Home Care In Cashiers, NC

November on the Plateau is a season of gratitude – time to gather around tables, count blessings, and enjoy the richness of community. The Hudson Library in Highlands and the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Library capture that spirit with programs that blend creativity, discovery, and connection.

At the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, the month opens with the return of Book Nook Workshops on November 6 at 1:00 P.M. These intricate miniature scenes – tiny worlds tucked between books on your shelf – require patience, precision, and a willingness to get lost in detail that would make a watchmaker proud. Guided by Michael Novak, eight participants (reservations required) will meet each Friday through December 12, pausing only for Thanksgiving. Bring your own kit and prepare to build a diorama that’s as personal as it is enchanting.

Later in the month, artist Mia Loia continues her watercolor trilogy with a class on Tuesday, November 26 at 3:30 P.M. Word has spread quickly – seats are nearly gone, making this one of those rare “sign up now or miss out” library moments.

And on Friday, November 21 at 2:00 P.M., two distinguished guests, Joseph Bathanti and Alessandro Porco, present the newly released Anthology of Black Mountain College Poetry. More than a reading, it’s an exploration of the legacy of an experimental college that reshaped education and art just over the mountains.

With the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center just a couple of mountains away, the program offers not only literary insight but also a direct connection to one of Western North Carolina’s most influential cultural landmarks.

The Hudson Library in Highlands provides its own steady rhythm of community touchpoints. Tech Time runs every Wednesday from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M., offering one-on-one help with devices. Thursdays bring Family Storytime at 10:40 A.M. for toddlers and preschoolers, followed by Kidzone at 3:30 P.M. for elementary-aged children ready for bigger projects. On Friday, November 21, at 11:00 A.M., neighbors can gather for Community Coffee with the Mayor, an easy way to share ideas over a warm cup.

Both libraries close November 27–28 for Thanksgiving, but the month’s lineup itself feels like a celebration: creative workshops, thoughtful conversations, and programs that invite every age to take part. In a season built on gratitude, the Plateau’s libraries remind us that community is one of the greatest gifts we share.

Marimac McRae and Donny Carty’s story began in a quintessentially college way: with dorm meetings, football games, and more beer than anyone knew what to do with. “We met at Dartmouth! We were actually freshman floormates and met at our first hall meeting,” Marimac explains.

“There’s an iconic story about how my dad and my godfather, Dan Stubbs, hosted an SEC-style tailgate,” says Marimac. “But it somewhat failed because I didn’t know enough people yet … but my dad and Dan had bought 120 beers. So, Donny actually held the door for them as they carted the extra beer back, and Dan famously told Donny to ‘hang out with a girl named Marimac McRae!’”

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Donny listened, and the two began dating before the end of that semester. By the time they moved to Dallas, Donny’s hometown, they both had a story — and a shared circle of friends — that had grown alongside them.

When it came time to propose, Donny chose a place deeply ingrained in Marimac’s life. “We got engaged at the High Hampton over the Fourth of July there,” she says. “Donny proposed under this Weeping Beech tree — like a willow with bigger leaves — that I grew up climbing.”

The planning process was a family affair, with Asheville Event Co.’s Becca Knuth leading the way. “She was AMAZING,” says Marimac. “She says that my dad was the most communicative father-of-the-bride she has ever met.”

“We have been discussing the flowers at my wedding for over a decade,” she laughs. “My little brother Thomas had ideas, too. They were perfect. They added to the excitement and celebratory air, but didn’t distract from all the other stuff going on. We didn’t have a flower arch because the mountain was the arch. That was the point.”

Finding the dress became a story in itself. Years before she was even engaged, Marimac’s mother spotted a gown in the window of McClendon Bridals in rural Sylacauga, Alabama, and declared it “her dress.”

“It was the first dress I ever put on, and I had a Harry Potter wand moment,” says Marimac. Her dad was equally invested. “When it was ready, he came in to get it and requested permission to take the photo with the ‘I said yes to the dress’ sign. It’s iconic. He was the most excited father-of-the-bride in history.”

The August ceremony began at 4:30 p.m., with Father Rob officiating. He asked the couple to memorize their vows so they could look at each other, not him. “They’re not a bad thing to have memorized,” Marimac admits. She and Donny chose not to do a first look, saving the walk down the aisle as their big reveal.

Cocktail hour was filled with thoughtful details and a few surprises. “There were mini donkeys, which were a massive hit,” says Marimac. “Ed and Fred are icons of the High Hampton. They used to pull a wagon for kids every Wednesday during the summer.”

Guests sipped High Hampton gin and tonics garnished with lime and star anise, plus a menu of specialty cocktails (hello, espresso martinis). “We ended up drinking all the gin in Jackson County, but we probably shouldn’t mention that,” she jokes.

Dinner was seated and classic: a wedge salad followed by beef tenderloin, Sunburst Farm trout, or Springer Mountain chicken. For dessert, the couple couldn’t choose just one flavor, so they served both Southern chocolate cake and coconut cake by James Beard finalist and High Hampton’s very own pastry star, April Franqueza.

The reception began with a first dance to Zach Bryan’s “Someday.” The father-daughter dance was another highlight. “My dad has a unique kind of dance we have dubbed the ‘schwerve,’ which involves a particularly confident and eccentric type of boogie,” Marimac tells us. “We did not practice once. I think it came out perfect.”

Later in the evening, the dance floor got slippery thanks to a week of rain and plenty of spilled cocktails, but it didn’t slow anyone down. Guests from around the world — including London, Hawaii, Tokyo, and beyond — joined in the celebration.

The official exit may have been less photogenic than most, but it was no less memorable. A surprise second line, led by her bridesmaids and the band’s horn players, funneled everyone into the Tavern for the after-party. “My bridesmaids planned a surprise second line for me at my bachelorette,” says Marimac of the sweet full-circle moment.

Looking back, Marimac offers some advice for other couples: “When you have more events — Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday night — you have more chances to talk to people, so during your reception, you can really relax. However, every event requires more planning, more logistics, and more effort.”

As for what’s changed since that weekend? “I feel different now that I’m married,” she reflects. “I think that comes from the ceremony and the vows, but also from the experience of having everyone who has known Donny and me come to the same place at the same time to celebrate us. I feel like all of them know me better after coming to this wedding.”

RESOURCES

Ceremony & Reception: High Hampton Event Lawn Planner: Becca Knuth at Asheville Event Co Photographer: Jill Schwarzkopf of Realities Photography Videography: Abby Treece Payne, bride’s sister-in-law Flowers: Tena Stevens of Joy Blooms Stationery: Chez La Mariée Hair: Zhenya at Salon Zhenya Makeup: Paula at EiMakeup Bride’s gown: McClendon Bridals Bridesmaid’s dresses: Any green dress Groom’s tux: Custom tuxedo with floral lining, cufflinks from his grandfather Groomsmen attire: Any black tuxedo Catering: High Hampton Cakes: April Franqueza Entertainment: Deans’ Duets (ceremony); A-Town A-List (reception) Rentals: Professional Part Rentals + Voile & Veil Glassware: High Hampton Linens: BBJ La Tavola + Nuage Transportation: Mountain Motor Coach

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On Saturday, August 30, our peaceful Cashiers came alive as nearly 800 people packed Brookings Anglers and The Blue Line Bar for the inaugural Brookings Bash—a sold-out benefit concert supporting Hurricane Helene survivors through Transylvania County’s Habitat for Humanity.

The idea began with a simple vision: build community through music. “When my business partner Stephen Zoukis and I built the new store, we envisioned adding an entertainment element to the fly fishing business,” said Matt Canter, co-owner of Brookings. “The Blue Line Bar was meant to be a place where outdoors-loving folks could hang out, have a drink, and meet others.”

Weekend live music quickly became a tradition. Among the regulars were Chris and Jennifer Douglass, Billy Catlin, and Patrick Hurley—friends who dreamed up something bigger: an outdoor concert with a bluegrass twist that could raise money for a meaningful cause.

They didn’t just dream it—they funded it. Backed by their businesses—Proper Real Estate Advisors, Crossroads Property Management, and Widespread Logistics—they secured a powerhouse lineup: Jupiter Coyote, Balsam Range, and Canon Tyler. Essential Power joined in, donating services to help bring the event to life.

“This spring, we decided all proceeds would benefit Hurricane Helene survivors,” said Canter. “Transylvania County was hit harder than Jackson County—neighbors helping neighbors.”

The timing couldn’t have been more urgent. “Months after Hurricane Helene, many of our neighbors are still living with unsafe, storm-damaged homes. The needs are urgent—from roof and flooring repairs to replacing homes, home elevations, electrical and plumbing repairs, and safe temporary and long-term housing. Habitat’s remaining cost for this work is expected to eclipse $3M. Continued support ensures we can stabilize families now and help them rebuild for the long term,” said Angie Hunter, Executive Director of Transylvania County’s Habitat for Humanity.

Despite limited event experience, the team pulled off a seamless celebration of music, community, and generosity. “You should see the group text chain,” Canter laughed. “It’s pretty impressive.”

The result? $200,000 raised—funds already at work repairing homes, relocating families, and jump-starting new Habitat builds.

“I got one complaint,” Canter joked. “Someone said the music was too loud from a mile away. I told him—it’s only going to be bigger and louder next year.”

Brookings Bash is now more than a concert—it’s a tradition in the making.

Summit Charter School is a public, tuition-free K–12 school serving families across the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau and beyond.

Summit was in the first class of charter schools accredited in 1997, just after North Carolina approved charter legislation. Any child with NC state residence may apply for admission, and our student population currently draws from five surrounding counties. This broad reach creates a vibrant school community, reflective of our region’s diversity.

As a public charter school, Summit only receives 75 percent of the state funding per student compared to traditional public schools, and zero government funding for facilities. This means that our thriving 33-acre campus (buildings, athletic fields, green spaces, trails) is made possible through the extraordinary dedication of families, friends, and community supporters who believe in providing excellent educational opportunities right here on the mountain.

One of Summit’s unique differentiators is our culture in family partnership. Parents and guardians are deeply involved, not just as supporters and volunteers, but as daily partners in the school’s mission. Our mission is alive in everything we do: to engage students in learning experiences that stimulate discovery, inspire excellence, and nurture a positive influence in an ever-changing world.

Our curriculum, from Kindergarten through 12th grade, emphasizes place-based education, allowing students to extend learning beyond the traditional classroom through meaningful hands-on experiences in the outdoors and across the community.

Learning is rooted in both academics and a deep sense of place, and the result is a Summit graduate who is academically prepared, engaged in their community, and strong in character.

For local families, Summit represents a homegrown choice for a high-quality education in the heart of the Plateau. For seasonal residents or visitors, it’s a reminder that our community is not only a destination of natural beauty, but also one of educational excellence and opportunity.

When I first arrived in Highlands in August of 1971, our community hospital was equipped with a Korean War vintage X-ray machine whose films needed chemical processing. We eventually had a mobile CT scanner that came once a week, and then our own scanner installed in the basement of what is now the Peggy Crosby Center. Things improved when the new hospital opened in March of 1993.

With the opening of the new hospital, we had up-to-date portable and stationary X-ray machines. The CT scanner was up to date as well—a real X-ray department! Over time, computed radiology (CR Technology) was installed along with PACS. We then purchased an MRI machine. There was no room in the hospital, so it was installed in the Jane Woodruff Clinic, across the parking lot. This created challenges, with sick patients occasionally moved by ambulance from one building to another. This process tied up EMS. Other challenges included needing a medical doctor onsite for emergencies when injecting contrast for MRI studies.

Now, after two years of planning and a five-million-dollar capital investment, the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital Imaging Department is about to see a major upgrade. The CT suite has been enlarged and features state-of-the-art equipment. The new CT scanner, a 128-slice machine, reduces exam time and offers better image quality. It also contains metal reduction software that creates images with less distortion from metal implants like hip prostheses.

Similarly, the new MRI has much better resolution and offers the opportunity for future upgrades if needed. This wide bore MRI can finish a scan with better quality in less time for most procedures. With the unit now located in the hospital, patients no longer need ambulance transport to another building, allowing staff to care for more patients throughout the day.

To make room for these improvements, the rehab gym was moved to a larger, more open space, where some of the hospital’s administrative offices had previously been housed. In addition, the hospital’s laboratory was enlarged and two rooms for phlebotomy were added.

Tom Neal, Highlands-Cashiers CEO/CNO, and Lori Smith, Regional Manager-Imaging, expect the total project to be finished by the end of September, enhancing our ability to provide the best care to our community for years to come.

For more information on Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and the services we offer, visit missionhealth.org/highlands or call (828) 526-1200.