Since May 1989 SweeTreats in the Mountain Brook Center, Highlands,   has been serving custom-blended ice cream to seasonal and year-round Highlanders.  Each freshly-baked cone is filled with your special flavor of ice cream
or yogurt.
From a small shop tucked in the corner of the center just two blocks from Main Street, SweeTreats has grown over the years.   In 2005 the store was enlarged to include a coffee shop and a restaurant featuring hot and cold sandwiches, delicious salads and soups and a wide array of tantalizing desserts.
Last year SweeTreats expanded once again by buying the Highlands Hill Deli at the corner of Main and Fourth Streets.  They kept many of the Deli’s signature sandwiches while adding the SweeTreats favorites that people craved including their special blended ice creams. For a casual lunch in a hurry, the Deli is the place to eat.
SweeTreats at Mountain Brook Center has been transformed once again.  The kitchen has been enlarged; the dining room has been spruced up, giving everything a fresh, new look.  In addition to the new décor, the menu has grown exponentially to include a more extensive and varied menu.   A wide array of mouthwatering appetizers including cold salmon, calamari, fried shrimp, pepperjack cheese bites and much more are available for nibbles with your wines and beers or before your meal.  Now enjoy french fries and onion rings with your favorite sandwich or one of their many burgers.  They even offer a burger with double patties.
SweetTreats’ new dinner menu features more than 14 entrees from filet mignon, pork chops, baked salmon, chicken cordon bleu (a personal favorite), pasta and more.  Freshly-baked rolls and a vegetable accompany each entrée.  A dinner salad is available, too.  Be sure to leave room for one of SweeTreats freshly-created desserts.  There’s nothing better than their warm apple tart topped with cinnamon ice cream drizzled in caramel (just one of the many to choose from).
Anytime of day is a good time to stop at SweeTreats.  For a hearty lunch, try one of their sandwiches or burgers or a salad (the chicken gorgonzola is superb) and a cup of soup.  Take a mid-afternoon break where you can savor a bottle of the Flat Tire Amber Ale or a glass of wine. For a relaxing evening meal, choose SweeTreats.  Have you looked for a place to go after a play or a concert?  Look no more.  Bring your friends and come to SweeTreats after 9:00 P.M. for dessert and coffee or an after-dinner liqueur.   Want to have a small party?  Come to SweeTreats.  Need a gift?  A SweeTreats’ gift certificate is
always appreciated.
Lunch is served daily 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.; dinner from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. (9:00 P.M., Friday and Saturday).  For more information, visit www.sweetreats.com or call (828) 526-9822. For a quick meal, remember the SweeTreats Deli at the corner of Main Street and Fourth Avenue (828) 526-9632.

By Wiley Sloan

Contributed by
Mary Ann Hardman

Wine intimidates people for reasons that leave me puzzled. Hostesses planning dinner parties fret over wine/food pairings as if negotiating peace between North and South Korea.   Wine novices wonder why they don’t taste similar notes in a wine reviewed by Mr. Famous Wine Critic.  A friend told me he had read about a wine that was described by a critic as having essences of bacon. Bacon in wine? I’ll pass!
Because I have grown wine, pruning by hand rows of dormant vines in the chill of winter as well as harvesting those vines in the blistering heat of early fall, I have little patience with wine being needlessly complicated.
Wine – from Chateau d’Yquem (a dessert wine from the Bordeaux First Growth whose history precedes the French Revolution) to Barefoot Chardonnay – comes from a plant that has been cultivated for centuries.
When dining at Chez FonFon and the bespectacled sommelier   presents a wine list equivalent to Tolstoy’s War & Peace in length, I remember that wine comes from a plant. Being a gardener helps to appreciate the earthy origins of wine.
Below are a few ideas about wine. KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) applies:
Drink what you like.  But do not be afraid to try new grapes such as Cabernet Franc, Arneiss, or Picpoul. Drinking the same wine is like wearing the same dress day in and day out.  Variety is the spice of life.
Pair lighter wines with lighter foods. Pair buttery Chardonnays with buttery foods.  Pair heavier wines (Cabernet Sauvignon) with heavier foods (filet mignon).
Pair Champagne with everything, especially oysters.
Find a wine shop that you trust.  A good wine shop is a travel agency: by suggesting wines of distinction and quality, a customer can travel vicariously to the wine’s place of origin.
To recognize great wines, it’s necessary to experience some not-so-great wines. If a wine tastes watery or smells of wet cardboard, those are sure-fire indicators of poor quality.
No matter the numeric rating of a wine, it is your palate that has the final say.
Highlands has lots of great wines available at restaurants and retailers awaiting your enjoyment and discovery.

Contributed by Dr. Anastasia Halldin, Nutrition Coach
www.healthymamainfo.com

Healthy dessert sounds like an oxymoron, but it can be done, if you use the right ingredients in right combination. Frosting, which can be the basis of many desserts, can be time-consuming to make at home. Frosting you buy from the store, however,  is generally full of hydrogenated corn syrup, trans-fatty acids, preservatives, soy lecithin, food colorings and other sub-optimal ingredients, which could ruin your family’s health over time. What can you do to make a quick, healthy dessert (or to enjoy some frosting in a bowl?)
This dairy-free creamy coconut-based frosting is light, fluffy, sweet and satisfying. Best of all, it takes only five minutes, which is a small time commitment to improve your health. According to Dr. Oz, coconut oil can boost thyroid function, increase metabolism, energy and endurance. It increases digestion and helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Coconut can help improve insulin use within the body. Coconut has special fats called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). It has been shown that breaking down these types of healthy fats in the liver leads to efficient burning of energy and weight loss over time.
Dairy-Free Creamy Frosting
Yield: 1 cup
Ingredients: 1 can full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated over night; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 3 teaspoons arrowroot powder or
organic cornstarch.
Directions: Do not shake the can of coconut milk before opening. Scoop out only the top, fatty part of the coconut milk, leaving the liquid in the can. Add all other ingredients and blend until the mixture resembles a thick cream. Cool in the refrigerator for two hours and use.
See my blog for multiple healthy cake and cupcake recipes to use with
this frosting.
You can add one of the following ingredients to your frosting: Berry frosting: ¼ cup of fresh berries; Chocolate frosting: ¼ cup raw cocoa powder; Pina colada frosting: 4 tablespoons raw shredded coconut and ¼ cup fresh pineapple; Lemon frosting: juice and grated zest of ½-1 lemon.

The Women of Scaly Mountain are cranking up for another busy season in 2013!    We have six pancake breakfasts planned, each on the fourth Saturday of the month, beginning May 25th at the Old School House, just off Dillard Road.  Follow the signs and bring your kids, grandkids and neighbors.  Our hours are 7:30 to 10:30 A.M. Breakfast consists of piping hot pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee, all for just $5.50.  You have your choice of plain pancakes or ones loaded with delicious Scaly Mountain home grown blueberries.  Remember, all of our events benefit our Scaly college students scholarship fund.  See you there!

Contributed by Margaret Spraggins

The Cornucopia has been family owned for over 35 years, serving good food with prompt and attentive service.  Last year brought the addition of Cornucopia Gourmet Cheese, Meat and Specialty Shop and a Wine Bar.  This year brings us Dean Neff and that is going to be a very special treat.  Dean has a stellar culinary background.  He was raised in Savannah and graduated from UGA’s Terry Business School with a degree in marketing.  Upon graduating Dean decided that his heart belonged in a kitchen and enrolled at the School of Culinary Arts in Atlanta.  He went to work at Pricci, one of Buckhead Life Group Restaurants.  For the past twelve years he has been Executive Chef at the famed Five & Ten in Athens, Georgia where he has worked alongside
Hugh Acheson.
Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Dean and getting to know him better.  Of course my first question was, “What brought you to Cashiers?”  Dean replied, “Meeting the Peterkins and seeing their vision for Cornucopia and their invitation for me to be a part of the vision.  I have clicked with them and I am excited about the future of Cornucopia.   Personally it’s a beautiful change of pace.  Not too far from Athens and I love hiking and canoeing. Also it was time for me to step up to a new challenge. This opportunity presented itself and everything fell into place so perfectly that I knew it was the right new thing to do.”
I voiced my concerns to Dean that everyone loves the old Cornucopia and now with the new bar and a new chef is it going to change?
Dean shared, “the last thing I want to do is to change everything.   Hopefully we will keep some of the menu items and make sure we are doing them really well and add in some new things and update the restaurant for a long future.  The legacy items such as, Wade Hampton’s Downfall, the Arabian Club will stay and we will make sure that we do them really well.  We will be adding a few of my favorite items, fried chicken sandwich, a pimento cheese burger with Benton’s bacon. We are trying to use great local products such as Benton bacon,  and Anson Mill’s grains.”
Along with Dean Neff comes a new look for the Cornucopia, zinc table tops, and a new bar complete with beer, wine and liquor.  The wine list will be well-rounded, where everyone can find exactly what they desire. Wines served from all over the world that will change with the season.  Dinner is going to be Dean’s shining star. They have plans to start simply with good comfort food, such as meatloaf,  and smoked Mississippi catfish with cornmeal crusting.  He convinced me, I am making my reservations now.
Cornucopia is located at Highway 107 South and can be reached
at (828) 743-3750.

More than 500 lucky oenophiles will be wined and dined on May 16–18 at The Bascom’s annual Collective Spirits fundraiser. The festivities kick off on Thursday evening with exclusive benefactor-only dinners featuring renowned chefs and notable wines.

Friday begins with two educational tasting seminars in the classrooms at The Bascom. Friday evening will include a VIP Wine Tasting of rare and collectible restaurant-only wine-list wines, followed by the Stock Your Cellar Wine Market and Tasting on the Terrace at The Bascom. The Market will spotlight dozens of award-winning vintners, who will offer tastings and hard-to-find wines for sale by the discounted case. A seated dinner on Saturday at Highlands Country Club will culminate in a live auction conducted by wine specialist Greg Quiroga of Reynolds-Buckley in California.

Saturday’s live auction items are a fabulous mix of glamorous trips to luxury destinations, exclusive gourmet dinners, private wine tastings hosted by the vintners themselves and carefully curated wine collections. The Bascom announces its Collective Spirits 2013 vintners, with special Guest of Honor winemaker Rick Sayre of the Rodney Strong Winery. Additional notables include Axel Schug, owner of Schug Carneros Estate; winemaker Robbie Meyer of L’Angevin and Pierson-Meyer; Sales Director Kathy Berez of Failla Wines; Robin Lail, owner of Lail Vineyards; National Sales Manager Doug Cohen of Solena Estate; John Anthony Truchard of John Anthony Vineyards; East Coast Sales Sarah Noble of Loosen Brothers Wines; Gabrielle Leonhard, The Gabrielle Collection; Natali Meetze of Falcor Wines; Steve Pignatello, importer of French wines; Bob Singer of Caymus Vineyards; winemaker Joe Davis of Arcadian Winery; Tuck Beckstoffer of Beckstoffer Wines and Chris Bratcher of Bratcher Wines.

Please mark your calendar for the Collective Spirits events:

Thursday, May 16 – Private Wine Dinners (Benefactors only*) – 6:00 P.M.

Friday, May 17 – Educational Tasting Seminars  – 1:00 and 3:00 P.M.

Friday, May 17 – Stock Your Cellar Wine Market and Tasting ($100 per person) – 6:00 P.M.

Saturday, May 18 – Gala Dinner and Auction ($275 per person) – 6:00 P.M.

*Benefactor packages start at $2,500

For ticketing information, call the ticket office at (828) 787-2896.

American Chestnut Burr

Highlands’ lush forests have no equal, but over the centuries, they have been put to the test. Trees have been subjected to over-cutting, fire, drought, and pestilence. Thanks to science, conservationists, and the Biological Station most tree species have survived. But a few have succumbed, among them, the American Chestnut.

By the 1930s the chestnut was well on its way to extinction, courtesy of Endothia parasitica, a fungus that hitched a ride to the U.S aboard Asiatic chestnut seedlings. Just the sound of the disease conjures up evil: Endothia Parasitica, Mother Nature’s wicked kin. Starting in the 1920’s and ‘30’s, Endothia did her worst, wiping out nine million acres of chestnut forest in fewer than 50 years.

Before the blight, chestnuts were collected by the bushel in the Highlands area. Sometimes gatherers had to outmaneuver animals feasting on the bounty, including wild hogs and bears. According to Louis Edwards, you had to get out pretty early to beat the hungry hordes to
sheir breakfast.

Each chestnut tree grew hundreds of burrs, which some folks laughingly call porcupine eggs. Burrs were about four inches across and each one contained three chestnuts. Burrs opened September-October. Trees could grow as high as 120 feet, forest floor to crown, and decorated the landscape with a carpet of prickly pods.

In spite of the fact that chestnut timber was hard and rot-resistant, it still fell prey to the fungus. By 1927 much of the once mighty chestnut forest gave way to the oak and hickory, which were immune to the fungus.

Then Mother Nature let two other despicable critters worm their way into the environment. The Japanese Beetle arrived in New Jersey in 1912 and 20 years later had spread to the Piedmont area around Raleigh-Durham. It didn’t take long to make its way to Highlands. By 1953 the balsam wooly aphid had made its debut on Mount Mitchell. In just seven years, 275,000 trees of all kinds withered into a bleak, wooden bone yard.

Even the state flower, the native flowering dogwood, has had a close call. A blight traced to acid rain came close to wiping it out.

While we often blame over-cutting timber for the loss of beautiful forests, we must remember there is a bigger danger: the trees we love are often just a microbe—or a worm—away from extinction. For more information about the beautiful mountaintop on which we live and the organizations which help keep it green, read “Heart of the Blue Ridge” by Ran Shaffner or visit the Highlands Historical Society’s website: www.highlandshistory.com

by Donna Rhodes  |  Photo Courtesy Highlands Historical Society

Sol’s Creek Baptist Church

In the Little Canada section of Jackson County is the Sol’s Creek Cemetery, located on the grounds of the Sol’s Creek Baptist Church. There you’ll find the grave of a “well-liked, kind, generous and religious” woman who was brutally attacked and murdered. Her tombstone reads, “Danie H. Mathews Brown, born 19 October 1910 – died 27 September, 1961.” The sensational story of her demise and the wounding of her husband, Jesse J. Brown, was written by W. W. Ward of Brevard and published in a true crime magazine following an in-depth personal interview with Sheriff Frank Allen whose clever detective work had quickly identified and captured the two killers. The sheriff, who recently had a road named for him in Cashiers, even showed the writer the murder weapons. Following is a short version of the cold-blooded murder of Danie Brown.

Highway 281 runs between Highway 107 South in the Tuckaseegee section all the way to Highway 64 in the Lake Toxaway section – a very long, sparsely populated, curvy and at times steep road. Jess Brown and Danie, his wife, owned a farm and a little general store about midway up 281 on Wolf Mountain. The store was across the road from the Browns’ house and farm and a fairly new, white frame Baptist Church had been built just in front of the house, and on that evening in late September 1961, there was a prayer meeting going on in the small church with the sound of the singing of spirited hymns. Danie was milking the cows in the barn while Jess closed the store and when he stepped out on the porch he heard a shotgun roar from across the road and felt slugs tear into his

belly. Forty years earlier, Jesse’s father, Lon Brown, had been murdered at this same spot – the killer was Lon’s own brother, Fib Brown. The hymn singing muffled the sound of the shots. Jess fell, could not get up but crawled to his Jeep and managed to honk the car horn until church people came out, laid Jesse on the ground, phoned the sheriff, and went to tell Danie what had happened. Danie could not be found but the milking stool in the barn had been turned over. A search party failed to find Danie that night but the next morning, her body was finally found way up the mountain side – she had been shot in the legs and her throat cut.

Sheriff Allen found a bloody tree limb and a shotgun near the barn and in a short time he had arrested and charged with murder, Rought Brown, age 24, Jesse’s cousin, and a 14-year-old, Charlie Mathis, on parole from reform school. The motive was robbery, which was not carried out. Rought Brown was the son of Fib Brown who had killed Jesse’s father, Lon Brown. “Murder Runs in the Family” was the title of the magazine story.

Contributed by Jane Gibson Nardy, Historian, Cashiers Historical Society

Have you ever wanted to learn to play an instrument or sing?

Maybe you are a beginner and looking for someone to play with or a venue to demonstrate your musical abilities.  Many beginning players or vocalists can benefit from just having a place to go where they can share their ability with the least amount of performance anxiety possible.  Playing with a group or for an audience takes the player to a much higher level of self-confidence than by simply practicing in private.

There are some local venues where players and want-to-be players can observe and interact with others at various levels.  Being able to share your knowledge and talent with others regardless of how well you can sing or play, reinforces your own abilities while allowing others to learn from you.  I would like to share some local venues where one may observe, interact, and participate to whatever degree.  One may experience professional players with a high skill level or fellowship with those just beginning to learn the mechanics of musical performance. The following venues mainly consist of old country, folk, bluegrass, and gospel performers, but the open mic night is anything goes.  Some of the gatherings are seasonal, but some go year round.

Feel free use the following contact information if you wish to participate in any of the following jam sessions/ performances;   Blue Ridge Music SEBA jam, first Saturday of each month noon to 3:00 P.M., contact (706) 782-9852;  Mountain Grove Baptist Church, first Saturday of each month 6:00 to 9:00 P.M., contact (706) 982-0904; Tiger Food Mart, every Friday night starting at 6:00 P.M., contact (706) 782-7343;  Patton Methodist Church, third Saturday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M.,  contact (828) 524-9619; City of Tallulah Falls, every Friday night starting at 6:00 P.M., contact (706) 754-6040;  Mountain Rest, South Carolina, Community Jam, one time per month please call (706) 782-9852); Silver Dollar at Long Creek, South Carolina, every Friday night at 6:00 P.M., contact (864) 647-0188; Open mic night Promenade for the Arts, first Friday night of the month starting at 7:00 P.M., contact (706) 782-9852.

There are many other places you will find to play as you begin to network with others.

Contributed by Tom Nixon

“The number of connections in the brain is greater than the number of stars in the Milky Way, and most of my connections are taken up with movie quotes.”

So sayeth my best bud, Bobbo Goldberg. I venture to say every conversation I have ever had with him has had at least one movie reference. We have watched so many films that we often speak in movie shorthand . . . one or two-word exchanges that represent lines if not whole paragraphs of dialog. For example, when we’ve had enough of a self-righteous so-and-so we’ll look at each other and say, “Fruit basket” which is a reference to a Ghostbusters quote. The scene: The vengeful Inspector Peck has been bested by Venkman. As he is being ushered out he yells, “I’m gonna get you Venkman . . . I’m gonna fix you!” To which Venkman replies, “I’m gonna get you a nice fruit basket. I’m gonna miss him.”

Bobbo has a phonographic memory. He can play back anything he hears. Me? Not so much. But it’s still fun to play the movie quote game with him and I encourage you to do the same with a movie pal. By the way two of the most quotable movies of all time are Princess Bride and Galaxy Quest, so I highly recommend your seeing both films if you need a movie quote jumpstart.

In the meantime, test your movie I.Q. (Identifiable Quotes) with the following:

1. “Hello, My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” 2. “Get away from her, you bitch.” 3. “They’re dead. They’re all messed up.” 4. “Heeeere’s Johnny.” 5. “I’m king of the world!” 6. “I collect spores, mold and fungus.” 7. “You can’t handle the truth.” 8.  “I’ve come to chew bubble gum and kick ass, and I’m all out of bubble gum.” 9.  “It might be a tumor.” “It’s not a tumor.” 10. “ Sex alleviates tension and love causes it” 11.” May the Schwartz be with you.” 12. “I’ll have what she’s having.” 13. “What we have here is a failure to communicate.” 14.” Is it safe?” 15. “Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here. It’s the War Room.”

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little excursion into movie land. “One is glad to be of service.” (Bicentennial Man).  Until we meet again, “Hasta la vista, Baby!” (Terminator II).

Answers:

1. Princess Bride; 2. Aliens; 3. Night of the Living Dead; 4. The Shining; 5. Titanic; 6. Ghostbusters; 7. A Few Good Men; 8. They Live; 9. Kindergarten Cop; 10. A Midsummers Night Sex Comedy; 11. Space Balls; 12. When Harry Met Sally; 13. Cool Hand Luke; 14. Marathon Man; 15. Dr. Strangelove; and the title, “Have fun storming the castle.” is from Princess Bride.

by Donna Rhodes

Highlands is a small rural town but over the past few years the Rotary Club of Highlands has welcomed visiting Rotarians from foreign shores. In 2012 we welcomed a Rotary Group Study Exchange Team of visitors from Finland, who spent several weeks in Western North Carolina, exchanging ideas on everything from education to business and entrepreneurship to recreational sports. They visited our local school, hospital and police department, met with local leaders and played golf at Highlands Country Club.

In April, we welcomed a Rotary Friendship Team from India. This group of 11 included Rotarians and their spouses from several different Rotary clubs in India and included a teacher, a tax consultant, a housewife, a social worker and several other professionals.

The primary goal of the Rotary International Friendship Exchange is for participants to experience other cultures and build goodwill and friendships. The program advances international understanding and peace through personal relationships. The visitors stay in local homes, visit local attractions, try local food and always find common areas of interest and concern.

With 1.2 million members in 3200 clubs 170 countries, Rotary supports projects world wide that focus on health, poverty, conflict resolution, hunger, and illiteracy. Rotary’s goal is to “make the world a better place.”

The Rotary Club of Highlands is proud to be a part of this vision.

Contributed by Slocum Howland

Since its founding more than one hundred years ago, the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust (HCLT), originally known as the Highlands Improvement Society, has pursued the highest degree of professionalism as it conserves and cares for vital lands, water, and wildlife of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. However, resting on tradition is not the approach taken by this historic conservation organization. The Land Trust Alliance has designed a program that officially recognizes a land trust as a national leader in land protection.   The land trust accreditation program identifies land trusts that meet national quality standards for protecting and caring for important lands.  The accreditation process includes an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance.  The program has been developed to foster public confidence in land conservation and help   ensure the long-term protection

of land. 

HCLT is proud to announce that they have earned national accreditation through this prestigious program.  Through the rigorous accreditation process, HCLT is advancing its commitment to excellence.  Becoming an accredited land trust is an objective affirmation that HCLT meets national standards, upholds the public trust, and ensures that its conservations are permanent.

In 2012, HCLT conserved new properties that will protect the quality of the water we drink as well as healthy habitats for many of the plants and animals that live on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. New projects are already in the works for 2013.

The mission of HCLT is to protect valuable land resources for all generations. To learn more about your land trust or how you can be involved visit www.hicashlt.org or call (828) 526-1111.  Together we are saving mountains.

Contributed by Julie Schott, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

May typically begins our yearly wind-down here at the Literacy Council of Highlands – a time when we can breathe a little sigh of relief that our year is almost over and begin planning for next year.

However, this May we are going to be very busy as we have three special events upcoming: The Highlands Motoring Festival, Homecomin’ 2013, and Kidz Kamp.

This year, the Highlands Motoring Festival benefits the Literacy Council. This means we are going to be working very hard the weekend of June 7 and 8. We are hosting a welcome reception at SweeTreats on the evening of June 7 and a barn dance at Gus Lard’s barn on June 8 entitled BBQ and Bluegrass for Books.  Both events will begin at 6:30 P.M. Tickets for the events are available at the Literacy Council.

Homecomin’ 2013 is a conference that Judy and I will be attending the week of June 11-14 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This conference will allow us to meet children’s authors, get to know our Dolly Parton Imagination Library team, learn how to use the data system, hear keynote speakers, and learn a thing or two about marketing the program. We are looking forward to this unique experience. Currently, we have 447 participants and 16 graduates of this wonderful program!

This year’s Kidz Kamp will be a one-day event on June 24. It will be a nature-themed day including fun outdoor activities for kids from fourth to sixth grades. Participants will receive a cool field guide, backpack, hat, binoculars, and other tools to help them explore the world around them. Folks from the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust will be guiding us through our adventure. There is no cost for the camp and lunch will be provided. Registration is limited, so call Miss Judy to get registered today!

If you or anyone you know could benefit from one of our free programs, please contact us at (828) 526-0863 and we will be more than happy to assist you. We currently offer GED and ESL classes which will both run throughout the summer. After school programs, including individual tutoring, study hall, computer labs, and after-school enrichment will end on May 23 and begin again on September 2. For more information, visit our website at www.highlandsliteracy.com.

Contributed by Tonya Hensley, Executive Director, Literacy Council of Highlands

Every summer the Highlands Biological Station offers five-day workshops tailored for the local community and members of the Highlands Biological Foundation.  These workshops provide opportunities for in-depth study of special topics of relevance to the southern Appalachians.  This year, the Station is offering several art workshops and a literature workshop with Brent Martin.  Spend part of your summer developing your creative side to compliment your love for science (or vice versa), or exploring the western North Carolina landscape with local authors including Charles Frazier, Wayne Caldwell, George Ellison, Ron Rash, and John Lane!

The 2013 schedule for workshops this summer is:

Attention Artists!

May 6-10 – “Journaling Nature a Day at a Time” with Nancy Lowe

July 1-5 – “Sharing the Stories of Science” with Nancy Lowe

August 12-16 – “Small World: Drawing Insects and Other Small Organisms” (advanced drawing and watercolor) with Nancy Lowe

For Book Lovers!

July 1-5 – “Literary Journals through the Western North Carolina Landscape: An Exploration in Cultural and Natural History through Fiction, Non-fiction, and Poetry” with Brent Martin

Nancy Lowe is a scientific illustrator and photographer specializing in insects, plants, and fungi.  She has spent her professional career focusing on art and science collaborations for museums, libraries, universities, and professional organizations to name a few.  Her workshops are designed to encourage students to become better observers of natural history, and to improve their artistic skills in order to compliment and improve their ability to record their observations.

Brent Martin currently serves as Southern Appalachian Regional Director for the Wilderness Society.  He is a lifetime writer, educator, and conservationist.  Brent is the author of three chapter book collections of poetry, and his poetry and essays have been published in several literary reviews and journals.

For more information about these wonderful workshops, including descriptions, syllabi, and fees, visit www.highlandsbiological.org/summercourses/.  You can also call (828) 526-2602 or visit 265 North Sixth Street for more information.  Members of the Highlands Biological Foundation at the Sagee Mountain Level and above receive a discount.

Contributed by Michelle Ruigrok, Highlands Biological Station

You’re invited to the Faux Fur Ball in Sapphire, NC

If you are on our mailing list, you may have already received your invitation for our annual Faux Fur Ball.  For those who have not, meet the Queen of this year’s ball, Amore.  She is ready to kick up her paws and get the party started.

Our annual Faux Fur Ball, “which is actually no ball at all,” helps us raise the funds for our very large food bill at the Forever Farm. “So don’t put on your ritz and glitz, just send us a donation for kibbles and bits. Your stay-at-home celebration will be met with tail-wagging appreciation.”

We are dependent on your generous tax deductible donations for the operation of the Friends for Life Forever Farm, a life-long sanctuary for senior and special needs companion animals located in Lake Toxaway.  Visit our website at www.friendsforlifeforeverfarm.org to take a Visual Tour of our facility.  Donations can be made online, or mailed to P.O. Box 340, Sapphire, NC 28774.

Contributed by Kathy Bub, Executive Director, Forever Farms

Loyalty is a trait we all hope to be known by; in friendship, in love, in our work ethic, in our family of origin and our family of choice. We want to be loyal above all else. Yet, how many of us truly are?

On March 28, I said good-bye to the most loyal creature I have ever known. She demonstrated her loyal commitment the day she showed up at the farm, claimed me as her person of choice and the farm as her home. There wasn’t a day that passed that she didn’t wake up with a smile and only one agenda, to be my constant companion all day every day. It didn’t matter to her if we were in the stables, working in the office, taking a long trail ride, running errands in the truck with her waiting for me to return, conducting kids camps, after school programs, painting or constructing building; her only request, to be by my side.

In the 15 plus years here she has been a beacon of light at Carpe Diem Farms. She has greeted every guest and participant joyfully. She has welcomed every dog, cat and horse into our family happily. She seemed to live with a motto that “there is always room for one more to love.” She taught me so much and my heart aches for the physical space she no longer occupies. She took a piece of my heart with her on her latest journey and she left my heart full of her love.

Joy lived to be 18 years old. As she aged gracefully through every season of her life she made concessions. When she could no longer go on trail rides she watched as we rode off and awaited our return on the front porch. She took to sleeping in my closet knowing I would return. She shared every trial, happiness and sorrow of my life…my constant companion.  She slept in the stables with me as we awaited the birth of Promise.  When one of the horses, dogs or cats became sick or infirm she stayed by my side nursing them and being with me as they passed on.  She attended every burial, comforting me in
my sadness.

My life is so much richer for having shared it with her. I know that she will be waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge and in the meantime she will be running in the fields with all her friends, two and four-legged alike who have gone before her. Her unconditional love and loyalty will be her legacy. I am a better person for the gifts she shared and taught.

Contributed by Sue Blair, Carpe Diem Farms Executive Director

Steve’s Dad Howard Mills

It has been a privilege to serve as the director of our hospice in the Highlands-Cashiers area the past two years.  Our team have been honored to be part of the lives of so many.  Recently my family took the journey that so many have taken before.  My dad died on February 27.  He lived just over a month after his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.  During that time, we faced the same confusion and need as every family.

Hospice helped with the tremendous confusion we felt.  Despite my experience, our world turned upside down as my dad, who was a rock-solid presence, quickly grew weaker.  He was a career policeman and the one people turned to for help.  Now we had questions, uncertainties and fears as we faced what it meant for him to leave us.  Hospice provided answers and support.

Hospice helped us deal with the physical changes my dad experienced.  What a change it was for me to be providing personal care to my dad.  Hospice assisted with necessary medicines, as well as supplies and training for his care.  How gratifying for my sister and me to fulfill his wish to stay in his home during his final days.

Hospice helped us deal with the stress we experienced.  I remember thinking, “This is incredibly hard to do.”  The hospice team helped us manage our own needs, while supporting him in the best ways possible.

Hospice helped us gather the resources to move forward in a new way.  My dad was the primary caregiver for my mom for a number of years.  The hospice team helped us begin to address my mom’s needs for care as my dad quietly and peacefully left us.

Through this personal experience, I now have an even stronger commitment and passion for serving those in the Highlands-Cashiers region who need the support and care that we provide as your local hospice team.  Please call us with questions at (828) 526-2552.

Contributed by Steve Mills

When you first arrive at the beautiful and exquisite Country Club of Sapphire Valley, you know this night is going to be special. From the spectacular views on the Mountain Veranda to the elegant dining experience in the Sapphire Room, there is only one thing that could make this evening more perfect. Pawsitively Purrfect, as a matter of fact. And that is to combine this uniquely stunning venue with a night of fundraising and “fun-raising” to support the shelter pets at the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society.

Pawsitively Purrfect Evening is our annual gala that kicks off the social season in grand style! Join us at the luxurious Country Club of Sapphire Valley and enjoy a magical evening featuring cocktails, an exquisite dinner, live and silent auction, and dancing. Among the live auction items this year is a one-week stay in a majestic 19th-century townhome in Barcelona, Spain. Other auction items include private home dinner parties, golf packages, gift certificates to area restaurants, and much more!

Pawsitively Purrfect Evening is Friday, June 14, from 6:00-10:30 P.M. and tickets are $175 per person ($350 per couple). To purchase tickets or for more information, please call (828) 743-5752 or email info@chhumanesociety.org. Last year’s gala welcomed a record number of attendees and tickets sold fast, so make plans today to be a part of this elegant evening to support the rescued animals entrusted to our care!

Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is located on Highway 64, two miles east of the Cashiers Crossroads behind Reid Real Estate. Shelter hours are 10:00 A.M. -4:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday. Visit CHHS online at www.chhumanesociety.org to see pictures and descriptions of all the adorable, adoptable dogs and cats looking for forever homes. For more information, call (828) 743-5752.

Established in 1987, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a private 501(c)(3) not-for-profit animal welfare organization and no-kill shelter that receives no federal, state, or county tax dollars, and no funding from the Humane Society of the United States. CHHS relies solely on donations, grants, bequests and special events to further our mission of rescue, compassionate care, and finding forever homes for abandoned and neglected animals.

Contributed by David Stroud, Executive Director, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

A highly-visible symbol of a personal victory over cancer, the Global Relay For Life Heroes of Hope and their profiles of courage encourage support and participation in the programs of each international cancer organization. More than simply inspiring us, cancer survivors and caregivers reaffirm the missions of our organizations and reinforce, in a personal way, the need for all of us to continue to fight back against cancer.

The Global Relay For Life Heroes of Hope survivorship initiative involves the selection of Heroes of Hope from Global Relay For Life participating countries. The initiative has three
primary goals:

•To give each Global Relay For Life member country an opportunity to recognize one or more cancer survivors who have impacted their community

•To give one or more cancer survivors the opportunity to serve as a voice for their country’s cancer organization

•To encourage other cancer survivors to actively share their own cancer Relay For Life events. As ambassadors of their country’s cancer organization, these Heroes of Hope will inspire other survivors and expand the whole world of cancer survivorship.

Today, Relay events proudly host more than 600,000 survivors each year. These extraordinary beacons of hope – and the caregivers at their side – show us that, together, we’re stronger than cancer!

From Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Sydney, Australia, and from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to Moncton, Canada, survivors are showing that cancer is defeated by coming together. No matter where you are in the world, our survivors speak a common language — the language of hope! For some, it is the hope that a newly diagnosed patient will live to celebrate their next birthday. For others, it is the hope that they will dance at their grandson’s wedding. And, for others, it is the hope that nobody will have to go through the pain and suffering of cancer ever again. It is hope that brings the strength and courage to these survivors!

Next month, we’ll honor a Highlands survivor and share her story. Please join us to celebrate our survivors and honor our caregivers.  Visit www.relayforlife.org/highlandsnc, www.facebook.com/relayforlifeofhighlandsnc, or call (828) 526-1841.

Contributed by Ellen Bauman

The Highlands Mountaintop Rotary Club is moving into spring and summer with several new members and exciting events planned.

Mountaintop Rotary would like to welcome all of our new members. Danielle Koman is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, and was sponsored by Callie Calloway. Rita Kelly is the owner of both Rita’s Cottage and Highlands Fine Consignments and was sponsored by Bill Zoellner. Pat Turnbull, who was sponsored by Al Bolt, is a returning member to the club.  Pat is the Membership Coordinator at The Bascom. The most recent member to join is Cherry Bittick, owner of Cabin Couture. She was also sponsored by Bill Zoellner.  Mountaintop Rotary is excited to have all of these talented people join our club.

In March, the Mountaintop Rotary was able to deliver $2,000 worth of food items and essential household supplies to the Highlands Emergency Council for distribution to those in need in the area. Funds used were raised from donations collected during our annual Halloween Hot Dog Giveaway and our Annual Holiday Wreath Fundraiser. Money raised from those events was matched by a $1,000 grant from Rotary District 7670.

Our next fundraiser will be taking place on June 1. Highlands Mountaintop Rotary is reviving the Mountain Lakes 5K, formerly put on by the Highlands Roadrunners Club. The race for both runners and walkers will raise money for wheelchairs in third world countries, the Highlands Community Care Clinic and other charities. The race will take place on Saturday, June 1, beginning at 8:30 A.M. Registration will take place at the Highlands Recreation Park and starts at 7:30 A.M. The entry fee for adults is $25 with an event T-shirt and $15 with no T-shirt. Students can take part for just $15 with t-shirt. Participants are urged to pre-register and forms will be available at the Highlands Rec. Park or by phone or e-mail by contacting Skip Taylor at (828) 526-4280 or e-mail sidebead1@gmail.com.

The Highlands Mountaintop Rotary meets every Wednesday morning at 7:30 A.M. in the dining room at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.

Contributed by Victoria Ingate

Highlands community leaders are taking a break from their daily duties to spend time in “jail” for the Highlands Playhouse to gain charitable donations for their release. The Highlands Playhouse Lock-Up is a community event that is a high spirited way to help the Playhouse with operating expenses.

By agreeing to do time, Playhouse Jailbirds from the community go behind bars as they ask family, friends and business contacts to make donations to their “bail” to benefit the Highlands Playhouse to help continue the tradition of professional theatre. Community support is the driving force that enables the Playhouse to continue providing high quality professional entertainment.

“The Playhouse Lock-Up is a fun and exciting way for community leaders to show their support of Arts and Entertainment on the plateau,” said Playhouse Managing Director Tammy Hernandez. “The arts play such an important role in our daily lives and we are blessed to have a dynamic community that will come together to support the Playhouse.”

The goal for each Jailbird is to raise $500 to help support the oldest theatre in North Carolina. Our “living theatre” came to Highlands 75 years ago to serve as a gathering place for all who love live entertainment, served up by professional actors and other performers who make it their passion.

Once arrested, Jailbirds will be transported to the mock jail in Town Square on Saturday, May 18, where they are encouraged to make additional calls to friends and business associates to raise money for their bail. To nominate a community leader that you would  like to see “do time,” call (828) 526-2695 .

The Highlands Playhouse is located at 362 Oak Street. Subscriptions for all five plays are available now for $150, with extra discounts for educators. To purchase subscriptions or to receive more information, call (828) 526-2695 or go to www.highlandsplayhouse.org. Group tickets (10 or more) are available now at savings up to 30 percent. Tickets for individual performances are available by calling the box office. For full sponsorship information, contact Chesley Owens at (828) 526-9443 or email highlandsplayhouse@yahoo.com.

Contributed by Chesley Owens

The year 2012 was a great year for the cats. We rescued 118 cats and kittens.

Twenty two came from the Jackson County Shelter, 19 from other shelters, 50 were picked up as strays and 27 were surrendered by their owners.

When the year started we had more than 90 residents at the shelter. We found new homes for 90 cats and ended the year with a population of 86. Catman2, as well as being a rescue and adoption center is also a sanctuary and when a cat is accepted it is given the right to stay until it finds a new home or becomes too old to enjoy a good quality of life. We take the term “no-kill” to be what it means.

Although the year was good for the cats, it was not as good as it may sound for the shelter. Adopting ninety cats sounds like a lot. But we do not make money on adoptions. The average cost to get a cat ready for adoption, vet work, vaccines, food, and the like, is about $130. Our adoption fee is $80. Do the math.

Of course, the cats know nothing of this. They still want to be fed quality food, use clean litter and be warm in winter and cool during the summer. Catman2 had to hire its first employee. This has added about $28,000 to the budget. Up until now all work with the cats was done by volunteers. I, Harold Sims, have never taken a cent for myself. Mine is a labor of love.

What are we going to do? We are going to keep going. In the good years we were able to tuck away surplus funds in CDs. The most I can hope is that the money is safe and will be there when needed.

We hope to do the “Cats in Review” show we had to cancel last fall. We want to raffle a car this year rather than a quilt. We hope to find a way to profit from the Painted Cats. We’re going to try to find a way to promote “Kevin the Helpful Vampire Cat” and his books.

Tell a friend about us and ask them to help. We need money and we need volunteers. Since Catman2 started in 1996, we have saved more than 3,000 cats within our shelter and many more with the advice and education we have been more than willing to give. Call us at (828) 293-0892 and we will return your call when you want help or
need advice.

Contributed by Harold Sims

The Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley and Sounds Essential, a Sapphire-based marketing and IT firm, are teaming up to provide area schools, non-profit organizations and other charitable entities with quality refurbished computers.

The program, called Community Computers, seeks to find new homes for gently used, completely refurbished computers and equipment, placing them where need is the greatest.

As part of the program, individuals and businesses from the community are asked to donate their old equipment while Sounds Essential donates its time to rebuild and restore the computers to working condition. Rotary will identify needy recipients.

Sounds Essential proposed the project to Rotary after several of the firm’s IT clients asked what could be done with computers they were replacing or no longer needed. “We often help guide customers and clients through the process of updating or modernizing their equipment,” says Duncan Baker, co-owner of Sounds Essential. “That doesn’t mean the old equipment is useless, though.”

For Vic Galef, president of the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley, the program seemed like a natural fit. “In these difficult times, when affordability is such a huge issue for so many, Rotary can help facilitate a service to those in real need. It’s especially important for younger people, who need to keep up with the fast paced computerization of learning tools.”

Donated equipment can include PC or Mac laptops or desktops, monitors, printers, keyboards, wireless routers and other accessories that can be used in rebuilding the computers, along with operating system and other software installation discs when present. Tablets and smartphones with wireless capabilities will also be accepted.

To donate to the Community Computers program, please bring all old or no longer needed equipment, including any available operating system or installation discs specific to that device, to the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce Office and Visitor Center, located at 202 Highway 64 West, between the hours of 10 A.M. and 4 P.M., Monday through Friday.

For those interested in learning more about or joining the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley, please visit www.cashiersrotary.org., or contact Bob Starkey at (828) 508-2659. The Rotary meets on Wednesday mornings at the Cashiers United Methodist Church.

Contributed by Vanna Cameron

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina (BBBS) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year! Since its inception, 10,500 WNC children have received the benefits of having a one-to-one relationship with a caring, supportive volunteer mentor.

More than 250 children in Highlands have participated and Cashiers’ new program is already off to a great start!

There are two programs offered in Highlands: After School and Community Based. The After School Program involves a mentor and child meeting for one hour each week after school on the school campus during the school year. Community Based is the traditional program where the mentor does activities with the child at least twice a month; such as going to the movies, a ball game, or maybe a trip to the ice cream shop.

In Cashiers, an In-school Program is offered at Blue Ridge School (BRS) and formulation of an After School Program is in the works at Summit Charter School. The BRS program involves mentors coming to the school one hour each week during the school day and visiting with their matched “Little.”

The BBBS mission is simple; to provide mentors for youth – transforming the lives of both children and volunteers. The BBBS track record is filled with positive experiences and growing friendships that will never be forgotten. Through the mentoring efforts, we see outcomes of youth achieving educational success, having the ability to avoid risky behaviors, and building higher aspirations for their future. Children gaining the confidence and tools to reach their new found goals.

Big Brothers Big Sisters needs more caring mentors and supporters. Start something Big by sharing a Little of your time and attention by supporting a young person in the community. We all reap the reward of this relationship because the children grow into more productive citizens and contributing members of society.

For information, contact Debbie Lassiter at highlands@bbbswnc.org or cashiers@bbbswnc.org or (828) 526-4044.

Contributed by Julie Schott

Bags on Main, Highlands’ original handbag store, has exciting news for the 2013 season.

Not only is the store under new ownership, but the boutique has an expanded new location. You’ll find it right beside The Toy Store, 364 Main Street.

The new expanded location continues with familiar favorites, including Eric Javits, Hobo, Anuschka, Big Buddah, My Walit, Sondra Roberts, Ellington and many more. They stock handbags, cross  bodies, wallets, and organizers — from playful to polished, an array of colors and designs to complement any style.

To complete your shopping experience, the new owners, Michelle and Harry Bears, have added fun finds for hostess and girlfriend gifts, or just a little something to pamper yourself. Luxurious bath and body products, sassy party hats, napkins and beverage cups, soy candles, umbrellas, expressive readers, fun watches and Quotable gift cards are just some of the new additions.

The refreshing look and new location of Bags on Main is certainlyworth a careful browse. It’s open year-round.

By Luke Osteen

Rotary’s Golf Tournament is a memorable stroll over the legendary links of Highlands Country Club.

A true signal that the summer season is near is the Rotary Club’s Annual Golf Tournament at the Highlands Country Club.  Make your reservations now by contacting Rotarian and Tournament chair Joyce Baillargeon at (828) 526-0501 or jbaillargeon@highlandscountryclub.com.  Monday, May 6, is the date, a 11:00 A.M. shotgun start is the plan.  You can access the driving range and the practice green at 10:00 A.M. along with registration.  Proceeds farom this event allow the Rotary Club to support their many charitable projects throughout the year.

Foursome teams will play a four-man scramble or captain’s choice.  The Donald Ross-designed course was once the home of famed golfer Bobby Jones.  Take advantage of this great opportunity to play the oldest and most prestigious course in our area.  Show your skills on this course which has challenged many fine golfers throughout the years.  Mulligans can be purchased for $5 each.  You’ll have a chance to win great prizes including a closest to the pin and long drive competition plus receive an HCC Tervis Tumbler mug and a good lunch at the turn.

Throughout the years, the Tournament has raised more than $100,000 to support many community projects like the Student Foreign Exchange Program, the Literacy Council, local Boy Scout Troop, the Peggy Crosby Center, the Library, plus many other community groups.

Registration for each player is $150.  If you are not able to play but would like to support the Rotary Club with a hole or corporate sponsor, contact Joyce as shown above.  Fore!

By Wiley Sloan