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Foothills Faces

People & Places of the Carolina Foothills

​Joanne Thurow –Good News to Report for Once

12/4/2021

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Joanne Thurow had an incident that happened to her last week that she wanted to make sure we all heard about. With so much bad in the news, Joanne wanted to share a story with good news!
 
Joanne, and husband John, were heading home to Green Creek pulling a horse trailer with a horse inside when they noticed a wheel bearing was going out. Sparks were shooting out from below the trailer. They knew they had to stop immediately. The trailer was about to be hobbled with 200 miles still ahead of them. With darkness approaching, they felt they would be stranded on the Interstate for hours if not all night.
 
Joanne and John saw a farm up ahead (they were in Tennessee) and decided to limp in just to see if they could find help. And in the true holiday spirit, the husband and wife at the farm volunteered to do whatever it took to get Joanne and John and their horse back on the road. The Tennessee couple drove them to the local hardware to look for parts, and the two husbands managed to work together to get the trailer up and running to make the return home to Polk County.
 
And that’s the kind of story that gives you faith in people when what we hear so often isn’t good.
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A Sad Day for Polk County

4/8/2020

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It’s a sad day in our community with the death of Tryon Fire Chief James “Tank” Waters. A little over a year ago I had the pleasure of meeting “Tank” when I was at the Tryon Fire Department to interview Geoffrey Tennant. I enjoyed a good chat with Geoffrey and learned a lot about his long career in Polk County. He was taken from us too early last summer and Tank took over the position of chief. This is a terrible loss for Polk County. We will miss these two amazing gentlemen and two long-serving public icons. Godspeed to both of you.
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Geoffrey M. Tennant and James "Tank" Waters - photo taken about 15 months ago.
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Sign at the Green Creek Fire Department.
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Flags at half-mast at the Green Creek Fire Department.
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Only one thing better than a good hot dog...

1/6/2020

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There’s just one thing better than a good hotdog…and that’s two of them. I stumbled across Tania Olbeter the other day while driving through Columbus. After having a couple of her Nathan’s all-beef franks, I knew the second time wouldn’t be by accident. Her hog dogs are that good!

Tania, whose business is called “Break Out the Buns,” sets up shop almost every Monday through Friday in the corner of the parking lot of O’Reilly’s Auto Parts on West Mills Street in Columbus. You can’t miss her. A large “hot dogs” banner catches your attention and a bright umbrella is your beacon to pull on over. And in the few minutes I was there to grab a couple of dogs and a few photos…a number of folks were driving in as well.

Tania says she’s there most days from 11 until 2 unless it’s a bad rainstorm. Her hot dogs are worth the drive. You can get them with any (or all) of more than a dozen toppings. She also has sodas and chips. And if you like, you could just stay in your car and eat them drive-in style.

Tania’s cart hitches up behind her car and she can bring it to your place for a catered event. You can find Break Out the Buns and Tania on Facebook, Instagram, and by emailing her at info@breakoutthebuns.com.

Everyone loves a good hotdog…and these are great! You're going to find me there again and again.











Click on each photo to see the full-size image.
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A Church with a Sense of Humor

12/8/2019

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I love it when an institution can have a little fun. I spotted this sign today and chuckled all the way to where I could turn around and take the photo. Don't you love it when you find a church with a sense of humor? Hat's off to the Tryon Seventh-day Adventist Church for making this photographer laugh.
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A Small Town Celebrates Veterans in a Big Way

11/11/2019

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The Town of Columbus, North Carolina celebrated Veteran's Day with a parade and an impressive ceremony.

It was an absolutely gorgeous North Carolina morning as the town paid tribute to our veterans in a big way. The ceremony ended with the release of 101 white doves.

​Thanks veterans for your service. We are forever grateful.

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It's a Crowded Field - Electing Tryon's First Dog Mayor

9/25/2019

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If you live in Polk County, North Carolina – this probably isn’t news to you. And while I “took” these two photos, I think you can see I “took them” right off the pages of today’s Tryon Daily Bulletin.
 
But we all like good animal stories and this one is worth repeating. All of these dogs (plus one cat) are running for Tryon’s first Dog Mayor. And this election is the only one where it’s legal to stuff the ballot box…with money!
 
The dog with the most money in his/her ballot box wins! Ummm, sounds like real politics.
 
Money raised goes to the Foothills Humane Society.
 
Dogs have been campaigning, holding rallies, sponsoring meet & greets, and this coming Friday will gather in downtown Tryon to finish up voting.
 
If at all possible, I’m going to try to get myself and my camera over there to get some real photos.
 
Rusty Bunshine, the lone feline running for position of dog mayor says, “My platform is for a better Tryon is Jobs and the Econony…who says a dog has to be the first dog mayor?” 
 
The winner gets to help lead parades and serve as one of the town celebrities. Polls close at 6:45 PM.
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The Charters of Freedom Find a Home in Columbus

9/17/2019

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Today in Columbus (NC) a special celebration was held on this Constitution Day. A new addition of things to see was officially unveiled in an impressive ceremony held at Veteran’s Park. A program to dedicate a set of “The Charters of Freedom” was held with plenty of pageantry. While the photos can only give you a visual idea, the sounds included the Polk County High School Band, a drummer, a bagpiper, canon fire, and speeches. The Polk County Honor Guard presented the colors and plenty of local and state dignitaries were on hand to accept this impressive collection. The program ended with the canon salute and the release of 13 white doves by L.J Meyers of Homeward Angel White Dove Releases.
 
The document replicas set in sturdy enclosures with two-inch glass covers include The Declaration of Independence, The United States Constitution, and The Bill of Rights. The documents are engraved into brass plates. Attendees could sign a book that will be one of the objects placed in the time capsule, which will be sealed at another upcoming event and not opened until Constitution Day on September 17, 2087. (Check back then to see photos of the capsule being opened.)
 
The Charters of Freedom program is part of Foundation Forward, Inc. based in Valdese. One of their goals is to have similar installations across the United States. 
Click each photo to see an expanded view.
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It's Senior Check-up Day at the Vet

9/13/2019

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I wouldn't say it was a slow news day today, but my day did start off with taking our geriatric miniature poodle (inherited from an uncle) to her senior check-up. Shayna (the poodle) doesn't particularly mind the vet visits and the folks at Bonnie Brae in Columbus are very nice to her. But she is quick to whip around and bite you if you call her a bad name or ruffle her feathers.

​So Dr. Nick and Nurse Kristen know she has to wear what they call a "party hat." I'm not 100% sure if Shayna thinks the party hat is silly, dumb, or above her poodle status...but she accepts it and is generally a good girl. She also knows she'll get plenty of liver treats throughout the process. Shayna is nearly 15 and my uncle got her through a rescue...so know one is really sure of her age.

Thanks folks at Bonnie Brae.
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Shayna's not sure whether to stay or bolt for freedom when the next patient enters the front door.
Click on each photo for an enlarged version and a caption.
Shayna checks out the party hat to see if it makes her look thin.
Dr. Nick gets the party hat adjusted. Now, let's get on with the party.
Starting the check-up.
Listening to my heart. I have a heart murmur...that's not good. But I'm an old lady and can handle it.
Nurse Kristen and Dr. Nick check over my eyes. I can still see, but I'm pretty darn deaf.
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Bear Tyler - Peanut Slinger & Barber

9/7/2019

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​When I caught up with Bear Tyler this afternoon he was slinging boiled peanuts. I didn’t get a chance to witness any barbering going on, but I’m guessing there’s a chair in the back of his classic 1966 food-truck “conversion.” It’s a site to see as well as the good-looking and mighty-good tasting peanuts coming out of the serving window. Check out the “salty dog platter” which is made up of several kinds of pickled peppers and a heaping pile of boiled peanuts.
 
Bear founded Bullhded Peanut Company in 1971 with hard work and grit and that’s what he still throws in the mix today. And yes, that’s the spelling of Bullhded. You’ll have to ask Bear why. 
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Bear Tyler, owner and chief peanut slinger since 1971.
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Bear and his Salty Dog Platter. (They look a lot better than this photo shows, trust me.)
​Bear is based out of Tryon. Bear and his truck can be found around the region and he’s available for festivals, catering, and other private events. Today he was parked and doing a brisk business in the parking lot of Cameroon Cigar Lounge (& Craft Beer Emporium) in Landrum.
 
Bear says, “At Bullhded, what we do is simple. Take parts salt, peanuts, mix it with grit…and the result is a Southern staple cooked to perfection.”
​You can learn more at bullhded.com, but the best way to learn more is to give those peanuts a try.
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Bear Tyler serves a heaping helping of boiled peanuts to Caleb Bruce, Pastor at New Hope Baptist Church in Landrum.
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What a Great Idea! - A Fast Focus Story

8/8/2019

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On the same day I took the recent photo of the mom and son with two new (to them) dogs at the Landrum Community Dog Park I noticed this new structure over at the back end of the Landrum Veterinary Hospital parking lot. As I’m intrigued by anything new, I stopped by and was pleasantly surprised by my “discovery.” We’ve all seen the “little libraries” that have popped up here and there in our community but this is the first time I’ve seen a “Blessing Box.” This one was sponsored by and built by the fine folks at Jackson Grove United Methodist Church. It’s a food pantry in a box open to anyone who might need a little help and is accessible 24/7. The day I went by it was fully stocked even including food for pets in need. I imagine by now this Blessing Box might need some replenishing. I plan to do my share and I hope you will as well.
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Landrum Community Dog Park - a Fast Focus story

7/31/2019

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It’s always a good day to be in the park – the Landrum Community Dog Park that is. I stopped by this wonderful dog park the other day just to check it out. And at that same time two folks were checking it out with some brand new (to them) dogs.
 
Jennifer and Braden from Campobello were visiting with their two newish dogs. The big boy is named Sherman. He was formerly a service dog but had to be retired from work when he was injured. The little girl they’ve named Betty. She followed them home recently and instantly became part of their family.
 
Sherman and Betty immediately took a liking to each other and to Jennifer and Braden as well.
 
The Landrum Community Dog Park is located behind Stone Soup Restaurant.
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Braden with Betty and Jennifer with Sherman.
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Mocha's Mug - a Fast Focus Story

7/27/2019

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For months I’ve been eyeing the work going on inside the building at 212 Rutherford Street in Landrum. My patience paid off as I discovered that the new coffee shop was indeed open for business. Denis and Lori Friederich are the owners, the baristas, and the treat chefs. They’re still gearing up for a grand opening in a few weeks but for now you can tantalize your taste buds with some great coffee and coffee drinks, teas, whole-fruit smoothies (coming soon), and a variety of treats.
 
Lori says, “We want Mocha’s Mug to be a place where people can gather and create a bond. A place where people are refreshed in body and soul, and once you come through those doors we want you to feel like family.”
 
It’s an amazing transformation inside from past businesses that have occupied that space. I’ll have a full story after the grand opening but this news was too good to put off telling. Check them out Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 AM until 2:30 PM. They do have a Facebook page.
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Denis and Lori
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Fast Focus - Always Learning!

6/12/2019

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My lucky day today to find a big yellow school bus parked next to McDonald’s in Columbus. While all NC school buses look pretty much the same, this one was lettered with the school name – Lake Lure Classical Academy. Since I did regular freelance work with them for a bit over two years, I decided to investigate. I knew school was out, so just curious why this bus would be parked at McDonalds’s at 10:30 AM. It seemed a little early for lunch.

It ends up Gayle Youngblood, the school librarian (who also doubles as bus driver and other assorted duties) had this brainstorm to bring learning to where the Lake Lure Classical School kids live so that they don’t enter the dreaded brain-drain during the summer months.

The bus was packed with books from the school library and Gayle and Kristin Collette, the elementary school counselor who happened to be dressed as Cinderella, were there to check out books, read to kids, let kids read to them, or read to each other. 
 
The yellow “library on wheels” will visit McDonald’s almost every Wednesday this summer in Hendersonville, Columbus, Forest City, and Spindale … all towns served by the school. Gayle says you never know what to expect when the bus shows up. Cinderella this week, could be Darth Vader next.
Gayle’s official name for her fun program is “Meet Me at McDonald’s and Read.”
 
What a great idea!
 
You can learn more about Lake Lure Classical Academy at: https://llca.teamcfa.school
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Pictured on the right: Gayle Youngblood with Charley Shirah who is ready to read!

Pictured below: Gayle, Kristin Collette, Delaney Cullen (rising 3rd), Charley Shirah, (rising 2nd), and Evie Malone (rising kindergartener).
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Fast Focus - Mooji the kitten

5/2/2019

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It's not often you see a kitten learning to walk on a leash, but it was my lucky day. Here's "Mooji," a pretty young kitten out learning the technique with his owner. They were out by the Veteran's Memorial in downtown Columbus.
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Fast Focus - Andy Yoder, roaster at Openroad

4/6/2019

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Several months ago I featured Stan Yoder and his Openroad Coffee Roastery in Columbus. Well, this morning my day started there when I met a friend for coffee and I was finally able to get a photo of the first person in "the system" who makes all of the coffee magic happen. This is Andy Yoder, Master Coffee Roaster at Openroad. Andy roasts all those special beans that help get your day or week going. He’s the perfected the technique of knowing just when everything is right. And he just happens to be the dad of Stan, the owner.
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Click to read past stories on Foothills Faces.
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Fast Focus - This senior dog says forget National Puppy Day!

3/23/2019

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Fast Focus…
 
Apparently today is National Puppy Day, so what a perfect day to pay some homage to all of those senior dogs out there in need of care and a home. Mr. Minute (a 13-year-old senior) is canine spokesman for the organization and he was doing a good job of it in front of Landrum’s Bi-Lo this morning. Mr. Minute says, “Puppies are cute but so are seniors!” Forever Dream Senior Dog Sanctuary has been on the Foothills Faces radar for several months waiting for a good opportunity to do a story. So stay tuned to find out more about this non-profit that takes care of dogs that really need someone with heart to help them out. Look for my story in a few weeks.

​In the meantime you can find them on Facebook or on the web at: www.foreverdreamseniordogsanctuary.org.
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It’s Saturday, that means it’s donut day at Martha’s Amish Bakery…

3/16/2019

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It was exactly one year ago today when I posted my first “real” story as Foothills Faces. That was the story about Martha’s Amish Bakery and it was a perfect choice for my start. So today is my lucky day that the first anniversary of this blog and donut day at the bakery ended up being the same!
 
By the time you read this, the donuts might be gone. It’s a sellout every Saturday and Saturday is the only day they make their incredible melt-in-your-mouth treats.
 
Even though the bakery had been going since 2014, the name change just happened about the same time I went in looking for my first story. While I don’t necessarily plan to revisit each of my past stories as this next year progresses, I wanted to stop by the bakery just to check in. My sharing their story helped get flour sack full of new blog followers.
Martha and Freida Graber have enjoyed the support they’ve received from the community and report that it has been a wonderful and successful year. Business has been good enough that they’ve had to bring in extra help from time to time. They cooked up over 100 pies just for Thanksgiving and this is on top of all the other wonderful food available Wednesday through Saturday on Highway 9 in the Green Creek community. Now that they’re more settled in they have at least a little time to think about the future. The ladies are taking advantage of the special seasons and holidays by cooking up some themed items such as Irish soda bread and special decorated cookies for St. Patrick’s Day. 
 
They can’t wait for strawberry season to start so that they can cook up some of their famous strawberry pies made with local berries. Martha & Freida have some other ideas up their sleeves. They plan to do more with wedding cakes and even start a delivery service geared toward local assisted living and retirement communities.
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Martha & Freida love the support from the community and you’ll more than love your stop inside this friendly neighborhood establishment.
 
So thanks to Martha & Freida for giving me the privilege of interviewing them for my very first story, and thanks for all the tasty treats I’ve enjoyed this past year.
 
And remember, get there early next Saturday to pick up a donut or two or an entire box.

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You can read the original post with a click.
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There's a Story in that Sign...

2/19/2019

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I wasn’t expecting to find a story today. It was sleeting as I left home to run a couple of errands. I wasn’t expecting the sleet either. As I was leaving the store, I spotted a guy sitting at a table under cover out of the sleet having a cup of coffee. Behind him was a fully-loaded backpack, a well-worn hiking stick (not your fancy trekking pole, but a stick), and a water jug attached to the pack. The gentleman was dressed to ward off the cold the best he could. It was 33 degrees and the sleet was continuing.
 
I decided my days of being chicken to approach strangers were over! So I walked up to him trying to figure out what to say. Basically I asked where he was headed, assuming he was a backpacker and perhaps was planning to get back on the Palmetto Trail which runs through town.
 
He was a bit apprehensive about my question but was willing to talk. However, he wasn’t willing to have his photo taken. He did say I could take a picture of his pack. His name is William Glenn Gibson and he said he’s been on the road since August. He doesn’t appear to have any destination in mind though he mentioned going to the town library to get out of the cold. He then said I could take a photo of his sign, which explains it all. He pulls out a carefully lettered and folded cardboard sign and sets it up for me to photograph. Mr. Gibson says that sign says everything he needs told. 
 
I took my photos, gave him a small donation, and wished him luck. Maybe our paths will cross again and I’ll discover more.
 
Take care William Glenn Gibson.
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Call Me Chicken - a Fast Focus Story

2/11/2019

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Okay, that’s probably not a politically-correct term because I’ve heard that some chickens will attack would-be photographers/writers.
 
When I started “Foothills Faces,” part of the experience was to take me out of my comfort zone and let me spend some of my “retirement” time interviewing folks I didn’t know. And actually, the original intent was to have a Carolina foothills version of the wildly popular series – “Humans of New York.” That guy, Brandon Stanton, started out walking around New York City and snapping photos of total strangers and then had the nerve to go up and ask them to share some of their pithiest thoughts on their life. He’s good at it and now travels the world.
 
So I was thinking I could do the same thing here in Polk, Rutherford, Cleveland, Spartanburg Counties and snap a few candid photos of some interesting-looking characters and then walk up to them and get their life story in four sentences.
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I had my chance this past week and blew it! I did see this interesting-looking character sitting outside at a table at my local Ingle’s (Landrum) drinking a cup of coffee, smoking a cigarette, and working the crossword puzzle. I see him there on a regular basis and it was pretty cold on this day and he was still out there. So, I got up my nerve to ask him. I figured I would break the ice by saying, “You working on the puzzle?” He replied, “Trying to,” and I knew I had my opportunity. So I asked would he mind posing for a photo for my blog? He looked at me and said, “Better not.” I pushed my luck knowing I could probably outrun him…though not by much.  So I pushed a little harder…”Are you sure?” He peered back over his newspaper and gave me the look…the one that meant…time to go! I went.
 
But I wasn’t done. There just 50 feet away was sitting a guy in his pick-up truck. The back was filled and overflowing with bags of stuff. I haven’t a clue what. The cab was packed with more stuff leaving only barely enough room for the driver to sit. He definitely looked like an interesting character. I thought, “Wow, this guy is living out of this truck. Surely, he has a story to tell.”
 
However, I didn’t even have the nerve to ask him. And so I ended my potential goldmine of stories empty handed. There’s always another day!

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Fast Focus - the Taps at Rural Seed

1/10/2019

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So what does a photo of some beer taps have to do with Foothills Faces. Well, just a reminder that the tagline is “People & Places of the Carolina Foothills.” 
 
I stopped in “The Rural Seed Restaurant” in Columbus yesterday to bring something tasty home to eat. In the meantime, I asked about their beers since I knew they were now serving them. I was very pleasantly surprised to be ushered into the old space occupied by the former microbrewery, Winding Creek. 
 
And I was more than pleasantly surprised to find a nice selection of beers on tap. I cozied up to the bar, made my selection, and enjoyed sipping (or gulping) while my dinner-to-go was prepared. I should mention that the food met my expectations.
 
So I’ve found another place to settle down in and soak up some suds and atmosphere.
 
Foothills Faces isn’t a restaurant review site. It’s meant to introduce you to some of the faces and places in our area. So consider yourself introduced!
 
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Fast Focus - Marty

1/5/2019

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This is the first of a new series of short comments called "Fast Focus" where each person can choose from a list of topics or talk about something else that might be on their mind.

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Marty - Why we moved to the foothills

​My wife and I were looking for a place down South because we were tired of the New York winters and when we saw Tryon we thought what a beautiful area this is. The proximity to the mountains, the isothermal belt…all sold us on the area. We loved the natural beauty of the Foothills and we loved the people we’ve met.

​It’s a very artistic community and we’re just thrilled to be here. I’m a teacher and I teach in Greenville and it’s a fairly easy commute to go down there. I’m just very, very happy that my wife and I can both be in this area.
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    Mark Levin

    ...retired in 2017 from a life of work, mostly in education. I decided it was time to stop commuting and stay at home a while. Foothills Faces is meant to bring you short snippets of life through photography, videography, and audio recordings of some of the wonderful people and places of the Carolina Foothills..

    And for something new:
    Check out Mark's new YouTube Channel, The Country Life with ColumbusMark. It's a lighthearted look at life in the country.

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