An exciting series of centennial events will take place in 2009 to pay homage to Highlands-Cashiers Land Trusts (HCLT) rich history and illuminate the community to its very bright future. HCLT is the oldest land trust in all of North Carolina and among the first 20 in the United States. Like most things, HCLT began very simply the concept of [...]

Join your friends, family, and neighbors on June 14 for the Bare Boards Party on Cashiers Village Green. This very special event is designed to celebrate the upcoming transformation of the former Summit Charter School location on Frank Allen Road into a multi-purpose open-air community facility, The Village Square on The Village Green. Having served as the site of Summit for the past ten years, the recent move of the school to a new campus leaves four viable turrets, a restroom facility, parking area and a series of covered walkways. The original courtyard provides an excellent location for a Great Lawn that will serve as the ideal setting for large private tented parties, outdoor concerts and open air community events. Following a renovation, the buildings turrets will function as facilities for meetings and lectures. Rental of the Great Lawn for private parties and the turrets for meetings will help fund The Village Green a conservancy project created to preserve, protect and enhance land for our communitys civic, spiritual, educational, cultural and recreational activities to maintain the quality of life for all citizens and visitors in the greater Cashiers area. Lucke, Silver Creek Real Estate Groups owner and broker, is a proponent of the projects mission and a proud member of The Village Greens Board of Directors.

Renderings of the future community facility designed by local architect and Village Green Board Member, Dan Duckham will be on display throughout the Bare Boards Party. The family-friendly event will also feature hot air balloon rides, a pot painting station for the kids, strolling blue grass musicians, delicious food and more. The party gets underway at 4 p.m. and lasts until 7 p.m. Consider showing your support for the community-funded Village Green Centre at the heart of the Cashiers community by donating to the building fund through the Adopt a Turret program, purchasing a Bare Board with your name on it or becoming a Village Greenie. All donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated. For more information, visit www.villagegreencashiersnc.com, email me at jlucke@ncliving.com, or call 828-743-1999.

Many of you are familiar with the devastating effects of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) on the beautiful hemlock trees in our area. According to the US Forest Service, these pests will kill a hemlock tree within a few years. The HWA does not have enough natural enemies here to keep it in check, and the hemlock [...]