Asheboro Magazine, October 2010, Volume 1, Issue 3

ASHEBORO

magazine

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october 2010

meridian internal medicine

putting the‘care’ back in healthcare

feature story

zoo zeal

meeting mom after 44 years

october filled with fun at North Carolina Zoo

community character brooke mcbride

connect your life to

Wildlife 2010 ZooFEST Schedule

Fall celebrations of the exotic, the endangered, and the mysterious.

AFRICAN PAVILION VIOLET SHOW........Oct. 1-31 NATIVE AMERICAN ART Dance, Music, & Mystery .........................................Oct. 2 AFRICAN ART Dance, Music, & Mystery .........................................Oct. 9

HOWL-O-Ween ..............................................................Oct. 16 Hear the howls and tales of the Red Wolves.

BOO at the ZOO .............................................Oct. 23 & 24

A magical weekend with plenty of Halloween family fun.

BATOLOGY...........................................................Oct. 30 & 31

nczoo.org 800.488.0444 asheboro

track us

volume1 issue 3 asheboromagazine.com 3

letters

Dear Reader, Welcome to the first printed edition of Asheboro Magazine. If you haven’t yet had a chance to view our August & September digital editions, please check them out at www.asheboromagazine. com. I’m sitting here writing this with my feet up, which are sore after walking the 38th Annual Fall Festival – not once, not twice – but three days in a row. I met so many awesome people at the festival, and learned so much about what makes this area unique. It’s not the mountains, it’s not the animals at the zoo, it’s the residents of this town and this county.

I look forward to meeting each and every one of my new Asheboro friends on Facebook, and I made a great start at the Festival. I love walking up to someone’s booth and having them tell me, “We are friends on Facebook!” It happens a lot, and I hope it continues because my goal is to meet each and every one of the people who have taken the time to ‘friend’ me, and become a fan of our magazine on Facebook. We look forward to learning more about all of our readers, because that’s where the stories come from that you find in the magazine.

Please look inside for great articles on local happenings: meet a group of square dancers that meet every other

from the publisher

Friday and practice their technique; learn more about a new art society called the Cosmic Cow; read about Brooke McBride, a local singer/ songwriter who plans to write a song with Taylor Swift, and check out a little known cricket field, in Climax, North Carolina.

Our goal is to bring you articles about things that you might not have heard of, even if you have lived here all your life. But if you are “in the know” on something, please contact me and share it. We want to offer you, our reader, a chance to be a part of your monthly magazine, and have a hand in shaping it. We were asked recently what our “editorial” calendar is – frankly, we don’t have one. We like to be dynamic and responsive, so on a moment’s notice we can put something in the magazine of importance to the community.

If you haven’t seen one of our event magazines, please take a moment and check them out at www. asheboroevents.com.

When we attend an event, we end up with lots of pictures that just sit on our hard drive – what better way to commemorate a fun event and give something back to the people who work so hard to put them on, than to post them in a picture magazine online. Check out the one we posted for Fall Festival – the pictures say it all!

We are diligently working on November’s Holiday edition and look forward to bringing you Asheboro Magazine on a monthly basis. Please let us know if there is an event, idea or person that we should connect with for material. This is your magazine, it’s written about you and your community, for you. Own it, and share in the fun!

4 ASHEBORO Magazine October 2010

Sincerely,

Sherry

Sherry Johnson, Publisher facebook.com/asheboromagazine

w w w. a s h e b o r o m a g a z i n e . c o m T | 3 3 6 . 73 6 . 8 5 4 6 F | 866.559.2920

Content deadline for the October edition is October 29, 2010.

PUBLISHER Sherry B. Johnson

sherry@asheboromagazine.com

VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT David A. Johnson dave@asheboromagazine.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Lauren Johnson

lauren@asheboromagazine.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

production@asheboromagazine.com

This month’s cover photo was provided by Dave Johnson taken on location at Meridian Internal Medicine. If you would like to submit a photo or any other information to be featured in Asheboro Magazine, please e-mail your files to photos@ asheboromagazine.com. If sending pictures, make sure files are 300 dpi and large enough to fill an 8 1/2 x 11 space.

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.

october 2010

table of contents

departments

features

from the publisher

dave 2.0 beta

cosmic cow society turns heads

brooke mcbride

11

No matter which way you carve it (intended pun!), and no matter what name you call it (squash, pumpkin, gourd, Cucurbita, or fruit), the traditional jack-o-lantern carving party is a wonderful family event and an excellent alternative to trick-ortreating. And those big, flat seeds should go back in the ground.

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12 15

editorial the arts

community character community news

randolph squares-friendship set to music cross road retirement community twenty-seven and counting

16 asheboro in pictures 22 business buzz

cricket in climax?

20

letters

6

the many faces of a pumpkin

18

4

Chances are, if you overheard a conversation about cricket in Climax, you might think “well, yes there are. And grasshoppers, bees, butterflies and all sorts of other insects.”

But the cricket I am referring to is the sport, not the insect. Climax, North Carolina is home to a world-class cricket field thanks to Mark Hobson, a Great Britain native who now calls North Carolina home..

safe-t-works, inc.-employee screening solutions

23 zoo zeal

october filled with fun at the NC Zoo

comforting

meeting mom 44 years later

losing weight is an inside job

She was whisked away from the delivery room, her mother never even laid eyes on her.

As the mother recovered from birth, walking the hallways to encourage healing in her body, she came upon the large window to the nursery. Her heartstrings tugged and her feet moved forward.

“i hate chardonnay”

26 wine pairing recipe

24 daily devotion

25 health & wellness 26 the cellar

prosciutto and apple stuffed pork chops with apple pan jus

by devin allen

27 travel tales

getting there is half the fun

28 restaurant review timothy’s fine dining

30 calendar of events

meridian internal medicine putting the ‘care’ back in healthcare

7

Bring up the topic of healthcare with most people today and very few will have anything positive to say about it. In fact, with insurance companies covering less, premiums costing more and the confusion health care professionals often experience in our managed care system, the patients are ultimately the ones that pay, and not just in dollars and cents.

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editorial

dave 2.0 beta RANDOLPH-ASHEBORO 2010-2011 After School Fun Club.

I am Dave and dave 2.0 beta is a project I am working on that helps people who want to start their own business by providing information and other resources that may not be freely available anywhere else. It is my goal to show everyone that, contrary to what we’ve all been told, starting a business is not difficult and it doesn’t necessarily take a lot of capital either. Coming soon: a blog, podcast, video series and free seminars on all topics related to starting your own business.

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all Festival has come and gone.

This was my first and it will certainly not be my last. I had a great time and really enjoyed meeting the Asheboro Magazine readers that went out of their way to introduce themselves to us. I ate too much funnel cake and drank too much fresh squeezed lemonade, but I suppose there are worse things that could happen to a person. All in all, I had a blast and I know everyone else in my family did too.

The Fall Festival is just one more gem that makes Asheboro a fantastic place to call home.

There were some lessons to be learned at the Fall Festival, especially in the area of marketing. If you don’t know already, I am a marketing geek.

I have been in the marketing industry in one capacity or another, my entire career. I especially enjoy helping small business owners get the most out of their marketing dollars. Most people didn’t start a business because they love marketing; I did. Along with the great people, food and drink, there were some great lessons to be learned about marketing at the Fall Festival. Here is a sampling. I will post more to my Dave 2.0 beta blog.

1. There is no reason not to except credit cards-Nowadays, taking and processing credit cards is so easy that, there is no reason not to. PayPal will let anyone with an account have the ability to process credit cards for a small monthly fee. On top of that, they offer some great tools to process cards at a venue like the Fall Festival. They have applications for most handheld devices that allow anyone to take credit card payments through their cell phone, iPad or laptop. If you don’t take credit cards, you are losing business and lots of it.

Here are two examples:

a. A hot sauce company that had delicious sauces accepted credit cards.

The business owner had an iPad and the application that allowed her to process my credit card. Since I don’t carry much cash, this made it convenient for me to buy three bottles. While I was making my purchase, another person stopped by and I heard him say “Honey (to his wife), they do take credit cards. Let’s get your brothers some for Christmas.”

b. Sherry wanted to purchase a scarf. She found some beautifully handmade ones, and after a few minutes of looking through the different colors, she found one that was perfect. The lady did not accept credit cards. We told her we would go find and ATM and come back with the cash. We got distracted doing other things and never made it back to buy the scarf. How many other sales did she lose by not accepting credit cards? I am guessing more than she would care to admit.

2. Negative signs cost you business.

A negative attitude costs you a ton of business. This should be a “no-brainer”. cont. page 10

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Homework Assistance

Devotions Swimming

Splash Pad Activities Playground & Shelter

Arts & Crafts Field Trips

Sports & Group Games Teacher Workdays & Open Holidays Included in Fee! Pick-up available at Lindley Park, Donna Lee Loflin, Guy B. Teachey, Charles W. McCrary and Southmont Elementary Schools.

All This For One Low Weekly Rate!

Scholarships Are Available For More Information Contact

Celena Fleming or Karen Oakley

336.625.1976

www.randolphasheboroymca.com

B

ring up the topic of healthcare with most people today and very few will have anything positive to say about it. In fact, with insurance companies covering less, premiums costing more and the confusion health care professionals often experience in our managed care system, the patients are ultimately the ones that pay, and not just in dollars and cents. Health care and all it involves causes a great deal of stress and anxiety in most people, even those with great insurance plans.

Finding a doctor that has the time to provide the care By: Sherry Johnson/Photos by: Dave Johnson that our grandparents were accustomed to is next to impossible. One thing is for certain, most people would agree that our health care system is in dire need of an overhaul.

One practitioner stands out above the rest, despite all the challenges health care professionals face these days. Dr. Caroline C. Prochnau, MD has built her practice, Meridian Internal Medicine, around providing quality and efficient healthcare to her patients in a

putting the ‘care’ back in healthcare

positive and caring environment that promotes a partnership approach to the treatment and prevention of illnesses. She takes a proactive approach, as opposed to the reactive style we are growing more and more accustomed to. Dr. Prochnau combines traditional medicine practices for adult men and women over the age of 18, with a more holistic approach through the Healing Touch International organization.

Dr. Prochnau is a native of North Carolina and grew up in Winston Salem. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from UNC-Charlotte in 1994 and then received her Doctor of Medicine degree from UNC School of Medicine in 1998.

She completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Tennessee Knoxville Medical Center in 2001. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and her professional memberships include the North Carolina Medical Society, the American College of Physicians, and Healing Touch International.

When she returned to North Carolina, she settled in Asheboro to be closer to her family. She joined another practice, where she worked for several years until the opportunity came to open her own office on North Cox Street. Dr. Prochnau took the time to plan every detail of the office décor to promote a soothing, calm atmosphere for everyone who walks in the front door. You will find gently flowing fountains, live plants, soft music and wonderful sculptures with

restful themes. She took it a step further and declared the office a “perfume & fragrance free” zone for the well being of her patients and staff.

When searching for a name for her new practice, she chose Meridian for two reasons. It was the highest point in her career, opening her own office; and in ancient China, the Meridians were discovered to be the pathways of the positive and negative energy power, which carries on some of the communication between the various parts of human beings.

There is no doubt that there is much we don’t know about the human body and why some people become ill, while others never suffer from so much as a sniffle. It is believed by many that a cure for many ailments is balancing the human energy system. Dr. Prochnau is passionate about providing her patients with the most thorough and up-to-date care available. She notes that Healing Touch, an energy therapy, is one where the practitioner uses their hands with intention for the patient’s higher good to promote wholeness.

Dr. Prochnau was introduced to Healing Touch International by her mother, Gail Skidmore, who attended a Level-One course and was excited about the benefits of this nontraditional style of care.

Dr. Prochnau was not as easily convinced and thought her mom had “lost her mind” when she first approached her about it. At first glance, Healing Touch goes against almost everything she was

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taught in traditional medical school. But her mother was persistent, and kept encouraging her to take a closer look at the documented benefits of Healing Touch. After reading an article written by a well respected physician, she decided to attend a seminar to learn more about this “energy therapy.” Within the first hour, as they were going over the science of the method - she was hooked. Of course, she continued to do her due diligence and read several medical research papers that had been published on the practice.

“The Healing Touch International modality speaks to my spiritual side – connecting me with a patient in a very real and personal ‘hands on’ way, more so than just taking their temperature, blood pressure readings and discussing physical symptoms. Your complete focus is on the patient for the hour that you are treating them.” Dr. Prochnau became a proponent of the Healing Touch International organization and has become an apprentice, after studying it extensively.

Healing Touch International courses are open to all health care professionals, nurses, doctors, and physical therapists, as well as individuals who desire an in-depth understanding and practice of healing work using energy based concepts and principles. The founder of Healing Touch, Janet Mentgen, believed that anyone could learn how to facilitate healing in others. She believed that anyone with a compassionate heart and a desire to be of service to others could become a practitioner of energy healing. All that was needed was a commitment to learn and to grow.

There is still much mystery to how energy therapies work. Many theories believe the key exists in quantum physics and holistic healing. However, while the exact physical mechanisms cannot be definitively described, the cumulative results of numerous related studies on energy medicine and consciousness indicate strong support that recipients respond

8 ASHEBORO Magazine October 2010

positively to energy therapies such as Healing Touch International offers.

Over the years, researchers have developed ways to measure the energy field. Theoretically, by correcting blockages in the energy field, energy may facilitate the healing of the body, mind and spirit. By focusing on removing these blockages, the energy channels resume their task of integrating the body, mind and soul to restore health and/or promote healing. It may also help prevent future issues by restoring balance to energy field disturbances, which could later bring about illness if left unbalanced.

Scientific evidence does exist that supports the premise that energy healing is effective. However, an experience is worth a thousand words, so the receiving of a Healing Touch treatment can do more to understand this than all the writings in the world.

Dr. Prochnau had reason to be grateful for the Healing Touch International modality recently. One day as she arrived home from work, her three year old son, Joshua, ran out to the garage to greet her. Without thinking, he touched the tailpipe on her car, burning his hand. While her husband went into the house to get an ice pack to treat his palm, Dr. Prochnau remembered something

she had learned through the Healing Touch.

She calmly kneeled down, took her son’s hand in hers and practiced the “hands in motion” technique on the red marks that were beginning to show. In the time it took her husband to return from the kitchen, her son looked up at her with drying tears and said, “No hot, Mommy.” The redness was disappearing and he was saved from painful injury.

Dr. Prochnau has risen to Apprentice in the Healing Touch International organization, having achieved Level Four status. She is now working toward Level Five, and receiving certification by the Board of Healing Touch

International.

Healing Touch is practiced, governed and promoted using the highest professional standards. There are standards that must be maintained to practice the Healing Touch International modality. Over the last 18 years Healing Touch International has been effective in demonstrating a positive impact in the health care community. The Healing Touch International organization is widely respected and increasingly accepted, not only in the United States, but in many countries around the globe. It is considered one of the leading energy medicine programs in the world.

Dr. Prochnau feels so strongly about the program, that all of her staff are required to attend a Level One course on Healing Touch International, so they understand the modality and the benefits it can bring to their patients.

When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Ken and their two children, Meghan and Joshua. Ken assists in managing the business, as well as handling payroll. She enjoys reading medical mysteries by author Robin Cook, or listening to relaxing music. She’s an avid fan of scrapbooking, and uses this as her creative outlet. As for vacations, any location with lots of waves and sand will do.

In a world where it seems as though you take a number when you check in at your doctor’s office, it’s refreshing to know there are healthcare practitioners like Dr. Prochnau, who put the caring back in health care; treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. v

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editorial (cont. from page 6) If you are a merchant at one of these events and you are having a bad day, have someone fill in for you or keep it to yourself. And, if you feel that negatively worded signage like “Do Not Photograph the Artwork” is going to help you sell more, think again. I was taking pictures, as I so often do during special events, and accidentally almost took a picture of a booth of paintings.

Right before I pressed the button I noticed the sign that read “Do Not Photograph Artwork”. The man in the tent saw me about to take a picture, pushed a couple of browsers out of his way and yelled at me. Then he berated me in front of the same bunch of potential customers by asking me if I could read, in a very sarcastic tone. Needless to say, the people in his tent left as did everyone in earshot. I apologized and, although there was a painting I was interested

in, decided not to buy it. In fact, I would never buy a painting from that guy, ever.

The art was good, but he had turned me off from doing business with him.

3.

Be more creative than your competition-There were more than a few places to buy cotton candy at the Fall Festival. However, I bought mine from the super nice ladies that dressed up like cotton candy.

Besides being some of the nicest people you’d ever meet, they were also very fun to watch as they moved about in their cotton candy outfits. Their outfits were so creative; I took a picture of them and put them in the magazine as part of the ‘Asheboro in Pictures’ section. Plus, whenever anyone asked me where I got the cotton candy, I was happy to send them to their booth.

In business, you only get one chance

10 ASHEBORO Magazine October 2010

to make a great first impression. There are so many other places for people to get the same product or service that you offer, and the Internet, for good or for bad, has taken the much of the personal element out of business. The artist who chastised me in front of potential customers could have pulled me aside and said, “Sir, you probably didn’t see the sign that asks folks not to take pictures of the artwork. I am sure you understand that I put quite a bit of time and effort into my craft as you do and I would prefer you enjoy the real thing rather than a picture that can’t possibly capture the nuances of each brush stroke. In fact, I think you’ll get such a great deal of satisfaction out of my art that I am going to give you 10% off any piece you buy today.” The artist would have prevented me from taking a picture of his art, and made it hard for me not to buy one his pieces. Whether it’s on Main Street or the Fall Festival, making it easy for people to do business with you, being creative and offering “knockyour-socks-off” customer service, are great marketing techniques to keep you ahead of your competition. v

cosmic cow society turns heads

the arts

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hen Scott Plaster saw that cow on the side of the Blue Ridge Parkway years ago, he didn't imagine at the time how important that single image would become. The picture he snapped that day was the reference for his painting, the "Cosmic Cow." He explains, "It seemed so out of place, in a field right beside the road with all the tourists driving by. I snapped its picture and knew that I would paint it someday." A few years later at an art show, arts patron Sharon Mitchell was struck with the painting and the name.

When the two decided to form an arts group devoted to bringing art into the community, the "Cosmic Cow Society" was a natural fit. "We chose the name because we don't like to take ourselves too seriously," Mitchell said.

Just as that painting spawned a new drive in Plaster's art, the Cosmic Cow Society began its mission to promote art and its artists. Over the last few years, the group has hosted arts shows, charity fund-raisers, and educational events. The group has now expanded to a selected dozen members from all across central North Carolina, made up of both emerging, established, and professional artists. In perhaps more venues than can be easily tracked, it's likely to see the work of one of its members, including works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, pastel, fabric, collage, mixed media, wood, and photography. Its members create works that can be defined as traditional, modern, abstract, realistic, whimsical, experimental, portraiture, spiritual, and even intellectual.

The group members market and exhibit their work individually at galleries across the region. Its artists are visible in galleries such as the Gallery of the Arts in WinstonSalem, where member Jean Smith sold its first painting, has been a featured artist, and even won a competition. Kathy Brusnighan and Scott Plaster have also been featured artists there. A number of the group's artists also show their work at the Marshall Gallery in Greensboro, the Circa Gallery in Asheboro, and other wellknown galleries in the area.

Kathy Brusnighan explains what the group has meant to her, saying "I have been so blessed to become a part of this group!

Not only do we come together with ideas to promote the group, we encourage one another and really applaud the success of one another. We are not just a group of artists, but also a group of friends that seem to respect one another and our differences."

Circa Gallery co-owner Amy Keith Barney explains the organization's mission: "The Cosmic Cow Society is a vibrant group of passionate artists that work together as a unit to help educate, inspire and foster new and established artists. Meeting this group one can't help but want to create art and share it with the community." The group recently had a group show at the Circa Gallery in Asheboro and at least five of its artists exhibit there regularly.

The Cosmic Cow Society's events are publicized on its website at http://cosmiccowsociety.com and its Facebook page. Visit their site for information about the members, online image galleries, biographies, and exhibits. v

wharaj@triad.rr.com

w w w. w a y n e t t e a r a j . c o m volume1 issue 3 asheboromagazine.com 11

r e t c a r a h c y t i n u m m o C Brooke McBride

By Sherry Johnson

B

rooke McBride grew up in Asheboro, and spent her time in and around her parent’s lumber business in Star, North Carolina, where her mom also worked as company Accountant. While other kids her age were watching cartoons, Brooke was tuned into music videos on Country Music Television and singing along with Shania Twain on the radio. “What really made me want to play the guitar was riding in my dad’s truck

listening to the radio and playing the ’air’ guitar.

One day, when I was 8 years old I Photo

by Ch told my mom elsee Hill that I didn’t want to play the ‘air’ guitar anymore...I wanted to play a real guitar, so she signed me up for lessons.”

Brooke started out with the electric guitar, but she quickly decided she wanted to focus on country music. After a year of formal instruction, she continued her lessons by teaching herself to play at home.

Brooke started writing songs when she was twelve, only two years later than her music idol, Shania. When she started writing, she really didn’t know how to do it, she just started putting words with chords

until it sounded good.

During the summer before her junior year of high school, she resumed taking guitar lessons from Tim Moon, a local Asheboro musician. She has even played at the Sunset Theater with Moon a time or two, and opened for Donna Hughes, a Rounder Records recording artist, several times.

She continued studying guitar with Moon until she left for the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in August, where she is studying Marketing. Brooke hopes the classes will help when she breaks into the music industry. She is currently looking for playing gigs at local coffee houses, wine shops and other small venues that offer patrons music in Wilmington.

She attended a Taylor Swift concert when she was sixteen with the goal of getting her autograph; but that was not to be. She couldn’t get anywhere near Taylor. The next year, when she discovered that Taylor Swift was going to be at the CMA Music Fest in Nashville, Brooke convinced her Mom to take her there, along with her two best friends.

“We stood in line for 18 hours, sleeping outside overnight, all for two minutes with Taylor Swift - to have her sign my guitar,” she sighs. Then she perks up and states, “Someday, I’m going to write a song with Taylor Swift.”

Brooke has written over fifty songs since she was twelve.

“Songwriting is my passion,” she states. She has been busy recording a CD at Daniel Routh’s local recording studio, which will hold ten of her

12 ASHEBORO Magazine October 2010

P

hoto favorites.

by C hels The CD is set ee H ill for release in late 2010/early 2011. Aptly titled So Much to Say, when she was recording one of her songs, it came in at over 7 minutes in length and she thought to herself, “I sure have a lot to say.” The name just stuck.

When she’s not spending her time studying or writing and playing her music, Brooke likes to be outside.

In fact, she shares that with Shania Twain as well, because Shania’s family was into reforestation and she spent many hours outside with her dog and her guitar, writing songs. You can’t tell by looking at her model good looks, but Brooke loves to fish and ut hunt, and o t S inny enjoys any G y to b outdoor Pho activity. v

To see more pictures of Brooke and listen to her music, view this article at http://www.asheboromagazine.com

the many faces of a pumpkin By: Darin Brockelbank

N

o matter which way you carve it (intended pun!), and no matter what name you call it (squash, pumpkin, gourd, Cucurbita, or fruit), the traditional jack-olantern carving party is a wonderful family event and an excellent alternative to trick-or-treating. And those big, flat seeds should go back in the ground.

The pumpkin is indeed one of nature’s nuances. Early pumpkin uses were mainly as livestock feed. They are harvested at fullseed maturity, but generally do not store as well as the winter squash types. The flesh is generally picking the perfect pumpkin a little too coarse examine the rind. and strong-flavored for eating so most It should be firm, uniform in color, and free ‘pumpkin’ pies are of cuts, bruises, and blemishes. made from winter squash. make sure that the stem doesn’t look Pumpkin carving brown and dry. parties are catching And don’t use the stem as a handle, since on again across communities like even a healthy one can break off. Pick up Asheboro. We’ve a pumpkin by its base instead. had a carving party the past two years give the pumpkin a knock. and the kids and A thumping sound means the pumpkin is adults love it!’ solid, with no internal defects, rot, Your first step is or soft spots. to visit a pumpkin patch (or the grocery store will do in a pinch) and search for the ultimate carving pumpkins.

Then you plan the carving pattern, style and method. Don’t carve your jack-o’-lantern too early or it won’t survive until Halloween night. Once cut, a pumpkin lasts about four to five days, then

starts to rot.

To boost the carving party atmosphere, play some fun Halloween songs for everybody. Some great song selections include “Ghostbusters,” Ray Parker Jr., “I Put a Spell on You,” Nina Simone, “I Want Candy,” Bow Wow Wow, “That Old Black Magic,” Ella Fitzgerald, “Thriller,” Michael Jackson, and “Werewolves of London,” Warren Zevon.

And baked goodies like cupcakes and cookies decorated with Halloween colors and frostings, candied apples, popcorn, help set the party mood!

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Before everyone goes home for the evening, we like to award prizes for the funniest, scariest, and most original carvings.

Everybody has fun at a pumpkin carving party.

Pumpkin Carving 101 Step 1: With a serrated knife held at an angle, carefully cut an opening around the stem, making a small notch in the back (to guide you when replacing the lid).

Step 2: Use a large spoon to remove the pulp and scrape the sides clean of stringy bits. Tip: Give the kids the job of separating the seeds from the pumpkin innards while adults handle the carving. Put aside the seeds to be planted later.

Step 3: Draw on a face (washable markers allow kids to draw, rinse, and repeat). Or use free pumpkin carving patterns found online at websites like carvingpumpkins.com Step 4: Carve (adults only, please!), then add a tea light and enjoy the fun!

Planting Pumpkin Seeds Step 1: Seeds should be air dried for several days and stored in a cool, dark, dry place until spring.

Step 2: Before planting, soak seeds for up to 24 hours in warm water to promote faster seed germination.

Step 3: In our Carolina climate, pumpkin seeds can be planted outdoors after the worst of the spring rains have passed and when daily temperatures consistently reach into the low 70s.

Step 4: Pumpkins are vigorously growing vines that require at least six hours of sunlight per day. Plant seeds in a sunny spot with plenty of room to spread out – a single pumpkin vine can stretch as far as 30 feet.

Step 5: Harvest them for next Halloween and start the party all over again!

14 ASHEBORO Magazine October 2010

community news

twenty-seven years and counting

friendship set to music

By Sherry Johnson/Photo by: Dave Johnson

S

quare dancing is alive and well in Randolph County. I visited with the Randolph Squares one Friday evening recently, to check it out. It took me back to fifth grade music class with Mrs. LaCasse. Trying to learn the moves and not step on the cute boy’s toes across the square from me. I wasn’t the most graceful dancer, but what I lacked in skill I made up for in enthusiasm!

In Asheboro, at the end of E Pritchard Street, behind the Soup Kitchen in a little club called Our Place, an avid group of friends and colleagues meet on the second and fourth Friday of each month to dance. The Randolph Squares started in November, 1979 with 32 members. Some of the members have traveled all over the country to National competitions, held in San Antonio, Memphis, Birmingham and Cincinnati. David Lamb and Patsy Varner have been dancing together for years, and are original members of the club. Bob and Sue Covey once danced “squares” on the Sunbeam Bread float in the Orange Bowl parade.

You can also find true love at the dances, as one couple discovered. Tami Weske learned to square dance with her father in California, but when they would attend dances as a family, he would dance with her Mom and Tami would find herself in need of a partner. Friends of the family introduced her to Michael at one such dance, and they were inseparable from the first call. In fact, they got married six months later!

You don’t have to be an expert dancer or even know any square dancing steps to come out and have a good time. “If you can walk forward, and keep yourself from wandering around, you can square dance.” The art of square dancing is recovering, it’s not necessarily about doing it right, just about recovering gracefully if you mess up.

When I walked into Our Place on Friday night, there was such an air of enjoyment and good clean fun that you had to smile.

There was a square in motion on the dance floor. This consists of four couples moving through the steps of a Western Style Square Dance. Pete Sykes was calling the moves, just as he’s been doing since 1971. Pete still uses vinyl records instead of CDs, because he prefers the sound and can control the speed of the dance. If new people are trying to learn the steps, he can slow it down for them. There was a new couple there on Friday, and the helpful dancers were teaching them the moves.

The club is looking to expand and is very welcoming of new members. If you are interested in learning square dancing, you couldn’t find a nicer group of people to teach you. After all, square dancing is just "friendship set to music!"

For more information, please contact club president, Michael Weske at 336-625-3270. v

Photo & Article By Sherry Johnson

C

ross Road Retirement Community is a landmark in Asheboro. They are celebrating their 27th year in October, and having recently toured their facility, I predict they will be here in another 27 years. This active retirement community has something for everyone.

Their independent living apartments offer the convenience of living on your own on a health care campus, maintenance free.

You have the option of joining other residents in the community dining room, cooking meals in your own apartment or stopping in at the General Store and ordering a hot dog and old fashioned milkshake. The General Store also offers quick grocery items, locally made crafts and is a great place to go and visit with friends. Some residents prefer their own transportation, while others sign up for scheduled weekly trips to the grocery store, dining out, or even a sightseeing trip to Hershey, PA planned for this fall. They currently have only one vacancy, out of the 67 apartments they maintain.

Cross Road also has an assisted living facility and an Alzheimer’s unit on site. Both facilities are well maintained, welcoming places and you can tell that there is a lot of love and caring that goes into every aspect of their facility – from the décor in the commons area, to the easy smiles on the staff’s faces and the warm tones they greet you with as they pass in the hall. This community is also home to Lana & Sandy, two dogs who are favorites with the residents in the assisted living facility. They tend to follow the Executive Director, Harold McManus, when he makes his rounds to look things over. Cody is another dog who lives in the Alzheimer’s unit; he is very friendly and loves attention. The dogs, along with a variety of birds both inside and out cheerfully greet you as you enter the building. There was construction going on to freshen up the common areas at the Alzheimer’s Unit, so although I heard there were also a couple of cats living there – they were hiding during my visit.

On the grounds of the facility, there are several raised garden containers that residents are encouraged to plant. The kitchen maintains an herb garden in the courtyard so fresh herbs can be used in the preparation of the daily meals.

One of the community programs that the Cross Road Alzheimer Unit offers is “Caregivers Day Out,” which is a respite care service Monday through Friday from 10am to 4 pm. It is only $10 per day, as the difference is funded through a grant. This is a way for caregivers to continue to have steady jobs, run errands or just take a break from the constant care that Alzheimer patients require when they are living at home.

Cross Road Retirement Community is currently raising funds to build a fishing pier onto the pond on the property, and has two fundraising events coming up in October (see Calendar of Events on page 30 for more information). Residents enjoy fishing in the pond, and this would increase access to it. Life doesn’t have to end when you come to a retirement facility. It is clear to me that the residents at Crossroads are enjoying life to the fullest. v

volume1 issue 3 asheboromagazine.com 15

asheboro’s fall festival in pictures

16 ASHEBORO Magazine October 2010

asheboro’s fall festival in pictures

volume1 issue 3 asheboromagazine.com 17

C

hances are, if you overheard a conversation about cricket in Climax, you might think “well, yes there are. And grasshoppers, bees, butterflies and all sorts of other insects.” But the cricket I am referring to is the sport, not the insect.

Climax, North Carolina is home to a world-class cricket field thanks to Mark Hobson, a Great Britain native who now calls North Carolina home.

If you don’t know what cricket is, don’t feel bad. If you didn’t know it was being played in Climax, you’re not alone. Located at 6345 Monnett Road in Climax you will find a beautifully manicured cricket field 160 yards long by 150 yards wide, complete with a scoreboard imported from

cricket in climax?

Story and Photos by: Dave Johnson

Australia, handicap accessible bathrooms, bench seating and even rocking chairs at the house on the property, that all adds to the park cricket atmosphere.

Well that’s all fine and good, but what is cricket and how it is played?

I was exposed to cricket as a member of the United States Air Force while stationed at RAF Lakenheath in England. I was at a Pub in Bury St. Edmonds playing snooker with some mates (translation: I was at a bar playing pool with some friends).

I was wearing a white v-neck sleeveless Izod sweater (it was the 80s!), minding my own business trying to figure out the nuances of snooker (there are no numbers or stripes on the balls) and wondering why my beer was served tepid instead of cold, when this bloke came up to me and said, “smart cricket jumper you got there, mate”(translation: this guy came up to me and said nice v-neck sweater you got there, friend).

Luckily I was with a British friend who assured me the statement was meant as a compliment and there wasn’t any need to get worked up about it. He also agreed to take me to a cricket match so that I could experience, first hand, what a cricket jumper looks like and how the game is played. Sure enough, a few weeks later, I found myself in the grandstands of a cricket stadium with

18 ASHEBORO Magazine October 2010

a bunch of cricket without a glove is fans trying to figure painful, especially if the game out. I it is hit right at you concluded cricket is like a line drive. I a bit like baseball, am thinking that except no one the person that wears a glove but invented the sport the wicket keeper must have been (catcher) and the a bit of a sadist. I batsmen (there are am told that after two batters on the a while, you get field at the same accustomed to the time) don protective pain of catching a gear that looks like ball without a glove. something hockey Somehow, I doubt goalies wear. The this. batsman’s job is The bowler’s job to prevent the ball is to get the striker from hitting the wicket (3 wooden sticks that are called stumps, out by hitting the wicket and dislodging one of the bails. . There are topped with 2 crosspieces called bails) and scoring points. Unlike four other ways to get batsman out but I am not going to go into baseball, there are no bases. Once the ball is hit by the striker those. Please go to our website www.asheboromagazine.com for more information on how the game is played, along with an instructional video.

There is just too much information about the sport to include in this article.

Cricket was huge here in the United States in the early 1900s, but because baseball was a faster moving game at the time, cricket quickly lost its popularity and became virtually unknown to many Americans. For this reason, I found it particularly odd that Climax was home to a world class cricket field. Odder still, there are 36 teams that make up the Mid Atlantic Cricket Conference that play on the field. The league has about 500 active players. Hobson describes the standard in his Mid Atlantic Cricket Conference as high, and goes on to say, “I am impressed with the players, the spirit and their attitude.”

If you’d like to watch a live match, the cricket season ends in September, (the batting batsman), the two batters run to exchange sides of but the playoffs extend into October. You can visit www. the pitch (a 22-yard long area equivalent to a baseball diamond). carolinacricketleague.org to find out when the next match will be There are several ways to earn points. If the ball is hit inside the played and head out with the family to Hobson Cricket Ground in Climax.

There is no boundary the two batsman admission fee, and there will run to switch sides and 1 be plenty of people there to point is scored. If the ball is explain the game to you. One hit outside of the boundary warning though - make sure but bounces before it gets you get directions before there four points are scored. you go because if you ask If the ball is hit outside the anyone from Climax where boundary without bouncing the cricket field is, they will (similar to a homerun) six shake their head and look points are scored. at you like you’ve lost your In cricket the pitcher is mind. v called a bowler and the ball is bowled, not pitched or thrown. It can bounce, and most of the times it does, before it arrives at the striker.

The ball is made out of cork and leather, and is hard and solid - similar to a baseball, except it is stitched around the center. Catching this

volume1 issue 3 asheboromagazine.com 19

S

he was whisked away from the delivery room, her mother never even laid eyes

on her.

As the mother recovered from birth, walking the hallways to encourage healing in her body, she came upon the large window to the nursery.

Her heartstrings tugged and her feet moved forward.

But then she stopped.

She knew if she saw her precious newborn baby, she wouldn’t be able to go through with her decision.

Ceil, a 65-year-old North Carolina woman, explains, “It was the ‘60s, a time when jobs were not easy to come by if a single woman had a child. People would better life with a mom, a dad, a home.

So in that long maternity hallway, have called her ‘bastard.’ Women in the 60s did not have their own credit cards, the shiny glass of the nursery window they couldn’t get loans on their own. I had beckoning, she turned around, went back to her room and sobbed her heart out.

She married By: Bianca Tyler in 1983 but never had any forgotten how different women’s rights other children.

More than 4 decades passed and then were back then as opposed to the amazing one day, in her mailbox, Ceil found a letter. freedoms we experience now.”

She remembers another young woman It was from her daughter.

Linda, a Connecticut mother of 3, in the room next to her who chose to see her baby, hold him, feed him, and cuddle decided to do a birth parent search through him, she even named him Johnny those Catholic Charities, the organization that days she spent with him before they cared for her mother 44 years earlier. separated. Ceil laments, “It was the most “We Have Found Your Mother” Those were the words Linda heard gut-wrenching moment I’ve ever seen from her contact at the organization after anyone go through.”

Ceil thought it best not to see her baby. months of searching. Catholic Charities She endured her own pain and suffering to even provided a private investigator to ensure her child would have a chance for a help with the search.

Meeting Mom 44 Years Later

20 ASHEBORO Magazine October 2010

In the letter to her mother, Linda said she grew up as an only child in a loving home with two wonderful parents who provided her with nurturing and opportunities, a fine education and a stable upbringing. Her childhood was happy. She also says, “I forgave Ceil in the letter and sympathized with how difficult a time in her life that must have been.”

When her parents told her on her 21st birthday that she was adopted, Linda admits she was naturally stunned and it took a while to sink in. But she says she felt equipped to handle the information because she was an adult. “I do not believe it is best to tell a child or teenager such high levels of emotional information – they are still trying to find their own identity and their own place in the world,” Linda contends.

Ultimately, each parent must make their own decisions for they know their children best, but Linda says she’s thankful her parents waited with the news.

under “Our Videos” or listen to the entire broadcast of Ceil and Linda’s 1st meeting on the same site under “The Radio Show.”

The Bright Spot – that is, the lesson learned, the silver lining, the take-away value, the blessing – in this story is clearly family – old and new - filled with love, hope and celebration! v 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.”

Ceil and Linda met for the 1st time this September 2010.

When asked what she was thinking at that moment, Linda says she wanted to see her mother’s face, see where she came from. Ceil says all she thought about was holding her daughter. Holding her for the very first time in her life!

My husband, Phillip, and I were honored to be asked to document this monumental event. You are invited to share in this beautiful occasion by watching their “Meeting Mom 44 Years Later” video on our site www.TheLetsTalkMom.com Mother – Ceil in 1983 at her wedding

Daughter – Linda, on the day she meets her mother

volume1 issue 3 asheboromagazine.com 21

safe-t-works, employee screening solutions Story and Photos by Sherry Johnson

K

im Price started Safe-T-Works, Inc. over two years ago when the company she was working for was shut down. She asked her coworkers if she started her own company, would they work for her and the answer was a resounding “Yes!” She approached local businessmen, who helped her finalize a business plan, secure a bank and other professional services, and find space to set up her office. She opened the doors three and a half weeks later.

Drug and alcohol testing for pre-employment screening is very important. Safe-T-Works, Inc. provides drug and alcohol testing programs for clients regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and non-DOT employers. From writing, or assisting in the development of, a company substance abuse policy to providing the information to the employer to fulfill DOT reporting responsibilities, Kim and her team are with the employer every step of the way. Drug and alcohol test collections are performed in the offices in Asheboro, on site at the employer’s locations from South Carolina to Pennsylvania, and through a national network of testing facilities. Safe-T-Works, Inc. is a local company that can meet the needs of local and national employers in drug and alcohol testing programs.

Kim is a firm believer in being well trained and properly certified, doing it right the first time and providing excellent customer service. She and her staff attend numerous continuing education courses to stay up on the latest advances in their field, and she encourages her staff to take personal and professional development courses. Coming from a 20 year background in higher education, Kim understands the importance of accreditation, continuous training and certification; to her employees and potential clients. Malynda Shumaker from Asheboro Recycling stated, “It’s so nice in these days and times to pick up the phone and talk to a live, knowledgeable, skilled, dedicated person who shares your concerns and understands the hardships small business owners face on a daily basis.”

Because the staff is trained and knowledgeable, Safe-T-Works, Inc. keeps their clients compliant with Federal, State and local regulations, including DOT. They provide updates and changes within the laws to their

22 ASHEBORO Magazine October 2010

business buzz clients on a regular basis as they occur.

Safe-T-Works tests many county school systems, school bus drivers; student athletes; over-the road truck drivers; local and regional businesses both blue-collar and white collar positions; and others on an individually requested basis. They test individuals for court purposes and personal reasons. All testing is strictly confidential and maintained at a high level of security. They follow HIPPA privacy guidelines to keep the donor’s information private, confidential and to maintain their dignity. They provide results to only the business’s officially designated representative(s). No one else within a company, not even the president can receive the confidential results or random list information unless they are on a signed designated employer representatives list. Along with drug and alcohol testing, SafeT-Works also provides pre-employment background screening and DNA (paternity) testing.

The third week of October is designated Drug Free Work Week by the United States Department of Labor. Kim assists her clients in educating their employees on the dangers of alcohol and drug use, deterring and detecting use, and urging people to seek help for alcohol and drug problems before they cause serious harm or loss of life.

october filled with fun at the NC Zoo

zoo zeal

By Rod Hackney, Public Relations Manager, N.C. Zoo

L

ooking for a fun-filled fall experience for the entire family? The answer just might be the North Carolina Zoo. The N.C. Zoo is recognized as one of the nation’s premiere natural habitat animal parks. And October brings to the zoo a month filled with special events as well as some of the most beautiful fall colors and unique scenery in the state.

The first American zoo designed from its inception around the “natural habitat” philosophy, the N.C. Zoo presents animals and plants in exhibits that closely resemble the habitats in which they would be found in the wild. The animal collection includes more than 1,100 individual critters representing about 250 different species of mammals, reptiles, birds and insects.

One of the zoo’s primary missions is to make visitors aware of the connections between humans and the world’s animals, plants and natural resources.

Interpretive galleries and individual signs provide a wealth of information to make visits more enjoyable and educational.

October is a particularly great time to visit the zoo.

The animals become more active as temperatures get cooler and Mother Nature paints the entire park in brilliant fall colors of orange, red and yellow. The zoo’s Horticulture staff provides even more color during the month with a display of more than 1,700 African violet plants in the 53,000-square-foot African Pavilion exhibit.

October also brings the annual celebration of “ZooFest,” a series of special events happening each weekend. The zoo staff spends months preparing for ZooFest, filling each weekend with music, dance and special Halloween activities for kids.

The fun and entertainment kicks off Saturday, Oct. 2, with Native American art, dance and music.

Colorful displays of various Native American cultures will fill the North America Plaza and Junction Plaza from 10 a . m . u n t i l 3 p.m.

Also featured in the North America Plaza will be fancy dancing, singing on the hand drum, storytelling and corn-doll making.

On Saturday, Oct. 9, ZooFest will feature African art, dance and music. Then the zoo will join in the national celebration of Wolf Awareness Week on Saturday, Oct. 16, with “Howl-O-Ween” educational activities throughout the park that include wolf howling demonstrations, tales of the Red Wolves and opportunities to meet wolf keepers.

But the highlight of “ZooFest” comes the weekend of Oct. 23-24, as the zoo comes alive with its annual “Boo at the Zoo” festival—celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Aimed at children 12-and-under, “Boo at the Zoo” offers family entertainment with games, treats, live entertainment, costume parades and costume contests.

Rounding out the ZooFest schedule is “Batology,” an educational program on bats presented by keepers in the Sonora Desert exhibit on Oct. 30-31.

All “ZooFest” events take place during regular zoo hours of 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and are included in admission of $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (62+) and $6 for children (ages 2-12). The zoo is located on Zoo Parkway (N.C. 159) six miles southeast of Asheboro off U.S. 64 and U.S. 220. For more information visit the zoo’s website at www.nczoo.org.

volume1 issue 3 asheboromagazine.com 23

daily devotion

comforting article by Rev. Peter Panagore

O

ne evening, a father and daughter enjoyed peach shortcake in a locals' diner crowded with tourists. Seated nearby was a mommy with a toddler. As dinner was served, the little girl erupted into tears, complaining of a hurt wrist -- but she wouldn’t show her wrist. Her mortified mommy consoled her, but the crying became louder.

The father and daughter tried distracting the little girl. Their distraction failed, and the toddler’s crying became a wailing chant, “I want to go home.” Quickly, a doggy-bag was organized.

As the mommy and toddler left, the father and daughter scanned the restaurant and saw sympathetic, understanding eyes, and relief, too. Few people take pleasure in others' pain, thank God. When the pain of others hurts us, we feel empathy.

When those we love suffer, they need us for comfort and support, like a child needs a mommy. When we suffer, we find our living God in loving arms, and eyes.

A kind word helps those who suffer. A hug. A look. A smile. A visit. A hand held. A prayer. A call. A card. A text.

Even when words fail, what remains is the kindness of showing we care. It’s not so much what we say. It is what we do. A little kindness lightens the burdens of fear and loneliness.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, we pray with kindness for those who are hospitalized or bedridden or lonely. May our arms, our words, our eyes, and action be healing to them, or let loving others hold us. Amen.

Today’s Thought Is: Show kindness. Live compassionately.

Source: Matthew 25:40 Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.

24 ASHEBORO Magazine October 2010

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.

From 1999-2006 Reverend Panagore was a staff writer at Homiletics, the leading and cutting-edge nationwide worship preparation journal for mainline clergy.

Homiletics has published more than a hundred of his sermons. He has also published short stories in anthologies, most notably, Chicken Soup for the Veteran’s Soul, by New York Times Best Selling editor Jack Canfield. Two Minutes for God was released by Touchstone/Fireside an imprint of Simon & Schuster, in early December of 2007 and landed immediately on the Maine Best Seller list.

losing weight is an inside job

health &

wellness

By Doug High, Natural Highs’ Massage & More (This article is not about dieting that is a medical necessity)

S

o you want to lose weight.

Why? That’s really the most important question.

What’s wrong?

Don’t you like how you look, how you compare to some standard you read about, because you don’t look as good as someone else, is it because some non-medical person said you SHOULD lose weight, or is it because someone shamed you?

Let’s look at what these “reasons” have in common. Isn’t the underlying message that you’re not OK the way you are, that somehow you’re flawed?

Who says so? Who says you’re flawed? Look into the mirror alone. Look deeply into your own eyes, those windows to the soul, and ask yourself, “If God is my Creator, and I am a child of God, how could there be anything WRONG with me?

Speak that question aloud, and wait for the answer to come in that gentle silence you create.

Yes, there is absolutely nothing wrong with you, nothing. You are absolutely perfect just as you are. Can you feel it? Can you accept it?

NO? Well, do you think God’s lying to you? It’s the TRUTH.

This is the key to losing weight - unconditional self-acceptance.

It’s KNOWING, at a gut level, sensing and feeling the truth that you are p-e-r-f-e-c-t.

From that place of unconditional self-acceptance, you can declare your intention. You can surrender, knowing that whatever happens is in Divine hands, and yes, you’ve got responsibilities.

What is YOUR reason for losing weight? I accept myself just as I am, AND I’ve got some clothes I’d love to get into, or I want to feel better, or to be better able to serve. It’s feeling like ten to twenty pounds would be about right, but let’s see what unfolds.

MY intention is to fit into the clothes I’d love to wear, and be at a weight where I have more energy and vitality. I accept it and I thank you, in your time, not my time, thy will be done.

This becomes your daily intention, a daily prayer, devotion, or meditation - just so it’s yours and it’s spoken from the heart, and, you mean it!

Then as your sneaky little hand creeps across the table towards that double fudge brownie, your intention reminds you: “Does eating that really serve us today?” v

volume1 issue 3 asheboromagazine.com 25

the cellar

“i hate chardonnay” article by Frank Stokes

I

t seems we hear this more and more from our Wine Cognoscenti. A surprising number of wine lovers make this assertion. So should we write off the grape altogether? Turn our backs on the centuries of work by the Bordelaise, who have turned out vintage after vintage of beautiful Burgundian magic? Has Chardonnay gone the way of Merlot after the film character, Miles, screamed “No Merlot!”? Before we begin piling dirt on the grave of our old friend Chardonnay, maybe we should peel back the onion, or at least the grape, and see if we can revive her before it is too late.

We submit the culprit isn’t Chardonnay herself - years of commercial success can’t be wrong. So what is the root of the complaint? A bit of history will help.

In the mid-1970’s, when California Chardonnay shocked the world by winning the Paris Tasting, winemakers dove in asking “how can we emulate the qualities of that world-beating wine?” The postgame analysis revealed that a key factor was the use by the Californians of American oak in the barrels used to age their wine.

American oak has a ‘looser’ grain than French oak, imparting a more prominent oak character to the wine it coddles.

Many palates were convinced

Prosciutto and Apple Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple Pan Jus

By Devin Allen

Ingredients 4 double cut (approximately 1 ½ inch thick) pork chops 2 quarts water ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup salt (iodized or kosher) 8 slices Prosciutto ham 1 Golden Delicious or any apple of choice, about 12 thin slices and the rest finely chopped Toothpicks 3 Tablespoons blended or extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup chicken stock 3 tablespoons white wine 1 Tablespoon butter 26 ASHEBORO Magazine October 2010

that the modestly more pronounced oak character was the secret.

The critics agreed, and, as a result, winemakers began to chase those accolades. So Chardonnay got oakier, and oakier, and oakier. And finally the pendulum had swung too far, with many Chardonnays resembling builders’ 2x4s with a hint of citrus and butter essence. Understandably many wine lovers turned their backs on those over-oaked abominations.

Today, the pendulum has begun its inevitable swing back, and so-called ‘naked’ or ‘un-oaked’ Chardonnays are soaring in popularity. And some intrepid wine-makers have staked out the middle ground, following the trail of the early Californians by letting oak do just what it is supposed to - add subtle nuance and character to delicious fruit.

With that in mind, one of our favorite Chardonnays these days is the Santa Barbara Winery Chardonnay. More than half (51%) of the juice in this beauty is fermented in stainless steel, and the remainder sees oak. Further, the wine does not undergo secondary fermentation.

These two steps lend a brightness and intensity to the fruit flavors while disallowing oak elements to overwhelm the other flavors. The wine has a pleasing citrus element, with a bit of lemon cream and lime zest. Since the oak provides a background harmony to the fruits’ lead, the wine is perfectly suited to food. It pairs perfectly with shellfish, roast chicken, pork, sea bass, and creamy pasta dishes.

So, if you think you “hate Chardonnay”, don’t write the old girl off just yet. It might just be the overly oaked style that offends. Give the Santa Barbara a try. v

Preparation • Make brine by combining the water, sugar and salt in a bowl. Mix well. Place the chops in a large re-sealable plastic bag. Pour brine into bag and seal. Place in refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes, not more than 1 hour.

• Drain chops and pat dry. Place your hand on the top of a chop and, using a paring knife, create a pocket by making a horizontal cut into one side and extend it about 1 ½ inches, being careful not to cut all the way through the chop.

• Heat oven to 425°F • Stuff the pockets with two slices of Prosciutto and three slices of apple. Secure the cut edge with toothpicks. Sprinkle both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

• Heat a large sauté, cast iron or grill pan (that can go in the oven) over medium high. Add the oil. When heated but not smoking, add the chops and cook until seared, about 3 to 4 minutes each side.

• Add 1 tablespoon chicken stock to pan and place in oven. Roast 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through. Remove from oven and place chops on a plate to rest, lightly covered in foil.

• Return pan to a burner over medium heat and add the remaining finely chopped apples. Add the white wine, scraping the bits off the bottom of the pan, and reduce, then add the remaining chicken stock. Cook 2 to 3 minutes.

• Remove from heat and whisk in butter. Pour over the chops and serve immediately with mashed potatoes and warm, crusty bread. Pair with a glass of Santa Barbara Winery Chardonnay.

getting there is half the fun

questions & answers

fanpage fun

By Kirsten Gordon

T

he end of summer was drawing near, so I started dreaming about what else I could cram into it to create a little eleventhhour magic for my 6 year old. Finally I had it—we would take a train to New York City and visit my cousin for the weekend. What an adventure it turned out to be!

The 6 year old, 6 month old, and I checked our luggage and boarded the train at 4am Friday in Greensboro. We opted for sleeper accommodations, and our neighbors on the car were all sleeping already www.amtrak.com having boarded at stops prior. So we • Greensboro to NY Penn Station -- 10 hours kept our voices low •O n most Amtrak train routes, kids (ages 2-15) as our attendant, ride for half price Manny, helped us •D ining car food is kid-friendly and reasonably get settled in to our priced Viewliner Roomette.

•M eals are included in the price of sleeper The Viewliner tickets Roomette was •E ach passenger must pay a rail fare, but perfect for our passengers occupying a sleeping car share traveling band with the accommodations charge its two bunk-style •G reensboro is on the Carolinian and Crescent beds, toilet, and lines. The Carolinian travels daily between sink. It seemed like it would be tight in Greensboro and New York City, with stops there at first, but we in Raleigh, Richmond, Washington, DC, hit the sheets and Baltimore and Philadelphia. woke up 4 hours after the white-noise and gentle jostling lulled the children and me.

With under 6 hours left of our 10-hour journey, we pulled back the curtains and were greeted by bright sun and rural scenes.

Changing from our PJs we walked to the dining car where the French toast and veggie omelet with bacon and corn muffin were tasty indeed.

We spent the rest of our adventure playing games in the nowconverted bottom bed cum chairs, listening to music, reading, and glimpsing the countryside through the wall to wall windows of the roomette. We never really felt cramped in there after all.

During a stop in Washington DC, the engine was changed from diesel to electric in order to run on electric rails. The final stretch was subsequently fast and quieter. We arrived 30 minutes early, rested, and in high spirits from our shared escapade. A ‘red cap’ helped us with our baggage and hailed us a cab as we greeted Manhattan.

We had two brilliant days in New York with family and the sites. We arrived at John F. Kennedy Airport to fly home and soon discovered there was a flight delay. We then spent more than 2 hours on the tarmac unable to walk around, lower tray tables, use electronic devices, get beverage service, or use the lavatory. When we finally got home three hours late we reflected back on our train journey and the comfort it afforded. Getting home by train would have been twice as fun! v

FA Q s

Every day we post a new question to our Facebook Fan page.

Here is one of the questions and a sampling of the answers that we received last month. If you are not a fan of Asheboro Magazine on Facebook, please go to www.facebook.com/ asheboromagazine and click the “like” button - then you can participate, too.

Q:

What was your favorite sitcom growing up?

Answers: Ford Smith-M*A*S*H* Malynda Shumaker-Threes Company

Mary S Barnes-Gunsmoke Tonya McDonald-Its a tie-Happy Days/Brady Bunch Christy Strickland-Full House and Roseanne....born in the 80`s, lol Chastity Wood Elliott-Full House!

Richard Powell-F-Troop or Get Smart

Kirsten Barrington-Hughes-Three's Company

Cindy Lambeth Hambrick-Growing Pains Judy Hinshaw Smith-Cheers!

David Anderson-MASH has to be way up there.. But Seinfeld jumps out as prob. one of the best SITCOM's ever.

Suzanne Prevost Bennett-I Love Lucy.

Betty Allen Scott Hall-I Love Lucy, also

Jackie Whalley-Happy Days

Melody Kern McNeill-Punky Brewster

Margaret Pytel Anderson-I would have to say Happy Days also!

Lillian Jordan Terrell-you are all so young. Leave it to Beaver

Phyllis McCubbin-Smith I Love Lucy!!!!

Bob Powell-Honeymooners volume1 issue 3 asheboromagazine.com 27

restaurant review

timothy’s fine dining article by Sherry B. Johnson photos by Dave Johnson

W

hen we first moved to Asheboro, everyone was so helpful recommending local services, but when it came to food, one question popped up over and over again, “Have you eaten at Timothy’s?”

We decided our Timothy’s experience would be a great “date night” sans kids. Betsy greeted us when we walked in and immediately told me she’s a friend on Facebook! She’s an artist by day and awesome waitress by night. She and Sue took great care of us during our meal, and I can’t say enough about the service at the restaurant.

They are very aware of what’s going on in the dining room, without making you feel like you are being smothered.

For our first course, we started off with toasted flatbread points with spinach pesto, tomato, basil and melted mozzarella cheese, topped with fresh parmesan cheese shavings. Betsy also delivered a basket of fresh hot focaccia bread to the table, with a dish of olive oil & balsamic vinaigrette. The bread was raised and soft in the middle, and melted in your mouth!

We also ordered Fried Chesapeake Bay Oysters with cocktail sauce and served over a mixed green salad tossed with a balsamic dressing. The oysters were lightly battered and exploded with flavor when they hit the tongue, and the cocktail sauce was a perfect accompaniment.

We could have stopped there, but where is the fun in that. We ordered wine to go with dinner. I had a wonderful Pinot Gris from Oregon, and Dave ordered the house merlot. This worked to cleanse the palette

28 ASHEBORO Magazine October 2010

for the next course, which arrived as soon as the dishes from the previous courses were whisked away.

First up was a crab cake which is normally served with lunch, but Tim wanted us to try it. He uses only the best lump crab available and just enough breadcrumbs to hold the crab together. It is served with a garlic aioli and balsamic tomato greens. I’m from Maine, so it’s hard to impress me with seafood dishes here in the South – but this was one of the best crab cakes I’ve had the pleasure to savor. The spices in the garlic aioli were a perfect blend to bring out the sweet flavor of the crab.

This was one seafood dish to write

home about!

To lighten things up in between courses, we shared a house salad tossed with a nice light dressing and served with mandarin oranges and candied pecans, which I was informed, are pronounced pe-can, not pee-can.

Next on the agenda was a roasted tomato and crab bisque which is a favorite of long time customers. In fact, when he takes it off the menu to make room for new items, he gets lots of comments – so it’s never gone for long. It’s very rich and filling so I wouldn’t recommend having it with all the other items we had ordered – it would be great with focaccia for lunch, or served with a light chicken dish as an appetizer. It didn’t last long, in fact, while I was writing the description – Dave had eaten more than half the bowl – he just couldn’t help himself!

We had a break between courses to rest. This was NOT a meal for the faint of heart. Tim came out to check on us and chat for a few minutes. He told us he attended Guilford Technical Community College for Culinary Arts, but he learned most of his craft working for a restaurant in Greensboro. “It’s the best way to learn, you can study knife techniques and the basics in school, but there is nothing like on the job training to hone your skills.”

When our main course was served, it was all I could do not to drool. Dave ordered Tim’s signature dish – a center cut 8 oz. Filet Mignon with a caramelized onion red wine & beef broth reduction. Tim had mentioned earlier that you could cut his filet with a butter knife – so of course, Dave

Timothy’s Fine Dining

The Mill, 130 S. Church St. Asheboro 336-625-1300 Hours: Lunch (Tues.-Fri.) 11:30 am to 2 pm Dinner (Tues.-Sat) 5:30 pm to 9 pm Service Food Atmosphere Price vs. Value

took this as a challenge. Exerting little pressure, he used his butter knife to slice a succulent piece of the filet off. It really did cut like soft butter! The red wine and beef broth reduction was not as heavy as gravy would be, and perfectly balanced the flavor of the meat to create an explosion of taste in your mouth (I know because I conned him into a piece before it all disappeared!)

My entrée was a roasted mustardcured Salmon filet topped with a cucumber basil relish. It was to die for, and just light enough to be the perfect choice after all the other wonderful dishes that had paraded across my table. The salmon was cooked to perfection, and flaked off in bite size chunks. A side of whipped potatoes baked in a ramekin and topped with cheese and parsley came with the meals, as well as a portion of baby green beans.

Tim brought out a small side plate with another of his entrée offerings, a piece of cod, sautéed with grape tomatoes, basil &

a white wine sauce that he wanted us to sample. This was delicious and as light as my salmon entrée.

With restaurant reviews, I know you are not supposed to eat the whole thing – just taste each item and move on – but how can you waste such good food – I was brought up to clean my plate or you didn’t get dessert. The problem with that philosophy is I had cleaned ALL the plates – and now still had to sample the desserts!

Tim set out a selection of his favorite desserts for us to “try” – a Chocolate Flourless Soufflé topped with shaved white chocolate pieces; a vanilla cheesecake with caramel and mixed berry glaze, and a dried cherry butterscotch pecan pie. Now, I don’t know about you – but my favorite part of any meal is dessert. To have three very different ones to choose from was impossible – so I started at the top and worked clockwise through them all.

If you love dark chocolate, the chocolate flourless soufflé was out of this world! It’s warm and gooey chocolate center speaks to the little girl in me who used to sit up late at night eating chocolate under the covers.

The vanilla cheesecake was challenging,

because I have won cheesecake competitions, and didn’t think it could possibly measure up. I couldn’t have been more wrong - hands down, it blew mine away! The cheesecake wasn’t as heavy it was light and silky, and the mixed berry and caramel topping was the just right sweetness. Tim mentioned he tried over 100 cheesecake recipes (I wonder if he’s looking for taste testers?) and this one was his all-time favorite.

Now, I’m not a fan of ‘pee-can’ pie give me pumpkin, apple, chocolate cream – in fact, just about any flavor but pecan and I’m happy. However, in the interests of doing a proper review, I couldn’t avoid it. All I can say is … “WOW” – this was incredible. It wasn’t ‘gluey’ like pecan pies I’ve tried in the past. It had a wonderful sweet nutty berry flavor, really unique. It’s a must if you haven’t tried it!

I can’t say enough about the atmosphere and food at Timothy’s. Tim uses the best ingredients for his dishes. He shops with local farms and suppliers for the freshest vegetables, seafood and meats available.

This is one recommendation we are happy we took advantage of, and you will be too. v

volume1 issue 3 asheboromagazine.com 29

calendar of events October 9th – November 21st; The Annual Carolina Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace, 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville, NC, Saturdays and Sundays 10a-5:30p The Renaissance Festival is a 16th century European style art and entertainment festival combining outdoor theater, circus entertainment, arts and crafts marketplace, a jousting tournament, a feast fit for royalty, and much much more. For more information, visit www.royalfaires.com or call (704)-8965544. Tickets: Adults $19, Child: $8.00 (prices per day).

October 23-24th, Boo at the Zoo, North Carolina Zoo, 9a-4p It’s the 20th anniversary of Boo at the Zoo. A magical weekend featuring games, music, face painting, costume contests and plenty of Halloween fun.

October 23, Hot Summer Nights Series, Zoo City Motor Sports Park, 11:30a-3p. One and one-quarter mile outdoor motorcross track with panoramic spectator viewing area. Adults $10, kids under 6 free.

October 15, 2010 - Friday Night Bluegrass, Sunset Theatre, Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20 & Dec. 4 - Hoops for Health, 234 Sunset Avenue, 7:00 p. Admission: $5 in advance, $7 at Bicentennial Park, 135 Sunset Avenue. Six-week class offered

by Asheboro Cultural & Recreation Services in partnership with the door - For more information, please call 626-1240.

Jacquie of Santosha Yoga & Hoops - $50. To register call 302October 16th – Fly-in, Montgomery County Airport, 262 Airport 8494 or email santosha@triad.rr.com.

Road, Star, NC; 9a-5p. Music by Members Only Band, Drowning Creek and Loaded Dice. Skydiving Exhibitions, vintage aircraft October 28 - “Thrifty Thursday” Movie Nights, Sunset Theatre, 234 Sunset Avenue, 7 & 9 p. $5 includes admission, small and food vendors. Free admission. popcorn and small drink. All movies in October will be Halloween October 16th – Ramseur Fall Festival, Downtown Ramseur, 9a- based, exact titles yet to be determined. For more information 5p. Come enjoy the annual Ramseur Fall Festival featuring live call Asheboro Cultural & Recreation Services at 336-626-1240 music, local arts and crafts, fun, and games for the kids and great or Sunset Theatre at 336-626-7469. food! FREE October 29 - 2nd Annual Trick or Treat in the Park, Bicentennial October 16th – Fall Kiln Openings in Seagrove, check with local Park, 135 Sunset Avenue, 7-9 p. This program provides children, including those who do not live in traditional neighborhoods, with potters for dates and times. a safe place to trick or treat. Free. For more information call October 21 - “Thrifty Thursday” Movie Nights, Sunset Theatre, Asheboro Cultural & Recreation Services office at 336-626234 Sunset Avenue, 7 & 9 p. $5 includes admission, small 1240. popcorn and small drink. All movies in October will be Halloween based, exact titles yet to be determined. For more information November 13, Heritage Day at Westmoore Pottery, Seagrove, call Asheboro Cultural & Recreation Services at 336-626-1240 9a-5p. Westmoore Pottery marks the 33rd anniversary of its founding by celebrating North Carolina’s non-Moravian potters or Sunset Theatre at 336-626-7469. who worked during the 18th and early 19th centuries.

October 22 – Cross Road Retirement Community’s 2nd Annual Fishing Tournament & BBQ Lunch/Dinner, 1302 Old Cox Road, November 20–21st, 29th Annual Seagrove Pottery Festival, 10a-6p. Registration fee for the tournament is 2 cans of canned Seagrove School, Come enjoy this annual event where the meats. Check in begins at 9a, prizes awarded. BBQ is $6 per Seagrove area potters come together under one roof in their plate, delivery available with the purchase of 5 or more tickets. hometown to demonstrate display and sell their work. The All proceeds go to raise money for the pier on the pond. For more festival features first choice on new designs made especially for the event, limited edition special commemorative pieces, and info call Dale Smith at 336-629-7811, ext 213. their popular Sunday Auction at 4 pm. Admission Charged.

October 23, 2010 – 22nd Annual NASCAR Day Festival, Randleman, NC, 9a-7p. Main Street is transformed by its vendors November 20-21st, 3rd Annual Celebration of Seagrove to include something for everyone. There is a large selection Potters, Historic Luck’s Bean Plant, 9a-6p daily. of things to see, buy or do ... handmade crafts, food booths, The Celebration of Seagrove Potters warmly welcomes you live bands and entertainment, NASCAR show cars, drag cars, to experience a 200 year old tradition and spend leisurely vintage antique automobiles, official NASCAR souvenir vendors time browsing and shopping, seeing the process, developing and games for kids. Visitors especially enjoy the opportunity to and renewing relationships with us - the potters of Seagrove. meet and visit with members of the Winston Cup Old Timers Demonstrations, historical and educational talks, and children’s Club, and admire the collection of vintage race cars on display. activities will be featured. Admission: $5. Go to www.

A highlight of this annual event is the glittering fireworks display celebrationofseagrovepotters.com for more information. near the downtown festival area that is sponsored by Richard and Lynda Petty.

30 ASHEBORO Magazine October 2010

ATTENTION PARENTS

Do you need a break?

Don’t know what to do with the kids?

Bring them to the RandolphAsheboro YMCA because we are giving you a...

PARENTS NIGHT OUT! Three dates available: Saturday October 9, 2010 Saturday November 20, 2010 Saturday December 4, 2010 5-10 pm

This event is for children ages 6-11 years and includes: ` Yummy Food ` YMCA Staff Supervision ` Lots of Fun & Games ` Swimming (for 5-11 year olds ONLY)

ALSO PROVIDING Nursery Care for Infants age 6 weeks to Children age 5

Please come dressed in your swimsuit & bring your towel!

` A night of peace & quiet for you!

Each night is only $10 per child for members and $20 per child for the public

For More Information Contact

336.625.1976

www.randolphasheboroymca.com

626-3580 w w w. a s h e b o r o s e l f s t o r a g e. c o m

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL On-Site Resident Managers Computer Controlled Gate All Sizes • Fully Fenced and Lighted Climate Controlled Units Warehouse Space Also Available Office Hours: 10-5 Monday - Friday • 10 - 2 Saturday Gate Hours: 6 AM - 10 PM • 7 Day a Week

HALF OFF FIRST 2 MONTHS RENTAL

Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Not valid with any other offer. Offer Expires 10/31/2010.

GUARDIAN SELF STORAGE

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS (Office) 1201 N. Fayetteville St. • Asheboro 2115 US Hwy. 64 East • Asheboro