Congressman Chuck Edwards serves as the U.S. representative for North Carolina’s 11th District, which covers 15 counties in the state’s western mountains. His main focus continues to be serving his constituents, helping them interface with federal agencies, assisting with problems, and trying to make life better for Western North Carolinians. His office motto is “First in constituent services.”

For more information or to request an accommodation, please call the library at 828-526-
3031. Hudson Library, 554 Main Street in Highlands, is open 10:00 AM-5:30 PM
,Tuesday through Friday and 10:00 AM-4:00 PM on Saturday.

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Pictured left to right:
President Randy Foster, Charlotte Muir, Josh Bryson.

The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation was the focus of our Rotary Club of Highlands speaker’s presentation last Tuesday. Our speakers, both members of our club, were Foundation Executive Director Charlotte Muir and Josh Bryson, Director of Marketing and Communication. The Health Foundation began in 2019 as the successor of the Highlands Cashiers Hospital Foundation with the goals of addressing the unique health cars challenges in our rural community, which include a shortage of healthcare professionals, and a significant number of uninsured individuals. Its first major project was the establishment of Blue Ridge Health in 2021, a thriving primary care Clinic.

After Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina on September 27, the Foundation jumped in to help our neighboring communities hardest hit by the storm. In less than 3 months, they had raised over $250,000 and had distributed over $230,000 in grants to nonprofits and organizations providing food assistance, emergency health care, counseling services, housing assistance, and more.

Western North Carolina is a long way from being healed from the devastation inflicted by the storms, and the Foundation continues to provide aid and support to the needy in our communities!

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Rotary Club of Highlands Members show off Ugly Sweater Haute Couture.

The Rotary Club of Highlands celebrated the holiday season by demonstrating the height of haute couture in the Ugly Sweater realm.

The meeting’s Club Assembly Agenda provided time for Committee Chairs to describe the work of each Committee. Highlights included:

Bob Baxter, Bingo games, noted that over $160K has been raised by participating non-profits including $62K for “The Long Road Home” Hurricane Relief.

Josh Bryson, Membership, reported the Club now has 100 members, including 73 Active Members, 7 Honorary Members and 4 new members.

Scott Carter, Club Service Projects Co-Chair, praised all members for their volunteerism, most especially Jim Oesterle for his outstanding service above self, assisting during and staying until the very end of each event to help with clean up.

David Moore, District Grants, described Grants awarded, including funding to underwrite Pre-K Playground equipment for The Literacy and Learning Center.

Tracy Wade, Sponsorship Co-Chair, noted that 2025 will be the Club’s 80th Anniversary. Sponsorship efforts will be organized around this celebration and honored all year long.

President Randy Foster commended the extensive Hurricane Relief work the Club did in conjunction with Mountaintop Rotary Club to collect, organize and distribute emergency supplies and funds following Hurricane Helene.

For more information about The Rotary Club of Highlands, please visit www.highlandsrotary.org.

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Leadership Highlands offers emerging and established community leaders a unique opportunity to deepen their civic knowledge, refine leadership skills, and expand their professional networks. Over the course of the eight-month program, running from March through October, participants engage in an intensive curriculum that includes a retreat, monthly day-long classes, hands-on workshops, collaborative projects, and a culminating graduation ceremony.

“We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of individuals to the 2025 Leadership Highlands class,” said Kaye McHan, Executive Director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. “Their diverse perspectives and experiences will not only enrich the program but also contribute significantly to the vitality of our community.”

Members of Leadership Highlands 2025 include: Devon Allio, Bonnie Bell, Amanda Wasco Brown, Jane Ford Clark, Ann Cooper, April Getz, Jen LaRue, Ariana Ramsey, Nikki Sloop, Josh Smith, Tiho Trichkov and Jose Vives.

Throughout the program, participants will explore key topics critical to the Highlands area, including its history and cultural resources, economic development, government and public safety, health and human services, education, arts, and outdoor recreation. The curriculum emphasizes principle-based decision-making, team building, and leadership development, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to the community.

Since its inception, Leadership Highlands has celebrated numerous graduates who have gone on to play vital roles in Highlands’ civic and professional spheres. In 2024, the program graduated 14 participants, a testament to its ongoing impact. Selection for the program is competitive and is based on civic involvement, leadership potential, diversity of thought, and commitment to both the program and the Highlands community. Participants are chosen by a committee comprising Chamber staff, Board of Directors members, and Leadership Highlands alumni.

For more information on the Leadership Highlands program or the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC visit highlandschamber.org or call the Welcome Center at 828-526-2112.

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These remarkable individuals have shown an unwavering commitment to making a difference and embodying the heart of our community. We are truly fortunate to have these individuals as part of our community.

Citizen of the Year – Harriet Karro

Harriet tirelessly moderates, updates, and manages the ‘Cashiers Community Together’ Facebook group with remarkable consistency, kindness, and a positive attitude. For the past four and a half years, Harriet has dedicated herself to this role, guiding the community through growth, a pandemic, Hurricane Helene and the challenges that come with a rapidly expanding group.

Businesspersons of the Year – Daniel Fletcher, Brett Stewart and Taylor Stewart of Outland Hospitality Group

Daniel Fletcher, along with brothers Brett Stewart and Taylor Stewart of the Outland Hospitality Group, have been integral to the success and growth of Hotel Cashiers and Wine Bar. Recently, they expanded their investment by purchasing the Slab Town shopping center, further solidifying their commitment to Cashiers.

Brett and Taylor, who grew up in Cashiers, have deep roots in the area, while Daniel, though newer to the community, has quickly become a driving force. He has actively engaged with local organizations, joining the JCTDA, Cashiers Planning Council, and the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce boards, demonstrating his dedication to the future of our town.

Educator of the Year – Kurt Pusch, Summit Charter School

Since arriving in Cashiers in 2019, Kurt has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, a commitment to academic excellence, and a positive impact on our community. His achievements in fostering both academic success and a positive school culture make him a very deserving candidate for the 2024 Educator of the Year Award. As Summit’s Head of School, Kurt has overseen the following:

– A 37 percent increase in enrollment over the past five years, marking Summit’s largest enrollment since
its founding.

– Expansion of school facilities, including the opening of a new gymnasium, classrooms for music and art, a fitness center, and the completion of Phase I and II of new high school buildings.

– 100 percent of Summit’s Class of 2022, 2023, and 2024 earned admission to college, with 151 offers from 60+ colleges and universities.

Volunteer of the Year – Chris Jefferson

Chris leads a bi-monthly Dementia Caregiver’s Support Group in Cashiers, and her impact on both patients and caregivers is immeasurable. Drawing from years of experience, she provides practical advice that helps caregivers improve safety and quality of life for their loved ones. A wealth of knowledge on the medical system and the many options available for dementia patients, Chris is also an invaluable resource for the often-overlooked task of end-of-life legal and financial planning.

Arts & Culture Advocate of the Year – Danie Beck

Danie’s tireless volunteer work and dedication to the Cashiers area span multiple organizations and initiatives, making her a standout candidate across several award categories. Since moving to the area, Danie has become a vibrant and indispensable force in our community. She is an active member and board member for local organizations such as Cashiers School of the Arts and Cashiers Cares. Danie’s boundless energy and professional background in dance and the arts have been a tremendous asset.

Evergreen Award – Paul Robshaw & Vision Cashiers for Walk Cashiers

Paul Robshaw and Vision Cashiers have masterfully navigated the complex and vital task of enhancing the walkability of our village. The recent completion of Phase 1 of the Walk Cashiers project, along with the previous pathway through The Village Green, features 1.6 miles of accessible, paved walking trails, and is a testament to the success of Paul’s efforts.

The post Here’s to Your Spirit appeared first on Laurel Magazine.

Let’s make this milestone year one to remember, together!

Mark Your Calendar

• Plateau Pickup – April 26: Join our efforts to keep Highlands beautiful. Participate in Plateau Pickup, a community-wide cleanup day dedicated to preserving our town’s natural beauty.

• Outdoor Concert Series – May through September: Feel the beat every Friday and Saturday evening. Our Outdoor Concert Series fills the warm months with live music that brings locals and visitors together under the stars.

• Pop-Up Pipers – First Saturday, May through October: Discover the magic of live music as the Pop-Up Pipers perform throughout town, adding a charming, musical twist to your Main Street stroll.

• High Style – May 17: Elevate your fashion sense and explore the intersection of style and culture during the High Style event.

• Volunteer Fair – June 12: Looking to give back? Find your perfect volunteering opportunity at our annual Volunteer Fair, where local organizations share ways you can make a difference.

• Independence Day Concert & Fireworks – July 4: Celebrate the Fourth of July in classic Highlands style with an entertaining concert and a fireworks display that lights up the mountain sky.

• Community Shred Event – August 22: Protect your personal information and help the environment by bringing your documents to our Community Shred Event for secure, eco-friendly disposal.

• Highlands Heritage Jamboree – September 27: Celebrate Highlands’ 150th anniversary at this vibrant event showcasing the town’s rich heritage with live music, traditional dancing, and a taste of mountain moonshine.

• Halloween on Main – October 31: Main Street transforms into a spooktacular Halloween destination where trick-or-treaters can enjoy a night of safe and festive fun.

• Light Up the Park & Main – November 29: Start the holiday season with this electric celebration. Gather with friends and family as Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park and Main Street glow with festive lights—and a visit from Santa himself.

• Highlands Christmas Parade – December 6: Revel in the magic of the holidays at the Highlands Christmas Parade, a cherished tradition that brings joy to all ages.

• Lighting of the Menorah – December 14: Honor the beginning of Hanukkah with the Lighting of the Menorah, a celebration of light and unity that marks this meaningful season.

For more details on these events, or to learn more about the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, please visit highlandschamber.org or call (828) 526-2112. For other community events, contact host organizations or view our website’s events calendar.

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Unlike traditional after-school programs that often serve large groups of children in a structured setting, BBBS focuses on building one-on-one mentoring relationships between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). This personalized connection allows each child to receive the individual attention and tailored support they need to thrive.

The impact goes beyond homework help or extracurricular activities; it’s about fostering trust, building self-esteem, and creating a lasting bond that empowers Littles to achieve their full potential.

BBBS has been a cornerstone of community support in Macon and Jackson counties, including the towns of Cashiers and Highlands, for over 22 years. During this time, the program has positively impacted many children and families, providing mentorship that changes lives. By fostering meaningful relationships, BBBS helps local children navigate challenges, build confidence, and dream bigger since 2002 locally. This long-standing commitment to the community is a testament to the program’s effectiveness and the power of mentorship to create brighter futures.

One of the greatest strengths of BBBS is its flexibility. The time commitment to be a Big is minimal, yet the impact is profound. As little as 4-6 hours a month can make a life-changing difference.

Mentors and Littles spend time together doing everyday activities – going for a walk, grabbing a bite to eat, exploring a hobby, or simply talking. These small but meaningful moments provide the encouragement and guidance children need to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities.

For part-time residents of Cashiers, Highlands, and the surrounding areas, this flexibility makes it easy to get involved. You don’t need to live in the community year-round to make a tremendous impact. Many mentoring relationships thrive through seasonal visits or virtual connections, ensuring continuity and support even if you’re not always there.

For over two decades, BBBS has been changing lives in our mountain communities, but there’s still more to do.

Whether you’re a full-time or part-time resident, you can help us continue this legacy. Becoming a Big requires only a small time commitment, but the impact on a child’s life – and yours – is immeasurable.

Visit BBBSWNC.org today to learn how you can become a mentor or support our programs.

The post Changing Lives appeared first on Laurel Magazine.

Plan a bright future for yourself, your family, your pets, and the animals at CHHS who need you. Use your assets as you need them and then leave a lasting legacy in your will to the many dogs and cats that need help.

The CHHS Legacy Society is an initiative to promote planned giving among those who hold CHHS close to their heart.

You also gain the satisfaction of directing your gift to three key areas: support of the facilities, direct support of the animals, and program development. Help to ensure that the humane society you love will have the resources necessary to sustain it into the future.

Gifts to CHHS are essential to the continued growth, strength, and excellence of our organization, and a planned gift is one of the best ways to represent a sound investment for generations to come.

For more information, please visit chhumanesociety.org/legacy-giving or email [email protected].

Another matter is…who takes care of those left behind? This is a question that no one likes to consider, but every responsible pet owner should be able to answer: if the unthinkable happens and you pass away leaving pets behind, what will happen to your beloved canine and feline companions? Have you made arrangements with who will be their guardian?

Some folks have let us know they have stipulated in their will that CHHS is to be the guardian of their cherished pet should the owner pass away first. We are extremely honored, moved and deeply humbled by this responsibility, and consider it a sacred trust to provide safe sanctuary, and find a new forever home for the furry family member left behind.

Established in 1987, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire, one-and-a-half miles east of the Cashiers Ingles in between Cedar Creek Club and Lonesome Valley on Highway 64. Our no-kill shelter is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M.. For more information, visit us online at chhumanesociety.org or call (828) 743-5752. Tax-deductible donations to support our lifesaving work can be mailed to: CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717.

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This incredible program, funded by generous individuals like you, not only provides free, age-appropriate books to children from birth until their 5th birthday, but also creates a community of readers and learners.

Early Intervention with a Storybook Twist

The Literacy & Learning Center is the local affiliate for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Macon County. These carefully selected books arrive at children’s homes every month, fostering a love of reading from the beginning. This early intervention through story-time sets the stage for academic success and a lifelong love of learning.

Here’s what you might not know:

• Local affiliates like TL&LC are responsible for raising funds to cover the cost of the books and shipping. Your donations ensure these precious gifts keep coming!

• Sponsoring a child is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. With just $30, you can provide a year’s worth of books, nurturing a child’s imagination and curiosity. Your small contribution can make a big difference in a child’s life.

Ways to get involved:

• Individuals: Sponsor a child and ignite a passion for reading! Parents can register their children and begin their path to learning.

• Businesses: Become a “Literacy Leader” by donating at a level that fits your budget. As a Literacy Leader, you will not only enjoy sponsor benefits but also be recognized for your significant contribution to this vital community program!

Ready to join the story?

You can enroll your child or learn more about sponsoring at www.theliteracyandlearningcenter.org/get-involved. Please contact Caroline Cox ([email protected]) about registering a child or Jenni Edwards ([email protected]) about sponsorship.

With your support, we can make sure every child in Macon County discovers the magic of books! Join us in this mission by sponsoring a child today.

The post Spark a Love of Reading appeared first on Laurel Magazine.

Why? They’ve spent their finest years here feeding the masses and moving mountains.

For Marty, feeding folks is as routine as breathing. As for mountains, he considers them hallowed – moveable only in magical ways.

If the Rosenfields had the power, they’d preserve every tree, trillium, and truffle on the Plateau.

Caring for people, caring for the land, and caring for food define Marty’s benevolence. His loving cup runneth over. (A noteworthy sidebar: Marty shares cups and bowls of food feeding the poor, organizing charity events, and seeing to it that foodies are always welcome to his fine food festivities.)

How did this gifted duo find its way to Highlands? A few decades ago, Marty met Donna in a culinary event in Atlanta. Each thought the other was a dish-delish. Then, voila! The two dishes got married and remain a twosome for 40+ years.

Early on, however, Atlanta suffered difficult times, prompting Donna and Marty to move North. They landed at a lakeside in the mountains, Lakeside Restaurant to be precise. They ran that popular gathering/dining place for 24 years. The following five years, Marty accepted directorship of Highlands Food Pantry right in the madness of the 2020 pandemic.

Even though challenged by diabetes, he pushed through difficult times as he always does. The year before Covid, he helped raise $40k distributed to 18 non-profits.

When folks asked Marty how he manages the restaurant business, complex food services, huge events, and charities, he replies, “Nothing’s hard if you love it.”

His compassion and work ethic were launched through the model of his New York parents, his father a veteran and his mom an Auxiliary Veteran. A true mom and pop operation.

“Cooking is a creative outlet,” says Marty as he explains the reward for his efforts. “You get to see smiles on people’s faces when that look of Wow spreads brow to chin – drizzling a drop of drool in-between.”

When you ask Marty what’s next on the horizon, he answers, “My power plan is my wife. She’s the event planner. We will live in Highlands, but we are going to be less available … more on the road and in the air enjoying our retirement.”

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