From the Publishers
The most significant sign of Fall is here.
First downs, sidelines, end zones and sacked quarterbacks. Football! The quest for the perfect spiral, catch and end zone dance. All over Highlands and Cashiers on Saturdays and Sundays, fans (Men and Women) of Fall and football are celebrating.

The quandary of this most exciting time of year? There is so much to do other than watch the game.

The Highlands Chapter of the Cashiers
Human Society is holding a dog show, Paws in the Park, on October 12, details on page 48.

The Sapphire Valley Master Association will hold their Art and Craft Festival on Oct. 19-20, details on page 22.

The Highlands Literacy Council's fund-raiser, Fiesta Grande, will be held Sunday, Oct. 20, details on page 42.

We take you on a trip to Dry Falls, Marty Jones has fishing tips, we give you a taste of Wild Thyme in Cashiers and a recipe for Apple Cider.

Our cover artist is Georgianna Ralston, a Highlands photographer and our feature artist is
blacksmith Kelly Penn from Cashiers.

Our tenth issue of the Laurel has been an adventure, we hope you find it one also.

 

Thank you,
Janet & Marjorie

 

 

Our Cover Artist:Georgianna Ralston

Georgianna Ralston became a full time resident of Highlands after retiring from a thirty three year career with Delta Air Lines.
Prior to her career as a flight attendant, Georgianna received a degree in nursing at Ball Memorial Hospital, Ball Stated University, Muncie, Indiana. She studied photography at Columbia College in Chicago and the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.


After retiring from Delta and moving to the mountains three years ago, her interest in photography was renewed. The challenge to capture the beauty of the area and the
changing seasons became compelling.
In the recent years Georgianna has devoted her photography and time to fund-raisers and charity in the community. She is active in the Art League of Highlands and the Bascom Louise Gallery where her work has been accepted in juried shows.


A recent series of wildflowers of the
Highlands Plateau may be viewed at Highlands Wine Bar and Tasting Room. The images on display are the small treasures of Highlands and may be found growing seasonally at the Botanical Garden. Her photography may also be seen at the Performing Arts Center in Highlands and Olde Mountain Studio in Cashiers.


In addition to color photography, Georgianna enjoys hand tinting black and white photographs, quilting, paper making and traveling with her husband Jack.

 

"Her Anvil"

When you think of a blacksmith,
naturally a "man" comes to mind. But, that isn't the case with the local blacksmith in Glenville.
What started as a hobby for Kelly Penn has turned into a full time profession. Roughly five years ago, Kelly had the opportunity to study with David Brewin, a blacksmith in Tuckaseigee. Becoming more involved and discovering she really enjoyed the work, she took a course at the John C. Campbell Folk Art School in Brasstown, NC. Then she was ready to go out on her own.


At first she bought equipment and rented the space of her present location in 1999. A year later she decided to purchase the blacksmith shop.
Kelly, originally from South Florida, has lived in the area full time for 13 years and also attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.
She says "I guess the thing I like best about it, is it taxes both sides of your brain. You get to be creative, but it's also very
mathematical."


Kelly stays busy, too, either with minor repairs, or making items of her own design which she sells. Everything from small pieces of decorative and or useful art, or larger custom items such as fireplace screens and pot racks. She says fireplace screens are definitely what she makes the most of, and most of her
business comes from word of mouth. Her customers are pleased with the quality and price of her work, and don't hesitate to pass her name on to their friends.
If you would like more information about Kelly and "Her Anvil," you may contact her by calling 743-9692, or you may visit her shop in Glenville, NC on Hwy. 107, just past Glenville Country Store.



 

 

Cashiers Mortgage Services available seven days a week

Joe Pearson has an inside track on the big bank philosophy. That's because he used to work for one. With a banking career that has spanned nearly 25 years, he has seen many changes in the banking world, and those years have left him with one lasting impression- personal, friendly customer service is the key to any successful banking relationship.
At Cashiers Mortgage Services, their primary objective is to provide a quality service and meet their customers' needs in a professional atmosphere. Being a small office, they have the luxury of one-on-one attention with their clients, as opposed to the stuffy waiting rooms and being a number.
Cashiers Mortgage Services provides first-time mortgage request assistance, land-equity lines, full-service mortgage, and both commercial and residential mortgage lending. With business hours being seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., there is also the benefit of quicker response times from lenders.
When First Union National Bank transferred Joe to Highlands nearly 10 years ago from Kannapolis, NC, it was quite a transition. But it grew on him and today he is making his home in Norton with wife Vickie, and two stepchildren, Eric and Ashley.
Joe's friendly personality and willingness to help accommodate his professional manner well. He will work hard to ensure that your mortgage concerns and requests are treated as if they were his own. His office is located at 171 Highway 107 North, Suite D. You can also reach him at 828-743-0075.

 

 

Koenig Homebuilders continue family tradition

Do one thing and do it right. After 20 years of business, Koenig Homebuilders has certainly that old adage down pat. Building on a foundation of integrity, John and Zac Koenig aim to continue in the family tradition of providing their customers with quality conventional and timber-framed homebuilding services.
Third-generation timber-framer John Koenig has worked in the building industry since the young age of 12. He has traveled the US as a journeyman carpenter, settling into the Appalachians in 1978. One of three Master Builders in the state, Koenig attends over 90 hours of continuing education each year through trade shows, seminars, builders symposiums and conferences.
Son Zac chose to continue the family's homebuilding legacy. A graduate of Georgia Tech, he worked with his father through Tech's co-op program, and has worked virtually every position in the company as well. He currently serves as project manager, and will one day run the company with the same dedication as his father.
Koenig Homebuilders is one of the premier timber frame specialists in the state, focusing on residential building. The unique style of a Koenig home is a perfect match for the splendor of Highlands mountain backdrop. Those considering a home designed "outside the box" often consider a Koenig home. Koenig also builds conventionally framed homes as well. And rising in popularity is the "hybrid" home, in that the main areas of home entertaining feature timber framing, while other areas like utility rooms, closets and bathrooms are framed using conventional means.
Building an average of eight homes a year and with over 90 turn-key projects constructed in the area since 1978, Koenig's reputation for quality and precision craftsmanship is well-established. This is also evident in the fact that all Koenig Homebuilders employees understand and uphold the company's commitment to a quality building. Their slogan, building on a foundation of integrity, is a way of life.
For more information on how you can experience the Koenig difference in the building of your home, call 526-4953 or stop by for a visit. Koenig's craftsman-style office is located on Hwy. 106 at the gateway to Highlands.

 

 

"Paint your own pottery" at Pen-Wheel Studios

Everybody loves a hand made gift. From the masterpieces that children make that are catapulted to refrigerator door stardom, to hand-stitched quilts, a work done by hand is one from the heart. Pen-Wheel Studios opens the door to another avenue of heartfelt giving by offering visitors to personalize their own pottery.
Shelly Magee has always been into arts and crafts. So when Pen-Wheel Studios came available for purchase, acquiring it seemed like the natural thing to do. In just a few short years since its opening, this "paint-your-own-pottery" place has gained popularity as a unique and fun way to personalize gifts and accessories for all ages.
The premise behind this is simple. You come in and choose a piece of pottery to paint. Then, you select the colors you wish to paint on it - as many as you'd like - and get started designing. When you're finished, Shelly will glaze and fire the piece for you. The prices on pieces vary and include everything but tax and shipping (should you need it sent somewhere). Prices range from $5 to $150.
Shelly is originally from Hilton Head Island. She has a B. S. degree in Business and an Associate Degree in the Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University. Having vacationed in Highlands for many years, Shelly says the opportunity to live here was a quickly-received one. She's been here seven months now and is loving every minute. Labradors Hershey and Hunter have also enjoyed their new surroundings.
Pen-Wheel Studios offers a unique twist to birthday parties and family gatherings. To find out how to organize your next occasion at the studio, or for other information, call 526-8532, or simply drop in at 488 Main Street, Suite 4.

 

 

Friendly and personal service at the Dry Sink

The Dry Sink has been Highlands premier source for quality gifts for 30 years. Visitors from all over return year after year for distinctive gifts and professional, yet friendly and personal service that has made the store an icon of Highlands shopping.
In 1972, the Parishes began The Dry Sink "on the hill," near Old Edwards Inn. As it grew, it changed hands and locations, owned by the Hoveys and making its home in Village Square in 1976. Its name was also changed into "Elevation 4118." Again in 1980, the store saw change, this time going back to the name "The Dry Sink," and moved to its Main Street location, where it has remained to present day.
Since 1994, Alan and Kristina Mayer have been the proud owners of The Dry Sink. Their lives changed dramatically as they moved from Atlanta to be full-time residents of Highlands, began running the store in June of '94, and welcomed their first son, Christopher, in August.
The store has witnessed much change since the Mayers took ownership, being remodeled and expanded three times. The most recent addition has been a larger kitchen and cookware area. A website is also in the works to allow for 24-hour shopping and store information.
The Dry Sink offers a wide variety of merchandise including kitchen cookware, tabletop items, gadgets, small appliances, an incredible candle selection, glassware, frames and children's gifts. The Dry Sink is also Highlands exclusive Hallmark dealer, providing quality Hallmark cards and gift wraps, partyware and seasonal items. To make things easier, The Dry Sink also offers full-service packing and shipping, using UPS shipping service.
Alan and Kristina invite you to enjoy the pleasure of shopping The Dry Sink. Their friendly staff, manager Susan Jones, Rosemary Seacott, Shirley Wilson, Jennifer Hughes, Sabrina Gordon and James Hughes also welcome you to come on in and discover some of the best shopping Highlands has to offer.
Located between Paoletti's and the Main Street Pharmacy, The Dry Sink is open Monday through Saturday from 10-5, and on select Sundays throughout the season. For more information, call 526-5226.

 

 

 

Autumn's leaves of color

There are a zillion old wives' tales that circulate about how to predict the weather. Like counting the fogs in August to see how many snows we'll get in winter, or watching for wooly worms more black than brown to predict how cold it will get. The onset of fall is no different. We speculate the dryness of the summer and the lack or abundance of rain. Every year about this time, we're all wondering the same thing: How much color will we see this year? A co-worker has recently presented me with a new perspective on matters like these - be wary of weather forecasters and animal psychics. Basically speaking, nobody can really predict this stuff, we control-hungry humans just have to admit that some things are out of our hands.
That being said, there are a few factors that actually do have some impact on the fall color shows every year. As we get into shorter days and longer nights, the leaves undergo a hormonal change of sorts. The connection between the leaf and stem changes, and the nutrients and moisture are cut off from the leaves. The green fades out, and this change often accounts for the yellows we see. But what about the reds? This is attributed to a second "hormonal" change in the leaves, when the sugars in the leaves actually create new colors in them. These sugars aren't present when the leaves are formed, they're usually generated in the fall. And the longer the leaves stay healthy, the longer it takes to convert the sugars in them, thus prolonging the color show.
The weather also plays a part in this change. Showers, hot days and dry spells in the summer often dictate the length of time in which the leaves hold their color. For example, if there's a normal winter with adequate moisture, if the leaves have adequate sugar, no severe drought during the summer and a normal wet fall, you'll get brilliant color. Part of this reason is simply the fact that the leaves stay on the trees longer, because they're healthier.
Another point of interest is stress on trees. Every year, trees like red maple and dogwood almost uniformly produce a lot of red leaves during fall, making for dramatic mottling across forests. However, this red pigment doesn't occur naturally at such great amounts in all trees. Instead, trees create it as the weather warrants.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service has been studying the impact of stress, such as lack of rain, on red leaf pigment for about five years. They want to see if these theories about leaf color prove true in reality. This year will offer a good trial, since low rainfall has triggered a drought across much of the country, including Colorado, Georgia and Maine, to name a few states. In drought-stricken years, it's often predicted that we'd see more of the red and maybe a little earlier also. Which, on the upside, means it could be more diverse in color and a little bit more brilliant and more exciting to look at.
No matter what the outcome this year, one thing is for certain. As quickly as the leaves change, they will be gone. Like beads at Mardi Gras, they are beautiful and brilliant for a little while, and then get swept up and discarded when their time is spent. So enjoy the show and take lots of pictures. And if someone tells you that your dog wants to go sledding when it snows next Tuesday, if I were you, I wouldn't drag the sled out just yet.

 

 

Visit with Warrior Spotted Horse at Cashiers Trading Post on Saturday, October 5 and Saturday, October 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Spotted Horse will be performing traditional Indian dances and reciting Cherokee history. You may also have your picture made with him. For more information, call 828-743-2833.

 

 

"The way it used to be" according to Margaret Gilbert Hall

By Lexie Ross

Highlands is full of wonderful personalities and some of the old timers are the most interesting. I was surprised to learn that we have our own 90 year old water witch, who in her day helped to locate over 200 wells.
Margaret Hall first came to Highlands at the age of 9 in 1921 when her father who was a dentist brought the family up in their Model T Ford to go fishing at Mirror Lake - which at that time was about 10 to 15 feet deep. Margaret was so awed by the frightfully curvy road up from Walhalla and the stunning view of Whiteside Mountain, she said she felt she was in a foreign land.
She describes the family meeting a man who offered to take them to Cullasaja Falls. They followed him on the rather treacherous old trails that preceded the road to Franklin. "We got caught in the worst thunderstorm and all of us got soaking wet." She didn't know at the time that would be her initiation into the city where she would spend most of her life.
Later as a teenager sitting on the porch of the Old Central House, reading the books she was delighted to discover at the library across the street, she spotted a handsome young blond man driving a stripped down car who was later to become her husband. When she asked about him, she was told he was the pampered son of a rich heiress. He later asked about her and was told she was the daughter of a wealthy dentist. She says when they finally got together, they realized neither of them had five cents but they fell in love anyway.
Her father moved the family to Highlands in 1924 to become the only dentist in the area. "There was no electricity. My father had to pedal his drill with his foot. He extracted teeth for one dollar and sometimes people just brought vegetables, chicken, eggs or hams - whatever they had to barter. People welcomed us into the community and were very kind, they were grateful to have a dentist."


Margaret spent many of her summers alone, boating on Mirror Lake. Her only companions were her two black cats that finally learned to swim out to be with her. In the winter, to her mother's delight, because she had been from the north, the family went ice skating.
Her father lost everything in the crash of '29 and eventually opened a hardware store on Main Street, where she did the bookkeeping and her husband helped run the store. Unlike the families of today, many of the children worked to help the parents and all of them lived either together or near by, enjoying the family closeness.
Her mother in law owned Halls Guest house, one of the first in Highlands which had a 9 hole golf course. Part of the golf course is the land where Margaret's home was eventually built and is now the Chambers Real Estate Agency. "Our home was built of the chestnut trees that were dying when they were being cleared off the land. We bartered the wood for a pair of dentures that my father made for the man who owned the lumber. We never took a loan out on the house. The thought of a bank loan was frightening! Everything in the house was paid for in cash or trade."
She remembers when the TB sanitarium was built on the ground where the Recreation Center now stands. People came from all over the country for treatment. "That was how Highlands started to become populated. People came to get better. Once they experienced the wonderful clean air and the beauty of the land, they never left," says Margaret. The sanitarium burned down in 1916 and was never rebuilt.
Mrs. Hall considers the people who settled in Highlands to be a highly creative bunch. "It has not been easy to make a living here and it takes a great deal of imagination to survive."


Margaret says she didn't seek out being a water witch. "My husband Tudor Norton Hall, who learned the plumbing and electrical business by working at the hardware, had a feeling about water and the fact that one day it would be scarce. He bought a dowsing tool, but never could manage to do anything with it. Then, one day he said, "Here, you try it. And when I did it always worked for me. People starting hearing that I could dowse for water and they would come asking me to help them. Of course, the builders would try two or three times, sometimes digging two or three hundred feet before realizing they had chosen the wrong spot. After failing a few times, they would finally come and get me to help them. I would always find the right place which was sometimes only a few feet away."
Now in her 90s, Margaret has retired from dowsing and spends most of her days around the house. But her wonderful spirit is in tact, her mind is still sharp and filled with creative ideas. She used to play the guitar, but can no longer play, however she has written four songs about the city of Highlands which she would like to see published.
It's obvious that it is people like Margaret Hall, who lived a very modest life of appreciating the land, nurturing her family and contributing to the life of the city of Highlands, that have helped to set the example and give the city the rustic aura that continues to draw visitors from all over the country.

Brave Mountain Boys

It's a true, true story I have to tell you
- of how a young man fell from Whiteside Mountain
- but was saved by his friends-and by the grace of God.
It's a mighty rough road from
Highlands to Whiteside
-But the party was young and gay.
The sun shone bright as they climbed that grand old mountain
-not knowing what was on the way.

How soon, how soon, disaster struck, at the top of the awesome cliffs a slippery spot,
and young Gus Baty disappeared in the depths below.
It was a small bush, a clinging to
the mountain that stopped
his head long fall
-but there he lay-all senseless and broken on the edge of eternity.

With nerves of steel-like a human fly, our brave young Charlie Wright,
went down the cliff to hold his friend until rescue could be made.
With some old rope and harness from the horses, Will Dillard brought them up
-safely to the arms of their sweethearts and families there to hear this story ever more.

A Song by Margaret Gilbert Hall

 

 

 

What a lovely surprise to finally discover how unlonely being alone can be.

- Ellen
Burstyn

 

 

 

 

 

Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Festival

Three years ago, for various reasons, the Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Festival was suffering the same fate as many such shows: a decreasing number of attendees and because of that a decreasing number of quality vendors. That was when a small group of experienced and dedicated local crafters volunteered to work with the Sapphire Valley Master Association to turn the festival around.
Their motivations were two-fold: providing a quality festival in Sapphire Valley and providing a venue for talented artists and crafters to successfully display and sell their work. Their own stipulation was to obtain an agreement from the Master Association that all funds collected from the rental of booth spaces would be used exclusively for expenses and publicity until the festival reached a certain level of success. They then attended other craft shows, explaining their unique ideas to potential vendors and distributing applications.
From the onset there were three goals. The first and easiest was to schedule each of the three annual festivals so that they would not conflict with and compete with other area events. The second was to make the shows, "vendor friendly." This meant providing a number of amenities not offered at other shows for convenience of the vendor participants. This was comparatively easy for people who had done shows in other areas of the country for many years. Sapphire Valley festivals include an ease of setting up and stocking each space, free refreshements each morning, and even a dinner for all vendors on the first night. It was quickly realized that these attractions were greatly appreciated by all of the participating vendors.
The third and most crucial goal was to dramatically increase publicity, without which needed attendance would not grow. Vendors-no matter how well they were treated-would not be attracted for long if no one attended to purchase their work. More signs were printed, posters distributed, and there was extensive use of newspaper, magazine, radio, and cable television commercials. Surveys were taken during the festivals to see how effective advertising dollars were being spent, and reallocation of monies spent were made. As the show has grown in size, publicity has increased, reaching north of Asheville and south into Georgia and South Carolina. Advertisements also now appear in several North Carolina tourist publications. To attract more people, blue grass bands play at the festivals, and a clown provides entertainment for children. As a public service, food concessions were and continue to be offered to all local non-profit organizations. Organizations wishing to sell raffle tickets or offer other services are also invited to participate free of charge. And one of the most popular of all events is the participation of the Cashiers Area Humane Society's "Stop and Adopt" program. In two years dozens of homeless animals have been adopted by show attendees.
Three years ago there were an average of 28 vendors per festival. This year more than 50 apply for each one. Average attendance is estimated at more than 2,000, and is expected to increase as word of the festival continues to spread. Because the festivals are juried, only quality arts and crafts are displayed. A conscious attempt is made to attract a wide variety of artwork, jewelry, handcrafted wood, furniture, pottery, clothing, and other handcrafted products so that attendees have a great variety of items to choose from.
The Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts committee, which now is activelyworking with the Sapphire Valley amenities staff, is proud that the festival has flourished during the past three years and anticipate further growth. The festival gives attendees the opportunity to see,appreciate, and purchase quality, handmade, original works at very reasonable prices. In a day and age of mechanization and cheap foreign imports, it also is a wonderful venue for talented Americans to keep acottage industry flourishing.
The final festival of the year will be hosted at the Fairfield/Sapphire Valley Master Association complex, Route 64 east of Cashiers, on October 19-20. The show hours are 10AM-4PM. Admission and parking are free.
For further information, or to inquire about a limited number of vendor spaces still available for the fall or next year's festivals, please call (828) 743-2251.

 

 

 

The Summer House Gallery Exhibits


"From Realism to Surrealism" is the October exhibition of works from the gallery's Affiliated Artists.
Affiliated Artists are those who have signed an exclusivity contract with the gallery. This contract benefits both the artist and the gallery, allowing both to make long-range plans for production and exhibition. The end result of the contract agreement for the buying public and the gallery is a wide range of styles and subjects that become available.
"From Realism to Surrealism" will exhibit October 5-31, 2002 with a "Meet the Artists" Reception- October 5, 2002 4-6 PM
"Nature's Intricacies", is the last exhibition of the year. It will show the works of Anita Elder and Drennen Browne.
Anita Elder is a painter from North Georgia whose subjects are chosen from the landscapes around her home. She includes inhabitants, building and products of the farmlands in her paintings. Her subjects are often portrayed larger than life. Combine this with her extraordinary ability to use color and the results are large canvases the meet the viewer eye-to-eye and produce an unforgettable experience.
Drennen Browne is a paintmaker who illuminates his prints with paints and inscriptions. He is a scientific illustrator whose education includes degrees in philosophy and theology. His educational background explains his choice of subjects, plant and animal life rendered realistically, illuminated with pen and ink or paints, then surrounds by inspirational quotations. His prints are reminiscent of the Monastic Illuminated Manuscripts. Drennen's prints require close inspection to fully appreciate the artistic skill of execution and the philosophical meaning in the inscriptions. The owner of one of these prints will find that each return viewing will inspire thoughtful introspection.
"Nature's Intricacies" - Paintings by Anita Elder Prints by Drennen Browne, November 16, 2002-January 3, 2003. "Meet the artists" reception - November 16, 4-6 PM

 

 

 

Jo Ann Williams Walker at Brier Patch

Jo Ann Williams Walker sees the world in rainbow colors. She is an accomplished plein air landscape painter and her still life paintings are beautifully rendered using abstraction and strong brush work.
She is a devoted oil painter and workshop teacher. Currently, she maintains a working studio in Bay Point, Florida and welcomes visitors if painting time permits.
She studied art at Auburn University and has worked with many of America's finest contemporary painters: Ted Goerschner, Charles Sovek, Ann Templeton, Marianne Dunn, Milton Lenoir, Kevin Macpherson, and Charles Reid.
Her early years were spent promoting for the Fredrix Canvas Company, Lawrenceville, Georgia and Winsor and Newton Paint Company, London, England at the National Art Trade Materials Shows in Dallas, New York and Los Angeles.
She travels and paints on location as often as possible. These travels are reflected on her canvases. She pushed color to the limit by capturing light and using a high key palette.
Jo Ann will be at the Brier Patch October 17-19 demonstrating her skills and visions. For more information, please call 526-4110.

 

 

Highlands' Own Craft Show October 12

For over a decade, the Highlands' Own Craft Show has been providing gifts, homemade treats, entertainment and fun to the masses that visit the show every year. You can be sure that if you take along your Christmas list, you will be hard-pressed not to find something for everyone. This once-a-year arts and crafts festival showcases the hard-working crafters of the Highlands and Scaly areas. This year the show will take place once again at the Highlands Civic Center, on Saturday, October 12, opening at 9 a.m.
For the sweet tooth, there are various pie and cake bakers, candy makers and such. For a taste of home, Jodie Zoellner's jelly booth is always a big hit - but you've got to get there early for the best selection, her jams and jellies go quickly. If you've been lucky enough to taste them, you know why.


For that special heirloom gift, Liz View will be there showcasing her quilts and tree skirts. A gifted quilter, Liz has become a popular crafter at the shows for her beautiful hand-pieced works. Beautiful, functional and crafted with love, all of her creations warm the heart and are worthy of passing down through generations.
For a variety of gifts and a chance to win a fantastic prize, the Highlands Woman's Club booth is always a winner. From year to year, these women put their hearts and hands into the many crafts on their table, not to mention, they always have a beautifully designed booth. They also usually have many great items offered to raffle. Fun and friendly and putting Highlands first, the Highlands Woman's Club booth is great to stop at, if only for the conversation.
These are just a few of the hundreds of finds waiting at the show. You will also find brass and wood works, ceramics and glassware, clothing and accessories, dolls and toys. And so much more. If you're just hungry and want a fun way to spend the day, the show can accommodate you, too. The cafeteria provides all kinds of foods, from biscuits for breakfast to a hot lunch or a snack.


Jeanne Bowen, show coordinator, always does a fabulous job accommodating all the vendors, and is also readily available to solve any problem that may arise. Friendly and always smiling, Jeanne can usually be found on the day of the show walking about from booth to booth, making sure everyone is happy.
For information on how you can be involved in next year's show, you can talk to Jeanne at this year's show. For general information about the Highlands' Own Craft Show and the Civic Center schedule for that weekend, call 526-3556.

 

 

A "Wild Thyme" in Cashiers

You know there are people who cook who have had highly educated backgrounds at famous cooking institutes across the country and then there are people who just have exquisite taste and intuitively know how to put things together in a deliciously tasteful way. The spices are never too spicy. The meats are always perfectly cooked and the sauces never overwhelm the dishes. There is little doubt that their own loving energies go into making the food extraordinary.
Such is the case at Wild Thyme in Cashiers. Having spent her tender years working in the restaurant business as a hostess, Andrea Schmitt got hooked and decided to make the restaurant business her career.
Originally opening Wild Thyme in Highlands in 1991, Andrea then opened a second store in Cashiers in 1995. In 2000, she sold the Highlands store making her life a bit simpler where she could maintain an active role in the business.
Andrea and her Chef Charlie Claybern, (formerly Chef at the Market Basket in Asheville and the Cedar Creek Racquet Club) have a uniquely creative cooking partnership. "Andrea comes up with the ideas," says Charlie and I handle the technical part of tweaking them to make them work." It's obvious that this creative partnership is working, because everything they make is first class.
Known for their wonderful soups, the day I was there, I tasted a roasted pepper, spinach soup that was as good a soup as I've ever eaten. The consistency was creamy without the addition of milk or cream and the addition of the Mediterranean spices were a perfect, delicate balance. It was obvious that it was cooked a long time allowing all of the flavors to sufficiently blend. Some soups are so heavy, you just don't want to eat them in the summer. This one is appealing both for summer and winter and I could imagine it being as good cold as it was hot. The cucumber dill soup was also excellent. That is always one of my favorites because its made with yogurt is very refreshing and often aids with digestion. Using vidalia onions, this one had a particularly delightful zing.
One of my biggest frustrations in restaurants is that sauces often have a harsh vinegary bite that lingers to smother other flavors. In going out of her way to find exceptional products that are top of the line, Andrea makes it a point to find the best imported Balsamic vinegars, the finest sauces, the most expensive imported Italian tomatoes and the freshest fish and vegetables. Eating in season makes a huge difference. A lot of people say this about their food. But the proof is in the tasting.
The other thing I always appreciate is a restaurant owner who is willing to seek out organically grown vegetables. It makes a huge difference in how the salads taste. It was very evident that this is the case at Wild Thyme. All of the greens were sweet, tender, yet crisp without the often tough consistency and bitter after taste of greens that are drenched with pesticides.


All of the luncheon items at Wild Thyme use these wonderful greens and include: A Chinese chicken salad which is a chicken breast and seasonal veggies over crisp greens in a zingy oriental dressing. A grilled chicken havarti sandwich with a tomato, romaine lettuce with a delicate vinaigrette. A turkey BLT and an excellent curried chicken salad which is the house specialty with apples, raisins and cashews in a light curry. This is the kind of salad you want to pick up and have around the house for just everyday snacking.
There is also a home made garden burger made from oats, brown rice and cheese. It is always nice to discover that restaurateurs go out of their way to create a home made veggie burger. It makes a big difference in freshness and flavor. There is also a grilled Portabello sandwich with fresh sautéed spinach and goat cheese with vinaigrette, a turkey, brie and avocado wrap and a crisp Chef's salad with chicken breast, hearts of palm, blue cheese and balsamic vinaigrette. The fiesta wrap, which consists of very tender and moist grilled chicken breasts rolled with artichoke and feta and kalamata olives was a nice departure from some of the predictable "wrap" sandwiches.
To satisfy the light lunch crowd, there is also soup and a half sandwich which is a customer favorite. The ginger/lime shrimp salad on greens was also delicately fresh tasting with just a hint of oriental flavoring. I liked the fact that the shrimp was deveined and sliced in half.
All of the lunch items are served with the house breads which are home made in the European country style - crusty, chewy and very satisfying. The breakfast bread with dried blueberries, raisins, cranberries and pecans was scrumptious. There is also a sourdough, a multigrain and two different varieties of home made cheese straws - plain, and one made with asiago and rosemary which was my favorite. They had a feisty bite.
On the dinner menu, staying mostly with interesting fish and chicken dishes, the pecan crusted sea bass with a apricot/peach reduction has been an overwhelming hit as has the vidalia crusted salmon and the shrimp and artichoke francese with angel hair pasta. The spinach, goat cheese and sun dried tomato stuffed chicken sounds decadently wonderful. The seared Ahi tuna with soy ginger lime is a great favorite with Sushi lovers. The one red meat dish on the menu was the Thai waterfall beef made with beef tenderloins. It is made with a festive blend of sugar snap peas, broccoli, red peppers or a changing mixture of fresh seasonal veggies.
I want to mention that Andrea keeps the shelves in her cozy, informal restaurant full of appetizing gourmet items that include: great Kalamata olives, excellent Balsamic vinegars, dips, cereals, various mixes and a variety of sauces to inspire any gourmet cook. In fact, she makes it a point to give helpful hints to her customers so that they understand how to use her various products. There is also an appetizing refrigerator case full of wonderful desserts that make you think you are back in Europe. Everything has that made fresh daily look, taste and flaky feel. The chocolate Hazel torte, seven layer carrot cake with pistachios, white and dark chocolate raspberry mousse and the selection of homemade cookies including: turtle brownies and hazelnut pralines are an absolute dieters downfall. The chewy almond crescent was perfect.
In addition to their successful lunch and dinner business, Wild Thyme also enjoys a steady catering clientele where customers either come to pick up their orders or the staff works on location. They handle three course dinners, cocktail parties, wedding receptions and are known for their lasagna, great hors d'oeuvres and their famous trout dip.
Overall, I have to say for such an informal place with dinner prices all under $20 and luncheon prices all around $7, this is a delightful gourmet find with ever changing creative and delicious recipes.
Don't forget their are two Wild Thymes each owned by different people. To find the one in Cashiers, you turn South off Highway 64 at the Cashiers intersection. Its in a little shopping strip behind the Wachovia bank. I know you won't be disappointed, its so good, there's seldom a morsel left on anyone's plate.

 

 

 

Summit One Gallery will open a photography exhibition: "Trees, Just Trees" on October 5

In the midst of Leaf Lookers Season in the mountains of western North Carolina, Summit One Gallery will open a photography exhibition: "Trees, Just Trees" on October 5. The exhibition features fifteen regional photographers.
The subject matter of only trees, takes the viewer to the mountains, coast and on to Europe. Photography genres include black and white, color, and silver gelatin. Summit One Gallery's artist exhibiting are Cheryl Bird, Hunter Coleman, Mare Kay Moore, Kevin Saunders, and David McCord. Guest artist include Roy Gordon, Gordon Kilgore, Catherine Cosotolo, Bob Cassanova, Don Bryant, Reis Birdwhistell, Cynthia Strain, Bud Uffleman, Helen Moore and Jeff Millsteen. Summit One Gallery is located in the Apple Mountain Shoppes, 4152 Cashiers Road, Highlands. 828.526.2673 summitonegallery@aol.com

 

 

Scenes from: ART WALK

 

Shady Creek (above) performed bluegrass music for the event. Left to right are Ronnie Chastain, Odell Chastain, Alan Chastain, Ed Epperly and Ralph Tilson.

 

Lee Byers , and Nell Martin paint "Happy Soles," with proceeds from their sales benefitting the Literacy Council.

 

Sue Stewart caught Vincent Van Gogh at John Collette Fine Art during the walk and whipped up a portrait for him.

Many local artists were on hand with displays of their work. Right - Rosemary Clark Stiefel, lower right - Dianne Elges, and below - Karen Chambers with TKC Company Store

 

 

 

 

 

They call it that "Old Mountain Dew"

Yes, mountain dew, white lightning, corn liquor or likker, corn whiskey, shine or moonshine. It has many names and a reputation to match all of them. But what is this well known but honest product of corn, sugar and water? Maybe we should go back, not to where it started, that would be more than our publishers would allow space, and more than this author knows.

And them that refuse it are few
Each country has had their own native spirit. Whether it is Ouzo in Greece, Tequila in Mexico, Vodka in eastern Europe, Gin in Great Britain, Scotch in Scotland, Schnapps in Germany, Brandy in France, Apple Jack in New England, Bourbon in Tennessee and Kentucky or shine in the Appalachian Mountains. But when you step up to the bar and ask for whiskey, where does that word come from? And depending on where you are in the world, you could be served a number of alcoholic beverages.

Recently, this author has stuck a small toe into a Gaelic-English dictionary. The word for whiskey in Gaelic is uisge-beatha. Literal translation: uisge-water and beatha-life. I had no idea of how this is pronounced, but we met an Irish couple recently and the wife said to pronounce usige as whiska or close to that, and beatha as ba with a long a. The English came up with the pronunciation as whiskey. The term water of life is not unique to the Gaelic language. In Latin, it is aqua vita. And I believe there is a liquor called that.

I'll hush my mug
But now I have strayed too far. In many cases in distilling whisky of any kind, there is a practical reason for creating the stuff. Many pounds of corn, barley, potatoes or apples go into the production of whisky. If you are in a remote area, whether it is the Highlands of Scotland, the Ural Mountains or Rabun, Jackson or Macon County, it's easier to reduce grain, the fruit or whatever basic ingredient is used into something more easily portable at the source. Transportation, until recent times, has been difficult and getting your product to market is very important. And where did NASCAR get it's start? Running a car load of whisky past the revenuers.

If you'll fill up my jug
Corn whisky can be aged as well as drunk fresh. Some prefer one way and some prefer another. When aged in a charred keg, it loses much of its kick, but becomes a smoother sip for those willing to wait. One experience I had as a young man was mixing drinks down on the coast for a group. The request was for Bourbon and branch water. We had a number of gallon Coca-Cola syrup bottles filled with Highlands water. We were at the beach. Well, one of those bottles was a gallon of corn whisky. Yes, you're ahead of me. It looked like just another bottle of Highlands water, clear and pure.

Several other incidents come to mind. On a Boy Scout hike in the mountains of Rabun County, we had stopped for a rest when a muffler-less tractor came roaring out of the woods. It was carrying three roughly dressed men with rifles. They got down and two of the adult leaders walked rather bravely to meet them. We had on khaki shirts and trousers with Boy Scout patches. They looked us over and then asked what we were doing. We explained and then one of the men reached back into a burlap sack hanging on the tractor. "You boys care for a snort?" he asked and brought out a mason jar full of what appeared to be corn. It must have been a new still because we hiked that section of the Appalachian Trail at least once a year.

Another incident happened many years ago, right about at the Macon-Jackson County line. Miss Harry, a Delano Red Cross nurse assigned to Highlands, was driving a young man off to school in Asheville. She had asked two teenage girls to accompany her on the trip. They were stopped at the big view on the county line by two men. The men showed Miss Harry their badges and said they were Federal Revenue agents. Miss Harry tried to explain to them about their trip but the men made Miss Harry and the three teenagers get out while they searched the car, The federal agents said they were searching all cars leaving Macon County for illegal whisky. This was almost 80 years ago. Sounds like the inspections made at the airport today.

With that good "Old Mountain Dew"
I am sure that corn is made somewhere up here still. In fact we haven't mentioned that word-still-short for distilling or distillery. I am aware of at least three stills that were in operation many years ago between Buck Creek Road and Flat Mountain Road, but it is time to say so long or using these familiar sayings: good health, cheers, slainte, salute.

 

Poet's Podium

Transitory
By Betty Holt

Afternoon shadows lengthen and linger,
cross narrow, winding roads as verdant summer
imperceptibly gives way to vibrant fall.

Inside as well a growing
grayness finds
corners of my mind
I thought safe from touch.

It's quiet now.
Only the katydids beckon
the first frost.

Nature's turning toward the final
blast of colors, the last siege of life
before the world lapses into silence.

 

 

 

 

 

Southern Comforts

Ahh, harvest time. Pumpkins are popping up everywhere, hay is in abundance and the aroma of apples lingers in the air. From Galas to Granny Smiths, Romes to Red Delicious, apples, though enjoyed year round, are a treat well-emphasized this time of year. In a few short weeks, children and adults alike will be bobbing for them or enjoying them smothered in caramel or candy coating. Shortly beyond that, they will grace the table in a pie or other delectable family recipe for Thanksgiving.
My favorite apple was always a Granny Smith. Then I discovered the crisp, juicy Fuji and just as wonderful Gala varieties. Granny Smith is still my apple of choice for pies, crisps or cobblers. They bake well, retain their shape and firmness, and aren't too sweet - so you don't overdo the richness when you add ice cream. Like that would ever happen.
Apple cider is also a favorite of mine, and many others as well. Something as simple as this warm apple juice blended with any mixture of spices warms your hands, your tummy and your soul. Prevalent in most shoppes and inns this time of year, it encourages a jovial atmosphere. As I have mentioned before, with fall being a holiday kickoff, apple cider is a perfect accoutrement. Try this recipe for your next gathering, or just to enjoy on a cool evening.

Hot Buttered Spiced Cider
8 cups apple cider or juice
1 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice
4 sticks cinnamon
8 tbsp. butter
8 tbsp. brown sugar

The cider tastes best when the flavors have had time to blend. A crock pot works well for this, letting it warm the cider gently for about two hours. However, it may also be prepared quickly in a saucepan on the stove.
Pour cider into pot, adding cloves, nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon. If using crock pot, stir to mix, and let warm in pot on low heat. If using stove, add above into 3-quart saucepan, bring to boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
To serve, place 1 tbsp. butter and 1 tbsp. brown sugar into mug. Fill with hot cider. Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Festivities
As the air begins to chill, the festivities begin. The Highlands School annual Fall Festival will be held Saturday, October 26 at the Highlands Rec Park and will be an evening filled with cake walks, haunts, and games all to benefit the Highlands School.
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce will sponsor Trick or Treating in Downtown Highlands
October 31. A safe walk around Highlands with area merchants handing out treats to the ghost and goblins.

 

 

 

 

Enjoyable Evenings.

Autumn in Highlands is very romantic. It's the only time of year when an early evening outing is preferred to a late one. The
late-afternoon sunlight illuminates the maples, poplars and oaks, the spicy scent of fatwood in front of the corner market permeates the air and it's just cool enough to don your favorite sweatshirt. Perfect weather for a picnic.
You don't want a sandwich, but a five-course meal isn't exactly picnic-friendly. Not to worry. Carter and Nancy Bruns at Wild Thyme Gourmet (526-4035) can have that basket brimming in no time. The perfect venue for arranging a take-out feast, Wild Thyme offers an assortment of breads from baguettes to the incredible Cranberry-Pecan Breakfast Bread, to cheeses like double cream Brie and sheep's milk varieties, to hors d'oeuvres like crabmeat and gruyere in phyllo purses and mushroom and walnut profiteroles, dessert items that vary daily, crackers, chutneys and, of course, an array of wines. Carter and Nancy also provide a daily menu that doesn't disappoint.


As for the location, well, the perfect picnic in Highlands or Cashiers is anywhere. On Sunset Rocks, in Horse Cove, at the summit of Whiteside or Satulah, by Lake Glenville. But since it's autumn and the leaves are turning, it would be difficult to outdo the images of fall seen in duplicate, being mirrored across the still waters of Lake Sequoyah. Canoeing across Sequoyah is as much tradition as strolling down Main Street. With little interruption other than the resident ducks or occasional fisherman or fellow canoers, this pristine lake in autumn, along with its surrounding environment, is breathtaking. Give Marianne Vines of Adventure Depot a call (743-2052). Not only will she have you out on the water right on schedule, but she can also have a route mapped out for you to find the right spot on which to enjoy your meal.
Sounds great, right? One small problem. You don't have a picnic basket. Highlands Emporium (Main Street down from the Pizza Place) can definitely help you there. They offer a wonderful variety of baskets large and small, complete with dinner-, silver- and glassware, and linens as well. You can also find an assortment of throws, sized perfectly for picnicking. But you may want to buy two, one for spreading out to sit on, and one to cover up with should you get chilly.


Now that you've covered the basics, throw in a couple of friends. A day this beautiful and food this good is definitely best enjoyed with some great company. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall into Fashion Fun at Fibber's
If you haven't been to Fibber's, shame on you. This clothing thrift store turned Highlands staple for bargains has been cherished, shopped and supported for years by Highlanders from all walks of life. From town to country, Fibber's is a closet full - and then some - of fashions and fun.
My first purchase from Fibber's was about fifteen years ago. It was a blazer. Trying to be trendy on a shoestring, a few friends and I were able to find the perfect ones at a perfect price because of Fibber's. That blazer has gone the way of the dodo, but I have since made many other purchases through the years. Sweaters, shirts, jeans, skirts, some brand new and bearing sales tags, others broken in and comfy, all bargains. And everybody loves a bargain.
Quite often, it seems that thrift stores and those who shop them bear a stigma. But here in Highlands, Fibber's has created somewhat of a statement. It seems like everybody has shopped there at one time or another - big budget or small. Famous labels are the norm at Fibber's, and bargain hunters are richly rewarded.
In addition, the Fibber's Fashion Show is always a big hit, anticipated every year. Outfits are put together from the store, modeled on the "runway," and of course, sold. It has been mentioned that the occasional scuffle has taken place at the end of the show for certain pieces, but it's all in good fun. And in the end, all who attend have a great time and return every season for the next show.
The brainchild of the Highlands Woman's Club, Fibber's plays a large role in the fund-raising that the Woman's Club does annually. This hard-working group of women, in their efforts to help Highlands and its residents, raise money for a number of Highlands causes. Many Highlands High School graduates have been awarded scholarships through the years, and other local organizations including the Highlands Fire Department, Hudson Library and Head Start have also benefitted from the generosity and patronage of all who give or get from Fibber's.
Located in the Peggy Crosby Center, Fibber's offers a great selection of apparel for the entire family. The rapidly expanding store is constantly getting new clothing and shoes, so you can always find something new and different. In-store manager Judy O'Shields and her friendly volunteers invite you to come on in and have the most fun possible for just a few dollars. Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with winter hours beginning the first of November. For more information, call 526-9938.
By Krysti Rogers

 

 

 

 

The Literacy Council of Highlands works nonstop to provide the Highlands area with a multitude of programs such as adult literacy, GED preparation, after-school-tutoring and English-as-a-second programs. These are not easy tasks and the help of the community is needed and appreciated. With the assistance of numerous community volunteers, giving freely of their time, the Literacy Council has provide
educational assistance to a multiple of students, young and old.
Funds are needed to provide material and resources for these programs. On Sunday October 20 from 5-8, The Literacy Council will host Fiesta Grande, a benefit celebration. Your $25 ticket enjoys you music by a Mariachi Band, a
Mexican Buffet, and a Mexican "Tienda" to bargain for
everything from art to jewelry. For tickets and more information call 526-9938 ext.24.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Waterfall adventure:
Dry Falls

Just west of Highlands on Highway 64 is located a USFS recreation area that is easy to get to and, since we've gotten some needed rain, has become quite fabulous to visit.
As the leaves begin to turn, this trek takes on a memorable air that is sure to please. Dry Falls is the focus of this adventure.


Three miles from downtown, the Forest Service has maintained a parking area and hiking trail to the base of the falls for many years. There is a use fee of $3.00 per car and well worth the cost. From the parking lot one can hear the roar of the Cullasaja River as it leaves the rocks and lands 50 feet or so at the bottom.
The trail is very easy and the decline is pleasurable as there are sights and structures to view. In return the incline is not as
strenuous as most of the hikes we've described thus far. All in all, this one is fun.
Just after the first turn on the trail, the magnitude of the hydrologic event before you becomes evident. It truly is magnificent. The mist and the winds created is "mystical" and leaves you with something to contemplate daydreams. As one nears the base of the falls, the close proximity of rock, water, and noise identifies the power of gravity and water. Here is a safe place to "feel the power" of nature. This is no trickle and the adventure of walking behind the wall of river is a memorable event. It can humbling.


As beautiful as these falls are, it should be noted that clamoring around them is hazardous and many visitors have tried to scale these very slippery stones only to find themselves in deep trouble or seriously injured by the free-fall. Additionally, the top of the falls is accessible from an upstream vantage and is not recommended for very much the same reason. Enjoy the area designed for your safety. It is actually more than enough. Stay off the slippery slopes under most if not all conditions. You won't miss anything, and you'll be a lot safer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seizing the Day at Carpe Diem Farms

For Sue Blair, change is a relative term. One of her favorite quotes is that of Mahatma Ghandi, "We must be the change we wish to see in the world." With this motivation, it is no wonder that Sue has taken the changes life has given her and used them to help others change their lives.
Just over a decade ago, her life was moving in a swift and successful direction with her husband in the fast-paced real estate world. She was happy, energetic and free-spirited. Things then took a disastrous turn, or so it seemed at the time, when her life was uprooted by divorce and family distress. But once the smoke cleared and the ashes were swept away, Sue had an epiphany that with less to distract her, the more she could see about her own life and the lives of others. With a heightened sense of compassion and a deep desire to help others realize the positive aspects of life after traumatic and life-changing experiences, Sue began a new mission by forming The Blair Foundation.
Her journey began with the Foundation's inception, took a foray into a retail catalog business, Angels Direct, all keeping with the same mission, "to empower individuals through life changes to see the opportunities and possibilities that abound." Ten years later, while the face of the Blair Foundation has taken on new features, that mission is still at the heart of it all Sue puts together. Carpe Diem Farms, Sue's latest endeavor has proven to be no different. This 48-acre farm is wrapped in the arms of National Forest, and is a bastion of peace.


The concept for CDF began when an eight-year-old Sue had a hero, best friend, confidant and soul mate - a horse by the name of "High Hopes." Sue had always kept close to her the empowering skills that having a horse can bring to life, and chose to share them with children. In 1993, she began working with kids to teach these skills, such as communication, responsibility, overcoming fears, trust, boundaries and teamwork, to name a few. Sue found that the children's lives were greatly enriched, both in school and society, and also learned that this theory was backed up by the fact that there were many other similar programs going on across the country, with similar encouraging success. So, she decided to expand the program in 1997 to work with abused and battered women.
Carpe Diem Farms is also the home of the Gar's Kids Experiential Adventure. After his death in 2000, Sue saw that the best and most effectual tribute to her late brother would be a camp dedicated to helping kids in the same spirit in which he devoted to them. Gar's Kids is targeted to give at risk and high risk kids in Macon County a chance to
increase their self-esteem, build their self-confidence and trust, motivate them to learn and interact, develop
responsibility and leadership skills and so much more. The program is led by positive role models in an idyllic setting surrounded by nature, using the horse programs, a ropes course and a magnificent setting as learning aids.
It seems Sue's life has come full circle. She is again happy, energetic and free-spirited, this time in an
environment that begets and renews itself on its own positive nature. Through The Blair Foundation, now operating as Carpe Diem Farms, a not-for-profit
organization, and Gar's Kids, Sue is also ensuring that others can experience this happiness and quality of life that so often eludes us. For more information on how you can be a part of the Carpe Diem Farms organization, call
828-526-2854, or email at info@carpediemfarms.org.

 

 

 

 

Highlands and Scaly affiliate with Cashiers Area Humane Society
HISTORY


Highlands and Scaly residents have long wanted a convenient and humane shelter to serve the needs of their unwanted, abandoned and stray animals. In April, residents from both areas came together to explore the possibility of creating a local shelter. Representatives from the Cashiers shelter attended as well.
The Cashiers Area Humane Society had already been serving the Highlands area unofficially but with little support from Highlands. In all of 2001, the Macon County Humane Society took in 46 animals from Highlands Township, while in the three-month period from January ­ April, 2002, the Cashiers shelter took in 30. It seemed logical to everyone that Highlands and Scaly, hence known as the Highlands Chapter, should affiliate with the Cashiers shelter, which over the past fifteen years has become one of the finest facilities of its size. With an adoption rate of 92%, a top notch spay/neuter program, a rehabilitation and training program for difficult animals, and a mission to euthanize only when absolutely necessary, they set an example for all shelters. Presently the Cashiers shelter can accommodate about 20 cats and 10 ­ 12 dogs, so expansion is needed before they can officially take in the Highlands/Scaly animals. This will ultimately benefit not only the Highlands, Scaly and Cashiers communities, but Macon County as well, which serves the entire plateau as best it can but with limited capacity and funding.
The immediate goals of the new Highlands Chapter include raising funds for the expansion of the Cashiers Shelter, funding a spay/neuter program for Highlands and Scaly, and promoting Humane Education. With funds raised from the Silent Auction at Nick's at the Cove in June, the second goal has been accomplished. Free or discounted spay/neuter certificates are currently available for local residents at Whiskers on Main Street from proprietor and volunteer Tracy Strain.

COMING UP


Paws in the Park, sponsored by the Highlands Chapter, is coming soon! This will be a dog show like no other. On October 12, at noon, at the Macon Bank Gazebo in Highlands, between Pine and Carolina Way, come dressed like your dog to compete in the owner/pet look alike contest. Or enter Fido in the Frisbe throw competition or wet tee-shirt race. Ribbons will be awarded to the shortest dog, the biggest dog, and the dog with the best trick. Refreshments and booths selling ID tags and pet-related merchandise will tempt dogs and owners alike. A professional photographer will be on hand to take Pup's picture. Registration is at noon; events from 1-3. Join the fun and lend a hand to support our area's needy animals.

VOLUNTEER
April Klutts, president and volunteer coordinator, is calling for all animal lovers to pitch in. Locally volunteers are needed for Paws in the Park, and for the Stop'n Adopt to be held at the same time. It is a fun way to show that you care. The animals enjoy it as much as the humans, so call April and sign up: 526-4101 (days), 743-6656 (evenings).

DONATIONS
Donations to the shelter, or to honor a living or deceased human or animal friend, can be mailed to the Highlands Chapter of the Cashiers Area Humane Society, P. O. Box 2163, Highlands, NC 28741.

MEETINGS
The Highlands Chapter meets Thursdays @ 5:30 pm, at the Highlands Recreation Center on Highway 64/Fourth Street. Meeting time and place may change, so check with April Klutts above, Vicky Anderson or Carol Mathews @ 526-4218 for current information. Everyone who wants to make a difference for our area's needy animals is encouraged to attend.
-Lila Howland

 

 

 

 

Joseph Meigs: "Tenure Track"
Rocky Mount, VA: Briarwood, 2002.

In Joseph Meigs' first novel Tenure Track, Tyler Davidson, a young PhD with his first university teaching appointment, is on track-the track to tenure. Through 348 pages we follow him as he jumps through the hoops necessary to be eligible for a permanent position at Northwest Georgia University (NGU)-a regional university located in rural northwest Georgia. Incidentally, the University and the locale bears striking resemblance to Cullowhee and WCU.

The plot moves chronologically beginning with Tyler's interview through his first three years at NGU-the time it takes for one to be eligible for tenure. Through these years Tyler must satisfy university requirements: serve on committees, display excellent teaching abilities, prove scholarly merit. He must also meet unspoken expectations if he wants to achieve tenure: go to faculty parties, date the "right" people, act like an NGU man. And therein lies the rub. Is tenure a promotion, something to be desired? Or is it a disease, something to be avoided?

At NGU, Tyler is constantly under the scrutiny of those in charge-those whom his mentor, Professor Sturgeon, claims to be only more competent than the incompetent.

His track to tenure amounts to a battery of tests that will determine whether or not Tyler measures up to the standards set by the University. Can Tyler produce scholarly work? Can Tyler make significant contributions to the University? Can Tyler prove himself as an effective teacher? These questions will be answered by buffoons guised as senior faculty members and administrators who like to emphasize personal flaws and shortcomings.

Like its predecessors-perhaps the most notable being Kingsley Amis' Lucky Jim-Tenure Track abounds with situational comedy accented by the colleagues with whom Tyler is forced to work. Meigs has created characters that are as asinine as their names-all foils to Tyler and his earnest endeavors. Take for example some of the "tenured" professors in the English department at NGU. There is the anal retentive department head, Torrance Bwanger, whose initials happen to spell TB; Hugh Disner, the dizzying "this is what I do in my classes" colleague; Professor Thwacker, a pervert who stares down women's blouses from the perch of his upper-level office window; Wally Kooders, a "Master Teacher." Tyler's conflict revolves around making the right impression on these colleagues if he hopes to join their ranks.

 

Tenure Track is filled with allusions to films, popular songs, and works of classical literature and art. While the overabundance of allusions can be tedious at times, they are functional, illuminating the text by referencing a myriad of sources influential to the mood of this text. (There's even a reference list in the back of the book!)

I'll not spoil the surprise by commenting on the outcome of Tyler's quest for tenure. But I will say the novel ends with the beginning to a sequel-rumored to be in the works.

--reviewed by Chris Boss
Lecturer at Western Carolina University
and basement musician

 

 

 

 

Fishing with Marty Jones

Fishermen in the Cashiers area are blessed with a plethora of fishing opportunities. One could be dry fly fishing for trout in the morning and trolling for marlin in the late afternoon. Nearby are musky rivers, striper lakes, miles of trout streams, walleye water, and bass lakes galore as well as a reasonably close port making saltwater fishing a viable option for mountain anglers.
For the fly fisherman there are endless possibilities in the Cashiers area. Panthertown Valley offers native eastern brook trout, while almost every other stream in the Valley will have rainbow and brown trout. For an easy day of fly fishing whereby success is guaranteed, try the delayed harvest section of the Tuckasseegee river between Cullowhee and Dillsboro. A 5 weight fly rod with WF 5 F line and a number 12-14 Adams dry fly will always work. For nonstop action, try an orange egg patterned suspended below a BB sized split shot. This never fails to provide consistent catches of recently stocked rainbows and brown trout.
The saltwater angler will want to try the docks at Shem Creek, South Carolina which are only a four hour and twelve minute drive (for the adventurous motorist) from the intersection of highways 107 and 64. Shem Creek is the closest saltwater port to Cashiers. From the boats docked at this port, one can fish offshore for tuna billfish, dolphin, grouper, snapper and king mackerel. Inshore waters of Charleston Harbor offer flounder, redfish, seatrout, Spanish mackerel and cobia. To try your luck in these waters call Capt. Mark Brown, owner and operator of "The Teaser" at 843-693-5345.
The elusive muskellunge, or musky, can be caught by anglers willing to put in the time necessary to connect with these toothy tyrants in Lake Fontana, Lake Adgers or the French Broad River. Catching a musky is a feat any angler cherishes, especially when you don't have to travel to Canada or some exotic location to do so. In Western North Carolina, we are fortunate to have this opportunity so close at hand. The best bet for catching a musky is in the French Broad River. Most anglers launch small boats and then motor upstream for several miles. A logging chain is affixed to an anchor line and then lowered to the bottom where it is dragged to slow the boat in the current. Large crankbaits used for largemouth bass are the bait of choice for the serious musky fisherman in the French Broad.
Every now and then every angler gets the urge to catch something BIG. To fulfill this gnawing obsession, try some striped bass fishing on Lake Hartwell. There are many guides operating from Long's Fishing Center, or Garrett's in Anderson, South Carolina. The drive time is about an hour. Slow trolling blueback herring regularly produces stripers in excess of 20 pounds and the walls of both fishing centers are adorned with replicas of the many 30 to 40 pound fish taken from this lake. Anglers sometime have to beat the 4 to 6 pound hybrid stripers off their lines waiting for the big boys, but hey, that ain't all bad!
Lake Fontana and Lake Glenville are the epitome of freshwater lakes offering walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and brook, brown and rainbow trout. Panfish are also prevalent. Deep trolling Marty Jones Special Spoons from downriggers is the preferred method for catching trout and walleye from these deep, cool lakes. Smallmouth and largemouth bass can be caught on spinnerbaits, crankbaits, twistertail grubs and bear hair jigs. Signal Ridge Marina can put you in touch with local guides or rent you a boat and equipment to try your luck on your own on Lake Glenville, while Danny Brower, at 828-586-9821, can put you on the bite at Lake Fontana.
Whatever your angling appetite, Cashiers places you squarely in the middle of an angling paradise. Good luck, tight lines and may God bless.

 

 

 

 

The Village Play is here!!

Designed by local children, and to be built by local volunteers, the Village Play world class playground will soon be a reality. Very soon! Construction began September 25th and will be continuing through Septeber 29th. Your donations of materials, food, equipment, money and or time has been and continues to be vital to the success of this project.
If you would like to donate building materials, please contact Katherine Roberson at 743-6511.
If you would like to donate food for the volunteer construction workers, or would like to help prepare and serve the food, please call Betty Morris at 743-3623.
If you would like to volunteer to build, please contact Judy Gray at 743-3033.
If you have tools and equipment that can be used, please contact Carlton Fowler at 743-5017.
If you would like to make a monetary donation, please contact Vicki Sawyer at 743-3158.
The children are our future!

 

 

 

The Highlands Playhouse Returns Fair and Tender Ladies
October 16 - 20


The Highlands Playhouse returns with Lee Smith's Fair and Tender Ladies adapted and performed by Quinn Hawkesworth. Fair and Tender Ladies is the story of Ivey Rowe, a passionate mountain woman who's life is revealed through a series of letters that she writes to her closest family and friends. Adapted for the stage, and performed by Quinn Hawkesworth, this play has broken box office records at numerous regional theatres. Directed by the Playhouse's new Artistic Director Tim Morrissey, heroine Ivey Rowe learns about life through the land and the people who inhabit her world.
Fair and Tender Ladies runs October 16 ­ 20. Tickets are available by calling (828) 526-2695.

 

 

 

Snapshot...

When we caught Lars Clausen peddling through Glenville on his Unicycle, we just had to stop and find out what he was doing!
Clausen is currently on sabbatical from ministry, together with his wife Anne Clausen and their children, Kari Anna, 7, and Kai, 5. When not on the road, they live on Whidbey Island in Washington State.
The purpose of the ride? To raise awareness and money to help the Inup Eskimo people of the Seward Peninsula. So really, Lars is still serving the Lord.
"One of the best things about preparing for the ride was that Lars and I were working on this as a team. Letting people know about this ride and how they can help Seward Peninsula Lutheran Ministry has become a full time project. We love it because the people on the Seward Peninsula mean so much to us."
When Lars started his ride, Anne's role changed to ride support. She drives the old motorhome the Clausen's purchased for the trip. In addition to being chief ride coordinator, she says, "The kids and I will deliver food, water, and encouragement when Daddy's on the road"
The ride began on April 29th from Washington State. Lars reached the Statue of Liberty on August 10th. He hopes to arrive in California by mid November. When we met him, he was almost to the 6000 mile mark.
For more information or to make a contribution to this worthy cause, visit onewheel.org or you may contact the Clausens at 3076 Celestial Way, Greenbank, Washington 98253.

 

 

 

 

 

Golf Talk:
Getting Started In Golf

Like any endeavor worth doing, golf is an endeavor worth doing well. It only makes sense to get started correctly. Choosing a golf instructor who will take a genuine interest in your personal development is key. In the initial conversation you have with them, they should ask you about your particular goals and your golfing history. So have some specific goals in mind. The golf professional should be able to tell you if your goals are realistic and or by what time frame they can be achieved. The instructor should ask you if you have any physical limitations to hinder your golf motion, but if not, you need to let them know. A good basic series of lessons should start from the green back to the tee. I offer a six and ten lesson series starting with putting and only proceeding to the next step if I feel satisfied the student has grasped our lesson. Then we progress on to chipping and then on to pitching and the full swing motion. Through out my lesson series, we work on a constant theme of grip (position and pressure)- posture (maintaining spine angle) and ball position with maintaining total body balance. Bunker play and equipment analysis as well as set make-up are important in the final scenario, but initially, too much information is useless in developing properly. I use video, but only to the extent that you see what you don't feel. The amount of lessons you take should be set to your specific goals. Unless you have unlimited time, to practice and play, no more than two lessons per week should you take. Practice makes permanent, not perfect, so give yourself ample time between lessons to practice. Spend 80% of your time on and around the greens. Putting, chipping and pitching are how you save and score. Since these shots require finesse rather than power, you can pay more attention to balance, grip position and pressure, as well as how your arms move together. Always have a target, this is crucial to building a repeatable golf swing.
Once your swing has been developed, playing golf on the course is a whole new animal. Course management (knowing your strengths and weaknesses) what shape your shots tend to be and the distances that your ball goes when struck with each club, has to be factored in to your "GAME". This all takes time to develop, but once you have the basic swing mechanics, have your teaching professional take you on the golf course for some playing lessons. He or she will be happy to do it, because they get to play themselves.
Remember in the beginning we all crawl before we walk and walk before we run.


Good luck and have fun with it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homemade Holidays


I warned you this would happen. A couple issues back I mentioned the fact that the onset of fall kicks me into holiday gear. If you're not ready for holiday yet, that's okay, just set this issue aside for a week or two until you've worked up the courage and try again.
The majority of the gifts we get for others are bought from stores, by phone or on-line. And while they are greatly appreciated and well-used (well, most of them, anyway), the gifts that really get the best reactions and are best remembered are the ones made in our kitchens or craft rooms. Whether done by mom, dad, the kids or the entire family, a gift you took the time to make is appreciated on not just a gift-receiving level, but on a deeply personal level that says you are special. Loved. Valued. So for the remaining issues leading up to Christmas, the Laurel is going to include in each issue an idea for a gift that can be made at home. All usable, practical and some quite delicious. The first idea is for the cook.
Vanilla extract is at the foundation of almost everything made in the baker's kitchen. And while commercial vanilla extracts are readily available, the more affordable ones have spent weeks in processing, and then on the store shelves. The more expensive ones don't necessarily offer any better quality, and are simply that - more expensive. Which brings us to our first homemade holiday gift - Vanilla Extract. Simple yet savvy, this recipe for this vanilla extract is very flavorful as presented, and the flavor intensifies the longer it sits.

For each gift, you will need:
· One vanilla bean (available at some grocery and most gourmet stores)
· One cup of high-proof, high-quality vodka or rum
· One 10 oz. bottle, preferably with a screw-on cap.
Bottles may be found at most larger craft stores, or online - I have found a site with a large variety of bottles at very reasonable prices, www.saveoncrafts.com.

Directions:
· Wash bottle thoroughly.
· Split vanilla bean in two, slicing lengthwise. Remove seeds. Place in bottle.
· Pour vodka or rum into bottle, fill to neck of bottle. Cap tightly.
· Store in a cool, dark place for at least ten weeks, flavor improves over time.
· For Christmas giving, decorate bottle as desired.


Note: The liquor can be omitted and the recipe can also be used for Vanilla Sugar, using 2 cups white sugar in place of the liquor, and following the directions as usual. The only change being that the bean should be left to dry for a couple days. Vanilla sugar can be used in any recipe in which sugar is called for, and when added to any dish or drink in which sugar is spooned over or into, it adds flavorful nuances of vanilla in addition to sweetness.

 

 

 

 

Wildflower Walks with Jan Brand


When Jan Brand moved to Cashiers eight years ago she didn't know that she was about to enter a naturalist wonderland. As a horticulturist and landscape designer from Washington, DC she soon discovered the Highlands-Cashiers-Glenville Plateau was one of the richest areas for rare and unusual plant life in the world.
"It had everything to do with the attitude, rain and rather mild winters. This 20 square mile plateau is a temperate rain forest. We can have as much as 90 plus inches of rain a year where as Asheville might get 15 inches. The amount of rain is second only to the rainforest of the northwestern United States. Fortunately, we don't have all those dreary, gray days.
When I lead wildflower walks (walks not hikes!) the first thing I like to point out is the uniqueness of this plateau. This is as far south as northern plants come and it is as far north as southern plans come. Plants come together and overlap which makes for the startling statistic that there are more variety of trees in Jackson County then the entire continent of Europe. There are two Trilliums that are found only in three counties that are found in a very small location in China. This is truly a remarkable area."
Jan's interest peaked when she attended a wildflower seminar at High Hampton only weeks after her arrival.
"The seminars are conducted by world renowned botanists from the University of North Carolina Botanical Gardens at Chapel Hill and have been held at High Hampton every spring and fall for the past 15 years. I haven't missed a single seminar!"
Join Jan this fall or next spring for a leisurely walk around the Cashiers-Glenville area. Check the local newspaper, Mountain Laurel Magazine or call her at 828-743-2820.

 

 

Now in Bloom...

Fall is here and that means there is a decline of flowers. Many have "gone to seed," but a few are "late bloomers". For this discussion there are two which are easy to spot. Lobelia(s) "Bluebells" Lobelia siphilitica & Lobelia inflata. These are beautiful blue-purple flowered plants which are small perennials with ornate flowers. They are found mostly on roadsides in moist areas. Easy to pass up due to the smallness, they are a pleasure to see during this period of yellow (a dominant flower color). Lobelia is a historical herb used for many conditions. A member of this family known as Indian tobacco has been misused by many, but has some very good uses outside of the abuses. Indians used these for asthma, bronchitis, sore throats and coughs, (also known as pukeweed was widely used for inducing vomiting). Great lobelia was historically used by both Indians and settlers for the treatment of syphilis (roots of the plant) and leaves for the treatment of stomach troubles, croup, nosebleeds and hard to heal sores. Ironically, Lobeline an alkaloid has commercially been used for "quit smoking" materials in lozenges and gum. It affects the nicotine craves.

Our second plant is the Goldenrod. Sweet goldenrod Solidago odora is the most common "yellow" of this period of bloom. This anise scented perennial 2-5 ft. tall roadside and field dominant plant is commonly mistaken as the cause of many allergies during this period. Ironically, it is the ragweed plants with green flowers that are hard to see that is the culprit. While there are some who are sensitive to the goldenrods, it is something else that waters the eyes. Goldenrods have a history of medicinal uses. Leaf tea (pleasant tasting) has been used to stimulate the stomach in digestive assistance, as a diaphoretic, diuretic, a mild astringent; as well as for colic, ease stomach cramps, colds, coughs, fevers, dysentery, diarrhea, measles, and externally for rheumatism, neuralgia, headaches, and to ease soreness related to strains or over exertions. Interestingly enough, the seeds are one of the best survival foods as they provide energy and proteins needed to maintain balance in the body systems under stress.
Others to look for during this period: Gentians, Bull Thistles, Milkworts, Leafcups, Asters, Chamomiles, Fireweeds, Buckwheats, Silverrods, Mullins, And Phlox.

 

 

The Southern Accents Showhouse
continues at Highlands Cove


Benefitting the historic Highlands Playhouse, the Southern Accents Showhouse continues at Highlands Cove through October 27.
The Showhouse is open Tuesday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (closed Mondays) Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $5.00 for children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Area Dining Guide

HIGHLANDS
The Brick Oven 828-526-4121 - See our ad on page 59
Don Leon Deli Cafe - 828-526-1600 - See our ad on page 3
Fireside Inn - 828-526-3636 - See our ad on page 57
Fressers Eatery - 828-526-8847 - See our ad on page 54
The Log Cabin Steakhouse - 828-526-3380 - See our ad on page 39
Pizza Place - 828-526-5660 - See our ad on page 55
Ristorante Paoletti - 828-526-4906 - See our ad on page 65
Wolfgang's On Main - 828-526-3807 - See our ad on page 3
Bryson's Deli 828-526-3775
Pescado's Highlands Burrito - 828-526-931
Buck's Coffee Cafe 828-526-0020
Cafe Of The Arts 828-526-5166
Central House 828-526-9319
Country Oven - 828-526-0094
Gaslight Cafe - 828-526-4188
The Grill At Highlands Pharmacy - 828-526-2366
Highlands Hill Deli - 828-526-9632
Highlands House Of Coffee - 828-526-5578
Hilltop Grill - 828-526-5916
Jack's At Skyline - 828-526-2121
Kelsey Place - 828-526-9380
Lakeside Restaurant - 828-526-9419
Mountain Fresh Deli - 828-526-2357
Nick's - 828-526-2706
Nick's At The Cove - 828-787-2456
On The Verandah - 828-526-2338
Pescado's Highlands Burrito - 828-526-9313
Rib Country - 828-526-2626
Rosewood Market - 828-526-0383
Sports Page - 828-526-3555
Wild Thyme Gourmet - 828-526-4035

CASHIERS
Bruno's Mountain Bistro - 828-743-0715 - See our ad on page 33
The Chopping Block - 828-743-5355 - See our ad on page 61
Happ's Place - 828-743-2266 - See our ad on page 63
Horacio's - 828-743-2792 - See our ad on page 15
Lightwater Grille - 828-743-5410 - See our ad on page 35
The Market Basket - 828-743-2216 - See our ad on page 61
The Orchard - 828-743-7614 - See our ad on page 54
Paisano's - 828-743-6900 - See our ad on page 61
Roseis - 828-743-0160 - See our ad on page 9
Wild Thyme Cafe - 828-743-1065 - See our ad on page 27
The Inn at Brevard - 828-884-2105
th'Barn - 828-743-0185
Brown Trout - 828-877-3474
Carolina Smokehouse - 828-743-3200
Cornucopia - 828-743-3750
Golden China - 828-743-3575
Hardee's - 828-743-9131
High Hampton - 828-743-2411
Jimmy Mac's Café - 828-7431160
La Mexicana Cafe - 828-743-1420
The Library - 828-743-5512
Martines - 828-743-3838
Mica's Restaurant - 828-743-5740
Mama's of Sapphire Mountain - 828-743-1174
Pioneer Pizza - 828-743-9199
Rosie's Café- 828-743-0160
Subway - 828-743-1300

 

Web Directory

4 Street Inn www.4andahalfstinn.com
Adventure Depot www.adventuredepot.net
America's Home Place www.americashomeplace.com
Brevard Inn www.InnatBrevard.8M.com
Barber Custom Homes www.barbercustomhomes.com
Blair Realty www.blair-realty.com
Colonial Pines Inn www.colonialpinesinn.com
Coldwell Banker www.www.carolina-mountains.com
Country Club Properties www.highlandsinfo.com
Country Lakes Real Estate www.countrylakes-realestate.com
Cynthia Easter www.dormer-easter.com
Exit Realty www.exitsells.com
Gribsby Chandlers www.biminiringgame.com
Highland Hiker www.highlandhiker.com
Highland Safari www.highlandsafari.com
Highlands-Cashiers Hospital www.hchospital.org
Highlands Cove www.highlandscove.com
Highlands Emporium www.highlandsemporium.com
Highlands Whole Life Supply www.wholelifesupply.com
Highlands Resort Rentals www.highlandsresortrentals.com
Inn At Half Mile Farm www.innathalfmilefarm.com
John Cleaveland Realty www.jcrealty.com
Kelsey & Hutchinson Lodge www.k-hlodge.com
Kilwins www.kilwinsofhighlands.com
Koenig Homebuilders www.koenighomebuilders.com
Last Great Co. www.raggedyman.com
Laurelwood Mountain Inn http://members.tripod.com/lilypadn
Lily Pad www.highlandsresortrentals.com
Mckee Properties www.mckeeproperties.com
Michael Dormer www.dormer-easter.com
Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com
Mountain Properties www.ncmountains.com
Toad Hall www.toadhallb-b.com
Tom Sawyer Tree Farm www.tomsawyertrees.com
Old Creek Lodge www.oldcreeklodge.com
Preferred Properties of Cashiers www.preferredpropertiescashiers.com
Preferred Properties of Highlands www.ppoh.com
Prudential Realty http://members.aol.com/Pruhcr/homepage.htm
Remax - Mountain High www.remaxmtnhome.com
Robert A. Tino Gallery www.highlandsresortrentals.com
Signature Properties www.roberttinogallery.com
Sky Valley Accommodations www.skyvalleyaccom.com
Sky Valley Resort www.skyvalley.com
The Chambers Agency www.chambersagency.net
The Lake Club www.thelakeclub.com
The Marketeers www.themarketeers.biz
Timberpeg www.timberpeg.com
Toad Hall www.toadhallb-b.com
Triad Building Co. www.triadbuildingcompany.com
Village Realty www.cashierscommunities.com
Whitewater Equestrian Center www.jocassee.com
Wilson Gas www.wilsongas.com
White Moon Gallery www.weihs.com
WHLC www.whlc.com
Wolfgang's on Main www.wolfgangs.net
Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com

 

Your Area Lodging Guide

CASHIERS
Cottage Inn - 828-743-3033 - See our ad on page 27
Laurelwood Mountain Inn - 828-743-9939 - See our ad on page 9
The Inn at Brevard -828-884-2105 - See our ad on page 45
Reid Real Estate Vacation Rentals
A Mountain View Cabin - 770-938-2574
Awendaw Ridge - 828-743-9856
Back Street Guest House - 828-743-2473
Balsam Mountain Inn - 828-456-9498
Brown Bear Cottage - 770-992-3116
The Bearadise Mountain House - 843-681-4181
The Cabins At Seven Foxes - 828-877-6333
Cabins In The Laurel - 828-743-2621
Cashiers Resort Rentals - 828-743-9234
Earthshine Mountain Lodge - 828-862-4207
EMG, Inc. - 561-655-9949
Great American Vacations - 828-743-2330
Greystone Inn - 828-966-4700
The Haven On Lake Glenville - 770-641-8517
Hemlock Hill Cottage - 843-785-4620
High Hampton Inn - 828-743-2411
Innisfree Victorian Inn - 828-743-2946
Ladybug's Sweet Home Farm - 828-743-6373
Lake Shore Mountain Hide-Away - 828-743-4252
Millstone Inn Bed & Breakfast - 828-743-2737
A Mountain View Vacation Cabin - 770-938-2574
Mountain Village Vacation Cottages - 828-743-2377
Mt. Toxaway Lodge - 828-966-4582
Oakmont Lodge - 828-743-2298
Pebble Creek Village - 828-743-0623
Ridgeview Cabin - 770-493-0623
The River Cottage - 828-743-0534
The River Lodge - 828-293-5431
Sapphire Valley Resort - 828-743-3441
Sapphire Valley Resort Rentals - 828-743-3956
Serenity On Cedar - 877-747-9234
Shaver's Shady Spot - 828-743-2048
Sugar Bear Lodge - 828-506-2707
T-N-T Rentals - 828-743-9689 x2
Tuckaseigee Valley Vacation Cabins - 828-293-5131
Twin Streams Bed & Breakfast - 828-883-3007
Whiteside Cove Cottages - 828-787-2255
Woodlands Inn Of Sapphire - 828-966-4709HIGHLANDS

Hampton Inn - 828-526-5899 - See our ad on page 13
Highlands Inn - 828-526-9380 - See our ad on page 13
Highlands Vacation Rentals - 828-787-2002 - See our ad on page 67
Old Creek Lodge - 828-526-2273 - See our ad on page 41
The Chambers Agency - 828-526-3717 - See our ad on page 29
TLC & Associates - 828-526-5015 -See our ad on page 27
Toad Hall - 828-526-3889 - See our ad on page 53
1891 Stewart House - 828-526-8067
4 1/2 Street Inn - 828-526-4464
Colonial Pines Inn - 828-526-2060
Highlands Resort Rentals - 828- 526-5839
Kelsey & Hutchinson Lodge - 828-526-4746
Bears Den Lodge - 828-526-4419
Chandler Inn - 828-526-5992
Edgewater - 828-526-4733
Evening Shade Bed & Breakfast - 828-526-5464
Fire Mountain Inn & Cabins - 828-526-4446
Hidden Valley Cabin - 828-787-2027
Highlands Suite Hotel - 828-526-4502
Inn At Half Mile Farm - 828-526-8170
Long House Bed & Breakfast - 828-526-4394
Main Street Inn - 828-526-2590
Mirror Lake Suites - 828-526-9726
Mitchell's Lodge & Cottages - 828-526-2267
Mountain Cabins - 828-526-8883
Mountain High Motel - 828-526-2790
Old Edwards Inn - 828-526-9319
Skyline Lodge and Cabins - 828-526-2121
Wood Valley Cabins - 828-526-5007

 

Golf

Private Courses
Highlands Country Club
526-3771
Highlands Falls Country Club
526-2203
Cullasaja Club
526-3531
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club
526-2164
Semi-PRIVATE
Highlands Cove
828-526-4185
Trillium Links
828-743-4251

Public
Sky Valley
706-746-5303
High Hampton Inn
800-334-2551
Sapphire Mountain Golf
828-743-1174
Red Bird Golf Links
828-743-1991

 

Churches

Cashiers Baptist Church 743-3040
Cashiers Church of God Parsonage
743-2795
Cashiers United Methodist Church
743-5298
Community Bible Church
526-4685
Double Springs Church of God
743-1966
Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
526-2968
First Baptist Church of Highlands
526-4153
First Presbyterian Church
526-3175
Grace Christian Church
743-9814
Highlands Assembly of God
524-6026
Highlands United Methodist
Church 526-3376
Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall 743-3802
Lutheran Church of the Holy
Family 526-9471
Arch Church of Cashiers
743-5915
Church of the Good Shepherd
743-2359
Hamburg Baptist Church
743-2979
Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church 526-2418
St. Jude's Catholic Church
526-2418 or 743-5717
Whiteside Presbyterian Church
743-2122

 

Medical Directory

Highlands - Cashiers Hospital
828-526-1200

Family Physicians
· John F. Baumrucker, M.D.
828-526-2126
· Rebecca M. Brooks, M.D.
828-743-2491
· Mark W. Heffington, M.D.
828-743-9421
· David M. Wheeler, M.D.
828-743-9421
· Patti B. Wheeler, M.D.
828-526-4346

Internal General Medicine
· David R. M. Dennison, M.D.
828-526-2125

General surgery
· Daniel D. Richardson, M.D.
828-526-0720

Cosmetic & Reconstructive
· Robert T. Buchanan, M.D.
828-526-3783

Anesthesia
· Leila M. Martin, M.D.
828-526-1424

General orthopedics
· Herbert K. Plauché, M.D.
828-526-5012

Gastroenterology
· R. Carter Davis, Jr., M.D.
828-526-4300
· Martin V. Teem, M.D.
828-526-1362
· Philip E. Stack, M.D.
(828) 586-9200

Dermatology
· Morris S. Minton, M.D.
828-526-1232

Cardiology
· David P. Schroeder, M.D.
828-254-8054
·  Byron R. Williams, M.D.
404-686-250
1 828-526-1362

Ophthalmology &
Cataract lens
· Craig J. Secosan, M.D.
828-884-7320
800-635-7955

Hand and wrist surgery
·  Christopher T. Lechner, M.D.
828-253-752
1 828-526-1362

foot and ankle surgery
· William K. McKibbin, M.D.
828-258-8800

urology
· Michael D. Stribling, M.D.
828-369-4283
· J. David deHoll, Jr., M.D.
828-369-4283

radiology
· Tinko I. Zlatev, M.D.
828-452-8150
· F. Richard Lang, M.D.
828-452-8150
· Nila Wilbur, M.D.
828-452-8150
· Debera Lynn Huderly, M.D.
828-452-8150
· Clifford R. Riester, M.D.
828-452-8150
· John H. Penuel, M.D.
828-452-8150

gynecology
· Carl Willis Sherrer, M.D.
1-828-526-0720

Pulmonary Medicine
· Alan L. Plummer, M.D.
404-778-5736
828-526-1362




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