Volume 7, Number 46 PDF Version – www.HighlandsInfo.com Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 • Inside • Wooldridge ................... 4 Salzarulo ...................... 5 From Turtle Pond .......... 6 From the Mayor ............ 7 His & Hers .................... 8 Cooking on the Plateau .. 9 Conservative POV ......... 10 Spiritually Speaking ....... 12 EventsPULLOUT .......... 13 Classifieds ..................... 21 HS B-Ball ...................... 23 Police & Fire ................. 23 This Week in Highlands •See BLIGHT page 2 •See DUKE page 24 •See REVAL page 18 Legendary Golfer Bobby Jones immortalized at Highlands Country Club Thursday, Nov. 19 • A drop-in reception to say “goodbye” to Hospital CEO Ken Shull at 3:30-5 p.m. in the Level 1 lobby of the Jane Woodruff Clinic on the hospital campus. • Taize service at Our Lady of the Mountains Roman Catholic Church at 5:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Nov. 20-21 • On Friday, Highlands High School Alumnae weekend basket- ball. Call Coach Lamb at (828) 526- 2147. Friday, Nov. 20 • Galax roses workshop at the Highlands Historical Society’s Mu- seum from 1-4 pm. $15 to be donat- ed to the Highlands Historical Soci- ety. All materials will be provided. Call Sue Potts at 526-3163 to register for the class. Saturday, Nov. 21 •The Highlands Memorial Post #370 of the American Legion meets at the Shortoff Baptist Church. Break- fast is at 9 am. Meeting is at 10 a.m. All veterans are invited to attend. • Greenway planting tree event. Call Hillrie Quin at 526-2385. Meet in the large upper parking lot behind the Rec Park at 9 a.m. • Benefit Oyster Roast for High- lands and Cashiers Fire and Res- cue Departments at Noel Atherton’s home at 6355 Whiteside Cove Road – where the two districts meet. For directions call 787-1515 or 200-0490. $5 per head minimum donation. There will be oysters, other edibles and beer. All proceeds to be divided between the two districts. DODs avail- able. Tuesday, Nov. 24 • HIARPT’s Winter Dialogue. All are welcome. Civic Center: 10- 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26 • Thanksgiving Wilson Reunion at the Highlands Recreation Park be- ginning at 12:30 p.m.Call Anne Tate at 526-2840 or Stephanie McCall at 526-4449. The Rogers crew -- Bud, Larry and Mark, with Edward Fielding, sculptor Alexei Kazantsev and Highlands Country Club manager, Greg Crawford. Photo by Jim Lewicki With the leaves off the trees, folks traveling Horse Cove Road may notice a blight on the land- scape under the brow of the Bow- ery. Torrential September rains – the same rains that flooded areas in downtown Highlands – allegedly sent a wall of water down the cliff causing soil, trees and foliage to scour its face leaving the underly- ing granite exposed. Jack Kuhne, property owner of the residence at 41 Split Rail Road — the apparent origination point of the mess — said what happened on his property is reminiscent of the slide responsible for the clos- ing of a portion of I-40, even remi- niscent of the Peek’s Creek tragedy. “We had something like 20 inches of rain in five days which is what caused this,” he said. “This was a natural disaster.” Repair to his property is in the works and should be completed in a few weeks. John Warren, owner of Natu- ral Landscapes, Inc., is restoring an engineered and permitted boulder wall which his company built that broke during the rains. “We don’t know exactly what happened – whether this was an act of God or what because we only Blight on cliff face exposed With the slowing of the real estate market since 2008 – in fact, the instability of the market — 2011 is not the time to do a reval. That’s the word from County Tax Assessor Richard Lightner, and Monday night the commission agreed unanimously. On Jan. 6, 1998, the county adopted a four-year cycle for prop- erty revaluations beginning with the 2007 reval. The reasoning behind the change in 1998 was to equalize the difference between the rapidly changing market values compared to assessed values. “At the time, these values were increasing between 10%-15% per year,” said Lightner. With such growth in market values compared to assessed values – which equals the sales ratio – counties were required to lower the tax bills of the utility companies af- County says ‘no’ to 2011 reval At the last meeting of the Town Board with Mayor Don Mullen and Commissioner Hank Ross, the board made a major decision con- cerning the town’s relationship with its wholesale power supplier, Duke Power. Kevin O’Donnell, with NOVA Energy Consultants, reiterated some of what he explained in April but included many more “final an- swers” concerning the relationship between Duke and Highlands. With new energy sources the hot topic these days and with sever- al small energy suppliers in the vi- cinity, in April commissioners asked O’Donnell to investigate if it would be financially beneficial for Highlands to deal with a different supplier. They also asked him to find out if Highlands could sell re- newable energy harnessed with green energy techniques back to Duke to offset its rate increase. The short answer to both ques- tions was “no.” Basically, no other suppliers are interested in Highlands because of Town signs 20-year contract with Duke
Transcript
Volume 7, Number 46 PDF Version – www.HighlandsInfo.com Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009
• Inside •Wooldridge ................... 4Salzarulo ...................... 5From Turtle Pond .......... 6From the Mayor ............ 7His & Hers .................... 8Cooking on the Plateau .. 9Conservative POV ......... 10Spiritually Speaking ....... 12EventsPULLOUT .......... 13Classifieds..................... 21HS B-Ball ...................... 23Police & Fire ................. 23
This Week in Highlands
•See BLIGHT page 2
•See DUKE page 24
•See REVAL page 18
Legendary Golfer Bobby Jonesimmortalized at Highlands Country Club
Thursday, Nov. 19• A drop-in reception to say
“goodbye” to Hospital CEO KenShull at 3:30-5 p.m. in the Level 1lobby of the Jane Woodruff Clinic onthe hospital campus.
• Taize service at Our Lady ofthe Mountains Roman CatholicChurch at 5:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., Nov. 20-21• On Friday, Highlands High
School Alumnae weekend basket-ball. Call Coach Lamb at (828) 526-2147.
Friday, Nov. 20• Galax roses workshop at the
Highlands Historical Society’s Mu-seum from 1-4 pm. $15 to be donat-ed to the Highlands Historical Soci-ety. All materials will be provided. CallSue Potts at 526-3163 to register forthe class.
Saturday, Nov. 21•The Highlands Memorial Post
#370 of the American Legion meetsat the Shortoff Baptist Church. Break-fast is at 9 am. Meeting is at 10 a.m.All veterans are invited to attend.
• Greenway planting tree event.Call Hillrie Quin at 526-2385. Meet inthe large upper parking lot behind theRec Park at 9 a.m.
• Benefit Oyster Roast for High-lands and Cashiers Fire and Res-cue Departments at Noel Atherton’shome at 6355 Whiteside Cove Road– where the two districts meet. Fordirections call 787-1515 or 200-0490.$5 per head minimum donation.There will be oysters, other ediblesand beer. All proceeds to be dividedbetween the two districts. DODs avail-able.
Tuesday, Nov. 24• HIARPT’s Winter Dialogue.
All are welcome. Civic Center: 10-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, Nov. 26• Thanksgiving Wilson Reunion
at the Highlands Recreation Park be-ginning at 12:30 p.m.Call Anne Tateat 526-2840 or Stephanie McCall at526-4449.
The Rogers crew -- Bud, Larry and Mark, with Edward Fielding, sculptor Alexei Kazantsevand Highlands Country Club manager, Greg Crawford. Photo by Jim Lewicki
With the leaves off the trees,folks traveling Horse Cove Roadmay notice a blight on the land-scape under the brow of the Bow-ery.
Torrential September rains –the same rains that flooded areas indowntown Highlands – allegedlysent a wall of water down the cliffcausing soil, trees and foliage toscour its face leaving the underly-ing granite exposed.
Jack Kuhne, property owner ofthe residence at 41 Split Rail Road— the apparent origination pointof the mess — said what happenedon his property is reminiscent ofthe slide responsible for the clos-ing of a portion of I-40, even remi-niscent of the Peek’s Creek tragedy.
“We had something like 20inches of rain in five days which iswhat caused this,” he said. “This wasa natural disaster.”
Repair to his property is in theworks and should be completed ina few weeks.
John Warren, owner of Natu-ral Landscapes, Inc., is restoring anengineered and permitted boulderwall which his company built thatbroke during the rains.
“We don’t know exactly whathappened – whether this was anact of God or what because we only
Blight oncliff faceexposed
With the slowing of the realestate market since 2008 – in fact,the instability of the market — 2011is not the time to do a reval.
That’s the word from CountyTax Assessor Richard Lightner, andMonday night the commissionagreed unanimously.
On Jan. 6, 1998, the county
adopted a four-year cycle for prop-erty revaluations beginning with the2007 reval.
The reasoning behind thechange in 1998 was to equalize thedifference between the rapidlychanging market values comparedto assessed values.
“At the time, these values were
increasing between 10%-15% peryear,” said Lightner.
With such growth in marketvalues compared to assessed values– which equals the sales ratio –counties were required to lower thetax bills of the utility companies af-
County says ‘no’ to 2011 reval
At the last meeting of the TownBoard with Mayor Don Mullen andCommissioner Hank Ross, theboard made a major decision con-cerning the town’s relationshipwith its wholesale power supplier,Duke Power.
Kevin O’Donnell, with NOVAEnergy Consultants, reiterated someof what he explained in April but
included many more “final an-swers” concerning the relationshipbetween Duke and Highlands.
With new energy sources thehot topic these days and with sever-al small energy suppliers in the vi-cinity, in April commissionersasked O’Donnell to investigate if itwould be financially beneficial forHighlands to deal with a different
supplier. They also asked him tofind out if Highlands could sell re-newable energy harnessed withgreen energy techniques back toDuke to offset its rate increase.
The short answer to both ques-tions was “no.”
Basically, no other suppliers areinterested in Highlands because of
“Our Community Service - A Free Local Newspaper”Member N.C. Press Association
FREE every Thursday; circulation over 7,500Toll Free FAX: 866-212-8913 • (828) 526-0782
LETTERS-TO-THE EDITOR-POLICYWe reserve the right to reject or edit submissions. NO ANONYMOUS LETTERSWILL BE ACCEPTED. Views expressed are not necessarily those of Highlands’
Newspaper. Please EMAIL letters by Monday at 5 p.m.There is a 500-word limit without prior approval.
• HAWK’S EYE VIEW •
Jo
... HORSECOVE continued from page 1
Slope scarring in Horse Cove is reminicient of the Peek’s Creek catastrophe fol-lowing hurricanes Ivan and Frances. – Photo by Mitch Gurganus
found out about it after the fact. But we standbehind our work and are making sure nothinglike this ever happens again.”
The “natural” boulder wall was built at theedge of the property and Warren assumes thatthe rain-saturated soil around the wall gave waycausing it to slide down the mountain with“most of the boulders stopping on Mr. Kuhne’sproperty, though some may have fallen on USFSland, too,” he said.
This time around, a concrete retaining wallhas been constructed and pinned with rebar tothe underlying granite with a second, tiered, 40-foot long masonry wall in front of that whichwill be covered with natural stone.
Two insurance companies that carry thepolicy for Warren’s company won’t cover thedamage to the wall or the property saying it wascaused by water or flooding due to rain.
Though Warren’s company was not theonly company responsible for the landscaping,grading, irrigation or construction, he is the onlyone willing to restore the property.
Kuhne has contributed some money, butmost of the money associated with the repairscosting between $50,000 and $60,000 is com-ing out of Warren’s pocket.
Damage done off the Kuhne property isanother story.
According to Mike Wilkins, USFS Rangerfor the Nantahala District, what happened“seems to be one of those classic avalanche
slides that occur up here.”“But it’s possible that improvements made
to the property above may have contributed tothe occurrence in some way but we just don’tknow yet,” he said. “We have a geologist that’sgoing to take a look at it and we have a realtyspecialist who is going to contact the landown-er, but it’s too early to know anything, yet.”
He said USFS technicians have visited thesite and have reported the damage is pretty se-vere.
“Sometimes we clear this sort of debris up,and sometimes we don’t because clearing it upcan cause more damage,” he said. “My techni-cians tell me it would be very dangerous to try toclear this up by hand because of the steep in-cline there, so we would need to build a narrowroad and use a tract-hoe to get in there, so it getscomplicated.”
Some property owners in the cove allegesoil run-off from the slide has polluted the creekthat meanders through the cove and the Walk-ingstick area.
Wilkins said his fisheries biologist and hy-drologist will be inspecting the stream to accessdamage, too.
He said it’s too early to know if anyoneother than nature is responsible.
“We’re simply looking right now and notblaming anyone.”
....located in an historic summer home• 802 North 4th Street, Highlands
All Sales Final
Everything must go!Huge discounts!
OpenThursdays, Fridays and
Saturdays10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
End of SeasonSale!
at HighlandsAntiques
Join Us Thursday, Nov. 19th through Saturday, Dec. 5thTENT SALE Friday, Nov. 27th - Monday, Nov. 30th
Open Sundays throughNov. 29th
noon to 5 p.m.
* We will be closed Thanksgiving Day
Thank you to everyone who turned out Saturday, Nov. 14, to celebrate Pearle’s 90thbirthday. You made this special day even better.
We were completely thrilled with the number of firends and relatives who came tosee her.
Especially, thanks for all the wonderful cakes, pies, cookies even a sack of potatoes,cards, presents and time everyone put into this day. What a great party thanks to all ofyou!
Pearle Rogers Lambert and her gang.
• THANK YOU •
On Log Cabin Road behind Hampton Inn off N.C. 106 • 526-3380
“Fabulous food in a casual atmosphere“Fabulous food in a casual atmosphere“Fabulous food in a casual atmosphere“Fabulous food in a casual atmosphere“Fabulous food in a casual atmosphere
2 Entrances – Main Street and Oak • 828-787-2200
Open 7 days a weekfor lunch and dinner
“Serving USDA prime steaks & seafood”
N.C. 106 in Dillard Road Shopping Center • 526-4429
Live Music SaturdaysInternational Cuisine
Cyprus Dinner: 5-10 nightly(Open late weekends)
Music with Cy Timmons Fri.-Sat at 6 p.m.
Sunday Brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Lunch: 11-3 everyday
Dinner: 5 until every night except Sunday
526-4188
Now taking Thanksgiving Day reservationsNow taking Thanksgiving Day reservationsNow taking Thanksgiving Day reservationsNow taking Thanksgiving Day reservationsNow taking Thanksgiving Day reservations
Cy Timmons Live Friday & Saturday 6 ‘til closing
Ristorante PaolettiUptown Italian Dining Since 1953Downtown Highlands Since 1984
474 Main Street • 526-3807 • WineSpectator Best of Award of Excellence
Open Nightly for Dinner at 5:30 p.m.Reservations suggested
Small plates & wine, beer and full bar
CHEF WOLFGANG Former Executive Chef for
The Brennan’s Family of Commander’s Palace
The BistroOpen from 4 p.m. – wine & small plates
Taking reservations for Culinary Weekend,Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve
• HIGHLANDS FINE DINING •
I can guarantee you onething. Your organ, if youeven have one, doesn’t
come close to that nastylooking bad boy in AtlanticCity, New Jersey, home ofthe biggest organ in theworld. You should see thatrascal. Go to:www.acchos.org and see foryourself, then write me ifyour organ is bigger.
Years ago, whiletraveling, we checked outthe one in Salt Lake City,used by the MormonTabernacle Choir, and onanother trip to Italy, we sized up the Pope’sorgan at Saint Peter’s Cathedral, butneither of them came close to that baddude at the Boardwalk Theatre. I wouldcall all those other organs “wimpy”compared to these pipes.
Is your organ “wimpy?” Inquiringminds want to know. And does the size ofthe organ have anything to do withperformance? Ha, you bet it does. Researchhas proven that once you’ve experiencedthe largest organ in the world, there’s noreturning to the smaller ones. Hey, ya can’tgo back to the farm after visiting GayParee. It’s like black and white TV aftercolor …. or analog internet after highspeed …. like regular coffee after latte ….like party bridge after duplicate …. stufflike that. Oh, I almost forgot, like readinganother paper after experiencing themeaty Highlands’ Newspaper. By the way,why do they call it “Gay Paree?” Dohomosexuals live there?
***Keep smelling salts nearby before
reading this part. Shortly after returning toSouth Florida the li’l missus and I receiveda letter from Bank of America telling usthey’re unable to honor our change ofaddress request on our account, somethingwe’ve been doing for eons. Our status asUS citizens is now in question. (I’mframing the letter)
The li’l missus and I becamecustomers of Bank of America way back in1958 (yes, that’s 5-8) when it was calledFinancial Federal. We have stuck withthem all this time. Now, almost 52 yearslater, they’re questioning our status asAmericans? They want us to report to alocal branch with proper documents toprove we are not in the country illegally.Are they kidding? Half the country is hereillegally! I hope they’re not holding theirbreath. Hey, I’ll produce my birthcertificate when our president produceshis. Maybe I should register as an illegal
and receive special ID,special treatment andincentives. This is whathappens when a bank canoperate with “free money.”
If you’ve forgotten, oleBank of America is the samerogue bank that madeparade organizers removeAmerican flags from theirproperty because they mightbe offensive to some …. likemaybe Islamic terroristswatching the parade. Theparade was being held tohonor a young soldier killedin combat in Afghanistan.
Yes, this is the same fat-cat bank ourpresident gave skillions of dollars to so theycould pay their CEOs outrageous salariesand bonuses…. which they did …. and stilldo. When will this insanity end? Cananyone recommend a bank with commonsense? Wait, never mind, can someonerecommend a country with commonsense?
***In Moultrie, Georgia, a man walked
into a nursing home and delivered an $800pair of brand new black leather shoes to adying woman. Medicare was billed for theshoes. Please, sit down. Medicarereimbursed somebody $622 for the shoes. Idon’t think the poor woman ever put themon or even knew of the scam. And wheredid the $622 go? Who knows? Wait, it getsworse. The exact same shoes can be boughtin any shoe store for $50. Now the funnypart …. not …. when US Rep. Jim Marshallwas told of the incident he calmly said;“Some overhaul of the country’s health caresystem is needed.” No DUH, an understatedrevelation reaching epic proportions.
***Then there’s ex-president good ole boy
Jimmy Carter who is one happy dude thesedays. Soon, he’ll no longer be known as theworst president this country ever had. Andcan you believe Jimmy had the b….well,you know, to call Rep. Wilson a racist forcalling our president a liar from the floor ofCongress. Jimmy …. wait …. stop whatyou’re doing and go look in the mirror. Theperson staring back at you is a white cottonpickin’ South Georgia plantation peanutfarmer from the ‘40s and ‘50s era. Have youreceived a frontal lobotomy? Did you forgetyour upbringing?
The last time I checked, Jimmy still hadlust in his heart. Hey, me too. It doesn’t dieeasy, does it? Actually, I’m kinda proud that,at my age, I can still have lust in my heart.I’m bettin’ Jimmy does too.
Think Main Street Bistrofor Thanksgiving ... and your
Holiday parties, too!Now taking reservations
Call (828) 526 - 2590www.mainstreet-inn.com
The Main Street Inn • 270 Main Street • 526 - 2590Open Fridays 5 p.m. until;
Sat. 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.; andSun: 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
SOUPS, SALADS & APPETIZERSKa-Boom Shrimp $9Jumbo Chicken Wings $7Lobster Bisque in a Bread Bowl $12Goat Cheese & Spinach Salad $9.50
SANDWICHES & ENTREESBistro Steak 8oz $15Grilled Salmon $14Chicken Pot Pie $10.50Beef or Turkey Pot Roast $11.50
See Full Menuatwww.mainstreet-inn.com
Full Bar
WILD THYME GOURMETCafe • Gourmet Retail • Fine Wines • BeerLunch from 11:30-4 & Dinner from 5:30 until
Dine inside or in the garden!Closed Tuesdays
526-4035 • 490 Carolina Way • HighlandsPlace your Thanksgiving
Dinner orders now!
I’m not going to condemnthe Muslim world for theactions of a single US
Army psychiatrist whohappens to be Muslim andhappened to murder 13 of hiscolleagues at Fort Hood, Texas.Maj. Nidal
Hasan may be crazy, inwhich case it would beirresponsible to implicate hisfaith. He may have been doingwhat he believed to be Allah’swill, which would suggest thathe is a faithful Muslim.
The question then arises – Is itpossible to be both a devout Muslim anda good American? It is a question that Ihave pondered since the attacks ofSeptember 11, 2001, in the wake ofwhich not a single Muslim leader issuedan unqualified condemnation of theaction. No American Muslim, noEuropean Muslim, no Middle EasternMuslim. No Muslim. Period.
Many expressed regret, but eachstatement was conditional. The plight ofthe Palestinians was the most frequentlyoffered justification for the heinousaction. Whatever abuses the Palestinianpeople have suffered at the hands of theIsraeli government, it is impossible forthe non-Muslim mind to comprehendhow one justifies the other.
Major Hason compared a suicidebomber with a soldier who dives on ahand grenade to save the lives of hiscomrades. It is an odd analogy. Thesoldier is motivated to save as many livesas possible by sacrificing his own. Asuicide bombers willing offers his life,but his intent is to take as many lives aspossible, in a hail of explosives and ballbearings. One might stretch the contextand conclude that the bomber is trying toprotect the greater Muslim population,but it is still a strange comparison, at leastto the Western mind.
The doctor let us peek into his mindwhen he offered the view that MuslimLaw trumps the United StatesConstitution. My outrage abated onlyslightly when I recalled a motto of theMarine Corps, “God, Country, Corps,”presumably in that order, andremembered that several years ago,instructors at the Air Force Academy
were sanctioned forproselytizing fundamentalistChristianity to cadets.
It is true that our nationwas founded on Judeo-Christian beliefs, but thesesame beliefs were used tojustify slavery andsubjugation of women. It’sbest that we maintain a wideseparation between Churchand State. It is only fair toadd that Christians havedemonstrated, with fewexceptions, that there is no
conflict between being a good Christianand a loyal American. There may bemany loyal American Muslims. I’m justnot that sure.
Major Nidal fretted over aiding in amilitary action against fellow Muslims,even if his brothers were sworn enemiesof the United States. He counseled hispsychiatric patients that the path toheaven followed conversion to Islam. Itwould be comforting to believe that theMajor’s action were those of a singledemented man. The alternative is that hewas acting in accordance with hisinterpretation of his faith. The fact thathe prefaced his attack with theexclamation, “Allah Akbar,” is evidenceenough for me to conclude that he wasdoing what he believed he was called todo. The question is how common is thisbelief among American Muslims,especially those in the military?
The 2003 grenade attack onAmerican soldiers in Kuwait waslaunched by Sgt. Asan Akbar, a MuslimAmerican.
Muslim attitudes invoke memoriesof Irish-Americans who contribute to theIRA. Jars were prominently displayed inbars in New York and Boston. Patrons,sympathetic to the cause, filled themwith American dollars to financeterrorism and murder. Contributions toIslamic charities have been used tosupport similar terrorist activities.
I believe that a Muslim can be a loyalAmerican, but I wonder if any devout,fundamentalist Muslim is capable ofchoosing his country over his religion.What this world, and this country need,is fewer Muslims, or more “FridayMuslims.”
Can a good Muslim pick countryover religion?
Due to increasing supplies of the H1N1vaccine, the Macon County Public HealthCenter has expanded its age-based eligibilitycriteria. H1N1 flu shot clinics have beenscheduled for Friday, November 20th foranyone age 24 or younger, pregnant women,and caregivers of infants less than six monthsof age.
These clinics are by appointment onlyand will be held in both Franklin and inHighlands. Clinic locations and times maybe obtained when calling to schedule an
Age groups for H1N1 shots expandedappointment with the health center at 349-2081. In addition, seasonal flu shots forchildren ages 6 months through 18 years oldare also available on additional dates byappointment.
The public is encouraged to use theMacon County Public Health Center’s fluinformation and appointment line to keepup-to-date on upcoming flu shot clinics andthe latest eligibility criteria. This line may beaccessed by calling 349-2081 and followingthe flu information instructions.
• SALONS & SPAS •
Signature Hair Designs for Men & Women
Barbara & Van • 526-0349 • Open Mon - Sat
Razor Cuts • Color • PermsOff the Alley Behind Wolfgang’s
Oak & Fifth Streets
225 Spring Street • Highlands
828-526-9477
ImagesUnlimited
Salon & Spa
Hair Care ~ Nail CareHair Care ~ Nail CareHair Care ~ Nail CareHair Care ~ Nail CareHair Care ~ Nail CareSkin Care ~ Waxing ~ WeddingsSkin Care ~ Waxing ~ WeddingsSkin Care ~ Waxing ~ WeddingsSkin Care ~ Waxing ~ WeddingsSkin Care ~ Waxing ~ Weddings
behind Highlands Decorating Center on Highway 106 (The Dillard Rd)NC LMBT #1429
(828) 526-4192
OPEN: Tues. - Sat. • Monday by appt. at ourNEW LOCATION
Color, Cuts, Up Do’s, Highlights, Massage, Facials, Pedicures,Reflexology, Personal Training
468 Main Street, #4
Massage • Skin Care • Manicure • Pedicure • Microdermabrasion • Peels • Body Wraps
Check out our great packages!• Swedish Massage or Euro Facial & Express Pedicure – $100
• Swedish Massage or Euro Facial – $130• Swedish Massage, Euro Facial, Manicure & Express Pedicure – $180
Recently I read an article about thenew movie by Roland Emmerich,director of “Independence Day,” with
the theme of — what a surprise — thedestruction of the planet. It’s called “2012”and is based on the idea that the Mayancalendar “ends” in December of 2012 whichmeans…something. In Mr. Emmerich’scase that something is death and destruction.
In the film a solar flare shoots invisibleneutrinos into the Earth’s core super-heatingit until the earth starts bucking like a broncoand volcanoes erupt.
The New York Times review of the film isnot flattering: “I know what I have againstRoland Emmerich — “The Patriot” forstarters — but what does he have against us?He’s bombarded Earth with alien death rays,big-footed it with a rampaging reptile andput it into deep freeze. Now in ‘2012,’ his latestapocalyptic folly, he cracks the planet like anut, splitting its crust, toppling its mountainsand cities, and laying its every creeping thing
to inevitable tedious waste.” “This is my last, quote-
unquote, action-disastermovie,” Mr. Emmerich hassaid, “I know I can’t destroy theworld again. That would bekind of a joke.”
Reading this I foundmyself wondering, “What iswrong with our culture? Whydo we go to the movies to watchthe end of the human race, orthe end of civilization, over andover again?”
Filmmakers have devised manyvariations on mass destruction: alieninvasions, nuclear wars, plagues, intelligentmachines, meteors, and environmentalcollapse.
James Cameron brought destruction byintelligent machines in the “Terminator”series. The “Matrix” series followed on asimilar theme, except instead of trying toexterminate humans, the machines in “TheMatrix” exploited them.
Steven Spielberg famously envisionedglobal warming producing a flooded NewYork City in “A.I.”
“Mad Max” was an Australian film fromthe early 1980s imagining an anarchic worldafter a nuclear war had ended civilization.
Some films use cataclysm in an attemptto warn us about our profligate ways. I believe“Wall-E” was an example of this but I couldn’tmake it past the first 10 minutes of that filmso I have to take other people’s word for it.But it’s destruction all the same.
If you’d like to see a soberingly-long listof apocalyptic films, books, and televisionshows, visit: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doomsday_film
These themes aren’t new of course —world-destroying monsters were a staple ofthe 1950s as people adjusted to the newrealities of the atomic age.
Could this catastrophe-as-entertainmentbe a consequence of the Christian roots ofour culture? Christianity is an apocalypticreligion; followers have been waiting for theend to arrive for 2,000 years now. The bookof Revelations is full of all kinds of terriblemonsters and catastrophes to mark the endof time.
But if you flip back through the Bible tothe very first book, Genesis, there you findGod ready to destroy all of humanity withina very short time after creating Adam andEve. In the sixth chapter of Genesis, God says,“I will wipe mankind, whom I have created,from the face of the Earth…for I am grievedthat I have made them.” God was intent ondrowning everyone in a big flood becausepeople had “become corrupted.” He toldNoah, “I am going to put an end to all people,for the earth is filled with violence because
of them. I am surely going to destroy boththem and the earth.” But Noah was a goodman so God allowed him and his family to
be saved while he drownedeveryone else.
Is this love of destructionjust part of the Judeo-Christiantradition then? The image ofGodzilla lunges up in mymind — the Japanese seem tolove to watch monstersstomping all over their citiesdestroying everything andeveryone in their path just asmuch as we do.
Is it a human trait to thinkwe’re so bad as a species that we deserve to bewiped off the planet? Do we secretly want tobe killed, so we don’t have to do the hardwork of solving our problems?
I have tried but I can’t think of one filmin which a happy or better future is portrayed.Some science fiction films show a futurewhere humans are off exploring in space; theexistence of a unified human race on Earth isimplied, but never shown of course.
Is it a lack of imagination? Is it too hardto imagine how to portray a future that ispositive?
When I was young I loved utopias. I readall I could find, until I finally got dissatisfiedwith a common feature: every book wouldportray a society that seemed to functionmuch better than any contemporaryexamples, but there was never any indicationof how to get from here to there.
The word “utopia” was coined by SirThomas Moore in a book he published in1516 called “New Island Utopia” thatdescribed a place with perfect social,economic, and political systems (modeledon Plato’s Republic). The word “utopia” is ablend of Greek roots that translate as “noplace,” perhaps implying that utopia isimpossible.
Some might argue that a happy, peacefulworld would be too boring to portray — filmsand novels thrive on conflict and needcatharsis. But how about a story about thestruggle to create a world in which everyperson has enough to eat and the chance tolive a satisfying, productive life? Seems to methat story could have plenty of conflict andresolution.
As I understand it the Mayan calendar isa series of cycles — from the 28-day cycle ofthe moon to the 365-day cycle of the sun tomuch larger thousand-year cycles. A cycledoesn’t end, it just begins anew. Why is noone making a film that portrays atransformative event happening at the turningof the cycle, a Berlin-Wall-collapse of such ahuge magnitude the human race is never thesame again?
• All of Katie Brugger’s columns areavailable on her website:
people of Highlandsfor giving me thehonor of serving asyour Mayor over thepast four years. It hasbeen a position whichI have not takenlightly, and I haveworked hard to helpaccomplish what Ibelieve is right for ourcommunity and, quite frankly, Ithink that has been a lot. I amvery proud of what hashappened in Highlands in thepast four years and I would do itagain. We must continue tomove forward as we all work toimprove our communitytogether.
Secondly, I congratulateDavid Wilkes as Mayor-elect andhave told him that I certainlyam willing to help him all I canin this transition period. I alsocongratulate the electorate inthe large turnout for this off-yearelection. You obviously had a lotto say in your voting and I acceptthat.
The mood of our countrylocally and nationally is angerand frustration currently. Youcould see it in the elections allover the country on ElectionDay. As a moderate, I was caughtin the middle in a country and atown which is very polarized.
We, as a Board ofCommissioners, have tried notonly to enhance the beauty ofHighlands but improve theinfrastructure and governmentefficiency along with keepingfolks safe without raising taxes.In order to do that, we wentoutside the town and raisedfunds successfully. In makingHighlands better in this way wealso strengthened the reasonpeople come and enjoyHighlands, thus enhancing thebusiness community. The townis in the best financial conditionit has ever been in and plans forthe future are positive.
Let me add that in thosefeelings of frustration manyhave shown in this election,there has been a great deal ofnegativity. There are those who
can find nothing goodand are filled withhate. There is no placefor that in our town orour personal lives.Reconciliation ratherthan revenge was andis necessary to healsome wounds. I askmany of you to turnthat negativity into amore positive energyand not try to reverse
some of the progress that hasbeen made in our community.We have a lot for which to bethankful in Highlands and inworking together with a morepositive attitude we can moveforward to continue to keep thisplace the best place in thecountry to live.
I personally look forward tocontinuing to do all I can toimprove this town in which weall live and contribute as muchas I can. But most of all I will bespending more time with myextended family. It is actually arelief not to have theresponsibility of “having thebuck stop” at my desk. Alongwith the deep spiritual activitiesof my life and my familyrelationships, my work hasalways been a close third, butover the past four years thoserelationships have suffered, and Iintend to return to that morebalanced life where priorities arein a proper order.
Finally, I look forward toreturning to writing. I have beenfortunate to have had many greatexperiences in this life both herein Highlands and around theworld, spiritually, medically andpolitically, and it will be excitingonce again to putting theseopportunities on paper. This oldsoldier will not simply fadeaway.
Let us all search for the bestin everyone and look ahead to apositive future in our town. Ilook forward to continuing tosee you all around town as wemove forward together in ourquest to improve and growHighlands while honoring notonly our heritage but each otherin spite of some of ourdifferences. That, my friends, iswhat true democracy is all about.
The last word ...COME ONE • COME ALL • COME CASUAL
MOUNTAIN FRESH GROCERYTM
• GRILL • FRESH FOODS • WINE MARKET •
TMBUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH GOOD FOOD
We Fire Up The Grill Daily at 11:00 am
We Promise To Serve Youthe Best Angus Burgers, Grilled Chicken,
Hand-Cut French Fries and Comfort Food Specialsin Highlands ... So Come Casual & Eat Well
• THE CORNER OF FIFTH & MAIN IN HIGHLANDS •
828.526.2400WHAT’S
BREWINGIN HERE?
MOUNTAIN FRESH
GROCERY
828.526.2400T M
•Soon OfferingFresh-Roasted
Coffee inHighlands
& WholesaleWhole-BeanCoffee to the
Trade
Have something to advertise for theupcoming holidays?
Email: [email protected] the street and on the web, we’ve got it all
Sailing out of Venice, we look forward toour first port of call, Bari, the secondbiggest city in Southern Italy. There are
a number of excursions available to us,including visiting the ancient cities of Materaand Sassi (whose atmosphere so inspiredMel Gibson that he filmed The Passion ofthe Christ there). We decide to take an hourlong bus ride through the Puglian countrysideto the town of Alberobello, to see the famous
•See HIS & HER page 11
Trulli, Madly, Deeplytrulli. We also see the first of something whichwill reoccur during our trip - the remains ofFascist architecture, mostly used inmunicipal buildings. Mussolini seems tohave been a great believer in combiningpropaganda and public works, and thesebuildings are mostly solid and utilitarian,with stylized decorations trying to showbrave, hard-working citizens dutifullycarrying out their civic duties.
Tourism isn’t all shopping and eating,
and it’s important to get asense of history about theareas you visit. Oneincident I’d never heardabout before was the 1943chemical warfare disasterin Bari. In a tragic incidentdesired by neither side inWorld War II, Bari had theunwelcome distinction ofbeing the only Europeancity to experience chemicalwarfare. On the night ofDecember 2, 1943, Germanbombers attacked the portof Bari, which was a keyport for supplying the Allied forces. Amongthe Allied ships sunk was the Liberty ship,John Harvey, which was carrying mustard gas(some of which was already unloaded fromthe ship and waiting along the dockside fortransportation) in case the Germans decidedto initiate chemical warfare. The presence ofthe gas was top secret, and local authoritiesknew nothing about it. This lack ofknowledge of what they were dealing withproved disastrous to the victims - and themedical staff , many of whom died from theirunwitting contact with both thecontaminated gas victims and their clothing.While some claim that sixty-nine deaths werethe result of this unfortunate incident - mostof the victims American merchant seamen –others put the fatalities at closer to over onethousand servicemen and an equal numberof Italian civilians. The entire affair was keptsecret for years, by common agreement ofRoosevelt, Churchill, and Eisenhower, whoordered the records destroyed. While the fewexisting records were declassified in 1959,the incident did not really come to light until1967. I’m sure this story will make folksuncomfortable, since many Americans don’tlike to hear anything which implies that weare not a perfect country, or that we are everless than honest with our citizens. I recountthis story because I think it’s something whichshould be known.
Fortunately, we see a sweeter, moreromantic side of Italy on the way toAlberobello – a town nearby is almost entirelydevoted to making gorgeous, hand-madewedding dresses, mostly for the Japanesemarket. We don’t get to see inside any of thesewedding dress shops, however, as it islunchtime. This is a pattern we see repeatedover and over in Italy and Greece – these arenot the countries with 24/7 opening hours.These are the countries where many shopsclose for lunch, and don’t reopen untilaround 3:00 or 4:00pm, staying open until7:00pm. Families often get together to havelunch, and in some cases, they even take –gasp! – afternoon naps. Either you see this asblatant laziness (How dare they not be open!
I want to buy a postcard!)or you can view it with acertain envy - peopleputting their personaland family lives ahead oftheir businesses andcareers. Actually, it’ssurprisingly easy to getused to, and by the endof our trip, we catchourselves saying, “Oh,it’ll be closed for lunch”or “It probably won’t beopen. It’s Sunday.” Thisis one of those quality oflife issues which either
maddens folks, or makes them pack theirbags and move to Tuscany.
The bus ride takes us along charmingcountry roads, and rocky fields filled witholive and fig trees. I’ve never seen an olivetree before, so it’s a real treat. Many of thetrees are over a hundred years old, withtwisted, gnarled trunks. Our guide tells usthe reason for the rocks littering the fields. Asolid shelf of rock lies not far below thesurface of the ground. Unfortunately, thismeant that what little rain fell on the groundcreated an underground river, carrying theprecious water away. In an attempt to keepthe water on the land, the rocky layer wasbroken up, making the fields look like a rockybattlefield. Fortunately, much of this rockfound good use in creating the trulli.
The closer we get to Alberobello, themore we start seeing these incrediblestructures, specific to the Valle d’Itria, inPuglia. So, what exactly is a trullo (the singularof trulli)? It’s a stone building, typically a houseor a storehouse, with a conical roof. Thebuildings are traditionally painted white, andconstructed without mortar or cement. Theroofs are topped by a keystone, also white.Many of the roofs have symbols painted onthem – crosses, hearts, stars and crescents,and of course, the malochio, the evil eye! Thewalls of the trulli are quite thick, providingmarvelous insulation, making thesebuildings cool in hot weather and warm inwinter. Most trulli have only one room undereach conical roof, so a house with severalrooms will have many cone roofs.
There is a marvelous story behind thetrulli. Taxation has been the plague of everycivilization, and people had many clever waysto avoid it. In places where they taxed thenumber of windows, many people simplyboarded them up. In areas where you weretaxed by the size of your ground floor, peopleconstructed buildings where the second storywould actually overhang the first. The storybehind the trulli is that tax inspectors couldonly tax permanent structures, with fixedroofs. The trulli were constructed in such a
Located in Highlands Plaza • 828-526-3775 • Fax: 828-526-0430
Order YourThanksgiving Dinner
Now!Turkey Dinner for 4
$49.99includes:
Turkey and DressingRolls
An Apple or Pumpkin Pieand two sides
Order by Tuesday, Nov. 24
• COOKING ON THE PLATEAU •
We also have all the ingredients for the accompanying recipes if youwant to make your own Thanksgiving Dinner!
Mini Pumpkin Whoopie PiesMakes 3 dozen cookies
2 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground ginger1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened1 1/4 cups granulated sugar2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightlybeaten1 cup Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin1 teaspoon vanilla extractCream Cheese Filling4 ounces cream cheese, at roomtemperature6 tablespoons butter, softened1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
For Cookies:PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Lightly grease
or line four baking sheets with parchmentpaper.
COMBINE flour, baking powder,baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt inmedium bowl. Beat butter and sugar inlarge mixer bowl on medium speed for 2minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beatingwell after each addition. Add pumpkin andvanilla extract; beat until smooth. Stir inflour mixture until combined. Drop byheaping measuring teaspoons ontoprepared baking sheets. (A total of 72cookies are needed for the recipe.)
BAKE for 10 to 13 minutes or untilspringy to the touch. Cool on baking sheetsfor 5 minutes; remove to wire racks to coolcompletely.
For Cream Cheese Filling:BEAT cream cheese, butter and vanilla
extract in small mixer bowl on mediumspeed until fluffy. Gradually beat inpowdered sugar until light and fluffy.
SPREAD a heaping teaspoon of fillingonto flat side of one cookie; top with flatside of second cookie to make a sandwich.Repeat with remaining cookies and filling.Store in covered container in refrigerator.
Sweet traditions holiday baking withpumpkin
Family gatherings ... favorite holiday decorations ... the wonderful smells of bakedgoods — the holidays are full of familiar rituals and special memories. Traditions are part ofwhat make the season so enjoyable.
For many, this time of year means baking family favorites — how many times dopeople ask you to make Grandma’s bread pudding or your special cookies? The holidayswouldn’t be the same without them.
Pumpkin treats are perfect for holiday baking. The mellow, sweet flavor blends beautifullywith spices, citrus and nuts. Pumpkin is a versatile and delicious addition to any holidaytradition.
For more ways to make baking with pumpkin a tradition in your home, visitVeryBestBaking.com.
Pumpkin-Oatmeal RaisinCookies
Makes 4 dozen2 cups all-purpose flour1 1/3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1 cup (2 sticks) butter or marg, softened1 cup packed brown sugar1 cup granulated sugar1 cup Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin1 large egg1 teaspoon vanilla extract3/4 cup chopped walnuts3/4 cup raisins
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Lightlygrease baking sheets.
COMBINE flour, oats, pie spice,baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Beatbutter, brown sugar and granulated sugar inlarge mixer bowl until light and fluffy. Addpumpkin, egg and vanilla extract; mix well.Add flour mixture; mix well. Stir in nutsand raisins. Drop by rounded tablespoonsonto prepared baking sheets.
BAKE for 14 to 16 minutes or untilcookies are lightly browned and set incenters. Cool on baking sheets for 2minutes; remove to wire racks to coolcompletely.
In Highlands PlazaCome see our great selection of Frames and Albums!
Custom Photo Calendars and Greeting Cards • Photo Restoration •Poster Prints & Enlargements • Film Development & Digital prints
• Video Transfer to DVD (we do this in house)
Hours:Mon-Fri. 9-5
Saturdays 10-2526-5208
• Photo collage posters and more!
Cut n PCut n PCut n PCut n PCut n PatatatatatchchchchchQuilt ShopQuilt ShopQuilt ShopQuilt ShopQuilt Shop
160 Strawberry LaneHighlands
Please call Liz View at 526-9743for hours and directions
It’s never too early toIt’s never too early toIt’s never too early toIt’s never too early toIt’s never too early tothink “Christmas!”think “Christmas!”think “Christmas!”think “Christmas!”think “Christmas!”
Quilted items for sale andQuilted items for sale andQuilted items for sale andQuilted items for sale andQuilted items for sale andfabric for your ownfabric for your ownfabric for your ownfabric for your ownfabric for your own
are in a minute, butfirst some observations thattell a story.
I had CNBC (financialnews) the other morning,and was met by a two-mandebate between Steve Forbesand Howard Dean. Forbes isthe editor-in-chief of the fi-nancial magazine bearing hisname and CEO of its publish-er. He ran in Presidential pri-maries as a Republican in1996 and 2000. Dean is the ex- Governorof Vermont, a medical doctor and the cur-rent Chairman of the Democratic Na-tional Committee. He ran for Presidentin 2004 and was defeated by John Kerry.
Forbes is a Conservative. Dean, al-though he governed Vermont as a fiscalconservative, at some point he took ahard left turn and champions the liberalcause. It was quite graphic – Forbes onhalf of the split screen, calmly stating hiscase with a smile on his face most of thetime. Dean, on the other hand, talkedthrough gritted teeth and his face lookedas if he was undergoing an enema as hespoke. He will be long remembered forthe primal scream he issued during acampaign speech in the 2004 campaign,which pretty well brought his Presiden-tial pursuit to a close.
It made me think — is that a com-mon theme? Speaking of John Kerry,have you ever seen him smile? Ever? Andtalk about a sour puss, how about BarneyFrank. You’d think his “partner” just gotbusted for growing pot or something –again. Oh, he did? He’s always in a snitabout something. And Steny Hoyer, Dem-ocratic House Majority Leader, well, he’sMr. Pruneface. Working as closely as hedoes with Pelosi, it’s understandable.
On the other hand, Conservativessuch as the iconic late William Buckley,Jr. seemingly always had a wry smile ashe spoke his wisdom. Always pleasantand under control as is Forbes.
Ronald Reagan was cheerful and op-timistic, even when the times were thetoughest. Then there is Mike Huckabeewho seems to be cut from the same cloth.I believe there is a pattern emerging here.Remember when I told you about attend-ing a forum held locally where the largemajority of the folks were of liberal per-suasion. With the exception of the mod-erator, they spoke in a snarky mannerand seemed mad at everything, while theconservative group I am a part of,
Observations from the Far SideFreedomWorks, the people,while serious, are, by natureupbeat and congenial.
The moral of the storyis, become a Conservativeand put smile on your face.
Now to the issue of theweek. As you know, a health-care bill was narrowlypassed out of the House andnow it’s the Senate’s turn.Let’s get practical aboutwhat’s happening in the po-litical landscape. Eventhough Obama claims he
“didn’t notice” two million Conserva-tives on the Capitol’s front lawn and ev-erywhere as far as the eye could see, helied. He noticed. And with all the badmouthing of “tea parties,” with theirlarge turnouts, they were noticed. Nancysaid they were “irrelevant,” but she knewbetter. And the enthusiastic participationof Conservatives in Town Meetings heldby those politicians brave enough to holdthem didn’t escape notice. And the hun-dreds of thousands of telephone calls tolegislators’ offices were heard, loud andclear.
But most significant of all were theConservative victories in the Governors’races in Virginia and New Jersey. The re-sults of those elections reverberatedthough the halls of Congress and in theoffice of Democratic Senate MajorityLeader, Harry Reid. Harry is up for elec-tion in 2010. Harry is trailing by doubledigits behind all Republican contenders.Harry is in deep trouble in Nevada and israpidly becoming the third rail of theDemocratic Party.
The healthcare legislation is a politi-cal nightmare. The numbers don’t workand never will. Leadership has to lie tosell the program to the public and thevoters are in no mood to hear any morelies. There are several Senators up forelection next year who are vulnerableand they are getting very nervous. Thereis no way on Earth that any meaningfullegislation will be coming out of the Sen-ate that will be voted on this year. Nextyear is Election Year that changes the leg-islative culture dramatically making pas-sage very doubtful. It will be political sui-cide to try to pass a comprehensive bill,this year or next.
We welcome J Lo to the Hall ofShame. Seems like her hubby took somehome movies during their honeymoonthat she would prefer didn’t make a debuton Youtube. Good luck will that, girl. Dis-graceful.
Objects d’Art from aroundthe world, water fountains
& statues, repairs & restorations
• HOSPITAL NEWS •
Skip Taylor, who has been director ofCommunity Relations and a spokespersonfor Highlands-Cashiers Hospital since1996, is resigning in order to pursue hisown business. His last day at the hospitalwill be Nov. 20.
A woodworker for more than 30 years,Taylor will operate Taylor Restoration andSquarewrights, which specializes in resto-ration of antique furniture and building ofcustom furniture.
“I’m looking forward to returning toworking with my hands and doing some-thing for which I have had a passion formany years,” said Taylor. “With the hospi-tal currently undergoing various changesin leadership in both administration andat the board level, this is a good time tochange spokespersons as well.”
Taylor operated an antique restorationbusiness for five years before joining thehospital team.
“Skip has been fulfilling one of thosebehind-the-scenes roles that has been a keyto improving the hospital’s public imageafter some very challenging times,” saidoutgoing president and CEO Ken Shull.“He’s been a trusted source of informationregarding the community, the hospital andits history, and he’s provided valuable coun-sel during my four years here. His contri-bution to the hospital has not always beenrecognized or appreciated because manypeople aren’t aware of how many thingshe does here. But I know he will be missed.”
Robin Tindall-Taylor, executive direc-tor of the Highlands-Cashiers HospitalFoundation and no relation, will serve asinterim director of Community Relations.In addition to her fundraising responsibil-ities, she was also in charge of marketingefforts at Haywood Regional Medical Cen-ter before joining the Highlands-CashiersHospital Foundation.
In addition to restoration, Taylor alsoplans to offer woodworking courses to thepublic. While times and locations are stillbe arranged, most of the subjects coveredwill involve working with hand tools.
“I’ve been interested in 18th and 19th
Century finishing and woodworking prac-tices for a number of years now, and manyof those traditional techniques are of prac-tical use to woodworkers today,” says Tay-lor.
“The use of hand tools is on the riseacross the county, encouraged by a revivalin the manufacture of quality hand tools.As evidenced by the number of classes andseminars being offered around the coun-try, there is a great deal of interest in learn-
Taylor to leave post at hospitaling how to use traditional tools. Hopefullythat will be the case here as well.”
As part of his interest in early wood-working, Taylor demonstrated 19th centu-ry tools and techniques during the Cash-iers Historical Society’s Founders Day atthe Zachary Tolbert House two years agoalong with Brian Coe, director of manualarts at Old Salem. Taylor recently present-ed the house with an exact reproduction ofone of the plain style tables made for thehouse by Mordecai Zachary around 1850.
In addition to taking classes and semi-nars in the past that were taught by wood-working legends such as Tage Frid, Taylorhas also attended a number events specifi-cally on early woodworking at places suchas Colonial Williamsburg and the Muse-um of Early Southern Decorative Arts atOld Salem in Winston-Salem. He recentlyreturned from a retreat in the mountainsof Virginia for refinishers and restorersfrom across the county that was hosted byDon Williams, senior furniture conserva-tor at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC.
... HIS & HERS continued from page 8
Nov. 19, 1998from the history guy ...
If you please, I beg your pardon,is something amiss out in the garden?Perhaps there is some small mistake,
but that’s not what I think of as a rake,and this is somewhat apropos,
I’ve seen one before, and that ain’t no hoe.let’s call a spade just what it is,
it’s not complicated, there’s no quiz,and as to that, I take the position
that “is” does not require definition.Instruments for garden tilling
rarely make stories that are this thrilling.But will ask if instruments for cultivation
need be shown to the entire nation.
The United States House of Representatives begins impeachmenthearings against Bill Clinton, or “the Tale of a hoe and a rake”
•See HIS & HERS page 19
way that they could be dismantled when thelocal population got wind the tax inspectorswere in the area.
Trulli have been protected under theUNESCO world heritage law since 1996. Thecitizens of Alberobello have another claimto fame, being people of deep courage andhumanity. During World War II, many ofthem hid Jews in the storage areas of those
strange conical roofs, protecting them fromdeportation and almost certain death. For this,they were recognized and honored by Israel.
Fortunately, Alberobello has more tooffer then just interesting architecture, andat the end of our walk around town, we aretreated to sausage, orecchiette (“little ears”)pasta and some of the delicious local wine at
• PLACES OF WORSHIP •• SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING •BLUE VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCHBLUE VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCHBLUE VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCHBLUE VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCHBLUE VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
Rev. Oliver Rice, Pastor (706) 782-3965Sundays: School – 10 a.m., Worship – 11
Sunday night services every 2nd & 4th Sunday at 7Wednesdays: Mid-week prayer meeting – 7 p.m.
BUCK CREEK BAPTIST CHURCHBUCK CREEK BAPTIST CHURCHBUCK CREEK BAPTIST CHURCHBUCK CREEK BAPTIST CHURCHBUCK CREEK BAPTIST CHURCHSundays: School – 10 a.m.; Worship – 11
Chapel of Sky VChapel of Sky VChapel of Sky VChapel of Sky VChapel of Sky ValleyalleyalleyalleyalleySky Valley, GA
Sundays: 10 a.m. – WorshipHoly Communion 1st Sunday of the month
Wednesdays: 9 a.m. Healing and Prayer with HolyCommunion each service
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAYCHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAYCHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAYCHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAYCHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAYSAINTSSAINTSSAINTSSAINTSSAINTS
NC 28 N. and Pine Ridge Rd., (828) 369-8329Rai Cammack, Branch President, (828) 369-1627
Highlands Community CenterMonday: Evening Bible Study at 6 p.m.Wednesday: Men’s Bible study at 8 a.m.
at First Baptist ChurchPot Luck Lunch last Sunday of each month.
CLEAR CREEK BAPTIST CHURCHCLEAR CREEK BAPTIST CHURCHCLEAR CREEK BAPTIST CHURCHCLEAR CREEK BAPTIST CHURCHCLEAR CREEK BAPTIST CHURCHPastor Everett Brewer
EPISCOPEPISCOPEPISCOPEPISCOPEPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE INCARNAAL CHURCH OF THE INCARNAAL CHURCH OF THE INCARNAAL CHURCH OF THE INCARNAAL CHURCH OF THE INCARNATIONTIONTIONTIONTIONThe Rev. Brian Sullivan – Rector: 526-2968Sunday: Breakfast; 9 A.M. - Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Rite II)Sunday Service on Channel 14 at 10:30 A.M.
4:30 P.M. Education for MinistryWednesday: 6:30 P.M. Choir Practice
Thursday: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Chapel)10:30 a.m. Daughters of the King
• Sunday Service on Channel 14 Sun. at 10:30 a.m.FIRST ALLIANCE CHURCH OF FRANKLINFIRST ALLIANCE CHURCH OF FRANKLINFIRST ALLIANCE CHURCH OF FRANKLINFIRST ALLIANCE CHURCH OF FRANKLINFIRST ALLIANCE CHURCH OF FRANKLINRev. Mitch Schultz, Pastor • 828-369-7977Sun. Worship 8:30 & 10:45 a.m.; 6: p.m.
(nursery provided)Sun. school for all ages 9:45 a.m.
Wed: dinner 5 p.m. followed by children’sPioneer Club 6 p.m.; Jr & Sr Youth Group 6:30 p.m.;
Adult Bible Study & Prayer Meeting 7 p.m.Small groups available throughout the week.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCHFIRST BAPTIST CHURCHFIRST BAPTIST CHURCHFIRST BAPTIST CHURCHFIRST BAPTIST CHURCHDr. Daniel D. Robinson, 526--4153
HIGHLANDS ASSEMBLHIGHLANDS ASSEMBLHIGHLANDS ASSEMBLHIGHLANDS ASSEMBLHIGHLANDS ASSEMBLY OF GODY OF GODY OF GODY OF GODY OF GODSixth Street
Sundays: School – 10 a.m.; Worship – 11Wednesdays: Prayer & Bible Study – 7
HIGHLANDS UNITED METHODIST CHURCHHIGHLANDS UNITED METHODIST CHURCHHIGHLANDS UNITED METHODIST CHURCHHIGHLANDS UNITED METHODIST CHURCHHIGHLANDS UNITED METHODIST CHURCHPastor Paul Christy
526-3376Sun.: school 9:45 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m.; 5 p.m.
Thurs:12:30 – Women’s Bible Study (nursery)HOLHOLHOLHOLHOLY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY LUTHERAN CHURCH – ELCAY LUTHERAN CHURCH – ELCAY LUTHERAN CHURCH – ELCAY LUTHERAN CHURCH – ELCAY LUTHERAN CHURCH – ELCA
Chaplain Margaret Howell2152 Dillard Road – 526-9741
Sundays: Sunday School and Adult discussion group9:30 a.m.; Worship/Communion – 10:30
HEALING SERVICE on the 5th Sunday of the month.MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCHMACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCHMACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCHMACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCHMACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH
8 miles south of Highlands on N.C. 28 S in SatolahPastor Matt Shuler, (828) 526-8425
Wed: Bible Study and Youth Mtg. – 7 p.m.MOUNTMOUNTMOUNTMOUNTMOUNTAIN SYNAGOGUEAIN SYNAGOGUEAIN SYNAGOGUEAIN SYNAGOGUEAIN SYNAGOGUE
St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church, Franklin828-369-9270 or 828-293-5197
OUR LADY OF THE MOUNTOUR LADY OF THE MOUNTOUR LADY OF THE MOUNTOUR LADY OF THE MOUNTOUR LADY OF THE MOUNTAINS ROMANAINS ROMANAINS ROMANAINS ROMANAINS ROMANCATHOLIC CHURCHCATHOLIC CHURCHCATHOLIC CHURCHCATHOLIC CHURCHCATHOLIC CHURCH
Rev. Dean Cesa, pastorParish office, 526-2418Sundays: Mass – 11 a.m.
SCALSCALSCALSCALSCALY MOUNTY MOUNTY MOUNTY MOUNTY MOUNTAIN CHURCH OF GODAIN CHURCH OF GODAIN CHURCH OF GODAIN CHURCH OF GODAIN CHURCH OF GOD290 Buck Knob Road; Pastor Alfred Sizemore
Religious Education - 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.Youth from 8th - 12th grades meet the second
Sunday of each month from 5 - 7:30 p.mWHITESIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHWHITESIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHWHITESIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHWHITESIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHWHITESIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHCashiers, Rev. Sam Forrester, 743-2122
Sundays: School – 10 a.m.; Worship – 11
In this nation we have a national holiday calledThanksgiving. This came from a historic event whenthis continent was first settled. The men and women
who established the colony at Plymouth were allChristians. They left Europe because of persecution.Their first year in this new world proved to be a verytrying time. They lost many souls during that firstwinter. But despite all the trouble and sorrow theypersevered and planted crops in the spring and Godblessed them. In the fall when the harvest wascomplete, they saw clearly God’s blessing and theydeclared a day of thanksgiving. They lifted their voicesin praise and adoration to their Creator.
President Washington declared a day ofthanksgiving in his first term and with only a fewexceptions every President following him did the sameuntil 1941. During another great time of struggle for ournation the congress declared that we should have a dayof thanksgiving every year and President Rooseveltagreed and signed the first standing proclamation for aday of Thanksgiving.
There is a tragedy unfolding in our land today withregard to this day of Thanksgiving. I hear more andmore people calling it Turkey Day instead ofThanksgiving. The idea of being thankful to God isbeing left behind. Why is this happening? There is anexplanation.
Thankfulness follows contentment, especiallycontentment of soul. A man that is discontented in hissoul cannot be thankful. This tells us that truethankfulness is a branch of godliness. Only a man whois right in his relationship with God can be content andwill be thankful.
The apostle Paul shows this very clearly inEphesians 5:3-4 “But among you there must not be evena hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity,or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holypeople. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk orcoarse joking, which are out of place, but ratherthanksgiving.”
To be thankful requires a contentment of the soul.Psalm 97:12 says, “Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous,and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.”
Only those who know his name can give thanks.We are in a nation today where far to many do not knowhis name, therefore this day of Thanksgiving has littlereal meaning thus they call it Turkey Day instead.
Transylvania Counties have initiated the formation of aRepublican Women’s Association. The core group oforganizers headed by Melisa McKim of Cashiers in-cludes Carol Adams, Glenville, Dinah Davis, High-lands, Melinda Barber, Cashiers and Debbie Sand-erson, Sapphire. All Republican women, permanentand seasonal residents, are invited to join and partic-ipate as the group gets officially underway. Announce-ments about meetings and events will be made throughlocal publications and radio stations. For additionalinformation please call 828 200-0437.
Week Long• The 2010 Highlands Historical Society calen-
dars are available for $10 each, and if you buy 4 youget a free cookbook. The calendars feature scenes ofHighlands from the 1800s to the early 1900s. Calen-dars are available at Cyrano’s, The Highlander News-paper, Country Club Properties (Wright Square loca-tion), and The Chambers Agency. All proceeds benefitthe Highlands Historical Society.
• At Health Tracks at Highlands-Cashiers Hospi-tal, various exercise classes. Call 828-526-1FIT.
Sundays• Refuge Youth meets every Sun. night at 6:30
p.m. downstairs at Cullasaja Assembly of God. Callyouth ministers Matt and Candace Woodroof at 828-
369-7540 ext 203.Mon., Wed., Thurs.• Yoga On the Mat at the Episcopal Church of the
Incarnation on Main Street. Enter through single doorfacing Mountain Fresh. M/W @ 7:30 a.m., Thur. @10:45 a.m. Bring your mat. 828-482-2128. 12/31.
Mon., Wed., Fri.• Step Aerobics with Tina Rogers at the Rec
Park, 8-9 a.m. $10 per class or $50 a month.First Mondays• Participate in your hospital by joining the Auxil-
iary of the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. Auxiliarymeetings are held the first Monday of each month at 10a.m. at the hospital.
Mondays• Closed AA meeting, 5:30 p.m. at the Episcopal
Church at Fifth and Main streets.Tuesdays• Clogging Lessons at the Rec Park. 5 p.m. Leath-
er shoes recommended and tap shoes can be or-dered. For more information, call Joyce Doerter at877-6618. $30/mth.
• Highlands Rotary Club meets at noon at theHighlands Conference Center.
• Closed AA Women’s meeting, 5:30 p.m. at theEpiscopal Church at Fifth and Main streets.
Tuesdays & Wednesdays• Zumba Classes at the Rec Park. Aerobic/dance/
toning. No dance experience necessary. One-hour.$5/class. Tuesdays, 11:30-12:30, Wednesdays Zum-ba Gold/Beginner, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Call Mary K. Bar-bour at 828-342-2498.
Wednesdays• The Highlands Mountaintop Rotary meets at
Ruka’s Table at 163 Main Street in Wright Square inHighlands at 7:30 a.m. Visitors are welcome. If youare new to the Highlands area we invite you to join usfor breakfast and our meeting.
• Men’s interdenominational Bible Study at 8:30a.m.at First Baptist Church.
Wednesdays & Fridays
• Open AA meeting at noon at the EpiscopalChurch at Fifth and Main streets.
Every 3rd Wednesday• Study sessions at the Universal Unitarian Fel-
lowship Hall in Franklin. A $5 soup-supper will beserved at 5:30 p.m. Study sessions will begin at 6:30p.m. For more information call 828-524-6777 or 706-746-9964.
Thursdays• Al-Anon meeting, noon at the Episcopal Church
on Main and Fifth streets.1st & 3rd Thursdays• NAMI Appalachian South (National Alliance on
Mental Illness) will have a support group meeting thefirst and third Thursday of each month. It is for peoplecoping with serious mental illnesses (bi-polar disorder,depression, schizophrenia, panic disorder, etc) and/or their family members. We also do advocacy andeducational programs. 486 W. Palmer St., Franklin,NC, 7- 8 p.m., with snacks afterwards. For informationcontact Carole Light, Ph.D. at 828-526-9769 or AnnNandea at 828-369-7385
Fridays & Saturdays
Macon County GOP regularmeeting, usually held the thirdThursday of every month, will notbe held this month. Instead we areencouraging all members, and allcitizens to attend the (free)“Franklin Comes to Franklin” at theMacon County Community Center,1288 Georgia Road, Franklin at6:30 p.m. John Armor, Esq., authorand Yale & Maryland Law Schoolgraduate, stars as “Ben Franklin”and will talk about our country’sConstitution. A great free event forall Maconians to learn more aboutTHEIR Constitution ! For moreinformation contact Gary Dills at347-6275.
The RepublicanParty of Macon
Nov. 19 meetingto feature ‘Ben
Franklin’
THE TWILIGHT SAGA:NEW MOONrated PG-13
Daily: 2, 4:30, 7, 9:30
2012rated PG-13
Daily: 1:05, 4:00, 7:05, 10
A CHRISTMAS CAROLrated PG
Daily:2:10, 4:10, 7:10, 9:10
THE BOXrated PG-13
* Final Show Tuesday 11/24 *Daily:2:05, 4:15, 7:05
Galax Rose Workshop Nov. 20th tobenefit Historical Society
All signs tell us that the Holiday Season is coming. Houses are decorated inmountain greenery and one of the most popular is the galax. The galax ashiny green heart-shaped leaf is in abundance in the forest. Sue Potts willteach a workshop on making galax roses on Nov 2 at the Highlands HistoricalSociety’s Museum from 1-4 pm.The workshop will cost $15 and is donated tothe Highlands Historical Society. All materials will be provided and eachattendee will be able to take a rose home. If you would like to make morethan one please bring some galax with you. Please call Sue Potts at 526-3163to register for the class. If not available please leave a message and she willcall you back.
• At Fressers Eatery, Cy Timmons live from 6p.m.
• At Highlands Wine & Cheese, at Falls on Main,complimentary wine samplings during business hours.
Every Third Saturday• The Highlands Memorial Post #370 of the Amer-
ican Legion meets at the Shortoff Baptist Church. Break-fast is at 9 am. Meeting is at 10 a.m. All veterans areinvited to attend.
Every Fourth Saturday• Friends of Panthertown work days, are the
fourth Saturday of each month. (Time and locationvaries). Volunteers needed to maintain trails. For moreinformation, contact Nina Elliott at 828-526-9938 (ext258).
Saturdays• At Cyprus International Restaurant, live music
beginning at 9 p.m. No cover.• At Highlands Wine & Cheese, Falls on Main,
Wine Flights from 4-6:30 p.m. Five wines, artisan chees-es and specialty foods. $19 per person.
• NA open meeting every Saturday at 7:30 p.m.of the ACC Satelite Group at the Graves CommunityChurch, 242 Hwy 107 N. in Cashiers. Call 888-764-0365.
• YOGA All Levels Class Saturday 9:30-11AM,Moonrise Yoga, 464 Carolina Way, 526-8880. (12/3)
Tuesday, Nov. 24• Ashtanga Dynamic Yoga Study Group Form-
ing Meets Tuesday Early Mornings, Call Ashby Un-derwood for Details, 526-8880. (11/19)
Mondays Beginning Nov. 23Yoga Class by Candlelight with Ashby Under-
Through Tuesday, Nov. 24• Applications for the Highlands Emergency Coun-
cil Christmas Program. Call 526-4357 to register to bea recipient of gifts, donations and food.
Through Wed., Nov. 25• Signups are now being accepted for the up-
coming Macon County Boys Basketball season at theHighlands Civic Center. New this year, the league isaccepting six year olds, the age groups have changed,and the age cutoff date has been changed to Aug. 31.Players must be 6 years old by Aug. 31 to enter theleague. The age of player as of August 31 will deter-mine the age division in which he plays. The new agegroups are 6 and 7 year olds in the developmentleague, 8 and 9 year olds in the biddy league, 10 and11 year olds in the junior league, 12, 13, and 14 yearolds in the senior league, 15 through 19 year olds(must be in school) in the varsity league. Because ofthe overlap with the school season, players on schoolteams will not be allowed to play in the county recre-ation league this year. Players in the developmentleague will play only on Saturday mornings in Frank-
lin. Teams in other divisions will play during the week,as well as on Saturdays in Franklin. There will also begames in Highlands on Tuesday nights for variousage divisions. The cost is $35 for the first family mem-ber and $20 for the second. Please bring a copy ofyour child’s birth certificate. Drafts will be held in eachage division beginning Saturday, December 5. Moredetails on the draft times and days will be released at alater date. Anyone interested in coaching or helpingcoach must fill out a coaching application and addition-al paperwork available at the Highlands Civic Center.For more information call Michelle Munger at 828-342-3551 or 828-342-3850.
Through Tuesday, Dec. 1• Operation: Patriotic Pen: Mrs. Sizemore’s first
grade class at Highlands School would like to inviteeveryone (students, clubs/organizations, churchesand the local community) to help us collect at least2,000 Christmas cards, letters or small holiday craftitems for our “Operation Patriotic Pen” project. Theseitems will be sent to soldiers in Afghanistan, Iraq, otherlocations and in military hospitals. The soldiers whoreceive them will be asked to pass them out to othersoldiers in their units. We want to let as many soldiersknow that we honor them for their sacrifices. Our dead-line for this project is December 1. Please help us findout the names and complete military address of somesoldiers that are presently serving in full-time militaryservice and will be away from their family during theholidays. The person submitting the soldier’s nameand address should also include their name and ad-dress or phone number, in case there is any questionabout the address, etc. If you have a picture of thesoldier, we will post it on the wall in the main hallway. Ifyou have unused Christmas cards you would like todonate for students to use for this project, these can besent to the school. To contact Mrs. Sizemore: Email:[email protected]. Phone: Home:(828) 526-3212 School: (828) 526-2147, voice mail-box #415; School Fax: 828-526-0615 or write to
Highlands School, PO Box 940, Highlands, NC 28741,Attention: Mrs. Sizemore.
Through Friday, Dec. 18• American Art Today, Juried Works exhibition at
The Bascom. Admission is free. For more information,call (828) 526-4949 or visit www.thebascom.org.
• Gifts and donations for distribution through theHighlands Emergency Council should be dropped offat area banks or at the Highlands Emergency Councilon Poplar Street.
• The Shopping Bag: Exemplary Art and Designexhibition will open at The Bascom in Highlands andrun through Dec. 18. Admission is free. A public open-ing reception will be Nov. 14 from 5-7 p.m.Call (828)526-4949 or visit www.thebascom.org.
Thursday, Nov. 19• A drop-in reception to say “goodbye” to Hospi-
tal CEO Ken Shull at 3:30-5 p.m. in the Level 1 lobbyof the Jane Woodruff Clinic on the hospital campus.
• Taize service at Our Lady of the MountainsRoman Catholic Church at 5:30 p.m.
• The Thursday Library Movie Matineeis “MyLife in Ruins.” Nia Vardalos, from “My Big Fat GreekWedding,” stars in this really funny comedy. She playsa college professor in Classical Greek Studies whohas lost her job and has to take a job as a tour guide.She find the tourists, mostly American, to be most an-noying and only interested in shopping, not in thehistory and beauty of Greece. The movie will be shownat 3 p.m. in the Library Meeting Room. The movie andpopcorn are free, but donations are appreciated.Movies are among the many services provided to thecommunity by the Friends of the Library.
• Youth Talent Show at the Smoky MountainCenter for the Performing Arts in Franklin at 7:30pm,52 acts by the area’s youth will grace the stage. Catchthe Spirit of Appalachia will present children from age 6to 18, from four counties in North Carolina and from themountains of Georgia, with talents in fiddle, cello, pi-ano, mandolin, banjo, guitar, standup bass, poetry,
Carter Potts in a patch of maroon galax.
Fay Gold Gallery will be conducting a gallery tour on November 30 as part ofthe Art League of Highlands lineup. The Art League of Highlands will hold ameeting at noon at the Civic Center. Soup will be served before heading overto the gallery around 1p.m. Guests are welcome to attend. For furtherinformation contact president Dottie Bruce at 743-7673.
“Round the Clock” is the title of this 48 by 96" painting by Dan Quigley.An Art League of Highlands member
Art League Gallery tour and meetingset for Nov. 30
and vocals. There will be solo performers, duos, triosand groups performing traditional, country, gospel,bluegrass, folk, hymns, and the spoken word. Emceewill be storyteller Amy Ammons Garza. This inspiringnight will celebrate and salute the abundance of talentin our area. Some of the contestants will be those whohave participated this past year in the talent showspresented by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia at areafestivals — the McQuitty Family, Nathan Parrish, andthe Byrd Family from Macon County, the dancing Gattibrothers, Cullowhee Valley Cloggers, Kevin Ray Bry-son, and the Rye Holler Boys from Jackson and SwainCounties. With 52 entries, this will be the largest, mostvaried and exciting talent show ever produced byCatch the Spirit of Appalachia. Come out and supportthese brave and talented up and coming entertainers.Call 828-631-4587 for more information.
• Ben Franklin (a.k.a. John Armor) will talk aboutthe constitution at the Community Building in Franklin at6:30 p.m. The event is free.
Fri. & Sat., Nov. 20-21• On Friday, Highlands High School Alumnae
weekend basketball. Hosting Rabun County with jun-ior varsity girls at 4 p.m., junior varsity boys at 5 p.m.,varsity girls at 7 p.m. and varsity boys at 8:30 p.m.Hospitality Room for alumnae. On Saturday it’s a HHSBasketball Alumnae Game at 4 p.m. A BBQ dinner willbe served and raffle tickets will be sold $1 for a ticket or$5 for six tickets for original pottery, gift certificates atExxon of Cashiers, Sports Page, High Country Pho-to, Kilwins, Annawear, Pescados, Sweetreats, the CarSpa, Log Cabin Restaurant, the Farmer’s Market orCitgo and manicure and pedicure at Mountain Rayz.All proceeds to benefit the HS Varsity girls ChristmasTournament trip to Disney Sports Complex in OrlandoFlorida. For more information, contact Coach Lamb at(828) 526-2147 or email [email protected]
Friday, Nov. 20• Sue Potts will teach a workshop on making
galax roses at the Highlands Historical Society’s Mu-seum from 1-4 pm. The workshop will cost $15 and isdonated to the Highlands Historical Society. All materi-als will be provided and each attendee will be able totake a rose home with them. If you would like to makemore than one please bring some galax with you.Please call Sue Potts at 526-3163 to register for theclass. If not available please leave a message andshe will call you back.
• The High Mountain Squares will dance thisFriday night, November 20th at the Macon CountyCommunity Building on route 441 South from 7-9 p.m.Jack Howie from Greenville, SC will be the caller. Wedance Western Style Square Dancing, main/streamand plus levels. Everyone is welcome. For informa-tion call 828-349-0905, 828-369-8344, 706-782-0943,or www.highmountainsquares.org
Saturday, Nov. 21•The Highlands Memorial Post #370 of the Amer-
ican Legion meets at the Shortoff Baptist Church. Break-fast is at 9 am. Meeting is at 10 a.m. All veterans areinvited to attend.
• Greenway planting tree event. need: Tree plant-ing experts — 2 people; Tree planters — 20 people;Operating CanyCom tracked wheelbarrow — 1 per-son; Operating Yanmar mini-excavator — 1 person.Lunch provided, so please register with Hillrie Quin at526-2385 or [email protected]. We will still meet inthe large upper parking lot behind the Rec Park at 9a.m. for a brief orientation session and then carpool tothe different areas for tree planting. Participants will be
furnished the necessary tools and safety equipmentand lunch. Participants should bring water, rain gear,and a day pack to hold them. Wearing clothes that canget dirty is advised.
• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a hike totwo waterfalls: a 2-mile moderate hike to Kings CreekFalls and an easy 1-mile hike to Spoon Auger Falls.Meet at Cashiers Wachovia Bank (in back) at 10 a.m.Drive 20 miles round trip. Bring water, lunch; wearsturdy shoes. Call leaders Mike and Susan Kettles,743-1079, for reservations. Visitors are welcome butno pets please.
• Benefit Oyster Roast for Highlands and Cash-iers Fire and Rescue Departments at Noel Atherton’shome at 6355 Whiteside Cove Road – where the twodistricts meet. For directions call 787-1515 or 200-0490. $5 per head minimum donation. There will beoysters, other edibles and beer. All proceeds to bedivided between the two districts. DODs available.
Monday, Nov. 23• The Macon County School Board meeting is at
6 p.m. in Nantahala.Tuesday, Nov. 24• HIARPT’s Winter Dialogue. All are welcome.
Only requirement is to read the material in advance.“Obama’s Faith Based Program,” Coordinator: Creigh-
ton Peden. To be circulated by email. Civic Center:10-11:30 a.m.
• November’s Ladies Night Out program will beat 6:30 pm in the cafeteria at Angel Medical Center.Program topic will be influenza and other winter illnessprevention. Speakers include Dr Jimmy Villiard,MCPHC’s preparedness coordinator and Dr FredBerger, Pediatrician. Come learn how to keep youand your family healthier this winter. Join us as wemake new friends, win door prizes and learn impor-tant health information. For more information, call Jen-nifer Hollifield at 349-2439.
• A Community Thanksgiving Service will be heldat 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Cashiers UnitedMethodist Church (CUMC), pictured above. Rev.Scotty Patrick of Cashiers Baptist Church will preach.For more information, call CUMC at (828) 743-5298or visit www.cashiersumc.org.
Wednesday, Nov. 25• Highlands Community Thanksgiving Dinner at
the Civic Center at 6 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 26• Thanksgiving Wilson Reunion. Family mem-
bers of the Herman, Hubert, John, and Mack Wilsonfamilies are invited to celebrate Thanksgiving togetherat the Highlands Recreation Park beginning at 12:30p.m. For more information, contact Anne Tate at 526-2840 or Stephanie McCall at 526-4449.
Fri. & Sat., Nov. 27-28• At PAC on Chestnut Street, “A Christmas Carol
Revisited” Friday at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15. After theplay the cast will lead the audience in a medley ofChristmas Carols. On Saturday free Mask-Makingworkshop for kids from 2-4 p.m. Both events will bepresented by “Once Upon a Blue Ridge” TheaterCompany from Meadows of Dan, Virginia. To pur-chase tickets, call the Performing Arts Center at 828-526-9047.
Friday, Nov. 27• At Wolfgang’s Restaurant “Winter Wonderland”
Parents and their preschoolers, likethis pair above, are invited to attendThe Bascom’s weekly “PreschoolCreativity Classes for Parent and Child(Ages 2 1/2–5)” on Wednesdays from11-11:45 a.m. Cost is $40 for an eight-week session, with all materialsincluded. The Bascom is currentlyaccepting late enrollment for the firstsession. The second session beginsJan. 13. To register, call (828) 526-4949 ext. 100.
Preschool creativityclasses continue at
The Bascom
Last week town crews began dressing the town for the Christmas season. Ittakes a cherry picker to decorate the town Christmas Tree in front of the High-lands United Methodist Church on Main Street. The Annual Christmas TreeLighting at the church will be between 6-6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28. Santawill be at the Visitor Center next to the Main Street Inn and Bistro immediatelyfollowing the lighting to hear Christmas wishes and for photographs.
Photo by Jim Lewicki
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at theMethodist Church is set for Sat., Nov. 28
• Free Yoga Community Class. 8- 9 am. All areWelcome. Moonrise Yoga, 464 Carolina Way, 526-8880.
Saturday, Nov. 28• Highlands annual Christmas Tree Lighting on
Main Street at the Methodist Church 6-6:30 p.m.• Santa at Visitor Center after tree lighting.• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a 6-mile
moderate hike with an elevation change of 700 feet inPanthertown Valley to Blackrock Mtn, Warden Falls,Granny Burrell’s Falls, and Salt Rock Gap. Meet atCashiers Wachovia Bank (in back) at 9:30 a.m. Drive20 miles round trip. Bring water, lunch; wear sturdyshoes. Call leader Jim Whitehurst, 526-8134, for res-ervations. Visitors are welcome but no pets please.
before Monday, November 30, 2009. For moreinformation on class fees, please call Jennifer at 349-2439.
Fri., Dec. 4-Sat., Dec. 5• Art class “Knit a Christmas Stocking” by Carol
Singletary will be taught at The Bascom in Highlandsfrom 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $135 for the generalpublic and $125 for Bascom members (supplies in-cluded). To register, call (828) 526-4949 ext. 100 orvisit www.thebascom.org.
Through Dec. 4• The Historical Society is also selling fresh-cut
Fraser fir Christmas trees this year. 6' -7' trees are $55each, and 8'-9'’ trees are $70. Place orders now byleaving a message at 787-1050. Trees that have beenordered may be picked up at the Historic Village nextto the Rec Park on North Fourth Street on December4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 4• At PAC on Chestnut Street, “The Christmas
Letters” with Barbara Bates Smith at 7:30 pm, $15.From Off-Broadway . . . to Edinburgh. . . across thecountry to you: Barbara Bates Smith brings you stageadaptations of works by prizewinning authors such asLee Smith, plus a variety of original scripts, with musi-cal accompaniment by Jeff Sebens. To purchase tick-ets, call the Performing Arts Center at 828-526-9047.
• At Community Bible Church, the Daraja Chil-dren’s Choir at 6:30 p.m. Free.
• At Paoletti’s Restaurant, Grand Holiday WineTasting 12:30-2p.m. $20 per person refundable withwine purchase.
Sat. & Sun., Dec. 5-6• Christmas Showhouse sponsored by the High-
lands Historical Society at the Stewart House, ca. 1890,at 425 Brock Court opposite the ballpark on HickoryStreet. Showhouse hours will be 1-5- p.m.$15. Shut-tle from the Community Building on US 64. An addedfeature this year will be a raffle of a set of six art glassplates from Bryant Art Glass. Raffle tickets will be $1each or 6 for $5.
• Macon County Planning Board Public Inputmeeting. At the Upper Cartoogechaye community cen-ter at 7 pm.
Sunday, Nov. 29• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take an easy 3-
mile hike on the Skitty Creek and Cliffside loop trails.Meet at the Bi-Lo Center in Franklin at 2 p.m. or, ifcoming from Highlands, call leader for alternate meet-ing place. Drive 30 miles round trip. Bring water, asnack if you wish; wear sturdy shoes. Call leader KayCoriell, 369-6820, for reservations. Visitors and chil-dren over 10 are welcome but no pets please.
Monday, Nov. 30• Art League of Highlands. Meet at Civic Center
at noon for soup. Then proceed to Fay Gold Gallery,211 South Fourth Street, “on the hill” for tour of gallery.
Guests always welcome. For info call President DottieBruce, 743-7673.
• Tickets to see An acclaimed author, storyteller,humorist and musician, Keillor will take center stage inMonday, March 8 at WCU’s Fine and Performing ArtsCenter at 7 p.m. Reserved seat tickets for “An Eveningwith Garrison Keillor” are $25. For information or tick-ets, contact the FAPAC box office at (828) 227-2479or online www.wcu.edu/fapac.
Tues., Dec. 1-Fri., Dec. 18• Pottery workshop “Open Studio for Ceramics,”
by Patrick Taylor, will be held at The Bascom for inter-mediate to advanced students. Two sessions: Mon-days and Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m.; or Tuesdays andThursdays, 10 a.m. to 12 pm. Cost is $375/$350 Bas-com members (basic materials and firing included). Toregister, call (828) 526-4949.
Wednesday, Dec. 2• Winter Botany Walk with the Highlands-Cash-
iers Land Trust . Call 526-111 for tickets. Reservationsrequired.
Thursday, Dec. 3• Rotary Bingo proceeds will go toward the Ma-
con County Sheriff Depts. “Shop with a Cop” programto benefit 213 children this Christmas. Bingo at theHighlands Community Center is 6:30-8:30 p.m. $1per card and 15 games.
• Taize service at the Episcopal Church at 5:30p.m.
• A demonstration, “The Ancient Art of Spinning,”by fiber artist Carol Singletary will be held at TheBascom in Highlands from 2-4 p.m. Admission is free.For more information, call (828) 526-4949 ext. 100 orvisit www.thebascom.org.
• An American Red Cross Adult and ChildCPR/AED and Infant CPR course will be conductedby the Macon County Public Health Center. The coursewill be held on Thursday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 pm at theMacon County Public Health Center at 1830 LakesideDrive. Participants must pre-register and pre-pay at the Macon County Public Health Center
Annual CashiersCommunity
ThanksgivingService set for
Tuesday at CUMC
Every year, the people of Cashierscome together to give thanks and celebrateAmerica with the annual Cashiers Com-munity Thanksgiving Service.
This year’s Community ThanksgivingService will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday,Nov. 24, at Cashiers United MethodistChurch (CUMC).
Rev. Scotty Patrick of Cashiers Bap-tist Church will preach, and other localministers will share in worship leader-ship. This will be the first opportunity formany people in the community to meetRandy Harry, CUMC’s new senior pastor.CUMC will provide light refreshments.
A special offering will be accepted forUnited Christian Ministries of Cashiers,a shared ministry of local churches thatassists families in need with home heat-ing, medical and pharmacy bills. All arewelcome to attend. For more information,call CUMC at (828) 743-5298 or visitwww.cashiersumc.org.
This year’s Community ThanksgivingService will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday,Nov. 24, at Cashiers United MethodistChurch (CUMC), pictured above. Rev.Scotty Patrick of Cashiers Baptist Churchwill preach.
The name about says it all – HighlandsRotary will be joining forces with High-lands Police Department and the MaconCounty Sheriff’s Department to offer ShopWith a Cop Rotary Bingo on Thursday, Dec.3, from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Highlands Com-munity Building.
Shop With a Cop has been champi-oned by the Macon Co. Sheriff’s Dept. forover ten years to provide $100 of Christmaspresents purchased at Wal-Mart by childrenwho otherwise just wouldn’t have a Christ-mas. Last year accompanied by law enforce-ment officers from Highlands Police De-partment and the Sheriff’s Department 213children from Highlands and MaconCounty saw Christmas through Shop Witha Cop.
Shop With a Cop Rotary Bingo willhave the Sheriff, Police Chief and, youguessed it, Santa himself there. The cost toplay is $1 per card per game and there willbe 15 games. While each game’s prize de-pends upon the number of players, mostBingo games pay $40-$70 with game 15being some serious money. Half of all Bin-go money goes to Bingo players and theother half goes to Shop With a Cop.
Play as many cards as you like, enjoy azany night with law enforcement, tell San-ta what’s on your Christmas list and help akid have a Christmas.
Free refreshments will be served byHighlands Boy Scout Troop 207.
The Rotary Club of Highlands is a li-censed operator of Bingo in North Caroli-na.
‘Shop With a Cop’Rotary Bingo
Alternative Giving Christmas, rightafter the Christmas Parade at the High-
lands United Methodist Church. Freelunch and visit booths to see what the lo-
cal non-profit agencies are doing in ourcommunity. There will be information
showing what any size donation can dofor the needy in this area. There will be
attractive gift cards which will showwhat has been done in the recipient’s
honor. What a wonderful way to honorthose who have so much by giving for the
benefit of those who have much less!
Alternative Giving Christmas atHighlands Methodist Church this year
Sat., Dec. 5 after the parade
Twigsthe Season
Hours: 10-5 Thursday-Monday; Sunday 10-4; Closed Tues. & Wed. • Cashiers Road about one mile from town. • 526-5551
“Everything for your Nest”®
...and more including furniture, accessories, art and gifts.
TWIGS at Highlands’ Edge
802 North 4th Street, HighlandsOpen Thurs, Fri, and Sat, 10-5
Highlands Antiques....located in an historic summer home
A, as in awesome,which refers to TCU’smassive beatdown of
Utah in Fort Worth onSaturday night. TCU’s readyfor the spotlight-it’s yourmove BCS.
Barnes, HarrisonBarnes. He not be a Dukie-he’s going to UNC. Killerblow to Duke’s recruitingclass next year and thecollective psyche of BlueDevils everywhere.
CJ Spiller….man, or roadrunner?Defense, saving Florida from yet
another close game on the road in the SEC.Evil genius-what Spurrier used to be
before the NFL took away his swagger.Fired-the official status of Charlie Weis
after this season. So much for that “decidedstrategic advantage” that the Irish weregoing to have.
Going for it on 4th and 2 from yourown 28 against Peyton Manning…yikes.
Huckleberry Hound-Roy Williams stilllooks like him.
Injuries….there were a lot of them thisweekend. Michael Turner for the Falcons,Jordan Gross for the Panthers, the entireNew Orleans secondary, Kyle Orton. Not agood week for playoff contenders.
Jennings, Brandon. Bucks rookie putup 55 points in a game this weekend and ismaking European ball look like a betteroption for one and done players thancollege hoops.
Kyle Orton-his neckbeard will bemissed as Chris Simms continues to throwpasses to no one in particular.
Leaving Memphis-best move for AllenIverson. Next stop-New York City.
Michigan…not the best fit for RichRodriguez. Perfect fit=Jim Harbaugh, whopulverized Oregon and USC with a Big 10style smashmouth attack.
Neyland, General-rolling in his graveafter Dexter McCluster ran for 282 yardsand 4 TD’s against Tennessee. McClusterweighs 170 pounds.
An alphabetical recap of the weekendin sports
Ol’ Roy- admittedlykicking Coach K’s butt rightnow. Coach K spent 2 yearswooing Harrison Barnesand Roy picked him up in amatter of months. Give Royhis due-he’s the premierrecruiter today and hasrestored a juggernaut inChapel Hill.
Pale Force 5-my newnickname for the DukeBasketball team. There
were several times this weekend wherethey threw out a total whitewash (5 whiteguys).
Quixotic- the very definition of NCState fans.
Recruiting-where championships arewon these days. Look at the top teams andthey all have the same thing in common.
Saints-still undefeated, but beat up andwinning ugly. I have a feeling that thePatriots are going to end all of the 16-0 talknext Monday night.
The real Ginger Ninja- TCUquarterback Andy Dalton-who evisceratedUtah’s defense Saturday night beforeheading back to Aunt Bea’s for somehomemade apple pie.
UCLA, upset in double OT thisweekend. Looks like Ben Howland’s groupis on a slow decline.
Virginia- rough time for Cavalierathletics. Grohmentum has stalled inCharlottesville and new bball coach DickBennett took a beatdown in the opener.
Wall, John. Heralded recruit savesKentucky’s bacon in his first ever game as aWildcat. Now we know why he was sosought after.
XXX- the type of bottle ClevelandBrowns fans need to be drinking out ofright now.
You win Johnny-I’ll mention Miami inthis column…for taking a dive againstUNC. Jacory Harris is still a great talentthough.
Z (This useless white space is in honorof Duke center Brian Zoubek)
Buy an ornament for the Hospital treeBells in honor of living friends and loved ones, stars in memory of deceased
friends or loved ones, will be placed on the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital AuxiliaryChristmas Tree in the hospital lobby. Bells or stars are $10. Complete the form belowand mail to: Attn.: Tree of Lights, PO Box 742, Highlands, NC, 28741. Make checkspayable to: Highlands-Cashiers Hospital Auxiliary.
Proceeds go toward scholarships for qualifying candidates who want to enterthe health care field and who agree to join the hospital’s team of a specified period oftime. Ornaments can also be purchased during regular Hospital Gift Shop hours.
Amount :______Circle one: In Honor of In Memory ofName:____________________________________________________________________Given By: _________________________________________________________________Address: __________________________________________________________________Send Acknowledgments to: ____________________________________________________Address: __________________________________________________________________
... REVAL continued from page 1ter the ratio dipped below 90%.
“Thus the sales ratio standard of 90%was established and when a county reached90% a reassessment was supposed to bescheduled for completion within two years,”he said.
Since Macon County’s Sales Ratio hasbeen in the mid- to upper-90 percentile forthe past three years – in fact at 98.17% for2009 – Lightner and County Manager JackHorton said a reassessment is not warranted.
“Unless sales change dramatically in theearly part of 2010, Macon County will notneed to look at a reassessment until 2013.Right now there is no marketability,” saidLightner.
In fact, he said if the county proceededwith the scheduled 2011 reval, land develop-ers and land speculators of raw land wouldsee a lowering of their tax liability at the ex-pense of the average residential homeown-ers who would end up carrying the tax bur-den caused by the speculators.
“When you throw out the bad sales, likethe raw land we’re seeing at Ultima’s Wild-flower development, the most stable value isthe occupied residential homes which rep-resent 90% of the properties in the county,”he said.
“Doing a reval at this time, won’t helpthe majority of the people,” said Horton. “So,for now we will do a 6-year cycle.”
State statute says the county has to do areval every 8 years, but it can be done in few-er years, which has been the case up untilnow, “but there haven’t been enough sales tobuild a scheduled value so it’s best to put it offuntil 2013,” said Horton.
Commissioners were also concernedabout a reval in 2011 because with droppedproperty values, it could have been necessaryto raise taxes to be revenue neutral.
“In other words it’s likely we would haveto raise the tax rate to bring in the sameamount of money as the year before,” said
Commission Chairman Ronnie Beale.Lightner also explained that it’s not le-
gal for a county to assess tax value based onthe price for which a property.
“Assessed tax value is what you pay taxeson not what a property sells for,” he said. “Wecan’t lower taxes or increase taxes based onthe sales price. If a property sells for morethan it is assessed, we can’t tax on that amountjust like we can’t tax on the amount it sellsfor if it sells below the assessed value.”
Along these lines, the commissionedagreed unanimously to release $15,908.37 inproperty taxes for Ultima/Wildflower prop-erties based on the fact that the properties areraw.
Lightner compared the Ultima/Wild-flower case to the one presented in 1991 bythe Cullasaja Club in Highlands which re-quested tax releases on unsold lots.
The county said no because though theproperties weren’t sold yet, they did have in-frastructure attached to them including wa-ter, sewer, and utilities which added value.
“The majority of the 1,300 acres of Wild-flower lots don’t have any of that, yet theywere sold for $120,000 to $300,000,” saidLightner. “We can’t measure the value due tothe lack of data and we have to recognize itcompared to other like properties.”
He said the decision to release Ultima/Wildflower is based on past court cases – par-ticularly in Brunswick County. “The courtsruled that the value is due to amenities notthe things people were promised but didn’treceive like water, septic and paved roads,”he said.
In 1991 Cullasaja Country Club wanteda tax release due to the economy, “But wecan’t do revals based on whether the econo-my goes up or down,” said Lightner.
One of the most respected obstetriciansand gynecologists in Western North Caroli-na will be relocating his practice to High-lands this January.
James Clayton Smallwood, MD, FA-COG, who practiced for 22 years in Sylva,and who has been a mem-ber of the teaching staff atthe Mountain Area HealthEducation Center inAsheville for the last threeand a half years, will becomepart of the medical staff atHighlands-Cashiers Hospi-tal. His practice here will fo-cus exclusively on gynecol-ogy, since the hospital is notlarge enough to offer an ob-stetrics program.
“This is a major devel-opment for Highlands-Cash-iers Hospital. Dr. Clay Small-wood has an outstandingreputation and a tremen-dous following of patientsacross Western North Caro-lina, including many pa-tients in the Highlands-Cashiers area, and we are extremely pleasedthat he is coming to practice here,” said hos-pital President and CEO Ken Shull. “We havebeen looking to bring a viable gynecologicalprogram back to the hospital for the last sev-eral years, and we could not have found abetter qualified, more respected physician tohelp make that happen.”
If past loyalty is any indication, Shull saidthe hospital expects that many of Dr. Small-wood’s patients from surrounding commu-nities will follow him to his new office inHighlands. Word of his coming to Highlandshas already been generating excitement onvarious social networking sites.
“We hope that the addition of those pa-tients to the base of women who already herewho need GYN services will make this a via-ble program for us. It will also strengthen oursurgical program overall,” Shull said. “Alongwith the highly respected physicians that arehere in family practice, general surgery, gas-troenterology and several other specialties,the addition of someone of Dr. Smallwood’sreputation places Highlands-Cashiers Hos-pital once again at the top of the list in theregion for places to find great medical care.”
Smallwood said he is looking forwardto focusing solely on gynecology, even thoughhe realizes that will disappoint many of hispatients who have turned to him over theyears to deliver their children. While hedoesn’t have an exact count, he estimates that
over his career in Western North Carolinahe has delivered between 4,000 and 5,000babies, including several generations righthere in the Highlands-Cashiers area.
He will open his practice Jan. 4, seeingpatients four days per week (Monday through
Thursday), and performingsurgery in the hospital’s sur-gical center. His new officeswill be located in Suite 202of the Jane Woodruff Clinicon the hospital campus. Ap-pointments can be made bycalling (828) 526-5045.
Smallwood says he islooking forward to practic-ing in the Highlands-Cash-iers area again. Back in themid 1980s, he actually usedto see patients on a visitingbasis at both the offices ofDrs. Mark Heffington andDavid Wheeler in Cashiers,and in Highlands at the of-fices of Drs. John Baumruck-er and Carlyle Mangum.
The new office here willalso be more convenient for
many of his patients than his offices inAsheville.
“I feel the patients I have in Franklin,and certainly those who are here in Cashiersand Highlands, will find the new locationmuch more convenient,” he said during aplanning visit to the hospital last week. “Boththe office and the surgical facilities here arecertainly very nice, and I know my patientswill appreciate that as well.”
He’s also looking forward to workingagain with general surgeon William J. “Bil-ly” Noell, MD, FACS, who moved his prac-tice to Highlands a year and a half ago. “Heand I have worked on a lot of cases togetherover the years in Sylva, and I’m looking for-ward to collaborating with him again on cas-es where a second surgeon is needed,” hesaid.
Apart from the absence of obstetrics,Smallwood says he does not believe the moveto Highlands-Cashiers Hospital will changethe nature of his practice. “I will still be ableto do all the gynecological procedures that Idid at WestCare (now MedWest) in Sylva, orthat I have been doing at Mission Hospital. Iknow I’ll miss working with the residents atMAHEC and the teaching aspects, but I won’tmiss having to be on call, which involvedbeing away from home so much.”
Smallwood joined the staff at MAHECin June of 2006 as a clinical assistant profes-sor of medicine in the Department of OB-
GYN of the University of North CarolinaSchool of Medicine. He was also on the med-ical staff of Mission Hospitals in Asheville.He was awarded MAHEC’s Outstanding Fac-ulty Teaching Award for the 2006-07 year.
He earned his medical degree in 1975from the Medical College of Georgia in Au-gusta, where he was a classmate of F. Augus-tus “Gus” Dozier, MD, the other general sur-geon now on staff at Highlands-CashiersHospital (the two have kept in touch over theyears). Dr. Smallwood completed his intern-ship and residency in obstetrics and gyne-cology at the United States Air Force MedicalCenter at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississip-pi, and he worked at medical centers at twoother Air Force bases in the early 1980s, in-cluding serving as chief of obstetrics and gy-necology, before entering private practice inSylva in 1984.
He is certified by the American Board ofObstetrics and Gynecology and accreditedin advanced operative laparoscopy by theAccreditation Council for Gynecologic En-doscopy. He is also a Fellow of the AmericanCollege of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
He is a member of the North CarolinaMedical Society, the North Carolina Obstet-rical and Gynecologic Society, the AmericanMedical Association, the American Associa-tion of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and theSouthern Obstetric and Gynecologic Semi-nar, Inc. He also serves on the Committee onPractice Bulletins – Obstetrics for the Amer-ican College of Obstetricians and Gynecolo-gists, based in Washington, DC.
Well respected gynecologist to relocatepractice to Highlands
555 E. Main Street HighlandsAcross from Hudson Library
(828)-526-3350
OPENM-F 10-5 & SAT 10-2
Televisions Stereos Blu-Ray
Computers Printers
Telephones
XBOX Wii
Nintendo Playstation
SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO
APPLE IPOD SANSA MP3
Batteries Cameras GPS
GoPhone Tracfone
Installation and On-Site Service
a local taverna. This is typical of the local,earthy fare for which the region is famous.Most of our group pick up bags of the orecchietteto take home, but John and I hit a gelato standinstead, determined to try every flavoravailable before we return to the States.
We return to the ship absolutelyenchanted with our visit of the area, evenmore determined to return to Italy for a longervisit. I’ve found from research on the Internetyou can rent a trullo, and would love to spenda week or two in the area. While I don’t needany of those lovely wedding dresses anymore,it would be lovely to sit in an outdoor tavern,sipping a glass of local wine while chompingmy way through a plate of home-madeorecchiette - followed by gelato, of course.
Where there’s a rock, there’s a way ...By Kim Lewicki
If not for his mother’s insistence, life could have turnedout very differently for sculptor
Alexei Kazantsev.At 14 and just out of middle
school, Alexei was headed for thecar mechanic business when hismother made a decision that sculpt-ed his life.
“She said, ‘I don’t want you ly-ing on your back in the mud all day.Go to Moscow. Work with youruncle,’” said Alexei, 43.With that Alexei left Alexandrov,Russia, and headed for Moscow toapprentice with acclaimed sculp-tor, his uncle Sergei Kazantsev from1981 until 1985.
While in Moscow, in workedwith his uncle during the day andearned his GED in the eveningsuntil he was accepted to the Mos-cow State Art Institute from 1985-1991 where he earned his BFA andMFA.
From 1991-1992 he was en-rolled in the Ph.D program insculpture at the Russian Fine ArtsAcademy in Moscow and after thatit was on to America.
“After 12 years working undermy uncle, it was time for me to splitout on my own,” he said from his“studio” among the boulders at theLarry Rogers Construction lot onHicks Road.
Since Alexei hit America’sshores he’s been busy creatingsculptures almost non-stop.
In Marshalltown, Iowa, hemet, fell in love with and 2 ½ yearslater married Catherine Fritz in1995, a violinist. They have twoboys, Jayden, 6 and Jasper, 8, whoare more inclined to music thansculpting, but “It’s still early,” saidAlexei. The family lives in Wash-ington State but as the major breadwinner, Alexei travels the countryto wherever the work is. Prior tochildren, Catherine traveled withhim, teaching violin and viola.
Alexei came to Highlands byway of Covington, LA, where he hadcarved a marble angel for place-ment in a cemetery owned by Ed-ward and Rebecca Fielding, also ofHighlands, named Pinecrest Me-morial Gardens.
While Alexei sculpted, Cathe-rine taught Rebecca Fielding the vi-olin and a family friendship wasforged.
Much of his work has an oldworld feel to it, a feel common inplaces like France, Russia, Scotland
and Italy, which in fact, display hiswork, but a feeling novel here inthe states.
So in various private collec-tions, mausoleums, cemeteries,sculpture gardens and churches inAmerica he has brought the old artof sculpting massive pieces to life.
In love with his work, theFieldings commissioned Alexei tocarve a rendition of golfer BobbyJones which they had originallyplanned on erecting in the backyard of their Cullasaja Club golf vil-la. However, at the suggestion ofMike “Bud” Rogers, they opted in-stead to donate it to the HighlandsCountry Club – the club that washome to Bobby Jones when in High-lands.
Once the subject was decidedupon, the search began for a slab ofstone that would become “BobbyJones.”
An 11-foot by 5-foot piece wasquarried from the Cherokee reser-vation and carted back to Highlands– to the Rogers lot on Hicks Road –where Alexei set to work all sum-mer.
The pose chosen was the oneimmortalized by Jones when hewon the Grand Slam in 1936 at theU.S. Amateur Tournament on the12th hole at the Merion Golf Clubin Ardmore, PA.
Except for his new line of stonebenches which are Alexei’s loveright now, most of his work is doneon a commission basis.
Though most artists dislikeworking on commission – that is,creating something a patron com-missions rather than creating forthe sake of creating – Alexei says heloves it. For one thing, the moneyis guaranteed – he gets between$1,000-$5,000 per piece — but hesaid he’s lucky because so far hisclients have given him the freedomto create.
“Working with a patron is likemaking a child,” he said. There isan idea and this energy that igniteswhile I turn their dream into reali-ty.”
Alexei can work in anything –marble, granite, basalt, concreteeven bronze – each requiring amodified technique, but each yield-ing to its potential under his skilledhand.
“Sculpting is like beauty – thestone has energy. There is the ex-citement of discovery as somethingemerges,” he said.
Like most artists, Alexei begins
with a drawing derived from thedepiction of a patron’s dream. “Firstthey dream it, then they proposethe idea and I make what they re-late to me,” he said. “It’s a good pro-cess.”
A friend’s yen for creating crea-tures with a chainsaw and a stump,ignited another idea for Alexei. “Ifhe can carve stumps, why not boul-ders?”
Now he’s busy creating artisticrock benches like the one that willsit beside Bobby Jones at HighlandsCountry Club – shaped, polishedand inviting – displaying a plaqueexplaining the life-size rendition ofthe golfer that made HighlandsCountry Club famous.
“This sculpture of Bobby Joneswas donated to Highlands CountryClub by Edward and Rebecca Field-ing of Covington, LA, and High-lands, NC, and sculpted by AlexeiKazantsev.”
Next up? As suggested by hisgood friends Bud and Tina Rogers,perhaps a life-size Highlander to beerected at Highlands School.
If Alexei can find someone tohelp foot the cost, he would like tobegin the job in January.
To see more of Alexei’s workgo to www.aksculpt.com.
Alexei Kazantsev with the angel he sculpted for the Fieldings’Pinecrest Memorial Gardens in Covington, LA.
Below, the Rogers’ crew erectsBobby Jones at HighlandsCountry Club.
LEGALS
NORTH CAROLINAHAZARD MITIGATION GRANT REVIEWNOTICE OF EARLY PUBLIC REVIEW
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
The North Carolina Division of Emergency Management iscurrently reviewing the project identified below to determinewhether assistance should be granted therein. The projecthas been submitted by the Town of Highlands for fundingunder the Federal Mitigation Grant Program.
Name of Project: Town of Highlands Culvert UpgradeLocation of Project: Town of Highlands
Project Description: The proposed project entails upgradingthree culverts on streets in Highlands. This action is intendedto reduce or eliminate potential property damage from futureflooding events.
According to the Flood Insurance Study and the FloodInsurance Rate Maps or Flood Hazard Boundary Mapspublished by the Federal Emergency Management Agency,the project activities are located in the special flood hazard(100-year floodplain) area along Mill Creek in Highlands.The culvert crossings to be upgraded are on Spruce Street,Laurel Street and Fifth Street.
Comments of this proposal are invited and welcomed forfifteen days from the date of this notice. Comments should bemade in writing, addressed to: Jim Fatland, Town Manager,Town of Highlands, P.O. Box 460, Highlands, NC 28741.If additional information is needed, please call Mr. Fatland at828-526-5266.
Public comments are requested until 15 days past the date offirst posting.
Publish: November 19, 2009
HELP WANTED
RN’s at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. ExperiencedMed-Surg Nurses needed in Acute/ER department. Strongleadership skills is a must. PRN positions available for 12hour day and night shifts. Excellent wage scale, with shiftand weekend differentials. Pre-employment screeningrequired. Call Human Resources at 828-526-1376 or applyonline at www.hchospital.org.
CNA or CNA II at Fidelia Eckerd Living Center. PRNpositions are available. Our wage scale is $11.00 to $14.40per hour, and you also receive shift and weekend differentials.Pre-employment substance screening. Call HumanResources, 828-526-1376 or apply online atwww.hchospital.org.
RN needed in the Emergency Room at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. Full Time position available. ERexperience required. Full benefits, or the option to opt out ofbenefits for an increase in pay, available after 60 days of full-time employment. We are now offering part-time employees,working at least 24 hours a week, medical insurance. Pre-employment screening required. Call Human Resources at828-526-1376 or apply online at www.hchospital.org.
C.N.A II needed at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital inthe Acute Department. Full-time and PRN positions available,night shift. Med/Surg experience preferred. Excellent wagescale, with shift and weekend differentials. Full benefits, orthe option to opt out of benefits for an increase in pay, availableafter 60 days of full-time employment. We are now offeringpart-time employees, working at least 24 hours a week,
• CLASSIFIEDS •medical insurance. Pre-employment screening required. CallHuman Resources at 828-526-1376 or apply online atwww.hchospital.org.
RN needed at Fidelia Eckerd Living Center atHighlands-Cashiers Hospital. Full time position, requiringevery other weekend shift. Full benefits, or the option to optout of benefits for an increase in pay, available after 60 daysof full-time employment. We are now offering part-timeemployees, working at least 24 hours a week, medicalinsurance. Pre-employment screening required. Call HumanResources at 828-526-1376 or apply online atwww.hchospital.org.
RECEPTIONIST needed at Highlands-CashiersHospital in one of our Physician Offices. Full Time positionavailable. 3-5 years of physician office experience required.Full benefits, or the option to opt out of benefits for an increasein pay, available after 60 days of full-time employment. Weare now offering part-time employees, working at least 24hours a week, medical insurance. Pre-employment screeningrequired. Call Human Resources at 828-526-1376 or applyonline at www.hchospital.org.
MEDICAL ASSISTANT/NURSE needed atHighlands-Cashiers Hospital in one of our Physician Offices.Full Time position available. 3-5 years of experience required,GYN office experience preferred. Full benefits, or the optionto opt out of benefits for an increase in pay, available after 60days of full-time employment. We are now offering part-timeemployees, working at least 24 hours a week, medicalinsurance. Pre-employment screening required. Call HumanResources at 828-526-1376 or apply online atwww.hchospital.org.
STAFF PHYSICAL THERAPIST needed atHighlands-Cashiers Hospital. Full time, 90% out-patientcare with potential planned upward mobility. Strong orthopedicskills desired. Professional independence encouraged. Fullbenefits, or the option to opt out of benefits for an increase inpay, available after 60 days of full-time employment. Pre-employment screening required. Call Human Resources at828-526-1376 or apply online at www.hchospital.org.
WANTED
WANTED TO RENT – Quality 3 or 4-bedroom homeclose to town. Upgraded kitchen, flexible on furnishings,easy access. Small, clean dog allowed. Long term lease.Possibly interested in option for the right home. Call 828-200-0815. (st. 10/22)
HARDWORKING COUPLE LOOKING FOR LAND-SCAPING AND YARDWORK AND HOUSECLEANINGWORK – Call Juan Diaz at 828-200-1038 or 828-526-1025.
ABOUT PETS
BEAUTIFUL FEMALE MALAMUTE MIX. FREETO A GOOD HOME WITH REFERENCES. 12 years old,bred to be the head of a sled dog team and in excellent health.Must sacrifice. Owner’s granddaughter has life threateningasthma. This is a very special animal and deserves aforever home. 828-526-3961 [email protected] pics and more info.
LOST AND FOUND
FOUND, PAIR OF EYEGLASSES on the USFStrail below the old Forest Station on Flat Mountain Road. Call526-4696.
YARD SALE
AT HIGH COUNTRY PHOTO, HUGE YARDSALE! Fri & Sat, Nov. 20-21. 8-5 Friday, 8-2 Saturday. Lotsof frames, albumns and mis. yard sale stuff in HIghlands •See CLASSIFIEDS page 22
of Furniture Living Room, Dining Room, Bedroom, BakersRack, Office Furniture, Corner TV Cabinet, Console Tables,Accessories, too many to list. Highlands, close to Wild CatCountry Club. Call for appointment to see. 526-9577 (st. 9/24)
MOVING SALE – 2 Side by Side Dressers, antiquegreen, brass and white handles, $65. 3 Wood End Tableswith matching coffee table $35.Pretty Red Oak Dining Tableand 4 chairs with leaf $125. Hoover Wind Tunnel CanisterVacuum Cleaner $75 828-349-1546 or 828-342-7028. (St.11/12)
RESIDENTIAL FOR SALE
BY OWNER NO AC NEEDED. CLASSICCOUNTRY HOME, 4.2 acres. Perennial landscaping. 4bed 3 bath, garage and shed 2900 sq. ft living space. 1,523sq. ft deck. $338,500, 743-5788 (st. 10/15)
LOT WITH A VIEW OF SATULAH MOUNTAIN,Hidden Springs Road, Highlands. Approximately 1/3 acre.Excellent neighborhood. Lynda Hamilton (912) 481-0174.
RESIDENTIAL FOR RENT
ONE BED, 1 BATH, plus den with trundle beds – fullyfurnished, new construction, including utilities, cable TV, W/D,wireless Internet access. Smoke-free environment. 1,200 sq. ft.plus 2 outside decks. Walk to Main Street. Near new Bascom.$950/month. Call 813-428-2359.
TWO BEDROOM, ONE BATH FARMHOUSE.Large Yard. View of Shortoff Mountain. Available Jan. 1,2010. $700 a month plus utilities. Furnished. Non-smokers.View Point Road area. Call 828-526-0036 after 6 p.m. or thecell at 828-421-1159. (11/26)
HOUSE FOR RENT IN LAUREL FALLS. FullyFurnished with W/D, $750 a month. 787-2423. (st. 11/12)
GREAT HOME FOR RENT. $750 per month. 3 bed,3bath, great room with fireplace, deck, big yard in Scaly Mtnbehind Cabe Realty, utilities not included, no pet. Call Becky828-526-2475. (11/19)
SPACIOUS MAIN ST. APT, full kitchen, fullyfurnished, covered balcony, small pets OK. $700/mo. 526-3363. (St. 11/5)
ONE-BEDROOM APARTMENT IN TOWN – 535N. 4th Street. $600 a month. Call 770-827-0450. (St. 11/5)
BEAUTIFUL TWO BEDROOM CHALET FORRENT. $750 per month INCLUDING utilities. Two bed/twobath/screened porch/gazebo. Minutes from Highlands. CallJeannie Chambers 526-3717 (office) or 526-8225 (cell). (st.10/22)
CUTE HIGHLANDS COTTAGE. 2BR/1BA.Remodeled kitchen and bath. Close to town, private, quiet.Deck, W/D, DW, wood stove. No smoking. Pets negotiable.$900/month + utilities. 770-845-1577. (st. 10/22)
APT. FOR RENT – Fully Furnished. Including W/D.Minutes from Hospital and downtown. $475/month pllusutilities. Call 787-2423. (st. 10/22)
ARCHITECTS PRIVATE HOME WITHSTUNNING FEATURES. Three bedrooms, plus den, threefull baths, and an open living area. Two Stone fireplaces andthree decks overlooking stream and private stocked troutpond. Full Privacy. Designer furnished. Walking distance totown. Rate dependant on term. Non smokers only; no pets.Deposit required. Weekly, monthly or yearly rental. Call678-358-9675 or 770-639-2682.
2 BED, 1 BATH HOUSE FOR RENT IN LAURELFALLS. Few minutes from downtown Highlands and thehospital. fully furnished included w/d. Call 787-2423. (St. 9/24)
$325/MONTH, one bedroom in 5-bedroom house.Utilities divided equally. Walk to hospital. Call: 828-200-1064. (st. 10/1)
FULLY FURNISHED 4-ROOM CABIN SUITE offGlen Falls Road atop Loma Linda Farm. New queen bed,kitchenette, large tiled shower, deck and view. Good for 1person. $700/mo. includes electric, heat, satellite TV andwifi. Visit http://highlandscashiersrealestate.blogspot.com/ forvirtual tour. Phone (828) 421-7922. (st. 11/12)
APARTMENT FOR RENT - partly furnished 1BR/1ba - no dogs/smokers - Whiteside Cove - $100/week - call(828) 787-1515
ROOM FOR RENT - furnished or not - no smokers -must love dogs - $50/week - call (828) 787-1515
APARTMENT FOR RENT – newly furnished onebed/one bath. AC/Heat. Deck. Fantastic view. 5 min fromHighlands. Adults only. No smokers, no pets. Utilities included.$795. Call 526-2694. (st. 7/30)
GREAT 2 BEDROOM/1BATH APARTMENT – MainStreet, Highlands includes 9-foot ceilings, central heat & air,balcony, large laundry room with washer/dryer. $900 permonth plus utilities. Lease and references required. ContactJohn Dotson - 526-5587. (st. 5/21)
SMALL FURNISHED COTTAGE suitable for (1) oc-cupant conveniently located @ 674 Chestnut Street. Queenbed, Living area and kitchen combined. Nice screen porchwith sleeping loft. Quiet and private. No pets and no smok-ing. $800. monthly plus $300. security deposit with 6 monthslease and references. Includes all utilities & satellite TV.Contact Charlie @ (828)526-8645.
COMMERCIAL FOR RENT/SALE
FOR SALE – BEST ‘COMMERCIAL’ BUY INHIGHLANDS – 535 4th Street. Zoned mixed-use,commercial and residential. Recent Remodel. Great retail/office and separate one-bedroom basement apartment.$389,000. Call 770-827-0450. (St. 11/5)
RESTAURANT FOR LEASE ON THE CASHIERSROAD. – Currently occupied by High Country Cafe. 6,300sq. ft. Call Buddy or Sherry Kremser at 706-782-6252. (St.11/5)
RENTAL SPACE IN WRIGHT SQUARE – Half abuilding or two floors of one building. Call Harold Brammer.828-526-5673. (st. 4/16)
VACATION RENTAL
ARCHITECTS PRIVATE HOME WITH STUNNINGFEATURES. Three bedrooms, plus den, three full baths,and an open living area. Two Stone fireplaces and threedecks overlooking stream and private stocked trout pond.Full Privacy. Designer furnished. Walking distance to town.Rate dependant on term. Non smokers only; no pets. Depositrequired. Weekly, monthly or yearly rental. Call 678-358-9675 or 770-639-2682.
RV SITES FOR RENT IN TOWN — Short Walk toMain Street. Daily, Weekly, or Monthly Rates Available.Contact Charlie @ (828)526-8645 e-mail:[email protected] (ST. 11/5)
THE LODGE ON MIRROR LAKE – Fish or canoefrom deck. Available weekly, monthly, No min. Call 828-342-2302.
89-INCH SOFA, soft floral print, great condition. $250.Also, 9-ft 4-inch x 5-ft 8-inch floral hooked rug that goes wellwith sofa. $85l. Call 526-3647.
EMPIRE GAS LOGS, 28 wide, ventless, remotecontrolled, 20-38M BTU, imitates real fire very well, $150.526-4594
LADIES MOVADO WATCH - Never worn. Asking$400. Call 828-421-6198.
WESLO CARDIO GLIDE – Like New. $75. Call526-5462.
FRESH CUT CHRISTMAS TREES – Will cut toorder. Can deliver. Sale Starts Nov. 21 on Main Street nextto the Methodist Church. Call 526-3824. 11/29.
ALL WEATHER LINED, LONG COAT. – Dark blue.Size 12. $20. Call 526-5367.
ORIGINAL SYRACUSE CHINA FROM NOWCLOSED “AUNT FANNY’S CABIN” IN ATLANTA. 19plates, 18 bread and butter, 18 dessert. All for $295. Call 526-0498.
RECLAIMED BRAZILIAN CHERRY DININGTABLE. One of a Kind. $1,200. 828-526-9012. Randy. (st.10/22)
PIANO — Gorgeous Fully restored. Late 1800s uprightowned by the Vanderbelts and was in the Biltmore EstatesPlays Beautiful $7,000 invested, worth way more Must sell.Will sacrifice for $2,800. OBO. 828-524-7233 or 828-371-2129 (st. 10/22)
• CLASSIFIEDS •
526-4946 • 342-9312
Don’t Scream...Get the help you
need withTempStaffers!
Quality help for a day, a week, a season.
515 Wyanoak Drive • Highlands828-526-4946 or 828-200-0268
HIGHLANDS LICENSE PLATES – New PhotoDesigns by Cynthia Strain. Cashiers & Franklin, also. MillCreek Gallery & Framing on oak Street. 828-787-2021.
BRAND-NEW, NEVER WORN, WEDDING DRESSAND VEIL. Beautiful; ivory with beading at waist and scoopneck. Size 6. Price tags: dress $640 and veil $265. Makeoffer. Please call 828-526-5733 or 601-316-3147.
GE PROFILE WHITE COUNTERTOP GASRANGE WITH DOWNDRAFT. Like new. $185 Call 787-2232.
SMALL EMERALD AND GOLD RING. Originally$300. Asking $175. 828-631-2675 after 5 p.m.
BABY LOCK SERGER MACHINE with extra spoolsof thread. $200. 828-631-2675 after 5 p.m. Sylva area.
3-PIECE BEDROOM SET – Oak veneer. one dress-er, one desk, one chest. $300. Call 526-5772.
MARTIN-C-1740 UNVENTED GAS HEATER – withoxygen depleting sensing system. BTU 40,000. H. 14 24 3/4 W. 25” D. 13”. Fan blower-model B35. $125. Call 526-5640.
Serving Highlands, Cashiers, Sapphire and Lake Glenville.1/14
GOLF CLUBS CLASSIC – Set of MacGregor Tour-ney 9 irons (2-9 P.W.) 1980. Persimmon Drivers, new. $50.Used $25. Also miscellaneous items cheap. Call 706-746-3046. (Sky Valley).
COLONIAL GLASS – set of 12 Sherbet Goblets,and dessert plates. $35. Call 526-4063.
TWO ELECTRIC WATER COOLERS for sale. Ap-proximately 38" tall x 12" square. Put bottled water on top.$50 each. OBO. Call 526-3262
LENOX SPICE JARS, full set mint condition, originalprice $45 each. Also jewelry call 369-0498. 7-9 p.m.
VEHICLES FOR SALE
2004 FORD EXPLORER 4WD, $DR, 6CY, 80,000miles. $7,500. Call 526-3824. (St. 11/19)
1993 DODGE DAKOTA LE, 4X4, towing package,new C-rated tires, 127,000 miles, bed liner, new CD/radio,$2995 OBO. 526-4594. (11/19)
2003 AIRSTREAM / 30' CLASSIC; One Owner,Extra Clean @ $34,000. rear island queen, walk-thru bathw/sit down shower, & dinette. Airstream’s top of the line, nopets, no smoking. Contact Charlie @ (828)526-8645 e-mail:[email protected] (st. 10/29)
ONE OWNER 2007 CHEVY DIESEL DURAMAX2500 W/6 SPEED ALLISON – PU with 26K miles, towingpackage, lineX bedliner, step rails, camper mirrows. @$22,000. call Charlie @ (828)526-8645, or [email protected] (st. 11/12)
2008 KEYSTONE OUTBACK FIFTH WHEELCAMPER. – Used 4 times. Has slide-out and bunkhouse.$26,000. 526-9107. (st. 10/29)
1997 NISSIAN PICK UP. – 5 speed. 140,000 K, 4-cyl., Great on gas! $1,500. Call 526-4741.
CADILLAC DEVILLE2002 – Silver, 85,300 miles.One owner, garaged. $8,950. See at 150 Shelby Circle,Highlands. 787-2310. (St. 7/9)
SERVICES
WILL DRIVE TO FLORIDA FOR THANKSGIVINGHOLIDAYS – Good driver’s record. References. Call Galeat 526-1899. (11/19)
THE HIGHLANDS HANDYMAN – Anything andEverything. From High End to Low Spend. Local References.Call a neighbor. Call Mark at 526-0031. 11/26
Handyman Special – Reapris, and remodeling,electrical and plumbing. Carpentry and more. Low prices.For free estimate call 828-342-7864. (12/10)
MARK’S SEDAN SERVICE – Airport Transportation,Easy Pickup Procedures. Call 828-524-2149 or cell at 239-292-3623. MC/VISA, AMEX, Cash, Check. 11/12
AFFORDABLE WINTERIZATION AND HOMEWATCHING SERVICE – Call the Highlands Handyman.References. 526-0031. 11/26
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS GOT YOU DOWN?Need help processing feelings, creating an action plan?Contact Betty Holt, M.Ed, Licensed Professional Counselorat the Conscious Connection, 526-8885. Sliding scale,recession rates. (st. 6/25)
24-HOUR CARE FOR YOUR LOVED ONE – 16years experience. Will travel to accommodate. $2,800 month-ly, negotiable. Call Clare Myers 828-349-3479 or 828-342-1603. 11/19
RELIABLE CHILD CARE IN MY HOME – Minutesfrom Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. Daily/Weekly. 12 yearsexperience, referemces and Early Childhood credentials.$5 per hour for first child, $10 a day for second sibling. Call743-2672.
ADELGID TREATMENT & FERTILIZATION – Great Re-sults by J&J Lawn and Landscaping services. NC Li-censed Applicator, Highlands, NC 828-526-2251.
J&J LAWN AND LANDSCAPING SERVICES –total lawn care and landscaping company. 20 years servingHighlands area. 828-526-2251.
TREE SERVICE – Complete Tree Removal, Trim-ming, Stump Grinding, Lot Clearing, Under Brushing, andHemlock treatment and fertilization for “Woolly Adelgid.” 828-526-2251
LANDSCAPING – Complete Landscaping Compa-ny, Design, Installation and Maintenance. Also featuringPlants, Trees, Hardscapes, Water Features, Rockwork,Fencing, Drainage, Erosion Control and RR-Tie work. 828-526-2251.
Come see us for all your repair needs.• 24-Hour Towing Service also available.
• Local and Long-distance Hauls, too.
Manley’s Auto and TowingJames “Popcorn” Manley
Hwy 28 S. Highlands 526-9805
Don’t let your vehiclesFALL into
disrepair this year ...
assist EMS with a medical call at a residence on HicksRoad involving at 56-year old man. He was transportedto the hospital.
Nov. 12• At 1:07 p.m., the dept. responded to an alarm at
a residence on Morewood Circle. It was false.Nov. 14• At 1:07 a.m., the dept. responded to a mutual
aid call to Cashiers but it was cancelled.Nov. 17• At 1:10 p.m., the dept. was first-responders to
assist EMS with a medical call at OEI’s employeehousing on N.C. 28 involving a 25-year old female.She was transported to the hospital.
• At 2:55 p.m., the dept. responded to a 2-vehiclecollision at Main and 2nd streets. The victims weretaken to the hospital.
Highlands Police Dept. instrumental incatching suspect in church arson
On Nov. 15, Highlands Police officerson patrol spotted a suspect wanted in con-
• HS BASKETBALL •
nection with a church arson and burglarywalking on U.S. 64 west near ...on the Ve-randa Restaurant.
He matched the description of DouglasEdward Miller wanted in connection withthe Transylania County crime.
In response to a 9-1-1 caller who claimedseeing the man walking toward Franklin,Highlands Police stopped the man and ques-tioned him.
He matched the description issued inthe BOLO put out by the TransylvaniaCounty Sheriff Dept. and was carrying aTakamini guitar that matched the descrip-tion of a guitar taken from the church.
He was taken to the Highlands PoliceDept. and shortly thereafter picked up by theTransylvania Sheriff Dept. who arrested himfor breaking and entering and arson.
By Ryan PottsThe Rabun Gap Eagles have been
working hard the last few years to build uptheir basketball program, and the resultsshowed against Highlands on Tuesdaynight.
The Lady Eagles came into HighlandsGym and came away with a blowoutvictory. Highlands trailed early after acompetitive first quarter, but the Lady Eaglesopened up a double digit lead after somepoor shooting from Highlands and neverlooked back, winning with a final of 58-35. Sophomore Emily Munger led theHighlanders with 9 points.
Unfortunately for the Highlander boys,
Eagles Hammer Highlanders in openerthey did not start with a competitive firstquarter. Rabun Gap dominated from theopening tip, beginning the game with a 33-1 run in which the Highlanders struggledin every stage of the game. The Highlanderswere never able to get their offense going,scoring only 35 points in a 74-31 final.Samuel Wheeler was the only Highlanderin double figures, scoring 11 points.
The Highlanders host Rabun Countytomorrow night, and Saturday the LadyHighlanders will be presenting theHighlander Alumni game and fundraiserto contribute towards their trip to Orlando,FL in December.
... DUKE continued from page 1its size – just a 12 megawatt load. “Intereststarts at the 40 the megawatt load,” saidO’Donnell.
State Statute 2007-397 mandates that acertain amount of a municipality’s powercome from renewable resources but it’s acomplicated business, he said.
As per the contract with Duke, the use ofRenewable Energy Portfolios (REPS) is aneither-or situation.
“Highlands can get into the business ofgenerating and selling REPS but due to itssize it wouldn’t generate much and Dukewon’t let Highlands sell it back to them tooffset its rate increase at peak times becauseit is during the peak hours they make themost money,” said O’Donnell.
He said the reason Duke took so long toincrease Highlands’ rates is because High-lands is so small it wasn’t worth dealing with,
but now that Duke has to pay for its newCliffside Coal Plant and its new nuclear plantevery little bit counts.
The big question of the night was wheth-er to sign up with Duke for 12 years or 20years.
A 12-year contract meant Highlandswould be in sync with Western CarolinaUniversity and Haywood EMC whose con-tracts with Duke end in 12 years.
At that point, the three entities might beable to lobby as a block, but all also risk loos-ing Duke completely if it decided it didn’twant to supply any of them. “Duke couldalso decide to charge to supply power incre-mentally instead of the more cost effectiveway it does it now,” said O’Donnell.
“I like the 20-year idea, because I don’twant to have to worry about what’s going tohappen at the end of 12 years,” he said. “You
just don’t know what could happen and I’veseen small town’s be on the verge of losing asupplier in four months and that’s a scaryplace to be.”
Even though Duke is the only game intown, its rates are low compared to other sup-pliers in other regions, he said. However,based on what Highlands has been spendingfor wholesale power in the past, the new con-tract will be expensive.
Each year, Highlands will forecast itsmonthly needs and give that information toDuke who will charge Highlands according-ly. Highlands’ forecast will be determinedDecember of each year, but Duke won’t knowif it charged enough based on the forecastuntil June of the following year.
“That’s when we ‘true up’ saidO’Donnell. “At that point, Highlands couldget a refund, or it could get an additionalcharge due that month.”
Town Manager Jim Fatland said that’swhy the board ruled to raise electric rates inMay of 2009 even though the new Duke con-tract won’t go into effect until March 2010.“We will have a cushion of money in theRate Stabilization Fund for use in June 2011
for that first time we ‘true up’ with Duke,” hesaid.
Wholesale costs are expected to increaseroughly 16% per year for the next three yearsand then about 5% per year through 2019 soHighlands’ retail rates will increase another9%-10% over the next three years.
Another unknown is the transmissionbill. Under the town’s old Duke rate, the costof transmission was built into a combinedrate.
Duke is still paying for the $1.6 milliontransmission plant it built five years ago andnow Highlands will receive a separate trans-mission bill to help offset that cost.O’Donnell said Duke won’t give the newtransmission price until it has a contract inhand and Highlands would have to pay thatbill whether or not it picked Duke as a sup-plier.
In the end the board voted unanimouslyto enter into a 20-year contract with Duke. Itneeds to be signed and delivered to Washing-ton by Jan. 1 where it will stay for 60 daysbefore it goes into effect March 2010.
The next Town Board meeting is Dec. 2.– Kim Lewicki
This is the bank’s second paymenttowards a $50,000 pledge made for the artcenter’s expansion and new campusconstruction. The Bascom has secured $9million of its $13 million campaign goal,with $4 million more to raise.
“Economic development in the regionis being positively affected by The Bascom’sgrowth as a destination and educationalservice provider,” Steigleder said. “In 2009to date, we’ve served 23,000 individualswith instruction, training, classes and more— up from one-third of that a year ago.Our audience is patronizing other areabusinesses when they come to town for a
Cashiers United Methodist Church(CUMC) is getting a new senior pastor.Randolph (Randy) Harry, who most recent-ly served at St. Timothy in Brevard, beginsat CUMC Sunday, Nov. 22. He replaces long-time senior pastor David Beam, who wastransferred to Harrison United MethodistChurch in Pineville last month.
“We are thrilled to have Randy and hisfamily with us,” said CUMC Pastor MattSmith. “We hope the whole communitywill make a special point to introducethemselves and welcome him to Cashiers.This is going to be a very exciting chapteras we discern God’s leading.”
Harry completed his theological stud-ies at Erskine Theological Seminary in DueWest, S.C., and has served churches in El-lenboro, Bessemer City, and Brevard. Heserved at St. Timothy in Brevard since 2006.
Harry is chairman of the board of di-rectors and a founding board member ofWesley Community Development Corpo-ration, a non-profit corporation affiliatedwith the Western North Carolina Confer-ence (WNCC) that builds affordable ener-gy-efficient housing. He is also vice chairof the board of directors of Disciple BibleOutreach Ministries, Inc., a non-profit or-ganization overseeing the United Method-ist’s Disciple Bible Study program in NorthCarolina prisons.
Prior to experiencing his call to minis-try, Harry earned undergraduate and lawdegrees from the University of North Caro-lina at Chapel Hill. He practiced law for 12years in Norfolk, Va.
When away from the church, he en-joys hiking with his wife, Kristen, anddaughter, Wren, as well as photography.
All are welcome to attend Cash-iers United Methodist Church, meet thenew pastor and welcome him to the com-munity. For more information, call CUMCat (828) 743-5298 or visit
In response to the current effort to save Hospice here in the Highlands-Cashiersarea, local artist Dwight Bryant has generously donated a set of signed glasspoinsettia plates. Volunteers will be selling chances in a variety of locations toraise funds before the holidays. The chances are $5 each or 5 for $20. Thedrawing will take place (December 5th), the day of the Highlands ChristmasParade.
RBCBank
supportsThe
Bascom’scapital
campaign
RBC Bank Manager Sue Gorski, left, hands a $10,000donation from the bank to Bascom Executive Director LindaSteigleder to support the center’s capital campaign.
Artist Dwight Bryant helps Hospice
PastorRandyHarry
namednew
seniorpastor at
CUMC
www.cashiersumc.org.
New CUMC Senior Pastor Randy Harry shares a smile withhis wife, Kristen, and daughter, Wren.
Bascom visit and experience. We areenormously grateful for the generoussupport of RBC Bank and hundreds of otherarea businesses and families.”
Gorski said the bank committed earlyto The Bascom project. “It could have comeacross as a pipe dream, but it wassomething we saw merit in, and we soughtcooperation from the very top ranks of RBCBank in Canada,” Gorski said.
For more information on donating toThe Bascom, visit www.thebascom.org orcall Jessica Connor, director of marketingand development, at (828) 526-4949 ext.121.
Former Highlands resident Jim Kinardhas become a member of the Harry Norman,Realtors team of professionals.
Many may remember Jim from his yearsat Highlands Country Club where he wasthe assistant general manager and salesdirector in the early 1980s. Jim’s extensiveexperience in country club development inHighlands, Cashiers and Banner Elk is avaluable addition to the Highlands’ office.
Jim and his bride of 33 years, Cynthia,currently reside in Franklin where he is thePastor of Mt. Harmony Baptist Church.
To all his old and new friends andacquaintances, Jim invites you to come bythe office in Mountain Brook Center, “sit aspell” and share some “tales”.
Drake’sDiamond Gallery– For the luxury of custom jewelry
WWWWWanda H. Drakeanda H. Drakeanda H. Drakeanda H. Drakeanda H. Drake~ Custom designed jewelry featuring diamondsof every size and shape, colored stones, pearls
& sterling silver~ Offering appraisals and repairs ~ Insurance
replacements~ Open year round, Tuesday through Saturday,
in it, arranged in three layers with 9 num-bers each. These numbers are arranged ina special pattern: For each layer, the sum ofthe three numbers in each row, column ordiagonal, is 3 times its center number. Eightdiagonals connect all 3 layers by runningthrough the center number of the middlelayer. Each diagonal contains 3 numbersequalling the total of the three center num-bers. One of the diagonals is shown withcircles.
THE CHALLENGE:Start with the three center numbers for
each layer and the other numbers given. Nowpour a cup of coffee, pick up a pencil anderaser and try to figure out where the othernumbers belong. Good Luck!
different letters is designated by circledsquares (other short words will appearwhen solving, for which a list of meaningsis provided). Every puzzle has a differentmystery word or phrase (no spaces).Assign different letters to each square ofeach column and row. In addition, 3x2cells in the puzzle layout have the samedifferent letters. (This is similar to Sudokubut uses letters instead of numbers.)
How to Solve:Determine the different letters among
those given. Write in the mystery wordusing the clue and these letters. Othersmall words will appear in the puzzle. Asin conventional crossword puzzles, a listof meanings for these Across/Down wordsis given and number positions shown.Doing them will speed up your solutionto the puzzle. Using your powers ofinduction, inference and insight, placemissing letters in blank squaresaccording to the rules noted above. Focusyour attention where the least number ofletters are needed to complete a row,column or cell.
Solution toNov. 12 Hex-a-Ku
by Pete Sarjeant and Don Cookby Pete Sarjeant and Don Cook
Mt Findings
Carolina Way
4
36
?
36
258
51
Newspaper
Hardware
PlayHouse
Town Hall
Rest Rooms
Historic Village
Rec. ParkCivic Center
Greenway Trail
HighlandsSchool K-12
ChildCare
21
Presbyterian
Episcopal
Hwy. 28s
ExxonCITGO
Methodist
Fibber Magee’s
Manley’s Auto ServiceJ&J Lawn & Landscaping
<<< 1 Mile Hwy. 28s
2009 HIGHLANDS MAP
Whole Health Market
Highlands Only Real-Time Weather, WebCam & Interactive Map
Bear Mt Outfitters
Helens Barn
*
Bust YourButt Falls
///
Cullasaja Falls
Whiteside Trail
Bridal Veil^
Cliffside Lake& Campground
Dry Falls
To Franklin Hwy 64w & 28n
///
HIGHLANDS
//////
Hwy 106
* *
*HOSPITAL
///
///Glen Falls
Sliding Rock
/// ^
Wayah
LakeGlenville
Cashiers
GiantPoplar
Chattooga Iron Bridge
H w y107s
Whiteside < Cove Rd.
H w y 28s
Hom
e Plac
e Blin
ds
Brig
htwate
r
ATM
Bryson’sFoods
GourmetWines & CheesesMeats & Produce
To Go Orders
Post Office
Reeves Ace
HighlandsInfo.com RECORD BREAKING YEAR
Catholic
<
Log CabinRestaurant
CY TIMMONS at Fressers Eatery
Fri. & Sat.
TWIGS
*Scaly Mtn
Mill Creek Gallery
NorthlandCable TV
Dead End
^Community
Center &
6
Highlands Falls
*
3
>
*Wildcat CliffsCullasaja Club
CK SwanAntiques
Whiteside Mtn.
Sliding Rock
<
Iron Bridge
Dusty’sMarket
Copyrighted Map & Photos - Highlands’ Newspaper
Cullasaja Falls
Lake Glenville
14 Miles From Highlands
^
CashiersHwy. 64e10 Miles
>
DINING
1
3
4
5
6
8
10
11
13
14
15
16
Flipside
Fressers
Horacio’s
Kelsey
Oak St. Cafe
Paoletti’s
Pescado’s
Pizza Place
Ruka’s Table
Wild Thyme
Wolfgang’s
9
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
14
Chandler Inn
Chestnut Cottages
Hampton Inn
Highlands Inn
Highlands Suites
Main St. Inn
Mt High Lodge
Skyline Lodge
Chambers
9
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
11
12
14
15
16
18
AnnaWear
Bear Mt. Outfitters
C.K. Swan
Christmas Shop
Cyrano’s
Drakes Diamonds
Dry SinkElephants Foot
Highlands Photo
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Needle PointPeak Experiance
Rarities
Shiraz Rugs
Stone Lantern
Summer House
T.A.Anderson
Twigs
Village Kids
Wholesale Down
Chambers
Green Mtn.
SHOPPINGSHOPPINGLODGING
* PostLibrary
* Visitors Ctr.
*Gem Mine
Mtn. Fresh Grocery
ATM
SkylineLodge
Fressers
Tin Roof Gallery
HighlandsBird Sanctuary
Golf
Nick’s
Brick Oven
Visual Arts Center Enter Via W. Main St. Covered Bridge
