#12
September 1, 2026#8
September 1, 2026
Searchable issue transcript
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Digest $6.95 Fo o d Art Hist or y Culture Event s O pinion Style North Carolina Fly Fishing New Years Traditions Issue # 10 2020 Downtown Morganton foothills Fishing With Bob Timberlake Display Until April 15, 2020
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2 “Two Rainbows” by Bob Timberlake
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4 COLUMNISTS James Thomas-Shell Sarah Everly Calvin Reyes Donna Steele Granny Eckard Amber Bryson Kat Dellinger Heather Woods Davis Tara Bland CONTRIBUTORS Claudia Ward-Eller Richard Eller Bob Timberlake Eric Welbourne Morgan Tarbutton SPECIAL THANKS Craig Distl Lisë Swensson foothills Foothills Digest 42 3rd St NW Hickory NC 28601 Phone: 828.475.1323 E-mail: editor@foothillsdigest.com Website: foothillsdigest.com Stock by Adobe Stock PRINTED IN USA EDITORIAL CARMEN ECKARD JON ECKARD JOEY OSBORNE Chief Editor Principal Photographer Partner You can always subscribe online at http://foothillsdigest.com, but you can also fill out this form and send it in to: Foothills Digest/42 3rd St NW/Hickory NC, 28601 Name: Address: Phone: Subscribe Subscriptions are $27 per year and we publish quarterly. Shipping is $16. Please enclose a check or your credit card information. Cards are charged $43 one time. Card Number: Expiration: CVV Code: “Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” Henry David Thoreau
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6 To learn more or to schedule a primary care appointment online, visit FryeHeart.com A self-proclaimed “mad gardener,” making the world a more beautiful place is Deward’s calling. When fatigue became a thorn in his side, the team at Frye Regional Medical Center helped Deward get back to creating beautiful outdoor spaces with his sons. As part of Duke LifePoint Healthcare and the region’s only Duke Health affiliate in heart, Frye Regional Medical Center has a team of experienced doctors with specialty training in heart to provide the very best care for Deward and others in our community with heart disease. I’m enjoying a new season of life with my sons Experts in HEART DEWARD’S Letter from the Editor Dearest readers, Thank you reading our magazine! When we were making our last issue, we met Mr. Bob Timberlake. He suggested that we look into fly fishing, and he told us he’d take us fishing. We set out to learn about fly fishing and we discovered a thriving industry and an incredibly intriguing sport, plus a love story about conservation. We did go fishing with Mr. Timberlake, and you can see the absolutely gorgeous brown trout I caught below. We released her, but we did dig up a really good trout recipe if you get a hankering. Farmed trout is available in stores all over the region during the winter, so don’t let the catch-and-release rules and dates get you down! This was fun. I think I’m hooked. My first big fish! A brown trout I caught fishing with Mr. Timberlake! See page 41
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8 Letter From the Editor North Carolina Fly Fishing Guides Dave Hise: King of Trash Flies Forest and Stream 1889 Fly Fishing with Bob Timberlake Fishing in a Winter Wonderland Timberlake’s Restaurant Recipes Granny Eckard Foothills Conservancy Artisan Soapery One Tank Trip: Morganton Clayton Pennell The Life Changing Holiday Fox and Hound 7 10 26 28 34 38 44 46 50 54 56 60 66 82 88 94 100 104 108 114 116 119 120 122 124 Winter Wonderland The Hickory Tree Strong Life Ministries The Fishing List Respect Your House’s History Worth the Drive Outsmart Diabetes Kinky Curly Wavy Winter Fashion Protect Your Skin Demand Labeling of Allergens Eventfully Yours Event Calendar Poetry Kuralt at White’s Creek Photography 127 128 130 132 134 136 138 TABLE OF CONTENTS 38 10 66
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10 By Carmen Eckard Photos by Jon Eckard Public fishing waters in Wilson’s Creek with angler Ralph Griffith.
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12 at its most basic, is the art of tricking trout or salmon. It’s done using small artificial flies, artfully tied from feather and bits of fur. The flies are cast using a fly rod and reel, and the line is specially weighted. Flies are made to look like a wide-range of naturally occurring critters, like insects, invertebrates, and eggs. The idea is to convince the fish that your fly is alive and delicious. This process, however, isn’t as straightforward as a non-angler might expect. People have been perfecting the art since the second century BC, when Claudius Aelianus described the fishermen he saw creating artificial flies: “They fasten red wool. . . round a hook, and fit on to the wool two feathers which grow under a cock’s wattles, and which in color are like wax. Their rod is six feet long, and their line is the same length. Then they throw their snare, and the fish, attracted and maddened by the color, comes straight at it, thinking from the pretty sight to gain a dainty mouthful; when, however, it opens its jaws, it is caught by the hook, and enjoys a bitter repast, a captive.” People have been fishing the streams of Appalachia for our entire history here. By the late 1800s, Banner Elk was known around the world as an ideal, yet remote, fishing destination, and over the years the industry has grown quite large. In fact, the most recent economic impact study showed that almost 150,000 people fish our streams each year. We have over 3,000 miles of trout streams in North Carolina, and over 1 million trout are stocked each year. Fishermen and women create 3,500+ jobs per year, bringing $383 million to our economy. It’s big business here, and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Fly fishing’s popularity could be attributed to many things, but we think it’s popular because fly fishing is angling elevated to an art form. However, we’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the concerted effort that has been made to support the industry. Many groups have been involved in the effort, but at the forefront is the Division of Inland Fisheries, a division of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. They have developed a plan for sustainable fishing in our waters that has many branches, including trout management, habitat protection, research, angler access, education and communication. They keep watch over the health of the fish and the water to protect this natural resource. You can read the comprehensive plan using a QR reader to scan the code on the resources page you’ll find at the end of this article. There are three kinds of trout that make up most of our populations. They include the endemic Brook Trout, the Rainbow Trout and the Brown Trout. Each has different habits and tastes. All three of these types of fish are stocked in North Carolina, and efforts are made to protect the genetic integrity of the Brook Trout. Fly fishing,
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14 Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) This fish is olive green to golden brown, with yellow sides. It has dark spots on its back and sides, encircled with white. Many brown trout have red or orange spots on their sides. These are abundantly stocked in Western NC. Rainbow Trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss) This fish is named for the shimmery lateral stripe that ranges from pink to red. Its back is olive green and its whole body has black speckles. These are stocked in NC waters, and they’ve been stocked here so long that there are many wild rainbow trout as well. Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis ) This fish is native to North Carolina waters. It is greenish brown and iridescent. You’ll notice tell-tale pink or red spots on the side and dark wavy lines on the tail. Active efforts are being made to protect and grow this endemic species. You may also find a rare ‘tiger trout’ where a brown breeds with a brook trout! These fish can’t breed, but they are beautiful. To catch trout, you need to have a good idea of where to look for them. Fortunately, we have ample available land and trout are a bit predictable and have some favorite spots. With 3,000 miles of trout streams, you may be overwhelmed picking a spot. You could start with any of the spots along the Western North Carolina Trout Trail, or use the “Online Resources” page. Once you’ve picked your stream, you’ll want to choose the perfect spot to cast your first fly. When it’s feeding time, you’ll want to look in “riffles”. These are shallow spots of water where the water moves quickly. Minnows and other feeder fish spend their time here, so hungry trouts do too, although you’ll need to be stealthy, because they are on high alert. Fly fishing guide Dave Hise says, “This is where a majority of the aquatic species are found. The fish are more spooky in these areas because the water is often shallower so the fish’s ‘vision window’ is much larger than in deep water. During a trout’s lifecycle, they spend roughly 90% of the time feeding on aquatic creatures, like midges, mayflies, caddis, stoneflies, craneflies, scuds, sowbugs, annelids, and damsel and dragonflies, to name a few. The other 10% of the time they spend feeding on the surface of the water on the adults of aquatic and terrestrial insects. It is best to play the odds. Many anglers only enjoy fishing on the surface so they don’t often catch as many fish as the “nymph” fisherman.” We have everything you need to get outside this winter. OUTDOORSUPPLYCOMPANY.COM
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A “run” is an area that’s slightly deeper, and not as fast-moving. Trout like this area, and they aren’t as wary of your presence as they would be in a riffle. A “pool” is an area of deep, still water. This is where trout are happiest, and there will be an abundance of fish here, but they aren’t there to feed, so convincing them to go for your fly takes a bit more finesse. You can also find trout in undercuts and around rocks. These spots protect the trout from the current and provide a nice resting spot. You also have to know how to pick your fly. This changes from day to day, season to season, and from species to species. The most important tip in selecting your fly is “MATCH THE HATCH.” Since you’re trying to trick the trout into thinking your fly is something they want to eat, it’s a good idea to consider what they are naturally eating at that time. On our resources page, you’ll find a link to a hatch chart that is very helpful. Trout eat Midges, Mayflies, Caddis, Stoneflies, Scuds, Sowbugs, Hoppers, Ants, Beetles, Annelids, Damselflies, Dragonflies and Water Boatman. Your fly box should reflect this, as well as the current season. The art of tying flies is an old one, and at right you can see what is regarded as the ultimate guide for fly fishers in the late 19th-century. It’s called Favorite Flies and Their Histories by Mary Orvis Marbury, published in 1892. The images were created using chromolithography and are quite beautiful. Making CBD accessible for everyone by offering some of the best quality and best prices in the industry. H I C K O R Y 283 2nd Ave SE 844-66-VLIFE or 844-668-5433 VLifeCBD.com
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18 We asked fisherman Alex Cardwell what he loves about tying flies. He said, “I love how it all comes full circle. You make something that catches the fish you catch. It’s really satisfying.” You can see his flies on page 23. Today you can purchase premade flies or make them yourself. Fly shops generally sell both premade flies and supplies for tying them. You may find that you really enjoy the craft. After you’ve selected your location and your flies, you’ll have to consider your presentation. This means making sure that your fly rod is properly tied and has the right amount of tension. A basic fly line uses five kinds of knots: arbor knot to attach the backing to the reel; nail knot to attach the fly line to the backing; nail knot or loop to loop to attach the tapered leader to the fly line; double surgeons knot or blood knot to attach the tippet to the leader; improved clinch knot to attach the flies. Use our resources page to find directions for this. Good presentation also means perfecting your cast and your drift. People spend their whole life perfecting these things, so don’t feel bad if it takes you some time to get it right. Casting is the motion that gets your fly in the water. There are three basic casts 3014 North Center Street Hickory, NC 28601 Belle Hollow Shopping Center (828) 855-0991 Free shipping at: myWBU.com/hickory Wild birds appreciate being fed, especially in the winter. Let us help you get everything you need to help the birds survive through the season and prosper throughout the year. Public fishing waters in Wilson’s Creek with angler Michael Steele.
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20 The Mountain Heritage Trout Waters program is a cooperative effort between the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and local governments to encourage trout fishing as a heritage tourism activity in western North Carolina cities that are designated as a “Mountain Heritage Trout Water City.” Currently, 17 cities are participating in the program. Each of these cities provides public access to a trout stream that runs through or is adjacent to the city. North Carolina residents and non-residents who want to fish in a stream that is designated as a Mountain Heritage Trout Water may purchase a 3-day license for $5. The license is valid only for waters that are designated as Mountain Heritage Trout Waters. Anglers with an inland fishing license and a special trout fishing privilege, which is included in the comprehensive and sportsman licenses, can fish in Mountain Heritage Trout Waters without a Mountain Heritage Trout Waters license. Call 1(888) 248-6834 to purchase a license. you should learn first: overhead cast, roll cast and reach cast. After that, you’ll want to learn to pitch, flip and skip. Our resources page has helpful links for learning casts. After you cast, the current of the water and your motions will create drift. This movement is vital to convincing a trout to bite. You want the movement of your fly in the water to mimic the movement of living prey. You, as an angler, can control some of this, but some of it comes down to the weather and the current, so reading and understanding both of those things becomes integral to good fly fishing. Good presentation also means you’ll avoid splashing around or speaking loudly. Remember you want to sneak up on the fish. After you’ve covered all your bases, relax. Breathe. Enjoy the beauty all around you. Hear the quiet. Settle your mind. Then you’ll be ready to catch your fish. People have been fly fishing for centuries, and as long as there are streams with trout in them, people will fish them. We do hope we’ve convinced you to try your hand at fly fishing. Following this article you’ll find an “Online Resource” page. There you’ll find QR codes and links for many valuable resources. These include the rules and regulations as well as links for buying a license. Enjoy, and happy fishing! Flies tied by Alex Cardwell
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22 Public fishing waters in Wilson’s Creek with angler Michael Steele.
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24 102 10th St NW Conover NC 28613 I-40 West - Exit 132, right. Second light, left, .4 miles I-40 East - Exit 132, left. Second light, left, .4 miles 828 469 5177 Meals That Warm You Up Faster Than Grandma's Cuddles. When it’s cold outside, come in to see us at Sweet ʻ Taters. We serve all your favorite comfort foods that will ll you up with memories warm enough to chase those winter blues away. Online Res ources Interactive Map Find the perfect stream using this interactive map by NC Paws at: ncpaws.org/wrcmapbook/ FishingAreas.aspx. Rules & Regulations View the applicable rules at: eregulations.com/northcarolina/ hunting-fishing/mountain-trout- regulations-counties-m/. Purchase License You can purchase your license in person at a wildlife service agent location near you, or you can look on ncwildlife.org. Borrow Gear The NC Wildlife Tackle Loaner Program allows you to borrow a rod and reel. ncwildlife.org/Fishing/ Learn-Resources/Programs/TLP Knot Tying Tips Learn the knots you’ll need to fly fish, by Scientific Anglers: scientificanglers.com/ fly-fishing-knot-tying-basics/ Trout stocking schedule Time your fishing trip by checking out the schedule by NC Paws at: ncpaws.org/PAWS/Fish/Stocking/ Schedule/OnlineSchedule.aspx. Stream Conditions Check North Carolina stream conditions in real time. Site by Waterwatch: waterwatch.usgs. gov/?m=real&r=nc. Hatch Chart Keep up to date on the most recent hatches at flyfishingnc. com/fly-hatch-chart-north- carolina-smoky-mountains. Trout Management Plan Find the perfect stream using this interactive map by NC Paws at: ncpaws.org/wrcmapbook/ FishingAreas.aspx. Orvis video Fishing School This collection of online videos will inform you and help you catch more fish. It is a comprehensive collection: howtoflyfish.orvis.com
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27 26 You could be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed at the number of variables involved in the sport. It’s quite common, which has given rise to the industry of guides. A proper guide can truly elevate your fishing experience. That’s because they know the water, the weather, the stocking schedules and the rules. They know what flies have worked in the past, and what is hatching at the time. They can also help you perfect your casts, as they can see where you are going wrong much easier than you’d be able to see it yourself. They may also have access to private streams, which tend to have larger trout. We have three strong recommendations: first, Morgan Tarbutton, who is shown at right helping me learn to fly fish (see page 7 for the fish I caught!). We also recommend Alyssa Adcock, who you’ll see working with Bob Timberlake later in the magazine. Both of these ladies work with the Orvis Endorsed Chetola Resort, which has other guides as well. We also recommend Dave Hise, who you can read about in the article entitled “Dave Hise: King of Trash Flies”. You should have some expectations from your guide, because they are an investment. First you, you’ll want a guide who communicates with you before the day of fishing...this will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have, and to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding your plans. If you’re an experienced angler, it will help you know which flies to bring. Some guides provide rods and other necessities and some do not. Be sure to communicate with your guide about this before hand. You want a guide who adjusts their teaching style to match your ability level. Morgan wasn’t at all concerned that I was new to the sport. In fact, I think she considered it a challenge and she taught me what I needed to know, without overwhelming me. At the same time Morgan was working with me, I could see Alyssa downstream, working with Mr. Timberlake. Because he is an experienced angler, her role was quite different from Morgan’s role. I could tell she was still obviously an asset, helping him make choices and supporting his own style of fishing. Of course you’ll need to find someone who behaves professionally. A guide should, of course, be on time and live up to the discussed expectations. But even more important is finding a guide who truly knows the streams. You’re By Carmen Eckard Photography by Jon Eckard trusting your guide to help you with the details, so be sure to pick someone who is a master of those details. Ask questions and trust your intuition when making your selection. There are several ways to find that perfect guide as well. If you know fly fishers, ask them! They tend to know who is the best in their area. There are also many websites dedicated to helping connect you with guides. Orvis is an outdoor company that has a truly comprehensive fly fishing line, and they provide a lot of support to fishermen and women. They keep an updated list of guides and resorts that they endorse. You can find it at www.orvis.com/north-america-fly-fishing-trips-north-carolina. Anglers also love a website called Guidefitter that matches them with guides all over the country. You can find information local to North Carolina at: www.guidefitter. com/fishing/united-states-north-carolina. The Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail also offers a listing at www.flyfishingtrail. com/find-a-guide. Be sure to check out their website for some excellent maps and information. A fishing guide can elevate your fishing trip in a unique way, and if you’re serious about catching fish, it’s worth the investment. Because guides are also knowledgeable about conservation, it helps keep our streams healthy and safe. Guide Morgan Tarbutton teaching Carmen Eckard to fly fish.
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28 “The squirmy wormy fly is the brainchild of some Einstein of fly fishing. Barely more than a little piece of lord-knows- what-kind-of-rubberlike-plastic tied to a hook, there’s no doubting that this fly produces. Beauty in simplicity” -George Costas We found that “Einstein of fly fishing,” and surprisingly, he lives right here in the foothills of North Carolina. Dave Hise is an artist and flies are his medium. Dave has been tying flies for some 37 years and fishing for just as long. Now he runs Casters Fly Shop in Hickory North Carolina and has worked as an Orvis endorsed fishing guide for 10 years. He has perfected his art of fly tying to a startling degree. His flies are so realistic that I didn’t believe he tied them until I watched him do it. Below you’ll see some of his recent flies, and I’m sure you’ll agree that they are beautiful. They are also incredibly effective at tricking trout. He has 7 flies in the current Orvis catalog (shown on the next page), and has had many over the years. His “squirmy wormy”, “squiggly worm,” or “squirmito,” as it’s officially titled, is one of the most hated and loved flies in all of fly fishing. Traditionalists hate it. They say it isn’t natural. Czech Fishing Union President Martin Musil says, “I never will fish with this, and I hope every clever and real flyfisherman is in the same boat,” and he banned the fly in their competitions. The Wall Street Journal quoted Dave as saying the fly has been “shamed and ridiculed,” noting that he is called the “King of Trash Flies.” But a lot of other people love it, and it’s ubiquitous in fly boxes across the world. Fisherman Ála Richie says that squirmy wormy patterns have brought “another evolution step in modern nymphing.” Reviews show passionate responses to the fly: “Fish tear them up! If you truly are looking to really catch the monsters, this is the bait!” “Great gosh darn product!” “There is something about the Squirmy Wormy that drives murky water fish a little bit crazy.” Truly, it’s a fly that fishermen love to hate, or hate to love. But they sure catch fish with it. Dave Hise tying an intricate fly.
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Dave is also a well-known and well-regarded fishing guide. Orvis named him a runner up for Fishing Guide of the Year three years in a row. He is been a professional guide for 27 years and uses 13 miles of private water on 6 different streams. On longer trips, he serves a grilled dinner. On Orvis’ site, Dave has 161 reviews and each of them, EACH of them, is 5 out of 5 stars. Our favorite begins, “Once, maybe twice in a lifetime, if you are fortunate, you’ll find yourself in the presence of someone so truly gifted at their craft that the word “awe” seems pitifully inadequate when searching for a proper descriptive of you’re experiencing.” The enthusiasm of the review never dips, and every review tells a similar story of a wonderful day of fishing. Another favorite simply says, “We all enjoyed our day with Dave thoroughly. It was like a spa day for men.” In short, we are quite lucky to have someone of Dave Hise’s caliber in the foothills of North Carolina. It’s a testament to our streams that someone of his skill level would call these hills home. Do be sure to stop into his store. He’ll be there if he isn’t on the water, and he’s always ready to answer questions or chat. He also sells everything you’ll need to fly fish, and we like a one-stop-shop. You can also visit his shop online at www.castersonlineflyshop.com. We asked Dave to show us how to tie the Squirmito, and he was happy to oblige. Watch him work on the following pages. If your fly box doesn’t have a Squirmito yet, we hope you’ll make one today! You’ll be among the thousands of fishermen who know that this fly will consistently bring a fish in from five or even ten feet away. Dave Hise holds 6 flies that he has in the current Orvis catalog. Castors, Dave’s shop in Hickory where he sells fly fishing products.
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34 TROUT IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA At the request of a number of expert anglers who have enjoyed the delights of this sequestered retreat of brook trout- the genuine Salmo Fontinalis- for years, I send you a brief description of the country, made famous by Craddocks’s, “In the Tennessee Mountains, ” and of a fishing excursion just concluded. I do this for the information of those who truly love the spor t, and who will be gratified to discover new s treams and new scenes in which to spend their fishing vacation. I am seated in a log cabin that has withs tood the s torms for over a quar ter of a century, in view of that huge archæen pile, Grandfather Mountain—sumit of ranges that never disappeared during the convulsions of millions of years—and at the foot of the knoll on which this cabin stands are the lovely meadows through which ripple the pellucid waters of Elk River after its animated descent. Down it has come from its source in a foothill of Grandfather, over boulders and beneath blooming laurel (rhododendron), with banks bordered and pools shaded by ivy (kalnia) and honeysuckles (azaleas), pausing here and there to afford shady retreats for its royal inhabitants, and again dashing over rocky impediments until it reaches the pebbly channel of the Banner Meadows. Through these it sings and laughs, hiding its “beauties” under an occasional clump of laurel until it reaches the rocky rapids that lead on down to Smokey and Scaly Mountains. And every pool at the foot of rapids is alive with trout-a fish that above all others that swim can thrill the nerves mos t deliciously when struggling on a brown hackle that has him hooked securely. And this Elk is buy one of three limpid rivers whose sources are found in that foothill a couple of miles beyond the meadows. This charming spot, with its sublime mountain surroundings, five or six thousand feet above the tide, and forest-clad on their tallest summits, is never visited by anglers from the Nor th because Bohemians have defamed and ridiculed these mountains out of consideration. Never was a greater wrong done to fishermen. For eight years successively and in the month of June the anglers of our city have gone to Banner’s Elk, and benn welcomed with a hearty, simple, dreamy hospitality found nowhere else out of these moutnains; have been fed on well cooked and wholesome food at Mrs. Louis Banner’s and have caught thousands of trout ranging in weight from six ounces to one pound. True, these pink-dotted darlings are not so large as can be found in some streams of the North, but they are just as gamy when hooked and just as delicious when lifted from the frying pan. Ban ner ’s Elk, headquar ters for movements on the Elk, Watauga and Linnville rivers, is reached by the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railway to Johnson City, twenty-five miles south of Bris tol and about 200 miles northeast of Chattanooga, The Eas t Tennessee and Wes tern North Carolina Railroad connects ant Johnson’s and will transport you to Cranberry, a thirty-five miles distant in the mountains, where there is a gem of a hotel kept in the Northern style. From Cranberry you go in a hack or on horseback, as you prefer, to Banner’s Elk, eight miles distant. At Banner’s Elk you can be accommodated at S. M. Dugger’s, who keeps a regular boarding house, or at his father’s, a farmer who takes in fisherman. Our club, including our ladies, always stop at Mrs. Louis Banner’s, but as only ladies compose that family they are sometimes timid of entertaining those they do not know, realizing, no doubt, that few strangers turn out to be angels in disguise. Board is one dollar a day, and it is excellent for the mountains of any part of the country. The railway ride from Johnson’s to Cranberry carries you to the Great Portal—the Doe River Gorge—into the heart of the Alleghanies. This gorge pierces the mountain that swings from the pillar of the Smokies — Roan Mountain — and latches on the pillar of the Blue Ridge — Grandfather Mountain— both of these lofty elevations entering the clouds 6,000 feet above the sea. The Doe has ground down a channel through this rocky spur, in places 1,000 feet deep, and alongside its rushing waters the railway ascends up grades 300 feet, and around curves as short as 20°. Now it is on a level with the stream, again it is 100 feet above; now the iron horse pants so close to the rear coach you can almost toss a cigar to the engineer five car-lengths away, again it dashes into a short tunnel that pierces a section of the Potsdam vertebra. The peaks reach up into the clouds, usually clothed with pines, maples, beeches, linns and balsams, but occasionally exposing bare piles of rocks hundreds of feet perpendicular, which at times shut in our train as securely from sunbeams as if it was in the bottom of a deep well. Over the clear, cold water project fringes of blooming laurel, ivy and honeysuckle. From Cranberry the road ascends on the bosom of the mountain that bounds Cranberry River on the south, affording snatches of lovely mountain views. After three miles you ford the Elk and then you ascend that river. If you come in June not only will the oaks, the maples, the hickories, poplars, chestnuts, cherries, linns and beechies and balsams clothe Smoky and Scaly, but the laurel will have on its glorious white plumes, the ivy its delicately tinted and dotted clusters, and the honeysuckle the great redly golden blossoms that are the glory of the mountain sides all through Western North Carolina. For over three miles you will ascend through bough- embracing forests, along the bosom of the mountains at whose feet the Elk tosses, tum- bles and swirls, the water
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36 of which is clear as crystal, cold as ice and filled with speckled trout. Only the young and agile fishermen venture on these boulders, and they are always repaid with creels full of the largest fish found in this section of the mountains. In the low mountain, three miles from Banner’s Elk— a foothill of Grandfather— rise the Elk, Watauga and Linnville, and the springs of their sources are not a thousand yards apart. The Watauga leaves the feet of Grandfather, flows on by Valle Crucis to the Tennessee and thence through the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. The Elk commingles in the same flood. The Linnville, however, pours down through a deep rift in the Linnville range, and after tumbling over a precipitous ledge one hundred feet perpendicular, it hurries on between the gloomy wall of a deep canon to the valley and thence to the Atlantic Ocean. I am told by those who have followed the course of the Linnville from its source and gazed upon its rapids, pools, falls, carious and beetling cliffs, that there is no sublimer scenery to be found anywhere on the continent. It has been a wet June all over the country and these mountains have not been exempt from the discom for ts of showers. We reached Banner’s Elk on June 13 for dinner, and at 5 that afternoon began our first assault upon the gamy inhabitants of the Elk. Only three of the four men were in this first engagement and one of these was hampered by the presence of ladies who attempted the sport for the first time, yet when darkness fell, after two hours of whipping, there were discharged from the three creels upon the floor of the porch seventy-five toothsome beauties, and over twenty had been thrown back to grow larger by nex t year. From that evening on we found the brown hackle and the king of the waters or the coachman the most attractive flies. We never caught a large trout on a miller, though sometimes a little fellow would rise to it. Tuesday we fished with three flies on a six foot leader, a brown hackle always at the tail, then a king of the waters or a coachman and a miller or another hackle. From Banner’s Elk an excursion is made through the McCandless Cabin Gap to the sources of the Watauga and Linnville. It is for a while up the Elk, then through the dense laurel and up the precipitous face of the foothills, with a soil of leaves and woods decayed during centuries, twelve inches deep, covered with trees of fifteen feet girth, and ferns and mosses that are as beautiful as found anywhere else on earth. There is excellent fishing in the Watauga, beginning a little after you leave Callaway’s, a mile or so below the source of the river. At Callaway’s you can ascend to the summit of Grandfather, from which can be obtained an almost limitless view of mountain scenery. From Callaway ‘s you can fish down to Shull’s Mills, where the river makes a short turn to flow out into the valley of Valle Crucis. That journey will be an unalloyed delight — mountains, valleys, laurels, ivy, honeysuckles, dancing rapids, flower-shaded pools, trout large and plentiful. At Shull’s Mills is Boone Fork, full of trout, and Joe Shull’s residence, a reasonably comfortable lodging place. It is better to take lunch from Banner’s and avoid the wretched cooking at Callaway’s. Returning from Shull’s Mills along the highway, you enjoy the scenery to the full. After passing Callaway’s you reach the Linnville, and in about three miles excellent fishing, You fish on down to Webb’s Pond and spend the night at Estes, a half mile beyond; reasonably fair entertainment. In the morning you can go to Linnville Falls, then across to Martin Banner’s for dinner, where you will get an excellent meal. You will now be only five miles from your feather bed and big wood fire at Mrs. Banner’s, at Banner’s Elk. One pressed for time can fish the Watauga to Shull’s Mills, ascend to the summit of Grandfather, so down the Linnville to the falls, and be back to Banner’s Elk within three days, after having a bushel of sport and a barrel of enjoyment. There are other streams in Western Nor th Carolina where trout are as plentiful and perhaps larger— as, for ins tance, the Nantahala, Toe (Chestatoa) and Pigeon — but my hear t turns lovingly to the Elk, Watauga and Linnville, and my homelike home at Banner’s Elk. My residence is in Chattanooga, Tenn., and I will cheerfully answer all letters of genuine anglers who may wish to learn more of these arteries of the hear t of the Alleghanies. G C. CONNOR. B a n n e r ’ s E l k , Wa t a u g a Co u n t y, N.C. Ju n e , 1 8 8 6. Thanks to American Antiquarian Society Historical Periodicals Collection for preserving this tex t and to Bob Timberlake for the photograph of the fisherwoman and for sharing this article with us. R ainbow T R ou T
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38 F ly fishing wit h Bob Timberlake By Carmen Eckard Photos by Jon Eckard One of the most iconic pieces of fly fishing art I know of is Bob Timberlake’s Kuralt at White’s Creek . The scene is a pitch perfect depiction of a North Carolina stream. The rhododendron, the mysterious woods, and the moss growing on the rocks, partnered with rushing water and a perfect cast capture so much of what fly fishing is. Trout and the act of catching them is a recurring theme in Mr. Timberlake’s work. On the following page you’ll see several pieces of art that revolve around these themes. It’s impossible to miss the obvious passion he has for the sport. So we jumped at the chance to go fly fishing with him! That iconic piece, Kuralt at White’s Creek , isn’t actually at White’s Creek. The title is a nod to the fact that many anglers have secret fishing spots. Mr. Timberlake understands the value of a good secret spot. He’s been fishing in the same stream for years, and only took us there if we promised to keep the location secret. He promised me we’d catch fish. He promised me they’d be big. I argued that I’d never fly fished before, and probably wouldn’t catch a thing. He smiled a very Southern smile that meant he knew he was right, but he didn’t argue. He brought two guides with him. Morgan Tarbutton would be with me and Alyssa Adcock would be assisting him. Both of these ladies work at Chetola Resort which has a robust fly fishing program. We suited up and got out on the water. Mr. TImberlake has a friendly, happy personality and he exerts a certain amount of ease. That was all very amplified on the water. He was clearly in his element, and it’s easy to Bob Timberlake and guide Alyssa Adcock with a trout on the line.
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40 see how that state of mind would encourage the creation of art. And he was right. We caught fish. We caught big fish. He caught two gorgeous rainbow trouts, both enormous. I caught a brown trout large enough that I had a hard time holding onto it. The feeling of catching such a beautiful and huge fish is hard to describe, but I know it’s what keeps Mr. Timberlake coming back to this stream, year after year. I know it’s what prompts him to create art on the subject. It feels...primal, perhaps. Exciting. Invigorating. It also instantly reminded me of the circle of life, and of my connection to the earth. And I have to say...it wasn’t a fleeting feeling. I felt different after that fishing trip, and I think everyone caught up in the bustle of daily life owes themselves a good fishing trip. Mr. Timberlake shared some of his favorite quotes about fishing, and I think they point to the reason he loves it so. “If I fished only to capture fish, my fishing trips would have ended long ago.” -Zane Gray “God never did make a more calm, quiet, innocent recreation than angling.” -Izaak Walton “For all men are created equal before fishes.” -Herbert Hoover We appreciate that Mr. Timberlake took us on this fishing trip and allowed us to print his artwork. You can find his art at BobTimberlake.com, or visit his gallery in Lexington, NC. Top: Kuralt at White’s Creek. At bottom left, Two Rainbows. Also pictured are various paintings of flies. Mr.Timberlake fishes his secret spot.
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43 42 Bob Timberlake and a beautiful cast with guide Alyssa Adcock
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44 Watching the sun rise from an empty parking lot, enjoying that last sip of hot coffee before leaving the comfort of a heated car…stepping out to feel the crunch of the snow beneath a heavy wade boot, already aware that you will be the only one on the river this morning... Winter fishing is, fortunately, not for everyone. Some of our guides pack up and head for sunnier coasts to return only when spring has graced us with warmer waters. But those who enjoy the real challenge of fishing year round will always find a reason to get out and enjoy what they love. Orvis guide Dustin Coffey always reminds me that the fly rods naturally come with heaters... you just have to turn on the fish! He is quite right. In fact, we have come to look forward to fishing in freezing temperatures. You just have to have the right gear! Whether wading or floating, I pretty much suit up with the same routine and modify slightly based on weather conditions. Lets start with a great pair of base leggings, underwader pant, and a likewise top arrangement. Then a winter/wool BUFF for my neck/face, toboggan that covers the ears, double or triple layered socks with a base layer of SmartWool and of course, my Guide Waders with neoprene socks and wading boots. I always want to make sure that my legs and feet are super protected in case I do get into the water to wade, even though I rarely wade above my waste line for safety. I wear smart shell fold over gloves my fingers must be free or I can’t operate in the cold, but the fold over helps keep them warm when not tying line) and sometimes I will throw over a pair of wool mitts knowing that they will eventually get wet, but it helps in subzero temps until your core warms up. Speaking of wool, keep in mind that some heavier and warmer non-synthetic clothing tend to absorb water at an alarming rate, avoid these if possible. Look for synthetic material like dry-release or smart wool and always use your wading jacket as your locking top layer. Keep in mind that it is easier to take clothing off if you are too hot versus wishing that you brought that pair of base gloves. Anything worn outside of your waders is prone to get wet so try and keep everything inside that is not waterproof. Still Cold? A pair of feet/hand warmers are used as a last resort since neither will not be able to regulate temperature well after using these so I recommend using them at the very end of your trip. Try instead a HOT cup of coffee or tea which can perform wonders. Your best bet is to take a break, get out of the water and get your heart rate UP. I have been known to do sit-ups or jumping jacks on the banks… anything so that I can keep fishing if the bite is on. If you start to shiver its time to stop and seriously warm up before considering going back to the water. Go find some secret spot where your parked car is not too far away, if you can get to a heater, then the more comfy you will be! Always keep a first aid pack readily available. We always take our emergency blanket, a firestarter, towel, warm change of clothes, and a protein source. Do not rely on your cell phone to always be there. Make an emergency evacuation plan for every situation. Know your waters, where the freeze will happen and safe ways to enter and exit your waters. The most important element is knowing the time of day when your fish will wake up to feed before going back into conservation mode. Use your instincts. It’s okay to change plans the morning of the trip. Just make sure that you have prepared all your options the night before and there will be no unpleasant surprises. Know your limits in cold waters and any mobility issues that may hinder your trip before hand. You should wade if the wind is going to be blowing the boat sideways. There is no point in fighting mother nature all day. If you need to, you can begin as a float and then pull over in a nice spot so that you or your guest can wade or fish outside of the wind. Or you can just leave the boat at home and change it up to a full or half day wade. If the water is too low then wading is the less stressful option for catch and release fishing. Sometimes fishing from a boat is a better option: I am a small framed person which limits my wading depth, if the water is too high then we have to float. If the water has frozen over you can try to break it and do some ol’ ice fishing but you may want to keep in mind that dragging the fish over ice or throwing them back into broken water can damage your fish and is generally discouraged. We take them to larger waters where the boat can get down without any troubles. If the ground is slippery or entrance to wading is dangerous due to thin ice, then it is best to float. If the river is frozen solid, Then we go shoot sporting-clays! The rewards of getting out into the winter are numerous but it requires more gear, knowledge, and appreciation! Here in the mountains of Western NC we look forward every year to our trout spawn and Early Spring hatch for wold class winter fishing and I am sure that your area offers similar rewards. For pristine nature, the most beautiful fish, and personal time to rejuvenate -I suggest that everyone gear up at least once and see if this winter sport is for you too! Fishing a Winter Wonderland By Morgan Tarbutton
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46 Timberlake’s Restaurant: Timberlake’s Restaurant occupies the original house on the grounds of the Manor House Estate. The estate’s most famous owner was J. Luther Snyde, called the “Coca Cola King of the Carolinas,” and his wife threw lavish, popular parties in the 30s and 40s. The estate is now home to Chetola Resort, which includes Timberlake’s Restaurant and the Bob Timberlake Inn. The restaurant opened in 2012, after a fire destroyed the previous restaurant. It’s decorated richly with paintings of Bob Timberlake as well as some historical artifacts. The atmosphere is very welcoming and speaks of opulence and history. This building seems to freeze time around 1940 and remind us of what we, as a region, were. But, we didn’t come for the history on this trip: we came for the food. We’ve heard that Timberlake’s is one of the best places to get fish and seafood in the mountains, so that’s what we tried. Fish and Chips is a standard across most of the country, and it’s a meal I’ve eaten countless times at restaurants all over the state. It’s not exaggerating to say this was the best Fish and Chips I’ve ever eaten. And it isn’t surprising when I consider that most restaurants use pollock, cod, or haddock. Timberlake’s uses fresh mountain trout, battered to light and crispy, flaky, perfection. The fries were also outstanding. There are a lot of ways to mess up a perfect french fry, but the chef avoided them all and offered up a worthy companion to the trout. The meal was served with kale slaw and a delightful tarragon remoulade. We also sampled the pan-seared salmon on Brioche, with a mesquite-tomato ailoi along with some mountain-grown veggies. The freshness and quality of the ingredients was Fish and Chips, with Mountain Trout from Timberlake’s Restaurant
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48 notable, and the cooking techniques allowed the flavors to shine. We couldn’t resist a plate of fried oysters. They were served with a very unique apricot wasabi marmalade that balanced their crispy shell very well. The oysters were my favorite part, and I’ll be sure to order them every-time I eat at Timberlake’s. The restaurant serves many different Carolina classics, all dressed up just the right amount. You can order pan- seared duck, or roasted Carolina quail, or the highest quality Angus filets. There is also a full and impressive dessert menu, and we tried the creme brulee. It was delightfully creamy and light underneath its crisp shell. As we looked around the crowded restaurant, it was clear that everyone was enjoying the food in front of them. Most of the nostalgic themed restaurants I’ve been to have fallen flat. Either the atmosphere is off, or the food isn’t worth the hype of the atmosphere. There usually exists a sense of falseness, as if a corporation is trying to invent generic memories for us to share. Timberlake’s is notable because it isn’t like that. It’s nostalgia is genuine, because it’s been created from the memory and vision of one person, and the elements are authentic. The quality of the food is excellent and the combination truly does create a memorable dining experience. We hope you’ll try it next time you are in Blowing Rock. Creme Brulee with fresh berries and a perfectly crisp top. Fried Oysters with apricot wasabi marmalade.
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50 Baked Trout Olive Oil to taste 2 whole rainbow trout, gutted and cleaned 1 TS of minced garlic Sprig of Rosemary Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/2 large onion, sliced 2 thin slices lemon 2 tablespoons hot water 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with about 1 teaspoon olive oil. 2. Place trout in the prepared baking dish and coat with remaining olive oil. Season the inside and outside of fish with dill, thyme, and salt. Slice the skin in a repeating X pattern. Stuff fish with onion slices and rosemary; grind pepper over the top. Place 1 lemon or orange slice on each fish. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes; add water to dish. Continue baking until fish flake easily with a fork, about 10 minutes more.
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52 Roasted Vegetables Olive Oil to taste Vegetables of any variety (we used carrots, beets, asparagus, peas and shallots) Salt Cracked Pepper A Cast Iron Pan 1. Slice as desired. 2. If use are using root vegetables, boil them for 20 minutes. 3. Arrange veggies on pan, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 450 °F. 4. On stovetop, heat until veggies begin to brown on the bottom, then put the pan into the oven, without flipping the veggies. 5. Cook for 30 minutes. Of note: Most veggies work great with this method, but we can’t recommend broccoli or green beans. Deviled Eggs 1 Dozen Eggs 1/2 Cup of Mayonaisse 2 tsp of White Vinegar or lemon juice 2 tsp Mustard 1. Place eggs in large pot, cover with water plus 1.5 inch more. Boil. Once boiling cover and boil for one minute, then remove from heat and let sit for 12 minutes. Then, drop into an ice bath. Peel them under running cold water and cut in half. 2. Place yolks in a large ziplock bag, then add the other ingredients. Smush it all together until smooth then cut off a small corner of the bag. 3. Fill the halved whites with the new yolk mixture, squeezed out of the cut corner and sprinkle with paprika. Of note: everyone’s Granny adds something different. There’s no wrong answer, but this is a really solid starting place. You can add dill or beet juice. You can eyeball most of the ingredients, but be careful measuring your vinegar or whatever acidic liquid you use.
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54 O ur M OM , Q ueen O f P ies By Granny Eckard Well it’s winter. A time for slowing down. The garden was done. The fodder was pulled, wheat was thrashed, hay was in the barn. In the winter we had more time for things that needed to be done inside, like catching up on our mending, piecing quilt tops, sewing, baking. Baking - that reminds me of Mom’s cozy kitchen. If you read my article last winter you already know our family heated and cooked with wood. Part of the house didn’t benefit from this heat but some days the living room, and especially the kitchen, would be warm and cozy in the winter. We never went out for a restaurant meal. We cooked three meals a day and some days the fire did not go out if we were canning, doing wash, or baking. We enjoyed that heat on a really cold day. One winter, in the early 60s, our Dad drove to St. Augustine with a load of school desks. Since he was coming back empty he decided to bring home some citrus. By the time he got home we had had a snow storm and local traffic wasn’t moving much so we were all stuck at home. We loved the oranges, but Mom was especially excited about the bushel bag of lemons. At least we thought they were lemons, very sour yellow ovals. But they were huge! What Mom knew to do with lemons was make lemon meringue Pies. And make pies she did. Dozens. Every flat surface in the kitchen was covered with lemon pies. I don’t have a clear memory of what we did with all those pies but I do remember they were delicious. Our Mom was the Queen of Pies. There probably was never a time that she could not find something in the house with which to make a pie: sweet potatoes, apples, peaches, pumpkin, rhubarb. But lemons were a novelty in our house and she was determined to make use of every single one of those giant lemons. By the way, lemon meringue is my favorite pie. Bon appetit! 1321 N. Center St Hickory, NC 28601 (828) 327-8300 New Year, New Dentist! Welcome Dr. McDonald to our team! Accepting New Patients
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We’ve noticed the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina doing some really good work across Western North Carolina. I think we all agree that the wild and untamed parts of our mountains and foothills are so very important, and the group seeks to preserve as many of those spaces as possible. Oh this page is Paddy’s Creek, land in Burke County that the group recently purchased from South Mountains Children and Family Services for transfer to Lake James State Park. On the next page you’ll see Bob’s Creek State Natural Area, . Foothills Conservancy just helped purchase the second phase of this state natural area for permanent conservation. We’re very excited about their next project, near Downtown Morganton, which aims to provide a green space in the heart of the city. We think that’s a smart move that will boost tourism. Foothills Conservancy purchased the 41-acre Whippoorwill Dairy Farm and donated it to State Parks in 2016. They were thrilled when Fonta Flora Brewery asked to partner with them to make their farm haus brewery a reality. The partnership has helped protect our history and our land while providing an interesting space for a brewery. We appreciate that the group often thinks outside the box to provide the best solution for preservation. We asked the group to tell us about what they do, and we are impressed by the scope of their organization. We are happy to shine a light on their work and if you’re looking for a good place to donate to, this is a strong choice that will help protect our land. Paddy’s Creek: land purchased from South Mountains Children and Family Services for transfer to Lake James State Park.
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58 Refined Finds. Shop. Find the perfect piece, or furnish your whole house. Consign. Sell your home furnishings quickly and with ease . (828) 324-1655 shophickorytree.com ABOUT FOOTHILLS CONSERVANCY OF NORTH CAROLINA: Foothills Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nationally accredited non-profit regional land trust that protects the fabric and character of Western North Carolina’s landscape forever and for the benefit of all. We preserve the natural and cultural heritage of our region by conserving scenic and recreational landscapes, productive farms and forests, healthy watersheds, rich biodiversity, and vital wildlife habitat. Foothills Conservancy serves eight counties with its office located in downtown Morganton. Our vision is that Foothills Conservancy’s region is a thriving place to live and visit, with beautiful views; abundant locally grown food; healthy forests; access to exceptional recreation opportunities; diverse, native wildlife; and clean water. OUR CONSERVATION WORK: Since its beginning in 1995, Foothills Conservancy has permanently protected more 59,000 acres. Of those, more than 49,000 are available for public access in popular places like Pisgah National Forest, South Mountains State Park, Lake James State Park, Chimney Rock State Park, the Linville Gorge, Wilson Creek, and the Blue Ridge Parkway (to name just a few). We have worked with landowners to permanently protect and steward over 9,000res of private land through conservation easements or as conservancy- owned conservation preserves. CURRENT PROJECT: Our highest priority project right now is the acquisition of a 651-acre piece of land just 10 minutes from downtown Morganton for a community park and forest. It will be a hub for outdoor education and classrooms given its convenient location less than one-and-a- half miles from three public schools. The land will also attract tourists to our area by offering free access to green spaces close to downtown. Foothills Conservancy will purchase Phase I (330 acres) of the property in January 2020 using private contributions and a grant from N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund. Foothills anticipates purchasing the remaining 321 acres in June 2020, with $1.8 million left to raise. Once purchased, Foothills will work with the City of Morganton and N.C. State Parks to create a management plan for the longevity of the community park. The conservancy will also begin fundraising for park amenities, such as a parking lot, pole barn for community events, outdoor education areas, and hiking and biking trails.
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61 60 Artisan Soapery Traditional Soaps Worth Celebrating By Carmen Eckard Photos by Jon Eckard In the Foothills of North Carolina, our traditions are strong. There is a simple beauty in doing things the way your mom and grandmom did them, especially in a world that is changing as quickly as ours is. That goes for recipes, old wives’ tales, and ways to tell when the weather is changing. But the world does move much faster now, and most of us don’t have time for the more traditional arts that were required knowledge for the people who settled our hills. Most of us no longer know how to butcher a hog, for instance, or how to grow medicinal plants, or how to make a perfect bar of real soap. So we salute the people who are keeping those arts alive. Katye Fredieu is one of those people. She owns and operates Artisan Soapery in Downtown Hickory. We watched her make a batch of soap, and her love of the artistry is apparent. The process is scientific, mathematic, and precise but still leaves room for so much customization. Most of what’s available at the stores today isn’t soap. That isn’t just an opinion...we aren’t speaking ill of those products...it’s just that they aren’t soap. They are detergent or cleansers. soap /sōp/ noun 1.a substance used with water for washing and cleaning, made of a compound of natural oils or fats with sodium hydroxide or another strong alkali, and typically having perfume and coloring added. For it to qualify as soap, it has to be made of fat/oil and lye (sodium hydroxide). We hope you aren’t imagining a harsh bar of “Old-Fashioned Lye Soap” that might make your skin dry and itchy. When properly mixed, there actually isn’t any lye left when you use the soap. It’s all been altered into a new substance: soap. So why was Granny’s soap so harsh? Well, soap-making is chemistry, and if you don’t do it right, you can make bad soap. Katye explains, “Soap is a base (lye) + acid (fat) =salt (soap). Lye is caustic until it saponifies with the fat (That’s what we call the process when the two join together). Think of 50 sheep in the center of a meadow as the fat. Now take 45 hungry wolves on the outskirts as lye. Every time a wolf eats a sheep, it turns into a leprechaun...a completely different molecular structure than either were before. There will still be 5 sheep left, and that’s your unsaponified oil that helps leave your skin soft and moisturized. That’s where the knowledge of chemistry comes in. Too many sheep at the end and your soap will not lather or bubble. It will be greasy an ineffective. If you have no wolves left over, and no sheep, you risk hurting your skin with lye heavy soap. It takes years of experience to get this right and to make a quality product.”
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IV Hydration is the quickest and most effective way to hydrate, prepare, and recover when the body has become, or will become, depleted of fluid and vitamins. Our special blend of vitamins and medications will help an athlete prepare for a rigorous workout or competition, a traveler reset from jet lag, a patient recover from illness or surgery, and those wanting to stay well and prevent aging to feel at the top of their game. 100% of the fluids, vitamins, and medications are absorbed immediately and provide rapid results. F eel Y our B est ! B e Y our B est ! o ne D ro P at a time . s ome of the IV Hydration therapies offered are: • ”About Last Night”- Hangover Relief • ”The Recovery Room”- Recover from illness, surgery, or Injury • ”Reset The Clock”- Jet lag recovery • ”Game ON”- Pre and Post workout • ”Turn Up The Heat”- Fuel your fat burning Power • ”The Vice Grip”- Migraine and headache relief • ”An Apple A Day”- General wellness (828) 322-1498 As she works, I’m reminded simultaneously of my grandmother making cookies and my high school chemistry teacher, e x p l a i n i n g c h e m i c a l r e a c t i o n s . That’s no coincidence. The process is quite like baking, and the chemistry knowledge is required. In fact, Katye used to be a baker. She made elaborate and gorgeous cakes, but a motorcycle accident left her unable to do the heavy lifting that career required. At the same time she found herself needing a new career, she also struggled to take care of her skin, newly very sensitive because of the accident. She experimented with making small batches of custom soap, each designed to sooth her skin. She found her soap to be very healing, which was intriguing. She also realized that soap- making had many of the elements of baking that she loved, and she began to consider her new passion as a credible business venture. This, it turns out, was the career she was looking for. She moved to North Carolina and opened Artisan Soapery, which is thriving in its downtown location. It smells like heaven in there. That’s because, in addition to the shelves full of colorful and aesthetically pleasing soaps, Katye is usually in the back making more soap. Her business isn’t only brick and mortar...she also operates a thriving online store and wholesales to stores every state in the country. In these pictures, Katye makes a batch of soap as she explains the process. She mixes the fats (a special proprietary blend) with the lye and mixes for quite some time to allow for proper saponification. She also adds colors and fragrances. This soap is called “Pocket Full of Sunshine” and the colors are exciting and bold. After she adds the colors and fragrances, she pours the mixture into her molds, making beautiful swirls as she goes. She also has a special way of shaping her soap into lovely mounds before sprinkling them with cosmetic grade mica and slicing them. After that, they just need to be cured then packaged. Don’t take our word that Katye is the best soap-maker around. Stop into her shop, which is by the alley way on Union Square in Hickory. If you are too far to drive, visit her website, www.artisansoapery.com. It doesn’t smell as good as the store, but it still has the ability to get you hooked. Katye is a 2018 recipient of the “Top 10 Under 40” award presented by Hickory Young Professionals and she is the 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year for the city. She’s also been featured in magazines like Our State.
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65 64 We are the preferred providers of oral surgery, wisdom teeth and dental implants for many area employers. No matter where your patients live or work, they’re close to one of our offices in Hickory, Lincolnton, and Statesville. Visit our website at www. omsdrs.com for a complete listing of participating employers and dental plans. Visit any of our three convenient offices! Artisan Soapery has a full product line that includes soap, lotions and other skin-care items. Pictured above is a special line of soap dedicated to the different houses of Hogwarts. A surprise hit, Katye has trouble keeping these on the shelves! Different products are formulated for women, men and children, and even my small boys have fun when we go in. Remember to shop locally to ensure that the foothills of North Carolina continue to be a destination for entrepreneurs like Katye Fredieu. 234 Union Square NW, Hickory, NC 28601 artisansoapery.com (828) 850-8480 Hogwarts Houses Soap, drying on the racks at Artisan Soapery
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67 66 One Tank Trip Morganton By Carmen Eckard Photos by Jon Eckard Morganton is tucked away in the Catawba River Valley, in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With 17,000 residents, it still feels like a small town. That is, until you go Downtown. I’m a downtown aficionado. When I’m exploring a new place, the first thing I do is visit their downtown, and I can almost always see the heart and soul of a town there. Generally speaking, a small town means a small downtown, but Morganton bucks that trend. Downtown Morganton is exciting, thriving, bustling, and fun. It is filled to the brim with stores that people want to shop in and restaurants people want to eat in. The brewery scene is vibrant and exciting. Walkable streets and friendly people, as well as good city planning make a downtown visit even better. In short, Morganton has my vote for the very best downtown in Western North Carolina.
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69 68 Of course, there is more to Morganton than downtown: their outdoor recreation is top-notch and extensive. Lake James is quite an asset which provides many recreational opportunities. Fonta Flora State Trail is an exciting project that will connect Morganton to Asheville with bike and hiking trails. You can already enjoy some stretches of the trail, especially near Lake James. A n o t h e r a s s e t to Morganton is CoMMA, the City o f M o r g a n t o n Municipal Auditorium. The theatre opened in 1986 and has h o s t e d m o r e than 600 shows in subsequent years. The theatre brings in excellent and affordable entertainment, and a venue of this quality and size is very rare for communities the size of Morganton. In 2004, CoMMA worked with the renowned artist Ben Long, who is known for his beautiful frescoes. This piece is called “Sacred Dance & the Muses” and in 2014, it was added to the Blue Ridge Heritage Trail. As you sit in the provided chairs in the lobby of CoMMA, you can lean back and activate a turntable which rotates slowly to give you a full view of the impressive piece. Ben Long was tasked with coming up with the subject of the painting. Since the building is a place where arts come to life, Mr. Long found it fitting to paint the Nine Muses of Greek Literature. CoMMA describes the art on their website, saying “The fresco is anchored in the ceiling’s southwest corner by elements of classical architecture that serve as an outdoor setting for a diverse gathering of people and animals... Presiding over this earthbound portion of the composition is a domed gazebo oriented diagonally so that it draws the eye toward the center of the ceiling and illusionistically upward, into the twilit, cloud-dappled h e a v e n s t h a t dominate the fresco. While the two boldly stylized, empty-eyed masks appear to hover in the sky’s middle distance and look downward in this gathering of mortals, the main celestial players are the Muses themselves-voluptuously beautiful, perennially youthful women who cavort among the clouds with their various signature instruments and attributes, in some cases gazing down on the scene below as if directing their inspirational powers toward particular individuals in the terrestrial crowd.” The work is epic, sweeping, and certainly helps theatre-goers settle into a night of The ceiling at CoMMA in Morganton, painted by artist Ben Long.
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71 70 entertainment. You can check their site, commaonline.org. We are excited about the touring show The Color Purple on February 27th. On our visit, we were anxious to get to downtown, where we found so many places to visit. A fast favorite was Adventure Bound Books , where the owner knows her books and her customers. Clever decor and excellent curating make this book store a cut above the rest, and it reminded us why book stores are better than Amazon . We also popped into Craft’d . This store blends craft beef with arts & crafts for a unique boozy experience. For lunch, we listened to locals’ advice and headed to Treat . We started with the Wham Pow , shown at right. Crispy fried shrimp are covered in a tangy, spicy and creamy sauce. The taste is delicate with a particular kick we enjoyed. We also ate fish and chips, and the simple dish hit all the right notes. We enjoyed cocktails served from a bar covered in shiny pennies which was quite a visual effect. After lunch, we shopped in Treat’s charming retail store before continuing our downtown adventure. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to stop in at Toasted and Rolled. This unusual shop serves rolled ice-cream and Costa Rican food. The Morganton General Store is a popular spot. It’s a great place to buy calendars, t-shirts or our favorite purchase, a detailed map of the best places in North Carolina to eat fried chicken. Treat is an excellent restaurant with a store as well. Wham Pow Shrimp: a spicy, crunchy appetizer from Treat. Fish and Chips from Treat
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72 We were also excited to check out Oak Hill Iron + Wood. This store features custom iron work, local art and huge slabs of gorgeous wood. We were dreaming of home remodels seconds after we entered, and were impressed at the artfulness of the work we saw. There are, in fact, many craftsmen and women in Morganton, and we visited Hamilton Williams’ downtown studio and shop. We were thrilled to find him working on one of his nautilus pieces. He turns the piece to his specifications then he carves a beautiful nautilus pattern into it. After glazing and being fired in his kiln, truly gorgeous pieces emerge. Mr. Williams’ store also features the work of other local artisans. This is one of many ways we saw Downtown Morganton businesses supporting each other and the community. There is pottery from a number of talented potters from across the region, as well as other types of curated art. If that store has you feeling artistic, you’ll also want to visit Sketch. It’s a gallery but it’s much more than that. It’s a space for visitors, artists and community members to create art themselves. Workshops and classes are available, as is open studio time. It’s a great space for getting to know new mediums or techniques, and it’s also a great opportunity to speak with other creative people. “Choose a Job to Transport your Career” Transportation Insight is Hiring! We value the attributes of professionalism and high-quality character. A successful candidate will value and possess these attributes: strong work ethic, strong communication skills, motivation to grow and learn, positive attitude, dependability, responsibility, honesty and integrity. If this sounds like you, please apply at www. transportationinsight.com/about/careers/. Hamilton Williams holds one of his popular Nautilus plates. Potter Hamilton Williams carving details into his Nautilus
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75 74 Root and Vine chef assembles a Reuben by his wood-fired oven.
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76 Dinnertime in Downtown Morganton is a delight, and you’ll definitely want to try out Root + Vine. Everything here is scratch-made and delicious. For instance, in the Reuben pictured at left, they baked the bread, butchered and cured the meat, made and fermented the krout and made the dressing. The swiss cheese is the only item not crafted in house, and that’s certainly for the best. Like wine, fine cheeses should be left to experts. The restaurant is owned by Brian and Aimee Miller, who have created an excellent atmosphere. On the previous pages, you’ll see Brian assembling a reuben in front of his wood- fired grill. That grill has made a huge difference in their menu, and their pizzas are quite popular. On the previous page, you’ll find a beautiful dish. It is wood-grilled Scottish salmon, cooked to perfection, with butternut squash and a wild mushroom risotto. It included sautéed kale and was topped with rosemary walnut pesto. The meal was elegant, with bold and harmonious flavors. We didn’t mention the 42 beers on tap, but they are impossible to miss. In fact, Morganton is a good place to be thirsty, as they’ve stayed at the forefront of the craft brewing industry. Catawba Brewing Company has one of their four locations here. After you taste a brew there, we think a trip to Brown Mountain Bottleworks is in order. There you’ll find a large rotating selection of craft beers with at least two ciders on tap. It has a fun atmosphere and is stocked with games that get conversation going. Hands down, our favorite brewery here is Fonta Flora. They do things differently, and people have noticed. I’ll let Fonta Flora tell you: “Fonta Flora Brewery integrates the soul of agriculture with the artisanship of zymurgy to create a menagerie of rustic and savory libations. L et us help you create your dream hom e www.steelesdesign.com (828) 322-8011 Our design team can assist you in updating your home to make it the home of your dreams. Visit our store, Steele’s Home Market for furnishings, accessories or to make an appointment to have our team come to your home and help you get started! Reuben from Root and Vine Pizza from Root and Vine Pizza from Root and Vine
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78 With an emphasis on seasonal flora, Fonta Flora brings English tradition and Belgian inspiration to the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina. Fonta Flora utilizes local artists to help conceptualize the notion that fermentation is yet another medium for creating art. This uniquely artisan approach to beer yields a sustainable product filled with culture from our very own community.” In short, Fonta Flora hasn’t forgotten that it’s the hops and other agricultural ingredients that create the perfect beer, and they respect the plants and their contributions. They also consider the whole process of beer making to be an art, and here at Foothills Digest, we love artists. The company has expanded in ways that preserve the culture and heritage that exists here. Their expanded brewery operations are now at the historic Whiporwhill Farm, nestled next to Lake James State Park, tucked under Linville Gorge, and they are currently restoring the buildings there. One look at their beer names gives you a good idea of the whimsy and style of Fonta Flora: Rewilding, Blaze the Stratus, ....6 with my Woes, Supper Table and Triple Hop Beard, to name a few. Kontr Quarte ft. th Kruger Brother February 29, 2020 | 7:30 pm J.E. Broyhill Civic Center Tickets: $5-32 828.324.8603 WPSymphony.org Fonta Flora in Downtown Morganton
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80 We sincerely hope you’ll take the time to rediscover Morganton and their downtown. I don’t know of another downtown where you can lose yourself so thoroughly for a whole day. Eat, drink, shop, repeat. You’ll have so much fun!
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82 Clayton Pennell Artist & Naturalist
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85 84 C layton Pennell has a unique eye. Coming from a long line of sportsmen, Clayton was out in nature before he was even forming memories. He paints fish and other animals for one simple reason: he loves them. He began drawing animals in his childhood, but it wasn’t until after he graduated from Appalachian State University that he began to develop his own unique style. Clayton was a full-time fly-fishing guide in 2016 when people began noticing the art he was creating in his spare time. The art was unique, precise and colorful. Clayton’s unique style uses few colors, but the they are always bold. He doesn’t mix the colors together, creating something that reminds us of natural pop art, but manages to be so accurate and pitch perfect that he was invited to join the Blue Ridge Realists, a group of talented artists who paint realistic art. One of those people who noticed Clayton’s art is acclaimed artist Bob Timberlake, who has become a mentor to him. Clayton says that Mr. Timberlake has been instrumental in his career by encouraging him as he developed the unique style that is his own, and by helping him begin to navigate the commercial side of art. Of Clayton, Mr. Timberlake says, “He is special.” He smiles then adds, “ He has a good niche with his art.” By 2018, successful sales to art collectors around the world, as well exhibitions at the Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival and Southeastern Wildlife Exposition allowed Clayton to take off the waders and focus on art full-time. The expansion of Pennell’s family, and new responsibilities as a father also let Pennell know he was on the right track.
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Where dreams come home! Serving the Hickory Metro since 1968 127 1st Ave NE Hickory, NC 28601 (828) 322-1005 www.cbbh.com/ Now he spends his days painting, with nature shows playing in the background, allowing him to watch the movement of the animals he is painting. His work often captures the motions of his subject, and it feels very active. People often ask Clayton how he chooses the intense colors in his art. He says, “I look at what nature already does, then I turn the volume up on it. If you really look at a bird feather, they are very fluorescent. I’ll pick the brightest color in the feather and go with it.” We think the result is art that is simplified and accurate, b u t m o r e e x c i t i n g . Clayton shows his art at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, the Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival and w i t h t h e Blue Ridge Realists. His art has raised tens of thousands of dollars for conservation efforts, and he is generous in his work in this area. You can buy his art or begin a conversation about commissioned paintings at his website www.cpennell.com.
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88 By Richard Eller Few of us will look back on Halloween or Thanksgiving and say that holiday changed our lives. Christmas, aside from the presents we received, will likely go down much the same way it has in past years, unless you’re a kid of course. The same applies to Labor Day, Valentine’s and the Fourth of July. But New Years Day, ah, that’s different. The new day bringing in the new year always carries the potential to make a difference. It can be significant, even life changing. Once a year we get to reset, giving ourselves an opportunity to write off our bad habits of the past and start anew. Every new year, gyms get fuller, salads more popular in restaurants and everyone more energetic with projects that are part of our New Year’s resolutions. Along with those promises we make to ourselves (whether we keep them or not) comes a variety of interesting, some might say strange, rituals to bring on the change we seek as the calendar starts another cycle. In the hills of North Carolina several traditions accompany January 1, that offer no real proof they will make your year better. Yet we do them anyway. Superstition? Yeah, probably. One of the most pervasive is our food. If we are what we eat, what we eat on New Years Day symbolize how it’s going to go for the next twelve months. Consuming black eyes peas and cooked cabbage (substitute collard greens or sauerkraut) supposedly all relate to the money you will make in the coming year. Cabbage signifies dollars, think green, and black eyed peas, the pennies. Why? No one seems to know. It has just been passed from one generation to another. Alternates include cornbread and pork as financial stand-ins. But the oddity is that all those dishes were staples of southern cuisine for the past several centuries. In other words, we were already eating this stuff for a long time. By the way, the reason for eating pork is that someone, somewhere noticed The Life Changing Holiday
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that pigs cannot turn their heads. The significance to its consumption is that they can’t look back, a good omen for us as we enter the coming year. Conversely, the logic extends to animals like chickens, which should not be part of the first meal. Since they have wings and might take flight, the belief is that your money might do the same, something you do not want. Fireworks at midnight are not unique to the foothills but it is quite possible the custom comes from a practice that’s a variation of a tradition that has remained long popular among Tarheels. Since the colonial era neighbors traveled house to house as one year turned to the next, firing their muskets as they greeted each other, then wishing them well. Sometimes the encounter included the recitation of a poem, phrase or Bible verse for those they see. Maybe fireworks substituted for the ritual because in later years cases of falling bullets have been linked to serious, even fatal, gunshot wounds. The tradition of congregating comes as an offshoot of going house to house and greeting each other during the first moments of New Years Day. Some people might come out to wish each other health and prosperity in the coming year but they may also want to witness the spectacle of seeing what drops. Yes, drops. Everything from a giant pickle to possums have been lowered in the last minutes of the old year to herald the new one. The practice of dropping anything comes from right where you think it would, New York City in 1908 when the tradition began. Since then, folks have gotten creative about what they drop. One popular event for New Years Eve are church ‘watch night’ services. For Methodists, the observance dates back to the time of the denomination’s founder John Wesley who may have devised the activity to keep Christians CATARACTS from the drunken revelry often associated with ringing in the new year. Some say whatever we do on New Year’s day sets the precedent for what we do the rest of the year and while it gives us a head start for the other 365 days in 2020, it goes against the idea that the day is a holiday, a day of rest and observance. It may be more important what you should not do on January 1. Mountain tradition holds that you should not wash clothes that day or else you A) wash away prosperity or B) whoever’s clothes you wash on New Years Day, you will be washing a dead person’s apparel before the end of the year. While it doesn’t make a lot of sense, you probably don’t want to push your luck either. One tradition that at the least might be called peculiar, at most misogynistic is the idea that the first person to cross your threshold in the new year should not be a female. That supposedly brings bad luck. Instead, young boys went house to house after midnight to assure the household a good year. In gratitude the family paid the boy for his entry which probably explains who benefited from the superstition and why is was spread for years.
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92 www.hickoryfurniture.com | 1-800-462-MART (6278) F U R N I S H I N G H O M E S A R O U N D T H E W O R L D F O R 6 0 Y E A R S Proudly supporting our local craftsmen, manufacturers and retailers. CUSTOMIZED WINTER WHITES FOR ANY SEASON Generations of skilled craftsmen building the finest furniture any time of the year. As strange as all these annual rituals sound, other customs around the world make ours look “not so strange”. In Spain, celebrants eat a grape with each toll of the bell at midnight. Brazilians wear special underwear (red for health, yellow for wealth) as they bring in the new year. From the land that gave us the our first democracy, Greece, they also give us the practice of hanging an onion on their door for luck. Parents use the same onion to tap the head of their children in bed on New Year’s Eve. Maybe eating black eyed peas and cabbage is not such a bad alternative, huh? Whether you practice tradition or just enjoy the day, whether your traditions work or not, whether they change your life or not, if your celebration keeps you looking forward in the New Year, keep the tradition alive. Richard Eller is the Catawba Valley Community College Historian-in-Residence with the Historical Association of Catawba County. Among his publications are both a documentary and book on Piedmont Airlines, the former appearing on UNC-TV. He has since produced a documentary on the 1944 Polio Epidemic as well as contributed to a volume on the same subject. He is currently working on a documentary on “The Untouchables” as well as multiple volumes on the residents of Hickory’s Harper House.
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94 perfect world, they would quickly switch to making bags out of palm or pineapple pulp. If every citizen called into their state representatives and asked for sustainable legislation, we would see tangible progress. The facts are clear, if we do not act NOW we are willingly walking into a mass extinction. From James Thomas Shell: Talkin ‘bout climate change and sustainable living. I like to think that the cornerstone of my life philosophy is Reality. About half of us, in American society today, believe that the information delivered from the Corporate Media Outlets (Television, Print, and Radio) has very little reality or value. Five Corporations essentially control television and internet. Print and Radio are also heavily controlled by America’s largest corporations. I believe those companies provide information to push forward their personal agenda. My opening qualifier relates to not being pigeon-holed into certain beliefs based upon certain narratives promoted by Corporate Politics. I truly do believe in “Conservation”, because I am a Conservative. I grow a garden every year. I compost and recycle waste materials. I “can”, dehydrate, and give away food. My economic reality dictates efficient use of electricity at home and with regards to transportation costs. So, I would say that I am personally responsible when it comes to my energy usage. I understand that there is climate change on the planet. Temperature and weather conditions change with the day and with seasons. There have been chronicles about periods of heating and cooling since recorded history began. The dynamic forces that bring us our environmental reality are too numerous for us to micromanage. Do we need to be good stewards of the planet? Who doesn’t want to be? Who says, “I’m against taking care of the planet.” The issue is, Do I want someone imposing arbitrary rules and regulations on me that benefit the Elite few, while turning my economic reality into a glorified Feudal Colony system. The question is, “What do you actually do today that contributes positively towards the stewardship of the planet?” In 2008, it wasn’t a coincidence that the economy tanked when fuel and energy costs shot through the roof around the world. In July 2008, Oil peaked at $147 per barrel, but once the Great Recession took hold it had fallen to $32 by December. We learn that a poor economy reduces fuel costs and usage. During that time, Oil Man T. Boone Pickens made a push for Americans to get onboard the renewable resource bandwagon. As an Energy Entrepreneur, he heavily invested in a wind energy corridor in the middle of America. He found some traction, but Republicans and Democrats worked together to fight his plan. Republicans fussed about affordability, while Democrats derided the environmental impact. Maintaining the status quo was one thing that had bi-partisan support in every way other than lip service. When it comes to Big Energy lip service, kickbacks, corruption, and payoffs have surrounded the industry since oil was first commercially Fox & Hound A CIVIL DISCOURSE WITH JAMES THOMAS SHELL AND SARAH EVERLY From Sarah Everly: I am standing over a pile of my children’s cast aside toys, completing the tedious work of figuring out which toys should be donated and which ones are fit for the trash can. “All of it is plastic. Every single toy is plastic. How big is their carbon footprint?”, I whisper to my husband, in reference to our three and four year old boys. There is no response. We are both speechless, standing in the realization that we are a deeply rooted part of the problem. Realizing that if we continue this way, we are handing our children a broken, and potentially unfixable planet. Between the temperatures that climb higher each year, and the media coverage of a wise beyond her years girl with braids in her hair, the presence of the climate crisis is hard to miss. What doesn’t seem to be hard for people is ignoring the signs and living as if our planet is the ultimate renewable resource. It’s not. Every piece of litter thrown from a car window, every piece of recyclable waste thrown in the trash bin, every drop of water wasted, is another nail in our planet’s proverbial coffin. And yet, we march on. In the place where legislation increasing our sustainability should stand, there is another rotting landfill. In the place where simple changes could make massive impacts, stands another factory churning out plastic bags and straws by the thousands. The thing about climate change is that we have the power to impact, and diminish its effects. We just have to act. There’s a quote I remember from my ninth grade civics and economics class that goes along the lines of “bad politicians are elected by citizens that chose not to vote”. The climate crisis is much the same. Our planet continues warming because citizens across the globe think that one reusable straw won’t make a difference, or a couple plastic bags won’t hurt. We fail to look at the big picture. If every citizen used only reusable grocery bags, it would eliminate millions of pounds of waste per year, and soon the factories mindlessly churning out enough plastic bags to effectively suffocate our planet would take notice. In a
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96 taking from Mother Earth? So I think my answer is that I’m terribly worried about both. As for my proposals, I have many suggestions. Pick a couple and apply them to your life. Recently, environmental activists have shed a light on how the meat industry, especially the red meat industry, is impacting our environment. From the toxins fed to livestock to the millions of gallons of gas spent driving meat from farm to factory, to store, to table. It’s clear that the meat industry is victimizing our planet. Of course I do not expect all of humanity to give up meat cold turkey (see what I did there?), but implementing one meat free day each week can drastically reduce these harms. Other small changes could include “going dark” one night per week(or month to start). Leave the TV off, light some candles or a lantern, and spend your evening with no electricity. Sure this won’t solve all the problems, but if thousands of households are going dark each night we are reducing our negative effects drastically. The most important thing you can do to be proactive is to call your state representatives. Climate change needs representation to, and your activism and calls to action can provide that. Use reusable straws/bags/ziplocks, ditch the paper plates, carpool, shop at your local farmers market, go organic, line dry your clothing, go solar, go electric, compost, etc... The list of options is vast, choose several. Choose our planet. Choose our future. Hound, it is wonderful that you live your life conscious of waste and sustainability and I’m proud to be doing the same, but we mustn’t live under a compost rock. Every day there are greed filled beings fighting against progress on this matter. We are governed by a tweeting imbecile who has informed his supporters with lies about emissions, and tweets declaring climate change to be an elaborate hoax. We need legislation now. The meat industry and the medical industry extracted in Titusville, Pennsylvania in 1859. The hockey stick curve of population growth we have experienced over the past 160 years began/correlates with the growth provided by the Thermodynamic efficiency and low cost of oil as an energy resource. Current World population is estimated at 7.7 billion people. That is up a billion over the past decade and nearly a 5-fold increase since 1900. From 1 AD to 1850 AD World population increased 4-fold. From 1850 to 2019 it increased 6 1/2-fold. We’ve seen some bad consequences of human interaction and corporate reality versus Mother Nature with respect to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010 and the meltdown of the reactors at the Fukashima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan on March 11, 2011. We can talk all day long about the issues of sustainability on Earth. There’s one thing for sure. Lip service and politics won’t build the bridge from reality to the future. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 Corporations Control 90% Of The Media In America - https://www.morriscreative.com/6-corporations-control-90-of-the-media- in-america/ ... (Note: CBS is in the process of acquiring Viacom) Pickens Plan - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickens_Plan : T. Boone Pickens Officially Gives Up on Texas Wind Power - https://www. fastcompany.com/1514275/t-boone-pickens-officially-gives-texas-wind-power World Population - https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/ Sarah Everly’s Question : Could you elaborate on why you think climate focused legislation would turn into a “glorified feudal colony system”? Response From James Thomas Shell: Because the Elite control government though politics and economics. The burden of carbon taxes will hit the middle class and poor the hardest and benefit the wealthy. It is a regressive tax. There is an energy component in the production of every product. The cost of living will shoot through the roof and wages will not rise to meet it. Welcome to serfdom. This whole thing of Socialists talking about love and tolerance, then allowing their passion to lead to feelings and words that are quite the opposite is unbecoming and not going to get them what they want. The President is not an imbecile and just because you don’t agree with him doesn’t mean that he is some ‘Sociopathic’ liar. The President is a salesman and an entrepreneur. He embellishes some points to push his narrative and he is an excellent tactician. Barack Obama did the same exact types of promotion for his platform. On to reality... People like myself want solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric. I can show you where there are environmentalists that have stood in the way of such developments. Nuclear fission isn’t an option right now. The energy created is great, but the waste product associated Response Question James Thomas Shell: Sarah, we can always see issues with our planet and humanity. We live down here in the forest on what many people call the Big Blue Marble. Talk to me about the Big Picture. Tell me about some proposals. Let’s talk about solutions... the future... your ideas on conservation and population. Is it Earth you are worried about? or Humanity? Response From Sarah Everly: If I’m being honest it’s the planet I fear for, but even more terrifying is a human race that willingly ignores the very real and imminent climate catastrophe. How can we save a planet when humanity is clinging to their toxic habit of taking and taking and
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828-256-2147 3790 Springs Road • Hickory Hours: M-F 7:30 - 5:30, Sat 7:30 - 2:00 www.killiansinc.com www.toro.com Never Miss A Special Like us on YTH24V48LS 125B Handheld Blower 3790 Springs Road • Hickory 828-256-2147 Mon.-Fri. 7:30 to 6:00; Sat 7:30 to 2:00 www.killiansinc.com • www.husqvarna.com RZ3016 “Third Generation Now Serving The Unifour!” The Killians Team is committed to working together for our community to provide the best products and service support...for generations to come! OR 3.9% APR 60 MONTHS www.toro.com “Better Service, Better Prices since 1953” Price...$2199.95 H E R I T A G E S I N C E 1 9 5 3 At Killians, you will find much hasn’t changed in four generations. Killians is dedicated to taking care of your needs from the time of purchase to years down the road with parts and service. We want you to be comfortable and confident with your purchase. Come see us and demo any model you’re interested in! Our Family Looks Forward to Serving Your Family! 0% Financing Doc Fees Apply. See Website for Details. Free Layaway for Spring From Our Family To Yours Wishing you a Healthy, Happy, and Prosperous 2020! REASONS TO BUY FROM A TORO DEALER 10. Factory-Trained Service Technicians 9. Genuine Toro Parts and Accessories 8. Products Professionally Set Up, Serviced and Ready to Go 7. Competitive Financing Options 6. On-Site Product Demonstrations 5. Best Selection of Products to Fit Your Needs 4. Delivery Available 3. Competitive Prices 2. Experienced, Knowledgeable and Courteous Staff And the # 1 Reason... 1. Locally Owned and Operated • 50” 10-guage fabricated steel mowing deck • 24.5 HP Toro Commercial V-Twin 708 cc engine • MyRIDE® Suspension system • Smart Speed® Control System: Trim, Tow, and Mow Model # 74768 TimeCutter® MX5075 f D are producing waste at mind boggling rates. They are the reason we can’t have nice things. These industries absolutely have room in their multi-billion dollar budget to cut back on their waste and toxicity. Legislation that enforces stricter guidelines and imposes large tax hikes if companies don’t comply is absolutely the best plan. Please elaborate on how you believe that these guidelines and hikes would lead to a glorified feudal colony system. How can holding our transgressors accountable lead to such horror for the rest of us? Climate change is here, I’m ready to do the dirty work if it means my children are left a thriving planet. Response From James Thomas Shell: This whole thing of Socialists talking about love and tolerance, then allowing their passion to lead to feelings and words that are quite the opposite is unbecoming and not going to get them what they want. The President is not an imbecile and just because you don’t agree with him doesn’t mean that he is some ‘Sociopathic’ liar. The President is a salesman and an entrepreneur. He embellishes some points to push his narrative and he is an excellent tactician. Barack Obama did the same exact types of promotion for his platform. On to reality... People like myself want solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric. I can show you where there are environmentalists that have stood in the way of such developments. Nuclear fission isn’t an option right now. The energy created is great, but the waste product associated with the corporate model is too dangerous for the long term liability issues it creates. We can’t stop looking to create progress when it comes to energy. Entrepreneurs and the marketplace are what have created advances in our society. Thomas Malthus had the same type of dystopic vision that the Socialists of today have. In 1798, he wrote about Population growth soon outstripping food production leading to a Humanitarian crisis of mass starvation. His reality was a rudimentary Agrarian world. Technological advances and societal development led by Entrepreneurialism created marketplace solutions. Dynamic forces can always overcome static reality. The people of the past would flip out witnessing the technological wizardry of today. Wrapping up: Sure, we have challenges that lie ahead. Let’s talk about positive evolution and constructive creativity. Statistics show more efficient energy usage, fewer emissions, and less pollution in America. We aren’t the bad guy. There is currently more money being spent on Renewable Energy than at any point in history -- in 2018 over a quarter trillion dollars... more than on fossil fuels. The United States today is far less vulnerable to geopolitical vulnerabilities related to energy, because of Liquefied Natural Gas and Shale Oil production. Profit from these resources is building the bridge to future new alternatives that are even cleaner and more efficient. Population will increase and I’m more worried about the vulnerability of the aging electric grid. We need to be investing in that and personal energy independence. If we learn to be personally responsible for (micromanage) ourselves, then the planet will be better for it.
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100 Winter Wonderland in the Black Mountains Story and Photography by Kat Dellinger Hiking in the Black Mountains and Toe River Valley near Burnsville, NC is a very rewarding experience. The area has a wide variety of terrain to explore ranging from lush river valleys to majestic mountain ridges, most notable the Black Mountain Crest Trail (BMCT). A 12.4 mile point to point trek, the BMCT requires a shuttle. However, you can experience the trail as a section hike and still experience some amazing views by doing a loop hike using the Colbert Ridge Trail and Woody Ridge Trail. Starting near the Carolina Hemlocks Campground, the Colbert Ridge Trail is one of the main access points to the BMCT and helps form one of the only loops on the northern section of the Black Mountains. The trail is very steep and technical, so please be prepared. Climbing 3.9 miles, Colbert Ridge has only one reliable spring for water about 300 yards south of the Crest Trail. Once you reach the intersection with the BMCT in Deep Gap, head north. The trail gives you an amazing combination of views, wilderness isolation and top of the world feel. When you come to the junction with the Woody Ridge Trail, take a right and head down back to your car. This trail is extremely steep, root-bound and treacherous in places. If there has been a recent rain storm (or ice storm), you will be sliding on your butt for a good bit. Trekking poles are a definite on this hike. This is not for the novice and requires plenty of logistical planning - be prepared and leave your trail plan with friends and=or family back home. As with all difficult hikes, the rewards are worth the effort. Winter hiking in the Black Mountains
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30 Third Street NW ▪ Hickory, NC 28601 for show tickets or information hickorytheatre.org CALL 828 • 328 • 2283 OR VISIT Live Theatre. Well Crafted. THE BEST TICKET IN TOWN! Spring Concert • March 22, 2020 at Corinth Reformed Church, Hickory:“Singing Under the Sails” Pop’s Concert • May 17 (May 31 rain date) at 6 pm - downtown Hickory www.hickorychoralsociety.org 828-322-2210
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In the last 10 years, the consignment store has become an important part of the community, and a landmark on Old Lenoir Road. Over 3,500 consignors have trusted the store and the Ross family to sell their furniture, art, and other items. Customers trust the store as well, and walk in the door expecting quality. When you arrive at the Hickory Tree, you can expect to find high-end furniture beautifully styled and nestled in with antiques and unique decorative items, all at a price point that is fair for cosigner and customer. The styling is an important part of the appeal. Most consignment stores display items on shelves without much concern for design. The Ross family knows that presentation matters. It’s easier to imagine a piece in your home when you can see it displayed with lamps, furniture and other nice touches. When it’s easier to imagine a piece in your house, you are more likely to buy it! Furniture consignment of this kind is a service that was needed here, and had been going unfilled for some time, since a similar store had closed in the same location. The merchandise at Hickory Tree turns over quickly as new consigners join and purchases are made. You can always expect something you haven’t seen before, and the longer an item stays in the store, the deeper it is discounted. The Hickory Tree: Making Hickory’s Furniture Heritage Accessible for Everyone For ten years, JD and Meredith Ross have owned and operated The Hickory Tree. As Hickory’s furniture industry has rebounded, it’s also gotten a good deal more up-scale, and many of the people living in Hickory can’t afford the quality furniture produced here. JD and Meredith noticed this problem and set out to solve it. Their goal has always been to bring the bounty of Hickory’s furniture industry to the residents of the town.
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106 North Carolina Plan your visit & experience our Waldensian Heritage “Where the Piedmont Meets the Mountains” 828.879.2129 visitvaldese.com Waldensian Heritage Museum Trail of Faith Waldensian Winery Valdese Lakeside Park OCP Community Theatre Old Rock School Auditorium Rock School Art Galleries P&W Railroad Museum Explore Downtown Public Art & Parks Local Dining & Shopping Visit Our Historic Attractions shophickorytree.com 831 Old Lenoir Road Hickory, NC 28601 (828) 324-1655 JD and Meredith also have a vision for their neighborhood. Old Lenoir Road, they say, is filled with potential and could be the next great arts district. They have taken a leadership roll in making that vision a reality. They have worked with community leaders to ensure that the neighborhood was not left out of plans for city improvements. They’ve also been working on branding and a new name for the neighborhood. “Old Lenoir Road” doesn’t feel right for what residents are envisioning. They like “Olle,” a shortening of OLd LEnoir that feels youthful and artistic. We believe they will stay at the forefront of the movement to turn that area of Hickory into something unique and thriving. Hickory Tree owners JD and Meredith Ross in their store
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108 Instead, if we look at them as someone’s son or daughter, brother or sister, father or mother—if we see them as a close friend caught up in that situation, would our perspective still be the same?” When asked how to measure success, Hays is clear: “Success in homeless ministry is measured one life at a time and one step at a time. It is seeing someone transition from living in a tent to staying at the local shelter instead. It’s helping someone get a bus ticket home to a better support base of friends, family or work, even if it’s in another state. To see someone get a job who has been looking so hard for one, to have an addict come to you and admit for the first time they have a problem and need help. See a man purchase transportation when he hasn’t had an independent way of traveling in years. That’s how you measure success. Mostly, for us though, with Strong Life Ministries, it’s helping people in difficult times of life that could happen to any of us realize God still loves them. To help them realize there are many, even strangers, willing to show such a love all around our area.” Hays, who grew up on a cattle farm in south Mississippi and went to college to play football is no stranger to the idea of strength and courage. After graduating he spent a year in New York City ministering to the homeless. He came to Hickory in 2006 to help plant his current church. A power lifter and “strong man” in his own right, Hays’ focus is not on himself or his achievements but as a quiet force for good. by Claudia Ward-Eller When you think of a “strong life”, what comes to mind? For Pastor John Hays it’s about having the courage to keep on trying, even when life deals bitter blows. Hays is currently working to develop Strong Life Ministries whose “mission, duty, and purpose is to address, educate, coordinate, and provide aid and relief to those in poverty and homelessness.” Strong Life Ministries works to offer a men’s transitional housing program to provide an opportunity for those who have been oppressed by poverty to learn to live independently. This live-in program will focus on the participant’s spiritual walk, employment, financial planning and long term goals. As Hays explains, “People have misconceptions towards the homeless because they don’t see them as individuals who have a story but rather just a problem for our area. Strong Life M i n i s t r i e s
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Beginnings— Life House Rescue Mission It started with a pot of coffee and conversation. Laughing, talking, sharing moments and connection with a friend. Doesn’t exactly sound like the way to start a local homeless ministry. And yet that’s the way it began for Hays. “A member of my church came to me with a compassionate heart back in 2008. They told me ‘my father and I notice a lot of homeless people when driving down the road, what can we do for them?’ I said to take them some coffee and start a conversation” remembers Hays. In addition to leading his congregation, Hays followed his own advice and with some friends and church members started reaching out with purpose. “This seemingly simple act spread and grew into a weekly coffee and devotional time at a local park where we engaged the homeless to talk and pray for them on a personal level.” As word spread about the coffee and fellowship, Hays began telling others about items that were needed by the homeless and people donated items like jackets and batteries to help. The support did help, and word spread in the homeless community about this pastor and his group of people willing to listen. More people stopped by the park for coffee and conversation until eventually a new idea presented itself. Pastor Hays remembers: “One day, one of our homeless friends said it would be great if we had a place where we could do this more than once a week. From this conversation the Lord laid it on my heart to pursue a small house for us to obtain. The following week, a homeless friend of ours came to me with a name and number of a man who owned a home near the Salvation Army in Hickory.” Hays had no idea how to make the dream a reality b e c a u s e e v e n though the owner was willing to help the vision by selling the house that had been in his family for generations, there was one catch-- “We knew this was a far-fetched idea because we had no money to fund it.” Then, miraculously, after sharing the financial need for the purchase, a single gift came in to pay for the property in honor of two local families. On April 13, 2013, after much hard work to restore the house and make it ready as a day shelter, The Life House Rescue Mission opened as a place of refuge for those in need to connect to resources in the area. The Life House offers hospitality to those who are experiencing some of the most trying moments in their lives. Pastor John and volunteer staff extend an ear to listen and provide encouragement. The goal is to give direction to help those take a successful next step in seeing their lives put back together. Oakwood Dental Arts is a full service dentistry firm based in the heart of Hickory, North Carolina in the historic Oakwood district. Our mission is to help you thrive in our town. Whether you have a troubled tooth that needs help or want to get that smile you’ve always dreamed about, we are here to serve. We will work with you to create a plan to achieve the best oral health possible. Let’s take the journey together. 828-324-6235 OAKWOODDENTALARTSNC.COM MCKINNEYDDS@OAKWOODDENTALARTSNC.COM
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f D Growing— Strong Life Ministries Working with community leaders, Hays is excited by the next phase with the Strong Life Ministries program. As others hear about Strong Life Ministries, Hays says the momentum is growing. “We’re creating a nonprofit to serve as the organizational basis for Strong Life Ministries. Lots of people in this community do have a heart to help those less fortunate, they’re just searching for a direction and way to get involved. It’s humbling to have so many people come alongside to help with this project.” Hays and his wife Stephanie, who teaches at Catawba Valley Community College and helps with Strong Life, live in Mountain View with their two small children. Hays is pastor of New Life Authentic Christian Community in Hickory. To learn more about Strong Life Ministries and ways to connect with the organization and the Life House Rescue Mission, go to www.stronglifenc.org.
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114 The Nest @ Steele’s Farms Imagine having an event center at a stunning location in Taylorsville, NC. Check our and for updates. Coming in 2020 coming in 2020, the event center we’ve been dreaming of: The Fishing List By Heather Wood Davis As I write this, we are preparing for Christmas. This year one of my girls has become rather obsessed with the idea of Santa’s naughty list. She has pestered me, asking if this person or that person might be on the list—thinking of first of her younger sister and her infractions and then moving to her classmates who were called down that day. She racked her brain for characters from books and movies whose bad behavior might warrant the addition of their name to Santa’s (no doubt) long list. I struggled with her innocent, curious fascination. One afternoon in the car, after what felt like a barrage of questions and clarifications, I blurted out, “You know what? There’s no such thing as the naughty list!” Both of my girls were stunned into a temporary silence in our back seat. Parenting win! This no naughty list was new information and quite contrary to the movies, images and general cultural information provided to them about the proverbial Christmas time behavioral expectations. The no naughty list theory brought more questions, so I had to explain myself to them. “Everyone deserves a gift at Christmas,” I explained, “so there really is no naughty list.” While I thought this was enough as far as explanations go, they were not satisfied; they needed more information. “But what about the kids who do bad things?” my oldest inquired. “Well, I’m sure there are consequences, but they still get a gift at Christmas because there is no naughty list.” “So, Santa is in charge and says there’s no naughty list?” My youngest asked because she’s eager to be the first name removed from said list. Remember I am a pastor, so I’m going to make sure there a theological lesson worked into this scenario. “God is in charge of Santa,” I report to them, “and God says everyone gets a present, even if they have been bad. Everyone deserves to get a gift.” The fact is, I really wholeheartedly believe this. I don’t think there is a naughty list, not one that Santa or God keeps. My framework, foundation, beliefs, everything that gives me a way of being and making sense in the world, believes that there is no naughty list and that no one, especially God, is interested in keeping track of wrongs. We seem to do a good enough job keeping track of everyone else’s sins these days, I doubt God would need any help. After all, I think consequences have a way of playing out in numerous ways. But the naughty list leads me to a story in the New Testament on fishing. Bet you didn’t see that coming, right? Preacher win! Well in Matthew, Mark and Luke, there’s a very similar story of what is known as Jesus calling the first disciples. A newly baptized and spirit-filled Jesus is looking for followers and he sees brothers, Simon (Peter) and Andrew in their boats doing what they do, namely, fishing. In Matthew and Mark’s gospel he sees the brothers and calls out to them on the water, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” In Luke’s story, Jesus calls out to the fisherman claiming, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” What strikes me in these stories is that Jesus doesn’t say, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of other Jews!” He says, “fishers of people.” Many of us remember the verse as, “fishers of men,” but regardless how your translation reads, the inclusivity is the same. Jesus is fishing for disciples to follow him and so that they might be those who are casting nets, far and wide for all kind of people—men, women, Jews and Gentiles. You see Jesus isn’t into lists. He isn’t into making groups of who is in and who is out. He isn’t into saving only the people who are like him. Remember that story in Matthew’s gospel where he tells a woman who comes to him on behalf of her daughter, that he’s only here for the lost sheep of Israel? Well she surprises him by proclaiming some gospel truth and he remembers/realizes his saving includes everyone (see Matt. 15:21-28). Fishers of people. God’s kingdom isn’t about a nice or a naughty list. Jesus wasn’t born among us to only save the nice people. “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but the sinners.” (Mark 2:17) So even though by the time you read this Christmas will be a memory, I hope maybe you’ll entertain the notion that maybe, just maybe there isn’t a naughty list. There is no need to ‘better watch out’ and hope your name makes the cut; there is no need for anyone to worry about what list they are on. We’re all on the fishing list. You and I lumped in with all people, that’s who God is willing to fish for. We are those who God is willing to wait on, and look for, to catch in a net of love and mercy. Frankly I’d much rather be on the fishing list. Wouldn’t you?
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116 by Donna Steele Photography by Jon Eckard Keeping with the era of a home is such a critical part of any remodel. Researching the history of the home is a good place to start. Find out when the house was built, then try to stay true to that time-frame for the remodel. In this shot, you see the stunning mill-work. This was used as a cornerstone of the design. All other parts of the room were updated, while this detail was preserved. The lighting was changed and the ceiling was painted a beautiful and modern greige (a blend of gray and beige) color. The fireplace was also updated with marble, although the woodwork remained the same. The home feels vintage, but with a modern touch. Staying true to the era of an older home keeps the coziness but does not detract from the modernization. Always remember: old places have soul. Histor y RESPECT YOUR HOUSE’S Historical Mill-work keeps house authentic.
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118 Worth the Drive By Amy McCauley Think you know Hickory? Think again. Named one of the Best Small Cities in America by National Geographic Travel in 2018, Hickory has evolved beyond its furniture-industry roots to become a haven for people interested in crafting a good life for themselves, their community, and future generations. Businesses are locating there, people are moving there, and if being ranked 16th in the state for tourism is any indicator, visitors are flocking there, too. Perhaps it’s because folks are realizing what locals have known all along: the Greater Hickory Metro area has a lot to offer. Consider the spectacular outdoor recreation, locally-made goods, breweries and distilleries, seriously good local food, a vibrant arts scene, more than 50 parks, and three lakes… all within less than an hour’s drive from Charlotte. While similar offerings can be found in Charlotte and other cities and towns, it’s Hickory’s uniquely local vibe of craftsmanship and connectedness that help make it a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike. In Hickory, the good life isn’t just about having a lot to do. It’s also about how you experience them. It’s about tasting locally-made bourbon and meeting the farmer and distiller who make it. It’s about admiring a folk art exhibit and starting your own collection by local artists. It’s about attending a film festival and discussing the films afterwards with like-minded enthusiasts. It’s about the epic stories you’ll share over beers after shredding miles of mountain bike trails. It’s about eating like an insider and bragging about all the hidden gems you found when you return home. When looking for something to do in Hickory, locals are advised to “think like a tourist.” The Hickory Metro Convention Center and Visitors Bureau is always a great place to start, be it learning about great places to visit on their social media feeds or upcoming events at www.visithickorymetro.com. To get your bearings, take a bird’s eye virtual tour of Hickory and surrounding landmarks at www.myhky.com. You can also ask around. Consider this advice from Ariel Allensworth, a local IT specialist and Army veteran who moved to Hickory from Fayetteville, North Carolina with his wife Jeanette Le Roux, a recently relocated South African. “Our favorite thing about living here is that any day you can leave the house, go do something, and you can never get tired of doing things because there’s so much,” said Allensworth. “Sometimes we’ll go to Taste Full Beans coffee shop downtown and sit there for a few hours, maybe reading or working on our computers. Other times we’ll walk around and get some wine downtown, or stop in for trivia night at Craft Beer Cellar. There’s endless things to do and time to do them, which has probably the greatest impact on our lives because it’s creating memories.” Find more stories from locals at www.makinglivingbetter.com. Just when you think you have Hickory figured out, you realize you’ve only just scratched the surface. Every visit to Hickory is different, because there’s always something new to experience. Looking for something to do tomorrow? Next weekend? Hickory will make it worth the drive. Again.
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120 We are Eckard Photographic, the creative team that brings you Foothills Digest. We are visual story tellers. Let us help tell your story. www.eckardphotographic.com 828-475-1323 Outsmart Diabetes With Self-Management Education “Having a disease without a cure means having to learn how to live with it every day. This can feel pretty overwhelming when you are first diagnosed with diabetes,” says Annette Crombie, Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) Diabetes Education Coordinator. “That’s where we come in! Think of us as your diabetes resource and education center.” Education is the key to successfully managing your diabetes and the team at CVMC’s Center for Diabetes Control will provide you with essential knowledge, tools and skills to control your blood sugar and live a healthy life. We offer a number of educational programs to help you learn how to control and manage the effects of the disease within your choice of a supportive classroom or one-on-one setting. A broad array of diabetes-related topics are covered including: • Nutritional Therapy • Stress Management • Exercise • Complications Associated with Uncontrolled Diabetes • Blood Glucose • Sick Day Management • Diabetes Medications • Diabetes Self Management • Intensive Insulin Therapy Programs “Our most popular and comprehensive program is the Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) class,” explains Annette. “This group is specifically for adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. There are four classes within the program and a new program starts every month.” With classes offered both during daytime and evening hours, the program aims to meet the needs of any patient. All classes are taught by experienced healthcare professionals, including certified diabetes educators, registered nurses, and registered dietitians - all of whom have received training in the most current methods of treating diabetes. Are you ready to outsmart diabetes? Call our Center for Diabetes Control at 828.326.3442 to schedule your first class today. Visit us online at www.catawbavalleyhealth. org/Medical-Center/Services/Diabetes for a complete list of programs offered through our diabetes center.
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122 At Catawba Women’s Center, our qualified staff of nine physicians is complemented by the area’s only private midwifery practice, advanced practice provider care and an experienced team of nurses, medical assistants, technologists and administrative staff. 1501 Tate Boulevard SE, Hickory (828) 322-4140 www.catawbawomenscenter.com WAVY CURLY KINKY By Amber Bryson of Kelly’s Hair Company Curls, curls, curls! Is this your trademark? Maybe it’s the first thing people notice about you? Are your curls something you love or something you loathe? Either way did you know that 65% of the population has naturally curly or wavy hair. For some of us we have no idea what kind of curl could be accomplished with the proper care and use of products. For so long straight styles were on trend but curly hair has taken over. Today we are going to celebrate the imperfect perfection of naturally curly hair!!! Wavy locks: these are not completely curly and not completely straight. This type of curl is very easy to take care of. You can easily let you hair air dry or use a diffuser to bring out that gorgeous beachy s shape. Typically wavy hair lays close to head and is not plagued by humidity. The one thing you have to be careful of is to not use any products that are too heavy. Doing so could cause your tresses to lay flat and heavy and cause your waves to look more straight. Using a light weight gel or mousse is perfect. Whether fine, coarse, thin or thick wavy curls can be a delightful way to show off your natural beauty. Curly hair: is it a blessing or a curse? Having a curl routine can definitely make you love your hair and make it easier for you to maintain. One mistake you do not want to do is shampooing everyday. Curly hair is naturally porous and needs moisture and the natural oils our scalp produce. Shampoos with sulfates and harsh ingredients can strip your locks of these important components leaving your hair frizzy and unmanageable. I highly recommend a shampoo that is a cream that adds moisture while cleansing at the same time. You can never have too much moisture so because of that doing a deep condition is a must. Using a salon quality mask is important as it will penetrate your hairs layer helping to make it shiny and healthy! Ask your stylist to help you customize a product routine so that you are getting your full curl potential. Another great tip is to only comb while in the shower. If you comb your curls while they are wet it will help to keep your curls together and have a more uniform look. This is also a great way to reduce frizz. You could even add all your styling products to your hair while in the shower and save yourself a bit of time. But be aware when you towel dry your hair make sure and use a teeshirt or a microfiber fabric so you do not rough up that cuticle. Kinky: bold, stunning, and voluminous are just a few words to describe this z shape close- knit curl pattern. If this is what you have then heat is not your friend. Blowdryers and flatirons can actually weaken your curl. Your best option is to fill up with conditioners and styling creams and let your curls air dry. Although it can take hours to dry completely this will allow the products to do their job and not get stripped away. Relaxers are becoming a thing of the past as women are deciding to embrace their natural beauty instead of fighting it! A wonderful benefit of having long kinky hair is you can easily put it into a updo and not have to utilize a million bobby pins to keep it in place. In about 5 minutes you can have a chic up style appropriate for a date, the gym, work, or any formal outing. Just know that your hair should always be cut when dry and in its natural curl pattern. These days there are stylists trained specifically to care for your coils. So be sure and find a specialist who is educated and trained to help you achieve the most amazing curl experience. As our culture involves and we become more open-minded it is a great to see people embrace their natural allure. Everyone of us is unique in our own special way, just like our curls. Celebrate yourself and your curls and hopefully you can find your perfect curl routine. It might take some trial and effort but be patient and have fun with your wavy, curly, kinky hair.
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124 Serving Men and Women for all of your Surgical Aesthetic needs. Vitality Surgical Center offers a wide array of services including Vaser-Lipo, facial plastics and more. For more in F ormation contact 828-322-1498 . V italit Y s urgical c enter Classic colors and cuts abound this season. If you only purchase one item this year, a good choice would be tailored wool pants that will last for years. Chunky cashmere knits are also all the rage. Leather remains ever-popular, especially in tones of warm browns. Monochrome looks, especially in warm neutral colors, are quite popular on the street this year. Choose a color like Sugar Almond (the sixth color below) and use it in each piece you wear. You’ll make a bold entrance anywhere you go. If you’ve ever wanted to own statement jacket, this is your year. Anything goes and the brighter the better for this type of outwear! Have fun with it! Color Palette Neutral Color Palette winter Fashion
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126 Protecting Your Skin From Winter Woes By Grace McLaurin, PA-C Winter is not a time to relax your skincare routine, in fact it may be the perfect time to step it up! With higher elevations, colder temperatures, and lower humidity in the winter here in the foothills, a good skincare regimen is more important than ever. Many believe summer sun exposure is harsher on our skin, but nothing could be farther from the truth. The UVB rays are weaker, so you may not sunburn as easily. But the drying and aging toxic UVA rays are just as strong as ever. This combined with colder and dryer air, create many issues that contribute to aging of the skin. While you may not be at the pool, lake or beach, SPF is necessary daily. Many wonder exactly what SPF is. It is the sun protection factor you get if you applied a shot glass full of SPF to your face. So an SPF if 30 means you may remain in the sun 30 times longer than with nothing at all. Most of us don’t use that much, so the protection factor is generally not what is on the bottle. When shopping for SPF there are a few important factors to look for other than just the SPF number. There are two basic types of SPF, chemical and physical. Chemical blocks contain ingredients such as Benzophenone- 3(oxybenzone), Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Phthaltes, and more. These chemicals are absorbed into the skin and create a chemical change in the UV rays which are then released from the skin. They are highly irritating to the skin and most are classified as a hazardous irritants. Physical blocks are superior to chemical blocks for protection and safety since they are less likely to create irritation and damage to the protective barrier naturally found in our skin. Examples of physical blocks are products that contain zinc and titanium dioxide. Another aspect of skincare to look for is ingredients that you should avoid. These are ingredients that cause allergic or chemical irritation. Both allergic and chemical irritation can be drying, irritating and ultimately damaging to skin. One of these ingredients is propylene glycol. Propylene Gycol is a solvent that is similar to alcohol. It is found in many skincare products and is often used as a carrier for active ingredients. It works by dissolving the protective lipid barrier. It also is used as a preservative and to help products not dry out or form a “skin” on top due to its affinity for water. More than 10% of the population are allergic to this product. This ingredient should never be in products that are not intended to damage the skin. Fragrances should always be avoided in skincare. The two most common are linalool, a turpine alcohol, derived from termites and limonene, also classified as a turpine. These are the most common cause of allergic and chemical irritation in all skincare products. With this irritation the skin loses the integrity of its natural lipid barrier. K a t h o n ( m e t h y l c h l o r o i s t h i a z o n e / methylsothiazolinone) is a powerful preservative and antibacterial. It is very popular in many products, including very high end products. This product was the 2013 Contact Allergen of the year. It should be avoided at all costs. It is very disruptive to the skin. Read labels on skincare and shampoos for any of the three names this ingredient may be listed as. Not surprising to most, Parabens are a no-no due to their potential to have a low carcinogenic potential and high propensity to cause irritation. They contain phenol, which is cytotoxic; it kills cells. When killing cells it can kill the good and the bad. When reading a label, any ingredient ending in paraben should be avoided. Parabens also disrupt the protective barrier in the skin and some, such as, Methylparaben can convert to a toxic reactive oxygen when it is exposed to UV light. Does your skin feel dry after cleansing? If so it is probably due to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. SLS is an emulsifier and creates lather as well. It is found in many cleansers, soaps, and shampoos. It is a strong irritant and is even used to create inflammation in the skin when testing anti-inflammatory products. It destroys the protective lipid (fat) layer in the skin and creates dryness and irritation. Winter weather can be beautiful and exhilarating, but it can wreak havoc on your skin. Use good skincare and protection, then you can enjoy the winter wonderland we often experience here in the foothills of NC. Great skincare does not have to be outrageously expensive, but can be harder to find. If you feel your skin isn’t looking as good as you think it should, start with the labels. The label may give you all of the answers you need. (828) 322-1498 www.vitalitymedicalspa.com Vitality Anti-Aging Center & Medical Spa strives to help you feel your best on the inside and look your best on the outside to achieve a sense of complete well being that will help you soar.
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128 You see as it stands companies only have to disclose allergen information if it is a direct ingredient, not if there is a possibility of cross contamination. Meaning they can make 100,000 jars of peanut butter, then wash the equipment “to their standards” and make potato chips on the same machines, then sell the chips without mentioning the possibility of peanuts. This is a major issue when even a trace amount of peanuts can kill you. Right now, to verify the safety of an item the consumer has to call every single company about every single product (food, shampoo, mulch, craft supplies, potting soil, building supplies, toothpaste... everything), every single time. They are not required to give you the information and many refuse stating their manufacturing process is proprietary. This is currently completely lawful. Sitting in my car in my driveway after a trip to the grocery store, tears of exhaustion and frustration flowing, I saw my boys playing. Running, picking up sticks and dumping sand out of little trucks. “This is their future,” I remember thinking as I dried it up and climbed out of the car with my big, heavy bag in tow. Seeing me, my middle son ran up to greet me. He is 6 and the most energetic of the three Bryant boys. “What's wrong, Mommy?” “I am just frustrated, baby, the things I went to the store for weren't there so now I'll have to do all that work all over again for different brands.” His answered changed me, probably forever. “What would you tell us to do?” I wouldn't tell them to continue call companies begging for information about their processing. I wouldn't tell them “this is just the way things are”. I certainly wouldn't tell them to accept the things they cannot change. I'd tell them to dig in and change it. I would tell them they have a voice and it matters, to use that voice to advocate and, I would tell them not to stop until they changed the rules. That night I started a petition on Change.org and began sharing it on my social media platforms. It turns out, quite a few people agree with me and we are tired of playing defense and being told we don't have the right to know if the food or products on store shelves can kill our children. I decided I have had enough of my side on the defensive, trying my best to keep my children safe and begging for information. I decided this broken system isn't good enough. I decided to do something about it. I am presenting my position to lawmakers in the Senate and Congress, I have a meeting with the Governor and I am interviewing with news companies from Charlotte to New York. I am here, making waves and proving you don't have to be “somebody” to be valuable or to make the changes you want to see in the world. I've been called “little” because in the political world I am no one. I've been called determined. I've been called “the Erin Brokovich of allergies”. I've been guaranteed a voice in the Senate by a man who laughingly told me “this isn't my wheelhouse, but I'd rather support you than run against you because I didn't”. I am here to tell you that if you find something unacceptable it is time to stop thinking someone should do something about it and push up your sleeves and do it yourself. Want to help me make this proposed law a reality? Find me on social media or email me at katie. bryant@caterpillarproject.com, sign and share my petition, and call your representatives. My name is Katie Bryant, I am the mom of three precious little blonde boys. The oldest has Celiac disease and the youngest has a life threatening peanut allergy. Over the summer we almost lost the toddler to a single bite of a popcicle, a popcicle I had called the company and verified to be safe for him. D eman D L abe L ing of a LL a LL ergens
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130 Steele’s Home Market is bringing amazing things to Northwest Hickory. They offer furniture from their exclusive lines as well as 500 other vendors. Other items in the store include candles, throws, robes and lounge- wear from Barefoot Dreams, home goods and gifts. They also offer design services from their team Steele’s Design. Call or stop in today and get started on cozying up your home for Fall. Pictured here is the Steele Team with Kathryn Dennis of Southern Charm, who is a partner for their children’s furniture line Kensie + Saint . facebook.com/steeleshomemarket instagram.com/steeleshomemarket (828) 322-5566 Eventfully Yours. . . I am recently engaged and helping my fiancé plan our upcoming wedding. While I enjoy talking about the wedding I am very excited about my bachelor party. What are some of my options for a great bachelor party in the Foothills of NC? The late fall, winter and spring in the Foothills of NC offers an array of outdoor activities for a groom and his groomsmen. The late fall and early winter season in our area is perfect for fly fishing. You may want to touch base with one of the fly fishing companies located in Boone, Blowing Rock or even Asheville to see what they may offer for a long weekend with the boys. These trips often include assistance with lodging, a private guide, equipment rentals and more for your outing. This type of a peaceful getaway will be just what you guys may need to escape for the everyday bustle of life. In the winter NC is known for our numerous ski resorts and areas to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. Even if you are not a seasoned ski professional the NC slopes are conducive to many skill levels. You may consider renting a cabin or chalet through a resort or even through a vacation rental site. Within driving distance of the slopes you will be sure to find great restaurants, bars and more for your entertainment needs. Looking to hit the course! Plan a golf weekend at one of the many beautiful courses in our area. Consider renting a vacation home located in the center of a number of golf courses. Play two or three over the weekend while enjoying the beautiful scenery and comradery of your friends. Eventfully yours Tara B Tara H. Bland is owner and event specialist of Tara B’s Eventful Planning and It’s My Party Rentals. Tara has planned, designed and directed weddings and events for the past 18 years in the Foothills of North Carolina.
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132 11 Happy Birthday Elvis! Spindale Featuring Travis Powell. 828.286.9990 2 Groundhog Day Celebration Chimney Rock Will Greta the Groundhog see her shadow? 800.277.9611 28-89 Heafner Williams Vocal Competition Lincolnton At the Lincoln Cultural Center. 704.732.9055 25-26 Quilting and Needle Art Extravaganza! Statesville Shop for needle art supplies and newest fabrics. 704.376.2531 15 The Earls of Leicester & Jerry Douglas Mount Airy www.surryarts.org 336.786.7998 25 Sam Bush Mount Airy Dedicated to the is At the Historic Earl Theatre. 336.786.7998 21, 22, 23 Bluegrass First Class Asheville Local bluegrass artists at the Crowne Plaza. 828.275.8650 25 Kruger Brothers Ashe County Located at the Ashe Civic Center. 336.846.2787 25 Appalachian State Old-Time Fiddlers Convention Boone fiddle.appstate.edu 31-2/16 Raisin in the Sun Hickory At Hickory Community Theatre. Check website for all dates. hickorytheatre.org 14 Fly Fishing Tournament Boone duesouthoutfitters. com/blog 828.355.9109 21 Rhonda Vincent and The Rage Mount Airy At the Historic Earl Theatre. 336.786.7998 27-28 Catawba Valley Pottery and Antiques Festival Hickory 115 vendors! 828.322.3943 27.28.29 Catawba Valley Gem and Mineral Hickory “Treasures in Your Own Backyard.” 828.303.1448 14 The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Lenoir JE Broyhill Civic Center 828.726.2404
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134 From The Secrets of Angling John Dennys in the year 1613 Of angling and the art thereof I sing What kind of tools it doth behove to have And with what pleasing bayt a man may bring The fish to bite within the watry wave. A work of thanks to such as in a thing Of harmless pleasure have regard to save Their dearest soules from sinne and may intend Of pretious time some part thereon to spend. If the Mountains Were a Church Eric S. Welborne If the mountains were a church The clouds would be the steeple The rolling hills, the hick’ry pews And treetops be the people Christmas trees like congregants And none would misbehave Chosen for their yearly work And summits be the knave The mist and fog would be the prayers To those who humbly kneel And troubled minds would freely rise Then cancer daze would heal Snow upon the hoarfrost leas Adorn the humble choir With chalky robe, you splendid soul The smoke would see the fire!
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136 Kuralt at White’s Creek Bob Timberlake “The Lord is happiest when his children are at play.” Charles Kuralt
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138 “Blue Ridge Winters” by Stephen
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140 Steele’s Construction is known for the award-winning new builds and full remodels but we can also update your amazing home with new lighting and countertops, as well as new knobs and pulls on your cabinetry for an amazing update, just like the transformation you see here. Call our ofices today to start the process of updating your home! (828) 322-8011 nc HB a star a W ar D s B est r oom r emo D el / r eno V ation , B est a DD ition , B est W H ole H ouse r emo D el / r eno V ation General Contractor License #74498 steelesconstructionllc.com