins is one determined woman. She wanted to find out who this Bailey really was and how had she landed in a kill pen. A sample of mane was pulled and sent to University of California. They would run her DNA against other quarter horses and see if there was a match. The good news is there was an exact match and Bailey had in fact been a registered horse that got separated from her nobility papers somewhere along the way. Elaine was able to contact her breeder and learn more about this

lovely horse. Bailey is gentle and broke to ride, which we knew firsthand already. What we did not know was she had produced several nice quality foals and the breeder still had the stallion, Brite Anasazi Star, she was last bred to at her farm. He is a magnificent double registered stallion who has Foundation Quarter Horse heritage. He is also a big buckskin with impeccable conformation and temperament.

The breeder had sold registered Bailey Sonny Dee in foal with Titan and included her papers. The person who bought her had taken her to an auction, and the next buyer took her to yet another auction. Somewhere along the way, by the last auction, she was in a kill pen in Texas and no papers were included. She was simply a thin mare with four auction tags, all different numbers from her terrible encounters, glued tightly on various parts of her body.

A wonderfully kind friend of Heather’s provided the funds to purchase this down- trodden mare, who had lost all the light in her eyes as hope had drained away along with her healthy weight. She was now skin and bones. It was Christmas time, and the poor aristocrat was standing in the mud at a Texas lot awaiting her death ride to Mexico.

The good news is Bailey was paid for promptly, picked up by a hauler quickly and brought into HERD. It was in our rescue we learned she would foal

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in a few months. Titan arrived as pure perfection. A spitting image we would later learn of his biological father.

The first step in securing Titan’s first proper title was getting his mother’s papers reinstated through the breeder. She was double registered as an American Quarter Horse and with the International Buckskin Horse Association.

Once that was finalized, Elaine could apply for registration for Titan with the American Quarter Horse Association. By also having his dam and sire information, sporting great conformation from this match, she could also register Titan with the International Buckskin Association. The final step was the third set of registration papers from the Foundation Quarter Horse Association. Titan’s official, royal name is Brite Sonny Titan.

Titan will not be passing along his impressive gene pool as one of the rules of HERD adoption is the horses must not be bred. Why you may ask with all his amazing heritage and great looks?

Because there is so much over breeding of quarter horses in America that they are the number one breed shipped to slaughter in both Canada and Mexico.

That’s right you read this correctly, more breeders disperse their young quarter horse mare and foals to slaughter than any other breed. Some even breed this gentle horse to go to slaughter in large numbers. HERD hopes to educate horse lovers of this very sad fact.

Pregnant quarter horse mares with foals at their side, age six months or over go to slaughter daily.

On a happier note, Bailey basks in her life as the prize horse of a lovely young girl in our Foothills community. She has blossomed so in this loving home. Her son Titan grows more beautiful every day. He has his own protective security detail, two big geldings Elaine also saved from slaughter, River and Duke.

They follow him around like shadows, recognizing his noble ways.

Titan has such dignity. One day, we hope he will be a showring symbol of what can be found by taking a gamble on a rescue horse. Titan is a stellar example of how imperiled an equine can become when separated from its documented lineage. Hail to our entitled Titan, may his princely reign be long and wonderful.

Tital with his security horse guart River

ROYAL CAVIAR PIE Serves 6

Ingredients • 6 hard cooked eggs, chopped • 3 Tbs mayonnaise • 1 1/2 cups red onion, minced • 8 oz cream cheese • 4 oz Romanoff Imported Iceland Lumpfish Caviar • Lemon for garnish • Parsley for garnish • Water crackers or toast points

Directions Combine cooked chopped eggs with mayonnaise.

Spread over bottom of well- greased 8” springform pan. Sprinkle with minced onion. Soften cream cheese and blend with sour cream until smooth in a mixing bowl. Spread this mixture over onion with wet spatula being careful not to mix into the onion and eggs below. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and chill for 3 hours or overnight. Before serving carefully place the caviar in a small strainer, rinse it under softly running cool water. Next drain it well, and gently pat the caviar in the strainer with a paper towel on the top and the underside to remove any residual moisture. This step

is important. It rinses salt off the caviar and prevents the color from running into the other layers. Be gentle and take your time.

Spread the caviar over the pan to the edge.

When you are ready to unmold the pie, have a plate at hand that is at least 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the springform pan. After placing a bit of oil or cooking spray on the blade of a small knife so that it will glide, gently run the knife around the pan sides to loosen the pie. You may need to do this in several steps, cleaning the knife a couple of times. Then, holding your hand on the bottom of the pan, gently release the spring on the side so the ring around the pan enlarges and comes off.

Put the bottom of the pan (on which the pie is sitting) on the large plate and garnish to hide the springform bottom on which the pie sits. I use a combination of parsley and the pie, surrounded by cut lemon slices for eye appeal. Serve with lightly toasted slices of bread cut into small squares or crackers.

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5

Five Question For

John Cash

Writer & Photographer Macy Cochran As owner of Nature’s Storehouse in Tryon, NC, John Cash seeks daily to make his customers feel loved and valued.

A native of Spartanburg, SC, the Foothills brings him a sense of home and peace.

Having studied engineering for the duration of his college career and later working in consulting, owning the shop in Tryon is his favorite place a to be. The opportunity was very unexpected, as Cash described. God handed it to him on the night he needed it most.

Twenty years later, Cash is still sharing his love for God’s creation through Nature’s Storehouse to each customer who walks in, but never on Sunday.

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What’s your favorite part about living in the Foothills?

My favorite part about living in the Foothills is the generous, loving people. I was born and raised in Spartanburg, attended college at SCC and chose to stay here.

I stayed because I didn’t want to separate from my family. It was divine intervention—God wanted me to stay. This is my mission field, right here at home, so I was placed here for a reason.

signature series

Why did you choose to take on Nature’s Storehouse?

Before I bought this store, I traveled two-hundred days out of the year. That much traveling took away everything that meant anything to me. It was overwhelming, but while I was missing my wife back home and growing tired of my career, I knew that my Heavenly Father had blessed me with a wonderful job.

One night, on my flight back home from Phoenix, I prayed for hours through the night asking God if quitting my job was the right choice. He told me yes. I explained to my wife the situation because she had also been longing for a change, then I quit my exhausting job. That evening, I received a phone call from a friend telling me that Nature’s Storehouse was for sale.

After a week of prayer, God allowed me to buy the store, and on September 1st of this year, we celebrated twenty years of ownership.

What’s your favorite part about running this store?

The customers. Meeting new people. Making friends. Our key here at Nature’s Storehouse is educating our customers and answering any questions they have. I was told once that if you talk to someone long enough, you’ll relate to them on some level, whether that’s spiritual or emotional and that’s what I do here.

What activities do you like to do here in the Foothills?

The Foothills have amazing weather, so I’m on my bike twelve months out of the year. I hike and run with my wife, Diane. I do anything that involves the outdoors. I enjoy biking to help support fundraisers and raise awareness, and I’ve even biked in Europe for hundreds of miles. I’ve been an athlete since I was a teenager. It’s who I am, after I’m a Christian, husband, and father first.

What makes the Foothills home to you?

The fact that I grew up here. My friends and family make this place home. I think it’s a high, high privilege to stay where you grew up. Just the other day, I hung out with a friend from my childhood and people I even went to elementary school are regulars in my store.

I plan on staying here, because why would anyone want to leave? My next move is Heaven. I enjoy and embrace everything that attracts me here. This area is simple, clean living, and a safe environment, and I just feed off the people.

We have something unique here.

Mozart is Still Alive!

Friday, November 1 . 7:30 pm tickets*: $35 Standard, $40 Premium “The music – not the words – are what make you laugh.

It’s irresistible!” – sulphur daily news season sponsor

event sponsor

34 Melrose Ave, Tryon 828-859-8322 tryonarts.org *PLUS NC TAXES AND FEES NOVEMBER 2019

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Quick Bites

North Carolina Sweet Potatoes

By Jimmi Buell Do you know what our official state vegetable is?

It’s the sweet potato. NC is the #1 producer of sweet potatoes in the US. Today more than 40% of the national supply of sweet potatoes comes from North Carolina. Commonly thought of as a winter comfort food, sweet potatoes are actually available year-round.

They’re not just for Thanksgiving’s sweet potato pie anymore. Sweet potatoes are high in vitamins A, C, Manganese, antioxidants, fiber and low in fat paired with a low glycemic index.

These large, starchy, sweet-tasting tuberous roots can be prepared in a variety of ways. Sweet potatoes are now found in frozen and microwave products and even sweet potato chips, which are not the healthier option.

Even the young leaves and shoots are sometimes eaten as greens.

There are hundreds of types of sweet potatoes ranging from white and mild to deep red and super sweet. We’re familiar with varieties such as the Evangeline, Bayou Belle, Beauregard, Bonita, Covington, NC05-198 and Orleans just to name a few. The Covington variety of sweet potato has rose colored skin and super-sweet 58

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orange flesh. It’s a favorite for mashing or roasting. Eat it whole with your favorite toppings or cut into wedges and bake as a side dish.

As one of the top ten most nutritious vegetables, the sweet potato should rank high on your grocery list. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, sweet potatoes are the top ranking nutritional all-star. Rich in Vitamin A, C, B6, antioxidants like the beta-carotene, anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar regulation properties, the sweet potato can be a go-to vegetable for those striving for a top-10 healthy meal.

While the names are sometimes used interchangeably, yams and sweet potatoes are two totally different plants.

Botanically, yams and sweet potatoes are not very close relatives. The yam is more closely related to lilies than the sweet potato, and the sweet potato is more closely related to morning glories than potatoes. The USDA has tried to regulate use of the name. Any use of the word ‘yam’ to describe sweet potatoes must be accompanied by the name ‘sweet potato.’”

Many yams contain more sugar than sweet potatoes,

Sweet Potato Hash: but they must be prepared properly before they are safe to eat. Yams contain chemicals including oxalates that can have adverse health effects if eaten raw. Typically, yams go through cycles of boiling, pounding, and otherwise leeching out these harmful compounds before they are eaten.

While sweet potatoes can typically be found year round in the grocery store, November and December are when they are in season. They are a very versatile vegetable and can be prepared in a variety of ways as an ingredient or as a stand-alone side dish. Sweet potatoes can be grilled, baked, steamed, roasted or puréed.

Healthy recipes for sweet potatoes are readily available on the internet. One such recipe is...

Ingredients ¼ cup vegetable oil 2 cups frozen or fresh chopped bell peppers and onions 2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes,), peeled and cut into small cubes 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or less depending on your taste)

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Sauté bell peppers and onions until tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Add remaining ingredients and reduce heat to medium.

4. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently. Sweet potatoes may begin to stick to the skillet, but continue to stir gently until they are cooked through. Serve and enjoy!

Cooking time: 40 minutes Makes 6 servings NOVEMBER 2019

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Restaurant Spotlight

North Carolina Black Grouper

with blueberry agrodolce sauce Served with sautéed asparagus, green beans, wild mushrooms and roasted garlic

Ingredients 4 (8-ounce) fillet North Carolina

black grouper Sea Salt 2 cups BurntShirt’s Grüner Veltiliner

(Dry White Wine) 2 tbs white wine vinegar 1 spring fresh thyme 1 cinnamon stick 2 cups blueberries 2 tbs unsalted butter 1 tbs honey black pepper

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Directions 1. Pull out any pin bones from the Black Grouper. Season fish generously with salt and let rest at room temperature while you prepare the sauce.

2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, simmer together wine, vinegar, thyme, cinnamon and a pinch of salt until most of the liquid has evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes. Toss in blueberries and honey; cook until berries soften, 2 to 4 minutes. Turn off heat and while moving the pan in small circles add butter. Keep moving pan till butter has incorporated into sauce.

3. In hot non-stick pan sear Grouper flesh side down first. Turn over to skin side and sear as well. Place in 400-degree oven for 8-10 minutes.

4. Place Grouper on plate top with the sauce. Serve with sautéed asparagus, green beans, wild mushrooms and roasted garlic.

About the Chef Burntshirt’s Executive Chef and General Manager of the Chimney Rock Tasting Room and Bistro, Donald Meints has made WNC his home for nearly eight years. After graduating from the nationally accredited California Culinary Arts School in San Francisco, he moved to Italy for an extended-learning program where he trained in several acclaimed restaurants. “We aim to exceed our guest’s expectations with our award-winning wines, amazing food, and friendly service.. Whether you’re just enjoying the view with a glass of wine or letting us host your rehearsal dinner or wedding, we want your experience to be one that will make us and Chimney Rock your frequent destination.”

Donald Meints

Agrodolce is a traditional sweet and sour sauce in Italian cuisine. It’s made by reducing sour and sweet elements, traditionally vinegar and sugar. Sometimes, additional flavorings are added, such as wine, fruit, or even chocolate.

Located on the Western edge of Lake Lure with fantastic views of the picturesque Chimney Rock State Park and Hickory Nut Gap Falls, our Tasting Room & Bistro is a must-see addition to Chimney Rock Village.

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Marketplace Life in our Foothills Magazine • 828.859.9151

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.

Blue Ridge Log Cabins is now accepting applications for all phases of construction. Please Apply in person at 625 East Frontage Road Campobello, SC 29322 •Builders’ Hardware •Postal Specialties. Visit us at: www.bommer.com.

Bommer Industries, 19810 Asheville Hwy, Landrum, SC, or online: www. bommer.com Housekeeper/House Manager: Live-In Experienced Housekeeper/ House Manager needed for family home in Landrum, SC. Duties include daily housekeeping, home management, preparing meals for homeowners/guests. On-site living accommodations provided. •Must be authorized to work in U.S. •Bilingual-English/ Spanish a plus •Valid Drivers License •Salary DOE ($40,000-$60,000) Email: housemanagersc@gmail.com Caregiver Seeking Employment •Retired Nurse •Private Caregiver with 9yrs exp. •Hospital/Hospice exp.

References in Tryon area •Drug free,reliable,honest, and dependable •A.M care,prepare meals, transportation to appointments, shopping,etc Call Wanda: 843-615-7373 - Cell NOW HIRING Experienced Inhouse Carpenters •Pay based on experience Carolina Gutter Helmet & Roofing 21 yr Multi-Million Local Family Owned Home Improvement Company Call/ Text Robie 864-303-5955 3.72 Acres Beautiful Hunting Countryon Golden Road Area cleared for pad & driveway in, additional option for driveway off Laurel Heights. Very desirable, peaceful area lots of wildlife, visiting deer. Asking $64,900 For-saleby-owner 828-980-4403 David’s Roofing and Remodeling.

We have shingles, metal, and rubberroofing! Painting also!call David at 828-713-4154 DIXON AC & HEATING • Your HVAC Service & Repair Expert • Serving the Tryon area for 30+ years. Call (828)863-0555

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Prime office/retail rental, great location, newly renovated, convenient parking. 1100sq.ft. 255 N Trade St, Tryon. Call for pricing 908-654-4380 or 828-859-3101.

Home and office cleaning tailored to suit your needs! Move-in/move-out cleaning. 828-989-9909. Call for free estimate.

EcoClean Property Maintenance Management • Pressure Washing (Homes, Driveways, Decks, etc.) • Gutter Cleaning • Lawn Mowing • Leaf Removal • Property clean-up Call 828-483-6561 or 828-989-9909 Hiring Carpenter •Must have experience installing windows, doors and siding. Must have experience using metal brake. •Must have reliable transportation. Send resume to: cwest@ecoviewwindows.com Office is located in Fletcher, NC $20.00+ per hour (828)483-6561 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 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 Foothills Amish Furniture POSITION AVAILABLE Warehouse & Delivery Assistant, Full-time position.

Must have clean driving record. Call Greta: 864-457-2400 Gary W. Corn CHHPS Realtor/ Broker 828-817-2580 garywcorn@ gmail.com First Real Estate, Inc 2512 Lynn Road Tryon, NC 28782 www.

TryonRealEstate.com GOOD BY STUMPS Stump Removal Fully Insured Free Quotes! Call Ron at 828-447-8775 Now Accepting Applications for Several Positions • Class A CDL Drivers • Heavy Equipment Operators • Landscape Supply Yard Associates www.hensonsinc.net Click on Employment Opportunities 828-859-5836 Hospice of the Carolina Foothills is seeking an RN Case Manager Full-Time Salaried position with benefits. For more information, or to apply,please see our ad on Indeed.com

or visit our website at www.hocf.org Charming Apartment in Tryon Nicely furnished and utilities included.

Long-term lease with application, security deposit, & background check required. Owner broker. Call or text: 828-817-0755 406 E. Mills St.$139,000 Iconic commercial building for sale just off downtown Columbus. Has had many businesses over 50yrs. Call/Text 828-222-8161 KIRBY’S PAINTING •Pressure Washing•Seal Coating •Gutter Cleaning •Small Carpentry •Sheetrock Repair 25 yrs Experience Interior & Exterior Fully Licensed & Insured Residential or Commercial Free Estimates Call: 864-310-3548 andykirby1220@ gmail.com 14.25 Acres in Tryon/Green Creek •Cozy/very build-able property •8 acres; established pasture, w/ woods,small spring-fed creek •Near TIEC Location is minutes from I-26 and Hwy-74 $254,000 Contact:386-717-2485 Private House Cleaning. Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly or 1 Time. 15 yrs exp. References upon request. Free In-home Estimates! Marjorie 828817-6350 FOR RENT Premium 1BR-Apartment Fully furnished, all utilities included, Located in Harmon Field area of Tryon Enjoy spectacular views and serene setting $775/monthly Inquire at: 828-817-9748 Mitch Contracting Serving your demolition needs since 1918. We offer roll-off waste containers for home and commercial use. Call 828-252-0694 or visit us at www.mitchcontracting.com.

Seeking Outstanding Part-time Caregiver This position provides services for a high-functioning adult male who needs I/DD support in Columbus/Tryon area. Will provide Supported Employment, Community Networking, and Respite Services.

M-W-F, 7:15am-2:00pm. Pay is $9.00-$14.10/hour, depending on the service provided. Must have: High school Diploma/GED/Equivalent, Valid Driver’s License, current vehicle insurance & clean driving record.

Some experience in I/DD preferred.

Send resume: dmaney@macs-inc.org Call 828-676-2135 x408 for more information

Join our growing team! FT/PT opportunities in Weekday/Weekend positions available. Apply in person: 85 Pinecrest Ln, Tryon or email resume to jobs19@pinecrestinn.com POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS Bus Driver Training July 9th-11th, 2019 8:30am-2:30pm Polk County Middle School Positions Available Up to $14/ hour plus local supplements GREAT SCHOOL DISTRICT Call: 828-8941001 POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS •FullTime Custodian/Bus Driver Tryon Elementary School •Afterschool Group Leaders/All Schools-$10.00/hour •Bus Drivers-$13.74/hour-$14/hour •Substitute Bus Monitors-$11/hour •Food Service Aide Substitute $8.28/hour Visit: www.polkschools.org/employment Call: 828-894-1001 Price Services Heating & Air Lead Installer •Ability to lead crew to ensure quality installation for each customer. •Starting pay $20+/hour •Experience Preferred •Pay Increase D.O.E. •Health Benefits Provided Apply in Person: 2374 Chesnee Road, Columbus. Apply online: priceservicesheatingandair.com Rojas Maintenance & Gardening •Fall Clean-up •Leaf Blowing •Tree Trimming •Landscaping •Mulch Services FREE ESTIMATES!!! Horacio Rojas 864-518-6793 $10 Off Fall Preventative Maintenance (Reg $75) Rutherford Heating and Air 828-287-2240 7-K Garbage Service Monthly • Weekly One Time Service We Pick It Up! 828-894-9948 hyatt2658@ yahoo.com Owner - Suzette Hyatt Friends of Red Fox Community, LLC Join The Cause at: www.friendsofredfox.com Keep the Tradition!

Steps to HOPE: HELP WANTED: Part-time Thrift Store Warehouse Assistant. Must be able to lift 50+ lbs and work some Saturdays. 20-28 daytime hours per week. Valid driver’s license required. Please send resume to: Steps to HOPE, PO Box 518, Columbus, NC 28722 or apply in person at Second Chance Thrift Store, 232 East Mills Street, Columbus.

SYNERGY IN ACTION FULL-TIME & PART-TIME positions available in group homes. Requirements: •Age 18+ •Valid driver’s license •High school diploma/GED •Willingness to provide support for adults with dis-

abilities: cooking, cleaning, attending appointments, shopping, etc. Night & weekend shifts available. Competitive pay. Call 828-859-0259 for information. Apply in person: 20 Jervey Rd Suite 102, Tryon NC Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm.

RUTHERFORDTON AREA Beautiful, Quality-Built home on 3.13 Acres at end of cul-de-sac, 4BR/4.5BA plus Bonus Room! $550,000 MLS#3248342 Call Pat Jackson The Real Estate Place 828-429-6695 Looking to rent? Give us a call: Thousand Pines 828-817-3691 Commercial Units for Lease 799 W Mills Street, Columbus. Currently 700 and 2000 sq.ft.- can be combined or subdivided. Close to I-26. Owner will renovate to suit. 828-817-3314 TRADEMARK BUILDING SUPPLY. 343 E Mills St. Columbus, NC 28722.

828-229-3160. From DeWalt Tools to Exterior Products, call or visit Trademark for all of your remodeling and building needs.

Triple L Mechanic Services LLC is a locally owned and operated mobile mechanic. Specializing in diesel trucks, tractors, fleet equipment like trailers and forklifts also farm equipment and can handle light duty repairs on cars and trucks. Call 352-206-2181 Quiet Mind Meditation & Qigong Classes. Wednesday evenings in Tryon - $5. 828-273-4342 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.

Yellow House Landrum 508 E.Rutherford St•Landrum Sleeps 5-9 in 4 Bedrooms Is your family coming to town for the holidays and there is not enough room? If so take advantage of our Thanksgiving & Christmas special! Book 4 nights & get 5th night FREE!!! Call: 828-426-3638 www. yellowhouselandrum.com

Submitted by David Savkovic

Parting Glance

“Morris in a cup” NOVEMBER 2019

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Parting Glance

On Saturday, October 19, the Gran Fondo Hincapie made its way through Tryon.

This annual event attracted over 2,220 riders with ages ranging from 8 to 97.

Gran Fondo Hincapie 64

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Tryon, NC

Photos by Jullia Zeleskey

OCTOBER 2019

65

Advertiser Index A Growing Concern

67

New View Realty

7

A Taste of Olives & Grapes

19

Odean Keever & Associates Real Estate

49

Azalea Bistro

37

Parkside Dental

39

Berkshire Hathaway - Jamie Jo Noble

27

Parsec Financial

67

Beverly Hanks Real Estate – Saluda

21

Penny Insurance

25

Brunson’s Furniture

49

Polk County Transportation

35

Carolina Storage Solutions

53

Price Heating & Air

25

Carruths Furniture

33

Red Bell Run

29

Cason Builders

39

ServiceMaster of Polk County

31

Claussen Walters

17

SG Power & Equipment

47

Congregational Church of Tryon

21

Southside Smokehouse

Dr. Jonathan Lowry, DDS

45

St Luke’s Hospital

Hensons Building Supply

31

Strauss Attorneys

23

Hospice Carolina Foothills

2

The Book Shelf

66

JB Trees

33

Tryon Builders

35

Keystone Self Storage

27

Tryon Country Club

51

Lake Pointe Landing

3

Tryon Fine Arts Center

57

5 Back page

LaurelHurst/ Laurel Woods

51

Tryon Garden Club

5

McFarlands Funeral Home

47

Wells Fargo Advisors

41

Giving Back is Central to Parsec Financial Since 2005, Parsec has donated more than $1.3 million to 72 non-profit organizations across North Carolina through the Parsec Prize. ‘Tis the season of giving.

But for Parsec that’s year-round.

Photo: Conserving Carolina, a 2019 $15,000 Parsec Prize recipient

PARSECFINANCIAL.COM/PARSEC-PRIZE

CHOOSE TO USE ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL

Staying local could be the best decision you ever made! Choose the St. Luke’s Hospital healthcare network for a variety of services including primary care, orthopedics and rehabilitation, pain management, chemo and infusion, geriatric psychiatry, radiology and emergencies.

My

LOCALLY OWNED AND NATIONALLY CONNECTED FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL PATIENT EXPERIENCE

hospital for exceptional care, close to home.

Emergency Services 24/7 Emergency Department 828.894.3311 St. Luke’s Hospital Exceptional Care, Close to Home 828.894.3311 Center of Behavioral Medicine Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry 828.894.0581 Senior Life Solutions Outpatient Counseling Services 828.894.9890 Rosenberg Bone and Joint World-class Orthopedics 828.894.3718 Steps to Home Inpatient Short-term Rehab 828.894.0978

St. Luke’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center World-class Rehab Services 828.894.8419 Radiology Department A Variety of Services Including Mammography, Bone Density and Echocardiography 828.894.0990 Foothills Medical Associates Primary Care Providers in Columbus, NC 828.894.5627

St. Luke’s Hospital Infusion Center Chemo and Infusion Services 828.894.0111 St. Luke’s Surgical Associates Dr. Gerhardt Winkel 828.894.3300 Community Alternatives Program (CAP) Home Assistance for the Disabled or Elderly 828.894.0564

Saluda Family Medicine Primary Care Providers in Saluda, NC 828.749.0149 St. Luke’s Hospital Pain Center Pain Management 828.894.0978

101 Hospital Drive Columbus, NC 28722 SaintLukesHospital.com