Smagwinter 20161215

WINTER 2016
Holiday
Tradition Decorations, lights fill
homes Christmas tree
TEACHERS PETS
DUCK, GOAT, DONKEY
BA LLE
SPA RTA N T
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS B
CELEBR A U RG
AT BILTMORE TES
$4.95
WWW.SPARTANBURGMAGAZINE.COM
50th
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70 | HOLIDAY PLANT Poinsettias now come in many colors
CONTENTS
FOR STORY IDEAS OR COMMENTS
JOSE FRANCO
EDITOR
WINTER 2016 864-562-7223
JOSE.FRANCO@SHJ.COM
FOR SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS

ON THE COVER
An angel decoration on the 14-foot-tall Christmas JENNIFER BRADLEY
tree belonging to Phillip Hudson and Michael W. CIRCULATION COORDINATOR
Newman. PHOTO BY TIM KIMZEY 864-562-7402
JENNIFER.BRADLEY@SHJ.COM
8 | SPARTANBURG MAGAZINE
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12 | PET SOUNDS 64 | CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE
Teachers love furry, feathery friends Traditions of Vanderbilt family remain
28 | SOUP OF THE DAY 74 | CHRISTMAS BOOK

Chefs share recipes for winter comfort Mary Alice Monroe's new holiday novel
food
79 | NEW YEARS COCKTAILS
32 | JUNIOR LEAGUE Bartenders share drink recipes

Group has beenpart of city since 1940
84 | ICE SKATING
40 | BALLET SPARTANBURG Three places to try in area
Arts group celebrating anniversary
88 | EUROPEAN ADVENTURE
48 | ROLE MODEL Writer embarks on journey
Converse Colleges new leader
ESSENTIALS
56 | COVER STORY
10 | FROM THE EDITOR
Christmas tree filled with thousands of
decorations, lights 104 | SCENE
FROM CARPETS TO HOME FURNISHINGS

CROWING WITH THE CITY WE SERVE. hodgefloors.com
SPARTANBURG MAGAZINE | 9
PUBLISHER
KEVIN DRAKE
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
MICHAEL G. SMITH
Tis the season for

EDITOR
JOSE FRANCO
COPY EDITORS
R. KEITH HATCHELL, BEVERLY KNIGHT

STAFF WRITERS
DAN ARMONAITIS, CHRIS LAVENDER,
BOB MONTGOMERY, ALYSSA MULLIGER,
comfort and joy
ALLISON ROBERTS, ZACH FOX
T
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
he Christmas season is my favorite time of year.
And no its not about the gifts I might find sitting
LINDA COBB, LEENA DBOUK, JASON GILMER,
under the Christmas tree.
JOHN JETER, LAURA PERRICONE,
Its about seeing a childs eyes light up when they see
RACHEL RICHARDSON
Santa Claus, tug on his beard and tell him their Christ-
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
mas list.
JOHN BYRUM, ALEX HICKS JR., TIM KIMZEY Its that feeling you get when you donate food to a
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER soup kitchen or wrap up a toy for a charity that pro-
WENDY SHOCKLEY MCCARTY vides gifts for kids.
Or its that smile on your face when you sing Christmas songs at the top of
your lungs though your friends might say your voice is a bit pitchy.
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR And its that feeling you get when you attend midnight mass on Christmas
KONRAD LA PRADE Eve and watch a childrens pageant where they place the baby Jesus in the
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR manger and sing Away In A Manger.
KEN SMITH So here are a few suggestions from things Ive done over the years to get into
CIRCULATION COORDINATOR the holiday spirit.
JENNIFER BRADLEY Make an ugly Christmas sweater. Last year, I bought an Ugly Christmas
WEBSITE Sweater kit from a department store. It came with a red sweater, glitter, pipe
cleaners, puffy balls and glue. I used my creativity and came up with an ugly
SPARTANBURGMAGAZINE.COM
sweater and attended an Ugly Christmas breakfast at Spartanburg Methodist
TO SUBSCRIBE OR PURCHASE BACK ISSUES
College.
CONTACT JENNIFER BRADLEY
Gather your closest friends and go Christmas caroling. I used to do this
AT 864-562-7402
every year with my pals from the Herald-Journal. All you need to do is print
out the lyrics to three or four Christmas carols and have everyone wear red

or green. Practice a couple of times and make an itinerary of homes of friends
PUBLISHED BY
youd like to surprise with a song. Most of the time, friends would return the
HERALD-JOURNAL
favor and welcome us into their home by offering us cookies and hot cocoa.
189 W. MAIN STREET Inside this section, youll find a feature on Christmas at the Biltmore Estate
SPARTANBURG, S.C. 29306 in Asheville, N.C., and on a beautiful home filled with the largest Christmas
864-582-4511 tree, they could find. Finding the perfect Christmas tree and visiting the Bilt-
more Estate are annual traditions for myself and my friends.
AN AFFILIATE OF Whatever your holiday plans, make sure you to take a moment to really enjoy
the season with those you love.
Jose Franco, Editor

JOSE.FRANCO@SHJ.COM
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HOME
Teachers
PETS
Educators share their love for dogs,
cat, goats, a donkey and a duck
STORY BY ZACH FOX
L
ori Vinson freely admits her dog, Millie,
helped her beat empty nest syndrome.
At the Crutchlow home in Spartanburg,
the sounds of two young boys and a small
dog are joined by occasional low, fast quacking.
The side of Holly Jones home in Gaffney looks more
like a petting zoo than a front yard.
What do these stories have in common?
These beloved pets belong to teachers from
Spartanburg Countys seven school districts.
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Lori Vinson and her Labradoodle Millie
take a walk. PHOTO BY ALEX HICKS JR.
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Stella the Duck gets a lot of
love from the Crutchlow family.
PHOTO BY ALEX HICKS JR.
Alicia and Jason Crutchlow

with their children, dog
Gordo and Stella the Duck.
Lori Vinson and Millie to people. She listened to commands well,

even before training, and loved to be around
Lori Vinson, the technology integration friends and family members. Millie is now a
specialist for Spartanburg School District 1, got certified therapy dog through Therapy Dogs
Millie, a Labradoodle, a little more than a year International.
ago. Now, Millie has become like a second child, The months-long process to get Millie to
Vinson said. learn the appropriate commands was tough
Shes kind of been therapy for us, she said. but worth it. She had to pass a 25-command
Our son also graduated from high school; so she testing process to be certified. She offers lots of
kind of helped with the empty nest syndrome. love and compassion to students, also to nursing
Millie ended up with the Vinsons after Lori home patients and to patients in hospitals. Most
made a bet with her husband, Eddie, about the therapy dogs like to be touched and cuddled and
Alicia Crutchlow and Stella the Duck
Clemson Tigers 2014 football season. Eddie won loved on, Vinson said. Alicia Crutchlow, the band director at Flor-
the bet, Vinson said, but the couple ended up Sit and stay were pretty simple. But, she ence Chapel Middle School in Spartanburg
getting the dog anyway. had to learn leave it, so theyd tempt her District 5, and her husband, Jason, live with their
I had never owned a dog; but I had been with chicken. In hospital situations especially, two children, their dog, Gordo, and their pet
researching and found her, she said. It just theres contamination. If we see something she duck, Stella. Stella joined the family in January
so happened that her breeder was in Inman, shouldnt touch or be around, we had to make after being given to the Crutchlows to watch for
near one of my schools, Holly Springs-Motlow sure she leaves it. It took a lot of practice. one night.
(Elementary). She was right in our backyard. Now, Millie visits patients at hospitals, nurs- The plan was for us to foster the duck for one
Most Labradoodles are between 90 and 100 ing home residents or school children pretty night, Alicia said. This is when we had that
pounds, but at only 30 pounds, Millie is more often. Vinson said the pair heads to Pelham big storm in January, and we were out of school
of a lapdog than others of her breed. I just fell Medical Center on Sundays during the school for a week. That was when we kind of fell in love
in love with her from the beginning, she said. year; and will visit hospitals multiple times a with her.
She was just a little Teddy Bear. week during the summer months. We were supposed to keep her for one
Despite never owning a dog before, Vinson I thought it would be a great way to give back night, Jason said. Its been nine months.
said the process was easy thanks to Millies tem- to the community, in a way, Vinson said. Its a Stella, an American Pekin duck, lives outside
perament. The easy-going dog is very friendly way to volunteer in a different way. most of the time. The Cruthlows backyard is
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her domain because Stella is too big to fly away, more attention than some would think a duck on the couch and relax.
as many ducks of her breed cant fly at all. needs, Alicia said. If you hear him (Quinn) bark, something
Like dogs and cats, the duck does shed some, Shes definitely part of the family. We love crazy is going on, she said. Leo is my shadow.
leaving bright, white feathers around the her. He never leaves my side. Hes always watching
familys home and in the backyard. Stella eats Traci Thompson, Leo, and Quinn me, eyes on me. Hes definitely my protector.
chicken feed, which is much cheaper than dog Leo, who is still technically a puppy, thinks
or cat food, Alicia said. When shes inside, she At Traci Thompsons home, two dogs are hes a lap dog and will climb on top of Thompson
wears a specially-made red diaper to make sure better than one. the second she sits down. Like many German
she doesnt have any accidents on the floor. Thompson, a seventh-grade teacher and shepherds, Leo needs more activity than a lot of
Other than having to put a diaper on a duck, cheerleading coach at Rainbow Lake Middle dogs.
Stella is easy to care for, Alicia said. School in Spartanburg District 2, is the proud But, Thompson said Leo is calm for a German
She usually stays in the backyard. She owner of Leo, a 1-year-old German shepherd, shepherd and is usually happy with one brief
doesnt know shes a duck, so she kind of acts and Quinn, a 1-year-old Beagle-collie mix. walk per day.
like a dog, she said. Shell run up to the gate I bought my house at the beginning of 2015, Thompson said life with two dogs is actually
to see everybody, then lay down and want to be she said. I knew I wanted a dog because Im easier since they keep each other company and
petted on. a huge animal lover, Ive always been a huge will play together.
Shes pretty needy just like the dog is, Jason animal lover. One day after I closed on my The pair loves to be outside together, and
added. house, I went to the Humane Society and it was they are almost always touching as they walk
The Crutchlows oldest child, Grayson, a love at first sight with Quinn. together. She said even during hikes, walking on
first-grader, has become close with Stella. It was just Thompson and Quinn for a few treacherous terrain, Leo and Quinn stay as close
The pair pal around together in the yard, and months. Leo joined the mix after a friend of together as possible.
Grayson swings with Stella, when she allows it. Thompsons was trying to get rid of some While Thompson said she has a two dog
I like to have Stella in my room, and I would run German shepherd puppies. limit for now, in the future that could definitely
and she would run really fast after me, Grayson Theyre best buddies, she said. Theyll just change.
said. Thats why she never bites me that bad. lay down and cuddle. My goal in life is to have a lot of land and a lot
Ducks are typically social animals, so Stellas Thompson said the dogs couldnt be more dif- of animals. I want chickens, I want dogs, I want
life as an only duck means the family pays her ferent. Quinn is passive, loving and loves to lie it all. I wouldnt mind some cows, she said.
Traci Thompson plays catch with

Leo. PHOTO BY ALEX HICKS JR.
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Stephane Vernet and Gracie
Stephane Vernet hopes his German shepherd
will soon be trained to handle some life or
death scenarios.
Vernets dog, Gracie, is currently train-
ing to be a search-and-rescue dog. The
intense, two-year process requires dogs
to work diligently to obey commands and
search for those who have gone missing.
If you train them correctly, theyll
follow your command, he said.
Search-and-rescue dogs do have to be treated Stephan
differently than most pets. Gracie primarily stays Vernet, a
outside in an upscale enclosure in Vernets yard. Spartanburg School
Every day when he gets home from Dorman High District 6 teacher.
School, where he teaches Advanced Place- PHOTO BY TIM
ment U.S. history, microeconomics and honors KIMZEY
law, Vernet takes Gracie to a patch of land to
play fetch and work on her command-obeying
abilities.
You cant spoil rescue dogs, he said.
Rescue dogs have to get rewarded for mission
accomplished-type stuff.
Gracie, who lost her tail as a puppy, is an
energetic dog. Once her training is complete,
shell be better equipped to contain her energy to
complete tasks.
Most of the calls (for rescue dogs) are for
hikers that are up in the mountains that get lost;
people with Alzheimers that walk away from
home and dont know where they went, he said. Stephane Vernets German shepherd, Gracie.
Shell work whenever needed. Im going to be PHOTO BY TIM KIMZEY
very proud.
Denise Arthurs and Clover was getting.

Clover trained quickly to become a
Denise Arthurs dog, Clover, a 4-year-old licensed therapy dog. Now, the pair visits
cattle dog rescued from a high-kill shelter the Carolina Behavior Center, a psychiat-
in Greenville County, has become a close ric facility in Greer, the Ronald McDonald
companion of Arthurs, a music teacher in House and a nursing home in Taylors.
Spartanburg School District 7. I wanted to help people. She is very
She was named Clover because she was friendly, she loves people, and I thought shed
lucky to get out of the shelter, Arthurs said. be a good therapy dog, Arthurs said. And,
I went to the shelter and for about two or she needed a job. I had to keep her busy.
three months, couldnt find the right dog. Arthurs is still getting to know Clover,
Eventually, I saw this litter of puppies. who requires lots of activity. Arthurs has
Clover stuck out because of her yellowish helped her dog quench that thirst for activ-
fur color. Arthurs said she was the runt of ity by enrolling her in obedience and agility
the litter. As Clover aged, Arthurs quickly training at different times during the week.
found out Clover was not the dog she They say cattle dogs think two steps
thought she was. ahead, she said.
She looked like a Labrador for months, Because Clover had behavior issues as
then her ears went up, Arthurs said. I a puppy, several people told Arthurs she
said, You are not the Labrador I thought I would be better off not adopting the yellow,
smiling dog. Arthurs would not take no
for an answer and is glad she didnt.
Denise Arthurs, a teacher in Spartanburgs I had several that said, Dont do this,
District 7 schools, spends time with Clover Arthurs said. Ive been to several dog
in their backyard where they play and train.
trainers. She has overcome some major
PHOTO BY JOHN BYRUM
issues.
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Holly Jones, Annie, Elsie and While goats arent as cuddly as cats or
dogs, the two are comfortable around the
Eeyore
family, letting them pick them up and pet
Holly Jones lives with her family in them out in the yard.
a home along Pacolet Highway. Just Along with helping to clear the familys
removed from her home is the domain of land, Jones said Eeyore provides protec-
Annie and Elsie, a mother and baby goat, tion services for the goats.
and Eeyore, a full-grown donkey who We were looking for a donkey because
tends to act more like a dog than a farm of coyotes. They protect (the goats), she
animal. said. If (coyotes) get behind (Eeyore),
My husband wanted to change hell kick the fire out of them. If (the goats)
(Eeyores) name, but he answers to it, get behind him, he wont.
said the Middle School of Pacolet teacher. Eeyore is a Jerusalem donkey, named
The Jones family bought the 13 acres of for a cross visible on his back. The hair is
land a couple of years ago. A large chunk a shade darker than the rest of Eeyores
of the land needed to be cleared, which coat, making the shape stand out.
is how the family ended up with two pet Another addition may be on its way to
goats, a pet donkey and a small herd of the herd of goats. Jones said Annie, sport-
goats. ing a round belly, is probably pregnant
The animals are being used to help clear again. Another goat would simply add to
a lot of the land since they eat much of the a group of pets Jones never expected to
grass and plant life growing in the area. have.
ABOVE: Holly Jones, a Spartanburg School District One day in May, Jones came home to Everybody thought it was funny
3 teacher at Middle School of Pacolet, with her
find Annie in labor, giving birth to Elsie. because I grew up with a dog and noth-
donkey Eeyore at her home in Gaffney.
That experience made the entire family ing else. My boy is in fifth grade and all of
FACING PAGE: Holly Jones, a Spartanburg School
closer to the pair of goats, who are now his friends want to come. My students all
District 3 teacher at Middle School of Pacolet, with treated like beloved royalty at the home. want to come by and meet them, she said.
her goat Elsie at her home in Gaffney. PHOTOS BY We kept (Annie) down there like a pet, We dont have to do anything to them,
TIM KIMZEY Jones said. Then, she had (Elsie). we just like to. We like to play with them.
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Bradd Parton and Polly
Bradd Parton never thought he was a cat
person until he got a cat.
Parton, a music teacher at Woodruff
Elementary School in Spartanburg School
District 4, got Polly, a black cat with striking
green eyes, shortly after getting married.
I had no desire to have a cat. Some-
one said to hold this one, so I did, and she
jumped right up (on my shoulders), he said.
When I walk around the corner, she wants
to be up on my neck. Thats why my wife
and I called her Polly, because she wants to
Bradd Parton and his cat
be up there like a parrot. Shes a fun cat to be
Polly at his home in Taylors.
around.
PHOTOS BY JOHN BYRUM
Polly is a very strong cat. Parton said she
pulled out her surgical staples twice after
being neutered.
She is a bit skittish of newcomers at first, Parton wrote a childrens book, I Am NOT Through the course of the book, the main
but after about half an hour, she warms up to a Cat Person, one of several he has written, character realizes theyre an animal person, he
others and begs to be petted. Shes very noto- about becoming a cat person after getting a cat. said. I started out not liking cats very much. I
rious for jumping on plates and trying to eat He said inspiration was easy after growing close ended up liking them as much as dogs. I cant
peoples foods, he said. to Polly. imagine not having a cat.
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1215_A_12_SHJMAG.indd 21 11/21/2016 12:21:35 PM
Spartanburg light
installations will dazzle
residents through April 1
T
he city of Spartanburg was
a scene of celebration on
Oct. 4, as several neighbor-
hoods held festivities to mark
National Night Out and the
debut of nine public art installations.
Children danced in the grass outside C.C.
Woodson Community Center to live music
performed by United Sound as community
members enjoyed dinner outdoors.
Across town in the Highland neighbor-
hood, residents and visitors alike feasted on
popcorn, pizza, and sno-cones while Floyds
Passion pumped up the growing crowd near
Cammie Clagett Courts apartments.
IN A NEW LIGHT This year National Night Out, a com-
munity-building event that promotes
Seeing
police-community partnerships, was held in
conjunction with the introduction of Seeing
Spartanburg in a New Light, nine light instal-
lations in 10 city neighborhoods.
The City of Spartanburg was selected as
Spartanburg
one of four cities out of 237 applicants from
throughout the country to receive a grant
from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Public
Art Challenge. The grant, under the auspices
of The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartan-
burg, provided up to one million dollars to be
STORY BY ALYSSA MULLIGER used to create and support public art instal-
PHOTOS BY TIM KIMZEY lations. Artist Erwin Redl, a visual artist who
is internationally known for his light instal-
lations, and curator Mark Sloan, Director of
the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at
the College of Charleston, collaborated with
members of Spartanburgs police department,
the Chapman Cultural Center and the citys
Light installations with Seeing Spar-

tanburg in a New Light, including the
smokestack at The Edward Via College of
Osteopathic Medicine Spartanburg, were
tested in Spartanburg on Sept. 27.
1215_A_22_SHJMAG.indd 22 11/17/2016 10:48:03 AM

neighborhood associations to design and develop the unique LED of Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, the only remnant of
light installations. Spartan Mill that once stood on that spot, came alive with color.
Organizers of Seeing Spartanburg in a New Light say the With all that is going on around the world and across our
projects collaborative process has helped promote crime preven- nation, our coming together as one Spartanburg is critically
tion, build trusting police-community relations and encourage important, said Spartanburg Police Chief Alonzo Thompson.
neighborhood camaraderie. Public trust and confidence were bolstered by our positive
The result of that collaboration was unveiled on National Night engagement and interactions during this project.
Out, with the celebration beginning at Dennys Plaza, where Thompson said residents who worked on the project created a
Mobile Suspension, a series of five curtains of color, formed a necessary partnership for city growth.
backdrop for the opening ceremony that included a representative (It is) a partnership that must endure because it positions us
from Bloomberg Philanthropies and city representatives, police well for pursuing and accomplishing future endeavors, he said.
and neighborhood leaders. The dignitaries traveled as a group from The remarkable art that has resulted will serve as reminders that
one installation to the next, turning on the lights, and ended the there is no problem too big that we cannot solve, nor is there a
evening on the north side, where the smokestack on the campus challenge so great that we cannot meet or exceed.
A light installation with Seeing Spartanburg in a New Light at C.C. Woodson Community Center.
1215_A_22_SHJMAG.indd 23 11/17/2016 10:48:14 AM

Many residents turned out to show support and see the
lights turned on in the Andrews Farm, Beaumont Village,
Converse Heights, downtown Spartanburg, Forest Park,
Hampton Heights, Highland, Maxwell Hills/Duncan Park,
Northside and South Converse neighborhoods.
All of the installations will be lit until April 1. Many of the
installations hopefully will remain for a number of years.
Several of the participating neighborhoods are planning
ongoing events around the light installations through April
1, including music, performances, and outreach events.
Angelina Eschauzier, an Andrews Farm resident
involved with the Cottonwood Trail installation, said
many of the neighborhoods events will focus on the trail.
Part of what is going on in Spartanburg today is also
about being more fit, she said. Were hoping to accom-
plish getting more people out on the trail.
Spartanburg Art Museum has maps, brochures, and
videos about Seeing Spartanburg in a New Light. Visi-
tors will get to see materials used in the installations and
learn how to program an LED sign.
ABOVE RIGHT: A light installation with Seeing Spar-

tanburg in a New Light, at the Beta Club.
RIGHT: A light installation with Seeing Spartanburg

in a New Light on the Cottonwood Trail.
1215_A_22_SHJMAG.indd 24 11/17/2016 10:48:30 AM

One of the light bulb scupltures revealed at the Light Bulb with Glasses was revealed at the Lighten
Lighten Up Spartanburg! event. Up Spartanburg! event on Sept. 29.
PUBLIC ART
Lighten Up
Spartanburg!
Spartanburg Art Museum placing 28 light bulb sculptures around cultural district
STORY BY ALYSSA MULLIGER

PHOTOS BY WENDY SHOCKLEY MCCLARTY
A
new large-scale public art and enthusiasm. decorate the sculptures.
project in Spartanburg is join- People are hungry for more public art, Mat Duncan, the assistant curator of
ing the effort to make art more she said. And when you talk to people who "Lighten Up Spartanburg!," said hes eager to
accessible to people in their have a vested interest in downtown, theres see the variety of designs.
daily lives. a real desire it seems to bring more public art Were going to see bulbs that are altered
Spartanburg Art Museum downtown. Were doing a great job inside the to look like totally different things that arent
is leading the project Lighten Up Spartan- museum, so we thought wed bring that out to light bulbs, he said. It should be a really
burg! that will place 28 light bulb sculptures more of a public realm. interesting range of what can be done with
in public spaces around Spartanburgs Down- For the project, the museum commissioned this form and shape.
town Cultural District. 28 opaque fiberglass light bulbs. The bulbs are Goddard said "Lighten Up Spartanburg!"
Elizabeth Goddard, executive director 6-feet tall and span about 3-feet at the widest was inspired by a similar project completed
of the museum and curator of "Lighten Up part. last year by the city of Lincoln, Neb., where
Spartanburg!," said the project had been in The bulbs have been distributed to local artists decorated 51 fiberglass bulbs for a
the works for just a few months but moved and regional artists, designers and architects public art project.
forward quickly thanks to community support who were given free rein to paint, shape and We were looking for something unique and
1215_A_25_SHJMAG.indd 25 11/15/2016 5:45:54 PM

thought of the idea of using a form
that was already made that would
symbolize where Spartanburg is in
terms of innovative public art pro-
grams and art, she said.
Spartanburg artist Bailie, who is
known for his murals in Spartanburg
County schools, the Farmers Table
restaurant, and Sugar-N-Spice,
designed a bulb for the project.
I have been a professional work-
ing artist for 18 years. I was extremely
excited and flattered to be asked to
be part of this project, Bailie said.
I have been a muralist for 20 years Late into the night, the spotlights were upon the three new light bulb
as well and have worked on multiple art pieces near Indigo Hall.
public art pieces, three here in town.
("Lighten Up Spartanburg!") has given
me a great idea to utilize the shape of
the canvas.
Bailies bulb was one of three
unveiled Sept. 29 at Indigo Hall
during a public, ticketed event hosted
by the museum.
The first three bulbs were installed
in November, Goddard said. The
remaining bulbs will be finished and
installed across the Downtown Cul-
tural District by March.
The museum will be creating inter- Elizabeth Goddard, left, and Mat Duncan.
active, app-based experiences that
include maps, artist information and
more to supplement each bulb, God-
dard said.
The exhibition of light bulbs will
run through March and then the bulbs
will be auctioned off at a museum-
sponsored event.
The great thing about public art is
you don't have to seek it out, God-
dard said. Some people still think
a museum is some sort of exclusive
cultural experience. But we don't feel
that way at all and that's also why I
think it's significant for us to bring art Erin Galloway, left, and Travis Galloway.
out into the public.
Duncan said the public art proj-
ect also aims to foster connections
between local businesses and the arts.
Spartanburg businesses have spon-
sored the construction and decoration
of individual bulbs.
This project is a 'by Spartanburg,
for Spartanburg' project, Duncan
said.
Businesses, artists and people who
are here in Spartanburg are coming
together to make it happen, rather
than something from somewhere else
being transplanted here. From left, Mat Duncan, artist Bailie and his wife, LeeAnne Bailie.
1215_A_25_SHJMAG.indd 26 11/17/2016 1:35:10 PM

1215_A_27_SHJMAG.indd 27 11/15/2016 1:25:25 PM
COMFORT FOOD
Willys Chicken
Tortilla Soup
Soups
on
from Willy Taco.
Restaurants share recipes for
chicken tortilla soup, corn
chowder and Italian sausage
and squash soup
STORY BY JOSE FRANCO | PHOTOS BY TIM KIMZEY
K
enneth Cribbs Willys Chicken Tortilla
Soup is the restaurants take on a South-
western classic.
Cribb, an owner of Willy Taco, a
chef-driven Mexican fusion taqueria,
described his Tortilla Soup as hearty.
It has black beans, corn, and roasted and pulled
chicken, he said. Its got some nice smoke and spice.
We hit it with some cilantro lime crema and guaca-
mole to cut the smoke, spice, and heat with a little bit of
Italian Sausage creaminess.
& Squash Soup Willys Chicken Tortilla Soup, Mon Amies Italian
from Mon Amie Sausage & Squash Soup, and Cribbs Kitchens Corn
Morning Cafe.
Chowder were served for Hub City Empty Bowls Soup
Day on Oct. 15 at the Chapman Cultural Center.
Its easy to feed the multitudes with a great big pot of
soup, Cribb said.
Cribbs Kitchens corn chowder is available at their
downtown restaurant. Its a pretty solid dish which
is both good for winter and summertime, said Steven
Horvath, general manager of Cribbs Kitchen. It features
a sweet white corn, jalapenos, red peppers, a little bit of
onion, cream, and a little bit of chicken stock. We garnish
it with some green onions, bacon, and tomato jam.
Mon Amies Italian Sausage & Squash soup is made
with Italian sausage and butternut squash.
Cribbs Kitchen, Willy Taco and Mon Amie Morning
Cafe shared their soup recipes:
Cribbs Kitchens
Corn Chowder.
1215_A_28_SHJMAG.indd 28 11/9/2016 1:41:19 PM

Italian Sausage & Squash Soup
1 pound bulk Italian sausage (or if you cant

nd, use select hot pork breakfast sausage and
add some Italian seasoning while frying)
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
White wine for deglazing your pan
cup diced onion
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 butternut squash peeled, seeded, cut
into 1-inch chunks (about pound)
teaspoon red pepper akes
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
1 cup diced red bell pepper
cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon ground dried sage (or nutmeg if
you wish for a bit milder soup)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon sea salt
2 cups packed baby spinach (stems removed)
3 tablespoons brandy
Salt and pepper to taste
Brown sausage in 1 tablespoon of oil in a

skillet over medium-high heat until cooked
through. Drain on a paper toweled lined plate
and set aside. Use white wine to deglaze your
pan to capture all those wonderful flavor bits,
then transfer them to your large stock pot.
In the stock pot, sweat your onions and garlic
in white wine and 1 tablespoon oil over medium
heat until soft, about five minutes. Increase heat
to medium high, add squash and pepper flakes
and saute 5 minutes. Stir in broth and water,
bring to a boil, and simmer until squash is very
soft, about 10 minutes.
Puree soup with a hand-held blender or in
small batches in a standard blender.
Return to stock pot and add the red pepper,
cream, sage or nutmeg, sugar, and salt. Simmer
until the peppers are tender, about five minutes.
Add sausage, brandy, and spinach, simmering
until the squash has wilted and the sausage has
warmed about 2 minutes.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Matthew Angelakis, MON AMIE MORNING CAFE Recipe by Nita Biven, Chef Matthew Angela-
kis, Mon Amie Morning Cafe
1215_A_28_SHJMAG.indd 29 11/17/2016 1:43:48 PM

Corn Chowder Willys Chicken Tortilla Soup
pounds white onion (small dice) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 pound red pepper (small dice) 1 medium yellow onion
ounce chopped garlic 1 medium red onion
pound diced jalapenos, seeds removed cup garlic
10 ears white sweet corn, kernels removed 3 jalapenos, nely diced
cup apple cider vinegar 1 poblano pepper, nely diced
1 ounce brown sugar 12 cups chicken broth
2 quart whipping cream 1-quart re roasted diced tomatoes
2 quarts cooked, pulled chicken (pre-roasted and
In a stock pot over medium heat, lightly saute seasoned)
2 quarts black beans
garlic and onion, stirringoccasionally. Once the
4 ears of yellow corn, removed from cob
onions have become translucent, add the red bell
3 cups house ranchero sauce
pepper and jalapeno peppers. Continuously stir for
a few minutes. Next, add in the corn. Garnish:
Stir for a few more minutes, then add the remain- 2 sliced, grilled tomatillos
ing ingredients. 1 ounce guacamole
Bring the chowder to a simmer over low heat. Cilantro lime crema
It will appear thin at first. Cook to reduce a bit of Thinly sliced, fried tortilla strips
liquid, and it will thicken. Queso fresco
Season to taste. Sprig of fresh cilantro
Recipe by Steven Horvath, General Manager,
Cribbs Kitchen In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, saute
onions, peppers, and garlic with vegetable oil.
Once onions are soft, pour in chicken broth, toma-
toes, beans, and corn. Add ranchero sauce for flavor and
thickness and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, add chicken and heat
through.
Pour into bowl and garnish with
grilled tomatillos, guacamole, fried
tortilla chips, cilantro, queso fresco,
and cilantro lime crema.
Recipe by Kenneth Cribb, Willy
Taco
Steven Horvath, CRIBBS KITCHEN Kenneth Cribb, WILLY TACOS
1215_A_28_SHJMAG.indd 30 11/17/2016 1:44:47 PM

1215_A_28_SHJMAG.indd 31 11/21/2016 11:40:27 AM

The Junior League Thrift Shop circa
September 1967. JUNIOR LEAGUE OF
SPARTANBURG PHOTO
1215_A_32_SHJMAG.indd 32 11/14/2016 12:01:12 PM

C H A R I TA B L E O R G A N I Z AT I O N
The Junior League of Spartanburg raised

$62,350 during Santas Shoppe in 1998.
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SPARTANBURG PHOTO
A
league OF THEIR OWN
Junior League of Spartanburg develops
potential of civic-minded women
STORY BY LAURA J. PERRICONE | PHOTOS BY ALEX HICKS JR.
I
n 1940, when most Americans were crawling out of the Great
Depression and all eyes were trained on an impending war
abroad, a group of Spartanburg women turned their atten-
tion to the home front by organizing a charity to enhance the lives
of the less fortunate. It was called the Junior Charity League, and
its members included some of the communitys finest philanthro-
pists. Today, the 76-year-old womens organization now 500
members strong goes by the name Junior League of Spartanburg
and is one of the most recognized civic groups in the area.
1215_A_32_SHJMAG.indd 33 11/15/2016 10:28:30 AM

In 1951, the Junior League of Spartanburg,
best known locally for its signature fundraiser,
Santas Shoppe, and Meet Me at the Garden
Gate cookbook, became part of the Associa-
tion of Junior Leagues International, the oldest
womens volunteer organization in the world.
Its mission is threefold: develop the potential
of civic-minded women through volunteerism,
improve the community and provide the commu-
nity with trained volunteers.
With a focus on women and children, the
group provides services in the areas of health,
education, arts, historic preservation and youth
services.
Almost 40 years younger than its parent
organization, the Junior League of Spartanburg
has been credited with seven decades of ground-
breaking initiatives.
It kick started the Spartanburg County Public
Librarys Bookmobile, funded renovations at
the old David Reid Playhouse in Camp Croft and
Colleen Rice, left, Walnut Grove Plantation, and aided the con-
and Leslie Daniels
struction of Ellen Hines Smith Girls Home.
of the Junior
The group also helped coordinate efforts for
League check on
guests during
the purchase of the Hope Center for Children,
Santas Shoppe at established the Childrens Advocacy Center, and
the Spartanburg sponsored the Mobile Pet Therapy Unit for the
Expo Center. Humane Society.
Evelyn Ritchie, whose mother Dicksie Cribb
1215_A_32_SHJMAG.indd 34 11/15/2016 10:28:52 AM

1215_A_32_SHJMAG.indd 35 11/21/2016 9:40:35 AM
Soli Leggett, 6, and
Mikael Leggett, 12,
make apple cars
during the Junior
League of Spartan-
burgs Kids in the
Kitchen class at the
Hub City Farmers
Market on a recent
Saturday morning.
was one of the early members of the Junior

League and also its president for two years,
said the organization used to have two meet-
ings when her mother was involved in the
early 1950s one held in the daytime for
housewives and one held in the evening for
working women, known as the professional
group.
Cribb, now 91, was also active with the
Spartanburg Little Theatre and wanted to
enlighten children on the performing arts.
So, she along with the theaters director
David Reid created a play, cast it with Junior
League members, and took it to every school
in the county.
Ritchie followed in her mothers footsteps
and joined the League in 1989. She said she
learned everything from how to start projects
in the community to setting up an agenda. It
The Junior was an education that proved to be invalu-
League of able for someone interested in making a
Spartanburg difference.
host a Kids in We learned right away how to go about
the Kitchen researching a need and how to fund it, she
program on said. I wanted to do some good and the
Saturdays at Junior League was organized in a way that I
the Hub City
could do it.
Farmers Market.
Leah Anderson, current president of the
Junior League of Spartanburg, said the group
1215_A_32_SHJMAG.indd 36 11/14/2016 12:01:50 PM

Junior League of Spartanburg member Rebecca
Parker, chair of the Kids in the Kitchen program,
works with Grayson Spackman on his apple car
recently at the Hub City Farmers Market.
has always stayed true to its mission over the

generations by supporting women and chil-
dren. But as the needs of the community have
evolved, so has the organization, she said.
The women were the trailblazers of their
time ... their work established our strong
foundation, a building block for what has
become the League of today, Anderson said.
Today, the Junior League identifies the
needs in the community through the Spar-
tanburg Community Indicator Initiative and
chooses an area to focus on.
Recently, the League worked on teen
pregnancy prevention and education. Now
the focus is on childrens literacy and school
readiness, providing members with training
through a series of workshops.
With that area of focus defined, the orga-
nization designed a program called the Read
and Dine Session for parents, a four-week
course to help parents encourage their chil-
dren to read.
During a weekly dinner meeting with
trained Junior League members, Anderson
said parents were given literacy-related
information and activities that support chil- Shoppers at Junior League of
drens learning and school success. Spartanburgs Santas Shoppe held
Another community program is the Kids at the Spartanburg Expo Center.
in the Kitchen initiative, where children
1215_A_32_SHJMAG.indd 37 11/15/2016 10:29:21 AM

1215_A_32_SHJMAG.indd 38 11/15/2016 10:29:50 AM
Faith Pope, left, and Lizzie Malcolm
help a shopper at the Junior League of
Spartanburgs Santas Shoppe.
pick a healthy recipe and learn how to make it one full year before moving to the next level Dine sessions.
with the help of a Junior League member. This active membership. The program, she said, does not rely on the
program is heldon Saturdaymornings at the The active members, who include about 120 traditional models for preparing children for
Hub City Farmers Market. women in the local organization, will spend at school by teaching them to read. This, she
The Junior League of Spartanburg has also least eight years of cumulative service before said, starts with the parents.
been providing teachers with funds for their becoming sustaining members. (The program) gets the parents involved
classroom through Mini-Grants for Teach- About 350 women make up that segment of so they can be their childs first teacher,
ers program. the Junior League of Spartanburg. Those who Gray said.
Anderson said the program is in its 30th sustain after fulfilling a set number of service Though Gray admits to being one of the
year, having given approximately $300,000 hours serve as a valuable source of support to older active members in the Junior League of
in grants to local teachers in that time period. the League, Anderson said, but are no longer Spartanburg, she said the group is reflective
Over the 76 years of operation, the Junior required to attend meetings or perform vol- of the community, now more than ever.
League of Spartanburg has netted $1.6 million unteer service. Ive seen diversity of the women in both
in volunteer service hours and $1.5 million to Keisha Gray, 40, has been an active race and age even in the past year. I think
the Spartanburg community. member with the Junior League for three thats important, Gray said. The Junior
Each Junior League member is respon- years and enjoys her work with the organiza- League has the potential to be a model of har-
sible for putting in a set number of volunteer tion so much she does not want to rush the mony in our demographics and in supporting
hours with the organization as well as in the process. one another.
community. She first became interested in the Junior Anderson couldnt have agreed more.
Plus, Anderson explained, members are League after learning the impact it had on Were proud to see a diverse group of
required to help with Junior League fundrais- the community, especially with regard to the women (in the Junior League). Working
ing events such as Santas Shoppe. vulnerable population. moms, stay-at-home moms, different races,
There is a range of ages represented in the Gray, a program specialist for Early she said. We are all like-minded people who
Junior League, but a woman has to be at least Childhood Development at the Mary Black believe in the Spartanburg community and in
21 to become a provisional member, serving Foundation, chairs one of the Read and making it a better place.
1215_A_32_SHJMAG.indd 39 11/15/2016 10:30:09 AM

Carlos Agudelo,
left, Artistic
Director of Spar-
tanburg Ballet,
works with the
dance com-
pany principal
dancers.
DANCE
On your
toes
Ballet Spartanburg
celebrating 50th
anniversary during
2016-2017 season
1215_A_40_SHJMAG.indd 40 11/17/2016 2:48:32 PM

BY DAN ARMONAITIS | PHOTOS BY TIM KIMZEY
W
hen a group of 85
ballet enthusiasts and
visionaries, led by the
late Majorie Riggs, got
together in 1966 to
form what would later
become known as Ballet
Spartanburg, few could have imagined the tremen-
dous growth the organization would experience over
the next half-century.
But as it celebrates its 50th anniversary during the
2016-17 season, Ballet Spartanburg has cemented its
role as a key member of the citys thriving arts com-
munity. The nonprofit organization now has its own
professional ballet company and a highly-regarded
dance education program. It has also expanded its
public outreach and continues to present multiple
performances each year.
When it was chartered as the Ballet Guild of
Spartanburg, the concept was basically just to be a
presenting organization, said Ballet Spartanburg
executive director Teresa Hough. But over the years
weve offered so much more.
1215_A_40_SHJMAG.indd 41 11/17/2016 2:48:48 PM

Carlos Agudelo's son Michael, a former
Ballet Spartanburg student, returned
to perform as Puck in 'A Midsummer
Night's Dream' at the Chapman Cultural
Center on April 20, 2015. He is currently
a membver of Ballet San Antonio.
The 50th anniversary season kicked part of our mission and so is the outreach,
off with a family-friendly ballet, The but the high quality of the performances
Little Mermaid, in October, and Ballet that we present to the audiences is also
Spartanburg then geared up for its annual very important, said Carlos Agudelo, who
production of the holiday classic, The has served as Ballet Spartanburgs artistic
Nutcracker. The 2016-17 season will director since 1991. We see the growing
continue in February with an intimate per- enthusiasm of the people who come to the
formance, Fire & Passion, which is part performances the standing ovations and
of Ballet Spartanburgs Studio Series. Dan- just a lot of compliments and it encour-
Synergy 9, with a theme of Celebrating ages us.
the Power of Women, will be presented in The thing we want to do with ballet is to
March, followed by An American in Paris explore social themes and other things that
in April. are relevant to our society, so, in general,
Education certainly is a very important we have to be creative, we have to be open
1215_A_40_SHJMAG.indd 42 11/17/2016 2:49:10 PM

1215_A_40_SHJMAG.indd 43 11/17/2016 2:50:19 PM
Catherine Chapman, 17, left, in an
advanced ballet class.
to change and we have to be will- I sat in the third row and company in the Upstate and one hard work that Carlos and (ballet
ing to develop new experiences. I remember looking up at of only three in South Carolina, mistress) Lona (Gomez) put into
In its first few decades, Ballet (Nureyev) and being like, I Ballet Spartanburg hires top- it.
Spartanburg presented perfor- cannot believe this is happen- notch dancers from around the Having its own professional
mances by some of the most ing, Hough said. That was a world to showcase their respec- company allows Ballet Spar-
notable ballet companies in the major fundraiser, and it was just tive talents. tanburg to present high-quality
world, including the National great. Its amazing that (Ballet performances without having
Ballet of Washington, D.C., Since 2013, Ballet Spartanburg Spartanburg) has been around to hire outside professionals
Houston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, has had its own professional for 50 years and that its been so as it did previously. Now, the
and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. dance company, which has added successful, said Nichola Montt, students at the Center for Dance
It also hosted a 1988 perfor- a new dynamic to the perfor- a Boston native and member of Education have an opportunity to
mance by international ballet mances and to the educational Ballet Spartanburgs professional work with professional dancers
superstar Rudolf Nureyev, who and public outreach aspects of company. Theyve got a really on a regular basis as opposed to
substituted for an injured Mikhail the organization. great community here, and I only a few days before a public
Baryshnikov. The only professional dance think a lot of it has to do with the performance as had been the
1215_A_40_SHJMAG.indd 44 11/17/2016 2:50:50 PM

Spartanburg Ballet
Mistress Lona Gomez,
center, works with
students, in an advanced
ballet class.
case. and for them to be able to sit in us when we were really young he had not only very sound tech-
The fact that my 6- and the audience and watch their has definitely stuck with us, nical training but he also had an
4-year-old daughters, Wallace teacher on stage in that role is Robichaud said. appreciation for the hard work
and Harriet, get to work with really inspiring. Robichauds mother, Amy, said you have to put into it.
professional ballet dancers in Will Robichaud, who grew up the lessons her children learned The vision for the Center for
Spartanburg is a huge deal, said in Woodruff and took classes at from Ballet Spartanburg can be Dance Education started in 1967
Griffin Lynch, who served as the Dance Center for much of carried throughout life. when the late Barbara Ferguson
president of Ballet Spartanburg his youth, was recently added When our daughter, Nata- began teaching ballet classes.
from 2012-2014 and took classes to Ballet Spartanburgs roster of lie, started an entry-level job, The actual dance school opened
with the Dance Center as a youth. professional dancers. He initially she said she remembered Carlos in 1976.
Referring to one of Ballet got into dance by following in saying, there is no small part, Now, nearly 400 students,
Spartanburgs professional danc- the footsteps of his older sister, everybody has to do their own from toddlers to senior citizens,
ers, Lynch added, Miss Analay Natalie, who is now a business part, Amy Robichaud recalled. study dance through programs
(Saiz), who played The Little professional in Brooklyn, N.Y. And when Will went to study offered by the Center for Dance
Mermaid, is both girls teacher, The discipline that they taught with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Education.
1215_A_40_SHJMAG.indd 45 11/17/2016 2:51:11 PM

ABOVE: Spartanburg Ballet
dance company principal danc-
ers rehearse.
RIGHT: Carlos Agudelo, right,
artistic director of Spartanburg
Ballet, works with the dance
company principal dancers.
Gomez said one of the reasons

for the schools success is its
emphasis on teaching dance in a
non-competitive environment.
In this day and age, children are
used to very quick rewards, said
Gomez, who is in her 22nd season
with Ballet Spartanburg. Here,
we want them to understand that
its a journey. Not everybody
advances at the same pace.
Its about learning things
slowly and mastering them, and
then when you have mastered
them, you go on to the next level.
Youre not supposed to compare
yourself to the person next to National Ballet of Canada, and academic forms of learning and youths in inner-city housing proj-
you. We try to celebrate their Chase Brock, now a prolific cho- teaches life skills. ects and at the Boys and Girls Club
individuality. reographer whose credits include Throughout the years, Ballet of the Upstate.
The classroom methods used the Broadway musical Spider- Spartanburg has continued to Ballet Spartanburg gives
by Gomez and Agudelo seem to Man: Turn off the Dark. increase its public outreach. The performances at nursing homes,
be effective, given the success Our goal is to develop the organization works with area hospitals, and various commu-
of many of the Center for Dance students full potential and give schools, offering ballet dem- nity events while also offering
Educations alumni. Among those them opportunities to perform, onstrations and a free annual classes for students with special
who have gone on to pursue ballet Agudelo said, but we also want to performance of Peter and the needs, including Parkinsons
as a career are McGee Maddox, develop their kinesthetic intel- Wolf while also providing disease patients. And three
now a principal dancer with the ligence, which facilitates other summer programs for at-risk years ago, it began presenting a
1215_A_40_SHJMAG.indd 46 11/17/2016 2:52:17 PM

sensory-sensitive production of five times a year in a city our size,
The Nutcracker, geared primar- but I think its a reflection of our
ily to students from the South entire community and how we
Carolina School for the Deaf and value the arts.
the Blind. Hough said Ballet Spartanburg,
My wife Roberta and I are in as a nonprofit, would not have
health care, and their Parkinsons endured for the past 50 years
class is something thats truly without the support of corporate
amazing, said Tom Jennings, sponsors and individual donors.
who served as president of Ballet Were extremely fortunate to
Spartanburg from 1996-1998. have so many people who believe
Theyre one of the few ballet in what were trying to accom-
companies in the United States plish, she said. Were all about
that do these classes, and thats culture, were about diversity,
probably one of the things Im were about collaborations, and
most delighted about. were about creativity. Were not
Ballet Spartanburg is housed about just being a teeny, tiny little
in the Chapman Cultural Center. school thats just for the served;
We are not a huge metropolis were for the underserved and for
where youd normally find a ballet bringing in those who might not
company, so its really special otherwise have the opportunity to
what we have here, said Chap- dance.
man Cultural Center president For more information about
and CEO Jennifer Evins, who was a Ballet Spartanburg, the Center for
Ballet Spartanburg board member Dance Education, and upcoming
in the mid-1990s. Its pretty rare performances visit www.bal- Carlos Agudelo, artistic director for Ballet Spartanburg, works with
to have dance presented four or letspartanburg.org. nursing home patients at Mountain View Nursing Home in September
2008. FILE PHOTO
1215_A_40_SHJMAG.indd 47 11/17/2016 2:52:31 PM

CONVERSE COLLEGE
1215_A_48_SHJMAG.indd 48 11/17/2016 3:00:06 PM

ROLE
a
MODEL
for students
Krista Newkirk started term as tenth president on July 1
STORY BY JOHN JETER | PHOTOS BY TIM KIMZEY
1215_A_48_SHJMAG.indd 49 11/14/2016 12:03:55 PM

Converse College President Krista Newkirk,
center, chats with student Kelsey Robinson,
a senior early childhood education major, in
the Student Center at Converse College.
A
s a 6-year-old ranch hand, unanimously selected Newkirk from among
Krista Newkirk helped install 18 candidates. A recruiting firm discovered
electrical outlets in the house Newkirk at the University of North Carolina

her family built together, Charlotte where shed been chief of staff for
rode a feisty Appaloosa, and four years.
began raising her own beef We knew she could come in and carry on
cow all before bankers foreclosed on their
property. Later, she worked 30 hours a week
the momentum that Betsy Fleming started,
Kent said. We loved Krista. Her interview I LOVE THAT HER
while earning her bachelors degree in just was incredible, her resume was amazing, and LIFE STORY IS
three years. Then came law school, a private
practice, and a Fortune 300 company. Next
she just knocked it out of the park from day
one. ONE THAT OUR
thing you know, shes an administrator at a Newkirks coming-of-age tale begins in STUDENTS CAN
large university where she built a reputation
for gracefully fielding anything thrown her
Japan, Missouri, about 75 miles southwest of
St. Louis, just off storied Route 66. The dot on TRULY RELATE TO
way. the map is so remote, its only school district, IN WAYS WE NEVER
Converse Colleges 10th president, at 44,
brings experiences as varied and improbable
for grades K-8, has just 70 students. Clearly,
the place still shapes who she is and brims IMAGINED WHEN
and yet as fitting as any the college has with resonant memories. WE SOUGHT A NEW
likely seen in its 126-year history.
I love that her life story is one that our
Among her favorites is a $700 Appaloosa
named Doc He was really the ugliest ROLE MODEL FOR
students can truly relate to in ways we never horse! She saved enough money to cover the STUDENTS ON OUR
imagined when we sought a new role model
for students on our campus, says Board of
purchase by sowing and hoeing in the family
garden, at 25 cents per row. CAMPUS.
Trustees Chair Kimberly Varnadoe Kent, We get this horse home, and it would rear Kimberly Varnadoe Kent
Class of 97, whose term began on July 1 the up and try to roll over on us, she said over
same day as Newkirks . coffee at Hub City Bookshop, because she
Kent served on Converses presiden- wanted an interview setting more casual than
tial search committee, whose 13 members her still-spare office. And so every day, I
1215_A_48_SHJMAG.indd 50 11/14/2016 12:29:10 PM

1215_A_48_SHJMAG.indd 51 11/15/2016 2:58:43 PM
Converse College President Krista Newkirk, left, chats
with student Kaileigh Drummond, a freshman business
major, at Converse College.
1215_A_48_SHJMAG.indd 52 11/14/2016 12:29:42 PM

would come down to breakfast a tiny, little Media flocked to the gathering. A student was too close to 2,600 sleeping students, as
6-year-old and my dad would say, Are you protest, which was not related to the college, Dubois points out, referring to nearby dorm
gonna ride that horse today? and I would say, was stirring things up. And six inches of snow rooms. The bands inaugural season in fall
Im thinking about it, Dad, Im thinking about blanketed the gatherings first day. 2015 comprised 150 members from among the
it. She had to move the meeting, during the universitys 28,000 students.
Finally, that inevitable day trotted in. meeting, in order to allow the meeting to func- We had some challenges there, he says of
When Doc reared up with me on its back for tion, Dubois recalled. She had already put the multi-million-dollar program, which not
the first time, I did the only thing I knew how in place contingency plans, and she pulled it only wasnt in Newkirks official job descrip-
to do. I let go of the reins, and I hit it on top of off. It was widely acknowledged to be the best, tion but doesnt even appear on her curriculum
the head as hard as I could, and it dropped back most effectively run meeting theyd ever had, vitae. She has a great sense of humor. She
down to all fours. Doc never did that again. in spite of the circumstances. understands that some things in higher educa-
The youngest of three children and the only Newkirk, incidentally, also served on the tion dont move from A to B all the time, but
daughter, she still appreciates Docs medicine search committee that selected Dubois. He is shes flexible and creative.
for overcoming her fears, though she chuckles now in his 12th year and is clearly one of her When the invitation to apply for Converses
at a question about whether she ever adminis- biggest fans. If you ever have a crisis, you presidency landed in her inbox, Newkirk
ters the same management technique. What have the right person, he said. was preparing for a new leadership role with
I learned at a young age, she concedes, was And lets not forget her sense of humor. UNCC. She let the email sit for a couple of
to overcome my fears, to get into that uncom- Krista and I laughed a lot together, even days. I thought about it, I did some research
fortable spot and to persevere through it. though our two jobs were so difficult, Dubois on the college, and I was intrigued. Con-
At UNC Charlotte, where she served as said. verse really called to me to my passion for
first-ever chief of staff for Chancellor Philip He recounts how instrumental she was in womens issues and for women having a voice
Dubois, she did just that time and time again. starting the Pride of Niner Nation Marching and being empowered and becoming leaders.
Not long into her job, she was tasked with Band. The university had launched its first And I thought, OK, if Im ever going to look at
organizing a three-day visit from the Uni- NCAA football team and a marching band was a presidency, Id want to look at a place like
versity of North Carolina systems Board of required. Newkirk found herself in charge. She Converse.
Governors. It was the boards first large-scale determined how much such a project would Breanna Waldrop 17, who gave Newkirk
meeting on the Charlotte campus since 1970, cost and how to pay for it. Then, she managed her first campus tour, says the first thing
and Newkirk had to muster a 200-member construction of a building for practice space that struck her was that Newkirk had already
team to handle the event. once the school discovered the first location read Dr. Jeffrey Williss 128-page history of
1215_A_48_SHJMAG.indd 53 11/15/2016 2:59:20 PM

Converse College President Krista
Newkirk, right, talks with student
Jane Macsay, a junior biology
major, at Converse College.
Converse, published in 2001. open to him because he didnt have a college a long way from campus. We werent really in
It really impressed me that she took the time degree, and my mother didnt, either. We lost a position to be part of the life of that campus,
to do that, says the 21-year-old art history the ranch, and my dad died, she recalled. I but here we can be. I think its more of a
senior from Campobello. She seemed very saw how we were at the mercy of our environ- holistic job, its something that all of us can be
poised, very confident, and I was impressed ment because of the lack of education. involved in and be part of.
with some of the strides shed made, especially I swore at a young age that I was never He adds: There are many things I admire
hearing about her childhood, and putting her- going to be in that situation, and so I decided, about my wife. She is understated, yet charis-
self through college. I think that really resonates very young, that I would go to law school matic. Shes got an enormous capacity for love
with a lot of college students. because it was going to be important for me to and compassion. When she decides shes going
As for the new presidents future, Waldrop learn what I needed to know to protect myself to do something, shes all in. I know Im lucky
is optimistic: I think shell bring a new eye, and my family. for that, but Converse is lucky, too. You can
a new voice to Converse. I know we were all Her family today includes her husband of 17 see it in the way she brings herself up to speed
worried about the president we would find years, Lew Glenn, a Naval Academy grad and on things.
for Converse because Converse is a unique a lawyer himself, and their sons, Conrad, 14, Thats how she plans to work her way into a
community. who will attend Spartanburg High School, and job whose previous nine officeholders presided
Newkirk is definitely unique as well after Holden, 11, who is headed to Spartanburg Day for more than 125 years, collectively.
all, how many students seeded their college School. For the first several weeks of her presi- Right now, Im listening, she said. I
fund with a literal cash cow? dency, Newkirk lived in a student apartment have a lot to learn, and so my goal is to spend
My dads plan for us was that he would in Wilson Hall. The guys came later with their as much time as I can talking to individu-
give each of us a cow, and we would sell their dogs Sayde, a golden doodle; Sasha, a rescue als within the school, talking to alumnae and
calves when it was time. Then we would put mutt; and Cookie, a French bulldog/pug puppy donors, talking to students, and getting those
the money into savings and that would go to and their lizard, Scruffy. perspectives. I want to know what they think
help us buy our first car or whatever we needed Glenn says hes excited about moving into a were doing well, what they think our oppor-
when we went to college. home that hasnt had children there for some tunities are for improvement, what they want
Her parents attended college but never 40 years. to see me work on, what they dont want me to
graduated. The value of a higher education Converse is a place the boys and I can be touch, and what their advice is.
degree was impressed upon Newkirk when the part of, says Glenn, who will continue prac- As Kent said, You can listen to her life story
ranch, with its 200 head of Hereford-Angus ticing with his Charlotte firm. UNC Charlotte and know shes going to roll up her sleeves and
cattle, faced foreclosure. is a big place, and its a great place Krista get busy. Shes even better than we thought
My father didnt have a lot of alternatives has a lot of good friends there but we lived shed be.
1215_A_48_SHJMAG.indd 54 11/14/2016 12:30:00 PM

1215_A_48_SHJMAG.indd 55 11/21/2016 9:49:42 AM
A MEMORY TREE
O Christmas tree
3,000 WHITE LIGHTS, 1,000 DECORATIONS ON 14-FOOT TREE

STORY BY JOSE FRANCO
PHOTOS BY TIM KIMZEY
O
nce you enter Phillip
Hudson and Michael W.
Newmans home, their
14-foot-tall Christ-
mas tree decorated with 3,000 white
lights and more than 1,000 decora-
tions is a visual feast for the eyes.
1215_A_56_SHJMAG.indd 56 11/10/2016 10:43:39 AM

1215_A_56_SHJMAG.indd 57 11/15/2016 2:53:03 PM

I CALL IT A
MEMORY
TREE. THERE
ARE SO MANY
ORNAMENTS
THAT BRING
BACK MEMORIES.
Phillip Hudson
Its peaceful to sit and look at it.

It brings a great glow, Hudson said.
Its the focal point. Its a conversa-
tion piece. In the world of Christmas
trees, it works. It brings people here.
I call it a memory tree. There are so
many ornaments that bring back
memories.
For the past 18 years, Hudson and
Newman have traveled to Twin Pines
Nursery in Avery County, N.C., to
pick out their Fraser Fir Christmas
tree.
They expect us every year,
Hudson said. Sometimes its fatter.
Sometimes its a little taller. Some-
times its a little shorter. The most
important thing is it has to fit the
living rooms 19-foot ceiling.
The couples 2015 tree weighed
400-500 pounds and it took four
people to bring it into the house. It was
a fresh tree and drank about a gallon-
and-a-half of water every day.
It took two days to put the more
than 3,000 lights on the tree and two
more days to put the more than 1,000
ornaments on the tree.
Sometimes Hudson thinks about
not putting up such a large tree but
his friends and family convince him
otherwise. Everybody expects it,
he said. Everybody comes to see the
tree.
LEFT: Phillip Hudson and Michael W.

Newmans 14-foot-tall Christmas
tree.
1215_A_56_SHJMAG.indd 58 11/10/2016 1:19:52 PM

Phillip Hudson decorates his Christmas tree, which is 14 feet high, with thousands of lights and decorations, at his home
in Duncan.
1215_A_56_SHJMAG.indd 59 11/10/2016 10:44:41 AM

Phillip Hudson looks over his 14-foot-tall Christmas tree.
Hudson describes the tree as eclectic because it doesnt follow any

certain theme.
Ornaments on the tree include AIDS ribbons, decorations handed down
from his mother and grandmother, White House ornaments, his childhood
crafts, gifts from friends and family, baby pictures, pictures of their choco-
late lab Mocha and decorations from places theyve visited.
Phillip and Mikes tree, of course, is always spectacular and they take
a lot of care and attention in choosing and decorating it, said close friend
Tracey Jackson. But, its more than just a pretty decoration. Its a memory
tree and most of the ornaments have a great, personal story. Phillip and
Mike are compassionate, generous and loving people who are very family-
focused. During the holidays, they invite their families and close friends
over to share stories and food with this exquisite tree as the backdrop. Their
home is always warm and inviting even more so this time of year.
Hudson said decorating the Christmas tree is therapeutic.
There are always a lot of wonderful stories of Christmas past that Phillip
shares as he puts the ornaments on the tree, ornaments that were given by
family and friends and those purchased from vacation spots over the years,
Newman said. The tree is the focal point of the house and a tradition that I
hope inspires others.
1215_A_56_SHJMAG.indd 60 11/10/2016 10:44:57 AM

1215_A_56_SHJMAG.indd 61 11/10/2016 10:45:23 AM
1215_A_56_SHJMAG.indd 62 11/10/2016 10:45:13 AM

Phillip Hudson and Michael
W. Newman have traveled to
Twin Pines Nursery in Avery
County, N.C., for the past 18
years to pick out their Fraser
Fir Christmas tree.
The lights go on first,

starting from the bottom of
the tree, all the way to the
top.
The ornaments start from
the top down. He uses a
12-foot ladder and he still has
to reach to place the orna-
ment on top of the tree. To
get that top ornament on
takes some creative stretch-
ing, he said.
The tree is kept lit through
Epiphany and last year stayed
up until almost the end of
January.
Its the last thing to go
down because everybody
likes it and its sad to see it
go, Hudson said of his daz-
zling Christmas tree.
1215_A_56_SHJMAG.indd 63 11/10/2016 10:45:39 AM

T R AV E L
Christmas
at Biltmore
More than 384,000 guests attended last

years annual holiday event
STORY BY JASON GILMER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BILTMORE ESTATE
A
SHEVILLE, a gift, Mrs. Vanderbilt, who kept a a banana or pineapple or orange continues to be a tradition at the
N.C. Children detailed log of who received what, was unusual, said Cathy Barn- home, but in a Wheres Waldo
whose parents would always hand out a piece hardt, the estates Floral Displays sort of way. Barnhardt and her
worked at the of citrus, as she was a big fan of Manager. Mostly people in the staff of designers always place the
Biltmore Estate oranges. mountains would have dried fruit somewhere in the expansive
in the late 1800s She made sure she shared apples in the winter time. Shed banquet hall. Sometimes it is
and early 1900s would anticipate tropical fruits with the children hand out oranges. She would tucked under the tall Christmas
the annual Christmas party given of the estate, knowing in Western stand there and hand out oranges tree with other wrapped gifts or
by the homes owners, George North Carolina in those days, from a big basket. maybe it sits beside a long list for
and Edith Vanderbilt. Along with getting something so exotic as That bucket of oranges Santa near the fireplaces on the
1215_A_64_SHJMAG.indd 64 11/17/2016 3:20:00 PM

The Biltmore Estate
facade during the
Christmas season.
other side. appearances in commercials. The

Our guests may not know that official start was Nov. 4, when
story, but we do and it helps make Father Christmas rode in on a
it more authentic, Barnhardt sleigh that pulled the massive tree
said. Some of our pass holders that anchors the banquet hall and
have learned the story and look serves as the focal point of estate
for the oranges. tours.
Christmas at Biltmore isnt a Barnhardt has led the deco-
one-day affair, but a season that rating efforts for 39 years and
lasts longer than Santa Claus has seen the Christmas season
1215_A_64_SHJMAG.indd 65 11/17/2016 3:20:13 PM

A 35-foot Fraser Fir tree in
the Banquet Hall last year at
the Biltmore Estate.
Fireplaces in the
Banquet Hall.
1215_A_64_SHJMAG.indd 66 11/17/2016 3:20:23 PM

become the most popular at were of Dutch heritage) sit on the our stories that we are telling in helpers My troops of elves
the estate, with 384,498 guests floor. Barnhardt is known to walk those authentic Biltmore stories. who keep Christmas in place and
entering the estate during last the home, hanging near groups of Were trying to suggest who the look after it for two months, she
years celebration. guests to Vander- said.

When Barnhardt arrived the get their bilts Work began in early October to
estate had only decorated for impres- were and decorate the homes rooms and
Christmas for a few years, at sions and how they other spots around the estate to
the request of guests. Before was happy lived and reflect the theme of Home and
then, the home was closed and recently how they Hearth. Workers positioned
repairs were made during the cold when Im quite treated the themselves in a room, bare tree
weather months.
We started out with five
someone
noticed
honored to be people that
worked
in place and a load of ornaments
placed delicately on a cloth on
decorated trees inside Biltmore
and this year we will have about
the Dutch
shoes and
a part of this with them
and their
the floor. Guests would wander
by, ask questions, watch for a
65, Barnhardt said. They vary made the growth. People family and moment and then wander on.
in size from 34 feet in the banquet connec- friends. We change the theme
ask if I still like
hall to little tabletop trees. We try
to have a touch of Christmas in all
of the rooms our guests see on the
tour. Some rooms are decorated
more elaborately and some are
more quietly decorated, depend-
tion.
We
never say
we are
interpret-
ing exactly

it, I love it.
- C AT H Y B A R N H A R DT
Hospital-
ity is really
the word.
Thats
what
George
year-to-year, not just to keep
it interesting for our guests but
to keep it interesting to us,
Barnhardt said. I cant think of
anything more depressing than to
decorate the same way year after
ing on the purpose of the room. the way Vanderbilt year. We like to change it up a
The idea is to sprinkle little Biltmore built that little bit.
details around the home that House house for. Barnhardt and her staff may
showcase the Vanderbilts would I think we not always have Jingle Bells or
traditions. One bedroom has a have been convey White Christmas playing in the
fireplace mantle where three decorated in the 1890s. We know that pretty well. background, but their minds are
stockings are hung and a pair of it isnt decorated the same way, Barnhardt has seven full- on the season.
Dutch shoes (the Vanderbilts she said. We know we root time designers and 13 part-time Work for the next years
1215_A_64_SHJMAG.indd 67 11/17/2016 3:20:34 PM

The library at
Biltmore Estate lit
up for Christmas at
Biltmore.
Christmas begins a few weeks One big idea for this year has long things will last, Barn- ornament in the last box.
after the current years decora- been a scaled replica of Biltmore hardt said. We work by lots of Everything is then stored,
tions are placed in the home. By Village, including the Cathedral lists and calendars to make sure mostly off the property. Barn-
the second week of December, of All Souls Church, that designer everything stays fresh and looks hardt said there is a warehouse
Barnhardt and her staff will con- April Partain has worked on all beautiful all through the season. nicknamed The Tree Farm,
vene and walk through the home, summer. She has used exist- We want our guests who come because all of the artificial trees
usually hours before guests ing dollhouse forms and created the week after Christmas or the stand (never reboxed) there.
arrive, and begin to talk about the a pebble dash look, an exterior first week of January to enjoy We have the biggest, most
next year. finish in which small pebbles are it just a much as the guest who organized attic that any family
A list will be made of who pressed into fresh plaster, to give comes the first week of Novem- could possibly have, Barnhardt
wants what (I want all of the red them an English village feel. The ber. It takes a lot of work. said.
Christmas balls) and decisions replica is on the banquet halls When Christmas at Biltmore Barnhardts days arent filled
are made about which designer table. ends, more works happens as with hands-on activities as
will work on each room. If two After decorations are hung, the staff must un-Christmas the much as they used to be though
designers have similar ideas, workers dont sit back and enjoy home. Based on the list Barn- shes more of a supervisor now,
Barnhardt must decide which eggnog until February. The white hardt made during the early overseeing everything that must
idea is better. Notes are taken pine garlands that hang in the walkthroughs, the staff repacks get done. Never did she think
about what needs to be replaced grand staircase and in the winter ornaments based on how things that Christmas at Biltmore would
and what tweaks need to be made garden are changed weekly and will be used the next year. become such an overwhelming
on the go. the fresh cut flower arrange- Photos are taken of boxes and success and become a tradition
I know it sounds crazy, but ments and potted plants must be placed on the front and a master for so many families and guests.
we work on Christmas, in some tended to. list is made so finding a gold Im quite honored to be a part
fashion, every day of the year, Weve got this down to a real cherub doesnt involve open- of this growth. People ask if I still
Barnhardt said. science and we know exactly how ing every box only to find the like it, she said. I love it.
1215_A_64_SHJMAG.indd 68 11/17/2016 3:20:45 PM

1215_A_64_SHJMAG.indd 69 11/21/2016 11:45:32 AM
GARDENING
Christmas
poinsettias
O
ne of the most sought after
holiday plants, is, of course,
the poinsettia. For years this
Holiday plant has beautiful plant has filled our

homes during the holiday
ties to Mexico season. Traditionally the

poinsettia is red, but lately, the market is full of
all colors of poinsettias.
and Greenville Before considering what colors are available,
you might want to look into the history of the
STORY BY LINDA COBB
poinsettia. The origin of this plant is connected
PHOTOS BY ALEX HICKS JR.
to our South Carolina heritage and falls close to
home.
The Latin name of the poinsettia is Euphorbia
pulcherrima. The stems of the plant are full of a
milky white substance that can irritate when it
1215_A_70_SHJMAG.indd 70 11/17/2016 3:26:33 PM

Red poinsettias at
Roebuck Greenhouse.
comes in contact with the skin.

The Euphorbia family of plants is
a large one and the poinsettia is
related to one of the most popu-
lar plants in the gardening world
today, Euphorbia characius, a
beautiful Mediterranean plant
that thrives in a hot climate.
The colored bracts, often
mistaken for flower petals but
really leaves, can be red, orange,
cream, pink, green, or marbled.
The poinsettia is a light-sensi-
tive plant that requires a daily
period of uninterrupted long,
dark nights followed by bright
sunny days in order for it to
develop its colored bracts. Poin-
settias require a period of total
darkness, 12 hours at a time for at
least five days in a row, and then
very bright light for the bracts White poinsettias at
to change colors. This is called Roebuck Greenhouse.
photoperiodism.
The poinsettia plant is native
and the milky white sap for treat- to Mexico Joel Roberts Poinsett While living in Mexico,
to Central America, but it also
ing fevers. who was from Greenville. In fact, Poinsett started noticing the
flourishes in southern Mexico.
The plant might have remained Poinsett, whose background was brilliantly colored blooms along
The Aztecs used it to decorate
just a regional plant to Mexico actually in botany, later founded the roadside in the Taxco area.
their homes but also for practical
had it not been for the efforts of the Smithsonian Institute in He maintained his own green-
purposes, extracting a purple dye
the United States Ambassador Washington. houses in Greenville and also
for use in cosmetics and textiles
1215_A_70_SHJMAG.indd 71 11/17/2016 3:27:23 PM

Tim Holliday of Roebuck Greenhouse shows
off pink poinsettias under his care.
1215_A_70_SHJMAG.indd 72 11/8/2016 1:51:23 PM

started sending the plant back Roebuck Greenhouses grows
to his friends. Among his friends its own poinsettias each year.
who received plants were the Tim Holliday, their grower, says
renowned plantsman, John they grow two different reds,
Bartram, and Robert Bruist, a one called Christmas Day Red
nurseryman, both located in and the other Prestige Red. And
Philadelphia. Bruist was the first then there are the pink poinset-
to sell the plant commercially tias. Roebuck grows two different
under the name Poinsettia. Con- pink ones, Marbella Pink, with
gress honored Joel Poinsett by white variegated flowers, and
making Dec. 12, the day he died, Enduring Pink. They also offer a
National Poinsettia Day. white poinsettia called Enduring
Red poinsettias at Roebuck
Common folklore includes the White.
Greenhouse.
tale of little Pepita, a poor Mexi- One thing is for sure. It isnt
can girl who had no gift to bring Christmas until one of those foil-
to the Christ child at Christmas she felt sad but remembered her propagating special colors into wrapped beauties shows up at
Eve services. So she walked sadly cousins words. As she laid them the new varieties. New this year your door.
to the church with her cousin on the altar, suddenly the bou- is a smaller pink poinsettia called Linda Cobb is a master gar-
Pedro. Pedro told his cousin that quet burst into blooms of brilliant Princettia. This variety of poin- dener who lectures, teaches,
any gift would be suitable in His red. All that saw them knew they settia is helping to fund breast and does garden design in South
eyes, no matter what it was. So had witnessed a miracle. cancer research. Breeders of the Carolina. She can be reached at
Pepita knelt by the roadside and All of these stories have made new variety say it needs at least 864-574-8493 or by email at
picked some colorful blooms and the poinsettia a very special six hours of direct sunlight each lindacobb@charter.net. Visit her
made a bouquet of the weeds. Christmas plant. day, and they say it will bloom website at www.mygardeners-
When she entered the church Breeders have been from late fall until May. guide.com.
1215_A_70_SHJMAG.indd 73 11/17/2016 3:29:23 PM

BOOKS
A Lowcountry
Christmas
Writer
Writ
ter Mary Alice Monroe
re
releases holiday novel
STORY BY RACHEL RICHARDSON
C
alled the Queen of Low-
country Fiction by the
Charleston City Paper,
Mary Alice Monroe returns
to her throne with a new
holiday novel, A Low-
country Christmas.
Since 2013, Monroe has
been delighting readers with her Lowcountry
Summer series, a quartet of books set on the
scenic South Carolina coast. Last spring, the
series concluded with A Lowcountry Wed-
ding, but Monroe wasnt ready to bid adieu to
the Muir family and their friends just yet. Her newest
novell A
Lowcountry Christmas is a continuation of the
beloved series
seriees and a special holiday treat for her readers.
Christmas has
haas always been my favorite holiday, said Monroe in a
recent interview.
intervieww. Im
teased by my children that I always have holiday
A copy of New Yorkk music playing, decorations
dec
d up, and candles lit.
Times bestselling Christmas has
haas long-since
lo been a time of family and togetherness for
author Mary Alice Mon- Monroe, but for
fo her
he characters in A Lowcountry Christmas, the season
roes book A Lowcountry is not always merry and bright.
Christmas. The season expects even demands joyful spirit, Monroe said.
That can be challenging for those suffering from depression, trauma, or
PTSD.
Monroes main character, Taylor McClellan, is a wounded veteran
returning home for the holidays much to the delight of his family. His
10-year-old brother, Miller, however, is less enthused. He wants a dog,
but with his fathers shrimp boat out of commission and his mother
already overworked, a pet of any kind is out of the question. Family
tensions strain further when Taylor receives a service dog, Thor, to help
with his PTSD.
The issue of veterans mental health is both familiar and important
1215_A_74_SHJMAG.indd 74 11/17/2016 3:34:20 PM

to Monroe. In previous novels, at a Lunch and Learn event at
she has written about dolphin the Piedmont Club on Nov. 2. New York Times bestselling author Mary
therapy which she researched Sponsored by the Spartanburg Alice Monroe, right, hugs Spartanburg
Humane Society CEO Angel Cox at a fund-
extensively at the Dolphin Humane Society, the event raised
raiser for the Spartanburg Humane Society.
Research Center in Florida. funds for the Humane Societys
Through volunteering with ongoing mission to provide a
dolphins and the Wounded safer and more compassionate
Warrior project, I became aware community for animals in the
of the challenges facing our Upstate.
veterans with PTSD and Trau- Monroes love of all creatures
matic Brain Injury, Monroe said. great and small is longstanding.
I was struck by their courage. Ive always had an affinity
To see the interaction that went for animals, Monroe said. I
on between these men and the brought strays home as a child
dolphins, it was so beautiful to and was always the student who
witness. brought home the Easter chicken
In A Lowcountry Christmas or bunny from school.
Monroe returns to the theme of Currently, Monroe lives with a
service animals, this time with rescue cat and five canaries. For
dogs. Monroe, her pets offer more than
I interviewed several vets simple companionship.
with service dogs, Monroe said. Animals keep me grounded
Their voices were in my head and my ego in check, Monroe
and heart as I wrote. said. My canaries bring joy to
The novels canine hero, Thor, the house with their beautiful
a Great Dane/Labrador mix, has songs. When I feed them in the
made appearances in previous morning, its a dance similar to
Lowcountry novels. tai chi.
In support of the novel, Monroe also has a pair of Cava-
Monroe was the guest of honor lier King Charles Spaniels who
1215_A_74_SHJMAG.indd 75 11/17/2016 3:35:01 PM

New York Times bestselling
writer Mary Alice Monroe
talks to the crowd during
a Lunch & Learn on Nov.
2 at The Piedmont Club in
Spartanburg.
Mary Alice Monroe signs

a copy of her new book A
Lowcountry Christmas.
1215_A_74_SHJMAG.indd 76 11/10/2016 4:50:05 PM

Spartanburg
Humane Society
CEO Angel Cox
introduces New
York Times best-
selling writer
Mary Alice Monroe
on Nov. 2 at The
Piedmont Club
in Spartanburg.
The event was
a fundraiser for
the Spartanburg
Humane Society.
Copies of New York
Times bestselling
author Mary Alice
Monroes book A Low-
country Wedding.
1215_A_74_SHJMAG.indd 77 11/10/2016 4:50:17 PM

affect her life in a more pedestrian
way.
Most of the time I have dog
hairs or something on my clothes
or floors, she said.
The complexities of relation-
ships have always been an interest
for Monroe, who cites connection
as the root theme of all her novels.
I believe by enhancing our
intimate connection with the
natural world we are better able to
connect meaningfully with people
in our lives, she said.
A Lowcountry Christmas is
no exception.
The connection in this novel
is between the vet and his service
dog. When that bond occurs, it
is profound and life-changing Fans line up to meet New
both for the vet and the service York Times bestselling
author Mary Alice Monroe.
dog.
Writing the novel, even for a
writer as prolific as Monroe, was
not without challenges. just wasnt right. In late spring I Times bestsellers, the experience It wasnt easy, but it flowed from
I had to push hard to meet received the green light to write of writing A Lowcountry Christ- my heart and mind through my
the deadline, she said. Ive the novel in my heart. mas was unique for Monroe. fingertips to the page like a divine
been wanting to write this book Though she has written dozens I wrote faster than I have in my gift. Now Ive put it out there as a
for a few years, but the timing of novels, many of them New York entire 20-year career! she said. gift to my readers.
1215_A_74_SHJMAG.indd 78 11/17/2016 3:36:46 PM

HAPPY NEW YEAR
A toast to ring in
2017! Spartanburg
bartenders make drink
recommendations for
New Years Eve
STORY BY ALLISON ROBERTS
Main Street Pub bar-

tender Akash Garg mixes
up Grandhattan, which
combines rye whiskey,
some bitters, a splash
of Grand Marnier and
a aming orange zest.
PHOTO BY TIM KIMZEY
1215_A_79_SHJMAG.indd 79 11/17/2016 3:42:11 PM

P
artygoers all over Spartanburg may have an idea of what
cocktail theyll want to help ring in the New Year. Bartend-
ers from some of Spartanburgs most popular bars have
some suggestions.
Here are a few drink suggestions from the professionals:
MANDY SEES
BARTENDER AT THE UPSTAIRS BAR, 198 EZELL ST.
What is your drink suggestion for New Years Eve?

A Winter Wonderland. Its definitely my favorite holiday
drink to make.
How do you make it?

We dip the rim in chocolate syrup and dip it into crushed
candy canes. Each time you take a sip youre going to get a
little bit of that candy taste. Drizzle a little of Grenadine on the
bottom to give it a little extra color. The cocktail is made by
mixing in Smirnoff vanilla vodka, Rumplminze (peppermint
schnapps), and Rumchata (cream liqueur).
The Upstairs Bar bartender Mandy Sees pours A Winter
Wonderland. PHOTO BY ALEX HICKS JR.
1215_A_79_SHJMAG.indd 80 11/18/2016 2:39:15 PM

The Upstairs Bar bartender
Mandy Sees mixes up A
Winter Wonderland, which is
grenadine, Smirnoff vanilla
vodka, Rumpleminze and
Rumchata in a glass rimmed
with chocolate syrup and
crushed candy canes. PHOTO
BY ALEX HICKS JR.
1215_A_79_SHJMAG.indd 81 11/17/2016 3:52:07 PM

KAYLA BRADLEY
BARTENDER AT CITYRANGE STEAKHOUSE AND GRILLE,
774 SPARTAN BLVD.

Basically, with New Years Eve evening cocktails, the run-
ning theme would be champagne. So theres sparkling wine
in the cocktails. (One drink) is a little more floral. I like very
traditional cocktails, and I kind of love and am obsessed with
Prohibition Era cocktails because theyre so simple. Theres
usually three ingredients, but you can play with them. Theyre
just these huge drinks.
How do you make it?

The Sparkling Resolution is a take on an old cocktail
called a Bees Knees, which is gin, honey and
lemon. What I did instead was added a little
bit of Elderflower liqueur to the gin and
lemon juice, but as far as the honey
content goes, I did a floral honey candy
on the top of it. As youre enjoying
your cocktail it melts into there, and
it has blueberry, local honey and a
bit of lavender in it. The cocktail is
finished off with sparkling wine for
the bubble.
CityRange Steakhouse and Grille bartender

Kayla Bradley mixes up a Sparkling Reso-
lution, which is Elderower liquer, gin and
lemon juice topped with a oral honey candy.
AKASH GARG
BARTENDER AT MAIN STREET PUB, 252 W. MAIN ST.

A lot of cocktails that have been out there are really sweet
and fruity and such. With this the Grandhattan, a take on
the Manhattan were doing kind of a fall Christmasy kind of
thing with more of a savory flavor.
How do you make it?

I wanted to use a rye whiskey with it being rye it has a little
bit of a bitter note and some bitters as well as a splash of
Grand Marnier to give it a little bit of an orange undertow. At
the end, I finish it with a flaming orange zest. Well be warming
the zest up and squeezing it over the glass. This brings the aro-
matic oils out. It complements the flavor of the Grand Marnier.
I usually use two sugar cubes and a cherry to give a little bit of
flavor, but most of the flavor comes from the aromatics as well
as the Grand Marnier itself.
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1215_A_79_SHJMAG.indd 83 11/17/2016 3:52:38 PM
R E C R E AT I O N
Ice, Skating
ice,
available in
Spartanburg,
Taylors and
Greenville
baby
STORY BY CHRIS LAVENDER
W
inter is a perfect time to shoe sizes. Socks are required to skate.
lace up those ice skates All skates are unisex and they are hockey-style
and glide across the ice. skates, not figure skates.
Here are three places Hours:
to skate in the Upstate: Monday-Thursday, Noon-9 p.m.
Friday, Noon-10 p.m.
Skating On The Square
Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Spartanburgs outdoor seasonal rink at Morgan Sunday, Noon-8 p.m.
Square will be open through Jan. 18, about two Skating on the Square will be open Christmas
weeks longer than past years, according to Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve.
Spartanburg Communications Manager Will For more information on the rink, visit www.
Rothschild. This is the fifth year Spartanburg has cityofspartanburg.org/skating-on-the-square.
hosted the seasonal ice skating rink event. Roths-
child said about 10,000 people skated on the rink The Pavilion
last year. Approximately 75 skaters can be on the The Pavilion Recreation Complex in Taylors
ice at one time. The rink will be open seven days is open year-round to the public, providing ice
a week at noon and close between 8 and 10 p.m., skating on its 185-foot-by-85-foot rink. The
depending on the day. rinks sand-based floor was recently replaced
Price for individual skaters is $10 per person with concrete. Pavilion Special Use Facilities
and includes skate rental. Cash, debit cards, Operation Manager Ted Lambrecht said the
and all major credit cards are accepted. Theres rinks ice is now an inch-and-a-quarter thick.
a $10 minimum for cards. After regular operat- The rink reopened to the public in April after the
ing hours, the ice rink is available for private Ice renovations were completed.
Parties. The cost is $150 per hour for the rink plus We have a new state-of-the-art rink floor
$10 per person. and all new state-of-the-art refrigeration pack-
Skates are available from child size 9 up to age so the ice quality is definitely top notch,
adult size 12. Skate sizes will not always match Lambrecht said. In addition to that, we got a
1215_A_84_SHJMAG.indd 84 11/11/2016 12:00:03 PM

laser tech level system for the Zamboni so
its actually a laser that controls the blade
and maintains the proper thickness of the Blue Cooper and his
ice so its much more efficient than it used daughter Ila enjoy
to be. the opening day of
The Pavilion opened in December 1990 Skating On The Square
and is the only year-round ice rink in the last year on Morgan
Upstate. Lambrecht said the complex Square in downtown
Spartanburg.
will undergo another renovation in 2017
TIM KIMZEY PHOTO
with expansions planned in the lobby and
locker room areas. Greenville County
Parks, Recreation, and Tourism operates
the facility.
More people from the North are
moving down here and we get calls all the
time and the first thing they want to know
is about the local hockey rink and skating
programs, he said. Its an important
quality of life issue for them.
The Pavilion offers private and group
ice skating lessons and freestyle sessions
for all ages. The complex also offers adult
hockey programs, which draw about 500
people annually. Lambrecht said seasonal
ice skating in Spartanburg and Greenville
has helped create more regional interest in
1215_A_84_SHJMAG.indd 85 11/17/2016 4:02:42 PM

Skaters enjoy Skating on the Square during A Dickens of a Christmas Pavilion Special Use Facilities Operations Manager Ted Lambrecht said
last year in downtown Spartanburg. TIM KIMZEY PHOTO they now have a state-of-the-art rink oor. JOHN BYRUM PHOTO
the sport. Ice On Main Hot chocolate and other rental.

Its a benefit to us, Lam- Greenvilles only outdoor skat- seasonal treats are available for Skate sleds are available to rent
brecht said. We cant really ing rink will remain open through purchase. free of charge during any public
accommodate everybody in Jan. 16. United Community Bank A wristband will be given skating session but reserva-
the wintertime. It helps to have Ice on Main is located at Village when you buy your ticket. This tions are required (sled fitting
these seasonal rinks out there to Green in front of the Courtyard will allow you to leave and come and instructions provided). To
accommodate our overflow. Marriott on South Main Street. back without paying again for the request a sled contact Kristen
For more information on the It has drawn more than 70,000 entire day. Caldwell at kcaldwell5@ghs.org
Pavilion, visit www.greenvil- skaters in the past five years. The The ticket price is $10 for or 864-455-2627.
lerec.com. ice rink can hold a maximum of adults and $8 for children 12 and For more information on the
150 skaters. younger. Price includes skate rink, visit www.iceonmain.com.
1215_A_84_SHJMAG.indd 86 11/17/2016 4:02:58 PM

1215_A_84_SHJMAG.indd 87 11/17/2016 4:10:30 PM
T R AV E L
BACKPACKING
The
Louvre
in Paris.
TRIP
to Europe
Writer, friends go on a
six-week adventure
STORY AND PHOTOS BY LEENA DBOUK
S
ince I was a little girl Ive always felt a
strong desire to travel.
My significant other, Mike, and I
Venus De took a six-week backpacking adven-
Milo is ture to Europe last year. The seed for
located at our trip was planted when he admitted
The Louvre. to me one night that hed never set foot outside the
United States. At the time, we were on a date night
walking down the streets of Charleston.
1215_A_88_SHJMAG.indd 88 11/15/2016 12:49:41 PM

1215_A_88_SHJMAG.indd 89 11/15/2016 12:49:52 PM
Writer Leena Dbouk
and friends at a
champagne tasting.
Belgian Dutch
wafes. pancake in
Amsterdam.
Breakfast Italian
in Munich. pizza.
1215_A_88_SHJMAG.indd 90 11/17/2016 4:08:25 PM

The David by Michelangelo is located at
Galleria dellAccademia, Florence, Italy.
A year later, we boarded a plane in Orlando, allowed window prostitutes.

Fla., with a couple of friends and family We walked around for an hour or two,
members, making our way to Amsterdam via watching clients walk up to the storefronts
Copenhagen. and talk to the women, amazed at how
Amsterdam was beautiful. Everything was absolutely different this was from our conser-
coming into bloom, including the famous vative Southern hometowns.
tulips. We roamed the streets in a daze, awed Before our trip, a friend from Wofford Col-
by every delicious smell and magnificent lege who had studied abroad in Amsterdam
site. On the first full day in Amsterdam, we was kind enough to point out the best places
were on a canal with red lights coming out of to get Dutch pancakes and Belgian waffles and
store fronts. We ducked into a pub for some where to see the prettiest flower blooms.
beer and to watch a futball game. By the time We stayed in Amsterdam for three days,
we came out, the sun had begun to set so we one of which we jumped on a train from
decided to find dinner. Amsterdam to Brussels for a day trip. Where
The models in the storefronts looked Amsterdam was modern and chic, Brussels
strangely lifelike, and it wasnt until one was rustic and historical. The old cobbled
began pointing and indicating toward us that streets and narrow roads were like something
we realized we were in the heart of Amster- out of a history book.
dams infamous Red Light District. It is an After that, we boarded a train for Berlin.
area where a number of carnal vices are toler- We arrived in Berlin late in the evening but
ated. For more than 15 years, Amsterdam has managed to find our youth hostel, which was
1215_A_88_SHJMAG.indd 91 11/15/2016 12:50:11 PM

full of eager faced tourists from all over the
world.
Years of war and political strife could still be
seen on the walls and older buildings of Berlin.
But despite its rough, 1980s New York punk
vibe, Berlin also had its fair share of beautiful
palaces and grand cathedrals. For example,
right outside of Berlin, we visited the charm-
ing suburb of Potsdam, a city known for its
palaces (such as Sanssouci) and parks.
After getting our fill of the Berlin Wall and
all that came with the bustling metropolis, we
headed south with our sights set on Bavaria.
Before arriving in Munich, though, we made
a small sentimental stop in Leipzig to pay our
respects to Bach and his final resting place.
Sadly, Munich came and went in a flash.
Where Berlin was raw and real, Munich was
charming and folksy. Tourists would gather
around the Marienplatz to watch the old
glockenspiel come to life and would shuffle a
few kilometers to the beautiful Frauenkirche
to catch a glimpse of the medieval church.
But despite the charming attractions,
Munichs Hofbrauhaus was one of the coolest
stops we made in the city. Women dressed
in traditional dirndls brought pretzels and
waiters grabbed several steins of beer for large
tables. It was loud, friendly and incredibly
German.
Munichs Hofbrauhaus was founded in 1589
and played a large part in the rise of Hitler,
who frequented the bar. There are still echoes
of the old Nazi regime in some of the artwork
(a friend pointed out where the Bavarians had
painted over the swastikas), but, for the most
part, the Hofbrauhaus and Germans bury that
part of their past with memorials to the Jewish
lives lost in the Holocaust.
Several childhood friends (the Fergusons)
joined us in Munich and decided to take our
group to a beer festival. Our naive group had
no idea what we were getting into until we
got off the train and into the college town of
Erlangen.
The streets leading up to the festival were
crowded with young Germans jovially waving
at friends in either their dirndls or lederho-
sen. The Erlanger Bergkirchweih was one of
the highlights of our trip and a true cultural
experience.
St. Thomas Church in

Leipzig, Germany. The site
is most famous as being
the place where Johann
Sebastian Bach worked
until his death.
1215_A_88_SHJMAG.indd 92 11/15/2016 12:50:18 PM

The rest of Germany took us to Immen- religiously inclined, a relic could be anything
stadt, where we hiked the German Alps, ate from a lock of hair to a bone of a sanctified
delicious homemade German foods (kaese person).
spaetzle!) and took a day trip to the beautiful We said goodbye to the capital of the
castles Schloss Neuschwanstein and Schloss Roman Empire and made our way into the
Hohenschwangau, the former of which Italian countryside, making a stop in Flor-
inspired the famous one at Disney World. ence, the home of the infamous de Medici
We hated leaving the Bavarian countryside, family and the site of Michelangelos famous
but we packed our backpacks, said goodbye sculpture, The David.
to friends and headed south to Rome. Outside Florence, we stayed in a Renais-
The difference between the Bavarian sance villa where we dined on homemade
countryside and Rome was almost like night pasta and drank some of the sweetest red
and day. Rome was hot, dirty, loud and full wine. With the cypress trees laying out
of history and life. I loved it. Being from the before us, the smell of jasmine and spice Colosseum in Rome.
Mediterranean myself, this felt like coming filling the air and the gold reflecting off the
home. rocks embedded in rolling hills, my soul felt
And, after seeing Medieval/Renaissance/ at peace.
Baroque Churches and museums for the past Peace did not last long, though, for Mike
16 days, ancient Roman architecture and art and I went our separate ways for several days.
felt like a breath of fresh air. He went with his brother to Cinque Terre, a
Rome also had a flare for the macabre. series of five colorful Italian towns that tour-
While admiring the Ecstasy of St. Theresa by ists hike between, and I went with my brother
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Mike and I came across to Norcia to see another family friend, Philip,
the well-preserved body of a young girl who who was about to take his vows to the broth-
looked like she was sleeping. As it turned out, erhood of St. Benedict.
this was St. Victoria, an early Christian who Away from the tourists, Norica was beauti-
died because she refused to marry a pagan. ful. The St. Benedict Brothers were gracious
Almost every church we went into had and allowed Philip (now Brother Augus- Cinque Terre, seaside villages on
the Italian Riviera coastline.
a relic of a saint (for those who are not tine) to show us around the area after he
1215_A_88_SHJMAG.indd 93 11/15/2016 12:50:28 PM

Chocolatier in Belgium.
finished his chores. The St. Benedict Broth- Alps we went. The train ride from Venice of my closest friends, Hatice, a sassy Pari-
ers are doing some really cool stuff in the to Switzerland was breathtaking. The sian with no regard for the rules, whom I had
secluded little Italian village. Already, they Swiss Alps were in every sense of the word missed dearly.
have released an album of chants (which is magnanimous. Paris is the New York of Europe. Its chic
available to purchase online and has received We stayed in Schwyz, a small town near but dirty with peculiar smells, both divine and
critical acclaim) and they brew their own Lake Lucerne. We woke up every morning disgusting, and peculiar people.
beer, which has gotten the attention of the to the charming bells of the dairy cows being Hatice was the perfect hostess. She helped
American press. let out to pasture and the Alps literally at our us navigate this complicated city and we
Although I dont have a religious affiliation back door. The air had never tasted so fresh found that despite the negative stereotype,
myself, the mass was beautiful and the beer and clean. Parisians were quite friendly as long you
was truly some of the finest I had tasted. I Of course, we couldnt leave Switzerland didnt act like an obnoxious tourist.
grabbed a few bottles for Mike (who fan- before getting a hike in and trying Swiss Naturally, we did all the touristy attrac-
cies himself a connoisseur). We bid Brother chocolate (both worth all the hype, by the tions in Paris. We dined with Arabian oil
Augustine a sad farewell (monks take a vow of way). tycoons and impressive French business
poverty and we didnt know when we would Begrudgingly, we made our way to Paris women on the Champs-lyses and saw
see him again) and headed to Switzerland, (and I mean that sincerely; we tried to get our Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and
where we would meet Mike. host to let us stay an extra day even though he the catacombs.
Back into the welcoming arms of the had tenants coming in). We left to meet one But Hatice also took us to the Weather
1215_A_88_SHJMAG.indd 94 11/15/2016 12:51:34 PM

Stonehenge in
Beaches of Normandy. Wiltshire, England.
Festival, an electronic music festival where jumped the canal to England. It was nice to (Hatice was actually very pleased she was able
we danced like idiots in a crowd of Parisians. finally be in a country where everyone spoke to touch the ancient stones) as we made our
We explored back alleyways with unique our native tongue. In England, we stayed in a way to London, where we toured museums,
shops and ate at bakeries off the beaten path little beach house on the white cliffs of Dover. drank great gin, read under the shade of wild
which had divine croissants and tarts. We Our time in England was spent driving the English gardens and dined on surprisingly
grabbed cheap sandwiches and dined on the English countryside, exploring cities like good English food.
Seine, watching the tour boats go by and Brighton and Canterbury. We also made a It was at this point we had to say our tear-
enjoying the sun. stop by the ancient neolithic site of Stone- ful goodbyes to Hatice. Our grand European
Hatice also took us up to Northern France, henge, where our French friend, Hatice, adventure had come to a very bittersweet
where we paid our respects to the fallen on decided she wanted to touch the stones them- end.
the beaches of Normandy and later toured selves (despite the protests of the English People have so many stipulations and
a vineyard in Champagne, where we later guards). The English were not impressed with excuses to keep them from traveling, but
toasted to friends, the passing of time and her lack of regard for the rules, so Hatice was regardless of financial-, time- or age-related
future travels. promptly escorted out of the heritage site. obstacles I implore you to take a chance and
We decided to go up to Calais, where we We didnt let that put a damper on our trip go on an adventure.
1215_A_88_SHJMAG.indd 95 11/15/2016 12:51:43 PM

SCENE
Spartanburg celebrates community
with fundraisers and social events
WINE STROLL
St. Lukes Free Medical Clinic hosted its 5th Annual Wine
Stroll on Sept. 16 at the George Dean Johnson College of
Business and Economics in downtown Spartanburg.
WENDY SHOCKLEY MCCARTY PHOTOS
Jam
Nikoya Shaw and Carri Jones.
From left, Trish Dunn, Laura and Chris Olson.
1215_A_96_SHJMAG.indd 96 11/10/2016 10:53:49 AM

Gordon Early, left, and Peter Nicol.
From left, JoAnn Bristow, Liza Wood, Paul Habisreutinger and Cullen Pitts.
James and Sharon Fowler.
Kavita and Pranay Patel. Bomar and Billie Edmonds.
Mary Margaret and Travis Crocker.

1215_A_96_SHJMAG.indd 97 11/10/2016 10:53:59 AM

ROAD RALLY
The Charles Lea Centers 30th
Annual Road Rally often
described as a scavenger hunt
in a car sent teams around
Spartanburg County in search
of answers and activities on
Sept. 25. For 30 years, the Road
Rally has been a Spartanburg
tradition. This years theme
was The Amazing Road Rally
Back to the Future, and
rally participants experienced
an exciting tour of the com-
munity by performing tasks at
pit stops inspired by the movie,
Back to the Future.
ALEX HICKS JR. PHOTOS
Susan Walker, Carmen Mitchell, Anna Robertson, Carrie Ware, with Brittany Williams in front.
From left, Ko Appiah, Adom Appiah, Marjorie Appiah, and

Hilliard Mitchell.
From left, Corey Bridges, Laura Deal and Jessica Sawyer.
Team Tex-Mach, from left, Andy and Lynne Falatok, Stephen and Lisa
From left, Kelly Phipps, Sylvia Kay and Elaine Gibson. Stamm, Marcia and Paul Hersey, and Barbara and Duncan Macdonald.
1215_A_98_SHJMAG.indd 98 11/10/2016 10:55:00 AM

1215_A_99_SHJMAG.indd 99 11/15/2016 1:34:59 PM
BEST OF SPARTANBURG
The Herald-Journals Best of Spartanburg winners.
From left, William Cribb, Rebekah Cribb, and Lee Cribb.
The Herald-Journal hosted a dinner on Oct. 11 at the Spar-

tanburg Marriott to celebrate the winners of the Best of
Spartanburg, a guide to the best places to eat, shop, relax
and more. The public was asked to nominate businesses in
From left, Nick Hoffman, Maria Batson, Josh Hoffman, Mini Hoffman and more than 150 categories listed on a Readers Choice Ballot.
Chris Hoffman. TIM KIMZEY PHOTOS
1215_B_01_SHJMAG.indd 100 11/10/2016 11:01:52 AM

From let, Fritz Butehorn, Laura Sexton and Carol Mathis.
Candace Nichols, left, and Kate Nichols.
Christie and Jeff Clark. Delane and Gus Camp.
Jeff and Lana Pearson. Kyle and Julia Shuler. Ray and Lisa Goldsmith.
1215_B_01_SHJMAG.indd 101 11/10/2016 11:03:09 AM

HANGAR B BALL
The Spartanburg Regional Foundations Hangar B Ball took place on Sept. 29 at the Spartanburg
Downtown Memorial Airport. Party on the Moon performed for guests. The annual event raises
awareness for heart disease and funds for the Spartanburg Regional Foundation Heart Division.
Proceeds from Hangar B go to the Spartanburg Regional Heart Center. TIM KIMZEY PHOTOS
Sherrie Staggs, left, and Alishia Landrum. Kristin Correia, left, and Jessica Burt.
1215_B_03_SHJMAG.indd 102 11/17/2016 5:22:20 PM

The band Party on the Moon.
ABOVE: From left, Jeremy Holt, Cristina Edmund, Jeff Herndon and Hieu Ngo.
RIGHT, TOP: From left, Pam Lemme, Barbara Roy and Peggy Comereski.
RIGHT, BOTTOM: Frank and Marcela Stevens.
1215_B_03_SHJMAG.indd 103 11/10/2016 11:04:52 AM

KNOCK HUNGER OFF ITS ROCKER
Knock Hunger Off Its Rocker, an event
beneting The Carpenter's Table Commu-
nity Outreach Center, took place on Sept.
24 at RJ Rockers Brewing Co. Monarch
Cafe and Fresh Food Store catered the
event. The Dock Rockers performed for
the crowd. JOHN BYRUM PHOTOS
From left, Garth Warner, Ron and Janice Newbold, and Marsha Alexander. Bert and Linda Wilkerson.
Dan Daniel, left, and Roger Hinson. From left, Elliott, with parents Joah and Laura Summers.
From left, Brandi and Selena Turnipseed and Lisa Gunton. From left, Lisa and Dave Gunton and Charlie and Mignon White.
1215_B_05_SHJMAG.indd 104 11/17/2016 5:28:51 PM

1215_B_06_SHJMAG.indd 105 11/15/2016 1:35:48 PM
SIGNATURE CHEFS AUCTION
From left, Nita Biven, Nick Small, Maria Small, Karen Tyner, David Tyner and Christina Strayer.
Erin Holland, left, and Sydney McCollough.
From left, Neely Darr, Lynn Bailey, Leslie Calicutt and Ruthie Bailey.
The 15th anniversary of the Spartanburg Signature Chefs

Auction took place on Oct. 13 at the Spartanburg Marriott.
Restaurants featured included II Samuels, The Farmers Table,
Sparks Fire-Inspired Grille, Dudleys, The DEN, and Compass
Group. The event included a tasting and silent auction. Proceeds
from an evening to benet babies and families went to the
March of Dimes. WENDY SHOCKLEY MCCARTY PHOTOS
Allison and Thomas Hawkins.
1215_B_07_SHJMAG.indd 106 11/10/2016 11:10:17 AM

Jessica Dase, left, and Olympia Eddy. From left, Blythe and Travis Gregg, and Parker McGraw.
From left, Meredith and Rex Cox, and Ryanne OSullivan. Ron Smith, left, and Richard Johnson. Tony Hopson, left, and Jeff Rigsby.
1215_B_07_SHJMAG.indd 107 11/10/2016 11:10:30 AM

BOOTS AND PEARLS
The Girl Scouts of South Carolina Mountains to Midlands honored

three Spartanburg-area women at its annual Women of Distinction
awards celebration called Boots and Pearls on Oct. 18 at Indigo Hall
in Spartanburg. The women are Kathy Dunleavy, president and CEO
of the Mary Black Foundation; Dr. Kay E. Woodward, president and
owner of J.W. Woodward Funeral Home, Inc.; and Dr. Gloria Webb-
Close, executive director of Citizen Scholars.
From left, Miriam Pug, Sandy Smith and Michelle Hunt. Deanna Ludwick, left, and Lety Good.
From left, Kathy Dunleavy, Dr. Kay E. Wood- Billie Gilmer, left, and Michelle Sexton. Marilyn Smith, left, and Vena Pearson.
ward and Dr. Gloria Webb-Close.
From left, Letesha Nelson, Babetta Jones, and Lindsey Sease. Thomas Lever, left, and George Dean Johnson.
1215_B_09_SHJMAG.indd 108 11/15/2016 11:51:51 AM

1215_B_10_SHJMAG.indd 109 11/15/2016 10:21:40 AM
A SHUCKING GOOD TIME
Spartanburg Area Conservancy's A Shucking Good Time Oyster Cook-Off & Craft Beer On The Trail event took place Oct. 6 on the Cottonwood
Trail. Guests enjoyed music, food and craft beer and were able to visit the "Light Up The Night" installation.
PHOTOS BY WENDY SHOCKLEY MCCARTY
From left, Danielle Goshorn, Amber Anthony, Jeff Goshorn, Denise Gil- From left, Shawn Jacobs, Libbo Wise, Alex Richardson, Haidee Cour-
liland and Kip Gilliland. son and Farrar Richardson.
Bethany and Preston Smith. From left, Jan Boyles, Pam and Gil Bulman. From left, Jack Turner, Jane Turner, Mary Miles and Don Miles.
From left, Nan and David Dempsey, and Bob

and Daisy Johnston.
Teresa and Mitch Chandler. From left, Debra Patrick, David Patrick, From left, Phil Feisal, Katrina Feisal and Ricky Richardson.
Maegan Patrick and Tyler Warlick.
1215_B_11_SHJMAG.indd 110 11/15/2016 2:22:07 PM

1215_B_12_SHJMAG.indd 111 11/15/2016 10:22:44 AM
PAINT OUR TOWN PINK FALL FASHION SHOW
The Paint Our Town Pink Fall Fashion Show was held
on Oct. 13 at the Spartanburg Marriott. The proceeds
from ticket sales benet the Mammography Assistance
Program at the Bearden Josey Center for Breast Health.
The fashion show was hosted by Amy Wood of WSPA-
TV. Guests enjoyed shopping, heavy hors de oeuvres,
drinks and networking. Miss Marions School of Dance
opened the show with a tribute to breast cancer vic-
tims and survivors. The participating shops in the show
included Archived Clothing, Armoire, DK Boutique, Haute
Mama, Keeping the Pace, Paisley Paw, Pink on Main, PJs
Fashions, The Local Hiker, The Kindred Spirits, The Sock
Basket and Zen Studios. TIM KIMZEY PHOTOS
From left, Kristy Hun, Chantel Washington, and Mary Mabry.
Miss Marions School of

Dance opened the show with
a tribute to breast cancer
victims and survivors.
1215_B_13_SHJMAG.indd 112 11/10/2016 11:11:33 AM

Melissa Silverman, left, and Peggy Silverman. Anita Patel, left, and Sgt. Lee Raines. Jayme Smith, left, and Lynn Lee.
Taquila Thomas, left, and Lyvonne Copeland.
From left, Nancy Walker, Gail Hix, Dianne King and Sandra Jones. Gena Hammett, left, and Annette Miller.
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WALK TO END ALZHEIMERS
The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimers took place on Oct. 22
at Barnet Park in Spartanburg. JOHN BYRUM PHOTOS
Holly Shaw and Jennifer Reese.
Kathy Sylvester, left, and Jaden Campbell. From left, Rebecca, Shanyia and Alyssa McBeth, and Tressia Tucker.
From left, Sandi Martin, Brittany Bailey, Natalie Kramer and Katherine Smith.
Rebecca and Akyra Webster. Daniel and Katie Kinard. Rylee Owens.
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AN UPLIFTING EVENT
The Spartanburg Regional

Foundations annual An Uplift-
ing Event took place Oct. 17 at
the Spartanburg Marriott. More
than 600 women affected by
breast cancer came together to
help stop the disease. Attendees
heard stories from breast cancer
survivors from the community.
The event raises funds to ensure
that no woman goes without a
mammogram.
Amy Wood.
From left, Michael Porter, Shevelle Porter and Sonya Lovett.
John Dargan.
Trish Frasier, left, and Glaydeane Lee. Amie Busbee, left, and Patty Stinson.
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Sheryl Booker, left, and Katherine Wakeeld.
Judy Wilson, left, and Freda Lynch. Barbara Lustig-Tillie, left, and Donna Owens.
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TASTE OF OUR CAROLINA FOOTHILLS Some of the region's best
food and wine was featured at
the third annual Taste of Our
Carolina Foothills event on Sept.
18 at the Foothills Equestrian
Nature Center, 3381 Hunting
Country Road, Tryon, N.C. Fifty
vendors, including restaurants,
caterers, and specialty food
businesses, participated in the
event. The event also featured
musical performances by jazz
musician Dan Keller, piano
player Dean Trakas and guitar-
ist Jackson Emmer. Proceeds
from the event will be used by
Our Carolina Foothills on future
marketing campaigns. It's one
of the organization's largest
fundraisers of the year. Our
Carolina Foothills was formed in
2011 and promotes the region's
growth through tourism.
Jennifer Rogers and Christine Coles of Huckleberrys Restaurant Tyron, N.C.
Jennifer Glover of Carolina Girl Cooks of Greenville.
From left, Alexandra Panayotopulos, Mike Duncan and Anthony

Adam Marcello of Black Coffee Tryon, N.C. Maccherone of Harvest House Restaurant of Landrum.
1215_B_19_SHJMAG.indd 118 11/17/2016 5:36:23 PM

ABOVE: Suzanne Strickland, left, and
Mindy Wiener
RIGHT: From left, Roxanne Wiebe, John

and Kathy Toomey, Pat White, JoAnn
Smith, and Beverly Ozmon.
Les Potter, left, and Ethan Walke of Winding

Creek Brewing Co. Columbus, N.C.
Dan Evans of Standing Stone Breads.
Angela Miller of Sugar Baker of Columbus, N.C.
Chef Shawn Shell and Wanda McDowell of The Hare &

Hound of Landrum.
Soa Lilly of Overmountain Vineyards.

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Smagwinter 20161215

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Smagwinter 20161215

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WINTER 2016

1215_A_01_SHJMAG.indd 1 11/10/2016 2:36:57 PM

FOR SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS

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28 | SOUP OF THE DAY 74 | CHRISTMAS BOOK

32 | JUNIOR LEAGUE Bartenders share drink recipes

FROM CARPETS TO HOME FURNISHINGS

Tis the season for

R. KEITH HATCHELL, BEVERLY KNIGHT

Jose Franco, Editor

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STORY BY ZACH FOX

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Alicia and Jason Crutchlow

Lori Vinson and Millie to people. She listened to commands well,

1215_A_12_SHJMAG.indd 14 11/17/2016 10:40:08 AM

Traci Thompson plays catch with

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Denise Arthurs and Clover was getting.

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Light installations with Seeing Spar-

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ABOVE RIGHT: A light installation with Seeing Spar-

RIGHT: A light installation with Seeing Spartanburg

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STORY BY ALYSSA MULLIGER

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1 pound bulk Italian sausage (or if you cant

Brown sausage in 1 tablespoon of oil in a

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pounds white onion (small dice) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Steven Horvath, CRIBBS KITCHEN Kenneth Cribb, WILLY TACOS

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The Junior League of Spartanburg raised

1215_A_32_SHJMAG.indd 33 11/15/2016 10:28:30 AM

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was one of the early members of the Junior

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has always stayed true to its mission over the

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Gomez said one of the reasons

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STORY BY JOHN JETER | PHOTOS BY TIM KIMZEY

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