ISSUE 106 | FREE
ASHEBORO
MAGAZINE
INSURANCE ASSOCIATES OF THE TRIAD
we’re here for you During this time of uncertainty, count on Wake Forest Baptist Health to keep you safe, healthy and informed, with: • Multiple respiratory assessment sites • Expanded online video and telephone health visits • Helpful podcasts with vital information As your routines change, our commitment won’t — we are here for you. Find the latest updates at WakeHealth.edu/CoronaVirus Have COVID-19 questions? Call 336-70-COVID
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In-Home Care Services for the Aged and Disabled asheboromagazine.com | 3
Publisher
Sherry B. Johnson sherry@asheboroandmore.com
Founder & CEO
David A. Johnson dave@1644Media.com
Contributors
R. Tyler Wilhoit
Keller Williams Realty
Ryan Dodson, Dr. Edward Wenda, DDS Megan Crotty, Ashley Monninger Margie DiDona, Dr. Titorya Stover
Cover Story Photography Donna Allen Photography
For advertising, contact:
Sherry Johnson sherry@asheboroandmore.com
kw Ranked in Sales Ranked TopTop 10 in20 Sales for the forTriad the Triad 2016 for 2018
NC/SC Broker,Realtor®, Realtor®, QSC, NC/SC Broker, QSC,SFR SFR
“The LARGEST and FASTEST “The largestReal and fastest GROWING Estategrowing Firm inreal the estate firm in theaWORLD is now part of WORLD is now part of Randolph Randolph We look forward to the County.County. We look forward to the opportunity to show you what opportunity to show youmakes what us the best choice yourchoice next move.” makes us theforbest for your next move.”
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IN THIS ISSUE Insurance Associates of the Triad
8
REGULARS Ask the Experts
12
Community News
20
At the YMCA
22
#GirlBoss Feature
24
Class of 2020
26
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. Copyright 2020
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Publisher’s COMMUNITY Letter NEWS
I
t’s June, and I’m sitting in my office with the heat on while it rains and the temperature reads 62 degrees outside. I did say it was June, right? I think we need a reboot of 2020. Does anyone know where the hard reset button is? Seriously, though - this is definitely going to be remembered as the year that everyone would probably rather forget. Sometimes it takes chaos to realize what is really important to you, and what you really can live without. Friends, family and pets - those are important to me, doing whatever I can to help the small businesses in our community survive - that’s important to me. Follow Asheboro Magazine on Facebook to stay up on what’s going on around town - we try to share out as much as we can so you can stay informed and remember to support your local small businesses as much as possible. One of our local small businesses is not so little any more. Martinez & Associates and Insurance Associates of the Triad will complete a merger on July 1st, and become one of the top 10 insurance agencies in the Triad. They’ve been talking about it since 2012, and working towards the goal of being able to offer their customers the most comprehensive list of insurance products available, from your moped to your multi-national business, they’ve got the products that can cover your assets. Art Martinez will also be taking over as President of Insurance Associates of the Triad when Reynolds Lisk retires on December 31st. This month we are launching a new feature in the magazine, #GirlBoss. We are celebrating strong, influential business women in the community, “girl bosses.” First up is Nia Faith, of Brewskie’s. A special thank you to Ashley Monninger, of McKenzie Real Estate for both the idea, and being willing to write the articles. We are so excited to offer this new feature. Speaking of new features, we would love to have a small section of the magazine devoted to local writers. Have you written a short story or poem that you would like to share with our readers? Please 6 | asheboromagazine.com
submit them to sherry@asheboroandmore.com for consideration in the magazine. We salute the Class of 2020 in our Friendly Faces this month, whether it’s high school or college, or homeschool - these students have worked hard for this achievement, under the most strenuous circumstances any recent generation has ever seen. Congratulations, and good luck to you all! I hope that you are able to get outside and enjoy the summer (once it warms up and gets back to more seasonable temperatures), whether that is in your own backyard, a lake or beach home, or visiting friends or family. We need some semblance of normalcy in an otherwise crazy world. I hope this issue finds you safe, healthy and making the most of your summer. Until next month, stay healthy and Happy Reading,
Sherry
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asheboromagazine.com | 7
A member of the
insurance associates of the triAD Growing to Better Serve Your Needs
T
he Triad Business Journal listed Insurance Associates of the Triad (IAT) as the 13th largest independent insurance agency in the area this year. On July 1st, when Art Martinez & Associates completes the merger with IAT, they will become one of the top 10 independent agencies in the Triad, based on the number of licensed agents in their office. Insurance Associates of the Triad grew from the merger of two locally owned and operated agencies in Randolph County: Neely & Lisk and Midstate Insurance. Neely & Lisk was formed in 1959 and as they grew the agency, they purchased other local agencies to add to the fold. They acquired Johns & Redding in 1986, the Keenan Insurance Agency in 1995 and the North State Agency in 1996. Midstate Insurance opened in 1948 and purchased the Worth Insurance Agency, before merging with Neely & Lisk in 2005 to become Insurance Associates of the Triad. IAT purchased Family & Business Insurance in 2007 and the Pioneer Insurance Agency in 2017. Art Martinez relocated to Asheboro in2005 and took over the Leon Brown Nationwide office in 2006. In
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2008, he acquired the Jean McMasters agency, in 2016 he purchased Trudy Jones’ agency, and in 2018 he purchased the Cory McCray office to become one of the largest Nationwide offices in Randolph County. Eight years ago, IAT began to consider their succession plan, knowing that within the next 10 years the principals would be retiring. At that time, they were being approached to buy the agency by banks and larger insurance agencies, but they did not want to be owned by a large out of town company. The core of the agency had been locally owned in Randolph County since the 1800s and focused on the community and they wanted that tradition to continue. During that time, Reynolds invited Art to lunch. They were on the Board of the United Way together, had served together in many capacities at the Chamber, and were well known to each other. At that lunch, Reynolds first broached the subject of some kind of merger, partnership or something that had Art taking over IAT when the others retired. While flattered, at that time Nationwide was a captive agency, and while there were discussions
about allowing agencies to become independent, it seemed an impossible idea. They continued to stay in touch, and three years later the discussion became more serious as Nationwide began to seriously look at allowing their agencies to become independent. Nationwide finally allowed their business lines agents to become independent first in 2017, and that opened the door for Art. As Charles Swiers neared retirement, he introduced Art to his business clients and began to transition them to him. Since that time things have been moving forward and falling into place to combine the two agencies into the new improved Insurance Associates of the Triad. On July 1st, when the transition is complete, IAT will have 27 licensed agents who are able to offer their customers a wide range of products from consumer insurance for a moped to a mansion, and business insurance for the mom and pop corner store to the multinational corporation and everything in between. Zac Beane will take on the role of COO of the company at that time as well.
But bigger isn’t what makes them better. What sets Insurance Associates of the Triad apart is their focus on doing the right thing for their clients and giving them the best options for what they need. As an independent agency, they can offer clients the best solution for their situation, no matter who the insurance carrier is. IAT is very community minded. “We want to make a difference outside of the insurance business in our community, because the community supports us.� Through the agency, and individually they are involved in many local organizations including the Asheboro/ Randolph Chamber of Commerce, The United Way, Rotary, Randolph/Asheboro YMCA, Kiwanis, and the Boys and Girls Club, to name a few. Each agent is given two hours of company time each month to volunteer for a local non-profit, because IAT values community service, but many volunteer many more hours than just those two. For the past five years, the office has been hosting a Christmas Party for the Boys and Girls club and asheboromagazine.com | 9
everyone gets involved and has a great time. They host a blood drive in honor of Angela Joyner, a coworker who passed away, each September and that has helped many hundreds of people through the donation of blood. The agency is also at the top of the per capita giving each year for The United Way. Richard Garkalns retired from IAT in 2014, and Charles Swiers retired in 2017. Art and Reynolds have worked extremely hard for the past two years to complete the merger. Their main focus has been blending the culture of both IAT and the Art Martinez & Associates offices into a seamless functioning agency. They took the best practices of each office and combined them so that moving forward, the agency will be even better. By happenstance, the suite next door to IAT became available when Asheboro Oral Surgery built their new building downtown Asheboro, and Art was able to purchase that suite, sell his office building on Cox Street and move in next door, making the transition much easier. Over the past few months, they have taken down walls and renovated the space to incorporate it When I asked Art what the future holds for Insurance into the IAT office, so it occupies all three units and Associates of the Triad, he offered two main points: customers now enter through the door at Suite 3. On December 31st, Reynolds Lisk will retire, and Art To maintain the focus on current will take over as President of Insurance Associates of clients, with so many new options the Triad. A plan eight years in the making will finally opened, making sure that they be complete. “I truly believe Insurance Associates of the Triad is the have the most comprehensive best it’s ever been, and they will take the agency to the next level,” Reynolds Lisk. “I’m going to miss the insurance available to them. people – the agents I work with and the wonderful customers I have served over the past 40 years.” On Look for new opportunities and November 2nd, Reynolds will celebrate his 40th expand our coverage area. anniversary at the company his dad built.
“
”
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To celebrate the merger, IAT is hosting the Business After Hours for the Chamber of Commerce in September 2020. If you are looking for a local, hands on approach to your insurance needs instead of a 1-800 number, Insurance Associates of the Triad would love to help you achieve your goals and cover your assets. Call the office at 336.626.3030 to make an appointment today.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, they are practicing social distancing in the office, wearing masks when in the hallways of the office and ask that if you come to the office, you also wear a mask and please don’t come if you feel unwell or have a fever. They want everyone to be safe and stay healthy!
asheboromagazine.com | 11
Ask the COMMUNITY expert Taxes NEWS
SHOULD I ITEMIZE? A LOOK AT ITEMIZED TAX DEDUCTIONS AND HOW THEY CAN HELP IN 2020
D
o I need to itemize? Knowing when and how to itemize your expenses is key to maximizing your tax situation and your federal refund. Here’s a look at itemized tax deductions and how to know if itemizing is your best option before the filing deadline which this year is July 15th. What are itemized tax deductions? An itemized tax deduction is any expense you can use to reduce your taxable income and, by extension, your federal tax bill. When you choose to itemize, all deductions you qualify for are reported on Schedule A of Form 1040 and subtracted from your adjusted gross income (AGI) to lower what you owe. Ultimately, the amount itemized tax deductions will reduce your 2019 federal income tax depends on your tax bracket and filing status. Do I itemize or claim the standard deduction? Knowing when to itemize vs. when to claim the standard deduction means understanding which option makes the most impact on your federal tax bill. Because you can only claim one or the other, it’s crucial
to know your tax situation and weigh both choices carefully before completing your federal return. The standard tax deduction The standard tax deduction is the easier of the two, as it’s a set amount based on your filing status. For the 2019 tax year – for which you file in 2020 – standard deductions amount to: $12,200 if you file as Single or Married filing separately $18,350 if you file as Head of Household $24,400 if you file as Married filing jointly or as a qualifying widow or widower with a dependent child And because the standard deduction is adjusted each year for inflation, those numbers will climb to $12,400 (Single & Married filing separately), $18,650 (Head of Household) and $24,800 (Married filing jointly) for the 2020 tax season. Itemized tax deductions When the amount of allowable expenses is more than the lump sum standard deduction, itemizing your taxes is likely the best way to go. A seasoned tax preparer can help you sort through your expenses,
Ryan Dodson has a Masters in Accounting from North Carolina State University. He worked in public accounting with Deloitte and Arthur Andersen. He and his wife Tiffany own and operate Liberty Tax Service. 405 East Dixie Drive•Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 629-4700 12 | asheboromagazine.com
determine what is tax deductible and ensure you choose the option that benefits your family the most. Itemized tax deductions fall into several key categories: • Home mortgage interest • Mortgage insurance payments • Charitable donations • State and local taxes • Medical expenses • Losses resulting from casualty or theft Note that the IRS updates the list of available itemized deductions each year. Of course, you’ll want the option that saves the most money. But itemizing your expenses tends to be more work than claiming the standard deduction, something to note as you prepare to file. What do I need to itemize my taxes? Reporting expenses as itemized tax deductions means keeping track of all records, receipts and documentation that can validate your claims and prove everything is on the up-and-up. If you plan to itemize, it’s important to have a number of tax documents at the ready, including: • Check stubs • Bank statements • Medical bills • Insurance bills • Property tax statements • Charitable donation receipts Collecting and organizing expense receipts and records is paramount to itemizing and can make it much easier to tally up deductions when completing your return. Common itemized tax deductions There are many expenses that qualify for itemized tax deductions. Some of the more common include: Mortgage interest If you have a mortgage on your home, the interest you’re paying on that loan may be tax deductible. The total mortgage tax deduction is available on the interest paid on the mortgage’s average principal balance during the tax year up to $750,000 ($1,000,000 if the mortgage was secured prior to December 16, 2017) and allowed for two homes per taxpayer. Private mortgage insurance Thanks to the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act (2020), private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums are now deductible up to the end of the year. This allows you to itemize any PMI premiums you paid during the 2019 tax year – as well as any PMI payments you make in 2020. Additionally, the PMI itemized tax deduction may also be applied to the 2018 tax season, meaning you might
be able to claim it by amending your 2018 tax return. Charitable donations Any contributions you made to qualifying charities in 2019 may be allowable itemized tax deductions, such as cash or property donations made to your favorite nonprofit. In many cases, charitable gifts of up to 100% of your AGI can be used to lower your tax burden, though different types of gifts face different AGI limits. State & local taxes The state and local tax deduction is one of the major incentives for itemizing, simply because state income taxes are only deductible when you itemize deductions. Those who paid a hefty state and local tax bill in 2019 may find considerable relief from this popular tax advantage. And if you own your home, you may also deduct any property taxes you paid during the year (prepaid taxes are not tax deductible). For 2019, the deduction for state and local taxes is limited to $10,000 ($5,000 if married filing separately. Medical and dental expenses Medical and dental expenses ate itemizable, though in a pretty limited way. Currently, you may only claim medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, a relatively high threshold making it difficult for many to qualify. Tax deductible medical expenses may include anything from necessary surgery and medical insurance premiums to prescription costs, physical handicap costs, doctor’s fees and medical-related transportation and more. Casualty losses Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) limited the casualty and theft loss deduction to losses incurred due to natural disasters happening in federally declared disaster areas (as declared by the U.S. President). What’s next? Sorting through expenses and itemized tax deductions can get frustrating in a hurry, particularly with so many different rules and limitations on what you can deduct and what is out of bounds. That’s where we come in. At Liberty Tax®, our seasoned tax pros are committed to helping you navigate the tax code and claim the deductions you need to maximize your tax 2019 refund. We help identify which tax deductions work best for your situation and ensure your return is in the best shape before the filing deadline. Give us a call at 336-629-4700 or come by and visit us at 405 E. Dixie Drive, Suite J in Asheboro two doors down from Jimmy Johns. asheboromagazine.com | 13
ASK THE EXPERT YOUR FEET
THE DOS AND DON’TS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLIP-FLOPS
T
he temperature is rising, which means you’re ready to start wearing your favorite spring and summer footwear: Flip flops! Whether you are digging them out of the back of your closet or hitting the mall in search for a new pair, keep in mind the following tips when it comes to making sure your flip-flops aren’t a huge flop: • Do shop for a flip-flop made of high-quality, soft leather. Leather minimizes the potential for blisters and other types of irritation. • Do gently bend the flip-flop from end to end, ensuring it bends at the ball of the foot. Shoes of any kind should never fold in half. • Do ensure that your foot doesn’t hang off of the edge of the flip-flop. • Do wear a sturdy pair of flip-flops when walking around a public pool, at the beach, in hotel rooms and in locker room areas. Walking barefoot can expose foot soles to plantar warts and athlete’s foot. • Don’t re-wear flip-flops year after year. Inspect older pairs for wear. If they show signs of severe wear, discard them.
• Don’t ignore irritation between toes, where the toe thong fits. This can lead to blisters and possible infections. • Don’t wear flip-flops while walking long distances. Even the sturdiest flip-flops offer little in terms of shock absorption and arch support. • Don’t do yard work while wearing flip-flops. Always wear a shoe that fully protects feet when doing outside activities such as mowing the lawn or using a weed-eater. • Don’t play sports in flip-flops. This practice can lead to twisting of the foot or ankle, as well as sprains and breaks. For more information about keeping your feet healthy or to make an appointment with one of the podiatrists at the Triad Foot & Ankle Center, visit www.triadfoot.com or call 336-375-6990.
Dr. Titorya Stover graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Health Science degree before attending Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida, earning her Doctor of Podiatric medicine with a dual master’s degree in Public Health and Biomedical Science. Dr. Stover is Board Certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
600 W Salisbury St, Ste D, Asheboro 336.375.6990 • www.triadfoot.com 14 | asheboromagazine.com
WE HAVE MOVED TO A NEW LOCATION!
Please make a note of our new location:
600 W. Salisbury St., Suite D Asheboro, NC 27203 To make an appointment call
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W Salisbury St.
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asheboromagazine.com | 15
ASK THE EXPERT DENTAL
KEEPING YOUR SMILE, AND YOU, HEALTHY
T
hese are definitely strange and sometimes scary times we are facing. I know a lot of people have a lot of questions about this Pandemic and are concerned and wanting to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy. One area where individuals may have the most concern is when receiving health care, including dental services. I want to assure you that we feel it is safe to receive dental care given the infection control measures we have practiced for decades, in addition to the new measures we have put in place due to the Covid 19 Pandemic. Since the early 1980’s, dentistry has led the way in infection control among private practice health care providers due to the close contact we have with our patients. For decades, the standard of care to prevent infection for patients and staff has been the use of autoclave sterilization of instruments, barrier protection and sterilization of chairs and equipment used in the treatment rooms as well as the use of masks, gloves, and barrier gowns for Dr. and staff. With the onset of Covid 19, these measures have been augmented and strengthened. In our office, we have implemented the use of N95 masks covered with a surgical mask, disposable gowns and face shields for Dr. and staff. Additionally, at the beginning of each workday, the staffs’ temperature and blood oxygen levels are screened.
Moreover, contact between patients has been greatly reduced and patients are screened for symptoms of Covid 19 before entering the practice. In addition to screening questions, patients’ temperatures and blood oxygen levels are taken before the patient leaves their car. Anyone with a temperature of 99 F or a blood oxygen level below 90 is not allowed in the practice. Only scheduled patients are allowed in the practice and patients use hand sanitizer immediately upon entering. Rarely are patients in the waiting room, but rather are taken directly to their treatment room, and patients enter through the front door and exit through the back door of the practice. We have also implemented the use of medical grade HEPA air filtration units. These precautions have been implemented for patient and staff safety and have been used in our practice since the onset of the Covid 19 spread in the USA. We did not at any time shut our practice down but rather saw emergencies only for the month of April and are now beginning to bring dental hygiene patients back into the practice in phases on a most needed basis. Having not shut down, I am proud to say we have not had a single case associated with our office for staff or patients. We want to address any additional questions or concerns you may have, so please feel free to contact our office or your current dental office, if any arise. We look forward to seeing you soon and keeping your smile, and you, healthy.
Dr. Edward Wenda attended UNC Chapel Hill for his undergraduate studies, graduating in 1996. He then studied dentistry at UNC School of Dentistry at Chapel Hill, earning his DDS degree in 2000. He purchased Dr. Henry Vruwink’s dental practice in 2018. He is a member of the ADA, North Carolina Dental Society and Randolph County Dental Society
150 Scarboro Street, Asheboro • 336.629.3113 150 Scarboro St. Asheboro, NC 336-629-3113 www.drwenda.com
16 | asheboromagazine.com
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COMMUNITY News
RCC ANNOUNCES PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
F
ive outstanding Randolph County high school students have been chosen in a competitive process as Presidential Scholars at Randolph Community College for the 2020-2021 school year. Luna Corona and Alberto Olivarez, both from Asheboro High School; Josie Parrish from Eastern Randolph High School, Rose Catherwood from Uwharrie Charter Academy, and Jeremiah Hodge from Wheatmore High School will receive two-year RCC scholarships through the Presidential Scholars program funded by the Randolph Community College Foundation. High school students from public, private, and home schools throughout Randolph County were invited to apply for the scholarships. Students who met the preliminary requirements were invited to attend a Presidential Scholars Day at RCC on March 10, where they learned more about the College and were interviewed by a committee of faculty and staff members. Finalists were chosen and invited back for a second interview with RCC President Dr. Robert Shackleford Jr., who made the final choice of five recipients. Students’ academic records and extracurricular/ community activities weighed into the selection of recipients, as did the interviews. RCC Presidential Scholars receive a $2,500 scholarship for their first year of study ($1,250 for fall and $1,250 for spring) that is renewable for their second year of study. The students have the opportunity to serve as Ambassadors for the College, and meet regularly with President Shackleford. Luna Corona of Asheboro plans on going into the health science field. A varsity athlete, she is also president of the AHS Key Club and is a member of the AHS GlamourGals and AHS Chick-fil-A Leader Academy along with holding a job at Cinemark Theater. She has volunteered at Lindley Park Elementary School, the Randolph County Public Library, the OneBlood Blood Drive, and Christians United Outreach Center. Alberto Olivarez of Asheboro plans to work on a college transfer degree and study business. He has been a member of the Distributive Education Clubs of America and the AHS Yearbook Staff, along with working at Bojangles and Food Lion. Olivarez is Venture program, financial literacy, and Word and PowerPoint certified.
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Josie Parrish of Franklinville is pursuing a nursing degree. At ERHS, she is involved in Beta Club, Junior Civitan, National FFA Organization, while playing tennis and managing the football team. Parrish has worked at Sagebrush and Central Bakery, and is a fourth-generation firefighter with the Ramseur Fire Department. Rose Catherwood of Asheboro is pursuing a degree in elementary education. She has been involved in Beta Club, student government, the dance team, her church youth group, and the American Red Cross Blood Drive; teaches at Pointe South Dance and Tumble, is a school flex day volunteer, and is a teacher’s assistant. Catherwood also works at Chick-fil-A. Jeremiah Hodge of Thomasville is working on a college transfer degree with the hopes of studying marketing. He has been the president of the Junior Civitans Club, vice president of the Beta Club, and the senior representative on the Student Council while volunteering at his church. Hodge also has worked as an umpire and as a cashier/crew member at Cook Out. The RCC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides a margin of excellence for Randolph Community College by building a strong relationship with the local community, acquiring and managing contributions, and funding activities that support the College.
Luna Corona
Alberto Olivarez
Rose Catherwood
Josie Parrish
Jeremiah Hodge
MABE AWARDED RCC FOUNDATION RETIREE SCHOLARSHIP
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achariah Mabe has been awarded the Randolph Community College Foundation Retiree Scholarship for the 2020-2021 school year. The scholarship was established to honor retired RCC faculty and staff members. Mabe, who was chosen among the 2020-2021 Presidential Scholar applicants for the $1,000 scholarship, will be seeking an Associate in Science degree at RCC, and then transfer to North Carolina State University to major in Mechanical Engineering. Mabe is a member of the Boy Scouts of America, the Beta Club, the National FFA Organization, and the Southwestern Randolph High School cross country and track teams. He also works for Mabe’s Construction as an apprentice welder. The RCC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides a margin of excellence for Randolph
Community College by building a strong relationship with the local community, acquiring and m a n a g i n g contributions, and funding activities that support the College. For information on contributing to the RCC Foundation, contact Lorie McCroskey, Director of Development, at 336633-1118 or email llmccroskey@randolph.edu.
RCC HOLDS VIRTUAL CCR GRADUATION
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andolph Community College held a virtual ceremony for its 2020 College and Career Readiness (CCR) Graduation on Thursday, May 14. The in-person ceremony was to take place the same date, but was changed due to COVID-19. Director of Adult Basic Education and Adult High School Jordan Williamson opened the ceremony with a welcome and congratulations. “As many of you know, the College and Career Readiness Graduation is one of our most special events at RCC,” she said. “As much as we love to celebrate all of our graduates, this event certainly holds a special place in our hearts because we know how hard you’ve worked to accomplish this and how many barriers and obstacles you have overcome to reach this moment in your life. So please know that even though we are not all together today to celebrate in person, we still celebrate you virtually and we are still celebrating you afar.” Williamson then extended an invitation for the graduates to walk across the stage as a part of the December CCR graduation ceremony. Several members of the CCR staff added messages of congratulations, including CCR In-Take Specialist Dahlia Oldham, a 2009 graduate from the program. “The beautiful thing about this — no one can take this away from you,” she said. “It’s yours forever. So I want you to go out, go see the world, create your own beautiful dreams.” Vice President for Workforce Development & Continuing Education Elbert Lassiter presented the graduates. “I couldn’t be more proud of you,” he said. “I wish you much success whether you’re coming back to Randolph Community College to continue your education or going to another college or university or entering the workforce. The fact that you’ve completed this degree should give you encouragement that you can do anything you choose to do.
I’m so excited for you.” RCC President Dr. Robert S. Shackleford closed the ceremony, noting that Abraham Lincoln lost his mother, his fiancée, his business, and several political races before becoming president. “All of these weren’t periods in his life that ended things, they were commas,” Shackleford said. “And he got back up and brushed himself off and he kept going and going and going. That’s what you’ve done. All the things in your life that have led to this point tonight, you’ve decided to make them commas and not periods. You didn’t let obstacles stop you. They may have tripped you up for a month, they may have slowed you down a little bit, but you got up and brushed yourself off and kept going and here you are tonight. “I hope that even tonight will be a comma. I hope that you will get back up and keep going after this ceremony, keep going after you get your high school equivalency or your adult high school diploma. Come on to RCC and be a college student now. You are as qualified as if you’d been the valedictorian of your graduating class. We’re very proud of you. We want to be a part of your educational, journey as far as it takes you. Please know that you inspire me. I’m proud of you and I wish you the very best.” The graduation can be viewed at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=IXwpZWEzlAI. High School Equivalency Graduates: Archdale: Gabriell Mcarthur, Lane Van Ausdall; Asheboro: Victor Castaneda, Hilda Munoz-Vences; Fuquay-Varina: Kiara Dolan; Lexington: Richard Phillippie; Pleasant Garden: William Allen Sr.; Randleman: Devon Nix Adult High School Diploma Graduates Trinity: Sierra Miller; Troy: Brady Marshall. asheboromagazine.com | 21
AT THE YMCA
Randolph-Asheboro YMCA offers help transitioning back to work
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rumming is at the heart of every culture since before recorded history. It has been a means of communication, an instrument of ceremony and the beat of celebration. It can connect and empower within a particular place and time and across all boundaries of place and time. Drumming speaks to the center of us as individuals and community. During these unprecedented times, the RandolphAsheboro YMCA has looked for ways to serve as we have all been impacted by COVID-19. After several conversations with staff and the YMCA Board of Directors on how we as a Y can serve our community, the most common dialogue that continued to be discussed was how we could help families who have been impacted by being furloughed or laid off from their job due to COVID-19. Thanks in part with a grant from the Edward M. Armfield Sr. Foundation, the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA has developed a 90 day program that addresses these challenges, and helps with the transition back to employment and normalcy for those families. The Y will offer daycare to families at a scholarship rate based on the amount an individual or family can be afford for the next 3 months: · Daycare participants will be supervised in a “safe” Christian environment. · Three months of daycare why families look for employment. · Granted a three month youth membership to the daycare participant. · Certified teachers will assist with academic work as needed, to prepare children for the upcoming school year. · Swim lessons will be offered to all participants, so children can be proficient in the pool. · Special fitness activities will be offered for ALL children. · To ensure we develop the whole child, we will offer programs in the arts through partnerships with other community organizations.
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· We have a volunteer garden here at the Y where we grow and give vegetables and spices to Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen and also to the Christian United Outreach Center. We plan to have the senior volunteer’s help children plant their own gardens, so they can experience “gardening” and hopefully harvest food to take home. · Children can participate in Y youth programs with other children, which allows them to enjoy interacting with other kids again. · A counselor will be available twice a week for children experiencing separation issues. To qualify for this 90 day program, you will need to show proof of being laid off or furloughed from your job due to COVID-19 and be willing to pay a portion towards the scholarship. For more information about this program contact the YMCA at 336.625.1976.
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Wednesday & Thursday 11 am to 2 pm & 5 to 8 pm Friday & Saturday 11 am to 9 pm | Sunday 11 am to 8 asheboromagazine.com pm | 23
#GIRLBOSS
by Ashley Monninger
Nia Faith: Brewskie’s
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he idea for this series of articles came from Sophia Amoruso’s “#girlboss Radio” podcast. In it, the author interviews influential business women, “girl bosses.” Sophia never finished college, but she hustled hard and now runs a multi-million dollar media company. This month’s local #girlboss goes by Nia Faith, and she’s the Owner/Operator of one of our favorite spots in town, Brewskie’s. Nia doesn’t have a college degree, and neither do I. We’re both hustling to grow small, girl-run, businesses in Asheboro. That’s why I’m so psyched to tell the story behind Brewskie,s, and what being a #girlboss means to Nia. On a Thursday morning, I pull into the empty parking lot of Brewskies. When COVID-19 hit, she and her fiancé, Heath, made the difficult decision to close the restaurant temporarily, giving the staff a chance to file
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for unemployment. When we walk in the door, I remark that the space is so cozy & authentic, it really does have a different aesthetic from anywhere else in town. There’s a reason for this: everything you see, both inside and outside of Brewskie’s was sourced locally by Nia herself. She collaborated with Seagrove potter, Crystal King, to create the perfect latte mugs, because what she wanted didn’t exist yet. Even the pottery glaze is a custommixed color for Brewskie’s. The bar is made of reclaimed wood from an old sawmill in town. The stools are handforged in Virginia. Her attention to detail is nothing short of amazing. Remodeling the space to her exacting standards took almost a year. She played a hands-on role from start to finish: refinishing the original hardwood floors, designing a custom ceiling, and adding rustic, exposed beams. Brewskie’s also serves a brand of coffee
that is exclusive to their shop, and can be purchased in-house. Nia’s goal was to offer something different, to complement (not compete with) other local coffee shops. She and Heath met with countless food reps to create the menu. “After we were 15 pounds heavier from trying so many different options,” Nia laughs, “I decided that flatbreads were what Asheboro was missing.” I ask her how she got her start in the food service industry. One of her first jobs, at age 17, was working as a hostess at a well-known restaurant chain. She was good at it and stayed in that field for the next 7 years. About leaving, she says, “I was making a lot of money but I just wanted something better.” So she took a leap of faith, hung up her orange shorts, and started job hunting. She was excited to hear from one of her friends who already worked there, that Dr. McCall Sink was hiring. It took several interviews, and some clarification about her name on Facebook (she goes by “Nia Faith” not “Nia Smith” so initial searches turned up some pretty wild results) but ultimately, she landed a job at Blase Chiropractic. Nia says that she was so grateful for the opportunity. “Dr. McCall was the only boss who ever pushed me to be better. She made me read books about self-improvement and how to work with people. It was a tight sisterhood of girls who worked there,” she recalls, girls who are super-close friends to this day. With her newfound support system, Nia soaked in everything she could about the day-to-day of running a business. Dr. Sink helped to boost her confidence by sincerely believing in her intelligence and abilities. She sent Nia to school, where she earned two different certifications. When Nia told her boss about her Brewskie’s dream, Dr. Sink offered support and guidance, not judgement, and Nia felt for the first time like she could “be like Dr. McCall, and own my own business.” Conversely, when Nia initially pitched the idea of Brewskie’s to her fiancé, Heath, he was not on board. “With restaurants, it’s different, it’s not like other (business ventures) where there’s a quick return. It takes a long time to make your money back,” she says. But when a landlord led the pair into a musty, neglected building on S. Fayetteville (once Asheboro Beauty School), their visions finally aligned. She wanted good coffee in the morning with friends; he wanted top shelf whiskey and a cigar on the patio, and thus, Brewskie’s was born. When Brewskie’s opened last June, the growth
was swift and substantial. “I was not prepared for the amazing outpouring of support and love from our community,” she remembers. I asked her if she would have done anything differently. She says, “We put good people in the wrong positions, which caused added stress. I think that’s true with any business, but you just roll with the punches and make the best of it.” Nia says that she reads every single review, good and bad. She takes feedback seriously and does her best to deal with problems immediately. It’s sad when she tells me that just when she’d gotten the staff (and the reviews) on the right track, COVID-19 came along and completely derailed things. She’s not worried, though. “I’ve got lots of plans for when we open back up,” she says with a knowing grin. I concluded our interview by asking Nia what advice she has for any other girls out there who may have dreams of starting their own businesses. She says, “Never let anyone make you feel like you can’t achieve your goals. No matter where you come from, it may be tough but you can do it. Don’t be scared. Keep trying, and don’t give up.” It took her a year to convince Heath, but only one cup of coffee to convince Asheboro, and that’s how Nia Faith became a #girlboss. Find out more about Brewskie’s on their Facebook page,“Brewskie’s”, on Instagram @brewskiesofasheboro, or stop on by after May 22nd at 736 South Fayetteville St. in Asheboro. Tag them using #brewskiesofasheboro, #downtownasheboro, and #aroundasheboro. (Coffee cup street art by JEKS (aka Brian Lewis) of Greensboro. Find him on Instagram @jeks_nc.) Ashley Monninger is Director of Marketing and Operations, and a licensed real estate broker/Realtor®, at McKenzie Real Estate in Asheboro. Find her on Instagram @ashley_monninger. Find McKenzie Real Estate @ mckenzierealestateofnc.
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