Member Monday Feature By Tina M. Wolfe Passion and ingenuity don’t have expiration dates. Likewise, the energy and drive to create and contribute doesn’t always align with life’s calendar. This is certainly the case with Charlene Hollifield and education professional Tony Long. These two community-minded McDowell residents have been friends for years working within the McDowell County school system. Tony had taken a parttime job at a small pop-up shop their friend owned called Shucks Pearls for
By Tina M. Wolfe To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow—Audrey Hepburn Growth requires patience and great intention; just ask Dana Owen, the owner, along with her parents Deenie and Brad Owen, of Painter’s Greenhouse in Old Fort. The size alone is enough to get any greenie excited. When I learned that the Owens work year round to start, sow, and grow more than 1,000 species and varieties of plants covering more than 100K square feet of space, my respect for their knowledge, perseverance, and
The Lure Of The Mountain Retreat by: Tina M. Wolfe The relentless rain had thankfully taken a break, giving way to glorious sunshine as I made my way up the mountain to Switzerland Inn. I was excited to visit this treasured community icon that has been hosting summer travelers for 110 years. Cresting the top of U.S Highway 221, I rolled down the windows as I turned onto the Blue Ridge Parkway soaking in the cool breeze and relaxing sounds of nature. It’s no wonder this haven in the Appalachians
RELEASE DATE: December 29, 2020 The McDowell County Chamber has launched its own podcast, adding another venue in which to promote its members and expand their reach. McDowell Matters Podcast launched in coordination with local business owner Onee Pressley of Pressley Made in December to highlight 10 magnanimous women entrepreneurs with Women to the Power of 10. In partnership with AuMedia, LLC the Chamber produced 5 episodes in a one-day session at Pressley Made. We wanted to create a way to share the
HOSPITALITY AMONG TREASURED FINDS AT ANTIQUE MALL By Tina M. Wolfe AUGUST 2020Amid rapid-fire change and anxiety-inducing unknowns, there is something oddly comforting meandering through the aisles of Dixie Matthew's 30K-square-foot Lake James Antique Mall, located just off I-40 at exit 90. Set up in individually designed booths, 38 passionate vendors artfully display their antiques and vintage collectables. Each booth invites guests on a wistful trek through yesteryear to the comforts and smells of
By Tina M. Wolfe The Science of Nature In an unassuming building on U.S. Hwy. 221 N there have occurred what some call miracles. People that have entered its doors have been transformed and have become true believers. This, however, isn’t a religious organization. No, in fact, the business, Earth Heart, is all about the Science of Nature! Co-owners Debra Richardson and Cindy Conner are trained and educated in the science of natural and herbal remedies, alternative health products, and nature’s