Getting Crafty: WNC’s Robust Craft Scene

Many Ardenwoods residents enjoy Western North Carolina’s robust craft scene. And with March being National Craft Month it’s a great time to explore all the crafty sights, sounds, and textures that our area has to offer. Here are some of our favorite places around the region to indulge your inner craftsman.

Center for Craft

Founded in 1996, the Center for Craft’s mission is to resource, catalyze, and amplify how and why craft matters. It advances access to and understanding of craft through national grantmaking in support of makers, teaching artists, and researchers, as well as through its free, public galleries, which educate audiences about the materials, processes, and skills that define craft. To learn more about this local craft institution, visit centerforcraft.org.

River Arts District

Consider visiting Asheville’s unique River Arts District, locally called RAD. Visitors to this colorful and crafty neighborhood can visit artists at work, take a class, add incredible new items to their arts and crafts collections, and even grab a world-class

meal or craft beer. The area features gallery walks, demonstrations, workshops, live music, wine tastings, and more. Visitors can check out as many studios in one day as possible, aided by free trolley rides between the 23 buildings spanning the two square miles that compose the district.

Southern Highland Craft Guild

The Southern Highland Craft Guild is an advocate for high-quality craftsmanship and goods made, sold, and curated in the Appalachian Southern Highlands. Since 1930, the Guild has exhibited the handmade crafts of the people of North Carolina and the Southeast, and today is one of the strongest craft organizations in the country, representing just over 800 makers in 293 counties from nine states. The SHCG is the second oldest craft organization in the country. Visit one of their four galleries — Southern Highland Craft Guild in Biltmore Village, Southern Highland Craft Guild at the Folk Art Center, Southern Highland Craft Guild on Tunnel Road, and Southern Highland Craft Guild at Moses Cone Manor.

Craft Schools

If you would like something more hands-on than just browsing craft goods of local artisans, you may want to consider one of the area’s schools that are dedicated to teaching and preserving craft and handmade items using mediums like paper, clay, and textiles to glass, wood, and metals.

Penland School of Craft is a national center for craft education located in Penland, North Carolina. Penland offers one, two, and eight-week workshops taught by visiting artist and instructors in a variety of mediums. They also offer a gallery and a coffee shop.

John C Campbell Folk School Tucked away in the mountains of Brasstown, North Carolina, the John C. Campbell Folk School offers weeklong and weekend classes for adults in craft, art, music, dance, cooking, gardening, photography, writing, and more. Classes are offered year round on their 270-acre campus.

Tryon Arts & Crafts School is a year-round school promoting heritage and contemporary art-making practices. The school offers a regional artist shop, multiple exhibition spaces, and advanced studios for fiber arts, glass, ceramics, jewelry, wood, welding and even blacksmithing.

Blue Ridge Craft Trails

If you’re looking for a way to scratch you craft itch, but don’t have a specific destination in mind, check out one of the Blue Ridge National Heritage’s craft trails. There are trails that feature artists and craftspeople in Hendersonville and the surrounding areas of Henderson County.

The Heart of Hendersonville Trail takes visitors to galleries and shops featuring fine art, sculpture, and jewelry to natural art and woodcrafts.

The Henderson County Outskirts Trail showcases artists in the mediums of pottery, weaving, and fiber arts along this route that takes visitors from western Henderson County all the way to Tryon, North Carolina. The featured studios on this trail are working artist studios, so be sure to review the information about each studio before visiting, as some may be by appointment only.

Ardenwoods boasts several residents who not only enjoy crafting handmade goods, but also excel at creating beautiful and functional works of art. You can read more about our crafty residents here.

Staff Spotlight: Pam Pate

Ardenwoods certainly has no shortage of influential, noteworthy and awe-inspiring women in its community — from residents to staff to leadership — and Women’s History Month, celebrated each year in March, is the perfect time to recognize our very own leading ladies.

Pam Pate, Executive Director, Ardenwoods Retirement Community — Pam Pate, Ardenwoods’ Executive Director

“Our leadership team is nine folks, and six of those nine are women,” said Executive Director Pam Pate. “That’s not the case in every business, to see those kinds of numbers.”

In fact, across all departments of Ardenwoods’ community, “we have a really strong group of women,” Pate continued. “Women are really well-suited to work in senior housing, because — generally speaking — women bring compassion and kindness to the job but they’re also able to really get things done. I feel lucky to work with such a great team of women every day.”

Pate herself has been with the community since 2002. As Ardenwoods’ longest-tenured staff member, she was originally hired on as the accounting director, having previously worked in accounting in the manufacturing industry.

“I wanted a job where I could use my accounting skills but have more interaction with people, and senior housing seemed like a great option for that,” she explained. “I actually grew up in Mills River, so I drove by Ardenwoods often, and it seemed like a great fit for me.”

After taking on the role, Pate began getting to know the residents and their families while also taking care of the financial operations of the business — learning all about retirement community structures and different residential models around the country.

“It was great to make those connections that I didn’t really have before,” Pate said. Not only that, but in this line of work “every single day brings a new challenge, a new opportunity — and I like that variety. Even though I’m going on my 21st year here, something will happen today that hasn’t happened any other day in the last 21 years.”

During her time leading accounting, Pate found herself filling in as the interim executive director on a few separate occasions. But in 2017, after 15 years with the company, Pate was asked by her predecessor to officially take on the job.

“It just seemed like an easy transition for our staff and for our residents,” she explained. “Changes in leadership are always a big deal for the residents, and it helps when it’s someone familiar, someone leading the community that they already know.”

After nearly six years as Ardenwoods’ executive director, Pate still enjoys spending time with the community and hearing about the many adventures and life accomplishments of each resident. Outside of Ardenwoods, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 39 years, Bob, who works at Pate’s family farm and garden supply store (Valley Ag in Mills River), their two adult children and 2-year-old granddaughter, and the family dog, Beau.

“I just care so much about the community, and I’m so glad I get to be plugged in and involved on so many different levels,” Pate said.

Heart Smart

While February may be most closely associated with candy hearts for Valentine’s Day, it is also a great time to think about your own heart. February is American Heart Month, which aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular health. And while February is devoted to these “matters of the heart,” it’s important to keep your heart health in mind all year long.

Cardiovascular disease is the world’s No. 1 leading cause of death, causing one of every four deaths (about 655,000 annually) in America. While heart health is important at any age, people 65 and older should be especially kind to their hearts, as risk of heart disease and other heart-related emergencies increases with age. According to the National Institute on Aging, heart disease is also a major cause of disability, limiting activities and eroding quality of life for millions of older people.

How does your heart change with age?

According to the NIA, as you get older, your heart can undergo quite a few significant changes. For one, it can’t beat as fast as it once did during times of stress or physical activity. Age-related changes can also affect the heart’s electrical system, leading to arrhythmias and/or the need for a pacemaker. Valves may become thicker or stiffer, causing fluid buildup in the lungs or body.

Ardenwoods Retirement Community Dancing — Dancing is a great low-impact workout

The chambers of your heart may increase in size, and it may fill more slowly, increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm problem in older people. Over many years, fatty deposits may begin to build up in the artery walls. Large arteries may stiffen or harden, causing an individual’s blood pressure to rise. Due to a number of factors — including previous heart attacks, long-standing high blood pressure, diabetes and chronic heavy alcohol use — the heart muscle can even become weakened or damaged, resulting in heart failure.

While these issues are all relatively common among older Americans, the best way to stay ahead of the curve is to take precautionary measures that keep your heart in tip-top shape.

Heart Smart – What can I do to take care of my heart?

Independent Senior Living Swimming — Swimming is a fun, heart-healthy activity

One of the biggest ways to stay heart-healthy is to be mindful of what you eat and drink. Cut out sugar-filled beverages like sodas — and, instead, try water with a slice of cucumber or a sprig of mint. Cut down on processed, prepackaged foods and choose whole foods like fruits, veggies, cheese or nuts. Try to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, even if it means blending fruits and vegetables into a smoothie. Also, it’s important to limit your alcohol consumption to recommended levels based on age and gender. For those age 65 and older who do not take any medications, that means one drink or less per day for women or two drinks or less per day for men.

Ardenwoods Retirement Community — Hiking Ardenwoods’ nature trails

In addition to eating well, another great way to take care of your heart is to exercise in whatever way you’re able. Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking, five times a week. Adults 65 and older may want to spend at least two exercise sessions strengthening their muscles and three sessions focused on improving balance. To keep you on your toes, mix up your exercise. Walking, dancing and intense housework all count as exercise. And don’t forget to take advantage of your beautiful surroundings, walking the grounds of Ardenwoods or your favorite area nature trail.

Of course, the single most important thing you can do for your heart (and your overall health) is to quit smoking, if applicable. By quitting use of tobacco products, your heart is already automatically healthier than those who continue to smoke. This one act can reduce or even reverse heart disease in patients.

Let the color red be a reminder: Any time you wear the hue, see it on others or in your surrounding, try to incorporate one or more of these heart-healthy tips into your day. Your heart will thank you!

Early Spring Activities

Although America’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, recently saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter, here in Western North Carolina, we are hopeful for an early spring. And whether the weather warms early or we have to keep our coats out a little longer, there are plenty of activities to keep us busy this time of year.

Go on a Hike

Early spring is an excellent time to hike in Western North Carolina. Trails are typically less crowded this time of year, and temperatures are usually in the 40s-50s, so you may not even break a sweat. WNC is filled with scenic overlooks, cascading waterfalls and beautiful forests. Head to a popular spot like Chimney Rock State Park, or explore the miles of nature trails we have onsite at Ardenwoods. It’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors.

Visit the Western North Carolina Farmers Market

Open year-round, the Western North Carolina Farmers Market is a great way to sample much of what our region has to offer. Spend a few hours browsing fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, honey and local craftwork. Then, grab lunch at the deli. Make sure to also stop by neighboring Jesse Israel & Sons Garden and Nursery Center, which offers a variety of trees and flowers, including a greenhouse full of tropical plants and a 40-foot waterfall.

Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway

craggy gardens trail — Craggy Gardens, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

On those chillier early spring days, sometimes the best way to explore the scenery is by car. The Blue Ridge Parkway is absolutely stunning at any time of the year, but clear early spring days are great for long-range views. Once you’re on the parkway, there are countless scenic overlooks to enjoy along the way. While some may be a bit of a hike, many are right off the road and can even be enjoyed from the car. During inclement weather events, sections of the parkway do sometimes close for safety reasons, so be sure to check the National Park Service’s website and map for closure information.

Visit a Local Winery or Brewery

Whether you’re looking for a rainy day pastime or searching for a relaxing afternoon in the Asheville area, early spring is a great time to visit a local winery or brewery. Asheville is known for its incredible craft beer scene, and there are plenty of terrific wineries just minutes from Asheville and Hendersonville like Burntshirt Vineyards and Pointe Lookout Vineyards.

Tour the Biltmore Estate

There’s always something going on at the Biltmore Estate, and this time of year is no exception. Not only can you enjoy tours of the sprawling, beautiful mansion, but you can also explore the winter garden in its conservatory. Then, beginning in April, Biltmore brings stunning color to its grounds for Biltmore Blooms, a festival celebrating spring with more than 75,000 tulips, orchids, azaleas and elaborate floral displays throughout the property.

Staff Spotlight: Gena Duncan

Meet Gena Duncan, Ardenwoods’ sales associate and public relations manager since March 2019.

Employed in the senior care industry for the last 15 years, Gena loves working with residents, crediting their often-wise words for giving her a new lease on life. Prior to working with seniors, Gena worked in construction for 20 years, originally moving to Western North Carolina to open a fireplace company with her husband. After the economic downturn in 2008, the business became hard to maintain, and it motivated her to make a career change.

When she first began working with seniors, one of the residents offered her a bit of advice: Live life to the fullest. She took this tip to heart, purchasing her own Can-Am motorcycle and learning to ride solo. No longer a backseat-biker, Gena is now on her second Can-Am, which she enjoys riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway alongside her husband, who rides his own motorcycle. She says that riding her own bike has given her a newfound sense of freedom — and she’s forever grateful for the wisdom of the residents she works with each day.

In addition to her work at Ardenwoods, Gena also has a real estate license, and she is in the process of obtaining her Senior Real Estate Specialist endorsement. Gena enjoys spending time with her three children: Jessica, TJ and Dillon; her two stepchildren: Jessica and Derek; and her four grandkids: Callie, Silas, Raiden and Raven.

When she’s not hard at work at Ardenwoods, you might find her relaxing out at Lake James, where she and her husband own a home — spending most summer weekends boating, kayaking, swimming and visiting with friends.