Plateau Magazine June-July 2023

southern drawl
Fostering a Sense
IT’S A CAROLINA BLUE-SKY
day in Cashiers, and Ashlie Mitchell
recommends we meet for our
interview outside at the picnic tables
near The Village Green playground.
It’s a perfect suggestion from the Executive
Director of The Village Green, who spends
much of her time outside of work in the space
she is tasked with nurturing and growing.
“I’m one of many people here who love
the outdoors and was drawn back to the
plateau because of a love for nature and a
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of Community
The Village Green’s Ashlie Mitchell exudes gratitude
By DAWN LILES » Photos by CHELSEA CRONKRITE
recognition of the importance of nature in
our lives,” says Mitchell.
Mitchell was tapped in 2021 to succeed
venerated Executive Director Ann Self.
Self successfully led the effort to make The
Village Green the “Heart of Cashiers” since
her appointment in 2012. “It was an incredible
honor to be chosen to succeed Ann,”
says Mitchell. “She’s an amazing leader,
and she was able to step back, allowing my
leadership skills to blossom—but she was
always there for advice or questions.”
The Village Green’s website describes
the space as a 13.2-acre park located at the
crossroads of Highway 64 and Highway
107. Hosting thousands of visitors and over
80 events each year, The Village Green is
not only “The Heart of Cashiers” in its
location but also in its ability to draw family
and friends together, forming a strong
sense of community. The Village Green is
truly a park for the people.
Among its many delights, visitors can
stroll the paths of the park around grassy
lawns, along wetlands and through the forest
glade; enjoy a picnic lunch with friends
and learn about raptors, honeybees, native
plants and bears; celebrate the seasons;
capture treasured moments with family
and discover art, culture and regional heritage.
The Village Green is also a perfect
spot to host a wedding, rehearsal dinner,
birthday party or reunion.
Former Executive Director Self put in
place many of the events and programs
that have brought the community together,
including Groovin’ on the Green, Goblins
on the Green, Gobble on the Green,
Fireworks Extravaganza on the Green
and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
“A few years ago, we added holiday village
lights and left them up through February,”
explains Mitchell. “It’s so nice during the
dark and cold of winter to be able to keep
those lights on as a beacon when you head
into the crossroads.”
Mitchell is a sixth-generation Jackson
County (Glenville) resident on her mother’s
side, and she was the first in her family
to go to college. She remembers fondly her
maternal grandma, Ada Crawford, who
like many of that generation, was resourceful,
gritty and no-nonsense. One of the
things Mitchell loved about her grandma
was that she “always had room at the table
if you needed a plate and a listening ear.
She was that safe place where I learned to
be kind and generous to anyone in need.”
A native of Macon County and the plateau,
Mitchell graduated from Highlands
High School and made her way to NC State
in Raleigh, where she earned a degree in
anthropology and developed an interest
(Left:) Goblins on the Green, October 2022.
PHOTO THOMAS TAULBEE