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August 30, 2026
Searchable issue transcript
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1 foothills Digest Fo o d Art Hist or y Culture Event s O pinion Style Fall 2017 North Carolina Children’s Magazine Include d Apple Re cip es Grandfather Mountain: P r e s e r v i n g N a t u r e f o r O u r Fu t u r e Camp Me etin g: An Endangered Tradition T h r ive s i n t h e Fo o t h i l l s
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4 foothills Foothills Digest 619 2nd St NE Hickory NC 28601 Phone: 828.475.1323 E-mail: editor@foothillsdigest.com Website: foothillsdigest.com Printed in China EDITORIAL CARMEN ECKARD JON ECKARD Chief Editor Principal Photographer CONTRIBUTORS Robert Canipe Carol Ann Crocker Kelsey Crowe CVMC Heather Wood Davis Granny Eckard Richard Eller Hannah Grace JA Hoke Ashley Kirby Cliff Moone Arlene Neal Beth Rogers James Thomas Shell Kellie Stamey Jeffrey Wilhelm Soloman Yang Pete Zagaroli Cecily Zagaroli David Zealy-Wright CVCC Foundation SUBSCRIBE ON LINE www.foothillsdigest.com/shop/ WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/FOOTHILLSDIGEST
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5 Letter from Editor FALL 2017 I’m so excited to offer you this magazine. I’ve been like a mad woman, unable to shake the idea that I needed to make this. It has positively consumed me. Now that I’m able to put it in your hands, I feel sane again. I’m a North Carolina girl, born and bred, but I have to be honest with you: I’m not from these parts. I grew up in the center of the state, but about 20 years ago, as soon as I was old enough to make the choice myself, I moved to Boone. After my schooling, I settled in Hickory, because my soul alerted me that I needed to live where I could see mountains everyday. Now that I’m here, I don’t have any intention of leaving. Ten years ago I married into a wonderful family with roots here that ago back generations. Watching my boys grow up here has made me fall in love with this land more than I was before. I’m watching them become anchored here, which is truly a delight. I hear people complain, “Oh but there’s nothing to dooooo here.” This statement always confuses me because our region is overflowing with activities and nature, not to mention art and history and very good restaurants. I’ve thought a lot about why people have this complaint, and I’ve settled on this: they must just not know how amazing this place is. So, I’m going to tell them. This magazine would be very boring without the contributers listed to the left, and it wouldn’t be very pretty if it weren’t for the photography of my husband, Jon Eckard, so I want to be sure to thank these folks. We will publish quarterly, and I’d love your input and submissions. Why do you love the Foothills? You can always reach me at Editor@foothillsdigest.com. I’ll always be excited to hear from you! With love, Carmen Eckard Visit our site, foothillsdigest.com!
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6 Contents FALL 2017 Letter from the editor Hart Square: One Family’s Passion to Preserve History Mitchell and Tim Gold Local Art Hidden Gems of the Parkway Camp Meetings-An Endangered American Tradition Thrives in the Foothills Lying Beneath Rain, On a Strange Roof Newton, Then and Now 05 10 18 20 26 28 36 38 CAMP MEETING p. 28 Fox and the Hound Inside the Movement that’s Turning Abandoned Mills into Community Centers Grandfather Mountain Granny Eckard’s Mountain Memories Carolina Reads What’s Stress Have to Do With It? Anxious Giving Fresh Design for a Lakehouse Matthew Good 42 46 50 56 59 60 61 64 68
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7 MITCHELL AND TIM GOLD p. 18 Enjoy several apple recipes, including a savory apple cheddar pie, apple muffins, a pressed apple panini, apple walnut scones and more! INSIDE THE MOVEMENT p. 46 ARTIST MATTHEW GOOD p. 68 End of the Season Edison Project Double Shoals Cotton Mill Rebuild your Credit in 4 Steps Local Venues and Museums Which Comes First, the Chicken or the Egg? Egg Custard Recipe Standard Oyster Company Review Apple Recipes Restaurant Guide 72 73 74 75 76 78 81 82 88 92 FALL IS APPLE SEASON
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8 HART SQUARE p. 10 Craft Beer in the Foothills Craft Beer Guide New River Trail We See What We Want to See Dear David Advice Column Subscription Information Foothills Astrologer Grit Boy-Short Story Closing Photography 98 101 104 106 112 113 114 118 124 Check out our pull-out kids magazine! Share it with some children in your life. The theme of this issue is OUTER SPACE!!
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9 To order a subscription, please visit foothillsdigest.com. The order form is on the landing page. If you do not enjoy using the internet, you can call 828.475.1323 to order. To submit stories, art, events or poetry, you can e-mail Editor@ foothillsdigest.com! SUBMIT/SUBSCRIBE If you’d like to advertise, please call 828.475.1323 or e-mail editor@foothillsdigest.com. The majority of the photography in this magazine is courtesy of our partner company Eckard Photographic. Jon Eckard provides commercial photography for discer ning clients. You can find out more at his website, eckardphotographic.com, or by calling 828.475.1323.
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16 T he Caldwell Chamb er of Commerce is an organiz ation that helps business es in the fo othills region grow, conne ct, and thrive. O peratin g as the Caldwell County visit or’s cent er, they can b e found alon g Hwy 321 in Lenoir. Find out more at caldwellchamb ernc.com.
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17 Als o lo cat e d in b e autiful Caldwell County is the Wils on Cre ek Visit or Cent er, situat e d within the Pisgah National Forest. Wils on Cre ek is a nationally designat e d “ Wild and Scenic River,” with a vibrant hist or y as huntin g grounds for the Cheroke e Indians and b ountiful land for loggin g communities. T he river has the highest elevation drop of any river this side of the Mississippi. Community memb ers in this are a have lon g repe at e d the mantra, “I’d rather b e on Wils on Cre ek.” T he cent er is open 7 days a we ek, April through Novemb er, from 10 AM - 4 PM and on we ekends ye ar round.
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18 MITCHELL & TIM G OLD
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19 COM·FORT ˈkəmfərt noun 1. a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint. “room for four people to travel in comfort” 2. the easing or alleviation of a person’s feelings of grief or distress. “a few words of comfort” I n 1989, Mi t c h e ll G o l d a n d B o b W illia m s f o r m e d a f u r ni t u r e c o m p a ny b a s e d o n t h e s i m p l e m ot to “c o mf o r t f o r all”. T h e c o m p a ny ha s t hr i ve d o n t ha t m ot to, a s a nyo n e w h o ha s s a t o n t h e i r A m e r i c a n - ma d e u p h o l s te r y i n t h e la s t 28 yea r s i s p r o b a b l y aw a r e of. A s yo u mig ht i ma g i n e, Mi t c h e ll s t ay s b u s y. Mi t c h e ll G o l d + B o b W illia m s i s e nv i r o n m e nt all y r e s p o n s i b l e, e t hi c al a n d w il d l y p o p ula r. Mi t c h e ll’s s t r o n g l ea d e r s hi p a n d c o nf i d e nt, b o l d c h oi c e s i n a d ve r t i s i n g a n d d e s ig n h e l p e d hi s c o m p a ny b l o s s o m a s ma ny c o m p a ni e s i n o u r r e g i o n we r e f o r c e d to c l o s e t h e i r d o o r s . “C o mf o r t f o r all” m o s t o bv i o u s l y r e f e r s to t h e hig h - q u ali t y f u r ni t u r e t h e b r a n d p r o d u c e s . B u t a s t r o ll t hr o u g h t h e g r o u n d s of t h e b u s i n e s s, l o c a te d a t t h e w hi m s i c all y na m e d “O n e C o mf o r t a b l e Pla c e” i n Tay l o r s v ill e, ma ke s i t o bv i o u s t ha t t h e c o mf o r t of hi s e m p l oye e s, a s we ll a s t h e i r f a mili e s, i s we ll - te n d e d. A to p - n ot c h a n d hig hl y e s te e m e d d ayc a r e i s o n t h e p r e mi s e s . H av i n g t h e i r s mall c hil d r e n c l o s e a n d s a f e i s a t r e m e n d o u s c o mf o r t to hi s e m p l oye e s . S o i s t h e f o o d. A c h e f p r e p a r e s a la r g e s e l e c t i o n of d e li c i o u s f o o d eve r y d ay, a n d all of i t i s p r e p a r e d w i t h h eal t h i n mi n d. Af te r g e t t i n g i n b e t te r s ha p e, Mi t c h e ll w a nte d to of f e r hi s e m p l oye e s a n o p p o r t u ni t y to f e e l a s g o o d a s h e d o e s . G o o d b e n e f i t s a n d a ni c e a t m o s p h e r e a r e key to ha p py e m p l oye e s, a n d h e ha s m o r e t ha n 70 0 of t h o s e. I t ’s c l ea r, h oweve r, t ha t c o mf o r t f o r all i s n’t j u s t a c o m p a ny m ot to. Mi t c h e ll a n d hi s h u s b a n d T i m have al s o wove n t ha t m ot to i nto t h e f a b r ic of eve r y t hi n g t h ey d o p e r s o nall y. E a c h of t h e i r p a s s io n s s e e m s to c o m e b a c k to t ha t n ot i o n. Mi tc h e ll ha s b e e n f ea t u r e d i n t h e m e d ia, f r o m t h e To d ay S h ow, CBS T hi s M o r ni n g a n d CBS S u n d ay M o r ni n g to t h e N ew Yo r k T i m e s, T i m e, Wall St r e e t J o u r nal, Fa s t C o m p a ny, a n d I n c ., b u t h e r e mai n s h u m b l e, a n d hi s f a mil y s t i c k s t r u e to i t s g o al s . T i m’s p a s s i o n i s d o g s . H e s e e s d o g s t ha t n e e d h e l p, m o r e h e l p t ha n m o s t p e o p l e wo ul d b e w illi n g o r a b l e to g i ve t h e m, a n d h e h e l p s t h e m. T i m e a n d t i m e a g ai n, h e’s f o s te r e d i nj u r e d d o g s, te n d i n g to t h e i r n e e d s m e t i c ul o u s l y u nt il t h ey a r e r ea d y f o r a “f u r eve r ” h o m e. H e w a nt s f o r ea c h d o g a c o mf o r t a b l e a n d ha p py li f e, a n d h e d e d i c a te s s o m u c h of hi s e n e r g y to t ha t . H e wo r k s ha n d i n ha n d w i t h t h e C a t aw b a C o u nt y H u ma n e S o c i e t y. Zo la, a s we e t D o b e r ma n p u p, i s t h e f a mil y p e t, a n d s h e i s we ll - ma n n e r e d a n d p a t i e nt . T ha t ’s a g o o d t hi n g, b e c a u s e s h e h e l p s t r ai n t h e f o s te r d o g s, tea c hi n g t h e m h ow to b e have. S h e’s al s o f a m o u s, f ea t u r e d i n t h e Mi t c h e ll G o l d + B o b W illia m s c a t al o g s, a s we ll a s h e r ow n i n s t a g r a m a c c o u nt, i n s t a g r a m.c o m /a ma z i n g zo la /. Mi t c h e ll a n d T i m a r e al s o p a s s i o na te a b o u t E xo d u s H o m e s, a l o c al n o n p r of i t w hi c h p r ov i d e s s u p p o r t i ve h o u s i n g f o r r e c ove r i n g a d d i c t s a n d f o r m e r l y i n c a r c e r a te d p e o p l e w h o a r e r e t u r ni n g to o u r c o m m u ni t i e s f r o m t r ea t m e nt p r o g r a m s a n d p r i s o n. T hi s i s a n exc e ll e nt s e r v i c e f o r t h e c o m m u ni t y, b e c a u s e s u p p o r t d u r i n g t ha t t i m e i s v i t al, a n d of te n la c k i n g. U n s u p p o r te d, t h e s e m e n a r e m u c h m o r e li ke l y to r e t u r n to p r i s o n o r t h e i r a d d i c t i o n s, a n d t hi s p r o g r a m h e l p s t u r n t ha t a r o u n d. T h e c o u p l e a r e i nte r na t i o nall y r e g a r d e d i n t h e LGBTQ c o m m u ni t y. Mi t c h e ll c r ea te d Fai t h I n A m e r i c a i n 20 0 6, w i t h t h e i nte nt to e n g a g e r e lig i o u s c o m m u ni t i e s to e n d t h e ha r m to LGBTQ k i d s . T hi s wo r k t a ke s t h e m all ove r t h e wo r l d, a n d i t ’s s a f e to s ay t h ey a r e ma k i n g a d i f f e r e n c e. T h ey a r e, a g ai n, s e e k i n g to ma ke li f e m o r e c o mf o r t a b l e i n m ea ni n g f ul w ay s . T ha t s e c o n d p a r t of t h e d e f i ni t i o n of c o mf o r t, “t h e ea s i n g o r all ev ia t i o n of a p e r s o n’s f e e li n g s of g r i e f o r d i s t r e s s,” i s s o m e t hi n g Mi t c h e ll a n d T i m have t r ul y ma d e t h e i r p e r s o nal g o al. T h ey a r e ve r y e f f e c t i ve l y li v i n g t h e m ot to s e t by t h e Mi t c h e ll G o l d + B o b W illia m s c o m p a ny i n 1989. A n d t h e Mi t c h e ll + B o b W illia m s c o m p a ny c o nt i n u e s to h e l p ke e p ali ve t h e t r a d i t i o n of exc e p t io nal f u r ni t u r e ma k i n g t ha t t h e f o ot hill s e nj oy, w hil e s u p p o r t i n g ma ny c o m m u ni t i e s a n d c a u s e s t ha t ma t te r. We a p p la u d t h e m.
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20 Mitchell co-founded Mitchell Gold + Bob W illiams, and the fur niture is top-notch and world-renowned. The business was started in 1989 and has locations around the world. The fur niture is manufactured i n Ta y l o r s v i l l e , w i t h o v e r 7 0 0 l o c a l employees helping to make that happen. W i t h g o o d b e n e f i t s , a h i g h l y r a n k e d d a y c a r e c e n t e r, a n d a c h e f o n s t a f f a t C a f e L u l u , t h e e m p l o y e e s a re v e r y h a p p y. H a p p y e m p l o y e e s m a k e b e t t e r f u r n i t u r e , a n d t h e y e m p l o y e e s h e r e h a v e f u r n i t u re m a k i n g i n t h e i r b l o o d . T h e f u r n i t u r e c re a t e d h e re i s s e n t t o o v e r 3 0 s t o r e s , i n a d d i t i o n t o b e i n g s o l d o n l i n e . A h o s p i t a l i t y d i v i s i o n s e l l s t o h o t e l c h a i n s a n d e a t e r i e s . While many local furniture manufacturers s t r u g g l e d t o re m a i n p ro f i t a b l e d u r i n g the 2000s, Mitchell Gold + Bob W illiams thrived, and is thriving even more today. Tim is passionate about helping dogs, a n d h e d o e s t h a t l o c a l l y b y d o n a t i n g time, money, and effort to the Catawba C o u n t y H u m a n e S o c i e t y. T h i s h u m a n e society was started in 1971 and ran for 3 decades staffed only by volunteers. In 2000, a grant from the Beaver Foundation allowed the organization to form a board and hire full-time staff. They quickly set to building a no-kill shelter and have been shining stars in the region every since. The Humane Society of Catawba County always needs volunteers and supplies. Wa l k i n g d o g s i s e n j o y a b l e a n d t h e r e i s g re a t n e e d . Yo u c a n l e a r n m o re a t : Exodus Homes is a faith-based United W a y a g e n c y, o f f e r i n g t r a n s i t i o n a l a n d p e r m a n e n t s u p p o r t i v e h o u s i n g f o r h o m e l e s s r e c o v e r i n g a d d i c t s , a l c o h o l i c s , a n d f o r m e r l y i n c a rc e r a t e d p e o p l e r e t u r n i n g t o o u r c o m m u n i t y f ro m t re a t m e n t p ro g r a m s a n d p r i s o n . E x o d u s H o m e s h a s a c o m p r e h e n s i v e array of services to meet the physical, e m o t i o n a l , a n d s p i r i t u a l n e e d s o f o u r residents. Exodus Homes currently has 62 beds with 8 program locations. We have four major programs: S u p e r v i s e d I n d e p e n d e n t L i v i n g P r i s o n M i n i s t r y a n d P o s t I n c a r c e r a t i o n A f t e r c a r e , F a m i l y P r e s e r v a t i o n a n d Family Reunification and finally, Exodus Works Social Enterprises M i t c h e l l f o u n d e d F a i t h i n A m e r i c a i n 2006. The goal was to end the centuries of using religion and religious teachings t o j u s t i f y d i s c r i m i n a t i n g a g a i n s t a n d marginalizing the LGBTQ community. The organization uses facts and logic to kindly show religious leaders that they are causing irreparable damage to some of their flock. F a i t h i n A m e r i c a i s d e d i c a t e d t o influencing media and faith community n a r r a t i v e s r e g a r d i n g s e x u a l i t y . The ultimate goal for Faith in America i s t o re m o v e b e i n g g a y f ro m t h e “ s i n l i s t . ” U n t i l t h a t g o a l i s re a c h e d , t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n w i l l w o r k t o s o f t e n t h e h e a r t s o f t h e r e l i g i o u s c o m m u n i t y w i t h s t a t i s t i c s t h a t m a k e c l e a r t h e damage being done. Find out more at
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21 “Love b ro u g ht me to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina where long range vistas and four seasons provide the backdrop for my interpretative landscapes. I paint the light and atmosphere that lends a mystique to the beginnings and endings of ordinary days. Drawing comfort and inspiration from the workings of farms passed down through generations, I’m curious about the people whose homes appear as distant rooftops reflecting the last glints of a setting sun.” This painting is “Splish- Splash” . The studio of landscape painter, Carolyn Anne Crocker (Rue), is situated high in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Inspired by the works of Inness and Tur ner, she is drawn toward scenes that have a sense of mystery. Dawn - pink-tinged and full of promise, late after noon haze, and the luminous veil of evening for m lasting sentiments of light and color which she translates into memorable oil paintings. Carolyn has been a full-time artist exhibiting with national level galleries for close to twenty years. In addition to painting, Carolyn alongside her husband, James Selby Rue, have developed a signature line of patented fine art products that are distributed internationally out of Raleigh, NC. and used by artists through out the world. Her work is by represented by Reinert Fine Art in Blowing Rock, NC and Charleston, SC; Leiper’s Creek Gallery in Franklin, TN; in Bethesda, MD and the District of Columbia at Marin-Price Galleries. CarolynAnneCrocker.com
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22 This painting is “Reflections on a B eautiful Day” by C arolyn Ann Crocker
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24 Violet Viaduct by Hannah Grace w w w.t r ue currencyhg.com
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26 A meandering path at the Moses Cone Manor looks like a scene from a story book.
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27 Gems of the Parkway Mos es Cone Manor is t uc ke d away f rom t he hus tle and b us tle of mo d er n life. It ’s lo c ate d on t he Blue Rid ge Par k way, near Blowing Ro c k . T he b eautif ul 13,0 0 0 s q uare foot mansion b uilt in 1901 was t he home of Mos es Cone, a tex tile entre preneur, cons er vationis t and p hilant hropis t. T he 20 - room home is elab or ate, b uilt in t he gr and Colonial Revival St yle, and is us e d now as a s hop for t he Sout her n HIghland Cr af t Guild. T he guild feat ures homemad e c r af t s by hundre d s of regional ar tis t s, and is an excellent place to s hop for more tr aditional items. T he lo c al ar tis t s and ar tis ans als o d emons t r ate t heir c r af t s t hroughout t he year, including q uilting, embroid er y, weaving, p ot ter y, glas s blowing and woo d c ar ving, all r ight on t he f ront p orc h you s ee ab ove. But as b eautif ul as t he hous e is, it ’s not w hy mos t p eople s top here. T here are more t han t went y-five miles of c ar r iage tr ails on t he ground s. T he es t ate is 3, 50 0 ac res, w hic h provid es ample s pace for ex plor ing nat ure. T he tr ails c an b e us e d by hor s e - dr aw n c ar r iages, hor s e bac k r iding and hik ing. A f avor ite t r ail is t he Cr af t s man tr ail, a b eautif ul t went y minute walk w hic h t he Cones eac h mor ning. Bec aus e of his interes t s in nat ure, and at t he ad vice of cons er vationis t Gif ford Pinc hot, he plante d w hite pine fores t s, a 10,0 0 0 tree ap ple orc hard, and hemlo c k he d ges, as well as multiple lakes s to c ke d wit h t rout and bas s. T his par k way s top clos es d ur ing t he winter mont hs, b ut will b e op en until Novemb er 3 0, f rom 9am to 5 p m daily. Ad mis sion is f ree. Mos es Cone is lo c ate d at mile mar ker 294 on t he par k way, at 667 Ser vice Road, Blowing Ro c k NC .
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28 CAMP MEETING An Endangered American Tradition Thrives in the Foothills of North Carolina
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30 Camp meetings used to thrive across the United States. In a time where transportation was difficult and life was hard, people all over the nation would gather together once a year for an outdoor revival. Without cars, the journeys to these revivals would take quite some time, and it became practical to set up “tents,” which allowed people to stay for longer times, typically a week or two. These meetings came to be known as “Camp Meetings” and they were popular in most states. In the 1800s, these meetings were vitally important. With so much distance separating people, it was difficult to find good mates. These meetings became a dating pool of sorts, as they were the best time to meet good Christian people who weren’t your neighbors. They also served the purpose of a community anchor-bringing people together with shared experiences. Camp meetings fostered a love and appreciation of music; hymns were memorized and sung by all, but with a certain spontaneity that’s hard to find elsewhere. “Specialists in nineteenth-century American religious history describe camp meeting music as the creative product of participants who, when seized by the spirit of a particular sermon or prayer, would take lines from a preacher’s text as a point of departure for a short, simple melody. The melody was either borrowed from a preexisting tune or made up on the spot. The line would be sung repeatedly, changing slightly each time, and shaped gradually into a stanza that could be learned easily by others and memorized quickly” 1 American Camp Meetings were so ubiquitous that they are even mentioned in the classic The Adventures of Tom Sawyer . But, as time marched on, these camp meetings faded. In most areas, the tradition was forgotten, and the campgrounds fell to ruins, or burned down. In fact, in 2017, only a handful of these places still remain, and the large majority are right here in the foothills. Balls Creek Campground, pictured on these pages, is the largest camp meeting that survives today. 350 “tents” are situated in two rows around a center meeting space. The tents look like shacks, but stand the test of time. Most don’t have running water. Some don’t have electricity. But they do have porches, and that seems to be the most important part of each tent. Nearly ever one of the 350 tents have people swinging on the front porch, and people “walk the circle,” which is actually a square, to socialize. Attending Balls Creek when Camp Meeting is in session feels almost zen. It feels like a mix between a family reunion and a high school reunion. The key word here is reunion-most of the people here have been coming their whole lives. They look forward to the two weeks they spend each year Photo by Jeffrey Wilhelm 1-Annie J. Randall, “A Censorship of Forgetting: Origins and Origin Myths of ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’”, in Music, Power, and Politics, edited by Annie J. Randall (Routledge, 2004), page 16. Photo courtesy of Robert Oren Eades
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31 with their neighbors. The word “community” very much applies, and the relationships forged here form an invisible but supportive webbing that lies underneath everything locals do. Una Mae, shown in red at left, and as a child, has attended Balls Creek Campground for 2 weeks of each of her many years. She remembers riding horse-drawn carriages and the sense of excitement she felt when they arrived. Her tent has been in her family her whole life, although like many campground tents, it did burn down. The family rebuilt it, better than it was before, and on camp meeting nights it is filled to the brim with happy family members sharing food, laughs, and stories. So why have our camp meetings survived when they didn’t elsewhere? A popular theory insists that it’s because our lifestyles are still more agriculturally based than most places. Here, harvest time still matters, as does the needed break afterwards. It’s also possible that our slower lifestyles have allowed space for this tradition to still exist, where most places have gone the way of fast food, interstates and Wal-marts. We still have those things, but they don’t seem to matter as much here, and they don’t seem to hold the importance they do in other places. Balls Creek isn’t the only camp ground in our region. In fact, there are several that are still quite active. These campgrounds are quite segregated, entirely, in fact. One doesn’t get the impression that a person from other races wouldn’t be welcome. They would. Before the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, Rock Springs was the largest of the meetings and whites and blacks both attended. Once signed in 1863, the meetings split, and now we have several. Rock Springs Campground is near Denver. In 1794, this group began meeting annually, and people People gather for a service at Balls Creek Campground. Alcohol, drugs, profanity and dogs are prohibited on the grounds. came from all over the state. They moved to their current location in 1830. This site has 260 dirt floor “tents.” The first tent built on the site, called “Number One,” is still occupied by the original family, and is passed on generation to generation. The original arbor is still standing, and is still used for church services. Some of the original rules included: “No person shall disturb or violate the public worship in any shape or form, or shall appear drunk within the said 45 acres”, the penalty if convicted was a fine of $5.00. and “A black person, slave or free, shall (not) be found with liquor in his possession or be drunk”, the penalty if convicted was to receive “39 lashes on the bare back”. It’s easy to understand why the camp meetings segregated when you see the difference in punishments. It is interesting to note that the rules against alcohol continue today at most of these sites. The black campgrounds are more numerous, and tend to be smaller, but are well-attended and anchors of their communities. McKenzie’s Grove Campground was established in 1876 and is home to 20 tents. At some point in time, a road was built through the center of the campground, which hasn’t discouraged the people that attend the meetings. A wall was added to the arbor to block the sound,
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32 I t ’ s c o m m o n t o s e e f o u r generations of families playing t ogether at Camp Me etin gs.
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35 but otherwise, the grounds remain unchanged by time. The largest black camp meeting by far is Tucker’s Grove. Located near Iron Station, seven acres was purchased by William Tucker in 1878. With over 100 tents, this meeting is quite large. The property was originally a white campground, so many of the structures existed. The original arbor still stands and it’s constructed with a traditional tongue, groove and peg system. Mott’s Grove Campground has 30 tents around an arbor in Sherrill’s Ford. It is named after Dr. John J Mott, who happened upon a group of African Americans worshiping together in the woods. After the Civil War, Dr. Mott gave the land to the black community. Dr. Mott eventually led the Republican party in NC. The campground was officially established in 1872. Abraham Lowrance McCombs was the grandfather of Jerry McCombs, shown left. Jerry remembers his grandfather being an excellent leader. He fondly recalls his grandfather walking the perimeter of the grounds, telling everyone he saw that it was time for the service. He was very strict with the children- if they weren’t going to attend the service, they must be quiet inside the tents. They listened obediently, and anytime any trouble arose, Abraham called the Sheriff with whom he had an excellent relationship. The Sheriff trusted Abraham’s word, and his ability to keep things moving smoothly. There are a handful of these camp meetings outside of North Carolina. One at Martha’s Vineyard is wildly popular. It’s also important to note that Pentecostals and Wesleyan still hold camp meetings each year as well, but they are modern affairs, without tents, arbors or palpable history. The Foothills of North Carolina are a special place, as everyone who lives here knows. We cherish our history, and we want to preserve it for our children, and their children. This tradition doesn’t seem to be
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36 William Faulkner writes, “How often have I lain beneath rain on a strange roof, thinking of home.” Lots of stories begin with the return to home of the prodigal, the person who left under cloud or in the belief that happiness bloomed elsewhere. These characters always return for some reason—a reckoning, an opportunity for redemption, a nostalgic calling that itches like the healing abscess of emptiness. The characters notice how much the area has changed, how many people have died, how things are not the same, and they are either jubilant or dismayed. But they’re back. Ready to fact the demon, the parent, the bully, the lost love, that thing they left behind. The characters find redemption, slay the dragon, earn more scars, but they live through the return. This is the way of many stories. In fact, so many that one would believe everyone leaves the place they’re reared. However, the largest majority of folks are born, raised, live and die in one geographical area. I’m one of those. I’ve lived in Catawba County, in the foothills’ shadow, for now 55 years. I’ve slain local dragons, reckoned with existential crises, and tracked change all from a few square miles. However, I identify with Faulkner’s quote. His “strange roof” is, of course, the different geographical location from where he dreams of “home.” The words “How often” exemplifiy that he does so many, many times, as he is not asking a question but stating that even though his longitude and latitude is not “home,” home is not far from his mind and soul. As someone who’d never ventured far from home for an extended length, I still identify with Faulkner. To me, the “strange roof” is my age, my mindset, my current situation. Even though I am educated, a dad, a granddad, a husband and friend, each one of these are “strange roofs” upon which to lie, each rainfall the cause of the nostalgia for “simpler times,” easier times. But these rainy ruminations are important in distilling the thoughts about who and what we are as humans. I find myself still an 8-year-old boy excited about comic books, TV shows, scared of bullies and school, pining to be an adult even though I have no idea what that means. Each rainfall on each strange roof causes a meandering trip through what was and what could have been. We’re all on our roofs, looking at the cast sky, occluded with storm clouds, the sun occasionally peeking out, but we always return home to the present, the thing we have to do to make it through the day. In the coming issues of Foothills Magazine, I’ll invite you onto my multiplicities of roofs, my storms, which you can compare to your own and you’ll see that we homebodies who live of our lives in one area are no different than the travelers who leave and return. “Laying Beneath Rain , On A Strange Roof ” A column of nostalgia , growing up in the foothills by Rober t C anip e
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38 Newton Then & Now A r t prov ide d by t he H i stor ic a l A s s o c i at ion of C atawb a Cou nt y a nd Ja ke M i ke a l .
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39 Main roads won’t take you to Newton anymore. Interstates and bypasses, heralding a faster paced life, have long sidestepped one of the Foothills’ most picturesque towns. But a new study of Newton promises insights to a small town unseen when see driving by. Newton: Then and Now digs into the town’s appeal by seeing its past in its present. For those of us unable to travel back in time, this new work combines seasoned experience with fresh eyes. Catawba Valley Community College photography students, under the direction of instructor Clayton Joe Young, combed through a myriad of historic photos provided by the Historical Association of Catawba County to select images that could be “re-photographed” from the same angle as originally shot, demonstrating the ways in which the city has changed. The results are striking.
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40 The experiences of a town often fade with time as one generation fails to carry on the family history. Capturing those occasions, in visual and remembered moments, helps everyone who comes along later to see the community for its true value. A visit to Newton, a walk along The Square in downtown, maybe a stop at one of the restaurants or specialty shops downtown and a look at Newton: Then and Now instantly gives one a deeper feel for the character of a town that has much to convey, from its big events to small. Newton: Then and Now will be available early next year from Redhawk Publications, a Catawba Valley Community College initiative, just in time for a visit when the weather turns warm again. Get a copy when visiting the History Museum, on The Square at the 1924 courthouse, in Newton, of course. to return every Soldiers Reunion to open up the house on North Main Avenue, walk to the courthouse on The Square, and receive friends and acquaintances in the main courtroom. “They held court like the queen of England would do,” she says, still astonished. Newton came into being as the county seat for the newly created county of Catawba, which seceded from Lincoln County in 1842. It is historically believed that the name came from state legislator Nathaniel Wilson’s new baby who was born about the time the General Assembly passed the bill creating the new county. That baby was Newton Wilson, named for an officer in the guerilla warriors of the Southerners’ favorite Revolutionary War hero, Francis Marion, the legendary South Carolina Swamp Fox. By 1850, 84 residents lived there including the most prosperous man in Catawba County. By comparison, and at last count, over 13,000 call Newton home. In 1884, a cyclone ran through the town. The center of town has hosted several courthouse buildings, including the one built in 1924 that is now the home for the Historical Association of Catawba County. Republican presidential candidate Robert Taft gave a speech on the courthouse steps. Newton has always been the patriotic Center of Catawba County, as evidenced every third Thursday in August for the past 128 years. Soldiers Reunion remains the oldest non-holiday patriotic parade in the United States. Internationally noted singers, national leaders and even a Cold War spy have all come from Newton. From the dirt streets of early 20th century to the fads of the 1970s, Newton has weathered change gracefully. The results of the renewed look show a landscape adjusting to new challenges, new lifestyles, new priorities but never at the expense of its past. Side by side, the images offer a perspective reminiscent of a family album, where, in an instant, kids grow up before our very eyes. On a few occasions the two are blended as students endeavor to meld past and present into one scene, the traffic jam of 1952 placed on the street today. To give another perspective on what it means to walk the streets of downtown Newton and know the surrounding events of the past, Newton: Then and Now includes commentary from the town’s most seasoned reporter. Sylvia Kidd Ray wrote her first article on what she saw as important about Newton (her kitty cat) at age 7 and over 70 years later, she still observes her beloved community in a weekly column in Newton’s Observer- News-Enterprise. Her family’s business in the news of Catawba County goes back to the 19th century. She recalls crossing the streets of the downtown area at age four, “they taught me,” she said, as she ventured down to the City Pharmacy for a “slumgullion,” the unique soda concoction only to be found in Newton. Sylvia’s remembrances give voice to the images of Newton from past days, some from her own recollection, some passed down to her by earlier generations. When she went to get her groceries at Honey’s Supermarket, friends would teasingly ask if the street in front was the site of the 1865 shooting of a Confederate officer by a band of Union cavalry, many having heard Sylvia tell the story in public settings. “You know it is,” she always replies. Every building has a story and Sylvia Kidd Ray has probably reported on them at one time or another. To say that the events that, at one time or another, occurred in Newton are unique is an understatement. One prominent family, Sylvia recalls, packed up their house in town when a member of the family got a federal government job in Washington, DC, only
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42 Since 2000, our region, here in Northwestern North Carolina has faced a great many economic challenges. We haven’t grown very much in population and the economy has never fully recovered from the hits it took following the implementation of several International Trade agreements at the start of the new century and the great financial crisis of 2008. Our region is experiencing many of the pains that similar U.S. Industrial/Manufacturing cities have gone through in the present generation. “Legacy Cities,” as these communities are defined, relied on industrial production to provide their economic base. Unfortunately, they have seen their manufacturing capacity diminish greatly. As a result of the economic flux, these communities have seen reduced real estate property demand lead to diminished property values and in some cases abandonment. This has presented many challenges to municipal governments (and their resources), constraining their ability to deal with burgeoning economic and social predicaments. But what should be understood is our region, and its various communities, has many assets that can be catalysts for regeneration; including vital downtown areas, stable and historic neighborhoods, transportation networks, educational assets, medical centers, and rich artistic and cultural resources. In regenerating our area, we must capitalize on these assets and relate their value, while renovating our local economic engine. What’s First? We have to have a real plan! In our regional corridor (Megalopolis), a true success story is Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina. Upstate South Carolina has seen many successes over the past 25 years related to its recruitment of BMW to build an automotive plant in the area. This has led to the formation of an “Economic Cluster” of automotive related businesses. This did not occur through happenstance. Upstate South Carolina interests began exploring BMW recruitment possibilities years before it happened. Upstate South Carolina leaders did not bemoan the lack of trained/experienced workforce and by all accounts BMW did not care either. When the plant opened in 1994, 60,000 people had applied for 1,000 jobs. Since then, BMW has invested about $10 billion and created 9,000 direct jobs — not counting the indirect jobs related to automotive manufacturing. BMW has also invested in the local technical college system to enhance the concept of pre-employment training of potential workforce. The “halo effect” and positive publicity related to the BMW experience is something money could not buy. In Hickory, $40 million in Bond Referendums were approved in 2014. The City Officials’ plan was pitched to businesses well before it was proposed to citizens. This plan had basically no input from Hickory’s citizenry. The subsequent years have lacked the energy displayed in the referendum election process and lacked the accomplishment of any meaningful transformative objectives. We need input from the community’s people to develop a forward “Vision” and a strategy to implement it. The Vision’s goals need to be purposeful; not a rearranging of the status quo. An audit, assessing market realities, should be performed to develop a foundation for a rooted economic/financial plan that helps implement the Vision. The plan should take into account the area’s present residents and potential attracted newcomers. The plan should be creative, fundamentally sound, and have specific details about the elements that will lead to the expected outcome. Plan objectives should be deliberated openly and honestly from all perspectives. Setting up transparency processes, accountability measures, and defined benchmarks ensure the plan is followed and builds trust. This leads to community buy-in and the support necessary to face difficult tasks head on. Like Greenville, plans and targeted investment are important; but much of what we need, money cannot buy. Our most important asset is our people. James Thomas Shell The Hickory Hound In our initial Fox and Hound opinion article, Cliff Moone and Thom Shell give their viewpoints on Economic Development in our region. The focus of the article is upon Economic Regeneration and how it is necessary for us to creatively reinvent who we are as we move forward through the 21st Century. Hickory, the largest city in the Northwest Foothills, is in many ways the Economic Hub and gateway of the region. The various communities of our region face the same issues. The loss of so much of our manufacturing base, changes in how we are now defined socio- economically and culturally, and how do we evolve to remain relevant in an ever changing landscape. Hickory provides the backdrop for the debate about how best to move forward…
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43 When you attend as many civic events as I do, you frequently hear presentations on economic development in the Hickory Metro Area. Eventually, you get the impression that the operating premise for economic development is “throw as many ideas as you can up against the wall and see what sticks.” I intentionally overstate, admitting I write not as an economist or economic development expert, but as an attentive citizen and dedicated promoter of the region for which Hickory is the hub. Still, from my perspective, the “throw it all against the wall and see what sticks or works” approach may be better than it sounds. Clearly, any notion economic development in all its facets is an exact science seems obviously flawed. Otherwise, most businesses wouldn’t fail within their first ten years; otherwise, we could predict precisely under what exact conditions recessions and expansions will occur; otherwise, successful economic development could be accomplished by formula. This is not to say that economic planners, economists, or even political leaders don’t have any knowledge or experience that applied appropriately won’t help spur successful economic growth. Today, there’s an abundance of data regarding the conditions under which economic growth is most likely to occur. For example, we know tax policy can have a definite impact, so too, the regulations government places on businesses, whether to limit fraud or for consumer protection, so too, whether appropriate infrastructure is put in place. Additionally, incentives offered by state or local governments can influence economic development. But you don’t have to be an expert to know that no one of these or other “condition setters” is automatically determinative as an input to get the desired output of economic growth. Even something as nebulous as a positive, hopeful outlook versus a negative, “it can’t be done” outlook can make a difference. Which brings me to the main point this non-expert, sixty-eight year old observer would like to suggest to the critics of the bond projects, the efforts of the area EDC, the Chamber of Commerce’s work in economic development, or the Hickory City Manager’s recently proposed vision to move our city and metro area forward from “recovery” to “prosperity”: When nobody has a “magic bullet,” a shotgun is a really good weapon of choice. When you need a multi-faceted, non-singular solution, no one aspect of any “plan” will bring you to the promised land. It takes a lot of ideas and a lot of folks trying many things to achieve success. In the midst of the Great Depression, after over three years of waiting for recovery to just happen, a new President, FDR, initiated what he termed the “New Deal.” The operating principle of that New Deal was every idea is welcome and we’ll try anything and almost everything. We’ll keep what works and we’ll discard what doesn’t. It mostly worked, not everything, but despite what revisionist historians will assert, the New Deal approach lifted a country frozen in fear, defeat and despondency back on its feet and on a path to economic recovery. Most critics of the recent economic development proposals for the Hickory Metro Area I’ve encountered have argued something like “a City Walk or a River Walk won’t bring permanent, sustainable jobs.” Others have critiqued the 1764 Project as being too removed from Hickory or have critiqued some other specific piece of the plans being proposed. Others have suggested that the planning process itself has been out of order, diminishing the potential effectiveness for attracting new businesses. These critiques have some merit. I suggest none I’ve heard are so crucially serious as to derail the potential success of what development professionals, business leaders, our political leaders, and the voters have envisioned and initiated. Admittedly, I’m an optimist, but notwithstanding that every plan, every vision has flaws, I remain excited and on board with our multi- faceted, “build it and they will come,” now is the time, better try something, and let’s see what sticks adventure toward a better economic future. Cliff Moone A civil di sc ou r se
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44 Cliff, I agree that Economics is an inexact science. Your proposal, the shot gun approach, is valid if the ideas process comes through a group of diverse individuals from different social and cultural backgrounds, but coming from an individual (or small, closed circuit group), it reminds me of what we call in the restaurant business, “Winging It,” which is what we do when we aren’t prepared and we improvise to get through a moment. I would like to ask: 1) Even if we do follow the shotgun approach, shouldn’t we set benchmarks and metrics to define a program’s success or failure? 2) Given that the people of the community are putting their full faith and trust in Community Leadership in this endeavor, isn’t part of the leadership role to define the “Vision” and its objectives? As a member of Hickory’s Bond Commission, here is your opportunity to tell us specifically what we are doing in all of this to bring about more jobs and increased prosperity in our area? 1. I think that the “benchmarks” are fairly obvious. No matter what ideas for economic development are tried, as City Manager Warren Wood has indicated, results will be measured by “Job Growth, Population Growth, and Tax base Growth.” I think these are reasonable metrics to look at when assessing economic development success. 2. In answering this question, let me comment on a couple of things Thom says in his statement above. First, I am not “proposing” a “shotgun” approach. I am commenting on the reality that when planners and citizens and government leaders do not have a “magic bullet” to ensure economic growth, they will inevitably and rightly suggest a multi-faceted, multi-level approach to what is a complex and multi-layered problem. If one is simply going to be a “critic,” by zeroing in on one or two specific aspects of an approach as if those were the only actions being taken, then of course, it is easy to say it won’t work. For example, I agree that the amenities infrastructure of the Bond Projects, whether we are talking Gateways, River Walk or even the City Walk will not, in and of themselves “create” sustainable job growth. What they will do is project a new and more vibrant image for the city and establish new conditions making Hickory more attractive as a place people want to live and work. Indeed, as just one aspect of an economic development plan, “place making,” as Mr. Wood describes the Bond Projects, is very important, but clearly not all encompassing in bringing a new era of prosperity to our area. As to Thom’s implication that the economic development process is being carried out through a small “closed circuit” circuit group is not completely accurate. I find that the Bond Commission, for example, is made up of individuals of many varied professional backgrounds, is diverse in the ages of the people involved, and is inclusive as to race and gender participation. Also, it should be noted that members of the Commission participate on staggered terms, so every year, new members are brought on board expanding citizen participation. Personally, I would advocate for more minority community input from the African American, Asian, and Latino communities. I strongly believe that if more persons from these communities will apply to serve, the City Council would gladly appoint them. I would mention as well that all of the meetings of the Bond Commission and its subcommittees are publicly noticed and open for anyone to attend. I attended almost every meeting of the Commission for a year before my appointment, and except for not being able to “vote” on specific proposals during that time, I was allowed and encouraged to join in on all the discussions as much as any appointed member. Finally, it should be noted that beyond the Bond Commission, the local Chamber of Commerce has also been very active in pursuing a vision for the future economic growth and development in our region. Various committees and working groups, most recently including the K-64 Education Project, are actively engaged in the process of envisioning and planning to address the challenges our area faces. To my mind at least this is not “winging it.” It is instead a rational, multi-faceted approach to the multi-dimensional problems involved with economic development and bettering our community, which I expect to see yield positive, long term results. The Questions We’ve notice d that pe ople have forgott en how t o argue. S o, we want t o show them how t o dis cuss, even disagre e without an ger or malice. We int end t o brin g a question e ach quart er, and have that question answere d by b oth the Hound and the Fox. T hen, b oth will have the opportunity t o ask e ach other questions, then answer the questions aske d of them. If you want t o j oin in the conversation, e-mail e dit or@ fo othillsdigest.com! O pinions dis cuss e d are held by the authors, not ne cessarily by this publication.
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45 With respect to citizen input, my evidence comes from Hickory City Leadership three years ago, when they said, “they only wanted ‘positive people’ serving on the ‘Bond Commission’.” To me, the subsequent lack of energy after the voting process is because the vast majority of the people in the community don’t feel like they are a part of these projects. The evidence speaks for itself. The critical thinking process nets the best results. We put the cart before the horse. It seems, city officials decided what they were going to do and created a process to implement it, instead of creating a process to decide what we needed to do to move our economy into modern realities. Unfortunately, trust is not the default setting in our community, because of how we have been governed in the past. Where is the transparency website that we were promised (and the public paid for) right after this referendum was passed. Mayor Wright championed this and it should be done to honor him. Transparency processes, accountability measures, and defined benchmarks ensure plans are followed and builds trust. With respect to the Chamber’s hypothetical jobs, that’s just the Chamber being the Chamber. Their job is to represent their shareholders, and that’s really local big businesses. Established big businesses want to say they aren’t hiring ‘because people aren’t qualified.’ If the demand were there, they would find a way to fill the positions. When BMW chose Greenville, neither they nor South Carolina officials said anything about workforce quality. They had 1,000 jobs, 60,000 people applied, and they filled ‘em. How does it behoove us to constantly denigrate our workforce? Our history has shown the ability to train a workforce and have them be very productive. Over time, BMW has invested multi-millions of dollars in pre-employment training at Upstate South Carolina’s technical colleges. I know some local businesses are dabbling in that today, but if big business wants the rewards, then it is the responsibility of big business to make that investment. It is a company’s responsibility to train its workforce. With regards to education, the responsibility of the public is to make sure that children have a solid foundation of fundamentals and to make sure adults can enhance themselves through libraries and public education and arts infrastructure. That’s one thing we’ve gotten right around here. Will we continue to make those investments? I certainly hope so. Thom, I generally agree with your description of what happened here since 2000. That’s pretty well established history. I also concur with you about our assets and much of what you have to say about a “vision” and “plan.” Where we diverge in our views is when you start asserting that we have had “no input from citizens” on the Bond projects. First we had and continue to have some public hearings and discussions at City Council before putting the Bond Referendum to a vote. Then the citizens voted. Since then, the Bond Implementation Commission has met at least quarterly (and subcommittees even more often) all of which were open to the public. The Commission itself (and its individual members) is a conduit of and for citizen input on an ongoing basis. Members of the Commission also serve limited terms so new members are often being added. So, my question is what is your evidence that citizen input has been or is lacking in this aspect of our economic development plan? Second, your comment about the projects now in process “have lacked the energy displayed in the referendum...” reflects a concern I, as a Commission member have voiced on several occasions. Despite some small efforts to keep the public informed about the progress of the projects, not enough has been or is being done in this area in my view. However, those who are well acquainted with where things are in the implementation process are aware that we are right where we are supposed to be as we move toward our first “groundbreaking” in 2018. What would you propose as ways to better keep the public attuned to the progress being made and to keep people “energized”? I also agree that our “most important asset is our people.” One aspect of economic development neither of us really addressed in our articles is the education of our citizenry for 21st century jobs. According to the data from the Chamber of Commerce here, there are more than 3000 unfilled positions in our MSA, due primarily to the lack of appropriately trained workers. What specifically do you suggest ought to be done educationally to enhance the preparation of our citizens for the present and future?
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46 FROM BLIGHT TO COMMUNITY ANCHOR : INSIDE THE MOVEMENT THAT’S TURNING ABAND ONED MILL S INTO VIBR ANT CULTUR AL CENTERS Drive across North Carolina, through any town and you’ll probably see familiar images of boarded up, deteriorating brick factories and mills, monuments to the once thriving textile and manufacturing industries that built our state’s economy for the better part of a century. These dormant, overbuilt, rather inefficient behemoths, while a blight on the cityscapes they inhabit, are significant historical structures that tell the story of North Carolina’s success during the Industrial Revolution and, of course, the subsequent decline of our economic strength and stability during the past several decades. Catawba County was one of the leaders in the economic boom of the late 19th and early 20th century. At the height of the textile revolution in the 1950’s, our community boasted a whopping 200 mills and manufacturing facilities. These businesses became the epicenters of smaller communities, creating an intricate web of relationships between mill workers, local businesses and mill owners. As these mills began to see a decline in business in the 70’s, Catawba County witnessed a similar decline in these communities as the social fabric created by these textile companies began to disintegrate. Fast forward twenty-five years and we see these now well-known dilapidated structures dotting our landscape. Community leaders recognized that industries were not coming back to work in these factories, so what now? Many called for developers to destroy the facilities to make way for cheaper, more efficient facilities but many of the sites became toxic wastelands filled with old chemicals, asbestos, and other environmental hazards that had to be cleaned up before new construction could begin. Following the trends set in the Northeast, several North Carolina communities began investigating the validity of rehabilitating the old mills after seeing the overwhelming successes of developers who turned the eyesores into amazing community-centered architectural works of art. The trend finally made its way to Hickory early in the 2000’s when several old mill buildings were sold and rehabilitated into vibrant businesses and community spaces. Local entrepreneur and developer Pete Zagaroli began eying different decaying buildings both in town and around the county and began looking into the viability of revitalizing many of the old structures into new, vibrant mixed-use spaces. As luck would have it, the NC Department of Natural Resources began looking at the benefits of offering incentives to developers who reinvented existing industrial spaces instead of tearing them down. In 2005, Senators David Hoyle (D) and Fletcher Hartsell (R) introduced the “Mills Bill” to the North Carolina Senate, entitled “An Act to provide a tax credit for revitalization of historic mill facilities and to allow tax credits for certain historic rehabilitations to be transferred to long-term lessees.”The bill passed into law, becoming Chapter 105, Article 3H of the North Carolina General Statutes. In 2015, the bill was revised to include a tiered system of incentives based on location within the state and economic conditions in the community. The NC Historic Preservation Tax Credit has been extremely successful in creating new energy in decaying communities suffering from the loss of manufacturing jobs. Over 25 projects have been completed across the state because of the credits, with several here in Hickory that have made a significant difference in the landscape, economy, and outlook of our citizens. The HPTC piggybacks on federal programs designed to breathe life into communities that have seen
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47 S E L E C T A M I L L Go to https://www.nps. gov/nr/research/ and search your area, and you likely have a place in mind already. If you use a building on the registry, you will be able to apply for local, state and federal grants. You can always contact a City Hall Clerk to find out who owns buildings that you are interested in. D E T E R M I N E N E E D S What is lacking in your community? That’s a great place to start! Think of things you could offer that would bring your community together. Music venues and restaurants are a great choice, as are apartment complexes for young professionals. R E N O V A T E Be careful to hire a reputable architect and builder. Old buildings need special love and attention, and it’s im- portant for your team to value history, or they likely won’t share your attention to detail. Don’t throw away your scrap because many companies specialize in reusing old materials. Hollar Mill is picture d, b efore renovations and aft er. T he s callop me al is s erve d at Highland Avenue Restaurant which is lo cat e d on the s e cond flo or.
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48 tremendous loss economically and socially over the past several decades. One of the stipulations on the NC HPTC is that the building or structure must be on the National Registry of Historic Places. They also must have been 80% vacant for at least two years. But even with the credits and incentives, rehabilitating these buildings is not for the faint of heart. While the basic structure is well suited for up-fitting and revitalization with sturdy, over-built wood floors, immense square-footage, and redundant fire-safety measures, the expenses can be overwhelming. Those who specialize in bringing these structures back to life see the long-term benefits. “The thing about old buildings is that they have personality, they almost have a soul. New construction just doesn’t have that, no matter how great the building is, it doesn’t have that history that these old mills and factories have,” stated Pete Zagaroli. In Hickory, several projects have shown our great personality and soul, and have truly reinvigorated the industrial corridor that used to be thriving. The conversion of the Hollar Mill, Moretz Mill and Piedmont Wagon into beautiful buildings that now house shops, restaurants, spas and businesses have given our economy and our community morale a much needed boost. The decrepit Lyerly Full Fashioned Mill was refurbished, updated, and occupied by Transportation Insight, who in turn won an award for the Best Rehabilitation Project of 2016 by NC Mainstreet Center. In 2014, the City of Hickory received a grant from the NC Historic Preservation Office to examine the possibility of rehabilitating more historic properties in our area. The possibilities of bringing even more economic development, more community-minded expansion using existing resources and more community pride as areas known for crime and blight are rejuvenated into thriving centers of culture and commerce. 100 years ago, the brick mills and warehouses of old Catawba industry were built to be a utilitarian, sturdy, basic building to serve the industry of the day. Who’s to say that in 100 years from now, the less-than-lovely abandoned metal buildings dotting the Unifour’s landscape won’t serve the dreamers and designers of the time by becoming the reclaimed and refurbished trendy locales we see today.
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49 D raw i n g a n d p h o t o p rov i d e d by P e t e Z a g a r o l i . I t s h ow s a S o u t h Carolina abandone d mill and his ide as for what it could b e .
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50 Grandfather Mountain The first time my grandson Sam saw Grandfather Mountain, he pulled against the straps of his car seat and said, “Look, Papaw! That man is smoking!” I looked to see a fluffy cloud floating above the famous profile, looking all the world like a plume of smoke from a just lighted cigarette. No one ever forgets the first time they see Grandfather. And everyone, once they visit him, cannot wait to stopover again. “Three hundred million years of landscaping” has created a park of natural delights, curated by knowledgeable folks who love the park and adore visitors who appreciate natural beauty. Open every day of the year, weather permitting, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, entrance tickets range from $20 ages 13-59, $9 for children ages 4-12, with children under 4 free. Senior citizens 60 plus get a $2 discount. At the park’s website, a perusal of the “Plan Your Visit” button provides a complete, dated schedule of events, seasonal, special, and regular. Autumn offers the opportunity for a “Beauty of the Night Hike” where naturalists, “challenge your senses and [enable you to] experience the beauty of the night atop the mountain.” Cost is an extra $20 and you may need a jacket. One can “Celebrate Migration on Grandfather” by joining a 6-hour course on raptor migration. Cost is an extra $40. These birds are bigger in person than they look on TV, so be prepared to be impressed. Another exciting special event is the “Creatures of the Night Bonfire Delight” where folks can “Enjoy rare after-dark tours of Grandfather Mountain, fireside tales and a chance to meet the park’s nocturnal residents!” Cost is an extra $20 and this event always sells out weeks in advance. Some free special events are the “Guided Walks,” such as the “Colors of Grandfather,” where visitors can see the splendor of the leaves changing
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51 immersed in the park. Halloween offers the free event “A Beary Scary Halloween” where kids experience “a full day of nature programs about animals considered creepy and crawly! This fun-filled day includes an opportunity to create animal enrichments, as well as trick-or-treat through the animal habitats.” For some reason children love creepy and crawly things, and they will delight in the magic of insects and creatures that make adults shiver but makes kids squee in glee. An important event for teachers is the “Methods of Teaching Environmental Education,” a ten-hour “workshop to prepare participants from a variety of educational backgrounds and experiences in both the formal and non-formal sectors to use exemplary Environmental Education teaching methods.” This workshop is free. This event is a worthwhile presentation for anyone interested in teaching the curation of the planet to younger generations. A plethora of regular, daily events are also offered throughout the year. Very popular with children are the “Habitat Animal Interpretive Talks.” Including such animal friends as bears, cougars, otters, and eagles, each talk “provide[s] an opportunity to see the habitat animals up close and learn about those native to the mountains of North Carolina. Animals will receive an enrichment toy or treat, and staff will be available to answer questions afterward.” Only lasting about 15 minutes or so, these interactions with the animals are perfect for younger children and those with short attention spans. Some animals, like the bears, offer up to twice per day interaction. There is no cost for these interpretive talks. My grandson Sam especially loves these interactions with the animals. Saturdays from 10am to 12pm, the park offers “Interpretive Hikes” that are included in the admission price. “Starting at the Black Rock Trail Trailhead,” visitors “venture into the backcountry of Grandfather Mountain with […] trail experts on this two-hour hike. Experience the mountain’s unique flora and fauna on one of the most beautiful trails in the Southeast.” These hikes are also included in the price of admission. Twenty minutes seems a long time for a kid, but time will fly when they take part in the park’s “Junior Ranger Program.” “Kids are invited to learn about Grandfather Mountain’s animals through hands-on activities at the Nature Museum’s Butterfly Garden (located adjacent to the Fudge Shop).” Wait, there’s a Fudge Shop? At the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, “Grandfather Mountain’s expert naturalists [teach] about the mountain’s unique weather, climate, flora and fauna.”
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52 And that bridge—that BRIDGE!—that MILE HIGH SWINGING BRIDGE! The website states that “the 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation. Surveys show that the journey to the other side is always considered the highlight of a trip to Grandfather Mountain.” I’ve seen folks go without crossing the bridge, but a trip to Grandfather must include the trip across with a slight stop in the middle to take in the 360 degree panoramic view. It’s a breathtaking experience and not for the faint-of-heart. Rest up in the Nature Museum, a repository for all things natural to North Carolina, including gems and minerals, a display of native birds, and a relief model of the mountain itself. Included is wax flower and plant models by the late Paul Marchand. Mildred’s Grill offers an opportunity to eat and rest a while with a cold drink and the pleasant sounds of conversation and silverware clinking on plates. “But what about the Fudge Shop?” Sam asks. Housed inside the mountain’s most eco-friendly building, The Fudge Shop offers “standard flavors like chocolate and cookies & cream, or ask about the seasonal flavors like pumpkin pie and peppermint candy. Ask for samples, and then take home your favorites to help you remember your day. Now also serving hand-scooped Hershey’s ice cream!” Please visit Grandfather Mountain’s website at www.grandfather.com for more details. You’ll have to excuse me now; Sam wants peanut butter fudge. “Only if you’ll go back to the swinging bridge,” I say. --Robert Canipe
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53 While you are visiting Grandfather Mountain, visit the bear habitat!
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55 T he Swin gin g Bridge at Sunris e Phot o court esy of Grandfather Mountain
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57 My Grandma’s Wash Pot Growing up on Baker’s Mountain back in the days before internet, electricy, or even running water holds many precious memories would not trade for anything! My grandma was born in 1890, and my mom in 1921. I was born in 1942, a year after our nation entered World War 2. Humphrey Bogart and Catherine Hepburn portrayed fast and glamorous lives on movie screens, but time moved slower in the North Carolina mountains in those days. My youngest grandson was born in 2014- he will learn some of the most primitive means of running a household, and he will know the traditional ways of surviving and thriving on our land. It’s uncommon in this time to take the time, to make the effort to connect to history and our land, and I’m very happy to pass this on to my grandchildren. They play with iPads, but they also play in the dirt, and know where they came from. Today I’m thinking back on my Grandma’s wash pot that she kept down by the stream. Folks in big cities had ringer washing machines by then, but those wouldn’t find their way to these hills for quite some time. On laundry day, Grandma would build a fire under that pot and fill it with water from the stream. The white laundry went in first, along with some homemade lye soap. She’d stir it occassionally with a long stick until the water heated up just so-she al- ways knew just when-and then she’d use that stick to pull out a piece of clothing. She’d scrub it on her washboard until it was clean, then rinse it in clear cold water. She’d hang each item on a line strung between the trees. I loved watching them blow in the breeze. Grandma made her lye soap in that same black iron pot. I remember her mixing ash- es, animal fat and Red Devil lye, and I can still smell the bubbling mixture today. She used this soap for all of her chores, even bathing and washing our dishes. It was also the go-to for bug bites and poison ivy. We used it for just about everything. In those days, people even used lye to plump up hominy, and they sure seemed to think it was delicious. I always refused to eat hominy though because I knew that the Red Devil Lye can had a skull and crossbones on it and it didn't seem sensible to eat it. MOUNTAIN MEMORIES WITH GRANNY ECKARD
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58 L ye soap is just as handy today as it was in the past. The lack of exotic oils and perfumes make it excellent for people with sensitive skin, and it’s a fun project. This recipe is for a simple version, but there are so many wonderful things you can add to soap as you are making it, including essential oils, botanical pieces like lavendar buds, ground nut shells, and even raw silk. It’s very fun to experiment once you get the basic recipe down. This recipe was usually made during the winter months because it had to be stirred until cold. MAKE LYE SOAP, THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY Ingredients: 2 pounds fat. You can choose between: tallow, lard, or palm oil. Lard was used most commonly in the Foothills, and you can render your own with pork or beef fat. Filtered Water. Water from a spring is even better. Red Devil lye, or a similar brand. (You can skip this part but it firms the soap up and makes it last longer.) Ashes. Hardwoods make the best ashes for soap. Directions: Boil the water and ash together for 30 minutes or so. Let the ashes settle at the bottom and skim the lye off the top. Then you boil that liquid until an egg will float on top. Heat your animal fat until you have liquid grease, then pour it in your bubbly lye mixture. You can add a little Red Devil Lye if you like a hard soap. Stir, stir, stir, stir until the soap is cold, and so are you. You can now pour it into molds (wooden boxes are used for this) where the soap will harden.
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59 Carolina Reads G h os t o f t h e I n n o ce n t M a n: A Tr u e St o r y o f Tr i a l a n d Re de m p t i o n by B e njamin Rac hlin, L i t t le, Brow n an d C o mp any, 2017. 4 0 0 p ag e s . $27. B e njamin Rac hlin has w r i t te n a p ag e -t ur ner t hat rea d s like a s u s p e ns e f ilm, a “w ho d o ne i t ” w here t he rea d er fe els he or s he k now s w ho did n’t d o i t . W illie j. Gr ime s, wi t h no his tor y of v iole nce, is co nv ic te d of f ir s t- d e g re e r ap e an d s e nte nce d to li fe imp r is o nme nt . For 25 year s, Gr ime s, later joine d by C hr is t ine Mu mma of t he I nno ce nce an d I n q uir y C o mmis s io n, f ig ht to p rove his inno ce nce. T his is Rac hlin’s f ir s t b o o k , b u t t he w r i t ing s how s t hat he’s clear ly t ale nte d at elici t ing e mp at hy an d co mp as s io n f ro m t he r ea d e r. T h e B l o o d o f E m m e t t T i l l by T imot hy Ty s o n. Simo n an d S c hu s ter, 2017. 3 0 4 p ag e s . $27. Au t hor of t he me moir/ his tor y Blo o d D o ne Sig n My Name, W ilming to n re s id e nt T im Ty s o n ret ur ns to t he 1950 s an d 6 0 s w he n r acial te ns io n in t he s o u t h over ci v il r ig ht s an d fear of “T he O t her ” g r ab b e d t he nat io n by t he t hroat . V is i t ing relat i ve s in t he s mall tow n of Mo ney, Mis s is s ip pi in 1955, 14 -year- ol d C hic ag o nat i ve Emmet t T ill s u p p os e dly w his t le s at yo u ng fe male g ro cer y cler k , u nleas hing a nig ht of v iole nce in w hic h t he yo u t h w as mur d ere d, ly nc he d, s u p p os e dly by t he wo ma n’s hu s b a n d a n d b rot he r. Ty s o n co mp os e s t he s tor y like a f ilm, s ce ne s u nfol ding in cine mat ic s t y le, wi t h s ho c k ing revelat io ns, eve n for a c as e t he rea d er wo ul d t hink ha d b e e n s t u die d t horo ug hly. Ty s o n’s re s ear c h an d inter v iew s b ro ug ht t he aw f ul, wor l d - c hanging c as e u n d er new lig ht, c reat ing new o p p or t u ni t ie s for dis c u s s io n an d, ye s, s a d ne s s, co ncer ning a yo u ng man w hos e d eat h has meant more to t he wor l d t han his li fe ever wo ul d have. T h e Co n s c i e n ce o f a Co n s e r va t i ve: A Re j e c t i o n o f D e s t r u c t i ve Po l i t i c s a n d a Re t u r n t o Pr i n c i p l e by J ef f Flake. Ran d o m Ho u s e, 2017. 16 0 p ag e s . $27. Re p u b lic an S e nator J ef f Flake c alls more for a ret ur n to r at io nalis m t han p r incip le. His id eas k ir t aro u n d t he reali t y t hat s o met hing b ro ke t he A mer ic an g over nme nt aro u n d t he year 20 01 an d has yet to ret ur n to “nor mal.” Flake co nce d e s t hat t he re p u b lic an p ar t y w as mean to Bar ac k O b ama, b u t he never really ow ns t he over all d er ang e me nt t hat s o me fel t ab o u t O b ama. However, rea d er s of all p oli t ic al s w ay will d elig ht in t his f ir s t an d b r ave c all for e mot io n in p oli t ic s to t ake an u np r i v ile g e d p lace in t he USA , allowing r at io nal t hink ing an d co o p er at io n a f ro nt s eat for at leas t as lo ng as i t t ake s to ret ur n to co ur s e as t he g reate s t co u nt r y o n p lanet ear t h. by Rober t C anip e
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60 We all have it. Stress is a pervasive part of all adult life. Whether it originates from work, family life, children, or other issues, we will experience stress at various points in our lives. We don’t always have control over everything in our life, but we do have control over how we respond to it. Staying in a constant state of anxiety or anguish can wreak havoc on our brains and physical health. A new body of research links stress to cancer, autoimmune diseases, and early death. Stress has a positive correlation with inflamma - tion in our bodies, how often we get sick, and even the amount of physical pain that a person feels. Learn what is stressing you out and how to deal with it—your life could depend on it. Learning to deal with stress starts with identifying where your stress is coming from. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as it may appear. We can often times identify “major” stressors in our lives as they are sometimes more obvious. A big move, a death in the family, divorce, a new job: all of these are commonly accepted as stressful life events. What we often overlook are the smaller things that can add up in a big way. An important deadline, worry for friends or fami- ly, holidays, and problems with kids can add up. Determine your major stressors and then make a plan. There are a variety of ways to manage stress when it ap- pears in your life. Here are a few options to consider. Exercise- Get moving! Exercise is a proven way to increas- es concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress. Not only can ex- ercise help with stress, it also improves your ability to get a good night sleep, helps with weight control, and can be a great way to connect with others. So head to the gym and move— working out can reduce stress and help you calm down. Therapy- Often times, people believe they need to have a major problem or crisis before seeking therapy. This is a common misconception that often can prevent people from seeking help. A therapist is a great way to work through stress, tough emotions, and help you to meet goals that you set. In addition to stress, a therapist can help you with any underlying anxiety, depression, or sub- stance use that you may be struggling with as well. In- terview several different practitioners and see who you connect with the best. Relaxation- There are so many ways to relax! Choose the ones that are right for you. It could be as simple as laying in a hammock, getting a massage, or going to a yoga class. Deep breathing, guided meditation, aromatherapy, and acupuncture are other great ways to reduce stress and get in touch with your body. Make sure you choose an activity that isn’t a burden. Thinking of activities you do where you don’t pay attention to the time can be helpful. Connect- Spend time with people in your life that you enjoy being around and are supportive. There is not much better than grabbing a cup of coffee or going to a mov- ie with a friend. Stress tends to isolate us. An important research study completed by UCLA showed that women who have a circle of friends are able to cope with stress in a more healthy way. They found that a group of friends provides a different response in the body than the the tra- ditional “fight-or-flight response” to stress. The research authors called this response “tend-and-befriend” and showed that when women spend time with other women they produce more oxytocin. Oxytocin is the same chem- ical in your body that is produced when you experience love or connection. This produces a calming effect, which can help mitigate stress! These are just a few things you can do to help manage your stress when it inevitably arises in your life. Identify where your stressors are coming from, and come up with a good plan for self-care. Knowing your plan in advance can help you manage it before it escalates to the point of impacting your health, relationships, and overall wellness. WHAT’S STRESS G OT TO D O WITH IT? Kelsey Crowe, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
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61 I want to talk about anxiety. That already makes us anxious, doesn’t? Anytime a suitcase or over night bag is pulled out, our yellow lab, Fin, gets anxious. Everyone anxious from time to time. No one is immune to it. In fact general anxiety is nor mal; it is your body’s way of protecting you and keeping you safe. We read Jesus’s words in the gospel, “There- fore I say to you, don’t worry about your life…” [Matt.6:25] But let’s be real here. It is hard not to worry. We are bombarded by media that tell us when our ‘fear meters’ should be spiked—which apparently is all the time. Did you know we are more worried, more nervous and uneasy, more depressed and anxious than previous generations? So, what’s going on? [There are many factors] but, one reason, brought up on multiple occasions by psychologists, is the luxury (as ungrateful as it sounds) of too much choice. W ith so many options available, there is no excuse for making the less-than-perfect choice. Trendy grocery store chain, Trader Joes, discov- ered (through market research) that people feel conflicted about what to purchase when, for ex- ample, there are over twenty different brands of peanut butter from which to choose. Trader Joe’s reduced this number to three or four, limiting cus- tomer anxiety in the process. Only in a nation of abundance would multiple choices of peanut butter help to fuel our already anxious tendencies. Anxiety has become the poisonous side effect of good people wobbling on the edges of idolatry, where we trust worry, fear, and stuff more than God. Anxiety has become an epidemic of the ill- ness of too much navel gazing. In, The Paradox of Generosity, two sociologists ex- plore the paradox that while giving is known to improve your life, so very few Americans actually give. While most religious believers would say, it is an article of faith that it is more blessed to give than to receive; [the research in this book says] it tur ns out that it IS an article of fact as well.” “By always protecting ourselves against future uncertainties and misfortunes, we are affected in ways that make us more anxious about uncertain- ties and vulnerable to future misfortunes.” How are we to cope with the growing cultural, let’s call a Grinch mentality where we seek our own se- curity and happiness by tur ning away from neigh- bors to hunker down and hoard only for ourselves? What can well-meaning, faithful Christians do? We lead the way. Because the way to overcome, and to combat some of this anxiety… the secret for curing and dealing with the chronic anxiety caused by things like fear and scarcity; anxiety caused by choice and narcis- sism —the secret to defeating that anxiety is generos- ity. The Paradox of Generosity reports that “In giving of ourselves for others’ well-being, we enhance our own well-being as well. In letting go of some of what we own, we actually increase our own security and sense of comfort. By giving away our own resources, we move ourselves toward flourishing. This is not only a philo- sophical or religious teaching. It is a sociological fact.” What we know is that our giving matters. Our giving makes our lives better, because it makes the lives of those around us better. Science has proven what our faith has always known. The more we give, the more free space opens up in us and that gives God more room to live in us. And who doesn’t want that? Ab out t he aut hor: Heat her Wo o d Dav is is pastor in We stern N.C . w it h t he PC (USA). ANXIOUS G IVING Heather Wood Davis http://www.t elegraph.co.uk/women/he alth/anxiety-the- epidemic-swe epin g- through-generation- y/ 2 ibid 3 http://news.nd.e du/news/52987-notre- dame-s o ciologist s- explore-the- paradox-of- generosity/ 4: http://generosityres e arch.nd.e du/news/64725-american- generosity-who- gives-and- why/
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62 The ABC’s of Diabetes A stands for the A1C Test. This test shows your blood glucose levels over the last three months. The goal for many is below 7 . B stands for Blood Pressure. The blood pressure goal for most people with diabetes is be- low 140/90, but each person’s goals may vary. C stands for Cholesterol. Ask your healthcare provider what your cholesterol numbers should be. LDL cholesterol is bad cholesterol, causing a build up and clogging in the ar- teries, whereas HDL or good cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from the blood vessels. Robin Tallent, CVMC Diabetes Education Coordinator
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63 Understanding Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes: a serious, chronic and lifelong disease that occurs when the pancreas makes little or no insulin. Without insulin, the body cannot convert the glucose (blood sugar) from food into fuel to keep the body functioning. Daily insulin injections are required to survive. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults, and therefore, is sometimes referred to as ‘juvenile diabetes’. However, it can develop at any age and those with a family history are at highest risk. In Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks ‘beta cells’ in the pancreas, prohibiting it from producing insulin. Reasons for this are still unknown, but genetics plays a major role. Type 2 Diabetes: the most common form of diabetes, in which the body develops an insulin resistance and does not make or use insulin properly. This causes the glucose (sugar) to stay in the blood, causing a variety of health problems and potentially leading to heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, and kidney or eye problems. In Type 2 diabetes, risk factors include those that can and cannot be controlled. Uncontrollable risk factors include: family history; race or ethnic background; age; history of gestational diabetes. Controllable risk factors include: being overweight/obesity; physical inactivity; high blood pressure; and abnormal cholesterol levels. Pre-diabetes: this means that your blood sugar is higher than normal and likely your body is having trouble converting glucose into energy. These levels are not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetic, but without making some healthy changes, there is a high risk you will eventually develop Type 2 diabetes. A ccepting a diabetes diagnosis can be difficult, especially when you must change previous habits and adapt your lifestyle. But there’s good news: millions of people live full, happy, active and healthy lives, even with diabetes. “If you have diabetes, no matter what type, it means you have too much glucose in your blood, although the causes may differ,” says Robin Tallent, CVMC Diabetes Education Coordinator. “Too much glucose can lead to serious health problems, but at our Center for Diabetes Control, we take a team approach with one simple goal in mind – helping our patients manage their diabetes well.” Getting Help Tallent says, “The risk of death for adults with diabetes is 50% higher than for adults without diabetes. And, at least 1 out of 3 people will develop Type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. This is why it is important for you to work with a healthcare team to reach your ‘ABC goals’ and to develop a management plan that is right for you.” Making impactful lifestyle changes is not always easy, but it is important for you to maintain a healthy, long life. Learn more about managing diabetes by contacting the CVMC Center for Diabetes Control at 828.326.3442 or email Robin Tallent at rtallent@ catawbavalleymc.org.
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64 (828) 322-8011
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65 Fresh Design for a House with a View STEELE’S CONSTRUCTION AND STEELE’S DESIGN TEAM TOOK AN OUTDATED HOME AND CREATED A RELAXING OASIS. When the Steele’s Construction and Steele’s Design Team fami- ly first saw this house, they were blown away by the lake view. Being situated near a cove al- lows the building to have a 300 degree vew of Lake Hickory. The views were break-taking, but the kitchen was out-dated and in need of a new look. The team completey redid the layout of the space, providing the husband, who has a pas- sion for cooking, with a much better experience, allowing him to look at the lake as he creates his meals. This kitchen is completely out- fitted in Wolf appliances. Wolf has been making the high- est-quality appliances for 70 years, helping direct trends and define luxury. This kitchen features a full 30- inch refridgerator and a 30- inch freezer, providing plenty of room while being disguised in custom cabinetry. A large teppanyaki grilling sur- face opens up many possibili- ties for cuisine. Two wall ovens aid in the preparation of large meals. Because the family en- tertains often, the team added two dishwashers, with a design detail that makes the section pop: the team flowed the du - rable and stylish quartz half way down the side of the end of the bank of cabinetry, and added a paper-towel holder. Fuction meets beauty here. The television enclosure makes the flow of the upper cabinetry seamless, and allows the cook to watch televison, like news or cooking shows. An oversized island in the cen- ter of the space houses one of two farmhouse sinks. High-end, industrial sized faucets improve the functionality of these sinks. The team designed a custom oven hood, which was then built by their manufacturer. This seamlessly integrates with the style of the kitchen while being incredibly functional. The kitchen wouldn’t be com- plete with out a customized pantry. The team took into ac- count the needs and habits of the family and created a pantry that suits them perfectly. Every detail was critical. Per- fection is expected and re- quired. A custom spice rack demontrates the level at which Steele’s Construction works to make their client happy. The family has children, and so the team added a homework space that’s perfect for after- school snacks, conversation, and work. An amazing tile floor was se - lected by the lead design- er to elongate the space. A herringbone pattern is very successful in opening up the space, as it leads the eye out to the lake. This home remodel also incluses an amazing spa-like bathroom remodel, as well an an overhaul of the outside. A large steel beamed porch will add to the luxury at this lake side retreat. Owner Tim Steele is finding this next phase of remodeling to be delgihtfully challenging and we can’t wait to share it with you! Be sure to check this space in the next issue to see the next step of renovations. This team would love to work with you to create your dream space. Find out more at steele- sconstructionllc.com and stee- lesdesign.com, or by calling (828) 322-8011. Their offices are located on Highway 127 North in Hickory. Luxurious Bathroom Cabinetry is convenient and beautiful. Breakfast nook overlooks the wrap- around view of Lake Hickory. A TV mounted to the wall saves space and doesn’t draw focus, except when it is supposed to. Open floor plan is so convenient!
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67 This custom kitchen features all Wolf Appliances, and custom cabinetry throughout. It’s been especially designed with entertaining in mind.
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68 Matthew G o o d We’ve been impressed with artist Matthew Good for a long time. His work is meticulous, and obviously inspired by ancient masters. He finds inspiration in every day subjects, like friends and much-used factories and mills. We were excited to sit down with him to chat about his inspirations. FD: What draws you t o paint? MG: I have love d t o draw since I was a kid. As a t e enager I was drawn t o the classical art s b e caus e of the obvious skill which the old mast ers had. As I got older and studie d their works and re alize how de ep they go in int erpretin g their world, I have always want e d t o le arn t o draw in paint in that manner. FD: What’s your favorit e subj e ct matt er? MG: My favorit e subj e ct matt er is by far the human form. Whether portrait s or figures, it is by far the most poignant subj e ct matt er for me. FD: Tell me ab out your trainin g. MG: I was lucky in that my favorit e livin g paint er as a kid als o happens t o b e from North Carolina and at the time was r unnin g a s cho ol in Asheville. His name is B en Lon g and is probably b est known for the fres co es he has paint e d in North Carolina. He is a consummat e draft smen and paint er and has had by far the biggest impact on me as a paint er. I have b e en fortunat e enough t o help him on two fres co es, one in Lucignano, Italy and one at Win gat e University. I have b e en workin g with B en for ab out 8 ye ars now and must say the man is as much family t o me as a t e acher.
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71 FD: You paint lands capes of subj e ct s that most artist s don’t. Why are you drawn t o this type of work? MG: T he lands capes I paint are probably inspire d by the fact that I grew up in a family that worke d in hosier y mills. I spent countless hours at the mill with my dad as a kid and t o this day I love industrial lands capes. Of cours e there isn’t much hosier y industr y left in the are a but the remnant s of thos e times sill remain. S o all of the old fact ories and even demolishe d buildin gs hold a certain emotional weight t o me. The foothills are fortunate to have an artist a s c o m m i t t e d t o t h e i r c r a f t a s M a t t h e w Good. His dedication is apparent in the p r e c i s e n a t u r e o f h i s w o r k , a n d h e ’s a good artist to watch. We suspect that like fine wine, he will only improve with age. P e a k i n s i d e t h e a r t i s t ’ s s t u d i o , a t r i g h t . Yo u c a n f i n d m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n ab o u t M a t t h ew, a s we l l a s buy a r t , a t matthewsgo o d.com.
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72 Wally stands squinting into the sun, cap pulled low against the glare, late in this day, waiting. I stretch my fingers wide inside the glove, pound the ball hard against my palm. Precious leather, lovely old smell. The men watch me across the yard. My legs weak and wobbly, I raise my arms, a new sweat scent a hint, warning of that hateful place I dread to go, ending life as I know it— where the way forks, us growing apart. There’s anger in my arm now, my fingers find the right places, fingertips on stitches pressing hard. I could pitch blind I think. Wally squats, opens his glove, open shut open shut, butterfly wings. Ready, he’s saying. Brain and body and ball, all one motion one current released, flying away then curving in, wafting up then falling slight as a corn leaf lifted up and down on a breeze. Wally takes the jolt—a thud— his thin glove suffers a blow his pinched face saying so. Uncle Dewey turns to spit, flashes his gold tooth grin, raises his eyebrows at my daddy. Damn! he says, that’s purdy good— for a girl. ---Arlene Neal END OF THE SEASON
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73 Foothills Digest is thrilled to be a finalist for the Edison Project! T he Edis on Projec t is s p ons ore d by t he C at aw ba Count y, Bur ke Count y, and C ald well Count y Chamb er s of Commerce and is a celebr ation and recognition of t he creativit y and entrepreneur ial s pir it of t he area. T his comp etition includes a “Pitc h Your Idea” p or tion, a Busines s Plan p or tion, and a Final Public Pres ent ation to t he communit y. T he economic incentive is $10,0 0 0 for 1s t place, $5,0 0 0 for 2nd place, and $ 3,0 0 0 for 3rd place. In ad dition, ap plic ant s will par ticipate in wor k s hops to enhance and refine t heir busines s idea. Sponsored by: Alex Lee, Inc, C atawba Count y, C atawba Valley Communit y College, EDC Commit tee of 100, Concept Frames, Lenoir-Rhyne Universit y for Commercial & Social Entrepreneurship
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74 There’s nothing like great music and good food to bring people together, and The Double Shoals Cotton Mill brings both together at their second annual Sarah Sweep music festival. The event was held September 9th under the stars of the Carolina sky. The Double Shoals cotton mill is a new venue located at 199 Old Mill Road in Shel- by North Carolina. The original building dates back to 1874 and carries with it a torch for the history of the old North State. It is the oldest cotton mill in Cleveland County. It sits on the shores of the First Broad River. Photographers affirm it has an incredible scenic view of both the mountains and the broad river. The Sarah Sweeps music festival began as an effort to clean the fifteen miles of the broad river that is part of the property surrounding the Old Cotton Mill. This growing music and arts festival featured such talent as Roadside Alice, Dale Britton Music, Bruised Rino, an open mic, and a few surprise guests. The Cotton Mill hosts artwork and events multiple N.C. Artists and creators. The property is open to photographers and videographers seeking unique and beautiful backdrop for their work. The Mill is on the national registry of historic places Volunteers began the cleanup at 10:00 am in the morning and finished up right around 3:00pm, just in time to grab some food, and a seat before the celebration began. The bands kicked off to a receptive crowd, and the hard working volunteers who brought their rafts and swimsuits were able to comfortably raft down the river while listening to wonderful music. The Old Cotton mill is owned and operated by Michael Faucher, and his family. Michael is a classic car repair man who bought the mill in the hopes of creating a community center for the small town of Double Shoals. It’s been a rough and rocky road as parts of the mill are in desperate need of repair to meet building code. Michael runs his automotive business out of the basement of the cotton mill. In his spare time he has hosted photo shoots, historic walks, picnics, family reunions, an Art Show, and even filmed a music video on the grounds of the mill. Michael hopes to keep the doors of the cotton mill open to the local community. He is already displaying local artist in the areas that are up to code, and his hope is to be able to ex- pand outward so that the full acreage may become available for painting, videography, and live performances.. The Sarah Sweeps festival started when Michael first pur - chased the mill. He needed help cleaning the exterior, which had fallen into disrepair. Of course his friends came out to help. After a long day some local musicians lit a bonfire and proceeded to have a jam session. Michael now shares the Dou- ble Shoals Mill annually for friends, fans, and local bands. Half of The Sarah Sweep funds go to the Broad River al- liance. Double Shoals Mill is also taking donations to help make the Mill everything that it can be, and preserve an im- portant part of N.C. History. Donations can be made via check or paypal. To find out more about the history and possibility of the Mill, Please feel free to contact Michael directly at dou- bleshoalsmill@gmail.com or like their Facebook page @dou- bleshoalscottonmill Michael is always looking for investors to help him preserve the Mill, and is very open to local people who give him sug- gestions on how to further use the enormous space the Mill provides. D OUBLE SHOAL S COTTON MILL A NEW VENUE by Adam York
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75 If your car needed a new transmission, would you have the money to replace it with a new one? If not, would you have enough credit worthiness to qualify for a personal loan? Banks and financial lenders are in the business of lending out money, but if your credit score is low, they are not willing to take the risk of lending you money because your credit score reveals to them that you are a high risk borrower. Sometimes, a low credit score isn’t even a fault of yours. Recent studies by a Public Interest Research Group found that over 79% of credit reports contain errors. Incorrect information in your credit file lowers your credit score. As the result, you get a higher interest rate when you open a new credit line, take a loan, buy insurance, lease a car, etc. 29% of the credit reports in this study contained even more serious errors that could result in the denial of credit or loans. These errors included false delinquencies, public records, judgments and credit accounts that did not belong to the consumer. Sometimes these errors are the work of sloppy data entry, but it is also often due to the ever growing epidemic of identity theft. Since your credit reports are used to determine if you are to be given credit or loan (and what rates you will be charged), it is in your best interest to examine your reports carefully, correct inaccurate information and make every effort to remove ALL unfavorable information. If you see problems on your report, such as an unpaid bill that you simply forgot about, act right away to resolve the debt. Then ask that creditor to send a letter to the credit reporting agencies stating that the matter has been resolved. Check for accounts you didn’t open, charges you haven’t made, and delinquencies you didn’t cause. If you deduce fraud on one of your reports, contact that credit bureau right away. Explain the situation and ask them to place a fraud alert on your file. You can also ask them to freeze your credit. Also report the fraud to the police and ask them to send you a copy of the police report. Your credit reports follow you throughout your life and can help you greatly -- or hurt you. Analyze your credit report carefully! It’s very important to note that repairing your credit score takes a lot of effort and time. Though it may take several months to see progress, it is worth every ounce of it. A high credit score gives a person opportunity to qualify for loans or credit cards with lower interest rates. The best way to get and keep an awesome credit score is to take responsibility for your own life. Of course you can delegate some aspect of it, but overall, you must decide that it is time to take control. The four tips below will help you boost your FICO score. 1.Correct all inaccuracies on your credit report. First of all, request a free copy of your credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com. (If you do get your credit reports from www.annualcreditreport. com, you’ll being giving up some of your consumer rights. Instead of having only 30 days to respond to your dispute letters, you will be giving them an additional 15 days to respond.) Once your 3 reports from each credit bureau arrive, go through your reports very carefully. Look to see if your personal information is correct. If the accounts aren’t correct, then notify the credit bureau(s) of the inaccuracy through mail. If your dispute letter is written right, they will remove the erroneous account from your credit report and your score should go up. If they do not remove the account, then you will have to write them another dispute letter of the inaccuracy of the account with more information and a 100 word paragraph why you believe they should remove it. If they refuse to delete the inaccurate account, reach out to www.sanctuarycr.com and they will be more than happy to help you with the process. If you decide to continue pursuing this yourself, report the violation to the FTC and find a lawyer. You may need to sue them for violating your federal rights. 2. Call your creditor(s) or their collection agency to negotiate the bill. Majority of the time, you can negotiate a settlement with your creditor and have them remove the account from your credit file if you pay the account. Never pay the creditor until they email you a letter stating that they will be taking the account off your credit report for a settlement offer. 3. Pay all credit cards on time and any revolving credit down to below 30% of the available credit line. How much you owe is 30% of your entire credit score. If you have a credit line of $10,000, you should only be using about $3,000 of that credit card. The less percentage the better. If you are above the 30% credit utilization ratio, you should consider paying it down or asking the creditor to increase your credit line. 4.Open a secure loan with a bank that reports to one of the three credit bureaus. A secure loan is a loan that you have secured with your own money. By using your savings account as collateral, you are guaranteed a secure loan. Banks don’t even have to pull your credit to qualify for a secure loan. If you have about $400 in your savings, then you are qualified for a $400 secure loan. Pay this account every month, and within 3 months, your credit score should increase. Having a great credit score will make your life a whole lot easier. As a consumer, you have the right under the Federal Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to dispute any information that is on your report to the credit bureaus. Anybody can dispute the negative items on their reports, but it takes hundreds of hours for most consumers to get even one removed. Time is precious, so let Sanctuary Credit Repair do the disputes for you. We have a high success rate of removing negative items from our customers’ credit reports. While we are repairing your credit, we will also be teaching you how you can maintain a great credit score long after we are done repairing it. Call us today at 828-572-3641 for a free consultation or visit us at www. sanctuarycr.com. Written by: Solomon Yang Owner of Sanctuary Credit Repair FOUR TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE
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76 2 3 4 Hickory Community Theatre HCT is a top-notch community theatre in Hickory. The the - atre frequently wins awards and produces high quality enter - tainment. In recent years, the theatre has been fortunate to be allowed to produce plays that were previously only avail - able to professional companies, like Chicago and Rent. View their site at hickorytheatre.org or call them at 828-327-3855. Shaefer Center for the Performing Arts Featuring a large array of events, including music, comedy, dance and more. Located in Boone. theschaefercenter.org/events CoMMA Home of CoMMA MainStage, this theatre also hosts concerts and touring shows, like Fame, The Musical. Located in Morganton. commaonline.org 5 6 7 8 9 10 Jazz on Tap oldehickorytap- room.com Live Jazz weekly with Rick Cline and friends. Boone Saloon boonesaloon.com A watering hole for “full-grown adults.” Musicians featured. Canyons canyonsbr.com Featuring late night music and excep- tional views. Boondocks boondocksbeer.com This West Jefferson Brewpub brings musical acts regularly. The Hotel Tavern thehoteltavern.com Live music each Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Little Theatre of Gastonia Local Theatre in Gastonia. littletheaterof - gastonia.org 1 This is a list of theatres, venues and museums in our area. If you know of more, write the editor@foothillsdigest.com! Don Gibson Theatre In Shelby, with concerts from nationally acclaimed touring musicians. Art-deco appeal and intimate environment. dongibsontheatre.com
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77 Foothills Performing Arts This theatre produces high quality and often very funny plays. Birthed by a partnership between a local college and com- munity theatre, the theatre’s productions are generally a cut above. A small auditorium makes for intimate shows. http://fpatheatre.org/ 11 12 13 14 15 16 The Local thelocalboone.com Excellent dining and an array of live music. Whiskey Mill whiskeymill.com Sip whiskey, eat delicious food and listen to live music in Bessemer City. Music in the Mill musicinthemill.com Hear musical acts like Lee Ann Womack . The Bathtub Gin bathtubginnc.com Mooresville’s Nightlife scene is centered here. charBAR This Boone restau- rant has a variety of live music through- out the week. Alleghany Jubilee Enjoy mountain music and dancing at this Sparta favorite. 17 18 19 Hickory Musuem of Art HMA is the second oldest art museum in the state. It has a large collection and features touring ex- hibits. You can always see what’s happening now at hickorymuseumofart.org. Granite Falls Brewery This brewery and restaurant hosts bands regularly. You can always see what’s com- ing soon at their website, granitefallsbrewing.com. King’s Mountain Little Theatre Community theatre in Kings Mountain that also hosts musical acts and touring shows. http://www.kmlt.org/
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78 WHICH COMES FIRST, THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG? BY KELLIE STAMEY Native Charlesie Miller from Vashti, in Alexander County, NC would most definitely say the chicken. She and her husband began raising chickens a few years ago. She too, raises goats and makes soaps and lotions, as well as goat’s milk for drinking and sales or barters in her local community. Like the majority of most millennials, Charlesie is conscious of the environment and its need for vast improvement, as well as what she ingests. Industrial farmers have been in a competitive upswing, which has caused them to take matters into their own hands, utilizing supplemental aids to help their livestock be better, bigger and capable of sustaining their business, and therefore the livelihoods. With their overhead rising and competition growing, many have followed suite by using hormones meant to enhance their livestock and increase their bottom line. That is not the case with our region’s local homegrown farmers, and fortunately, being a full-time farmer isn’t required to raise your own eggs and even dairy. Like Charlesie, Jennifer Keller Jordan, shown left, and her husband raise chickens. They also raise goats and ducks, and their back yard
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79 provides plenty of room. Charlesie and her husband built a chicken coop for 1 rooster and 25-30 hens. The coop is approximately 7’ x 20’. She clothes its floor with cedar shavings, and has some old dresser drawers that she has made-shift into nesting boxes. During the day her chickens free range, which simply means they have free run of the land, and they are grain fed, with no hormone additives. At night the chickens are placed in the locked coop to protect them from other animals as well as to provide warmth. Jennifer’s coop is made from recycled materials, including an old children’s playhouse, and it works great. You can be creative when you make yours, but keep in mind that it should be waterproof, predator proof, and clean. You’ll need a place for the chickens to roost, and you’ll want a nesting box for every 5 or 5 birds. Pinterest is a great place to start for fun ideas for your chicken coup. If a hen receives approximately 13 hours of sunlight and is kept at a comfortable warmth throughout the night, they can lay one egg a day. During the winter months and cold autumn evenings, it’s important to run heat lamps, or provide warming devices. Molting and cold weather cause production of eggs to slow. While it is a learning experience daily, Charlesie says chicken farming is easy, and the rewards are limitless. She that she can provide her family and her community with free range chicken eggs, with the knowledge that no research is necessary to know that they are free of any additives. Kudos to Charlesie and Jennifer, as well as all of the growing community of local farmers, with a commitment to love themselves and others, with products that are simple and additive free. Here’s to the hope that more of us follow suite. If you don’t want to raise chickens yourself, there are many ways to find local farmers in your area. You can check your farmer’s market, and even yard sale pages on Facebook!
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80 Ingredients • 2 cups whole milk • 2 eggs (preferably free-range) • 2 egg yolks • 1/3 cup sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • Freshly grated or ground nutmeg Preparation 1. 1. Preheat oven to 300°F. 2. 2. Place six 4-ounce oven-proof cups (you can use ramekins, or coffee cups marked as oven- safe) in a deep baking pan just large enough to hold them. 3. 3. In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer over medium-low heat. 4. 4. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolks, sugar, and vanilla. 5. 5. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the simmering milk, whisking gently to combine. 6. 6. Pour the mixture through a fine strainer into the cups (if the strainer clogs, use a spoon to scrape it clean), then sprinkle lightly with the nutmeg. 7. 7. Pour hot (not boiling) water into the pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cups. 8. 8. Bake until the custard is just set (it can still be a little loose), 30 to 35 minutes. 9. 9. Let the custard cool in the water bath for about 2 hours before serving.
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81 Tip: If you wash your eggs, you'll need to refrigerate them. If you wipe them with a cloth, a basket on your countertop is just fine.
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82 STANDARD OYSTER COMPANY This unassuming restaurant surprises with it’s exceptional presentation of seafood which is flown in daily and is wonderfully fresh and delicious. You could be forgiven for not knowing this restaurant was existed. Tucked away in a strip mall on Highway 127 in Hickory, the outside of this restaurant barely hints at the high quality food inside. But once you’ve found it, you’ll want to go back again and again. We were first presented with a Poke (po-kay) Paddle. This star of this appetizer is the ahi tuna, and it’s some of the most tender I’ve ever tasted. It’s mixed with a sesame soy glaze that offered a satisfying kick that wasn’t overwhelming. This was served over crisp wonton strips and fresh greens, and offered an exciting start to our dining experience. Standard Oyster Company shines brightest when it comes to their fresh, raw oysters. A chalkboard describes each of at least 10 varieties of oysters, telling us where they came from and describing their taste and texture. The Standard Platter gave us an opportunity to sample a selection of their most popular appetizers. We chose Olde Salts oysters from Chincoteage V irginia. The board said they were extra salty, and eating them tasted like swimming in the ocean. We also ordered Pirate Pearls, from Bayboro, NC. These plump and mild oysters were gentle and palatable . The tray is rounded out with cherrystone clams and a ceviche made with salmon and cucumbers. An exciting burst of flavor is offered by the mignotte, which is made with red wine vinegar, shallots and spices.
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85 D essert was truly delightful-a key lime pie that was simple, tart, and light. It was served with coffee that was flavorful and rich. The attention to detail was apparent throughout, and appreciated . E stablished in 2006, Standard Oyster Company is stll a new restaurant. But it's apparent that they've already found their stride. The aesthetic of the restaurant is unique, and the floorplan lacks tables, instead focusing on an all- bar layout. People truly seem to enjoy conversing with folks near them, and even the servers were happy. Of note, the restaurant has retained almost all of their original staff-a rare feat considering the rapid turnover in the industry. T he Low Country Boil is a favorite in the Foothills. This one is nearly perfect. Steamed oysters provide the base for this dish, and these are from Appalachiacola Florida. Alaskan Snow Crab Legs and plump shrimp are seasoned, along with andoulle sausage are perfectly seasoned with a house blend of spices which remind me of the Old Bay I remember, but with a deeper base note. Potatoes and corn are also added to the mix, which is steamed until the flavors blend just so. Founder Zackardy Cranford Standard Oyst er Company’s mission i s t o c r e a t e a e n e r g e t i c d i n i n g e x p e r i e n c e t h a t i n c l u d e s a v a s t array of oyst ers and fresh s e afo o d. M y d i n i n g e x p e r i e n c e l e a d s m e t o b e l i e v e t h a t t h e y a r e h e a r t i l y s u c c e e d i n g a t t h e i r m i s s i o n . (828)322-1705 standardoyst erco.com
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86 Standard Oyster Company works with craft brewers to cre ate this d e l i c i o u s oy s t e r s t o u t , c ra f t e d out of their own oyst er shells!
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87 P o l i o , P i t c h f o r k s , a n d P e r s e v e r a n c e : H o w a N o r t h C a ro l i n a C o u n t y N a m e d C a t a w b a B u i l t a “Miracle” $25 A study of a ‘miracle,’ a look into a battle fought i m m e d i a t e l y p o s t W o r l d Wa r I I w h e r e a s m a l l community gathered together to fi ght an insidious nemesis similar those in the European and Pacific theaters... F o u r t e e n e s s a y s c o v e r t h e b a t t l e i n 1 9 4 4 including essays on the time period, the disease p o l i o m y e l i t i s , t h e l e g a l r a m i f i c a t i o n s , p e r s o n a l i n t e r v i e w s w i t h s u r v i v o r s o f t h e b a t t l e a n d a history and the creation of the Polio Emergency Hospital--The Miracle--in Hickory by residents of Catawba County, Miracle: How a North Carolina County Named Catawba Battled Polio and Won $20 M i r a c l e i s a c u m u l a t i v e w o r k o f t h e f a c u l t y o f C a t a w b a Va l l e y C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e a n d i t s service community to understand and interpret the 1944 Polio Epidemic, Catawba County’s single m o s t f o r m a t i v e e v e n t . T h e c r i s i s p ro v o k e d a n inspiring response by the community, including the 54-hour construction of the Emergency Polio Hospital, providing an important lesson that good grows from cooperation. Published by Redhawk Publishing, Catawba Valley Community College, Hickory NC http://cvcc.edu Av a i l a b l e a t t h e H i s t o r y M u s e u m o f C a t a w b a C o u n t y i n N e w t o n a n d a t t h e H a r p e r H o u s e / Hickory History Center in Hickory.
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88 Apples! Enjoy this collection of delcious apple recipes. Check out your local orchard or farmers market to find fresh apples. These recipes are created by Beth Rogers. Preheat over to 425F. In a large bowl, toss together the apples, sugar, flour, vanilla, salt and spices. Set aside. Roll out the pie crust and fit into a 9 inch pie dish, trimming the edges and crimping if desired. Pour the apples into the crust and arrange evenly. In a bowl combine the flour & brown sugar and stir together. Stir in the grated cheese, and the the butter, using your hands to work the butter into the dough, until small pea-sized crumbles form and the flour is worked in evenly. Sprinkle the crumble over the apples. Bake at 425F on a low rack of the oven for 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to 375F, move the pie to a middle rack and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crumble is a deep golden brown 1 2 3 4 5 6 SAVORY APPLE PIE WITH CHEDDAR CRUMB TOPPING INGREDIENTS: FOR THE FILLING: 8 CUPS OF APPLES, SLICED AND (I STORE THEM IN LEMON/WATER MIXTURE TO PREVENT BROWNING) ¼ CUP SUGAR 2 TEASPOONS OF CINNAMON ¼ TEASPOON OF GINGER 3 TABLESPOONS OF FLOUR 1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT PINCH OF SEA SALT FOR THE STRESUEL: 1 CUP FLOUR ½ CUP BROWN SUGAR 1 STICK OF BUTTER, 8 TABLESPOONS, CUT INTO SMALL PIECES, OR GRATED ¾ CUP GRATED CHEDDAR CHEESE CRUST: PILLSBURY™ REFRIGERATED PIE CRUST OR YOUR FAVORITE PIE CRUST
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89 Savory apple pie w/ Cheddar
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90 Turkey Apple Melts
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91 APPLE SPINACH SALAD Ingredients: Apples Spinach Onions Pecans Crumbled Bacon Goat Cheese Instructions: Slice your apples and onions. Crumble freshly fried bacon. Combine all the ingredients to your liking. Apple Dressing Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Olive Oil 1 1/2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon shallot, minced 2 teaspoons of dijon mustard with whole seeds. 2 1/2 teaspoons of honey 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper Instructions: In a mixing bowl, combine all the liquids with a wisk, adding in the spices until the mixture is relatively smooth. Lightly toss your mixed salad with this dressing for a tangy, exciting kick. You can experiment with different flavors of vinegar and mustard to create your perfect dressing. APPLE WALNUT SCONES Grating the butter into the flour mixture make a quick step of getting the right “crumble” for the dough. Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 8 tablespoons unsalted butter grated on a box grater just like cheese 1 egg 3/4 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 honeycrisp apples chopped cinnamon sugar for sprinkling (mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 table- spoon cinnamon) Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400 de- grees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour sugar, baking powder, cin - namon and salt. Add the butter and toss with the flour. Add the egg, buttermilk and vanilla. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped apples. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and then pat into a 1-inch- thick circle. Cut the dough into 8 wedges. Place pieces, about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Brush each piece with buttermilk and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. APPLE CINNAMON MUFFINS Makes 1 dozen large muffins or 24 mini muffins - which make the perfect after school treat! Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour (+ 2 tea - spoons for coating apples) 1½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (+ ½ teaspoon for coating apples) 2 cups diced apples ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract ½ cup milk For the Topping: ½ cup butter, melted ¼ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup ground cinnamon Instructions Preheat oven to 375º F. Spray muffin tins with bakers spray or coat well with shortening or butter and flour, making sure to discard any excess flour from the tins after coating. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside. Toss together diced apples and 2 teaspoons of flour to coat apples in a separate bowl. Set aside. Cream together butter and sugar until lightened in color, about 3 minutes. Add an egg, one at a time, taking care to fully incorporate be- fore adding the other. Mix in vanilla. Gently fold in flour mixture, alternating with milk. Stir until just combined. Fold in diced apples and scoop mixture into prepared muffin tins, filling about ⅔ to ¾ full. Bake until a toothpick or skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Prepare topping for muffins while the muffins are baking by melting the butter and allowing to cool slightly. Pour butter into a separate bowl sized easy for dipping tops of muffins. Mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl and set aside. Once muffins have baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly in the muffin tin. Then, re - move each muffin and dip first into the melted butter and then into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place onto a plate to finish cooling. TURKEY APPLE MELTS Apples provide the “crunch” to this grilled sandwich which stands up to the heat and adds the perfect amount of sweet- ness with the savory turkey and cheese. Ingredients 2 slices bread - a good sturdy bread for grilling such as sour- dough or country white Deli turkey Sliced havarti cheese Apple slices - core the apple, leave on the peeling and slice thin with a knife or on the madoline Spicy mustard - Lusty Monk Honey Mustard is a favorite for this sandwich Instructions: To assemble, spread mustard on one slice of bread, layer with turkey, apple and then cheese. Top with second slice of bread and lightly butter the outer side. Grill with a panini press or griddle pan. Delicious served with pretzel thin chips with spicy dijon mustard.
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92 Willow Cre ek Inn 3083 Wyant Rd, Vale (704) 276-1111 Highland Avenue 883 Highland Avenue Southeast Hickory (828) 267-9800 Piccolo’s 915 West Avenue Northwest Lenoir (828) 757-3554 Cafe Rule 242 11th Avenue Northeast Hickory (828) 324-2005 St orie Stre et Grill 1167 Main Stre et Blowing Ro ck (828) 295-7075 foothills rest
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93 ant guide t o Fine Dinin g B istro Ro ca 143 Wonderland Trail Blowing Ro ck (828) 295-4008 Ro ot and Vine Restaurant 139 West Union Stre et Morganton (828) 433-1540 Scoggin’s St e akhous e 300 Chimney Ro ck Road Set 16 Rutherfordton (828) 287-3167 Wist eria S outhern G astropub 108 East Me eting Stre et Morganton (828) 475-6200
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94 foothills restaurant guide to Casual Dining Foggy Ro ck Eat er y & Pub 8180 Valley Blvd Blowing Ro ck (828) 322-7262 J ulia’s Talley Hous e 305 N Main Stre et Troutman (704) 528-6962 Umi Japanes e Restaurant 40 Cloniger Mill Road NE Hickory (828) 322-5511 Amb er Jack 4253 South New Hop e Road Cramerton (704) 824-5502 Sims Countr y BBQ 6160 Petra Mill Road Granite Falls (828) 396-5811 Shatley Sprin gs Inn 407 Shatley S prings Road Crumpler (336) 982-2236 B o ondo cks Tap Ro om 108 S Jeffers on Avenue West Jeffers on (336) 246-5222 Coyot e K it chen 200 Southgate Drive Bo one (828) 265-4041
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95 Granit e Falls Brewin g Company 47 Duke Stre et Granite Falls (828) 212-1222 Olde Hickor y Tap Ro om 222 Union Square Hickory (828)322-1965
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96 foothills restaurant guide to frugal favorites Hat ch 268 1st Ave NW Hickory (828) 322-1196 Wo o dlands Barb e cue 8304 Valley Blvd Blowing Ro ck (828) 295-3651 Sprout s Cafe 1012 S New Hop e Road G astonia (704) 864-5244 Blackwo o d’s Drive-In 201 York Road Kings Mountain (704) 730-8899 MiMi’s Dair y-O Pizz a 286 Chimney Ro ck Road Rutherfordton (828) 288-2988
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97 Snappy Lunch 125 N Main St Mount Airy (336) 786-4931 Smokey Mountain BBQ 1008 S Jeffers on Avenue West Jeffers on (336) 246-6818 Buckaro o Grille 9531 NC Highway 93 S parta (336) 359-2825 Our Daily Bre ad Deli 627 West King St Bo one (828) 264-0173 Black Cat Burrit o 127 S D ep ot Stre et Bo one (828) 263-9511
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98 Beer
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99 C raft beer has become tremendously popular across the country. This boom has created an excellent opportunity for Foothills craftsmen to develop new interests and skillsets. Brewing has become a Carolina pastime and here, it is a way of life. At least 18 breweries are operating across the foothills, each creating many signature beers. These craftsmen are dedicated to developing new and exciting brews, while staying loyal to the basic recipes that have satisfied people for centuries. W alking into a brewery for the first time is exciting. The air is damp and warm and the smell of hops permeate everything. Whiffs of yeast are on the breeze, which pique your curiosity and appetite. Large vats line the walls, shiny and somehow inviting and intimidating at the same time, but craft breweries are often filled with small batches, some exotic, some hoppy, and some so dark they are only for the boldest of drinkers. It’s also impossible to miss the artistry involved at many levels. Pallets of cans and bottles with artful logos await delivery. Colors pop, and flavors are thoughtfully represented by their branding. This is no fly-by-night operation. Something special is happening here. in the Foothills Honor Ale Hous e Granit e Falls Brewer y
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100 Beer is made of four basic ingredients: barley, hops, water and yeast. The ratios and additional ingredients, like spices, are up to the brewer, and the process is reminiscent of science class in high school. The delicacy and freedom involved in the process accounts for the amazing variety of beers on the market. The Brewers Association defines Craft Breweries as those meet the following criteria: Small: Annual production of beer less than 2 million barrels. Beer production is attributed to a brewer according to the rules of alternating proprietorships. Flavored malt beverages are not considered beer for purposes of this definition. Independent: Less than 25% of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member who is not themselves a craft brewer. Traditional: A brewer who has either an all malt flagship (the beer which represents the greatest volume among that brewers brands) or has at least 50% of its volume in either all malt beers or in beers which use adjuncts to enhance rather than lighten flavor. Honor Ale Hous e
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101 American Honor Ale House americanhonoralehouse.com 883 Highland Ave. SE Hickory, NC 28602 Appalachian Mountain Brewery amb.beer 163 Boone Creek Drive Boone, NC 28607 Basic Brewery www.basicbrewery.com 131 3rd Avenue West Hendersonville, NC 28792 Blowing Rock Brewing blowingrockbrewing.com 152 Sunset Drive Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Boonedocks Brewing www.boondocksbeer.com/ 108 S. Jefferson Ave West Jefferson, NC 28694 Booneshine Brewing booneshinebeer.com 246 Wilson Drive Suite L Boone NC 28607 Catawba Brewing Co 212 South Green Street Morganton, NC 28655 catawbabrewing.com Flat Top Brewing flattopbrewing.com 567 Main St. E Banner Elk, NC 28604 Beech Mountain Brewing Company beechmountainresort.com/mountain/brewery 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain, NC 28604
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102 Foothills Brewing foothillsbrewing.com 638 W 4th St Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Fonta Flora Brewery fontaflora.com 317 N. Green Street Morganton, NC 28655 Granite Falls Brewing Co granitefallsbrewing.com 47 Duke Street Granite Falls, NC 28630 Lost Province Brewing Co lostprovince.com 130 N. Depot St Boone, NC 28607 Newgrass Brewing Co newgrassbrewing.com 213 S Lafayette St Shelby, NC 28150 Olde Hickory Brewery oldehickorybrewery.com 222 Union Square Hickory, NC 28601 Sanctuary Brewing Company sanctuarybrewco.com 147 1st Ave E Hendersonville, NC 28792 Southern Appalachain Brewery sabrewery.com 822 Locust St Hendersonville, NC 28792 Loe’s Brewing Company loesbrewing.com 1048 Harper Ave NW Lenoir NC 28645
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103 Honor Ale Hous e
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104 T he New River Trail 57 Miles of B ike Trails follow an abandone d Norfolk S outhern rail line through b e autiful mountain wilderness. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the modern world. It’s important that we take the time to quiet our minds and to reconnect with nature. North Carolina offers so many opportunities to do this, and a good many of them are right in our own back yards. The New River Trail is one of these. This winding route is gentle, not requiring steep climbs or descents. The trail follows the south fork of the New River and offers excellent views. Ashe County’s lush vegetation is on display along the path of Railroad Grade Road. No hike or ride in Ashe County would be complete without Christmas trees or quilt squares, and you’ll see both on this trip. You can even rent a bike at River Girl Fishing Company. Follow the trail into Virginia for a full-day adventure. You’ll encounter hikers and bikers, and they are usually the friendliest of folks.
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106 We See What We Want To See The Henry River Mill Village Photography by Clayton Joe Young We S e e What We Want to S e e is a new b o ok ab out the Henr y River Mill Village. T he mill village sit s just off I-40 in Hildebran and is st e epe d in hist or y. T he mill village has b e en abandone d for de cades, and the dilapidat e d hous es, alon g with the countr y st ore, have a t endency t o inspire cre ativity. T he sit e was even the s ettin g for the blo ckbust er movie Hun ger G ames. T he b o ok includes hist or y, phot ography and po etr y, and ende avors t o encapsulat e what makes the are a s o spe cial. T he b o ok is brought t o you by Re dhawk Publishin g and is a collab oration b etwe en Tim Pe eler, Kelly Carroll and Clayt on Jo e Youn g. Excitin g new plans for the space are in the works, and Fo othills Digest will cover the renovations and ke ep you informe d of all of the excitin g new chan ges!
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109 Rocking Chair Theater Daddy’s chair The concrete porch The kicked in door The last curve Before the bridge Where daddy watched S eventy-five years Of cars and trucks Weave through Or the country Watched them come and go Watched kids grow up and leave Listened to the music Of tires and engines Watched the leaves green Then yellow then brown Then fall Then green again. Daddy departed, The wind Still rocks his chair.
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110 Daddy’s Restless World Nothing tells me the world Is upside down like mama’s Yellow kitchen chair on Daddy’s poker porch Setting there in front Of the only fancy screen Door in the whole hill And we know that daddy And all them boys sat On stacks of dope crates They poached from the mill And mama would a never Let her bean stringing chair Her kids’ barber chair Her better tell the truth When she set you there Chair cross the threshold To Daddy’s restless world.
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112 DEAR DAVID, Every year I dread fall and winter thanks to my seasonal depression. I want to avoid medications given that it doesn’t really affect me in warmer months and I prefer a more all natural approach. What kind of things would you recommend? Woes in the winter Dear WITW, Let me encourage you to make an appointment with your primary care provider and possibly a therapist to help assess your specific concerns appropriately. As far as general recommendations often times seasonal depression can come down to basic brain chemistry. We tend to move less, eat more carbs and refined sugars, and get less sun thus producing less of our “positive” neurotransmitters and relying more heavily on a limited energy source. Some excellent interventions I have seen in the past are a lower carbohydrate diet, increased cardiovascular exercise, and light therapy. Light therapy lights simulate the sun without the cancer causing rays in a compact device that is compact enough for an office. There are also natural supplements like St John’s Wort that you could consider but make sure it is from a reputable source. There is no shame in asking for help, no shame in taking medication, and I am sure there are many more out there that are afraid to ask this same question. Thank you for reaching out! Sincerely, David Zealy-Wright LPC, LCAS I am a public school educator and have been for twenty years. I have seen a tremendous shift in accountability as have many of my colleagues. In the past, students were held accountable for incomplete work and behavior issues but more and more the parents blame us, the educators, when students do not perform well. I am frustrated and looking for ways to encourage parents to hold their children accountable without creating additional conflict. Sincerely, Tired Teacher Dear TT, First and foremost, allow me to empathize with what must be an incredibly frustrating situation. As a therapist I am often faced with client’s that struggle with being accountable for their own choices and decisions. I would encourage you to avoid getting defensive and try to focus on collaboration and putting the ball back in the parent’s court. For example, when a parent is upset with you for holding a student accountable for behavior issues or incomplete work perhaps try asking what works for them at home when the student doesn’t listen or complete chores. I think it is even appropriate to remind parents of the value of learning coping skills for the world of work once they leave school. After all, an employer is not going to discuss potential termination or disciplinary action with someone’s parent before taking action. DEAR DAVID, David Zealy-Wright is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and a Clinical Supervisor Intern. He graduated from Catawba Valley Community College in 2005 earning an Associate in Arts, Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2008 earning a BA in Psychology, and in 2010 an MA in Agency Counseling. His specialty areas include addiction, depression, anxiety, life changes, men’s issues, relationships, and LGBTQIA issues.
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113 At Grayson Highlands, wild ponies graze near the hiking trails. Photo courtesy of Kelsey Crowe.
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114 foothills astrologer Astrology is the study of the relationship between the location of celestial bodies and life on earth. It’s incredibly complex, but most of what you see in magazines and newspapers is predominantly fluff. Astrology looks at the placement of the planets at a person’s birth, and also the current or future placement of planets. Typical reports like these would include a simple paragraph for each of the 12 signs-there isn’t enough room to provide helpful information in that format. Instead, I’ll explain only the current placements. What you read will be felt by everyone, so your sign doesn’t matter here. For info about your natal chart, or for custom horoscopes, email foothillsastrologer@gmail.com.
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115 October 17: Mercury enters Scorpio. The way we think and talk becomes more probing, intense, even smoldering. Mercury is coming from Libra, where our thoughts went to balance and fair ness. Now, we are looking for truths that are hidden-we realize life isn’t fair, and we are all wanting to probe everything-search for motivations. We are connected to the profound and small talk will become uninteresting. Focus is key and intelligence is sexy. October 19: New Moon at 26 Libra. New moons are the best times to begin projects. This is the time to set intentions. What do you want to accomplish in the next 6 months? The new moon has the Sabian Symbol “AN AIRPLANE SAILS, HIGH IN THE CLEAR SKY.” We should consider Sabian Symbols a riddle, and think about how they apply to our lives. This particular one is often interpreted to be about looking at the stress of our lives from a different, farther out angle. Think about how that image applies to any new projects you are beginning now. A new moon means that the sun and moon are in the same degree of the zodiac, and on this day, they are also both opposite Uranus. Uranus is the planet of rebellion, and this ties a good bit of rebellious energy to the sun and moon. Creativity, innovation and impulsiveness will be felt by everyone. Mercury is also conjunct Jupiter at this point, which elevates everyone’s reasoning ability. October 22: Mars enters Libra. Mars will bring our fiery passions, our anger and our excitement to a place of balance and fair ness. This sometimes cools the passions and angers, and always softens it a bit. Everyone will be more char ming, and everyone will be better at seeing multiple sides of a subject. People do tend to get into intellectual debates more when Mars is in Libra, but the debates are cool-headed and feel pleasant. You may notice a bit more passive aggressiveness during this time, especially in people who have a challenging natal Mars placement. October 23: Sun enters Scorpio. This is probing, revelatory. Sun is scorpio always feels transfor mative. It’s a great time to dig into yourself a little, figure yourself out, so that your uniqueness will shine. Secrets will be more interesting to everyone. Scorpio drips with desire, so this is a good time to sort out what you want in many areas of life. November 3: Satur n square Chiron. Many people will be feeling afraid, especially that they won’t be able to meet their responsibilities head on. We may feel like we are falling short. We will feel like we need to break free from societal limitations, but like we don’t know how to do that. We should look now at what makes us feel vulnerable. November 4: Full moons are times of harvest. Taurus is pragmatic, earthly, and grounded. This full moon is a good time to reconnect to the earth. Taurus rules money and prosperity, and this is an excellent time to spend money on something that feels good to you. It’s easy to feel the truth that money is energy under this full moon. Taurus is not flashy but is steady and expressive. Also, call your mom, grandma or your kids-Taurus rules our rootedness and moon rules our emotions and connection to the feminine. It will feel good to make that connection. November 5: Mercury enters Sagittarius. Where we wanted to uncover secrets last week, now we want to lear n a little
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116 about a wide range of topics. We are happier, and more full of faith. We are again concer ned with fair ness. November 7: Venus enters Scorpio-If you’re in a relationship, hold on to your hat. Venus represents our loving energy, and scorpio is intense, all or nothing. This makes relationships very up and down during this period. Everything is very hot-tempers and passions, and surface level flirtations simply won’t do. Relationship thoughts seem all consuming now. November 11: Satur n trine Uranus-this is an excellent time to make positive changes in your life. The rebellious nature of Uranus is attached to the steady energy of Satur n, making transitions smoother than they would nor mally be. It’s such a good time to combine innovation and tradition. November 18: New Moon in Scorpio. the sun and moon have joined together at the 26th degree of Scorpio. The Sabian Symbol is: A MILITARY BAND MARCHES NOISILY ON THROUGH THE CITY STREETS. This seems to be about obnoxiously pushing culture on others. This symbol is about “pomp”. Since new moons are times of setting intention, think about what intentions are being set today, especially around the notions of patriotism or nationalism. November 21: Sun enters Sagittarius. During the next month, we should feel the collective consciousness shift toward connection, reaching out to things larger than ourselves. This is a month for big pictures. November 22: Neptune tur ns direct-Neptune has been in retrograde, which means that we were all more intuitive than nor mal. It’s important that we pay attention to problems we noticed when Neptune was retrograde- now that it has tur ned around, the problems you intuited are likely to tur n into actual problems if you don’t deal with them. December 1: Venus enters Sagittarius. This is certainly more fun for relationships. It’s a pleasant time, because gone is the “all or nothing” feeling that’s been in the air. This is time for broad romantic gestures and for enjoying each other. December 2: Jupiter trine Neptune. Magic is in the air. This is expansion and good luck slamming into spirituality, religion, mysticism and creativity. Matters of the church and occult will be on people’s minds. December 3: Mercury tur ns retrograde. Mercury retrogrades get a lot of bad press, but they aren’t the end of the world. I know they aren’t because they happen four times each year. While Mercury is retrograde, you may experience some problems with communication, and electronics have a tendency to break. It’s a great time to do “re” words like review, rewind, relax, and renew. December 3: This full moon should bring wild energy, radical enthusiasm, and unpredictable activity. It’s making some key contacts with Orcus and Neptune, locking the three energies in an intense swirl. Orcas energy is about judging right from wrong, while Neptune highlights our intuition. Moon represents our emotions and softer side, and these
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117 three energies are strongly combined this day. The Sabian for this full moon is “A black girl fights for her independence in the city.” Remember that these are riddles we must consider. This one speaks of civil rights and the fight. This is about being liberated from the ghosts of our past, and everyone should feel this energy. On this day there is also a sharp collection of energies from Ixion, Satur n, Pholus, Mercury, Quaoar, Uranus, Pallas and Vertex. It’s very unusual for so many energies to be linked in one shape, but these represent the destruction of what isn’t useful, restrictions and responsibility, explosive energy, communication, genius, rebellion, strategy and good luck. This day has potential to shake up the world. There may be racial issues that come to the forefront, but everyone will find it easier to see out-of-the-box solutions, and people will feel a bit riled up. December 5: Chiron tur ns Direct. Chiron is a small body that has been effects here on earth. Chiron represents our wounds and healing-it’s the childhood memory that scarred you, the one that you think about when you can’t sleep. But it also holds the secret for healing that wound, and for healing others. It spends half it’s time in retrograde, but the days when it tur ns are often felt by everyone. If you feel yourself being focused on old wounds this day, it’s ok. Poke around at them a little, because it will be easier to heal today. December 9: Mars enters Scorpio. Scorpio holds the “I desire” energy of the zodiac, and Mars is driven and focused on it’s goals. When Mars is here, we are strong and single minded towards our goals. This is an excellent time to make progress on personal projects, or to go after the things you are wanting. December 18: New Moon 26 Sagittarius.This new moon has the Sabian “A sculptor at his work.” This is a very positive Sabian for a New Moon, which is the time to plant seeds, start projects, and begin. It’s about our ability to create what we are imagining, and it’s a strong sign that our new projects will be successful. December 19: Satur n enters Capricor n. Satur n is at its strongest in Capricor n. Both deal with age, experience, responsibility, and things that are built to last . Satur n has two sides, generally…it’s the responsible father, but also the thing that restricts, keeps us away from our desires. But Capricor n doesn’t have that negative side, and when Satur n is in Capricor n, it’s more positive traits are easier to access. Capricor n forces a positive expression of Satur n, and we will all be working hard when this transit rolls around. December 21: Sun enters Capricor n. The sun joins Satur n, and our focus shifts toward responsibility, respect for authority, and completion. Working towards your biggest goals will feel good now and will likely be successful. December 25: Venus enters Capricor n. Now Venus, which is our sense of beauty, our love life, and our soft side, is connected to a very responsible and enduring place. It will be easy to get serious about our finances and also getting along with coworkers (or family-great, since you’re likely visiting yours around this time.) Our artistic energy is also amplified. It’s a great time to paint a picture. We value the reliable, faithful people in our lives more now.
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118 Our downtown was small, a four-block Main street separating facing buildings, railroad tracks parallel to the south. The railroad tracks also marked the beginning of the poor black part of town—the part I lived in. To the north was where the white people lived, and regardless of their wealth, or lack of, they were seemingly better off than we were. At least according to my parents and grandparents. My pop and grandpop claimed we couldn’t hide our poverty, even when we had money in the bank. No currency bought white skin in 1974. But to me life seemed less sinister and more bright than the way my parents saw it. My father had a small appliance repair in downtown since 1968, which meant that I was recognized by downtown merchants as a “good boy” and my father “one of the good ones.” Pop ran a good shop, did good work, charged fair prices, and even though he often found prejudice in certain words and actions, his business fed us and he traveled each day across the tracks, opened a business among white businesses, and interacted with them every day without a problem. It as from Pop that I wanted to be in business. I saw the respect everyone had for him when he repaired a vacuum cleaner or a small engine. I saw how relieved they were when he came to their house and repaired a washing machine for 2% of what a new one cost. Even at 13 years old, I knew that capitalism— if done right—would bring people together. Dr. King had proven in the bus boycotts that money is green. In 1973, from the back of a comic book, I’d ordered a Grit Newspaper starter kit. I was 12 and wanted a little more money than what my father paid me cleaning vacuum hoses and the floors of the shop after school. “Earn $1 to $6 a week Sell GRIT in your spare time.” I’d seen the Grit paper before at my grandma’s house. It was filled with recipes and suggestions for planting gardens, news about interesting things. It had been started in 1882 and called itself “America’s Family Newspaper.” I asked grandma why there was no black people in the paper, but she told me to hush and read the comics. “Stop looking for hurt,” she said. Now I was looking for ways to make extra cash and the ad promised 7 cents profit on every Grit Boy by JA Hoke
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119 paper sold. I cut out the coupon and about two weeks later, I received a manila envelope with all the information needed to get 25 free copies of Grit: America’s Number One Family Newspaper to sell. They even sent a canvas bag to carry them in and an official salesman pin. My intention was to peddle these papers downtown with my pop’s store being my ground zero. I was clearing $30 a week at seven cents a paper profit in only a month’s time, but it was the tips that created the actual size of the revenue. The paper was twenty cents a copy but people would give me a quarter almost every time. Some people would even give me extra pennies from their pockets with the quarter, all of it adding up. They called me “Grit Boy” and the appellation didn’t bother me. I ignored condescension when it arose, but the majority of the folks downtown were nice to me—respectful and helpful—and there were times I forgot that I was black in the 1970s in the North Carolina foothills. The merchants looked for me every Tuesday, as did lots of people on the streets in town. They’d whistle for me, holler at me—“Hey, Grit Boy! Paper here!”—handing me dollars which I would change from the change machine on my belt, purchased with prize points from the slick Grit Magazine we’d get once a month, complete with pictures of white faced boys from across America who’d won bikes and record players. I loved the sound of that changing machine, and I knew the levers by heart, thumbing out three quarters and a nickel change, often putting the tipped nickel back, sometimes a quarter, sometimes nothing, often a “thank you.”. Sometimes people looked at me, but more often than not, they looked at the canvas bag around my shoulder, the paper as I handed it to them, their change purse as they fingered change for the twenty cents. I didn’t take offense at it. I think they were maybe ashamed at something they ought not to be. Me, I was interested in delivering a product that they enjoyed, and I didn’t care who bought it. Money is green. I was Grit Boy and at about $120 a month in profit, I was going to become Rich Boy. The businesses downtown didn’t seem to mind my peddling the paper to them and their customers. Only two places were off limits: The hobby store, run by a mean old man who hated children but had decided selling toys, model cars, and GI Joe was the best vocaion, and Burt’s Bar and Grille, where beer was sold. Old man Steen who owned the hobby store ran me off the very first time I’d went into his store, screaming, “Get outta here! You stay outta my store! You don’t sell in here!” So, I stayed out. Crazy people are best left alone. My father would not allow me to go into Burt’s Bar and Grille. “It’s too dangerous,” he said. “Drunken white people and colored people do not mix. Drunk white people are mean. They’re mean deep down anyway, Dean, but when they get drunk, all that Civil War stuff comes up and afore you know it, you’re either on the floor getting kicked or you’re doing the kicking from a rope.” Those images scared me for about two minutes. The drunk people I’d met were almost always black. And if white people could be angry about the past, black folks could too. Seemed to me that alcohol made anyone who drank it angry about the past, but I still stayed away from Burt’s. However, Burt always found me. Burt was a woman—a big lady—as wide as she was tall, blond hair mashed under a hairnet, teal uniform, with a stained apron, white shoes like a nurse wears. I’d see her between 2 and 4 pm almost every day during summer, walking from the alley behind her Bar to either the Woolworth’s or McClellan’s Five-and-Ten. She’d sit at the store’s lunch counter and drink cola and eat. Odd that she cooked in a bar bit ate liver and onions at the Woolworth’s lunch counter. Every so often she’d see me, holler “Grit Boy! C’Mere!” and I’d pretend not to hear, go out the door into the humidity. However, she’d sometimes corner me in a store or even by the Coke machine by the pharmacy. “Hey, howabout bringing me one of them Grit papers ever time you get one?” She’d buy one and I’d promise to come see her, and then I’d never go because of the fear of the drunken Civil War Confederate soldier lynching me. One bright August day, the sun high in a Carolina blue sky, Burt caught me buying a Cheerwine from a drink machine near the Deluxe Barbershop. “I’m thinking you’re scared a me,” she said. “You won’t come see me even though I’d buy your wares.” I looked at the ground and felt kind of bad. The tenor in her voice sounded as though she was hurt, not mad. It reminded me of the way my mother sounded when she talked about Jesus and everything He went through. “Uh, “ I stammered, “No ma’am. I just ain’t allowed to go in a Bar. My pop won’t let me.”
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120 She laughed. “Kid, I sell more hamburgers and hot dogs with onions than I do beer,” she said. “Pop says that there’s drunk people in there, and—“ “Ain’t no drunks allowed to hang around my place, “ she said. “Me or James chuck ‘em out. Do you know James? He’s colored too. He cooks for me, cleans up, washes dishes.” She said it like me and James had a common ailment and that him working for her meant that I should probably work for her too. I was thankful she didn’t ask me if I knew him. White people seem to think all black people know one another. I’ve often thought maybe white people all know each other too. “You don’t have to worry about that, Grit Boy,” she said. “Give me a paper.” I pulled one out of the bag, passed it to her as she handed me two quarters. “I’ll give you that same amount each week for a paper. You bring it to the café. I’ll bet you sell a few more to some of the customers. And I might even give you a candy bar, too. If you’re sweet.” I was still scared to go in there, but I knew that if I didn’t, I’d just keep running into Burt and making excuses. So the next week, at the end of the route, I stopped by Burt’s Bar and Grille. It was dark and greasy in there at 5:30 pm. I counted about fourteen guys sitting around the bar and in various booths. My grandfather taught me that I should always count the number of white people when I entered a place that belongs to them. I hadn’t realized until that moment that I’d learned to do it second nature. I didn’t care for things that become second nature. Business seems to not like “The Same.” I’d already learned in a year that improving service and one’s product is the key to success. Business has no room or respect for “tradition” or the “same old, same old.” All of the men looked alike to me, middle aged, dressed in different outfits from shirts and ties to jeans and shirts with their names stitched on them. Sam. Robbie. Earl. My father’s name is EarlI, I thought. This white man has my Pop’s name. I wondered if he has kids. I wondered if his kid read the comics I read. The stand out in the crowd was a younger man with a scowl, staring ahead, a pile of dollar bills mixed in front of him. Also sitting on the table were six empty beer bottles. “Hey! James, bring me another beer, please!” he said. James, the black man who worked for Burt, placed a full bottle in front of the guy, who handed James a dollar from the pile. “Gimme my change and keep ‘em coming, James!” He grinned. “You need to come to work for me, James. You’re wasted here.” “Quit trying to steal, James!” Burt yelled from the back. “You got your own slaves.” Money Man shook his head. “No, Burt, not slaves. Hard workers. Hardest workers I’ve ever seen,” he said. “’Hard workers’!” she said. “James grabs sit- down time ever chance he gets.” James rang the register and put a quarter on the table, his lips tight as though working to keep words inside his mouth, words he knew that must never, ever come out. Storing them under his tongue, hoping that there would always be room for them there. Money Man said something to James I couldn’t hear, and James’ face tightened a bit more. He disappeared to the kitchen. Burt saw me through the window to the kitchen. “C’mere, Grit Boy! You bring my paper?” I stopped at the counter. “C’mon into the kitchen! I don’t bite.” I wasn’t so sure. I went to the end of the bar and walked into the kitchen. Burt was perched on a wheeled stool in front of the grill. She rolled over to me, pushing herself with one foot. I reckoned that she must zoom around the kitchen on that stool all day long like a weeble alight a skateboard. She grabbed the offered paper, handed me two quarters, and threw me a kiss. “I just love you. Thanks for bringing Old Burt a paper. See you next week.” I turned, went around the bar and toward the door. I felt eyes on me this time, eyes I hadn’t felt coming in. I opened the door and the bell above my head rang clear, the heat from outside fussing with the air conditioning inside. “Hey!” I stopped. Heat, cool. Bell jingling. “Hey! Bring me one of them papers!” I looked. It was Money Man. Aloft in his the fingers of his right hand was a dollar bill. I took three steps, pulled a paper from my bag, changed it for the dollar, went to the change machine on my belt. “Keep it!”
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121 I nodded, stumbled a bit, stepped back, pulled at the door. Jingle, heat, cool. “Hey!” I looked. Money Man again. “Give that guy one of them papers!” I couldn’t really see at whom he was pointing. I pointed at a balding guy whose back was to us in a booth. “Yeah, him!” He held aloft another dollar. “Keep it!” I went to the balding guy’s booth. “He bought you a paper.” He took it and didn’t even look back at Money Man. I went toward the door again. Jingle, heat, cool. “Hey!” Again. “Give that feller one of them papers!” He pointed to a red haired man at the bar, who happened to be looking at me as though I’d poison him if I touched him. I offered Red the paper, he took it, and I took the proffered dollar from Money Man, who said, “Keep it!” Not to bore, but Money Man bought a dozen more 20 cent papers for a total of 15 and told me to “Keep it!” every time. The last time, I showed him the empty bag, which he stared into with red eyes. “Sold out! Gone!” he said. And so was I. I opened the door so fast the bell danced from its string and hit the floor as the door closed. I took off toward my father’s store, pocket stuffed with cash. I told my father what happened and he looked at me as though I was one of the dummies that sat upon a ventriloquist’s knee, his face a combo of amazement and exasperation. “Didn’t I tell you to stay out of that Bar? You cannot trust--Son, what you going to do when that man sobers up and wonders where 15 of his dollars got to?” I shook my head. I was going to say that he spent it buying Grit for everyone except the mayor, but my father went on. “What you going to do when them other men tell him that he spent 15 of his dollars with the colored Grit boy?” I was at a loss. It was a business transaction, nothing more. Like the other people on my route, he’d bought papers. A product. He said to “keep it” with each dollar. “You reckon that man,” my father said, “Might come a looking for his 15 dollars?” Frozen water plunged my bowels making them feel loose. “Uh oh.” “Yeah,” father said. “Uh oh.” “What am I going to do?” I asked. “I can give him his money back.” “You can. But I’d try and stay outta that area. Keep low the next couple weeks,” he said. I was scared and mad. Scared of running into a sober, mad white guy who might want more than his 15 bucks back, but mad at myself for not realizing what was happening at Burt’s Bar and Grille. I’d let my fear and greed overwhelm me and now I was in an unenviable position. For the next month, I ran my route. Literally. If bikes had been allowed on the town’s sidewalks, I’d have delivered my Grit that way. I avoided Burt’s Bar and Grille and Burt, hiding in alleys, behind drink machines, and even in the backseat of a DeSoto when I saw her coming. One afternoon, as the cooler air of fall pushed the humidity of summer lower, I took an alley shortcut called “Bisener’s Squeeze” to get to Main Ave from second street alley. The “Squeeze” was a three- foot wide opening between two buildings that adults turned sideways to navigate. If one were too fat or too tall, one couldn’t get through The “Squeeze” without, well, squeezing. We kids could walk through it fine, but grownups usually avoided it. I was halfway through the redbrick claustrophobia of The “Squeeze,” when a grown man entered it from Main Ave. I had to quickly back out. I was skinny enough to turn, especially when I saw who it was. Money Man. He saw me. “Hey!” I got ready to run, but my canvas bag got caught on a gas meter and I went sprawling, elbows and knees akimbo as Money Man came out of the crack of the squeeze, leaning over me, offering his hand. I ignored it, got up, thought about running, but my bag was still hooked to the meter and I didn’t want to risk tearing it. Money Man reached and unhooked it. “There you go. Hey, you’re Grit Boy. Give me one of them papers.” He reached in his pocket, pulled out a dollar.
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122 I handed him the paper, sweat burning my eyes, fear spreading like fire. I took the dollar, folded it into my pocket. “Keep the change, Grit Boy,” he said. And winked. “This is a good paper. I like this paper,” he said. “It sells good, don’t it?” I nodded, wishing I had a rag to wipe the sweat from my face and arms. I don’t know why I was so afraid. He was doing nothing to make me afraid. It’s almost like my fear was second nature. “Had nothing like this to make money on when I was a kid,” he said. “Worked on my daddy’s farm for my food and bed, a place to lay my head. Later, I started a car washing business. Did pretty good.” I nodded. “Ya’ll are real lucky, you young’uns. Ya’ll got lots of opportunity we didn’t have.” “Yes, sir,” I said. “You sell this here ever week?” I thought he meant the alley, but said, “Yes, sir. Here in town. Every week. Yes, sir.” “I own the carwash over on 7th,” he said. I knew the place. Nice and new. Lots of people from the neighborhood worked there. According to my father, the owners treated employees well. “Can you bring me one of these ever week?” “Yes, sir, I be glad to.” “And you keep working hard. Stay organized. Don’t waste a dime. You’ll be rich one day,” he said. “Bye now.” I nodded. Turned to go. “Hey!” I turned. “Stay away from beer, too. Grit Boy. It might be good for Bert’s business, but it ain’t good for yours.” I nodded, suddenly ashamed I was afraid of this man. I felt kind of…glad to know him. “And when you’re too old to sell Grit papers, come see me. You’ll make a hell of a car wash manager one day.” “Or owner,” I said. He smiled, nodding. “Or owner.” I took off up the alley, proud of myself and my town. Heck, my country. I had Grit papers to sell and everyone in my town depended on me.
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123 CONTRIBUTORS Robert Canipe Carol Ann Crocker Kelsey Crowe CVMC Heather Wood Davis Granny Eckard Richard Eller Hannah Grace JA Hoke Ashley Kirby Cliff Moone Arlene Neal Beth Rogers James Thomas Shell Kellie Stamey Jeffrey Wilhelm Soloman Yang Pete Zagaroli Cecily Zagaroli David Zealy-Wright With thanks to: Robert Oren Eades and Patrick Jean
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124 Fog rolls through a field on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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126 Suns et on the Blue Ridge Parkway Phot o by Craig Zerby
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130 What do these Awards really mean to You and Your Community Hospital? For the sixth consecutive year, Catawba Valley Medical Center has been named a recipient of the Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience. Also, for the fifth consecutive year, a recipient of America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics. This Women’s Choice Award identifies the nation’s best healthcare institutions measured against the needs and preferences of women, providing her the opportunity to identify which hospitals deliver the quality patient experience she seeks for her and her family, and for her birthing experience. These credentials signify Catawba Valley Medical Center’s commitment and passion towards an extraordinary healthcare experience for all patients, and are further examples of the many ways we’re working to improve the health of our community. 828.326.3000 Follow us on Facebook www.catawbavalleymedical.org facebook.com/CatawbaValleyMedicalCenter Catawba Valley Medical Center does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, national origin, disability, or race in its health programs. Español (Spanish) ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. 繁體中文 (Chinese) 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 Hmoob (Hmong) LUS CEEV: Yog tias koj hais lus Hmoob, cov kev pab txog lus, muaj kev pab dawb rau koj. Hu