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February 2011 • Vol. 1 • Iss. 7
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ASHEBORO Think Local First dr. henry vruwink, d.d.s
he loves mondays
feature story
zoo zeal
on the side of grace
NC zoo volunteering offers exciting opportunities
community character malynda shumaker
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Wildlife
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volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 3
departments
contents FEBRUARY 2010
features
“let’s talk”-an offering to change a life I often talk about giving – giving of one’s heart, one’s time, one’s energies…but what about giving a part of oneself?
16
6
letters
7
editorial
from the publisher
dave 2.0 beta
anticipating the wonder of spring
malynda shumaker
14 18
nature’s nuances community character
20 citizen journalism
randolph county’s unsung school
c apturing the essence: the paintings of kathy brusnighan
24 photos-friendly faces 26 art-cosmic cow society 26 music: local artists
nu-blu
kaitlin thompson
r andolph arts guild to host master potters from jingdezhen, china
28 cool kid
tu es ma raison de vivre In a beautiful mountain valley long before the time of man, a pair of Doves sat on the long limb of an ancient Chestnut tree. They were about six feet apart, each looking in the opposite direction, silent, listening.
30 community news 31
22
citizen journalism
make your small business prosper
32 the cellar
a luscious, big tasting red
33 wine pairing recipe
on the side of grace Recently, the Ad Council launched a new advertising campaign for Feeding America to raise awareness about hunger here in the United States.
38
garlic rib-eye with blue cheese butter
34 ask the expert
healthy back and body clinic
bakery on ladybug lane
stinky
randolph hospice house opens
35 featured business 36 daily devotion 37 community news 40 zoo zeal
nc zoo volunteering offers exciting opportunities
dr. henry vruwink, d.d.s
41
4 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
sheboro elastics corporation (aec) a celebrates 25 years of success
42 ask the expert
he loves mondays
Ask most boys what they want to be when they grow up and you will get answers from fireman to policeman, from professional athlete to doctor, but it is doubtful that you will get many, if any, that willingly admit to wanting to grow up to be a dentist.
community news
rejuvenation medspa
getting to the heart of humor
r. beth hodges is first in randolph d county to pass hospice boards
44 citizen journalism 45 community news
46 community events
10
magazine
ASHEBORO Think Local First w w w. a s h e b o r o m a g a z i n e . c o m
T |336.698.3889 F | 866.559.2920
Content deadline for the March edition is February 28, 2011.
PUBLISHER Sherry B. Johnson, ext 802 sherry@asheboromagazine.com
VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT David A. Johnson, ext. 801 dave@asheboromagazine.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Lauren Johnson, ext. 803 lauren@asheboromagazine.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
production@asheboromagazine.com
Asheboro Magazine’s printed distribution is 3,000 copies. It is hand-delivered to the upscale neighborhoods in Asheboro which is roughly 1,500 homes. The other 1,500 editions are distributed through high-end retails locations, the library, hotels and other high-traffic areas. Additionally, Asheboro Magazine is available online in digital page-turner format where it is read by approximately 15,000+ (and growing) people.
Asheboro Magazine is published monthly by Crown Harbor Marketing, Inc. Any reproduction or duplication of any part thereof must be done with the written permission of the Publisher. All information included herein is correct to the best of our knowledge as of the publication date. Corrections should be forwarded to the Publisher at the address above. Disclaimer: The paid advertisements contained within Asheboro Magazine are not endorsed or recommended by the Publisher. Therefore, neither party may be held liable for the business practices of these companies.
February Contributors Doug High • Nathan Hoover Janet Harllee • Michael Harmon Dr. Umbreen Chaudbray Scott Plaster • Faylene Whitaker
people CONTRIBUTORS
Regular Contributors
Bianca Tyler Bianca Tyler is an award-winning TV journalist, radio show host, entrepreneur and “Momversationalist™.” Her #1 job is proud mother of a teen and a Kindergartner! Visit her Web site at www. TheLetsTalkMom.com to listen to her radio broadcasts about Life, Love and Parenting – with her husband, Phillip – and to learn more about empowering yourself by “Finding Your Bright Spot.” Rev. Peter Panagore Reverend Peter Baldwin Panagore of DailyDevotions.org, is a native of Massachusetts, graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree in Divinity from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut and with a B.A. in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. St. John’s High School of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, an Xaverian Brothers sponsored school, provided him with his preparatory school education. In 2003, he was recruited to apply for the position of Pastor of the First Radio Parish Church of America (DailyDevotions.org). FRPCA is America’s oldest continuous religious broadcast, founded 1926, and now reaching 1.5 million listeners, viewers and readers a week on TV, radio and internet, including American Forces Radio Network. Tom Gillespie For the past 12 years, Tom has been a writer, photographer & public affairs specialist at the North Carolina Zoo. After 20 years as a U.S. Coast Guard photojournalist & pubic-affairs specialist, Tom retired from the military in 1996 to work as senior editor & photo editor for Outdoor Traveler magazine in Charlottesville, VA, before coming to the zoo. Tom earned a photography degree from Randolph Community College & a photojournalism degree from Syracuse University. He has won national & international awards with his photography. His work has appeared in Time, National Review, USAToday, The Washington Post, The New York Times & in almost all major East Coast newspapers. Tom’s column Zoo Tales appears in about 25 newspapers across the state. He & his wife Debra live in Trinity, NC
Dave Lowa
Dave Lowa has been writing for himself and his family for years. His professional life has spanned over 30 years and has primarily focused on the helping professions. He has been a Family Service Director for the Salvation Army, Director of a Food Bank that served 12 counties in north central Pennsylvania, and has been an Adjunct Professor of Health System Economic and Finance. He is licensed as Administrator of Assistant Living Facilities in Massachusetts, Florida, and North Carolina and holds a Master’s Degree in Health System Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology. Dave has traveled extensively in the US, Europe and Canada. He has been an active boater with his home port on Cape Cod. He lives in Asheboro with his very patient wife, Sharon.
Live Away? Want to Receive Asheboro Magazine in your Mailbox? Want to Give Asheboro Magazine as a Gift? Enjoy a Year of Asheboro Magazine for only $29.95 • Subscribe online at www.ashemag.info Asheboro Magazine is published 12 times a year. Please allow 7-10 days for your first issue to arrive. volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 5
letters
Dear Reader,
I
’m happy to say that as I write this, spring is 40 days away. It can’t get here fast enough as far as I’m concerned. We have lots of great FROM THE events coming up to keep us occupied until PUBLISHER it does though. Check out our Upcoming Events section in the magazine for some great ideas to By Sherry Johnson while away the last of the winter days at concerts, movies, or shopping. I can honestly say I’m keeping up with my New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier and exercise more often. I hope you are finding 2011 a great year to make and keep lifestyle changes that will positively impact you for years to come. Taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do for you and your family. Not only have I reduced my intake of carbs, but I’m working out three to four days a week at Curves, I took a 2½ belly dancing workshop and will be signing up for the series of four classes at Santosha Yoga, and I’m going to be adding Zumba to the mix once or twice a week. The level of energy that I’ve gotten from changing my eating habits is the best gift I could give myself for the new year. This February issue is so full of great articles Sherry Johnson and informative pieces that we literally ran out of Publisher room. Please check our digital online magazine for additional content for your reading enjoyment. Our cover story “He Loves Mondays” features Dr. Henry Vruwink, who has spent his career caring for the families of Asheboro and their smiles. I had the privilege of interviewing one of my favorite people in Asheboro this month for our Community Character, Malynda Shumaker, in honor of her being named the 2010 Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year. Our Cool Kid, Kaitlin Thompson, was nominated by Amanda Varner for her work with Operation Red Sleigh, and she is an amazing teenager with a good head on her shoulders. I hope you enjoy learning more about her and the great things she is accomplishing in her sphere of influence. Please email us suggestions and nominations for your choice of Community Character and Cool Kid. We love to learn about what extraordinary people are doing in their community and share it with our readers. Nathan Hoover, a student at Randolph Early College High School wrote an article about that program, from a student’s perspective. Photos were provided by Brooke Baxter, another student at RECHS. I hope you enjoy these and the other great articles contained within. I look forward to seeing more of you out and about in the coming weeks as the weather warms up and we seek the sunshine! If you have articles or stories you would like to see published in Asheboro Magazine, please contact me at sherry@ asheboromagazine.com or call me at 336-698-3889, ext. 802.
Sincerely,
Sherry
Sherry Johnson, Publisher facebook.com/asheboromagazine
RANDOLPH-ASHEBORO 2010-2011 after school fun club.
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I
Happy Valentine’s Day Month
can’t believe it is already February. Because our magazine comes out in the middle of the month and not the beginning, Valentine’s day will have come and gone by the time you read this. Even if you are reading this online, you will have most likely already celebrated or be in the midst of celebrating. Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holiday’s, but like I suggested in December with Christmas, I don’t think it should be limited to one day. Therefore, I am going to declare February Valentine’s Month. It makes sense to celebrate it after the 14th because all the Valentine’s stuff will be on sale and if you accidentally forgot, you can say that you didn’t actually forget, but that you have decided to celebrate Valentine’s Month instead. How you celebrate it is up to you. For the guys, I would suggest a lot of romance and don’t even think about giving an appliance (especially a vacuum cleaner) as a gift. Trust me when I say Valentine’s Month is not a time for practical gifts. And remember, handmade gifts or cards go a very long way. February is also my favorite month. Sherry and I were married nineteen years ago on the 22nd. The joke between us is she set it up that way so I would never, ever forget our anniversary; 2/22/92. So far, so good. My daughter will be celebrating her 17th birthday on the 25th of the month...only one more year before she can move out (I am just kidding. Like I actually think she would even consider moving out when she is 18). And lastly, I love February because it is different from all the other months by being shorter in days. It’s a month after my own heart (OK, that might have been a little corny). This brings me to my point, being different is good. As publishers of Asheboro Magazine, we strive to be different every day. We don’t do things because other magazines do them. In
fact, we try to differentiate ourselves from other magazines as much as we can which is one of the reasons the layout and design of the magazine has changed every month, including this one. This way we aren’t limiting ourselves nor will we ever get boring. I was actually thinking about doing the magazine backwards this month but Sherry said that was a little too different (we make a good team because we balance each other out). Being different is essential to a successful business, although there are some that believe copying other businesses makes more sense. You know you’ve stumbled upon a great idea when you find a competitor starts doing something similar. The problem with imitating a good idea too closely is people notice. But, being different doesn’t necessarily ensure success. If you open a hot dog stand and sell purple hot dogs, you may find it challenging to get people to try them. On the other hand, if offered a different kind of homemade relish, you may find it just the thing that separates you from the status quo. I like to use Apple as an example of a company that is different. They basically took the computer business rule book and threw it out the window. They realized that just because everyone else was doing it one way, it didn’t make it right or, even the preferred way. So they blazed their own trail and gave very little credence to what the industry thought. Like or dislike Apple Computers, you can’t argue with their success. The word iPod has become synonymous with the term MP3 player much in the same way that Sony’s Walkman became synonymous with portable cassette players back in the 80s. Even if you have an MP3 player made by a different company, chances are you refer to it as an iPod. Just because you advertise being different, doesn’t make it so. You need to take a close look at your business and
editorial DAVE 2.0 BETA
by Dave Johnson
Dave Johnson VP, Business Development www.dave20.com
volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 7
ask yourself what you might do differently to make yourself standout among the crowd and advertise your business accordingly. People need to know exactly why you are different in order for them to change their behavior. The other thing about being different is people tend to talk about it. When was the last time someone said to you, “I just ate at Restaurant A and their food was exactly like Restaurant Z’s” and meant it as a good thing? On the other hand if you ate at a place that was noticeably different (good or bad) you share it with your friends, family and associates. Unfortunately, very few businesses do anything different enough to talk about. Instead, they spend their time watching what their competitors are doing and imitate what they think are the good ideas. I am not saying borrowing ideas is bad (I have borrowed most of my best ideas), just change them enough so they are uniquely yours. In other words, if you take something and make it better, it will be seen as a unique idea. The good news is, there are plenty of noteworthy businesses here in Asheboro and plenty of business folks that are blazing their own trails by being at the forefront of innovation. It is a great time to be an innovative business person because there is plenty of opportunity for those offering unique products and services. If you own a business or are thinking of starting one make sure you give a great deal of consideration to how you are going to be different. While doing this remember, just because everyone else is doing something a certain way doesn’t make it right or preferred. Blaze your own trail. Dare to be bold. Dare to be unique. Happy Valentine’s Month!
8 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
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he loves mondays
Story By Sherry Johnson Photos by Estafany Vruwink
A
sk most boys what they want to be when they grow up and you will get answers from fireman to policeman, from professional athlete to doctor, but it is doubtful that you will get many, if any, that willingly admit to wanting to grow up to be a dentist. Dr. Henry Vruwink was one of those rare exceptions. He knew he wanted to become a dentist from the time he was in middle school, and not because he wanted to follow in the steps of his father or grandfather. Henry Vruwink grew up in Oklahoma. He was the son of an Episcopalian
considered this very carefully before approaching his father regarding breaking the family tradition and studying the dental arts. His father was very approachable and understanding, and released him from his heritage without any guilt. He himself had attended Princeton University, and was an All American in football before joining the priesthood. He explained to Henry, “You don’t have to be a priest to be a good Disciple.” Henry finished high school and entered dental school, at the University of Tennessee. Upon graduation, he joined the navy in order to complete a two year internship. While in the navy, he
“Why quit what you like doing, to do something else?” priest, whose father and grandfather had also been Episcopalian priests. Growing up, he was fascinated by science. He was fortunate that his family dentist, who was an active member of his father’s church, discovered his interest and suggested that he consider a career in dentistry. Because young Henry admired and respected this man, he
10 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
met Steven Walsh, who was stationed at the same base. They became good friends and discovered they shared a lot of the same philosophies. When their tour in the navy was up, they looked into opening a practice together and began looking for an area in the United States that would suit. They searched for a location with a growing population, but not too large, and one that didn’t already have a tremendous amount of dentists. They narrowed their search down to central North Carolina. Their first choice was Cary, but they just didn’t feel there was enough growth potential there. In high school, Steve had played football against the teams from Asheboro, and remembered the players and their fans as the nicest group of people. Seeing the growth potential of the area with a new Zoo being constructed that aspired to be one of the largest in the United States, they felt the opportunities were high in Asheboro, and they set up their practice in 1972. When asked if he regretted the decision to settle in Asheboro over Cary, Dr. Vruwink stated he wouldn’t change a thing, and if presented with the same choice again, knowing what he knows now, he would still choose Asheboro. Drs. Walsh & Vruwink practiced together for 12 years in that initial office, steadily growing their staff from one front desk person and one shared dental assistant to several staff members. In fact, they outgrew the space they were in and
were constantly bumping into each other. Henry chose to relocate and established a brand new practice. Twenty-five years ago he opened his office on Scarboro Street, which is where he still practices today. One of the things he likes most about dentistry is the relationship he has created with his patients. Over the years, they have become friends and neighbors, and he spends almost as much time catching up on what their families are doing as he does caring for their teeth. He is now taking care of the second generation of patients. The parents who grew up in his dental chair have now brought their children to see him. It’s very rewarding to watch them grow into adults, some of whom went to school and are friends with his own children. After Henry went to college, his parents relocated to Washington state. His nephew attended the University of Washington and entered their exchange program, choosing to travel to Ecuador. The host family he stayed with in Quito was very welcoming and he enjoyed his time there. The daughter of the family in Quito became interested in relocating to the United States with her young daughter. Henry’s Mom hosted her for a year in Washington, and that is when Henry met Jacqueline, on one of trips to visit his parents. It was love at first sight. They have now been married volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 11
for 10 years and Jacqueline loves that she has such a close relationship with her Mother-in-Law. Henry’s mother was a wonderful influence on Jacqueline’s daughter, Estefany, and was the one to introduce her to the arts. Estefany is now attending the School of Design at North Carolina State University, and is an accomplished photographer, shoe designer, and very talented artist. The Vruwinks love to travel, and make several trips to Ecuador each year, and their family from Ecuador visits the United States as well. Jacqueline’s sister actually moved here, and works in the dental office here in Asheboro. Jacqueline manages the office, and with her background in accounting, she keeps things running smoothly. With the dental office open Monday through Thursday, they get to indulge their love of gardening on the weekends. Henry spends his time tending the vegetable garden on their property; while Jacqueline maintains the beautiful flower beds around their home. “Yard work is fun, and relaxing.” He loves to cook, so is able to use fresh produce grown in his own garden to create wonderful meals for family and friends. Henry is also very conscious of health and is a member of the YMCA, where he swims as often as he can. The YMCA is a great way to keep in shape throughout the colder weather months. The practice has kept up with new technologies, and among their more recent upgrades is digital radiology, which makes going to the dentist less fearsome, for some. Some of the “coolest” new technology they have installed is their handheld laser. It allows them to prepare a patient’s teeth that have small cavities to be filled, with no drilling! They are able to do many things they were never able to do before, usually the same day. Digital x-rays have made it easier to zoom into one spot so they can see what’s going on with a tooth, versus trying to read a small standard x-ray from years ago and perhaps not getting the full “picture”. Henry feels that his most value asset to his practice is his staff. 12 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
Henry is always looking for ways to make his patients more comfortable. He worked with his daughter, Megan, who is a pharmacist at Prevo Drug here in Asheboro, to create a topical anesthetic to numb the area where Novocain would be injected before a filling or other dental work commences. She was able to blend several items together into a compound that works very quickly and effectively. Also at Henry’s request, she made another compound that relieves mouth ulcers. In fact, they usually disappear completely within one day. Henry’s staff has been with him for many years, and they work well as a professional team. Several staff members have been with him for over 20 years. He values honesty, integrity and empathy for his patients in his employees, and that is how he runs his practice. Dr. Vruwink has enjoyed a successful career as a dentist here in Asheboro. He loves the diversity the profession offers and the many patients that have grown into friends over the years. He looks forward to Monday mornings so he can get back to what he loves to do. How many people do you really know who can say the same. It’s a good thing that Henry considered becoming a dentist as a young boy, because it has been his passion throughout his life and very rewarding. Henry has no plans to retire from his practice any time soon. In his own words, “Why quit what you like doing, to do something else?”
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by Faylene Whitaker of Whitaker Farms
I
Anticipating the Wonder of Spring
t is time to do some garden and landscape preparation for the coming spring The days are getting a little brighter and we are all getting cabin fever longing to be outside and do what we love, playing in our yard and making our home a beautiful and fulfilling adventure. So let’s get busy and prepare for the upcoming spring. Take a stroll outside and view your yard as though you were a stranger coming upon it for the first time or take a picture of the naked landscape so you can get a picture in your mind of how you would like for it to look. It is now time to plan what shrubs and trees need replacing or added to the landscape to add beauty in the coming months. Do you need to add some artwork, patio, waterfeature or just a simple bench to make it more inviting? It is time to rake the dead blooms out from under your camellias in order to keep disease away from the roots. The end of February or the first of March is time to cut back your knockout roses. The time is here to take out any broken branches in trees and shrubs that have occurred from the winter ice. If you have fruit trees it is time to prune out dead limbs and straight shooting limbs. Spray the tree with dormant oil when the temperature is going to be above freezing for 24 hours. The oil is for any insects on the bark or wood of the tree and it needs to be on before buds and leaves appear. You will then need to spray later for the fruit insects. If there was only one plant that I could choose for winter color it would be a camellia because of their outstanding blooms. The plant I would choose for fragrance next to my entrance would be a Daphne odora even though it is very finicky. There are some things just worth the expense. 14 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
Camellia sasanqua--Blooms in fall to early winter depending on cultivar. Varieties with `snow’ or `winter’ will survive in temperatures down to -4 oF. This shrub prefers dappled shade, but will tolerate full sun and can grow in many soil types.
Winter Daphne (Daphne odora)---the fragrance from its cream, pink or yellow blooms are wonderful. The drawback to this evergreen is that it’s not particularly hardy and tends to be short lived. It lives best in moist but well drained soil in protected areas.
Sweetbox (sarcococca)--- Several varieties of this glossyleafed evergreen are available to bring delicate blooms and a vanilla-like fragrance to the garden in mid to late winter. They produce white to cream-white flowers and do best in partial shade and dry soil. Hellebore---Also known as Lenten Rose, this plant’s cluster of drooping, bell-shaped flowers appear from November to March. The evergreen leaves are deep green on top and red underneath. The flowers dome in white, green, red, purple. Hellebores grow best in rich soil and partial shade.
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Asheboro Recycling Center has benefited immensely from being a Chamber member. Primarily due to the networking with other businesses that can help you with making sound business decisions. The networking has also helped ARC market our services which has increased our customer base. The Chamber provides the opportunity but it’s up to the business and individuals to get involved. Kim Markham – President, Asheboro Recycling Center
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“LET’S TALK” An Offering to Change a Life By Bianca Tyler
I
often talk about giving – giving of one’s heart, one’s time, one’s energies…but what about giving a part of oneself? Two months ago, our five-year-old saw some children who didn’t have any hair, and naturally she was full of questions. We gently explained how others can help by showing her pictures on the Internet and answering all her questions. The outcome: “I want to donate my hair to the children who lost their hair.” We let two months pass to make absolutely sure, but she was adamant. So last week, our family took her to mommy’s hairdresser for her 1st real salon experience.
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Salon Shahin, the four-star salon voted number one in our county of nearly a million, made a real fuss over her – from chocolates and orange juice to special organic products gifted from the salon owners presented in a lovely embroidered bag. Everyone in the salon was simply thrilled a little 5 year old knew exactly what she wanted to do and why. It was a wonderful experience we will never forget!! The Bright Spot™ – Our daughter says she’s looking forward to doing it again. We are very proud! For more information, visit Angel Hair for Kids, Pantene Beautiful Lengths, Wigs for Kids, or Locks of Love to make a donation. You’re invited to visit my Mom site at www. TheLetsTalkMom.com to see more about this story, and also be sure to click on the Radio Show tab to listen to our parenting show about this story and loads of family subjects. Happy Parenting!
volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 17
people COMMUNITY CHARACTER
by Sherry Johnson
malynda shumaker
M
alynda Shumaker was recently named 2010 Volunteer of the Year by the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce at their Annual Dinner, held at Pinewood Country Club on January 21, 2011. Malynda was honored for the volunteering she does within the Chamber, but she and her family spend countless hours outside of the Chamber helping the community as well. Malynda grew up in La Plata, Maryland, a small town of approximately 9,500 people about 30 miles southeast of Washington, DC. The suburbs of Washington were beginning to encroach on her community, and although she felt at home there, she and her husband began looking for a better place to raise their two children, DeAnna and Matthew. Her husband, Paul worked for Penske, so they began to look at different job openings across the country. They quickly ruled out California, Florida and the Midwest for various reasons. A position became available in the Greensboro area. When a position becomes available at Penske, if you don’t jump on it right away, you could lose it. Malynda called her aunt who lived in Winston-Salem and discovered it was located only 40 minutes from her. Malynda had been to W-S to a family reunion, and really liked the area. She started researching High Point, Burlington, and Clemmons on the computer – comparing schools, location, and what they had to offer. Her husband
18 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
was offered an interview on a Friday afternoon, so they piled in the car and drove down for the weekend. After the interview, which went well, they drove all around the areas that she had been researching, not really finding one that suited them enough to say – Yes, let’s do this! They got up on Saturday morning, planning to drive back to Maryland after breakfast. Somehow, they got turned around and ended up on 220 headed to Asheboro. Fate or Divine Intervention? Possibly both. Malynda remembered from her computer research of the area that Asheboro had received good school ratings, so they continued to town. After driving around the area for a while they discovered the downtown, and they instantly felt that this was the right place. When they got back to Maryland, everything happened very quickly – like it was meant to be. Her husband was offered the position that Monday, so they immediately put their house on the market and the next weekend were back in Asheboro looking for a place to live. When they returned home on Sunday night, the real estate company had an offer for their house and the rest, as they say, is history. Once they got to Asheboro and settled into an apartment, Malynda’s search for a job began. If you know Malynda, she doesn’t do ‘idle’ well – so a job became a top priority. She applied everywhere but just didn’t find a position. A friend at church who worked with Kim Markham’s wife, Gay happened to mention that
they might be looking to hire someone at Asheboro Recycling Center, so she immediately contacted him to set up an interview. She worked in the office handling the duties of office manager and taking care of payroll. After several years, she and Kim became partners in a second company, Elite Electronics. Malynda is Chairwoman of the Ambassador Committee at the Chamber, as well as serving on the Membership Committee, Seminars and Workshops Committee, and the Leadership Committee. She is also involved in the Randolph Professional Network, a networking leads group through the Chamber that meets once a week and has served as their Vice President and President in past years. Malynda also serves on the Randolph County Extension Water Task Force Committee and volunteers her time and talent twice a year to hold a county wide “E-Waste” recycling collection day, with the help of many local friends and supporters. Her volunteer activities include 1st VP of PTSO for Eastern Randolph High School, Operation Red Sleigh, Salvation Army Bell Ringer,
and Habitat for Humanity, Big Sweep, and any Bike Run for Charity she can fit in. Her daughter, DeAnna is her inspiration. She has a heart of gold and motivates you to get out and do it! DeAnna participates in beauty pageants and as part of being a member of the court, you are encouraged to give of yourself and your time in your community. When the kids were younger, they loved to spend time camping in their 5th wheel, but as the kids have grown older and gotten into sports, they spend a lot of time traveling for games, both local and with a traveling Volleyball team that DeAnna plays for. Malynda loves spending time with her parents, and tries to get to Maine each summer, where they have a home in Scarborough. Malynda Shumaker not only volunteers her time, but she is passionate about Asheboro and the local economy. One of her main focuses in both personal and business life is using local people, local products and local companies. We should all take a page from Malynda’s book.
volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 19
citizen JOURNALISM
Randolph County’s Unsung School
by Nathan Hoover
A
n exceptionally intellectual man once stated, “We have an obligation and a responsibility to be investing in our students and our schools. We must make sure that people who have the grades, the desire and the will, but not the money, can still get the best education possible.” The gentleman accountable for this excerpt happens to be the President of the United States, Barack Obama, who, regardless of political affiliation or personal opinion, is well-equipped to speak on the topic of education. Randolph County, North Carolina has a prestigious school system that thrives in academic excellence, which is much to the President’s pleasure one would assume. There is one school, however, that I believe does not fully receive the recognition and appreciation it deserves, and that school is Randolph Early College High School, often referred to as RECHS. This program, which is in its’ fifth year, is the product of The New Schools’ Project and the Innovative Schools Program that is supported by the state of North Carolina. This project in particular is one that focuses on keeping students in school and having students be successful at college-level work, among many other aspirations. RECHS is a small school with a limit of one hundred students per grade level and they are chosen through an interview process, however, no transfers are offered and students can only enter in the ninth grade. This early college, in particular, has thrived from the opportunity given and has soared up the county’s performance charts, much like its mascot, the raven. Since the school’s induction back in the 2006-2007 school year, the school has averaged an impressive 90.25% EOC Proficiency and has led all other Randolph County Schools in that category. This piece is not to put other Randolph County Schools down, but rather to sing the praise of this county’s only early college. Furthermore, it should be known that RECHS is not only a school of academic excellence, but also an institution of character-building. RECHS takes pride in its students and their achievements and teams up with Randolph Community College (RCC) to give students extracurricular activities which include Student Government and Student Leadership Academy, as well as honors societies. The high school part of RECHS has its own clubs and activities which are created by students. There are not many sure things in life, however, one sure thing is that many opportunities await anyone who wants to take a journey and become a member of the Raven 20 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
community. In addition, Randolph County needs to fully comprehend what an early college does and what advantages it gives to its students. Much like other early colleges, RECHS is a high school which is located on the campus of a community college that lets its students take college classes among fellow college students which in turn gives them experience at the college level while still being a high school student. This experience, if each student completes their 64 credit hours needed, can result in a high school diploma from RECHS as well as an associate’s degree from Randolph Community College. In the span of four years, a teenager that normally would be taking only high school classes can complete an education at a community college that some people would kill for. RECHS is a school to which the books and tuition are free, meaning that students ®
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spoke of is one of many goals that the staff of RECHS strives for. The staff tries to not only enrich their students’ minds, but to also build a strong relationship with them. Not only does that aspect of teaching enhance the friendliness and closelyknit ties around campus, it gives students more of a chance to feel welcome to ask for assistance on any assignment, whether it be for a high school class or a college course. Opportunities. That single word can sum up everything that Randolph Early College High School stands for. Students and staff get to come to school/work every day and not think of it as such. Cathy Waddell, RECHS’ principal is the glue that holds it all together. Without her leadership, the school could not function at such a high level the way it does. Also, with the support of RCC President Robert Shackleford and the alliance he has with the RECHS program, the Randolph Early College High School seems like it is at the peak of its prosperity. RECHS principal, Cathy Waddell, states, “If any further information is wanted or needed about the New Schools Project or RECHS in general, please visit http://newschoolsproject.org. only have to pay for lunch that is delivered from Southwestern Randolph High School and regular school fees. Students also have the option to eat lunch or grab a snack at any time at the Armadillo Café on campus. It is a wonder why more people have not taken advantage of the opportunity-filled lifestyle as an RECHS Raven and an RCC Armadillo. If one really wants to understand the atmosphere that is around at RECHS through a first-person point of view, what better way to do so than to hear from students who attend the school? “Coming to RECHS was really life-changing. I feel that I’m not just another student, but a step ahead of other students attending traditional high schools. It doesn’t hurt to get two free years of college out of the way too!” says RECHS junior Noah Delk. When asked what she thought about attending RECHS, junior Danielle Garner says, “RECHS is a great experience and I’m glad I got the opportunity to attend this school. I really value the one-on-one attention with teachers that is available.” The personal time that Danielle
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Tu
I
es ma Raison de Vivre
n a beautiful mountain valley long before the time of man, a pair of Doves sat on the long limb of an ancient Chestnut tree. They were about six feet apart, each looking in the opposite direction, silent, listening. An observer would say that they were together but distant from one another. In fact six feet was about the largest distance they could stand to be from one another. Any more than that and they began to feel as though life was draining out of them. Six feet allowed for a break. At six feet they knew that the other was safe, but they couldn’t hear each other breathing or pick up their scent so richly. There was a little purple band over the beak of one of the Doves which designated her as the female. Other than that they looked alike. There was no question of their dedication to one another. They were deeply affected by one another and if Doves could be said to be able to share within the context of human love, it had consumed them. They were not young and unlike most of their tribe they had decided to winter in the same valley in which they had summered. The long flight to the south frightened them. Intuitively they knew that they could be injured, fall behind, get lost or worse, separated from one another. It was just too great a risk. Staying where they were was just as risky but in different ways. Food was going to be an issue but what they really feared was the cold. It was a silent monster that brought the great sleep to many of their friends, both feathered and
22 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
By Dave Lowa
furred. Even now it was cold and they knew that they were facing another night of bone chilling wind that would drive the temperatures much lower. But, they had made their decision and it was what it was. They sat placidly looking out over the little valley with their feathers puffed up as large as possible to protect themselves and absorb as much of the weak winter sun as they could before they had to seek shelter. Once sheltered in the socket of a broken limb they would coo and talk of the coming spring and the plans that they had as they tried to ignore the monstrous cold. In the spring they would find a bush or maybe a fir deep within the forest in which to nest and bring forth another family. This would be the seventh cycle for them and many of their offspring were winging their way south at this very moment. There was no question about another family, the Great Mother had implanted a sun stimulated duty to populate the earth with their kind and so they would. Birthing was infrastructural to their existence. Once the sun warmed again and the trees began to dress for another summer season, there would be another grouping of tiny eggs in the down lined grass and twig ark that they would construct. Each twig brought to the limbs that held them was a prayer offered to the Great Mother for a blessing of their labors and a happy conclusion to the birthing. Last year was very disappointing. They were lucky enough to place three little speckled orbs in the nest, but just as they
prepared for the hatching ritual they were visited by a fat Possum who asked them to leave so that he could lunch on their eggs. They refused and did their best to drive him away, but he persisted explaining that the Great Mother of all Nature had given his kind dominion over all nests (which in fact she had) so they were forced to allow the carnage. They could not watch so they flew away and never returned to that spot in the woods again. It was too late in the year to start again so they were forced to sit in the swaying branches of a stand of Larch trees on the side of the valley and watch others bring their families food and water and finally to flight. So here they were, without family, waiting for the weather to turn. Just as it had been the Great Mothers choice to feed her Possum so also was their survival in her hands. If it was her wish they would see the spring sun again, if not, they would disappear and blow away. They had a friend once who they met yearly in the early autumn at the big lake. They always went there to drink of its pristine waters on hot afternoons. She was a big tri-colored bird, grey and black and white. She was from the land in the north where the winters could not be survived. Each year she dutifully followed her mate into the air and said goodbye to the land that had provided for them through the warmer months. One year there had been an abundance of food on the summer grounds so they stayed later in the North than they normally did. When they finally did take flight many of the lakes that they flew over reflected a skim of ice that had formed over them. The lake in the little valley was frozen hard as well when they got there, but they had no choice. They were exhausted and had to rest. The flock tested the wind and set up a final approach for the little shimmering spot in the midst of the autumn gold and began their descent. They hit the ice at
week searching, calling his name. When it became clear that he was gone and would never be found, she walked back to the lake and scraped out a little depression on the earth and wiggled down into it and watched the sun turn the chilly grey waters to crimson and gold. In the morning she was gone. There were a few feathers but it was clear that Mother had sent her a Fox. It was really for the best as her heart had been destroyed and she had become a straggler, a lost soul and needed to go home. The Doves watched her all through this torment. She was always too panicked in her search to stop and talk, but when they did get close to her and saw the pleading in her eyes they knew of her desperation. They knew that she was gone now because in the realm of the Great Mother once the life force has gone out of a being they become transparent. They were no longer visible to their fellow creatures. They turned their heads to look at one another as they sat in a Chestnut tree and thought of their friend and her loss and of the winter they were facing and slowly the six feet of separation became three feet and then two. Soon their necks were entwined and their toes were touching. They were bumping and stroking their beaks across one another’s. They could not imagine being apart. One without the other could not go on. Their shelter was warmer that night and fresh hope rose with the sun. Mother had been watching all of this from her mossy throne in the glade of perpetual spring. “These Doves”, she said, “are of my most precious possessions. Hence forth let it be known that they are special beings. From this day they shall be known as “Love Birds” throughout all the world.” And so, as it was spoken so it was done. Happy Valentine’s Day
25 knots and scattered, sliding and back pedaling all over the lake. She watched in horror as her mate slid off to the side and collided with an old cedar stump that was protruding out of the ice. As she slid by she saw that one of his wings was at a very bad angle and he was trying to stand on a damaged leg. Once she had stopped sliding she ran back to him and encouraged him to move off the ice and into the reeds on the shoreline. She made a spot for him in the weeds and watched as he settled painfully into it. It was obvious they would go no further this season. That night Mother sent a Fox to visit with him and in the morning he had disappeared. She did not leave the lake when the flock took to the air the next morning. They circled overhead calling her name but she called back and told them to go and not to worry about her. She watched in the frosty morning sun as they disappeared over the mountains tops to the south. For two weeks she flew back and forth over the area where her mate had disappeared and never found anything. When she was finally too exhausted to fly anymore she walked for another volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 23
photos FRIENDLY FACES
24 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
ASHEBORO
Think Local First!
ASHEBORO
Think Local First!
body. home. ASHEBORO
Think Local First!
ASHEBORO
Think Local First!
first, it may seem like you are getting a better deal somewhere else, but a closer examination may help you determine that the small amount you’ll save isn’t worth the effort. Remember, your time is valuable, too. If you factor your time, cost of gas, wear and tear on your vehicle and the adverse affect spending your money elsewhere has on the local economy, shopping here in Asheboro is a “No Brainer”.
Think Local First!
play. shop.
T
hink Local First! is Asheboro Magazine’s shop local initiative. It is our goal to encourage our readers to patronize local merchants as often as possible. We understand that there are things that can not be purchased locally and it would be unreasonable to believe that Asheboro, or any other city or town for that matter, can satisfy everyone’s wants and needs. Understanding this, we ask that before you make a purchase of any kind out of town or on the Internet that you Think Local First. In thinking local first, think about all the aspects of shopping elsewhere like the cost of fuel or shipping and handling charges. At
Shopping local is important because far more of the money spent at local businesses is reinvested in your community. This helps other local businesses, which creates greater diversity and helps the community maintain its unique appeal. Shopping local is environmentally friendly, too: it creates less traffic and pollution. So, before you part with your hard earned dollars...Think Local First!
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volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 25
Capturing the Essence: The Paintings of Kathy Brusnighan
art
COSMIC COW SOCIETY by Scott Plaster
K
athy Brusnighan found an “oasis” in her paintings, and her work brings that same oasis to people that see them. From that first Christmas when she got her first set of paints, she’s been reaching inside ever since to draw upon that inspiration. Her devoted focus to her creative work for over 20 years has led her to be successful in a faux finishing business, as a designer and custom canvas painter for the furniture markets, and now as a popular showing artist all around the Triad, North Carolina region and beyond. “Painting is such a part of me. I love the flow of paint, the smell of paint, and the oasis that I am in when I am lost in a painting or mural. It is not just about the finished project; it is about creating beauty and bringing pleasure into someone’s life,” she explains. Brusnighan paints oils in broad expressive strokes that are powerful in their scale, color, and themes. Her variety of styles she says she owes to the demands of her furniture market clients, where she is asked to create a certain mood or theme. Brusnighan’s art education has been a mix of self-study, carefully selected instructors
and partners (including Judy Myler and Doug Hill), and experience. Her bold, expressive style is largely a result of her furniture market and mural painting experience. “No more painting every blade of grass when you have a 40 foot mural that needs to be done in 3 days.....on the job training! “ Anyone who has seen her work can attest to their lively nature. She explains that she “developed that attitude of, ‘it is only paint’ and now if I don’t like it , I will just paint over it or start over again. It takes the fear out of experimentation and allows you to play and explore.” Painter colleague Scott Plaster comments, “I’m continually amazed at Kathy’s work--such energy, life, and color. The same enthusiasm that she brings into all of her ventures she is able to capture in her paintings. We’re so fortunate to have her as a part of our arts group (the Cosmic Cow Society).” Brusnighan’s inspirational works
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began when a friend was recording a new CD. He invited several artists to paint for the entire weekend during the recording at a local church in High Point. She had never painted in front of a crowd that large before. “It was so exciting and frightening at the same time, but I was hooked-to be in the center of so much worship and fellowship while painting out of your heart takes you to a new level of trust,” she explained. She has been painting during worship for the last four years. The process is different from in her studio. Listening and trying to capture the essence of what is being sung, she has 35-60 minutes to complete a painting. She has also painted larger pieces with fellow painter Jean Smith. She has also painted at outdoor concerts, including local shows by the group, Songs of Water. Brusnighan will often find herself working on multiple works at once to prepare them for the furniture market, but she has learned to paint for herself and to paint what she loves, and not worry whether or not it sells. She explains, “I have always wanted my paintings to release the essence of the Creator when people see them. I ask for that before I paint. I just had a show at Cone Hospital and all of the paintings were abstracts. I had several phone calls from patients, nurses, and visitors that commented on the peace
they felt from the paintings. That meant so much to me.” For starting and emerging artists looking for guidance, Brusnighan offers excellent words of wisdom: “Don’t give up. Paint only because you love it. Don’t try to be like someone else; there is only one you and you have a message, a story to paint that no one else can paint. Reach inside and love yourself and enjoy who you are-paint from that place. Surround yourself with people that will support you and encourage you. Find other artists and support each other, and take risks together.” Along with having her own studio at home, Brusnighan now exhibits her work in a number of venues, including Winterlight Gallery in Greensboro, Gallery of the Arts in Winston Salem, Circa Gallery in Asheboro, and several smaller venues around the area. She is also a member of the Cosmic Cow Society (http://cosmiccowsociety.com), a select group of artists working in a variety of media and styles. She is also a member of Oil Painters of America and has just been accepted by Daily Abstract Painters and Daily Painters of North Carolina. You can see more of her work on her website at http://kathybrusnighan.com. She is available for murals, commissions, and art during worship.
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stateoftheartframing.com volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 27
people COOL KID
by Sherry Johnson
kaitlin thompson
A
manda Varner contacted me recently to nominate Kaitlin for the Cool Kid distinction, having worked with Kaitlin on several projects. Kaitlin Thompson has deep roots in Asheboro. Her family has been calling Asheboro home since the 1930s, and have seen lots of changes and growth over the past 80 years. Kaitlin is an only child, and as her mom, Stephanie is fond of saying, “I got it right the first time!” She is 17, and a junior at Asheboro High School. She attends the Asheboro High School Zoo School where she maintains a 4.5 GPA, and her favorite subject is Math. She is a member of the Key Club, and was recently inducted into the National Honor Society. Kaitlin, along with Mrs. Soja, the chemistry teacher at the Zoo School, Cameron Kania and Julie Hodgin recently
28 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
competed in the Polar Bears International Polar Bear Project Contest. They spent the past six months challenging the community to “power down” by offering ideas on how to use less energy to local businesses and schools. “By making small changes we have less of an impact on the environment by reducing carbon emissions.” They are waiting to hear the results from the judging of the contest. Kaitlin also created a phone book recycling program a year ago and to date has recycled almost 2,000 phone books! Kaitlin is the 2010 Asheboro Jaycees Teen Miss Randolph County. Through serving on the court, she has been offered several opportunities to serve Randolph County throughout the year. She has been involved in helping Operation Red Sleigh, Give a Kid a Coat and Teens for Jeans, just to name a few. Currently, they are collecting jeans for the Teens for Jeans Campaign offered through Aeropostale and dosomething. org. Jeans collected will be given to teens living in homeless shelters throughout Randolph County and surrounding communities. She plays varsity volleyball, varsity basketball and varsity softball for Asheboro High School. She is currently co-captain of the basketball team. She also plays travel softball for the Carolina Curve out of Charlotte. They travel throughout North and South Carolina from June - November to play in
tournaments and showcases. Kaitlin plans to major in Exercise Science, and she would like to be a Physical Therapist and work primarily with athletic injuries and rehabilitation. She and her mom love rollercoasters, and when they go on vacation, they will ride EVERYTHING, at least once! Her favorite place to vacation is Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. She loves getting up early in the morning and searching the beach for seashells with her family. She loves animals, and has two cats, Marbelina and Opie, and a Chiweenie named Lucy (for those of you who don’t know what that is, like me, it’s a Dachshund Chihuahua mix). Her all-time favorite movies are Sixteen Candles and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. She loves 80’s movies, attending concerts and shopping (what girl doesn’t). SJ: If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing in this world, what would it be? KT: My one wish would be that everyone would know God’s love and ask Him into their hearts. Everything I have accomplished was done through Him and for Him.
volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 29
news COMMUNITY NEWS
Randolph Arts Guild to host Master Potters from JINGDEZHEN, CHINA
A
sheboro, NC - The Randolph Arts Guild is set to host the 24th Annual North Carolina Potters Conference. This year’s conference, featuring Jingdezhen Porcelain Masters, will be held March 4th, 5th, and 6th in downtown Asheboro, NC and is expected to draw over 200 potters from across the state and nation. The NC Potters Conference is a program of the Randolph Arts Guild that focuses on demonstrations and dialogue by nationally and internationally renowned potters and lectures by thought leaders in the field of ceramics. In the past the conference has featured premier ceramics artists from the United States as well as artists from Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and Australia. Many consider this conference to be setting the pace for other conferences of its kind across the country. Even in light of the caliber of artists that this conference has hosted before - this year’s
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30 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
conference stands out. The 2011 conference marks a significant cultural exchange between two great ceramics traditions; one a very young tradition here in the US with roots - literally in our own back yards, and another from the other side of the world that dates back over 3,000 years. China is synonymous with porcelain and the city of Jingdezhen, China is known throughout the world for the high quality porcelain that is produced there. The artists presenting at the 24th NC Potters Conference are Master Potters trained in the methods and techniques specific to Jingdezhen China and passed down from generation to generation. Pre-registration is required to attend the conference and space is limited. The cost is $200 and includes meals. Interested potters can register online by visiting www. randolphartsguild.com. For more information please call the Randolph Arts Guild at 336629-0399 or email arts@asheboro.com.
citizen JOURNALISM
By Doug High
Make Your Small Business Prosper
M
any small businesses die young. Many struggle to keep their heads above water. Owning and operating a small business is not for sissies. It’s no secret that small businesses have a high mortality rate. It’s also no secret that the mortality rate continues for the next two years. And, even if a small business makes it through those first two perilous years, they can still have a constant, uphill struggle. It doesn’t have to be that way! There is hope for those small businesses that don’t just want to survive, but PROSPER! It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, doesn’t have to mean doing any fancy, and doesn’t mean taking any wild chances. It’s much simpler than that, much, much simpler. When we started our small business, Natural Highs, three years ago, we did some things right: we hired an accountant,
got the proper licenses, declared our tax status, got clear about our mission, and we had a clear business plan. All of that was absolutely necessary to be legal and proper. But, where were the clients to come from? We weren’t born and raised in Randolph County, so we didn’t know everybody and his brother. So what were we to do? For us it was absolutely a no-brainer. We joined the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce. Then we joined the Chamber’s Randolph Professional Networking Group. What a dynamite combination! All I can say is WOW! No, the new clients didn’t come pouring in, but people learned about us and were willing to try us, and that’s all we asked. Then those folks referred us to their friends, and those friends referred us to their friends, and you know the rest of the story. This absolutely could not have happened without our membership and involvement in the Chamber.
So, if you’re a small business that wants more clients, that wants to prosper, and that wants to grow, do what we did: Join the Chamber and a Leads Group. It’s not enough to join the Chamber and sit back, it’s important to network and join a leads group so people can really learn what your business is about. See, I told you it was going to be simple and not cost you an arm and a leg. Call 626-2626 and ask for Amy, Stacey, or George and start thriving.
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wine THE CELLAR
By Dave Johnson
A Luscious, Big-Tasting Red
T
he only thing better than a great bottle of wine is a great bottle of wine with a great story behind it. Such is the case with the Vintage 2007 Heavyweight Red Cabernet Sauvignon which is part of the Scotto family portfolio of wines. They are not the wine makers, but the wine distributors. My research yielded very little about the vineyard, Blue Moon Wines, and how they became affiliated with the Scotto family. Thus, I let my imagination do what it does best and created a possible scenario behind the boxer featured on the label. As the old-time heavyweight fighter pictured infers, there may be a little brawling behind this bottle. The extent of which is a bit of a mystery since I wasn’t able to find a definitive match to “Champ” Jim the Gent, the boxer on the front of the bottle in my research. What I did find was reference to the mafia (which one might expect), specifically James “Jimmy the Gent” Burke who wasn’t a sanctioned heavyweight fighter, but was known for his prowess as a bare-knuckles fighter along with being the architect behind the Lufthansa Heist, a $6 million theft of cash and jewels which, at the time, was the largest robbery ever. I am not suggesting that the Scotto family had mafia ties, just that their label may have been influenced by one of the many characters of the mob. That their family originally hailed from Italy and migrated to the Bronx where they began selling wine shortly after prohibition, makes the mystery behind the boxer on the label all the more interesting.
The truth is, the boxer on the label is probably fictitious and the Scottos, despite their background, are simply very successful wine distributors. The point I am trying to make in this article is that there is much more to enjoying a bottle of wine than the actual liquid in the bottle. And, as anyone that loves wine knows, often times it is one’s imagination that helps bring out the full flavor and bouquet of a particular wine. For me, that was certainly the case with this particular bottle. I was introduced to the Vintage 2007 Heavyweight Red Cabernet Sauvignon by one of my favorite people, Jacquie Reininger the owner of Santosha Yoga Studio at my favorite watering hole, Lumina Wine and Beer. Before I tasted the wine, I had a look at the bottle. I usually make my decision to try a new wine based on the creativity of the label. Although I know one cannot judge a book by its cover, I have found that if I like the label on a bottle of wine, I usually like the wine as well. I should also note here that I am not a huge fan of Cabs. Most are brawny, too dry and lacking in the “big juicy jammy” taste of a Petit Syrah or Merlot that I prefer. Vintage 2007 Heavyweight Red Cabernet Sauvignon is actually not a pedigreed Cab though. It is actually a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (76%), Syrah(14%) and Zinfandel (10%) which intrigued me. Immediately, I knew this wine would not drink like a traditional Cab. On the nose, the blackberry and currant aromas are swift and lingering (I know, we’re drifting into wine speak here, but we’re going to fight our way out
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of this corner). The rich fruit flavors don’t feint or dodge-they’re straight ahead and swarming. And like the best heavyweights, the flavors come at you in combinations and by the time you figure one out, you get hit with another. So just take a couple of sips and then go your corner and catch your breath. Enough of the boxing metaphors. It is no surprise to me that this wine won the Gold Medal at 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, The largest competition of American wines in the world. This is my new favorite wine. It is simply outstanding and versatile enough to be partnered with a cowboy-cut rib-eye or a juicy cheeseburger. Or if you’d prefer, you can drink it with nothing at all and let your imagination run wild...either way, you will not be disappointed. Of course this fine bottle of wine is available at Lumina Wine and Beer for the very lightweight sum of $12.99 per bottle. However, this is certainly a wine worthy of a case purchase. Note: At the top of this article, I am introducing my new wine rating system. From here forward, I will use between one and ten (one representing bath water and ten indicating nectar of the gods) bottles of wine to give you my overall take on the bottle being featured.
Garlic Rib-eye with Blue Cheese Butter By Devin Allen Ingredients - 1/8 cup butter, room temperature - Coarse black pepper - ½ cup Gorgonzola or Blue cheese, room temperature - Kosher salt - 1 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped - Cayenne pepper - 4 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced thinly - 1/8 cup olive oil - 2-12 oz. Ribeye Steaks, choice or select grade, preferably Angus - Paprika Preparation - Combine softened butter, cheese, parsley, a teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon pepper and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Mix well with a spoon or spatula. - Roll mix into a tube shape about the circumference of a silver dollar (picture being able to slice ¼ inch thick round pieces, silver dollar size, off of the ends). - Freeze for 5 minutes then place in refrigerator. - Heat your grill or grill pan to medium high. - Heat oil in a small saucepan on medium heat. Add garlic slices and let cook for 3 to 6 minutes, until softened. Remove with a slotted spoon and let rest, then slice the garlic again lengthwise. - With a sharp pointed knife make horizontal slits in the steaks, then stuff the slivers of garlic in. - Season the steaks liberally with salt, pepper and paprika. - Place steaks on grill or pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes each side, depending upon how you like your steak cooked. - Remove and place on a plate to rest for at least 5 minutes. Tent loosely with foil. - Slice ¼ inch rounds of the butter tube and place 1 or 2 on each steak.
We’re READY and ABLE when your body isn’t. IF YOU’RE HURTING WHEN YOU MOVE A CERTAIN JOINT OR MUSCLE, the worldclass team of physicians at the Human Motion Institute at Randolph Hospital can determine the exact cause of your condition and provide you the most modern treatments available. With proven success in advanced non-surgical therapies, and surgical procedures performed by highly-trained
FRACTURE CARE JOINT CARE
orthopedists who specialize in hip and knee reconstruction, we promise the very best in
REHABILITATION
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SPINE CARE
Our process also includes
SPORTS MEDICINE
comprehensive rehabilitation programs for surgery patients
to assure a steady and thorough recovery. No matter your injury, the Human Motion Institute will help you return to normal activity as quickly and safely as possible.
DR. MEGAN SWANSON, our new joint fellowshiptrained surgeon, joins our skilled team of local orthopedists: Drs. Ranbir Singh, Lance Sisco, Gurmukh Walha and Jeffrey Yaste.
SPORTS MEDICINE YOU CAN TRUST.
336-629-8818 randolphhospital.org
volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 33
body ASK THE EXPERT
by Michael Harmon Michael Harmon is a physical therapist and owner of The Healthy Back & Body Clinic. During his 19 years of experience he has successfully treated thousands of patients with back pain. Distinguishing the four major causes of back pain is the key to successful treatment. The four major causes of back pain are muscular, disc, SI joint dysfunction and piriformis syndrome. Q: My back hurts, is this sciatica?
Michael Harmon is the owner of The Healthy Back Clinic, and the physical therapist responsible for patient care. Michael has a Masters Degree in physical therapy earned at Western Carolina University.
304 Lanier Avenue Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 629-0086
rotation. It attaches to the sacrum and the femur. The sciatic nerve is very close to this muscle, so if the piriformis is overused the muscle will swell and place pressure on the sciatic nerve that leads hip pain or sciatica like pain. Q: How do we “overuse” the piriformis muscle?
A: A great example is to imagine a person working behind a counter in a retail store. A: It very well could be, but many people also This person will constantly turn left and right have other disorders that can mimic sciatica. all day long. It’s the piriformis that rotates our Sciatica is any condition that places pressure hips and our bodies. When the right piriformis on the sciatic nerve. This could be a bulging contracts, we rotate to the left and vice versa. or herniated disc, or an inflamed and swollen However, many other activities of life can muscle that swells and places pressure on cause this muscle to become “overused” the sciatic nerve. The hallmark of sciatica is pain radiating down one or both legs. Q: What is the best prevention for back pain? Q: What are the other major causes of back pain? A: Great question. The most important thing we can do is to keep our “core” postural A: All back pain has some degree of muscle muscles strong. Our skeleton is kept in involvement. Some back pain can be purely constant support by a group of deep muscle muscular while it’s also common to see pain that allows the more superficial power from the sacroiliac joint and what we call muscles to perform work. When the power piriformis syndrome. Sacroiliac joint disorder group of muscles is stronger than the core or SIJ disorder, is a prevalent condition and muscles, an imbalance occurs that leads to difficult to diagnose. It is a rotational shift back pain and a loss of balance. So, 10 to between the sacrum and the Ilium. The SI is a 12 minutes of specific exercises will keep joint that is not supposed to have movement, us balanced and out of pain. You can go to but instead provides support as it bears the my website, thehealthybackclinic.com to find forces of walking, running, or any upright these exercises. motion. One of the most problematic motions is when for example we do things like tie our Q: When you say “stability belt” do you shoe with the foot resting on a high surface, mean the kind that we see employees of or raise our leg when putting on pants, or Home Depot or other places wear? sleeping with one knee brought up high in a “P” position. These all place a “torque” or A: No, it’s a totally different concept. The rotational force on the SI joint that can cause wide belts that you see folks wear in heavy unwanted motion and subsequent pain. lifting occupations are actually bad for your Getting the SI joint “realigned” can be difficult back and that’s why you rarely see them but certainly not impossible. With exercises used anymore. Wearing those types of belts and a well- designed stability belt the SI joint silence the muscles of our backs causing will heal. muscle atrophy. The absolute worst thing we could do. An SI belt is designed to stabilize Q: OK, so what is piriformis syndrome? the SI joint and still allow normal muscle function to occur. A: The piriformis is a muscle that is deep in our buttocks and it contracts to perform hip
34 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
biz
FEATURED BUSINESS
By Sherry Johnson
O
ne of the positive things to come out of the recent economic downturn, in my opinion, is the resurgence of the pioneering American spirit. More people than ever have started their own business and local economies are staying healthy because of it. 1 out of 10 people in the second quarter of 2009 who were unemployed started their own business. That’s 8.7% of the unemployed population, twice the number for the same period of time in 2008. Shari Hardin grew up in Ramseur and attended Eastern Randolph High School. She followed her husband to Florida when he went to college, and they lived there for 10 years. She trained to be a personal chef and is certified by the US Personal Chef Association. When they returned to North Carolina, the closest position he could find as a software engineer was Raleigh, but at least it was close to home. Shari was working part time in a medical practice in Cary, and on Fridays she would bring cupcakes to the office to celebrate the approaching weekend. She solicited flavoring ideas from the staff and she received suggestions on favorite cocktail flavors, turning them into “cuptails”. She refined several of the recipes using their critique and dropped others completely. Using the business and culinary skills she had learned as a personal chef, she started the Bakery on Ladybug Lane. She outfitted her grandparents’ kitchen in Ramseur, received approvals from the State and opened for business in January 2010. Shari makes her cupcakes from scratch, and with the use of all natural ingredients is able to keep the sugar content down by utilizing the fruit’s natural sweetness. On the farm in Ramseur, she grows and harvest blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, persimmons, peaches, apples, pecans, pears and plums. She also grows her own fresh mint. Growing up, everything was grown on the farm and
they were mostly self-sustaining. “I didn’t really appreciate that until now.” She also uses fresh, edible flowers for decorations. Shari is an artist with her cupcake decorations, and often creates cupcakes to celebrate National Food Holidays. However, her cupcakes contain no artificial ingredients or colors. Shari is a huge supporter of local farmers and would love to see more Agritourism in Randolph County, similar to what you find in Europe. “We need to get back to eating and producing local foods, which is good for the economy and healthier for everyone.” Clients can order anywhere from a dozen up to eight dozen at a time. That is the most she can make in one day while maintaining her high standards. It’s best to order your cupcakes with as much notice as possible, since everything is made up fresh daily. Her website lists 30 flavors. Her top requested cupcakes are Strawberry Margarita (cuptail), strawberry puree, orange liqueur, tequila, lime juice; Gyles Turtles (cupcake), a dark chocolate with homemade caramel, chopped pecans and a Swiss meringue butter cream frosting; Buttery Nipple (cuptail), butterscotch liqueur, cream, Irish cream, and homemade butterscotch sauce; and a regular Margarita (cuptail), lime juice, orange liqueur, and tequila. Cuptails do contain liqueurs; however the alcohol cooks out while baking in the oven. Not only does she bake the most wonderful cupcakes in the world, but Shari is an artist when it comes to decorating them and can (within reason) create a special treat for your event – from Bunco to Bah Mitzvah, Ladies Night Out to a Family Reunion. Give her free rein, and you will never be disappointed in the magnificent creations she will present to you. Check out her website at www.thebakeryonladybuglane.com or on Facebook. You can also call Shari at 336-824-8088.
Bakery on Ladybug Lane
volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 35
soul DAILY DEVOTION
by Rev. Peter Panagore
Stinky
O
ne dark and foggy island night, I cut across the lawn coming home from church. Nearing our deck, I heard an animal eating from the dog’s bowl by the backdoor. Figuring it was my faithful pooch, I decided to see how good a watch-dog he was. I snuck up, leapt the railing, and landed next to his bowl. It was a skunk. He sprayed me point blank. I can’t say who was more surprised. Next, I went inside to tell my wife, who immediately sniffed the trouble, telling me, OOOOOUT! Outside, I took off my clothes, discovering the nasty stench never reached my skin. Amen. The next day, I was set to burn, bury, or otherwise destroy my jeans, shirt and jean-jacket. The phone rang. It was an old church lady who, having heard about the big event, called to say, “Best thing to do is hang’em in the fog for a month. They’ll be clean, by and by.” I did, and she was right. It turns out fog brightens whites, too. Life can toss us an unpleasant surprise now and again. Generally speaking, older folks have seen it all, and know a thing or two about dealing with trouble. Faith communities -- like churches and synagogues or mosques -- are one of the few places in our society where the young and the old can interact. It’s a fine place to learn things you never thought you needed to know. Let’s Pray: God, we thank You for the wisdom of our elders and the chance to learn from them. Amen. Today’s Thought Is: Get to know someone of a different generation.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL • SPIDER VEIN TREATMENTS • CHEMICAL PEELS • MICRODERMABRASION REDUCTION OF BROWN SPOTS & FRECKLES • PRESCRIPTION SKIN CARE AIRBRUSH TANNING • BOTOX & RESTYLANE LASER SKIN TIGHTENING
Pamela A. Penner, MD
336-636-5100
Laser & Cosmetic Center
36 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
515 D West Salisbury St. • Asheboro
summitlaserandcosmeticcenter.com
news COMMUNITY NEWS
H
ospice of Randolph County was founded in 1981, by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to offer people the opportunity to die at home with care and comfort. It took a year to develop the program, organize and train volunteers, and on August 23, 1983 they accepted their first patient. That first year they were privileged to provide comfort to 28 people in their own homes. Fast forward 28 years, and Hospice of Randolph County just opened their Randolph Hospice House on Vision Drive, a place of comfort and peace with a professional clinical staff on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for people who, for whatever reason, are not able to be cared for in their own home. They have accepted their first three residents as of February 1, but have the capacity for ten total. They have plans to break ground and add an additional 6 beds within the next year or two. With this small number of patients, they are able to meet their needs and provide each individual high quality personalized care. The staff is made up of a medical director, facility director, nurses, nursing aides, social workers, bereavement counselors, clergy or other spiritual counselors, as well as many trained volunteers. Hospice of Randolph County serves people with illnesses such as Congestive Heart Failure, ALS, HIV, Emphysema, Alzheimer’s disease, and Cancer. The Randolph Hospice House takes residents who have received a terminal diagnosis from their physician, which means they have been given less than six months to live should their disease run its natural course. The care that hospice provides is to help make the most of the last months of the patient’s life by keeping them comfortable and improving their quality of life. The focus is on care, not cure, and the expert management of pain and other symptoms. Hospice addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient, their family and loved ones. With the coordinated care that hospice provides, each individual’s needs are constantly being reevaluated by the team, deciding what level of care and where it should be administered. A patient could actually get better with the focused team 37 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
By Sherry Johnson approach offered by hospice and “graduate,” no longer needing the program for a time. One of the great things about hospice care is that you do not need a physician to refer someone to hospice. Anyone can make a referral, the patient themselves, family members, friends, or even neighbors. Hospice then evaluates the need on a case by case basis and finds out if it’s what the patient and their family wants. If so, they contact the physician and begin working closely together to offer the level of care the patient requires. Most insurance companies offer a hospice benefit attached to each medical policy. Medicare pays the vast majority of care, and if a patient isn’t eligible for Medicare, Hospice House offer self-pay patients a sliding scale fee structure based on their financial situation. The House is very comfortable, and has been beautifully furnished with art from local Randolph County & North Carolina artists. Dr. Scott Murkin, the Medical Director, has several of his handmade quilts hanging in the facility to add a beautiful touch of home to the décor. You do not feel like you are walking through a medical facility when touring the House. There are several common areas where the families of patients can congregate, cook meals, or just relax and spend time together. Wi-Fi is offered throughout the building for visiting relatives. Patients are encouraged to bring personal items from home to make them more comfortable. They are even allowed scheduled visits with family pets, although they are not allowed to spend the night. Hospice of Randolph County has been growing tremendously over the past 20 years, and through the assistance of individuals, businesses and foundations in Randolph County they have been able to provide this care to County residents. There are a number of ways throughout the year you can support them, including their largest fundraiser, the Auction in the fall. Memorials are available to honor loved ones who have passed, and you are encouraged to visit their website at www. hospiceofrandolph.org for more information on their programs as well as ways you can help.
Randolph Hospice House Opens
On the Side of Grace By Dave Johnson
R
ecently, the Ad Council launched a new advertising campaign for Feeding America to raise awareness about hunger here in the United States. This was in response to a report published by our government stating 50 million Americans suffer from hunger. The campaign features tag lines like “Hunger Listens to Music, Too”, “Hunger Reads the Morning Paper, Too”, “Hunger Sings in the Shower, Too” and, my personal favorite...”Hunger Has a Foam Finger, Too”. The campaign, titled Hunger is a Real Story featured Ben Affleck and Matt Damon along with some other high profile actors goal is raise awareness of the fact that 1 in 6 Americans struggles with Hunger and that those affected by this are just like you and I. When I was first exposed to this campaign I became incensed. Although their intentions are good, the campaign is very bad and does little to shed light on the very serious problem of hunger in America. In fact, in my humble opinion, it makes a mockery of it. Hunger doesn’t read the morning paper because they can’t afford a subscription. Hunger doesn’t sing in the shower because the water was turned off because they didn’t have the money to pay the bill. Hunger may listen to music, but really – how does that help? I have absolutely no comment about the hunger having a foam finger except...really? The ad agency, Cutwater, that concocted this extremely poorly thought out campaign, obviously has no experience with hunger. Hunger is real and the fact that 1 in 6 of our fellow Americans struggles with it is appalling. One local organization that knows hunger very well is the Christian United Outreach Center (CUOC), a non-profit organization for Randolph County whose headquarters are located on Sunset Avenue here in Asheboro. Among their many programs, they are responsible for operating the local food pantry. If you are not familiar with the local food pantry, it is a place for people who cannot afford to buy groceries to apply for assistance and get them at no cost. “But what about Food Stamps?” you may be asking, as I did. The sad reality is, there are hard-working people out there that make too much money to qualify for food stamps, but after the mortgage or
rent, utilities, car payment and insurance are made, have very little, left over for food. Hunger is a lot of things, and the CUOC has encountered every one of them. Founded in 1994 by a partnership among local churches of the Christian faith, the CUOC’s mission is to meet people in their place of need, following the example of Christ. Along with the food pantry, the CUOC has other programs to help facilitate the needs of their clients. These programs include: Short Term Financial Crisis Intervention, Financial Literacy Classes, Medical Assistance Program (prescription drugs), Project New Start, Project Independence (transitional housing program) and a new program, Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Since we are limited by space, I am going to focus on the food pantry. For information about the CUOC’s other great programs and how you can help, please visit their website at cuoc.org My goal in writing this article was to raise awareness of the CUOC and their programs because one of our clients, Beckie Johnson from Carillon Assisted Living, is hosting a “Handyman Auction” to benefit them. Instead of just writing an article on the fund raiser, I thought it would be beneficial for those thinking about attending the “Handyman Auction” to know more about the beneficiary, so I reached out to Jerry Hill, the Director of the CUOC to learn a little more about what they do, their daily challenges and how people in the community can help them accomplish their goals. What I discovered, specifically about the food pantry and the number of people it serves, was extremely eye opening. Jerry Hill began working for the CUOC as the Interim Director on November 1, 1993. A few years later he was officially made Director. The CUOC is funded volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 38
through donations from approximately 150 churches throughout Randolph County, HUD, FEMA, The United Way & various foundations, businesses and local individuals. Jerry, along with Debbie Cole, the Assistant Director, manages a very small staff of full and parttime employees and the numerous volunteers that are essential in the organization’s operations. Together, Jerry and Debbie balance each other out and keep the CUOC running smoothly. But, smooth is the last thing that comes to mind when a person first enters the CUOC. In fact, pandemonium might more accurately describe the atmosphere at first glance. But, it only takes a few minutes to discover that what first seems like chaos, is actually a well-oiled machine. The entrance to the CUOC’s offices and food pantry is located in the back of their Sunset Avenue thrift and antique store. The door opens into a waiting room with rows of chairs, which were all filled with people waiting for their turn in the food pantry or to apply for assistance. What I didn’t expect where the sheer number of folks that were there the day I met with Jerry and the flow of people coming and going never eased up the entire time (almost three hours). It became abundantly clear that the number of people in need for the CUOC’s services was far greater than I anticipated. When they open the doors at 10am, some mornings the line of people is around the corner and down the sidewalk back towards Sunset Avenue. The fact is 120 to 140 new client families enter the CUOC requesting assistance every month. The one thing that these families come to the CUOC looking for more than any assistance is HOPE. Hope that there will be food on their table for supper. Hope that they can face their landlord and not be evicted this month into the cold. Hope that they can make it to work tomorrow. Supporting the CUOC is giving people HOPE for a better tomorrow. January 2011 saw a tremendous rise in the need in the community. The CUOC averages approximately 3,000 pounds of food per day that is provided to families. For the last two weeks of January, they saw that increase to over 4,000 pounds of food a day. Please let me restate that number, 4,000 pounds of food every day is carried out of the food pantry and sent home to feed local people who without this assistance, would go hungry. If you break those numbers down, the average family receives 70 pounds or 25 pounds of food per person. Based on individual assessment, that number may be higher or lower – but that’s 160 people per day on average that are being helped. At that rate, they will go through approximately 64,000 pounds of food in a month. 39 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
If you live in Asheboro, you know that in October of this past year the CUOC ran out of food. They had to close their doors on Thursday afternoon early and didn’t know when they would be able to reopen. Jerry prayed about the situation, and he posted the need on Facebook that afternoon, hoping for a miracle. Facebook post: Jerry Hill: If you haven’t heard Christians United Outreach Center is out of food. For the first time since 1994 we had to put up an out of food sign. We are going to the Second Harvest Food Bank on Monday to get all they will let us have. Churches are collecting and drives are going on. That is still not enough. Please go to the grocery and pick up a few cans or cases.” On Friday morning, people started showing up at the door with bags of food. Pickup trucks were back up to the door and unloaded into the pantry. Fox 8 featured the CUOC on their evening newscast. Everyone on Facebook was reposting and sharing the desperate need. On Sunday, they had a crew at the center to receive food that had been collected at local churches during worship and throughout the community. One gentleman who stopped in with donations said that he passes the CUOC on his way to work every day, sees people lined up for its services, and has never stopped in. He told Jerry he would not let that ever happen again. The Courier Tribune ran a front page story to make the community aware. By Monday morning, the pantries at CUOC were overflowing and they had collected an additional $19,000 in cash donations. This community effort was awe inspiring, and I’m sure it brought tears to many eyes to see God’s work being done, however – the need is still great and just as dire. At 4,000 pounds of food per day, the CUOC could empty out the cupboards again very quickly. Please consider helping in any way you are able – through donations of food, clothing, volunteering at the Outreach Center, or donating services to the Handyman Auction being held by Carillon Assisted Living on March 12th (see ad in this publication), or even bidding high amounts at that same auction for services. Please do not let this vital community resource find itself in need of calling desperately for help again. As I’ve often said to my children, “There but for the grace of God, go I.” There is no truer statement. Circumstances can change in an instant, and you could find yourself having to swallow your pride and stand in line at the CUOC to fill out an application and ask for help. Trust me when I tell you that judgment needs to be checked at the door, and every person in that waiting room has found themselves with a vital need … a need for HOPE.
zoo ZEAL
By Tom Gillespie, N.C. Zoo staff
A volunteer reads to children during a zoo special event.
I
Volunteers man a ‘Smart Kart,’ giving visitors animal facts and answering questions.
NC Zoo Volunteering Offers Exciting Opportunities
f you want to make a difference for a day, over the summer or for a lifetime, consider volunteering at the North Carolina Zoo. There is something for everyone--from wildlife rehabilitation and exhibit interpreters to gift shop workers and zoo hosts. The zoo is currently recruiting volunteers, and orientation classes are offered one Saturday each month through May and again in September. Volunteers are an essential part of the N.C. Zoo. Their time, skills, knowledge and expertise compliment the efforts of the organization and help the zoo better serve the community. There are many exciting and challenging opportunities to accommodate varied interest, abilities and time commitments. Opportunities include: Wildlife rehabilitation volunteers provide routine daily care for injured and orphaned native wildlife until they are ready for release back into the wild. Additionally, they provide care for the zoo’s education animals. Giraffe-Deck Operators assist Visitors Services staff by greeting guests, collecting tickets, distributing feed and maintaining order in line and on the giraffe observation deck. Exhibit interpreters/docents are stationed at various exhibits throughout the zoo and interact with visitors to provide information regarding natural history and the conservation of the world’s wildlife. Zoo host volunteers are front-line members of the zoo and greet visitors to provide information on how to best visit the park, locate exhibits, use the transport system, locate available services, obtain medical assistance and answer questions. Gift Shop volunteers spend their day in climate-controlled zoo stores, where they greet customers, stock shelves, clean & organize sales floor, assist with bagging and various other duties as needed. These volunteers are asked to commit to one day a week. There are also many exciting project-based opportunities for businesses, organizations, sororities, fraternities, clubs, school groups and scouts. These projects include hosting a zoo special event, small-exhibit construction, painting, landscaping, mulching, weeding, tram washing and much more. Minimum age for volunteers is 16, but there are some opportunities for parents and children (minimum age of 12) to volunteer together. To learn more about volunteering at the zoo, visit www.nczoo.org and complete an on-line application or contact the zoo’s Volunteer Coordinator, Toy Jarrett, at 336-879-7712 for orientation and training dates.
A volunteer (yellow shirt) helps a keeper open nesting burrows at the zoo’s arctic bird exhibit.
Volunteers routinely act as exhibit interpreters and answer questions for visitors.
volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 40
Asheboro Elastics Corporation (AEC) Celebrates 25 Years of Success Growth and Diversification have Transformed AEC into a Global Entity
B
uilding on a firm foundation of excellent quality, good value and superb service, Asheboro Elastics Corporation is celebrating its 25th anniversary and launching into its future with a continued commitment to its customers and new visual branding. Twenty-five years of growth fueled with well-designed narrow fabric products, investment in new technologies and expansion into worldwide markets have positioned AEC as a significant supplier with major apparel, medical, home furnishings and industrial markets. Keith Crisco, one of AEC’s founding partners and North Carolina’s current Secretary of Commerce commented, “When we started our company we were in the insert elastic business; now
we make a wide range of narrow fabrics. We’ve built our company over time by taking good care of our customers and diversifying our products to reach broader audiences. Now our narrow fabrics are in everything from clothing to mattresses, medical devices and automobiles. However, our mission, company culture and commitment to Asheboro haven’t changed. ” With the 25th anniversary milestone, AEC is celebrating its most successful year yet and is energizing its branding with a new logo. In creating a new logo, AEC’s management team chose to honor the company’s history using its initials and the opportunities for continued growth with a positioning line simply stating: Narrow Fabrics. Infinite Possibilities. “The product possibilities we see on our horizon are incredible,” said Jeff Crisco, Vice President. “Our customers ask us to solve problems for them and our research and development team does a fantastic job of creating solutions. As new needs crop up, we can creatively address them with new products.” The Company is hosting employee
news COMMUNITY NEWS
dinners to celebrate the 25-year milestone and to thank the people who helped build the company’s success. “Asheboro is our company headquarters and our community,” noted John Crisco, Vice President. “Our family has engaged in leadership here and we support many local organizations from Asheboro City Council to the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, the NC Zoo, Boy Scouts and Rotary.” AEC is a family company: sons Jeff and John Crisco and son-inlaw, Gifford Del Grande have provided years of leadership for the Company’s marketing and development efforts. Continued expansion into global markets and manufacturing customized products for current customers and for niche markets are in AEC’s future. Keith Crisco commented, “In addition to manufacturing in Asheboro, we have a plant in Central America and our products are sold worldwide. We will continue to grow our market share here and in new markets. As we celebrate this anniversary, we’re envisioning our future. Narrow Fabrics. Infinite Possibilities.”
volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 41
ASK THE EXPERT
Q:
hat can I do to prevent looking like my Mom? I don’t W want a facelift...
A:
Umbreen Chaudhary, M.D. is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery. If you would like to ask Dr. Chaudhary a question to be featured in this column please visit Rejuvenation Medspa’s Facebook fan page or email the question to rejuvenationmedspa@gmail.com
I am often asked this question! Most women want to prevent aging like their mother has but still “look like themselves”. They do not want to look “pulled” or “fake”. For those women who are starting to notice skin laxity or sagging of the skin, I recommend Thermage treatment. Thermage delivers heat deep into the skin to tighten existing collagen and stimulate new collagen growth. Collagen is what gives skin it’s firmness. Thermage can be used on most areas of the body including face, eyes, stomach and thighs. Dermal filler may also be used to build up volume in those areas where we lose firmness in the face. A liquid “face lift” is perfect for those who want to avoid surgery. When placed correctly, dermal fillers can provide the fullness and lift associated with younger skin.
Q: A:
ow do I know if the veins in my legs are spider veins or H varicose veins? Is the treatment the same for both?
pider veins are typically not raised or painful. They are S usually red or blue in color and are considered a cosmetic issue and can be treated with sclerotherapy or laser treatments. Varicose veins are the large “rope-like” veins which are often one-quarter inch or larger in diameter. They are usually painful and cause swelling and discomfort. If left untreated, they can even result in ulcerations. An ultrasound will determine if a patient has “reflux” in the vein. Once this has been established, the patient can be treated with endovenous laser therapy. With endovenous laser therapy, no surgery is required, and the entire procedure can be performed in less than one hour in our office. 42 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 43
citizen JOURNALISM
by Janet Harllee
Getting to the Heart of Humor
T
here are two types who love Valentine’s Day… Hallmark and… the florists. After all, Valentine’s Day is the single largest seasonal cardsending event after Christmas. Every year 1 billion Valentine cards are sent out worldwide, according to the U.S. Greeting Card Association. More than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold and around 110 million roses, mostly red, will be sold and delivered during the Valentine’s Day time period. I remember, in elementary school, we would get a box of cards that had different sayings on the front like, ‘Be Mine’, or ‘You’re My Valentine’. On the back we wrote our name and the name of the person we were giving it to. We gave one to each classmate, even those you might prefer not to. Mamma would always say, “You gotta’ show ‘em that you love ‘em, even if you don’t like ‘em sometimes.” My carefully made stapled construction paper pocket that hung on my chair held all of my Valentine cards from that day. I took it home and looked at each card and who they were from. Just thinking about it brings warm thoughts, great memories. In the third grade, I had a crush on David. He gave me a candy Valentine heart wrapped in a Kleenex that said, “Kiss Me”. So, I did. He used the Kleenex to wipe my kiss off of his face. Today, kids have choices between SpongeBob Square Pants to Disney to Barbie cards. I guess even Valentine cards change over time. The catchy verses may change to match current trends, but I hope that the sweet sentiments are still the same. My husband and I usually exchange Valentine bears. One year he gave me a bear holding a pillow in the shape of big, red “hot” lips. When you squeezed it, it played “Wild Thing.” One of my friends told me that her husband had drawn a heart in the snow at her workplace and wrote “I love you”. It was there
44 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
before she got to work. What would I like this Valentine’s Day? The “perfect day”, customized to spend with my husband. I wonder what kind of Valentine bear he will give me this year? Maybe it will wave a banner saying, “I Love You Valentine”, and sing “Happy Valentine’s Day” Elvis-style. Valentine’s Day was designed to celebrate love and the confirmation of that love. I am usually disappointed that Valentine’s Day has become another highly advertised holiday. But, once I am over that disillusion, I realize that it is the little things that can make the biggest difference. “My Valentine” has done a good job of showing me how valued I am to him 24/7 and 365. He makes sure that my car is checked regularly, helps with the laundry and grocery shopping, and tells me how beautiful I am even with my night guard, nose strip, and out of control hair, and brings me my favorite mocha, now that’s love! What will you give your Valentine this year? Whether it is a friend or spouse, why not give them humor with heart. It is a known fact that humor improves relationships, reduces stress, and is a great way to keep a positive attitude. The Bible says that laughter is good medicine. Humor and laughter gives balance to our hectic lives. Here are some ideas to kick-start your creativity: -Stuff his/her car with red heart balloons -Make a yard sign to declare your love in public -Wear a sandwich board made with hearts to their workplace -Write a poem or song -Stand outside the house and sing his/her favorite love song Helen Keller once said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” Yes, Valentine’s Day can feel stressful and disappointing. So revolt! Do the unusual! Create your very own Valentine’s Day celebration! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Dr. Beth Hodges is First in Randolph County to Pass Hospice Boards
Medical Director receives certification in hospice and palliative medicine
D
r. Beth Hodges, medical director for Community Home Care and Hospice in Asheboro, becomes first physician in Randolph County to receive board certification in hospice and palliative medicine. Certification through the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (ABHPM) is a comprehensive program for evaluating physician knowledge, skills and attitudes to assure that a physician has achieved competence for practice in a given field. Certification provides assurance that a physician is able to deliver optimum care in a specific area of medicine. “I am proud to be the first physician in the county to have this certification,” said Dr. Hodges. “I have proudly been a part of Community Hospice providing care to families across Randolph County facing end-of-life needs for several years now and enjoy working with the wonderful staff who not
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only focuses on the patients needs but their families as well,” she added. Dr. Hodges has been a medical director for Community Home Care and Hospice for almost six years. She has been practicing medicine in Asheboro for 12 years. She is a family physician at Hodges Family Practice, treating all ages and specializing in preventive medicine. Hospice care is delivered by a qualified team of doctors, professional nurses, social workers, clergy and volunteers. Services provided through Community Home Care and Hospice include skilled nursing care is available, if necessary, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; assistance with personal care and feeding; help in planning for end-of-life issues; grief and loss support; spiritual care; medication, supplies and equipment related to terminal condition.
Pancake Day & Auction Fayetteville Street Christian School 151 W. Pritchard St. • Asheboro
T EA AGE N S CA AU OU & S Y S L AL AKE NC A P
Tickets-$5 Children 5 & Under Eat FREE! Must Present Ticket at Door!!
Friday, February 25, 2011 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Take-out & Delivery Available
(Delivery available for 5 or more plates only - call) (336) 629-1383
Live Auction Promptly at 6:30 p.m.
volume1 issue 7 asheboromagazine.com 45
Community Events
February 17 – Thrifty Thursday Movie Night, Sunset Theatre, 234 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, Showtime 6 & 8 pm. Admission $5 includes ticket, small popcorn and small drink. LIFE AS WE KNOW IT - Two single adults (Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel) become caregivers to an orphaned girl when their mutual best friends die in an accident. For more information call 626-1240.
February & March
Asheboro, 9am-5pm daily. www.randolphartsguild. com for more information, scheduling and pricing.
March 12 – 20 - 18TH Annual Kovack Pottery Spring Festival, 1298 Fork Creek Mill Road, Seagrove, 9am to 5pm daily. FREE. Craig & Michelle Kovacks annual Spring festival features hand-turned limited edition pottery with certificates of authenticity available only on these special days. Door prizes! For February 18 – Friday Night Bluegrass featuring Solid Foun- more information visit http://kovackpottery.com. dations, Sunset Theatre, 234 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, 7pm. Admission $5 in advance/$7 at the door. March 15 – 63rd Annual Asheboro Kiwanis Club Pancake Day, National Guard Armory, 1430 S Fayetteville Street, February 18 -19 – 52nd Annual 2011 North Carolina Jr Asheboro, NC 6am to 8pm. Tickets are $5 and can be purMiss Pageant, Greensboro Coliseum Complex, 7pm. They will chased from any Kiwanis member or at the door. celebrate 23 contestants from across the state and the 2010 North Carolina Jr Miss Hannah McMillan. The program will March 18 – Friday Night Bluegrass featuring True Grass, award $25,000 in cash scholarships to the representative, Sunset Theatre, 234 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, 7pm. Adfinalists and preliminary winners. mission $5 in advance/$7 at the door. February 19-20 – Winterfest, Seagrove. Winterfest is a good time to break the grip of cabin fever with a visit to Seagrove, the largest potter’s community in the Southeast. Participating potters’ shelves will be newly stocked following the busy holiday season with many shops debuting exciting new shapes and colors for the new year. Participating potters may also serve refreshments and give demonstrations of pottery production.
March 19 – Seagrove Fiddler’s Convention, 528 Old Plank Road, Seagrove, 7-9 pm, Admission Charged. For more information contact Brenda Harrelson 336-873-7789.
April 7-9 - Big Lick Bluegrass Festival, Big Lick Festival Park, NC 205. Gates open on Thursday at 6 pm for open mic, Friday 2-10 pm, Saturday 12-11pm. More information and ticket prices can be found at www.biglickbluegrass.com or call February 20 – The Northwestern Randolph County Arts Jeff Branch at 704-985-6987. Council Reception for Douglas Hoover, Ragan House, 118 Trindale Road, Archdale. 2-4pm FREE. His art will be on dis- April 9 – 2011 Gala for Children, Kyle Petty’s Farm, The play until March 28th. Info: Cara Beven at 336-861-6363. Randolph County Partnership for Children will host its annual Gala for the Children, based on the popular Lucy CousFebruary 24 – Rock the Runway, Empire Room, 203 S Elm ins book, “Maisy at the Farm.” Each year the Gala is themed Street, Greensboro, 7pm. Goodwill Industries of Central around a well known children’s book. The Gala will be held North Carolina (Triad Goodwill) will host a runway featuring on Kyle Petty’s 400 acre farm in a spectacular million dollar day, work and play trends for women and men, at low prices. “barn” straight out of a page from Architectural Digest. The A cocktail reception will be at 6 pm, raffle tickets for prizes event will feature live music, dinner, dancing, beer and wine, more than $3,000 for sale. Proceeds go to Goodwill’s mis- and a fabulous live and silent auction. The ATTRACTIONS sion of helping local residents with barriers to employment BAND (Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame) will provide a fun obtain job training. Tickets are $25. Information can be found filled evening of dancing to beach, shag and your favorite oldat www.goodwillshow.org. ies. Funds raised through this gala support the Partnership’s endowment, The Children’s Future Fund, created to sustain February 25-27 – Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Sunset Thea- programs for young children. tre, 234 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, 7:30pm Friday and Saturday & 2:30 pm on Sunday.$10 adults, $8 students. Tickets Individual tickets are available for $50. Sponsorships are available at the Randolph Arts Guild/Moring Arts Center, 123 available at the $2,500 (presenting sponsors), $1,000, Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, 336-629-0399. This Neil Simon $600, and $300 levels. Malt-O-Meal Corporation is a presentcomedy tells the story of Barney Cashman, who at age 47 has ing sponsor. Sponsors at other levels include Commonwealth decided that life should be something better than just “nice.” Hosiery, Technimark, Bank of the Carolinas, Randolph Bank, So after 23 years of marriage to his high school sweetheart, Kris Julian, Bert Stone, Leslie Green, Randolph Oil, Sheetz, Pat he’s going to have an affair. In three acts, he brings three dif- and Gene Holder, Pam Hill, Advisors Financial Center, Stacy ferent women to his mother’s unoccupied apartment (at least, and Chris Griffin, Lowe’s Food, Asheboro Fire & Security, Thounoccupied until 5:00), and has three experiences he will re- masville Medical Center, Dr. Peter and Dana DeShaw-Tucich, member the rest of his life – not, however, in the way he had Lynne Qualls,and Thermaco, Inc. For more information about planned. sponsorship benefits, please contact Leslie Green at 6292128, ext. 12, or lgreen@randolphkids.org. March 4-6 - 24th Annual North Carolina Potters Conference, Presenting Masters of Jingdezhen Porcelain, Downtown 46 ASHEBORO Magazine February 2011
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