A crowd of over 100 members and locals convened at Tryon Arts and Crafts School to celebrate the school’s banner year at its annual meeting and chili cook-off on Tuesday, Jan. 22.

Twenty-two chilies were made by TACS’ Board, volunteers and staff. Chili entries were judged by Tryon Town Manager Zach Ollis, Marty Kirchhoff and Linda Lee Reynolds. Those in attendance cast their votes for a people’s choice chili award.

Beau Menetre won the best overall chili with his Cajun, no-bean chili, and Jessica Phillips, of A Taste of Olives and Grapes, won the people’s choice award.

TACS Board of Directors and Executive Director Will Barclift presented the accomplishments of the past year.

Highlights from 2018 include the construction of the Shane Urquhart Metal & Glass Studio, as well as exclusive funding from the Polk County Community Foundation for a critical roof replacement and free classes for locals.

Also in 2018, TACS hired a new executive director, Barclift, who led the school to many accomplishments. Barclift expressed his commitment to continued leadership and development of TACS into a dynamic community resource.

Awards were given for Volunteers of the Year to Cindy and Colin Urquhart for their work on the metals studio. Pam and Fred Herres were recognized as the newest inductees to the Second Wind Hall of Fame.

TACS membership elected five new Board members: Jimmi Buell, Judy Lindsey, Julie McIntyre, Dee O’Brien and Karoline O’Rourke. The new board members will be joining current TACS Board: Ashley Menetre (board chair), Gail Muir (treasurer), Jamie Carpenter (secretary), Freida Allen, Wendy Deudne, Fred Herres and Penny Padgett.

Those interested in learning more about TACS may contact the office at 828-859-8323 or visit TryonArtsandCrafts.org.

– Submitted by Will Barclift