Life In the Carolina&#8217;s Podcast

The Outer Banks — Carl White's Life in the Carolinas

Video Podcasts — Carl White's Life in the Carolinas

Carl's Syndicated Columns — Carl White's Life in the Carolinas

The Banjo Librarian Sep 27, 2021

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with librarian Suzanne Moore. The two met at a local farmer's market when Suzanne was playing the banjo (she refers to herself as an "amateur plucker") to promote the new Seed Library over at Wilkes County Public Library. Carl quickly realized that Suzanne was no "ordinary" librarian.

Since childhood, Suzanne has had a deep passion for books, recalling having loaned her favorite reads to her friends regularly. She has always, by extension, had a love for people and community service, as well as an insatiable curiosity and openness to new ideas. So, it was no wonder that she chose the path that she did as an adult.

Suzanne refers to the library as "the people's university." Not only is there no tuition, but there is also a level of freedom in navigating a library that is not found in adhering to a strict curriculum and paying for assigned textbooks.

At the pandemic outbreak in early 2020, Suzanne touches on the pain she felt at temporarily shutting the library's doors. She remembers telling borrowers to "forget about the due dates" and the gradual steps they took to make their services available to the public once again, starting with curbside pickup to extending the library's Wi-Fi outdoors to offering virtual programs via Zoom.

In many ways, the crisis paved the way for many opportunities and ideas that would not have emerged otherwise. For example, the local students, digital natives, have now been given access to the library through the gadgets they are intimately familiar with.

What's more, the library has found more visitors since its doors were first closed. As Suzanne says, "We've seen an increase in library usage during the pandemic because folks that didn't have the opportunity to visit, maybe due to transportation barriers, were able to connect virtually."

Carl and Suzanne go on to give their thoughts on the power of the written word—of the ability of an excellent book to develop a person's mental and emotional maturity, deepen one's appreciation of the humanities, and allow the past to come alive as a book serves as a window into the minds of great men and women.

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The Humanities Mar 17, 2021

“I like interactions with people,” says Jeffrey, speaking on why he chose education as a career path and, eventually, public service. His journey as a teacher began when he underwent the South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program which granted him a scholarship at Appalachian State University, where he graduated with a BS in Art Teacher Education.

In this first year as a teacher, Jeffrey taught at Atkins, a low-performing, high-minority middle school, where he says he may just as well have gotten five years of teaching experience in one year.

In his own words: “What that experience made me realize was how different other people’s circumstances are to your own. For many of those kids, it wasn’t an issue of academic performance. It was almost an issue of life survival. It was quite sad to see a 12-year-old who was concerned for their own safety—some of them concerned about their next meal, some concerned about making it to school that day.”

Carl and Jeffrey touch on the vital importance of developing critical thinking skills in today’s globalized digital economy. It is a topic that never leaves Jeffrey’s mind, with his passion of education, service, and the arts. He believes that if the arts, including both fine and performing arts, were elevated in importance more than they currently are, critical thinking would skyrocket across the board. “Exposure to the arts,” he contends, “helps us not only understand ourselves; it helps us understand other people.”

To further illustrate the point, Carl and Jeffrey point to a variety of successful figures, including U.S. presidents, who have some exposure to the arts. Continuing along this thread, they remark on the idea that, without the humanities, it would be impossible to thoroughly understand the meanings behind the founding documents.

Jeffrey hopes that, in an age awash with technology, art, especially at the tactile level, continues to be embraced. “We are connected more than ever; but we’re also more disconnected more than ever.” On the other hand, “The arts are a reflection of the human experience.”

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Wilkes Heritage Museum Mar 03, 2021

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with Jennifer Furr, Director of the Wilkes Heritage Museum, which features exhibits about local history in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The museum tells a story of how the community has evolved through the wonderful artifacts that it displays within its historic buildings.

Among the reasons people typically visit the museum include experiencing the community’s history of moonshine, how the company known today as NASCAR came to be, and hearing the story of Tom Dooley.

“Those are the things that Wilkes County is more known for,” says Jennifer, “but once we actually get them in through the door, they realize that there is this whole other world here as well.” Out-of-county, out-of-state, and even international visitors, who may only be expecting their time at the “small-town museum” to be short, often end up staying all day.

The Wilkes Heritage Museum was established in 1968, its original intention being to restore the Old Wilkes County Jail to its 1860 appearance. Also restored following the jail were the 1779 home of Captain Robert Cleveland and the late 19th century Finley Law Office. The building housing the museum itself used to be the 1902 Wilkes County Courthouse. It is a historically significant building reflecting North Carolina’s architectural hallmarks of the time.

The museum has exhibits on two floors. The lower-level features artifacts from the county’s early settlers and different aspects of society and culture, from religion to moonshine to racing to agriculture to transportation. The upper level contains additional exhibits on Native Americans, African American history, the Revolutionary War, military history, and the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame. This space doubles as a venue for special events such as concerts, weddings, and fundraiser dinners.

Asked how Jennifer feels about having a career that allows her to, literally, participate with history, she says that there is never a boring day. As the museum’s curator, she wears a lot of hats, but for her, “talking to people who bring their treasures in and learning those stories is probably the best part of my job.”

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Calm it Down with Chad Lawson Jan 27, 2021

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with Charlotte-based pianist and composer Chad Lawson. Ironically, Chad did not grow up in a family that listened to music, much less played instruments. What actually sparked his interest in taking piano lessons was a TV show he grew up on, Sha Na Na, and the rest is history.

Chad recalls having his music used a few years back, without his permission, as a background track for the podcast Lore. He reached out to host Aaron Mahnke for a potential collaboration, and the two quickly became friends. Eventually, Lore got picked up by Amazon for a television series written by Glen Morgan of The X-Files fame. As fate would have it, Chad was their one and only choice to be the composer for the series.

“All of that stemmed,” Chad reflects, “from my being okay with someone using my music.” He goes on to suggest that other artists be more open to giving other parties an opportunity to use their music. “Within limitations, I want to encourage others to do a little bit of homework, check it out, and be okay with it. [...] You never know what doors open.”

Chad’s music, much like his personality, can be characterized as quiet, calm, and soothing. Ever since lockdowns were implemented in the first quarter of 2020, Chad fondly notes the explosion of emails he received from others who told him that his music had been helping them cope with the challenges.

“I get those emails almost daily now,” says Chad. “I can’t travel, but I want to be able to engage. I want to get deeper into the grit of life with my listeners. I want to find a way that if I can’t speak to them from stage, how do I speak to them? [...] Why don’t I create something where I’m helping them, emotionally, walk through this?”

Chad’s solution? His very own podcast, Calm It Down, a passion piece he created to help ease anxieties, COVID-induced or otherwise. He wanted the podcast to be a space for honesty and transparency, and to dissolve shame around vulnerability. As Chad openly shares from the heart on such topics as depression and suicide, he gives his audience permission to be real in a society whose knee-jerk reaction to tragedy and hardship has 3been, overwhelmingly, repression.

“The very first thing we have to do is make people comfortable with awareness. We just have to make the conversation comfortable.” Chad implores us to catch ourselves whenever our self-preservation instincts kick in, when confronted with uncomfortable topics. After all, the hardest step to healing is always the first. “You have to bring the conversation to your audience. That’s how it starts.”

Connect with Chad:

Chad Lawson - Official Store

Calm It Down | Calming & Meditation Podcast (calmitdownpodcast.com)

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It's Don Miller Time Dec 02, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with Don Miller, who served as the former President of Penske Racing South, alongside founding the N.C. Auto Racing Hall of Fame in Mooresville.

Originally hailing from Chicago, the American automobile enthusiast was attracted by the rich history of motorsports in the Carolinas, which led him to join Penske Racing in 1972 to work on the team’s stock car and IndyCar programs. Don takes a trip down memory lane, reflecting on the series of events that culminated in the legacy he left for the industry before retiring from Penske.

Tough love, humbling lessons, and the resulting changes from within dominate today’s conversation with Don. Asked of his decision-making framework throughout his storied career, he replies: “People, as they go through life, tend to wonder whether what they are doing is really the right thing for their family or simply out of ego. They would ask, ‘Should I rethink it?’ or ‘Should I have thought more about it?’ As time goes on, you have those thoughts if you are human.”

Don recalls that, years ago, he desired nothing more than to win races, each and every time. His business partner Rusty Wallace, on the other hand, who had just come off of a racing career in his own right, had more of an ambition to entertain through the company rather than to win at all costs.

Don and Rusty’s vision came to a head when a certain individual told them that they “were in the entertainment business. If somebody comes along and wins all the races, nobody is going to come to the show. I really do not care how many races you win, but if you win too many, it is not going to make me happy.” It was at that moment when Don realized that he needed to temper his ego with “the science of it all”—that is, the business of running an auto racing organization—if he wanted the business to thrive for the long haul.

Don also speaks on the inspiration behind the creation of the Stocks for Tots program in Mooresville in 1989. Initially conceived as a one-day event to collect gifts and donations as well as to bring race industry celebrities together with fans, Stocks for Tots very quickly grew into an established charitable foundation that is still going strong to this day.

Don remembers thinking, upon establishing Stocks for Tots, that “this is an opportunity for us, as part of the racing community, to give back to those who allow us to do what we do. It is what we should have been doing all along.”

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Mason Via: A Music Man Nov 24, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with singer-songwriter Mason Via.

Mason grew up in a musical household. Both his mom and dad supported his affinity for music growing up: His mother regularly took him to festivals and his father, a well-known bluegrass musician in his own right, introduced him to the genre via fiddler conventions which Mason likes to call his “stomping ground” for learning how to play bluegrass music in his youth. He wrote his first song when he was 12 years old called “Jack O’Boy, a ripoff made up of other children’s rhymes”.

Mason loves the stage. Using words such as captivating and contagious, he relishes in the reality of having an audience in the palm of your hand, and that it is completely up to you (and your band members) to mold their experience with your music. Music clearly came naturally to Mason from the start, and this calling allowed him to develop his own style that helped him to establish a brand apart from that of his famous father.

Music, of course, is also a collaborative art. Mason enjoys co-writing when putting together a new song. It is an experience that he believes gives the piece a new dimension, and a guarantee that someone other than him can resonate with the piece. Co-writing, to Mason, gives him more confidence that if at least two people like the song, then it is probably worthy of performance to a crowd of people.

For new or aspiring musicians, Mason suggests investing in a home studio if you have the budget for it. If COVID-19 taught him anything, it is that livestreams and other digital solutions are pivotal to staying top-of-mind with your listeners (and potential listeners). Having a home studio that you can comfortably record or at least perform for the camera is the best way to adapt to the new normal brought about by the crisis.

What is equally important is to stay in touch with other musicians, bandmates, and co-writers and do things that get your creative juices flowing, whether that is creating new music, sharing inspiring videos, or just jamming virtually.

Keep up with Mason’s latest gigs and albums on masonvia.com

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A Little Magic with Caleb Sigmon Sep 21, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with illusionist, comedian, director, and producer Caleb Sigmon to discuss his journey as a performer. “There’s strength in creative people coming together around a campfire,” says Caleb. He combines his passion for storytelling with his love for the Carolinas by bringing local stories to life.

Caleb and his wife Katie partnered up to create Sigmon Theatrical. For much of the year, they collaborate with various talents to put historic pieces together. Aside from history-themed stories, they perform family-friendly productions such as The Cat in the Hat. They travel their shows “into schools, libraries, performing arts centers—anywhere folks gather, to suspend their disbelief and let them remember that the world that we live in is full of wonder, and when we use our imagination, anything is possible.”

One can create powerful moments and raise spirits as a visual storyteller without the need for large auditoriums or theaters. Having performed in children’s hospitals since high school, Caleb started a program dubbed “Giggle Box Circus”. Here, Caleb would come into a hospital as a clown doctor, diagnose the children with “ridiculously goofy problems” to “bring distractive play into the hospital.” He shares that laughter doesn’t only physically affect people on the outside, but on the inside as well. The more someone laughs, the greater their physical improvement within.

“We believe in the transformative power of a live theatre experience,” says Caleb, where everyone—the audience and the performers themselves—feels like they are part of the show.

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Kyle Jenks and James Madison Sep 16, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with historical performer Kyle Jenks, who portrays Founding Father and fourth U.S. president James Madison.

The Constitution was drafted amid a weak confederacy under the Articles of Confederation. In the early 1780s after the victory of Yorktown and the official surrender with the Treaty of Paris, nothing was actually certain until the papers were signed in early 1784, marking the official existence of the United States of America.

This is a fascinating period that Kyle enjoys reflecting on as he explores the maturation of the character of James Madison. He continues the conversation by taking us through what defined the original colonies and how they came together, their vision immortalized through the Declaration of Independence.

According to Kyle, because the U.S. is a Representative Republic, the preamble, “We the People” requires “that the citizens be informed and interested; otherwise, the countrywill disintegrate, sometime.” This was precisely James Madison’s conclusion after looking through the histories of past confederacies. “In the end, even though we have the Electoral College, the citizens must be aware enough to ensure that people in positions of responsibility do their job properly, and they remember that they are servants of the people. People are not servants of their representatives.”

Kyle goes on to recount the life of James Madison, from being known in his childhood days as “Little Jimmy Madison” to his becoming a Founding Father and, shortly after, the fourth president of the United States. Kyle also goes into detail regarding Madison’s relationship with fellow Founding Father and presidential predecessor Thomas Jefferson, with whom he placed a great deal of respect for in spite of a good number of political disagreements. He then explores the all-important yet complicated circumstances around the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence, as well as how the Founding Fathers convinced the citizens of all the different states to embrace the Constitution of the United States following the Revolutionary War.

Finally, Kyle takes us through the love story between James Madison and his wife, North Carolina native Dolley Payne. Kyle concludes: “My studied opinion is that James Madison is our most virtuous Founding Father. If you want to look to a guy as a role model who upheld the principles of the United States Constitution and its added Bill of Rights, remember that he always only had a single thing on the top of his list: ‘What’s best for the country?’ He knew there were compromises to be made. You could not universally satisfy everyone. But he would make a decision and noodle it, noodle it, noodle it until he could say he did the best he could.”

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A Visit with Wayne Taylor Aug 19, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with former Navy musician Wayne Taylor. After a 21-year military career, Wayne went back to school at Berklee College of Music in Boston with ambitions to become a recording engineer.

As a musician in the military, Wayne had his share of memorable experiences, all of which were made more exciting since he never did know what his next gig would be. One day, he would be playing at an elementary school; the next day, he would be called to perform at the White House. More recently, Wayne started the bluegrass band Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa. His long career in music saw him traveling around the world, bringing him to countries such as Canada, China, Sweden, Scotland, and Ireland.

“There is a wide spectrum of bluegrass,” says Wayne. There is an attitude among many of these new musicians that is both progressive and respectful of tradition. “When you get progressive with it, you get a whole new audience.”

Wayne released his first CD in 1991 and has since gone on to record another 15. Only recently, however, did he build his own studio beside his home. A lifelong learner, he built up his capacity as a bluegrass artist through a mix of his natural talent and a thorough study of technique, both with mentorship and by his own ear.

Carl and Wayne reflect on the calming, even healing power of music. “Music,” says Wayne, “is used as a tool in music therapy to help people bring about positive change. It creates emotion. Playing my songs just puts me in a different frame of mind. I get lost in it. It is like going to see a good movie.”

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Whippoorwill Academy Jun 16, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with painter and retired art educator Margaret Ferguson Carter-Martine. She is the Director of Whippoorwill Academy and Village, which she inherited from her mother, Edith Carter.

Margaret considers her art to be a diary of her life. “My art takes many different directions,” she says. Some of her works are political, while others are “things of beauty that bring me joy”. She believes that it is an artist’s job to use the emotionality of the medium to express, often in a big way, what the artist believes is worth expressing—and to be prepared to defend the content of their work as a lawyer defends their client.

Before retiring as a teacher, Margaret had always believed that her future role at Whippoorwill Academy would be to assist her mother in running the village. Unfortunately, as fate would have it, Edith would learn that she had cancer and pass away a mere month following the diagnosis.

Whippoorwill’s purpose is to celebrate local and regional history, art, and period culture. To this end, the village conducts tours for out-of-towners and schoolchildren alike. Whippoorwill’s team includes specialists such as an Appalachian toy expert, a blacksmith, hearth cookers, spinners, weavers, and more. As a treat to the students, Margaret painted, on one hundred rocks, animals that Daniel Boone would have hunted. She created a scavenger hunt for the kids by hiding the rocks all around the village.

The life of Daniel Boone is celebrated at the historic Daniel Boone Hunting Lodge where the man himself slept during one of his many hunts.

Other attractions include the Tom Dooley Museum, in which visitors can watch a video that Edith created about the life of Dooley. There is also the Whippoorwill School House, where many great contributors to American society received their education.

Margaret has an especially soft spot for the students who visit Whippoorwill on field trips. She makes it a point to totally immerse the kids into each of the village’s museums in order to build in them an appreciation of another time period on a tactile level. “Nothing else can take the place of hands-on learning,” says Margaret.

To those who consider the study of history as useless and irrelevant, Margaret has this to say: “If we look at this pandemic that we are having right now—and I read a huge book on the pandemic of 1918—we would learn so much looking back through history as to how it was handled, and how we can handle this now. There is an importance to history. We can learn from long ago on what to do now.”

Links:

Whippoorwill Academy - www.whippoorwillacademy.com

Life in the Carolinas Tom Dooley Segment with author Charlotte Barnes filmed at Whippoorwill Academy - https://youtu.be/-5-KbySh03k

A Conversation with David Holt Jun 03, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with four-time Grammy Award winner David Holt. David has been collecting and performing mountain music for over 50 years and had the privilege of learning from old-time greats like Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Ralph Stanley, and others in his early days as a musician.

David is the host of the current TV series David Holt’s State of Music. David has had many TV adventures over the years and in this conversation, he shares memories from his exciting journey. It is a role he does not take for granted: Since the early 70s, he understood that TV is a powerful tool to promote different forms of music, not just to existing fans, but to those who are yet to be exposed to them, particularly younger generations.

David shares his experience playing a musician near the end of the film O Brother, Where Art Thou?. He relates the evening he spent before taping his scene, shooting the breeze and singing old songs around a campfire with some of the cast and crew, including George Clooney himself. The following morning, David did his scene and ended the day wondering whether it would make it into the final cut at all. It did, and according to a call from a friend in Europe (which is where the movie was first released) David was billed “the village idiot”. It was an unforgettable day. David also shared a few stories about his guest appearances on the show Hee Haw from 1988-1991.

What started out as a simple love for mountain music gradually evolved into a sense of responsibility for preserving a piece of American history. David was able to study and play with the renowned musicians of yesterday and emerged from those experiences driven by a calling to spread his passion through as many avenues as he could for the rest of his professional life.

David has had the opportunity to play a variety of instruments in his time, some more exotic than others. He considers the mouth bow as one of the more unusual ones he has tried out. He also demonstrates his mastery of bones, an instrument which he fondly recalls his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather playing when he was just a little boy.

This episode is filled with stories about a TV personality and entertainer who has reached millions with this unique style of brining stories to life.

Links:

www.davidholt.com/

www.DavidHoltTV.org

The Cicada Rhythm May 27, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with John Cooley, an Assistant Professor in Residence at the University of Connecticut. They discuss the emergence of Brood IX in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia this May as well as John’s cicada mapping project and its corresponding app, Cicada Safari, which he is currently promoting.

After a brief introduction to periodical cicadas, John answers some pressing questions regarding the emergence of the 17-year variety. He tells us to think of this type of cicada as a “big boisterous aphid”, as they spend a lot of time sucking on plant juices both as juveniles underground and adults above ground. He says that once you can see mating pairs amid the chorus, “you will know you are really in the thick of the emergence”, and that their time above ground should only last around a month, depending on the weather, before they all die.

Immediately upon emerging, Adult cicadas climb the nearest available tree and shed their nymph exoskeleton. Starting out stark white, they achieve their full, brown coloration within a couple of days. Males feed on surrounding vegetation until they become mature adults, then proceed to sing in order to attract females. John goes into the complicated, three-part courtship that takes place throughout the entire chorus. For the remainder of their respective lifespans, males will continue to look for females and females will continue to lay eggs.

Asked whether cicadas “damage” trees, John replies that “it depends what you mean by ‘damage’”. After all, these species of cicada have been around for millions of years, carrying out their regular activities within the same environment—which include trees—in that time. He hastens to add that “delicate ornamental trees, fruit trees, and saplings” are more prone to defilement simply because they are not a natural part of the Eastern Deciduous Forest.

John says that spraying pesticides will not be enough to take care of the enormous numbers of cicadas in the area; not to mention the damage that will be done to the surrounding environment due to all those chemicals. Instead, John encourages those concerned to invest in anything that physically excludes the cicadas from the branches, such as avian netting, window screening, or cheese cloth. These will probably not exclude every single cicada, but it should exclude enough to prevent the tree from getting damaged.

Apart from periodical cicadas, there are also annual cicadas. While these encompass a number of species, the “loud ones that are often singing at dusk” are known as Dog-day cicadas. John refers to Dog-day cicadas as “the sounds of summer”, as they emerge in July. Speaking of their singing, John mentions that the sound of the swamp cicada can be heard in the original Star Wars film when C3PO and R2D2 land in Tatooine. This is, in fact, a recurring choice in many Hollywood soundtracks because swamp cicadas produce a “scary, rattly sound”.

John grew up in Kansas City and was exposed every year to summer cicadas. He loved hearing them, referring to the yearly experience as “the sound of childhood and summer”. He also had a professor in college who was an expert in periodical cicadas. He piqued John’s interest to the point where he went on to study the Magicicada in his postgraduate education.

Why study something so “esoteric” as periodical cicadas? “In biology,” replies John, “it is the exceptions that are interesting. The exceptions tell us something about how the world works.” On a more practical level, periodical cicadas are a “bioindicator of our forests’ health”. That is, if a good crop of cicadas emerge, “all is as it should be”. The forest is doing exactly what it needs to be doing.

Destination Preservation May 20, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with Ted Alexander. Apart from working at the North Carolina Senate, Ted also serves as the Western Regional Director for Preservation, North Carolina.

Preservation, North Carolina is a statewide nonprofit organization that has been around in some form or another for about 81 years, having first started out as the North Carolina Society for the Preservation of Antiquities in 1939. The group looks to protect, preserve, and even repurpose built environments regarded as significant to the state’s heritage. These included properties that tell rich stories about North Carolina’s history, from Gastonia's Loray Mill Village to the Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington.

When asked why it is important to preserve these historic buildings, Ted first makes it a point to give due credit to President J. Myrick Howard with the overall vision-mission of Preservation, North Carolina. He says that there are several reasons why these assets need to be preserved.

For one, “there are some properties that are inherently important”, whether it was the home of a famous individual, the location of a significant event, or a very important piece of architecture of a certain style. Another reason for preservation is to “create a sense of place”, as historic buildings help to establish the identity of the community in terms of its values and self-image. A building might also “offer a very functional use in today’s world”, such as serving as a tourist attraction. Then there is the economic benefit to preserving historic assets, since not only do the buildings themselves go up in value, but they may also pave the way to further investments or the creation of more jobs. Finally, there is patriotic value to preservation, being an activity that brings the entire community together.

According to studies, historic sites are almost always near the top of a tourist’s agenda. Ted says that modern travelers want to collect experiences—speaking particularly of millennials. He says that even smaller towns who understand this and do whatever they can to promote these historical buildings by telling their stories will have an edge as tourist destinations.

CONNECT:

https://www.presnc.org/

https://youtu.be/pK78QQ4tLMM

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

SEE MORE:

https://youtu.be/E_xCzuKeJ_c

Celebrating Main Street May 05, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with Liz Parham, the Executive Director of North Carolina Main Street Center. She works with designated Main Street communities across the state to conduct strategic planning and education programs. These initiatives, among others, are designed to increase the economic capacity of communities.

The Main Street program was inspired by the National Main Street Center, which began in 1980. The idea behind the program was born out of the increasingly commercialized society that developed in the late 1970s and 1980s, with malls and strip centers popping up everywhere.

Because of these rapid developments, there was concern among communities that their downtown districts would become vacant. The Main Street program was started, then, to “put new uses back into those really key properties, those buildings, that were in our downtown districts all across the state.”

“The heart and soul of the community is in the downtown,” continues Liz. “Historic buildings are unique to that town. If you lose that heart and soul, you do not just lose it downtown; you lose a community’s identity. Even today, industries do not move into a community that does not have a heart and soul.”

The Main Street program has brought life back into these communities. Residents develop a sense of pride upon seeing physical improvements to historic buildings, as well as new businesses coming to life. It inspires the citizenry to share the good news and invest for the good of the community in their own, individual ways.

Just last year alone, $270 million was invested in Liz’s designated Main Street. Collectively, $3.2 billion was invested since the beginning of the program in 1980. As Liz says, “It’s very much a public-private partnership, which I think is good for everyone. They are sharing in the expenses; but they are also sharing in the success.”

Liz actually began to do downtown work when she was finishing college. Upon graduation, Liz moved around for a number of years serving on the Main Street programs of different cities. In that time, she has seen directors of the program grow in number, from a small handful when she started, to about 20 now spread out among 64 designated Main Street communities.

Asked about how the Main Street program is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, Liz says that they are working with a lot of small businesses to help them build an ecommerce presence through websites and social media profiles. The Main Street program’s website has a dedicated COVID-19 resource page that is extremely active and updated with new information every day.

Beyond looking at federal resources, the program is helping small businesses to develop and execute innovative marketing and investment strategies amid quarantine measures all around the country. All of this builds towards the long-term goal of recovery and resiliency.

CONNECT WITH THE MAIN STREET PROGRAM:

www.ncmainstreetrurualplanningcenter.com

www.ncmainstreetconference.com

CONNECT WITH LIFE IN THE CAROLINAS

www,lifeinthecarolinaspodcast.com

carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

Banjo Earth Apr 15, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with Andy Eversole, banjoist, global citizen, and creator of Banjo Earth.

Banjo Earth is a “world music project” that involves Andy traveling to different countries to find and collaborate with local folk musicians, ultimately producing albums and documentaries on each of these different cultures through the lens of music. “It’s sort of like Anthony Bourdain with a banjo,” says Andy.

Andy’s love of travel began when he studied in China for a short period in 2015 while in college. He took this newfound passion and merged it with his talent for music. “I just started walking around Beijing with a banjo, first of all, looking for music, going to music stores, going to venues, and asking them about musicians.”

Andy divides his albums into three sections: 1) folk songs unique to the country, 2) American bluegrass songs flavored with the music from the country in question, and 3) original songs written by Andy himself, inspired by his travels in that particular country.

The cultural exchange that Andy undergoes while traveling is always a “disarming” experience for him. He reflects on one such experience in India wherein he and a friend were unable to reach their local contact. While playing his banjo in a park to pass the time, a family, who had begun to observe Andy, decided to invite him and his friend over to their home and prepared a meal for them. They also happened to be a musical family, which naturally led to a jam session that lasted the rest of the evening.

Now unable to travel due to the worldwide COVID-19 situation, Andy composed a love song, Quarantined with You, which is based on reflections and conversations with his friends and family—who he is separated from, and they from each other. It’s a song that is very in line with Andy’s worldview that while we will face many situations that we can’t control, we do have control over how we react to it.

Today, Andy takes inspiration from videos that have recently been posted online from Italy, of various individuals playing music and singing songs from their balconies, bringing their communities together in spite of social distancing. “It just shows how music can bring people together,” says Andy. “I try to find [dire situations] like this and turn them into love songs if I can,” says Andy, “because, whatever’s going on, there’s always love happening, still.”

Larry Biddle Apr 01, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with educator and businessman Larry Biddle. His mission? To help other educators apply business principles in schools, as opposed to government programs. Asked his opinion on the ever-evolving Coronavirus pandemic, Larry refers to the power of the eagle. An Eagle Scout at age 12, Larry has since come to realize that “eagleship is soaring. Eagles soar above whatever is down there, and its wings get stronger only by rising.” Larry goes on to say that an eagle thrives in the air only as long as the right wing and the left wing are in sync, and if its incredible vision is fixed on its target. He sees today’s America as embodying the eagle in flight, with every sector working together to overcome this crisis. “We are moving together—onward, upward, forward, together.”The COVID-19 situation is also illustrating that dissatisfaction is the first step towards change. “Dissatisfaction”, according to Larry, is the most misunderstood word in the English language. As an educator, he works constantly to have his students undergo the paradigm shift that dissatisfaction is, ultimately, a positive. He notes that even the founding of the United States came as a result of dissatisfaction with Great Britain. Carl digs deeper by bringing up the fact that fearis just as prevalent an emotion nowadays as dissatisfaction. Even if one uses their dissatisfaction as an impetus for growth, how will they then deal with fear—either their own or that of the people around them? Larry hearkens back to the saying that “fear is simply ‘False Evidence Appearing Real’.” One thing is certain: It’s not the end of the world. Therefore, whatever it is you are currently facing is overcomeable. Larry encourages us to think like entrepreneurs, who are flexible, resilient, and solution-oriented. When experiencing fear, take a step back, evaluate the reality of the situation, and create a proactive game plan to move forward in spite of this False Evidence. Finally, Larry stresses the importance of sticking to principles. Modern society has become rather superficial in many ways, and it could only have taken a crisis such as the COVID-19 outbreak to force civilization to reevaluate what is essential in life. “Hollow heroes bring empty messages.” Amidst a crisis, however, one’s true character is quickly unveiled depending on their words and actions in reaction to the circumstances around them. And a person of righteous character is a person of righteous principles.

Making a Difference in Alzheimer's Mar 04, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with Bill Shilitto, executive director of the CART (Coins for Alzheimer's Research Trust) Fund, Inc.

The 22-year Army veteran carries on a work habit characterized by precision, long after Bill retired from the military. Having served in Vietnam in the midst of its highly-controversial war with the U.S., Bill is thankful that he never personally experienced the negative treatment that many of his fellow servicemen received during that time. This resulted in a relatively smooth transition back to civilian life when he retired, but at the same his experiences during that rough time in American history kept him humble and compassionate towards those he would work with in the future.

When asked about his perspective on leadership after his 22-year career in the military, Bill begins his reply by saying that “life can be stressful.” He explains that stress occurs when people are brought out of their usual environment; therefore, a good leader should have systems in place to support those who they are potentially bringing into unfamiliar territory. In short, it pays to be cognizant and empathetic with other people.

As a Rotarian, Bill was invited to the annual CART board meeting in 2005. CART, being the brainchild of Rotarian Roger Ackerman, had its first seed planted when Roger’s mother-in-law succumbed to Alzheimer’s Disease. He looked into the state of the research currently being done to combat this brain disorder and discovered that it was severely lacking in progress. One day, Roger realized that he could simply collect “loose change” at every weekly Rotary meeting, and the rest was history. This year, CART will be collecting $9.4 million in loose change.

Bill hopes that diseases such as Alzheimer’s will lose the stigma it currently has. He pines for greater openness with regards to relatives of affected individuals speaking on how this disorder has affected their families’ lives. After all, increased awareness will lead to further developments in research and, by extension, possible solutions.

Connect:

http://www.cartfund.org/

www.lifeinthecarolinaspodcast.com

carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

Louis Jeroslow The Winemaker Feb 26, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with Louis Jeroslow who, along with his wife Carrie and partners Nick and Jennifer White, own Elkin Creek Vineyard.

Louis relates the backstory around his journey from entertainment industry professional to winemaker, as well as his partnership with the Whites. He met Nick and Jennifer while working together with them on productions for Blue Man Group. At one point, Nick White had been keeping his eye open for good properties to invest in. Around that time, Jennifer White saw a photo online of the confluence of two creeks on their property: Elkin Creek and Grassy Creek.

The Whites were smitten, and subsequently had their wedding at that spot. Louis, making full use of his expertise in technical theatre, had a grand, multimedia-laden setup put together for the wedding. It didn’t take long for the four of them to realize that there was a new opportunity for them all in that very location.

Louis continues by talking about the steep learning curve he had to overcome in order to become the master winemaker at Elkin Creek. Learning the necessary skills was one thing; knowing how to run a business he had almost no prior experience in was another. What he was prepared for, however, was the work involved in putting together events—work that he had already been engaged in for a couple of decades at that point. Over time, the four partners were able to delegate tasks and smooth out daily operations as the Vineyard saw success.

Louis talks about how his influence has led to his becoming a mentor of sorts to other aspiring winemakers. He has also spoken to the media on North Carolina wine—specifically in the Yadkin Valley, which became a federally-approved American Viticultural Area in 2003. Carl draws a parallel here to Lewis’s background in technical theatre, saying that while Louis had complete control over his stage, in viticulture he has to deal with whatever nature has already established.

Asked what he thinks of people who say, “wine is wine”, Louis says that “wine is like art. Two people standing next to each other, staring at a painting on the wall: one may be deeply moved [...] and the person standing directly beside them would be like, ‘Meh. It’s okay.’ It’s very subjective.”

Connect: https://www.elkincreekvineyard.com/

www.lifeinthecarolinas.com www.lifeinthecarolinaspodcast.com carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

Appalachian Music Feb 19, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with musician William Ritter on his love for Appalachian music and culture. Having been raised by Yankee parents in the mountains, Will grew up with his “foot in both worlds”.

Will considers music as “a door opener where people with completely different backgrounds can find a place to meet.” In spite of growing up on both sides of the fence, he truly feels like he is a part of mountain culture upon hearing its music.

It was the tune Down in the Willow Garden that inspired him to become a musician. It led him to seek counsel from local instrument maker Ray Dellinger. Under his mentorship, Will built his own fiddle and deepened his appreciation of the history and culture of Appalachia. His musical career had begun.

Appalachian music is participatory—“more of a reason to get together than a reason to perform.” It is not meant to be “stage music”. Will enjoys the candid quality of old-time music. This is an individuality that the player brings to the instrument which stresses personality over professionalism. Will considers himself as a “hospice worker”, keeping alive the spirit of the old times in today’s America.

Asked why promoting traditional Appalachian music is important today, Will says that its “intrinsic state” is invaluable. That is, the fact that it exists is reason enough to keep it alive. In addition, the fact that the world has become so individualized—particularly thanks to the smartphone—necessitates the need for the type of “tactile human interaction” that Appalachian music can bring about.

Will also speaks about why he believes in the importance of saving and sharing heirloom seeds, which happens to tie in with his passion for preserving culture. After all, the simple act of planting heirloom seeds can evoke memories of the person or family tied to those seeds. Like music, heirloom seeds are a cultural gateway, with the added ability to bring people together and incentivize the sharing of family histories.

CONNECT:

https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/artist/william-ritter/

https://sarahandwilliam.weebly.com/

www.theinnofthepatriots.com

carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

The Culinary Curator Jan 28, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down with the always-entertaining Marti Mongiello, along with previous guest Orlando Herrera.

Marti grew up with who he calls the equivalent of the von Trapp family. His parents were stage actors in the Marian Theater Guild, as well as directors and producers. He was brought up in a thespian world, which meant he performed regularly, from school plays to professional productions. Living in an Italian household also meant that Marti was expected to earn his dues, which included having to pay for his own high school tuition. This instilled both a sense of discipline and the value of the dollar, which influences his decisions even today.

Nearing adulthood, Marti decided to go into the military, mainly due to the fact that he had two marks against him on his federal record for drug use. He was also, at that time, part of a gang and even ended up in jail (from which his mother had to bail him out of). He was rejected by the Air Force precisely for his drug use but was just able to enter the Navy and spent many days in a nuclear submarine.

Marti shares a plethora of incredible experiences in the Navy with Carl and Orlando, including his personal interactions with President Bill Clinton. Marti turned his love for the culinary arts into a profession, becoming a Navy cook. In nine years’, time, he received an opportunity to serve as a chef in the White House.

Referring to the White House as “the diaspora of the world”, Marti recalls the many diverse guests of the presidents from Bill Clinton onwards. Drawing from his own personal experiences sharing meals with different peoples all over the world, Marti says that, “People are just people, and the great confluence on Earth is eating and dining together with each other. Indeed, during the many years Marti spent living in Asia and Europe—being able to experience intimately the plights of a variety of cultures—he learned to appreciate the conveniences he grew up with as a Westerner.

Marti ends by saying, “I just encourage people to think about what you do have during the amount of time you have left here; and stop comparing yourself to what everyone else has.”

www.lfieinthecarolinaspodcast.com

carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

Charters of Freedom Jan 22, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Vance Patterson, founder of Foundation Forward, talks about his advocacy to bring the Charters of Freedom to communities across the whole United States in the form of installations—or what Vance calls “Settings”. The Burke County native is a serial entrepreneur, having started 21 companies over the years. Two of them made the list for the Inc. 500 Fastest-Growing Companies; and Vance himself twice became a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year in the Southeast region.

While they always considered themselves patriots, Vance and his wife Mary Jo never had the Charters of Freedom at the forefront of their minds before establishing their non-profit. In fact, Vance had learned almost nothing about civics or government in school, despite having had a passion for history.

However, it was after a close reading of the actual Declaration of Independence—with particular emphasis on the signatures of the Founding Fathers and the words “We the People”—that the spirit behind the founding of the United States truly entered the Pattersons’ hearts. At that point, they sought to duplicate their experience with others, starting in Burt County. After two years, “Your Charters of Freedom Settings” was launched to a great reception. The Pattersons took this as a cue to continue the project in more locations.

Vance emphasizes the fact that he refers to the installation as “settings” as opposed to a “monument”. A monument, he defines, is a memorial honoring an event or a person. Vance states, “This is not a memorial. This is an active, hands-on educational supplement for a school's curriculum.” He envisions teachers bringing their students on field trips to the Charters of Freedom Settings in their local community. “We don’t just put these in and walk away,” continues Vance. Foundation Forward has an ongoing education program where materials are sent out to teachers who have visited the Settings.

Vance’s short-term goal is to establish the Settings in all 100 counties in North Carolina, as well as in all 46 counties in South Carolina. By doing this, they hope to bring widespread awareness to the project, to get other states to say, “What is going on in the Carolinas?” Vance will then commence his long-term goal: place Your Charters of Freedom Settings to as many of the 3,242 counties in the United States as possible within the next ten years. He imagines future generations referring to their Constitution and their Bill of Rights—those that they grew up with right in their home community, and not just the original ones in Washington D.C.

Vance looks to Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, both of whom were major proponents of education. “These two believe that in order to have a free and independent country,” says Vance, “you must understand how government works. You cannot control what you do not understand.”

Resources:

Website: www.chartersoffreedom.com

Nikki Morgan finds her music Jan 15, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, singer-songwriter Nikki Morgan talks about what led her down her musical path. Her father being a pastor, Nikki grew up in a church and was exposed almost daily to Christian and gospel music. However, while she appreciated how moving music can be, she never really created any music of her own during her formative years.

From grade school to college, Nikki was more or less set on being an engineer. However, she can remember daydreaming occasionally about being an entertainer since the age of 10. She casually, yet gradually took on bigger and bigger opportunities to sing in front of groups. At 18, she began to explore different types of secular music. A series of events led her to take theatre in community college, allowing her creativity to express itself greater than ever before.

However, even as an actress, Nikki felt unfulfilled. It was the book The Artist’s Way that led to an epiphany, causing her to realize that her true passion is music. She sang a tan open mic to great reception. A little bit of confidence was built, and from there she continued to look for more opportunities to perform her songs, which were characterized by her diverse life experiences.

Nikki’s mother, while initially resistant to her decision to switch from engineering to songwriting, eventually turned out to be her biggest fan. Nikki found that walking down this path also “opened the floodgates” of creativity in her family: Many of her cousins decided to get into music as well.

Nikki believes that no matter where life takes you, you can’t escape your roots. Nikki ventured out on her own to find herself, and this really was the spark that opened her up to the wider world of music—her true passion. At the same time, she realized she couldn’t shake off the North Carolina in her, nor her gospel roots. Nikki came full circle, fully embracing her musical background while taking that inspiration and forging her own path.

Connect with Nikki:

Website: www.nikkimorganmusic.com

Instagram: @heynikkimorgan

Connect with us:

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

Orlando Herrera Jan 06, 2020

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl sits down Orlando Herrera and Marty Mongiello. Orlando discusses his incredibly eclectic life—a life which Carl White sums up as “the Great American Story influenced by a lot more than just America.”

Orlando talks about his varied career paths and social causes, from becoming a musician as a coping mechanism after surviving the 1983 Beirut bombing, to his time in the US Marine Corps, to his push to bring the deeper issues surrounding America’s troubled history with race to the masses. As diverse as these passions and initiatives are, what they all have in common is a universal emotional core that brings together communities of people.

As Orlando tells his story, a singular message shines through. As Carl aptly muses: “We as human beings are on this journey together, and we’ve always had a problem with some wanting to be above others. But at the end of the day, when we lay our heads down, it’s pretty much the same for all of us.”

The conversation between Carl, Marty, and Orlando also goes into the subject of Rosa Parks and her lesser-known fellow civil rights pioneer Claudette Colvin. The three agree that many of the racially-charged issues of the previous decades are still present in some form or another in modern-day America. By making the public aware of the story of Black American civil rights from the perspective of those who initially led the charge, Orlando hopes to eradicate stereotypes based off of inaccurate readings of history.

“People need to know and learn [about] other cultures,” says Orlando. He states that by deepening one’s appreciation of different cultures, it becomes virtually impossible to blame an entire race for the perverse actions of a few individuals of that particular race.

Connect with us:

https://www.townofforestcity.com/

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

Lights of Forest City Nov 25, 2019

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl talks with Amy Bridges, Downtown and Community Development Manager of the Town of Forest City, North Carolina. A small community of about 7,500 people in Western North Carolina, about 20 miles from the South Carolina border, Forest City has never been the county seat, but they have made a name for themselves in community development.

After being hit hard by the recession and the closing of the textile mills that were the main industry in the region, the town of Forest City made a conscious decision to dig in deeper and commit to revitalize their downtown area. Many restaurants and merchants have jumped on board in the 10 years since, and just this past spring, the town unveiled the Pavilion on Park Square (POPS) which features a 1,500-capacity amphitheater and two splash pads. Considered by the state to be a Tier 1 community, characterized by financial distress, these amenities are the first of their kind for the town and are actually driving tourism. At the debut concert at the Burnt Chimney amphitheater (as Forest City used to be called), people came from all over North and South Carolina and were impressed by the facilities.

On the night of Thanksgiving, the town holds its Christmas tree lighting ceremony, usually attended by 2,000 people, and the season is officially welcomed in. Forest City goes all out for Christmas with lights wrapping the trunks of the trees lining Main Street, outlining the buildings, and spanning the width of Main Street. The festivities peak on Friday and Saturday nights between Thanksgiving and Christmas with live music, carriage rides, hayrides, ice skating, movies in the park, Santa’s house, and carolers.

Amy has had a front-row seat to the collaboration and partnerships between local businesses and the mutual efforts to make Christmas such a special time in Forest City. In fact, RomanticAsheville.com has named Forest City the #1 Christmas town and the #2 place to see Christmas lights in western North Carolina. She is excited for the future development of the town and the unique opportunities that are headed their way.

For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/townofforestcity/

https://www.facebook.com/forestcityevents/

Connect with us:

www.LifeintheCarolinas.com

Love and Valor Nov 06, 2019

On this episode of Life In the Carolinas podcast, Carl is joined by members of the North Carolina based band, Love and Valor.

The band was originally formed in 2012 by Jesse Fox and a few friends when he was a senior in High School. Jesse was the lead vocalist, guitar player and song writer. He recalled that the name of the band was inspired from an English Literature class.

While the band has had different members over the years, Jesse still serves as the lead singer, guitar player and primary song writer. Many of the songs that are now performed by the band were written by Jesse. With hundreds of titles to his credit, he shares that the goal from the beginning was to do original music.

While Charlie Perschau was working at the Oak House Coffee shop in Burlington, he responded to a request from Love and Valor for new band members. He put his name in the hat to be the mandolin player and before long that’s what happened. Charlie shares his colorful journey from California to the East Coast where he now celebrates life with a mandolin in his hands.

Hannah Strickland is on the violin and vocals. From New York to Florida and now Elon University, Hannah’s unique approach to music and performance makes her a great fit for Love and Valor. She shares several stories about her musical journey. From light and lively to emotionally haunting, she and her violin understand how to tell a story.

While Glen Bounds was not vocal on this podcast his band mates shared stories about his varied contributions as a multi-talented musician who plays the accordion, bass, banjo and harmonic.

The group is an emerging Americana/Indie-Folk band based out of Burlington, NC. Their influences range from classic singer/songwriters such as Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, to current bands like The Avett Brothers, The Lumineers, and Mandolin Orange.

Most importantly they are finding their own voice.

Connect with Love and Valor

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/loveandvalormusic/

Website : https://www.loveandvalormusic.com/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/_loveandvalor/

Connect with Sounds and Grounds

https://www.facebook.com/SoundsAndGrounds/

Connect with Life In The Carolinas

www.lifeinthecarolinaspodcast.com

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

Hudson Dinner Theater Oct 30, 2019

The Hudson Dinner Theater

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl is joined by Keith Smith from the Town of Hudson Dinner Theater at The HUB Station. The dinner theater is owned and run by the Town of Hudson and they have put on 28 shows since 2003. Keith has been directing the shows since the beginning, traveling all over the state looking for new talented individuals who may be interested in joining the cast or band for an upcoming fall musical or spring comedy.

Growing up, Keith was always involved in music, and as a senior in high school he auditioned for a role in a community theater production and he was officially bitten by the “theater bug”. He was fortunate enough to have directors at two different times in his acting career who became mentors to him and gave him the great advice of leaving all of your baggage at the door and moving around the stage if you forget your lines. Keith is still an active actor, but he finds his main joy through directing both the cast and the band during the HUB productions.

Over the years, Keith has seen countless children and young adults find themselves and gain confidence through their involvement in theater that has served them well throughout their lives, on and off the stage. They also learn an element of sticking to the script but also being able to react to the moment as the character would have. Keith and the other stakeholders in the town of Hudson hope that the theater will continue to be described as consistently excellent, with increasing involvement from the community. In the future, they plan to upgrade the lighting and sound systems as a way of improving the quality of the living piece of art that they create with every production.

For more information:

https://townofhudsonnc.com/the-hub-station

Connect with us:

http://historicgoldhill.com/

Ghosts of Gold Hill Oct 15, 2019

Gold Hill, North Carolina, was the home to many gold mines during the Carolina Gold Rush and, consequently, the home to many mining accidents and tragedies. It is believed that many of the miners who met their fates in the shafts still reside in the village and appear to guests and residents from time to time. Vivian Hopkins is a notable Gold Hill resident and expert on the history and ghost stories of the area, and she joined us on this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast.

Vivian says that there have always been ghost stories told in Gold Hill and residents have occasionally had unexplainable experiences, but the prevalence of the stories and encounters began to increase after a film crew for the Travel Channel came to Gold Hill for a story about ghosts. The film crew had their own experiences during the filming process and when people started to see and hear about the show, more stories started to surface.

On this episode, Vivian recounts several specific instances of ghost encounters with the calm confidence that only a resident of Gold Hill could. From a mysterious photo of a man in a mirror, to a woman seen walking along a wall on dreary days, to fiddle strings uncontrollably loosening, there is no shortage of Gold Hill ghost stories. Vivian believes that there are so many spirits in the village because of the tragic accidents that occurred in the mine shafts during the Carolina Gold Rush and she has accepted their existence as just a part of living in Gold Hill.

Every July and October, Gold Hill hosts ghost story events for anyone interested in being immersed in the spooky history of the town. Go to their website for more information about these events!

For more information:

https://youtu.be/iyJHNyYLfOA

Connect with us:

http://downtownlenoirnc.com/

Second Floor Lenoir Oct 10, 2019

Our guest on this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast is Kaylynn Horne, Director of the Downtown Lenoir Economic Development Department. In recent years, the Lenoir City Council and the Lenoir Business Advisory Board have decided to make the cityscape, visitor experience, and economic development of downtown Lenoir a priority by allocating resources to projects to accomplish these goals. As a result, local business owners have begun upgrading their own spaces to make downtown Lenoir a truly pleasant and enjoyable place to visit, shop, and dine.

In addition to this ongoing partnership between the public and private sectors, Lenoir also hosts several annual festivals that draw crowds from the region and beyond. The Blackberry Festival celebrates all things blackberry, including the longest patchwork blackberry cobbler ever, which contained over 2,200 servings last year. The Carolina Tattoo and Arts Festival hosts world renowned tattoo artists who are available for appointments and to showcase their tattoo art. The Smoking in the Foothills BBQ Festival celebrates the furniture-making and barbeque smoking heritages of the area with events such as a woodcrafter showcase.

The city of Lenoir recently unveiled a new logo and website intended to increase awareness of and interest in the town, particularly highlighting events, shopping, and dining establishments in the downtown area. They are also making a conscious effort to “move Lenoir to the second floor”, updating some of the second floor spaces in the downtown district to encourage more residents to live above the flourishing businesses there. While there are certainly challenges that come along with improvements in technology and the changing times, there are many more opportunities available, and Lenoir is a great place to start when looking for what is next.

For more information:

Connect with us:

https://www.andyeversole.com/

Banjo Earth Oct 02, 2019

This episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast was recorded on location at the Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival with guest Andy Eversole. Andy grew up listening to classic records, liked hip-hop in high school, and then was introduced to the likes of Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs through his older brother. One particular moment listening to Earl Scruggs stuck in Andy’s mind and altered the course of his life. He received a banjo for Christmas when he was 15 and received unwavering support from his parents, despite their occasional nudgings to “get a real job.”

Andy’s current project is Banjo Earth, a collaborative cultural experience where Andy is traveling around the world to learn from folk musicians of different countries and cultures and then collaborating to create an album and documentary with local musicians. So far, he has been to China and India, he is currently working on a North Carolina segment, and he is planning to visit Brazil in a few months. The notions that music is the universal language and there are more things that bind us together than separate us are ringing true in Andy’s travels, and he is finding the whole experience magical.

He also recognizes the value of local festivals and camps, particularly in North Carolina, in celebrating and growing the rich cultural heritage of the community and the music that brings many people together. Andy is learning so much about other cultures and folk traditions during his Banjo Earth project, but he admits that there is no place like home.

For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/andyeversolemusic/

https://www.instagram.com/andyeversole/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtslS-w01W0eW9w7PHB5z_g

https://banjoearth.com/

Connect with us:

Thomas in Tourism Sep 24, 2019

Our guest on this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, is Thomas Salley, the newest director of the Wilkesboro Tourism Development Authority. Thomas was born in Albany, Georgia, and lived in Orangeburg, South Carolina, before attending the University of South Carolina where he majored in Public Relations. He soon realized his interest in the history and geography pertaining to wine in the Carolinas, prompting him to email all 30 wineries in North Carolina to inquire about any job openings. He heard back from Raffaldini Vineyards and he was offered a position on the staff, of which he was a part for 12 years.

Since Thomas sent out those emails more than 12 years ago, the number of wineries in North Carolina has skyrocketed to more than 200, garnering national attention and driving significant viticulture tourism to the state. The industry impacts North Carolina as a whole and particularly the Wilkes County region by attracting people who had never considered visiting the area, providing an opportunity for the local attractions to shine.

Wilkesboro is home to many noteworthy musical and artistic events such as the concerts at the Carolina West Commons, Carolina in the Fall, and MerleFest as well as outdoor recreation opportunities such as tubbing, tubing, mountain biking, and lake activities. When new or returning visitors come to Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro, the community welcomes them and introduces them to the warm and creative environment that they call home.

For more information:

Tubbing – Foothills Outdoor Adventures: https://www.foothillsoutdooradventures.com/

Wilco Berms and Brews: http://brushymtncyclists.com/wilco-berms-brews/

Wilkesboro TDA: www.explorewilkesboro.com

Raffaldini Vineyards: www.raffaldini.com

Stone Mountain State Park: https://www.ncparks.gov/stone-mountain-state-park

Connect with us:

https://www.cbcbluegrass.com/

Dom Flemons - The American Songster Sep 18, 2019

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl caught up with Dom Flemons at the Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival in Mocksville, North Carolina. Dom was born and raised in Arizona, where his family has had a long and storied history. He moved to North Carolina because of his alignment with the musical and cultural heritage of the region. Being invited to participate in the Black Banjo Gathering in 2005 was a catalyst for his musical career. Through Joe Thompson and other songsters who had been creating music in the “gray areas” between genres, Dom began to learn more about the larger African-American folk tradition and his passion for telling the historical narrative increased.

Dom is deeply connected to his cultural roots and he abides in the rich traditions of African-American folk, country, and cowboy music. In addition to traveling across the U.S. to share his unique and enduring music, “The American Songster” sees himself as a representative of U.S. and African-American history when he travels abroad. No matter where he plays, he desire is to spark cultural memories for the audience, reminding them of things they didn’t know they had forgotten. He wants others to experience their cultural heritage the same way that he has.

Dom is a Grammy-award winner, a member Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2018, and Emmy-award nominee. For people considering getting into music, Dom recommends educational programs and summer camps that will immerse you in the art and provide connections for your musical growth.

For more information:

https://theamericansongster.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DomFlemonsMusic/

https://twitter.com/domflemons

https://www.instagram.com/domflemons/

https://www.youtube.com/user/domflemons

Connect with us:

http://www.theatreoftherepublic.com/

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

Theatre of the Republic Sep 04, 2019

For this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl is on location at the Theatre of the Republic in Conway, South Carolina, with the Executive/Artistic Director, Tim McGhee. The Theatre of the Republic began in 1969 as a community theatre that would perform in school auditoriums and other venues until they were offered the old Holiday theatre in town as their current home in 1999. The community came together to raise $1 million to renovate and restore the theatre and bring this rich cultural resource to the region.

The Theatre puts on 10 shows per season, 5 musicals and 5 non-musicals, with a solely volunteer cast. Tim’s goal is to keep the 300 seats in the theatre filled for each show and to continually improve the experience for the audience. The Myrtle Beach area is a combination of transient and consistent in terms of population, so Tim is constantly grateful for the pool of talented performers who want to volunteer their time for the benefit of the arts.

Tim sees the importance of the theatre as more than just entertainment, recognizing that technology often robs our culture of the experiences of creating, innovating, and imagining. Especially with young people, Tim sees the theatre as an integral personal development opportunity. The children’s youth theatre program puts on 3 shows per year and there are also 10-week workshops available to the area’s youth to help them learn performance skills as well as emotional and social interaction capabilities. Overall, Tim feels blessed to be able to work with such talented and committed performers in a community that is so supportive of the arts.

For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/TORConway/

https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1182092/theatre-of-the-republic/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChZphAni3SooBQZvNeE2sfw

Connect with us:

https://www.facebook.com/RosemaryHouseBnB/

The Rosemary House Journey Aug 19, 2019

This episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast was recorded on location at the Rosemary House Bed and Breakfast in Pittsboro, NC, with owners Jamie and Heather Buster. Jamie and Heather moved to the Triangle about 6 years ago from the Kansas City area for a job opportunity. When they came to visit the area to explore and determine where they wanted to live, they were drawn to the smaller communities like Holly Springs and Chapel Hill, but Pittsboro ultimately won them over with its welcoming culture and people.

Shortly thereafter, they were inspired to open a business in the downtown business district of Pittsboro because they really just wanted to be a part of the vibrant community, and when they heard that the Rosemary House was up for sale, their interest was officially piqued. About a year later, they took the leap and purchased the B&B, spending 2 months with local designers and wood craftsmen truly making the Rosemary House their own.

Jamie and Heather have been fans of folk art for most of their relationship and promoting the arts has always been important to them. So putting the Kindred Art Gallery inside the B&B was a part of the plan from the beginning. They reached out to Charlie Frye directly and he served as a mentor to them as they began the process of curating the art and artists that they wanted to be a part of the gallery. Not only have Jamie and Heather been blessed by getting to know the artists, but guests of the Rosemary House greatly enjoy the art pieces and leave inspired to see the world in a different way, considering the potential of things that have never had potential before.

Connect with Jamie and Heather:

https://rosemary-bb.com/

Connect with us:

https://www.lifeinthecarolinaspodcast.com/season2/2019/6/4/season-2-episode-14

Cher Shaffer with LITC links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13nSvgpcrSs

Jane is the Link Jul 15, 2019

Carl is joined by his friend Jane Pigg, owner of the Cheraw newspaper called The Link as well as 93.9 MYFM and WCRE 1420 AM, on this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast. Jane got her start in media at a young age, watching her mother read the newspaper every afternoon until she was old enough to read it as well in addition to creating radio and television broadcasts for 4H in elementary school. She went to the University of South Carolina, where she received her degree in Journalism with a focus in Advertising and Public Relations, which helped propel her more into the broadcasting industry. She also figured out around this time that she could talk faster than she could write, so even though she has always loved the written word, radio was more her speed.

Jane recognizes the power of media in spreading messages, including public service campaigns like the Chesterfield county clean up day this past May. Partnering with local government officials and businesses, WCRE organized litter clean up efforts and communicated the importance of keeping the county clean. There is still much work to do, but Jane has faith that people will begin to adapt their ways and reduce the amount of waste being strewn along our roads.

While it seems that many major newspapers are struggling to make it in this digital world, Jane believes that local newspapers will always be around because people desire factual information about the community without much commentary. With syndicated news shows and social media’s reach also comes the negative consequences of having no legal precedents for slander or libel, rules that legitimate news sources must abide by.

In her endeavors as a media owner in northern South Carolina, as a community member, and as the previous president of the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, Jane lives by the Rotarian motto of “service above self”, and she believes that the world would be a better place if more people lived that way.

Connect with Jane:

http://www.thelinkpaper.com/2961/1342/1/this-weeks-issue

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-pigg-277b8719

Connect with us:

http://www.wilkeschamber.com/

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

Brothers Found Jul 02, 2019

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl is joined by Gary Bashears, his son Josh, and a brother he recently met for the first time, Dennis Proctor.

Wilkes County barber, Gary Bashears, received a call toward the end of 2018 that would be life changing. His son, Josh had been working on their family genealogy for some time. While he was enjoying the process, he wanted to go further back in time and see if he could find out more about his family origins.

Josh was curious about the possible information that an Ancestry DNA test might reveal. So, one day he ordered the test, followed the directions and patiently awaited the results. When they arrived, what he discovered was far more than he had ever imagined.

Josh was looking for his family’s roots; He was not expecting to find a close family member he knew nothing about, but that’s exactly what happened.

This Carolina story has several interesting twists and it all started before Josh was born. Some 50 years ago in Michigan, a young boy by the name of Dennis Proctor was doing a bit of exploring in his parents’ room. He had no idea that the box he would find and open on that day would set him on a lifelong journey.

The contents of the box lead Dennis to believe that the man he knew as his father was not actually his biological father. Filled with confusion and emotions, he ran to his grandmother’s house; she listened and together they shared tears as she was unable to answer the question as to who his birth father was. That was the start of a 50-year journey that would lead a man from Michigan to the third-generation barber shop at the top of second Street Hill in North Wilkesboro.

Many things would happen between those younger years and now. Dennis would have many great adventures in life including a career as a history teacher and a passion for capturing images of wildlife. Dennis would also make family trips to the Shelby, NC area to visit the Proctor side of his family.

Meanwhile in Wilkes County, a young boy, Gary always wanted a brother. He was envious of others who had brothers to go hunting, fishing and just to share life with.

When Josh first called to let him know that he may have a brother, it took a little while for it to sink in. When asked how he felt about it, his very natural and likely common response was “I’m not really sure how to feel about it. If we had known each other when we were younger, he could have come to visit and spend the summer. At least we would have had the opportunity to grow up together.” But that’s not the way it worked out.

After several emails and calls, Dennis ask Josh if he thought Gary would do the DNA test as well. Gary agreed and when the results arrived it seemed to make the case even stronger that they are indeed family. With this news, Dennis invited the Bashear family to visit Michigan. He even offered to send the airplane tickets to fly everyone up.

There was only one problem with this offer, Gary always stays close to home and an airplane flight was not an option. With this development, talks of a Carolina trip started and the schedule was set for a June visit that would coincide with the Bashears family reunion.

The day arrived when Dennis and his wife pulled up in Gary’s driveway. Gary said when he saw Dennis get out of the pickup it was just like seeing his dad 20 years ago.

Nephew Josh was also part of the welcome committee. Gary said it was like they had known each other their whole life.

Josh got more than he bargained for when he ordered that DNA test. He now has a new uncle, Gary finally has the brother he’s always wanted, and while Dennis did not get to meet his birth father before he died, he now knows who he was, and he did find a brother and that’s a wonderful thing.

20 Years of Moving Forward Jun 12, 2019

Linda Cheek has been the President of the Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce since 1998 and she has been a fixture in the community ever since. She joined Carl for this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast to discuss the changes, economic shifts, and strong collaborative spirit she has observed in area in her 20+ years in the position.

Growing up the 8th of 10 children in an agricultural family, Linda was raised to appreciate the value of hard work and the benefits that can come from working together towards a common goal. Early in her adult life, she was in development and fundraising, where she realized her fervor for telling others about the projects she was passionate about and inviting them to be a part of that passion. She was running a United Way campaign in Wilkes County in 1998, when she was encouraged to apply for the newly vacant Chamber President position. At that time, the county had just gone through a Vision 20/20 process to take a look at where the county stood, so she had the opportunity to act on some of the data revealed.

What neither Linda nor anyone else realized at the time was that these initiatives would set Wilkes County up to face the very difficult economic times of the early 2000’s when Lowes moved its headquarters to Mooresville and NAFTA made it more advantageous for furniture and textile manufacturers to move their factories farther south. While many people had to relocate, another group remained in Wilkes County and had to face unexpected unemployment. Thankfully, there were programs in place to support those individuals and families to help them get back on their feet and be trained for new jobs.

Rather than be discouraged by the unfortunate turn of events, the Chamber began focusing its efforts on marketing Wilkes County as a great place to live and investing in leadership building within the workforce. The Leadership Wilkes program was started in 2000 for Chamber members who apply and are accepted. Participants are equipped with knowledge, resources, and strengthened relationships with one another and they emerge into the community with a new zeal for leading well.

Being a member of the Chamber of Commerce provides benefits such as brand building, credibility, recognition, networking, professional development opportunities, and comradery with other members. Many small business owners have seen their business grow significantly over the years due to their membership and participation in the Chamber, and they have seen firsthand what it is like to build trust with one another. Linda encourages listeners to get plugged in where you are, to serve, and to help others at all opportunities.

Connect with Linda:

http://www.wilkeschamber.com/leadership-wilkes

Connect with us:

http://www.chershaffer.com/

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

Folk Art with Cher Shaffer Jun 03, 2019

This episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast was recorded on location in the Kindred Gallery of the Rosemary Bed and Breakfast in Pittsboro, North Carolina. One of the artists featured in the gallery is Cher Shaffer, who is celebrating 50 years of making folk art.

Cher grew up in an agricultural environment in Georgia, keenly aware of her indigenous heritage and appreciative of the beauty and simplicity of the world around her. When Cher was about 8 years old, she discovered that she could create things with the red Georgia clay that was so abundant, and her mother instilled in her the importance of the way creating made her feel. Throughout her childhood and adolescence, Cher found joy in creating things for herself and her siblings with the natural resources around her, and when she was 20 years old, she realized her talent and love for painting. She began selling her art at roadside fairs and before long she was able to replace her working income with income from these fairs. From that time on, Cher committed herself fully to her work and to this day she still works 5-10 hours every day just for the sheer joy of creating.

Empowered by the memory and spirit of those who came before her, she is committed to creating art pieces that connect both to her heritage and her legacy to come. Her whimsical paintings and figures are inspired by the visionary shapes Cher sees when staring at a blank canvas, creatures, people, and the “little people” of the forest as described by her Cherokee ancestors. She feels that true folk art is anchored in the time, place, and spirits of the people and reveals the connections we all have to each other and to nature.

Cher is heavily impacted by the seasons of the year in terms of the types and sizes of art she creates, and since art creation is so personal for her, she can look at a piece she made years ago and see expressions of what was going on in her life at that time. In fact, some periods of her life were so dark that she couldn’t paint, worried that the final product would be too angry or ugly to accommodate her joyful style.

She wants to bring happiness to the world, inspire others, and continue traditions with her work, and she hopes that people who purchase her pieces will integrate the pieces into their lives and see their lives changed. There are wonderful things in this world, she says, for those who take the time to unplug and spend time listening to nature. She is glad to have pieces of hers displayed in galleries like the Kindred Gallery because she truly feels that the other artists are her kindred spirits, bonded together by their desire to express themselves and help others express themselves as well. Finally, Cher shares that people over-complicate so many things in life, and her art is meant to bring people back to their simplistic and spiritual roots.

Connect with Cher:

mountainmojo@skybest.com

https://rosemary-bb.com/

Connect with us:

https://krugerbrothers.com/

Jens Kruger & the Heart of Folk May 20, 2019

This episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast was recorded on location during the 2019 Kruger Brothers Music Academy in Wilkes County, NC. Carl spoke with Jens about his musical journey and the events that led to his moving from Europe to Wilkesboro more than 15 years ago. Jens and his brother Uwe began playing music at a young age, and by the time Jens was 17 in 1979 the two were performing on the streets of various European cities. They were signed to CBS Records based on their talent, and the rest is history.

In 1982, Jens spent some time in the US where he learned from Bill Monroe and was advised to go back to Europe and continue fine-tuning his musical style until it was something very unique. He and his brother kept writing and playing, and they developed their own style, which was not very well-received by their European audience, so they were surprised when they received an invitation to play MerleFest in 1997. That experience was monumental for them, as they finally felt that their music was appreciated and they received a lot of support from icons in the bluegrass and folk community.

In 2003, Jens decided to move his family to America to take advantage of the creative freedom and acceptance he anticipated, and due to his experience at MerleFest and the rich musical culture of the region, he chose to move to Wilkes County. Jens’ whole family felt welcome in the community and quickly developed friendships that have lasted from those early days. Now that The Kruger Brothers are traveling and touring all over America and the world, Jens has an even greater appreciation for the musical community of the High Country and for being able to call it his home. In fact, he started referring to Wilkes County and the surrounding areas as the “heart of folk” many years ago based on his heartfelt experiences.

In recent years, The Kruger Brothers have helped establish the Carolina In the Fall musical event and they have created The Kruger Brothers Music Academy which draws attendees from all over the world. In addition to the rich relationships he has developed with his brother and other musicians in the community such as Bill Monroe and Doc Watson, Jens has received multiple notable recognitions: playing with Bill Monroe at the Grand Old Opry, having the flag at the US Capitol flown in his honor for his contributions to American culture, receiving his green card, winning Steve Martin’s Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music and playing with Steve on the David Letterman Show, being inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame, and many more.

Connect with Jens:

https://www.instagram.com/krugerbrothers/

https://www.facebook.com/KrugerBrothers

https://twitter.com/KrugerBrothers

https://www.youtube.com/user/doubletimemusic

Connect with us:

https://www.shaymartinlovette.com/

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

The Music Making of Shay Lovette May 07, 2019

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, we were pleased to be joined by Shay Martin Lovette, a musician and songwriter from Wilkes County who now lives in Boone. Shay caught the “songwriting bug” at a young age, influenced by his father who was a songwriter, and has always gravitated towards the guitar. He doesn’t remember exactly which song was the first that he wrote, but he looks back fondly on those early songwriting days as formative to his continuing passion for music. Sometimes a song begins with an idea, a single lyric, or a melody, but Shay always tries to remain true to his creative flow and let the songs come together organically.

Growing up in Wilkes County, attending MerleFest was always a fun tradition and a great way for Shay to be exposed to the folk and Americana traditions of the region, so he was overwhelmed this April when he and his band were given the opportunity to perform on the Cabin Stage at MerleFest. That event and others like it in the area are a celebration of the region’s rich cultural and musical heritage, and Shay enjoys being able to participate in this particular music community but also reach listeners outside of the High Country with his albums.

Shay says it is very important for him to fill his head with the music of the greats as well as short stories to prepare him for the songwriting process. The music he writes needs to be relatable and therapeutic for the listeners, and he aims to provide them with an outline of the story he is trying to tell while leaving them the creative space to interpret their version of what’s going on. Shay truly enjoys every facet of the music business, from the creation to the organization of the songs on the album to the distribution of the album to the market to the live performances he is able to do all over North Carolina.

For more information about Shay’s albums and upcoming performance dates, check out his website and his social media channels.

Connect with Shay:

http://instagram.com/shaymlovette

https://www.facebook.com/shaymlovette

https://twitter.com/ShayMLovette

Connect with us:

https://www.jimstaffordtickets.com/

The Jim Stafford Story Apr 23, 2019

Well-known musician, songwriter and comedian Jim Stafford joins us for this special episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast on location at the Don Gibson Theatre. Jim recounts his surprise encounter with Don Gibson many years ago in Nashville and the pleasant afternoon they spent talking about songwriting. He came to Shelby to do a songwriter’s show at the Theatre, but he rarely travels these days because he lets the people come to him. Jim has been playing at The Jim Stafford Theatre in Branson, Missouri, for more than 3 decades, and he still enjoys it just as much as Year 1.

As you may know, Jim writes unique songs that have humorous or unexpected twists and are so entertaining that people come time and again to hear these stories through song. During this interview, he describes for Carl the inspiration behind the song “The Swamp Witch” as well as his tendency to test out new songs on the audience and make adjustments based on their reactions before recording. Jim’s songs have the exceptional capacity of captivating audiences young and old, and he has enjoyed seeing the sizes of the crowds grow over the years as more people come to appreciate his art. He is particularly encouraged by events hosted at historic theaters like the Don Gibson Theatre because of the element of preserving the past and celebrating the present and future at the same time.

Connect with Jim Stafford:

Connect with us:

https://www.dongibsontheater.com/

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

A Don Gibson Theater Visit Apr 10, 2019

Our guest on this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast is Stan Lowery, Executive Director of The Don Gibson Theatre in Shelby, North Carolina. Originally a State Theater movie house which opened in 1939, this theater welcomed patrons to movies such as Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, and The Jungle Book before falling on hard times in the 1980s when it had to close its doors. In 2007, a group of concerned citizens came up with the idea to open The Don Gibson Theatre in the old State Theater location and breathe new life into the area by boosting tourism in Shelby, a town that had historically been known for textile production.

Over the course of the next 2 years, a nonprofit created for this purpose and entities in the public sector collaborated to raise $3.5 million for the revitalization of the old theater and the creation of The Don Gibson Theatre’s infrastructure. The Don Gibson Theatre officially opened in November of 2009, and they host events 160 days per year, including 30-35 national acts and 60 acts who rent out the theatre. The Don Gibson Theatre and its sister venue The Earl Scruggs Center in downtown Shelby attract approximately 30,000 visitors per year and in the past 10 years guests have come from all 50 states and 18 countries.

Stan has had a front-row seat to all of the community involvement and the family atmosphere that has been created in the cozy 400-seat auditorium. From his initial interactions with Don Gibson’s widow about the potential opening of the theatre many years ago, to the committee collaboration, to the securing of the talent for the theatre’s shows, he has been so encouraged by the hard work towards the common goal of entertaining the community and attracting visitors to the area. As a result of the increased tourism, many new restaurants and hotels have opened, and Shelby has seen an influx of new residents.

Connect with The Don Gibson Theatre:

Connect with us:

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

The Global Angel Wings Project Apr 03, 2019

This episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast began by pure happenstance: Carl was driving downtown North Wilkesboro one evening when an artist caught his eye. He stopped to see what she was painting and found that it was a set of angel wings inspired by The Global Angel Wings Project. Upon further investigation, he came across the story of this project and reached out to its founder, Colette Miller.

Colette felt inspired to paint her first set of angel wings on a wall in Los Angeles in 2012. She did this without any formal permission and had her friends keeping watch for anyone who might tell her to stop painting, but the wings became immediately popular. In fact, not long after she painted them, there was a street festival in the area and Colette observed from a balcony the line that formed of people waiting to take their pictures in front of the angel wings.

Before long, Colette was getting requests to create wings in different areas of town and in other states, and she realized that the message of the wings was resonating with others. She intended for the wings to represent the divine in humanity and from the very beginning, she felt that this message was one that the world urgently needed. The publicity and recognition she was receiving on social media served as validation for her passion, and she started seeking out opportunities for giving the “gift of the wings” to those who needed it most.

Colette has been invited to countries like Dubai, Japan, Taiwan, China, Cuba, and Kenya, and she could fill a book with the stories of the communities she interacted with as she was creating angel wings for them. She recognizes that the wings are not about her and should not be used for self-promotion, but rather to permeate the world with the message she wants to share.

Connect with Colette:

Website: http://www.colettemiller.com/

Tedx Talk: https://youtu.be/gt5Mrt77Mho

The Global Angel Wings Project: http://www.colettemiller.com/angelwings

Connect with us:

http://www.baroquedance.com/

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

A Baroque Renaissance Mar 27, 2019

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, we were delighted to host Paige Whitley-Bauguess, a local but nationally-acclaimed baroque dancer and musician. Paige began taking ballet at age 4, much to her dismay, and by the time she was 6 or 7, dance had become her passion. When Paige was in 7th grade, she took up the clarinet, which provided her with a broader context for the rhythms and time signatures of the music, and therefore dance. Her family moved from the mountains of Virginia to Charlotte before Paige was in high school, and in Charlotte she began training with a serious dance studio. From there, she was accepted into the North Carolina School of the Arts for 11thand 12thgrade, where she was first exposed to 18thcentury dance.

She was so intrigued that she immersed herself in the history and cultural practices of the 18th century, truly recognizing and understanding the emotions and motivations behind baroque music and dance. The court of Louis XIV was a turning point in the history of dance because during this time a new standard was set for the 5 positions of the feet and particular dance steps that endure to this day in ballet. In North Carolina history, we know that the citizens held a ball in George Washington’s honor when he visited Tryon Palace in 1791 and historians have found newspaper advertisements for a dancing school in the area that same year.

Paige recognizes that most art forms experiences mountains and valleys of interest and funding, but confirms that the more modern versions of baroque dancing (square dancing and contra dancing) have been experiencing a renaissance in the last 20 years or so. Paige herself has been performing and choreographing baroque dance for her adult life, and recently performed at The 1915 in North Wilkesboro. She talks with Carl about her process as an artist and the mutual energy between performers and the audience, which helps captivate the audience and also educate them about this particular art form. Paige and her husband, Barry, run the Baroque Art Project and live in a log cabin in Wilkes County.

Connect with Paige:

paige@baroquedance.com

Connect with us:

https://www.facebook.com/SoundsAndGrounds/

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

Sounds and Grounds Music Series Mar 19, 2019

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, we welcome Zack Brewer, attorney at Brewer & Brewer by day and band seeker/producer of Sounds and Grounds on nights and weekends. As mentioned on the previous episode of the podcast (season 2 episode 6), Sounds and Grounds is held once per month at Talia Espresso, and Zack aims to secure unique and diverse bands to play in downtown North Wilkesboro, many for the first time.

Zack grew up surrounded by music, attending MerleFest almost every year and being exposed to the incredible musicians that the Wilkes County area has to offer. He emphasizes that Boone and Appalachian State University are home to many talented musicians, and he has attended more than a few of their concerts. Through Sounds and Grounds, Zack is hoping to broaden the genres that are represented in the region and bring together the community to experience the diverse and high-quality performances in a cozy atmosphere at Talia. In fact, Jim and Kathy have been creating custom coffee drinks for each event, and this is a tradition they hope to continue.

It is important to Zack that these events spotlight new talent as well as provide consistent opportunities for fellowship among the community. He hopes that Sounds and Grounds will continue to grow, incorporating even more genres and potentially partnering with some local breweries as well. The slogan for Sounds and Grounds is “Where Creativity Creates Community”, and they are certainly well on their way to living this out.

Connect with Sounds and Grounds:

https://www.instagram.com/soundsandgrounds/

Connect with us:

http://www.taliaespresso.com/

carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

Talking Coffee Mar 13, 2019

Our guests on this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast are Jim and Kathy Kozak, owners of Talia Espresso on Main Street in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Jim and Kathy were first introduced to North Wilkesboro by a friend from Detroit, where they lived, who retired in the North Wilkesboro area. They visited her a few times and were captivated by the community and the natural beauty of the region, so when they felt the need to move their family away from the bustle of city life, they immediately settled on North Wilkesboro. Though their exposure to the area had been minimal, they both felt a peace from the Lord about moving their family to the region.

They quickly felt at home in North Wilkesboro and their kids got plugged into local schools. Shortly after they arrived, Jim and Kathy teamed up with a young couple from Seattle to research and plan for a potential business endeavor. After a time of prayer, Kathy felt led to name the business Talia, which has roots that mean “lift me up.” The younger couple backed out in the late stages of planning, but Jim and Kathy kept the momentum going and started a mobile coffee business which evolved into the storefront on Main Street. They found that this was the perfect way to blend their business backgrounds with their passion for serving people, and they have felt such support from the community, even during the difficult financial times of the Great Recession.

Jim and Kathy enjoy being very involved in the day-to-day operations of Talia, but they have also invested in several employees and a general manager who are bought in to the mission of the business and give Jim and Kathy peace of mind during their days off. They greatly enjoy greeting and meeting everyone who walks through their doors, from locals and large groups to traveling businessmen. They recently installed a brand-new sign for Talia on Main Street which has been well-received and appreciated for its tastefulness in the historic district.

To contribute to the musical community of North Wilkesboro and the region, Talia has begun hosting Sounds and Grounds events once per month, and they are excited to see the impact that these events can have on local culture.

Connect with Jim and Kathy:

https://www.facebook.com/talia.espresso

http://instagram.com/taliaespresso

https://www.facebook.com/SoundsAndGrounds/

https://www.instagram.com/soundsandgrounds_/

Radio Talk with Francene Marie Mar 08, 2019

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl joins his friend Francene Marie on her home turf to reminisce and discuss her career in radio broadcasting. Carl and Francene Marie first met more than 10 years ago, before the Life in the Carolinas tv show existed, when they were involved in events called Celebrations of Relationship Building. These events were simply opportunities to get to know each other and use the common action of sharing a meal together to learn more about different cultures.

Francene Marie has worked in the broadcasting industry for 23 years, and she is notably the first African-American woman to host a program not targeted towards African-Americans. She has dedicated her career to creating a show that is a comfortable place for people to share their stories and a consistent figure in the lives of her listeners. She and Carl agree that their mission in telling stories is to highlight the good side of life and celebrate the human elements and characteristics of their guests.

Over the years, Francene Marie has become more seasoned and experienced in broadcasting and life in general, and her perspectives have been broadened. Over her career, she has conducted almost 5,000 interviews, and she is committed to putting love into each and every interview. Some may call her a “purposeful people pleaser” because she has a way of bringing out the best in those she talks to. She isn’t afraid of disagreement, however, because she sees the benefit in appreciating the diversity of opinions that exist. This past Christmas, Francene Marie was a part of “The Magic of Christmas” at the Knight Theater, and she came alive in her role. Carl also sought to tell the story of Christmas magic by doing television specials at Tryon Palace, Kings Mountain, and The 1915 in North Wilkesboro.

Carl talks about his personal journey of mindfulness and self-nurturing since his health scares with A-fib and sleep apnea. It taught him to be confident in his hope and to be grateful in the moment. He also mentions his book “This Week’s Words”, which is a compilation of some of his weekly columns over the years. He then touches on the first interview he did for the Life in the Carolina’s television show with the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation at the time.

Carl and Francene Marie agree that their jobs are primarily to listen to, help, assist, and laugh with they people they come across, and generally just celebrate who we are. They also stand firm in their convictions of the intrepid relevance and value of radio, television, and newsprint in this digital age.

Connect with Francene Marie:

https://www.francenemarie.com/

https://www.instagram.com/franmariemedia/

Connect with us:

https://canemillroad.com/

Liam Purcell Makes Music Feb 21, 2019

On this episode of the Life in the Carolina’s podcast, Carl is joined by 16-year-old Liam Purcell, a talented musician with a passion for playing, writing, and creating music. Liam got his start at the age of 6 learning guitar through the JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) program after school. By the time Liam was in 3rd grade, his parents realized that his talent needed to be nurtured, so they began home-schooling him to free him up to pursue his music more seriously. He is now taking some on-campus classes at Wilkes Community College and touring with his band. While he plans to pursue a musical degree at a college or university later on, Liam states that once he turns 18, his goal is to begin touring full time.

Liam grew up in Deep Gap, North Carolina, and while his music has taken him all over America and even to Argentina, he will always consider this pocket of Western North Carolina home. He feels that this region of the Appalachian mountains is an excellent place to learn about old time and bluegrass music from musicians whose skills and knowledge of music have been passed down for generations. Liam has been exposed to many other genres of music and he has dabbled in some, and he has come to realize that learning old time and bluegrass music first has allowed him to easily acclimate to other genres more easily.

When Cane Mill Road was given the opportunity to represent American bluegrass music at the World Music Festival in Argentina, Liam’s eyes were opened to the grand diversity of music around the world and he was also affirmed because of the incredible support the band received from the representatives of the other countries. It was during this trip that Liam committed to reading music so his skills could be more beneficial for his future endeavors in composition and music theory.

Liam plays the fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, bass, lap steel, dobro, electric guitar, and electric bass, and over the years he has learned that music is the same regardless of the instrument. The breadth of his instrumental knowledge and mastery has been crucial to his arranging and songwriting pursuits as well as his ability to teach younger kids how to play. This passing down of knowledge is what makes the music scene in the Carolinas unique. Liam emphasizes the importance of the community building that occurs at local jam sessions as well as the collective push towards continual improvement that comes in formal and informal settings.

Liam’s career so far in music has taught him valuable life lessons as well in the areas of relationship building and maintenance as well as the development of internal motivations to keep improving. Liam’s band, Cane Mill Road, has put out 2 studio albums and 1 live album, and he is grateful for his parents and brother for supporting him every step of the way.

Connect with Liam:

Connect with us:

https://youtu.be/EGt0I6dY3I0

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

Liam Purcell appeared on Life in the Carolinas in 2015 at the age of 12.

This is the segment:

Heart to Heart Feb 11, 2019

On this special “Heart Month” episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl is joined by local cardiologist, Dr. Julian Thomas. Dr. Thomas tells listeners about the three main types of heart disease. These three types are blockages and stenosis of the coronary arteries (plumbing), heart muscle and valves which can contribute to congestive heart failure (pumping), and irregular heartbeat or atrial fibrillation (electrical).

Carl shares his own experiences over the past 2 years, from first learning that he had A Fib and sleep apnea through his ongoing treatment. He tells of that which led him to first go to the emergency room; the extreme fatigue and shortness of breath and the feeling of being smothered while trying to sleep. Once he received his diagnoses, he found that he was overwhelmed emotionally. That was until he began talking with others who also had A Fib, sleep apnea, and other heart related issues. These conversations provided support and encouragement.

Through this journey, Carl has learned a considerable amount about his heart health. Thanks to Dr. Thomas and his other doctors, he has started using techniques such as mindfulness, maintaining a healthier diet, and regularly exercising in addition to his prescribed medications. He also has been using a CPAP machine and has noticed a drastic improvement in his sleep as well as his peace of mind.

Dr. Thomas describes the symptoms and impacts of conditions like A Fib and sleep apnea, revealing that the two are – in fact – linked, and can even cause strokes if left untreated. He encourages listeners to know their bodies and take action if they notice anything that doesn’t feel right, especially concerning heart palpitations or shortness of breath. Seniors and those with genetic predispositions are most vulnerable and should be vigilant about remaining healthy and discus any concerns with their doctor. A Fib feeds off of aggressive nervous energy and becomes particularly active during times of concurrent illnesses and in individuals who heavily consume alcohol. If your partner frequently complains about your snoring or tossing and turning at night, it is a good idea to see a doctor for sleep apnea testing. The treatment for sleep apnea is simply using a CPAP machine, and this easy action can save your life.

For more information:

https://www.heart.org/

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation

https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/obstructive-sleep-apnea/

Connect with us:

https://youtu.be/jaWrKqmx84Q

Furniture and Design Perspective Jan 23, 2019

Our guest on this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast is Bill Evans, a Mocksville native who has spent a lot of his life in Charlotte and North Wilkesboro. In fact, his grandfather purchased a tract of land in Davie county that belonged to Daniel Boone’s father, and now Bill’s cousin lives in the original Boone family cabin, which he has renovated.

Bill was inspired by his grandfathers and his uncles to be creative, classy, and functional in designing clothing and furniture, and you could say that he has made a living doing just that. He has made swimsuit coverups for runway shows out of umbrella material, upholstered couches with heavy English wool, and is currently working on updating a cruise liner with marine grade vinyl.

A lifetime expert on the furniture business, especially in North Carolina, Bill has noticed a few trends that are leading to a resurgence of furniture manufacturing and upholstery in our area:

Consumers’ expectation of sustainable and durable materials
Interior designers becoming more of a presence at the High Point Furniture Market
The necessity for ordering smaller lots of furniture than Chinese factories are equipped to produce
An evolution of and increased appreciation for the craftsman industry
The desire for the highest value for the dollar
Millennials’ propensity to move frequently and not accumulate furniture
Millennials’ desire to purchase unique or sentimental pieces that will last – not full sets
The trend towards industrial style furniture, which is rustic and durable

He also touches on the phenomenon of online shopping. While it doesn’t make much sense to Bill that someone would be willing to purchase a couch without ever seeing it in person or sitting on it, he understands that this is the way the world is moving, and the convenience factor of free shipping and free returns outweighs the uncertainty of an untested item.

At the end of the episode, Carl and Bill discuss their common cardiac issues and their gratitude for the high-quality healthcare they have been able to receive. They emphasize the importance of taking an active role in your own health by making small choices to walk more or take the stairs.

Connect with Bill:

https://designworksstyle.com/tag/bill-evans/

LITC website:

https://copperbarrel.com/

Carl White:

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

Moonshine and Copper Jan 08, 2019

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl is joined by George Smith, co-founder of the Copper Barrel moonshine distillery in downtown North Wilkesboro. Several years ago, George was a member of the Charlotte Bourbon Club and he became aware that the popularity of craft spirits was on the rise. From his previous work experience with IBM and Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market, he knew that retail growth is cyclical, and he would be wise to make the leap into a business venture early. He knew that he wanted to venture into the craft spirits realm because of his passion for the history, culture, and community surrounding moonshine, as well as his personal affinity for it.

He began actively looking for a location for his distillery, and after doing site surveys in 12 towns, he was left convinced that Wilkes County was the perfect place. It had the rich history and the natural resources that he needed to be successful, and during a tour of the town with the mayor, he was informed that Wilkes County was also home to a resource he didn’t know he needed: Buck Nance. Buck may or may not have been making his own moonshine for the past 50 years and been an active participant in NASCAR during the 1970s and 1980s to that end. Regardless, after meeting Buck, George realized that he would need Buck’s knowledge and experience in order to create a superior and unique product.

The main obstacle that George and Buck continue to face is the perception of moonshine among the general public. They are working to overcome this obstacle by providing samples at festivals, encouraging people to tour the distillery, and by partnering with restaurants for Shine and Dine events that feature their moonshine. George views the entire Copper Barrel company as an ambassador for Wilkes County and the history it fosters, and they are able to make a positive impact on the community by supporting charities such as The Fallen Outdoors. George also sees the value of giving the platform to Buck’s hard work and heritage that he never had before, and he is glad for the opportunity to help the community celebrate him as well.

Looking toward the future, George is excited for the new products and new locations that may be on the horizon, and he is committed to changing people’s perceptions of moonshine until it is a point of unparalleled pride and connection.

Connect with Copper Barrel:

https://www.facebook.com/CopperBarrel

https://www.instagram.com/copperbarrel/

https://linkedin.com/commpany/CopperBarrel

https://pinterest.com/CopperBarrel

https://twitter.com/copperbarrel

http://thefallenoutdoors.com/

https://youtu.be/SkyNYGwjed4

Connect with us:

https://www.youtube.com/user/MrFiddlemaker

The Fiddle Maker Bob Kogut Dec 31, 2018

Our guest on this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast is Bob Kogut, a northern native who has proudly called North Carolina home for the past 20+ years. He and his wife knew that they belonged in Lenoir during their first visit, and they have gotten plugged into the community in many ways.

Bob’s life changed when he was in his late 20’s and his brother took him to a bluegrass festival where they were front and center for the Bill Monroe and The Bluegrass Boys concert. Bob had never heard of bluegrass before and he had certainly never heard anyone play a fiddle like that, and he was captivated immediately. Within the week, he had essentially traded in his rock and roll guitar for a mountain fiddle, and he soon found himself at every fiddle and bluegrass festival and convention he could get to. He gleaned as much wisdom as he could from the old-timers who would give him their fiddle-playing secrets, and all of these unofficial lessons paid off.

At the request of a friend, he started playing in the live bands at contra dances, and he found that this was the perfect fit. At these dances, there is no audience because the dancers and the musicians are both performing and feed off of the energy of the other, which is invigorating.

He soon started his quest for his “holy grail” fiddle that could become his voice, as the best instruments do, by buying, selling, and trading anywhere he could. Along the way, he was introduced to Bob Bragg, a world-renowned fiddle expert who dedicated his life to repairing and restoring violins that he acquired. Bob K. began going over to Bob B.’s house every Saturday to learn from him and he was able to get to know fiddles in a way that didn’t previously seem possible. Eventually, Bob K. began helping Bob B. with fiddle repairs, starting simple before progressing to the most intricate restorations. Without Bob K. realizing it, Bob B. was preparing him to build violins himself with all of the knowledge and experience he had gained through his time spent repairing them.

Bob B. soon told Bob K. that he was never going to find the perfect fiddle until he built it himself, so that’s what he set out to do, with a lot of guidance and secrets from Bob B. in the realms of tone production. Bob K. sold his first fiddle to one of his work clients in exchange for the tools and materials he would need to build his second one. Bob K. was very pleased with his second fiddle, and when he saw and heard it, Bob B. kept it because he knew that if Bob K. kept it, he would be satisfied to never make another fiddle. He was right, and now Bob K. is on fiddle #218. Along the way, he did finally make his “holy grail” fiddle for himself, and he has been pleasantly surprised by the global popularity of his handmade fiddles.

Bob emphasizes the importance of local festivals and jam sessions like MerleFest, the Pop Ferguson Festival, Carolina in the Fall, and events at The 1915 in the development of community around such a deeply emotional but non-controversial activity. Perhaps Bob’s attitude towards music and fiddle making is best summed up in the inscription he found inside an 18thcentury Italian violin: “Silent in life, in death I sing.”

Connect with Bob:

Photo Credit: Fiddler Magazine

http://www.fiddle.com

LITC website:

http://www.hartleybooks.com/

Carl White

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

The Lost Soldier Dec 12, 2018

Our guest on this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast is Chris Hartley, a Wilkes county native and author of 4 historical books. As an adolescent, Chris’ parents took him to American historical sites and encouraged his love for history and reading through books. In high school, his teachers often told him that he was a talented writer, so he began his journey towards being a published author then.

Chris’ first book came about out of curiosity. He wondered if there was a bigger story behind the historical marker in front of the North Wilkesboro hospital, and it turns out that General James B. Gordon had quite a story indeed. Since this was before the days of the Internet, he had to do countless hours of manual research in local and state archives and conduct interviews with descendants of Gen. Gordon to bring the story to life. Several years later, he revised and republished another edition of this book under the same name: “Stuart’s Tarheels”.

His third book is entitled “Stoneman’s Raid” and follows another Confederate officer through his experiences during the Civil War. Next, he began working on his latest book, “The Lost Soldier” about his wife’s grandfather’s time in the European Theater during World War II. While this is the story of a specific soldier, it could be broadly applicable to many soldiers of the time and has had wide-reaching impacts on the families who lost soldiers during the war. He was inspired to write the story of Pete Lynn after his wife’s grandmother showed him the bundles of returned letters that she had written to her husband that were never delivered to him before his tragic death. Through the process of writing this book, Chris came to understand the power of love and the impact that a sacrifice for freedom has on the loved ones back home, torn between sorrow for their loss and gratefulness for the cause for which they died.

Chris has been recognized by the North Carolina Society of Historians for his historical storytelling through his books. He works full-time in marketing for the Blue Rhino propane company and spends all of his free nights and weekends speaking about his books and researching for his next one.

Connect with Chris:

LITC website:

http://americanlegionworldseries.com/

Carl White

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

American Legion World Series Dec 04, 2018

Our guest on this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast is Jim Quinlan, former National Director of American Legion Baseball. During his 30 years in the position, the national American Legion World Series tournament was held in a different city every year, which involved a bid review process and also and orientation process for each new city. Understandably, this took considerable time and effort, in addition to the logistical challenges, so Jim and the others in leadership decided to find a permanent home for the American Legion World Series. Because of their enthusiasm and resources, Shelby, NC, quickly rose to the top of the lot of cities being considered, and the commitment of Eddie Holbrook and the 600-700 annual volunteers ultimately made Shelby victorious in their quest.

There are 4,000 high-school aged teams in the American Legion baseball league, and during the playoff tournaments at the district, sectional, state, and regional levels, 8 teams earn the opportunity to come to Shelby for the national tournament every summer. The teams are housed in local hotels for a week and hosted by community and church groups who organize events and local trips for the players and coaches during their off-times. ESPN-U broadcasts the games live and hundreds of volunteers help the events run smoothly and with the ultimate southern hospitality. Fans come from all over the Carolinas to watch the games as well as the families and friends of the players and coaches from across the country, and there is a special emphasis on honoring veterans throughout the week. Eddie Holbrook works hard to raise funds to improve the facilities every year, and the whole experience is first class.

Connect:

How the American Legion World Series Made Shelby NC Home Base

https://youtu.be/TAqyLAJ0vaY

A look at how it all comes together

https://youtu.be/OvenfLS6D80

A Friendly Visit and the Colors of War Nov 26, 2018

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, we are joined by Bob Ricketts, a retired Carolinas dentist, and Francois Gauthron, a WWI and WWII historian and battlefield tour guide from France. Several years ago, Bob and his wife Nancy went to France to celebrate their 40th anniversary, and while they were enjoying all that France has to offer, they decided to book a private tour of the beach at Normandy. Francois came highly regarded and recommended in their research, and they thoroughly enjoyed their tour filled with stories of D-Day, military history, and the comradery they found in Francois. They have kept in touch over the past several years, and when Francois’ book tour brought him to the eastern US this fall, Bob and Nancy jumped at the opportunity to host him during his time in the Carolinas.

Francois began contemplating writing a book filled with all of his historical stories of WWI and WWII at the recommendation of another American who went on a battlefield tour with him a few years ago. Anita Bryan was a Mississippi school teacher who was close to retirement, and she mentioned to Francois that if he ever decided to write a book, she would love to help him through the process and be his editor. That project came to life after a lot of hard work on both of their parts, and they are proud of the final product (available on Amazon at the link below).

Francois has found that looking back at the battles that have shaped the world brings Americans and Europeans alike together on the common ground of gratefulness to our ancestors who fought for our freedom and mutual respect for the cooperation between our countries on so many occasions. There are so many things that make our countries and cultures different, but at the same time, we have so much in common and can share in the bonds that unite us.

Connect with Francois:

https://smile.amazon.com/Colors-War-Black-White-Nuances/dp/2956370111/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542759264&sr=8-1&keywords=colors+of+war+-+not+black+and+white+but+nuances+of+gray

https://www.facebook.com/Francois-Gauthron-D-Day-Tours-727966447246233/

https://www.francois-gauthron-military-historian.com/

The Trail Man R.G. Absher Nov 13, 2018

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, our guest is R.G. Absher, Executive Director of the Yadkin River Greenway. R.G. “retired” from his career as Assistant Park Ranger at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, where he managed the creation of over 35 miles of sustainable and erosion-proof trails for recreational use. A hearty team of engineers and volunteers pulled this project together, and the model they set up has now been replicated in regions across the country.

R.G. is striving to spotlight the Yadkin Valley, which is known as the gateway to the high country, so that locals and visitors alike will recognize the “crown jewel of natural resources” that exists right here in Wilkes County. The Yadkin Valley Heritage Corridor includes Wilkes, Surry, Yadkin, and Caldwell counties and is home to outdoor adventure opportunities, rich history, significant agritourism, and the Yadkin Valley Greenway, which hopes to bring together the community to appreciate nature and strengthen the bonds between one another. In addition to the Yadkin Valley Greenway, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail runs straight through Wilkes county and commemorates the route used during the Revolutionary War during the Kings Mountain campaign of 1780. R.G. encourages listeners to take advantage of the cultural and recreational resources in your area to connect to your heritage and truly experience the richness of life in your area.

Connect with the Yadkin River Greenway:

https://www.facebook.com/YadkinRiverGreenway/

Over the Mountain Victory Trail

https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/destinations/overmountain-victory-national-historic-trail/

Mountain To Sea Trail

https://mountainstoseatrail.org/

A Voice from the Pamlico Sound Oct 31, 2018

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, we are joined by Steve Nelson, Owner of The Inn on Pamlico Sound boutique hotel. Steve grew up in New Jersey and had a prominent career in Manhattan for many years, but it was not until the first time he vacationed on Hatteras Island that he finally felt that he was at home. Before leaving the island from that first vacation, he had purchased a beach house and knew that he would be spending a lot of time “at home.” Within 2 years of that first trip to Hatteras, Steve was living in that beach house full-time and telecommuting to work whenever necessary, but he knew that he and his family needed a change of pace.

His epiphany came on a late-night drive home from the airport when he realized that the homey but classy boutique hotels that he frequented during his work travels across North America and Europe would be a perfect fit for the Hatteras community. He was committed to steering clear of the clientele that the current inns and bed-and-breakfasts in the area attracted, and he knew that creating a unique boutique hotel experience could boost tourism to the island and provide full-time jobs with benefits for dozens of locals.

In 2004, Steve opened The Inn on Pamlico Sound as a test with just 5 rooms, and the next year, all 12 rooms were available, and the Inn was up and running. With a lot of support from the community, especially 2 veteran innkeepers, Steve and his team created the boutique hotel experience that had been dreaming of. To this day, they do not invest in any paid advertising, but rely solely on organic marketing: online reviews, media publicity, and word of mouth. The staff at the Inn are extremely loyal and have grown to be a family community, much like the larger community on the island that they are a part of.

One of the things that makes Hatteras Island unique is the generational culture: the native residents typically stay on the island for life, and some of them go back 7 or 8 generations of living on the island. This means that the residents of this small community essentially all do life together, just like their parents, their grandparents, and so on did. Their roots are very deep, and though they are accepting of outsiders, it is common for the native residents to remain distant in their relationships with non-natives for several years because they are committed to having lifelong friendships. Steve experienced this dynamic as he integrated into the community, and he has a higher appreciation and understanding of the culture, which strengthens his commitment to investing in the next generation of Hatteras Island residents.

For more information:

Life In The Carolinas TV segment on Pamlico Sound

https://youtu.be/Umpe3fpQFtU

http://innonpamlicosound.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Innonpamlicosound/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g48993-d80404-Reviews-The_Inn_on_Pamlico_Sound-Buxton_Hatteras_Island_Outer_Banks_North_Carolina.html

https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/3449967/inn-at-pamlico-sound/

https://www.pinterest.com/innpamlicosound/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-inn-on-pamlico-sound-buxton

Outlander North Carolina Oct 24, 2018

Our guest on this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast is Beth Pittman, author and curator of the website and Facebook group “Outlander North Carolina.” Outlander is a series of 8 (soon to be 9) books that begins in Scotland in the 1940s but takes a dramatic turn when the main character travels back in time to America in the year 1743. The books have since become a television series, currently in its 4thseason, as well as a theatrical production. Beth has found herself enamored with the narrative, the historical elements, and the characters and she knows that she is not alone.

Fans of the books are flocking to North Carolina historic sites such as Tryon Palace, Wilmington, Alamance Battleground, Edenton, Fort Defiance, and Western North Carolina, and Beth and others in the know believe that Outlander-related tourism will only increase as the North Carolina portions of the show begin to air. What sets the Outlanderseries apart from other historical fiction/fantasy is the thoroughly-researched and accurate historical aspects included by the author. In fact, Beth’s own interest in North Carolina’s history has been incited as her interest in Outlander has increased.

In September 2018, Beth organized and hosted A Fraser Homecoming weekend at Leatherwood, which was attended by people from 20 different states and featured speakers, musicians, reenactors, educators, and naturalists specializing in 18thcentury America and North Carolina specifically. She was pleasantly surprised by the popularity of the event and has already set the date for next year’s Homecoming: October 3-6, 2019.

Connect with Beth:

https://outlandernorthcarolina.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/outlandernorthcarolina/

https://www.instagram.com/outlandernorthcarolina/

Story Time with Ken and Allen Oct 15, 2018

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, Carl is joined by his good friends Ken Welborn, Publisher of The Record newspaper in North Wilkesboro, and Allen Langley of Shelby, NC. Carl and Ken met years ago at the filming of a Christmas special at the Balsam Mountain Inn; Carl and Allen met around the time of the opening of the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby; Ken and Allen met each other at a Rotary Club Convention in Boone in 2001, and both continue to be involved in Rotary business to this day.

Ken is a masterful storyteller, both verbally and through his column in The Record newspaper, and many of his stories pay tribute to his delightful childhood and his loving parents. His goal with The Record is to make everyone feel welcome and to put a smile on their face when they come to visit the office. He believes in connecting with people who are making an impact on the community and shining a spotlight on them either during their lives or after they have passed, by writing heartfelt obituaries for them. He tells the story of Ike’s Chicken, the key to which is simply patience, and encourages listeners to email him for the recipe.

Allen has been blessed to visit 43 countries doing the work of the Rotary club, sharing the blessings that he has received from God, including his gift of gab. He and Ken both live by the Rotary motto of “service above self”, recognizing that this is the heart of it all. We all have something to give back to improve the lives of others, either time, talent, or treasure, and this is just the way you can choose to walk through life. They inspire listeners to do what they love and always keep the right perspective, which can get you through the hard times and give you the strength to allow your life to be used for the good of yourself and those around you.

The Scruggs Center Segment (This is when I met Allen Langley) https://youtu.be/bC39g7gLVrE An Old Fashion Christmas at Balsam Mountain Inn (The Christmas Show that Ken attended) https://youtu.be/Hx7LIKAYVko The Collectors Special (Ken joins Carl for a collectors adventure) https://youtu.be/KCBOmFs5YuI Foot Hills Merry Go Round Festival ( Carl visits with Allen at the Merry Go Round Festival in Shelby NC) https://youtu.be/N1miDPtFY3A

Wilkes County Hall of Fame Oct 08, 2018

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, our guests are Chris Skabo (Director of Athletics and Healthful Living, Wilkes County Schools), Mark Byrd (Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools), Dennis Huggins (Director of Development for Wilkes County Schools), and Marty Hemric (Wilkes County Hall of Fame President). They joined us to talk about the Wilkes County Hall of Fame, which they all played an integral part in creating in 2012.

The Wilkes County Hall of Fame’s goal is to recognize the human capital of Wilkes County and remind the citizens of the stories and excellence of the individuals’ lives, inspiring students to pursue their goals by being encouraged by the accomplishments of those before them. In the past 6 years, 48 individuals have been inducted into the Wilkes County Hall of Fame in 4 categories: Leadership, Enterprise, Athletics/Sports, Performing and Cultural Arts. The inductees go through a nomination process and then are assessed by the Hall of Fame Board members before being chosen out of the dozens of applications received every year. Those involved with the Wilkes County Hall of Fame have found that an extraordinary number of the inductees have maintained connections in the area, which could be attributed to the entrepreneurial spirit, drive, and inspiration that were instilled in them in their formative years by living in the cohesive community of Wilkes County. Another commonality between the inductees is their focus on doing good for the sole purpose of doing good, not for the recognition or to receive any benefits from it.

In addition to recognizing these individuals for their contributions to society, the Wilkes County Hall of Fame foundation manages a grant program for Wilkes County teachers and athletics personnel to improve the student experience and further push them to achieve greatness. In fact, on November 5th of this year, they will be holding the Youth Leadership Forum breakfast to inform student leaders about the accomplishments of the Wilkes County Hall of Fame inductees and provide them with the firepower to inspire their peers at school as well.

For more information:

https://wilkescountyhalloffame.org/

https://www.facebook.com/wilkescountyhalloffame

North Carolina Herb Association Sep 26, 2018

Our guest on this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast is Camille F. Edwards, Executive Director of the North Carolina Herb Association. The Association provides networking and promotion opportunities to growers and manufacturers of North Carolina’s herbs as well as workshops and classes to the general public and those interested in becoming involved with the industry. The herb and botanical industry in North Carolina averages $2 billion per year and includes common herbs such as lavender, ginseng, echinacea, lemon balm, golden sill, ginger root, mushrooms, black cohosh, and medical marijuana or hemp.

Camille has been working with the Department of Agritourism to get plans in place for future farm promotions and tours. She has also found that as soy, corn, and tobacco are being increasingly produced in other countries, the NC farmers who have been producing these crops are interested in transitioning their fields to herb growing, providing the opportunity for the industry to grow even more in the coming years. An additional opportunity that Camille has pinpointed is the harvesting of woodland medicinals, which grow in the undergrowth of forests that are often used for lumber. Woodland medicinals are difficult to grow in an artificial environment, so it is imperative to intentionally give them time and space to grow naturally and be harvested before the lumber is harvested in the area. One challenge that Camille has observed in her work is that many farmers want to keep to themselves, but she knows that they would benefit from being involved in a community of like-minded herb growers once they decide to sign on.

You may not be aware that North Carolina is well-known for its herbal schools and the herbalists that conduct business in the state, and there is likely a local herb association in your area that would be a good resource for questions specific to your locale. Herbalists are a great resource if you are wondering if certain herbal supplements will interact with any prescription medications you are taking or if you are unsure how herbs are best used. During the last weekend of July every year, the NC Herb Association hosts the Wild Herb Weekend, so be sure to check that out next year!

Connect with the NC Herb Association:

http://www.ncherbassociation.org/

info@ncherbassociation.org

https://www.facebook.com/ncherbassociation/

Vivian Hopkins and Gold Hill Sep 17, 2018

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, we are joined by Vivian Hopkins, a proud resident of and ambassador for the town of Gold Hill, North Carolina. Located in eastern Rowan county, Gold Hill was the site of the first gold discovery in North Carolina, in 1824. From that time until the Civil War, 98% of the gold in circulation in the US was from North Carolina, 30-40% of which was from Gold Hill. The town saw an influx in immigrants from Cornwall, England, where the primary trade was tin mining, and these English workers were very familiar with the similar process of mining gold. The gold mining industry was ahead of its time in terms of industrialization, as evidenced by the agreements to share workers between their mines based on supply. Tourists and locals are still able to catch a glimpse of the gold mining era by visiting the North Carolina Gold Trail, which traverses through Mint Hill, Gold Hill, Charlotte, and Rutherfordton, and by attending the annual North Carolina Gold Festival located in Old Fort.

Gold Hill’s picturesque downtown is home to a dozen restored shops and is known as the hub of the North Carolina Bluegrass Association, which hosts bluegrass “jams” every Friday night at the Montgomery store in town. On the mysterious side of things, Gold Hill is home to decades of ghost stories, which visitors can hear about during the two annual walking ghost tours. So it is safe to say that this old mining town is still very much full of life!

For more information about Gold Hill:

http://historicgoldhill.com/

https://www.facebook.com/VisitGoldHillNC/

Link to Life In The Carolinas Broadcast show featuring Gold Hill NC

https://youtu.be/iyJHNyYLfOA

LITC website:

https://carolinainthefall.org/

Carl White

Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

Dale Isom and The 1915 Sep 06, 2018

On this episode of the Life in the Carolinas podcast, our guest is Dale Isom, an engineer by trade who has recently entered the hospitality industry and is doing a lot for the northwestern North Carolina community. Dale and his wife own several hotel properties in the area and across the state, and they have come to understand the importance of making their guests feel secure and welcome in the community. About 5 years ago, Dale and the Kruger Brothers came up with the idea to brand Wilkes county as “The Heart of American Folk Music”, which has created the tradition of year-round concerts in local establishments as well as the Carolina in the Fall annual event, highlighting the talented musicians of the area and the genre of American Folk.

Additionally, Dale has revitalized the old post office and federal courthouse in downtown Wilkesboro and created The 1915 event space that is also the home of the Blue Ridge Artisan Center. These artisans and those who will be involved in the Artisan Café opening this fall showcase the culture of Wilkes and the surrounding counties, celebrating the community and what makes it unique. Dale’s efforts have jump-started the rejuvenation of downtown Wilkesboro, supported by local merchants, private investments, and local government funding. These investments will continue to impact the community and the celebration of its culture for many years to come.

Connect with Dale:

https://the1915.org/

https://blueridgeartisancenter.org/

http://heartoffolk.com/

Life in the Carolinas Site: