Asheboro Magazine Issue 127

ASHEBORO

LOCAL AUTHOR WINS PRESTIGIOUS CHILDREN'S LITERARY AWARD

Local Author wins Prestigious Children's Literary Award

Micki Bare recently traveled to Raleigh to accept a prestigious literary award for her middle grade novel, Society of the Sentinelia, which was released on May 27, 2022.

In 1994, Micki moved back to North Carolina after living in South Carolina for five years. She was hired as the director of the local Head Start program, which was headquartered in Asheboro and moved to Asheboro in 1998 with her boys after her divorce to be closer to work. All three of her boys graduated from Asheboro High School.

Micki is well known in the community and wrote a column for The Courier-Tribune for over 18 years. She also served on many Asheboro-Randolph Chamber committees and its Board. For 13 years, she has lived within walking distance of downtown.

She grew up loving to write. Her grandmother gave Micki her first diary and instead of jotting personal thoughts, hopes, and dreams, she crafted stories with her limited knowledge of words supplemented by pictures. By the second grade, she was writing short stories every day as soon as she finished her homework. She was the news editor of her high school’s paper and wrote for NC State’s Technician as an undergraduate.

While still in college, she drafted a book for young children: Thurston T. Turtle Moves to Hubbleville. Over the years, she would pull it out, revise it, send out queries, and get rejections.

In 2001, she began writing a human-interest column for The Courier-Tribune. By 2004, she had enough material to publish—through a very small and now defunct NC publisher—an anthology of columns tied together by a family theme. While it’s now out of print, it was a great way to dip her toes into the world of publishing. In 2005, one of her short essays was accepted for the anthology The Kid Turned Out Fine (Adams Media, 2006).

Meanwhile, she never gave up on that original manuscript. Thurston T. Turtle Moves to Hubbleville was finally published in 2010 by a small press in Florida. They also published Thurston T. Turtle and the Legend of the Lemonade and Thurston T. Turtle and the Precarious Puppy. The company sold in 2014, and all three titles were rereleased under the new publisher in 2015.

She also took a stab at writing women’s fiction, but found it just was not a good fit for her. While she did

prove to herself she could write novel-length works, her heart continued to be drawn to children’s literature.

Starting in 2015, she began taking pictures of knotholes and oddly shaped trees. She tacked them to a board in her home office. She also had this odd word on a scrap piece of paper with the description, “Not a fairy.” Then, in 2018, she woke up in the middle of the night with an idea, grabbed a pencil and notepad, went into the living room, and scratched out what morphed into the first scene of the second chapter of Society of the Sentinelia. At the time, all she knew was the name of the main character and her human best friend, and that they were both 11 years old.

Armed with a vision, she went to the 2018 SCBWICarolinas fall conference determined to learn all she could about writing for middle grade audiences. She spent the next year drafting Society of the Sentinelia. She would walk to work on Mondays as she conveniently worked downtown at the time—and then stop at Times Square Pizza on her way home, order a salad and write a chapter. On weekends, she met up with friends at The Coffee Xchange (now Nannie Mae’s) or Brewskies and wrote for hours.

Much like peddling the Thurston T. Turtle series, she would send out queries for Society of the Sentinelia, only to receive a pile of rejections in return. Then she received

Pat Hurley, NC State Representative with Micki Bare in Raleigh in December, 2022

a thoughtful, personalized rejection that suggested her 11-year-old protagonist sounded more like a 40-year-old research scientist. She received similar feedback from her aunt’s critique group in Chicago, who graciously agreed to beta read the manuscript.

During the pandemic, she participated in virtual workshops and conferences that greatly helped her find her characters’ voices. Another intense revision came next, as did a side short story.

While some writers had trouble finding their muse during the pandemic, Micki did not. Her daily 3-mile hikes coupled with time for yoga and meditation gave her ample juice for writing up a storm. The short story landed in an anthology created to raise money for independent bookstores. Her’s was the only young adult fiction piece in the anthology. One of the other contributors invited them to read their works aloud in a virtual literary “live show” being hosted during the pandemic and Micki volunteered. The host loved her performance and the story, and they struck up a warm acquaintanceship.

By the time she was done with the latest draft of her middle grade novel, she’d learned that her new acquaintance was a partner in a publishing company and also one of its editors. While she knew they published

crime and mystery novels, Micki figured it couldn't hurt to reach out to see if she might know someone in the publishing world that could help her with her middle grade novel. She had Micki send her a pitch along with the manuscript. At that point Micki was elated, as she imagined her book being discussed at some big publishers conference with a children’s book publisher.

A few months later, she got back in touch with Micki, but it was not with a referral to another publisher. Rather, her company had been working to expand into middle grade and young adult books for several years and she wanted to offer Micki their first children’s literature contract!

In 2021 Micki signed a contract for a total of five books to be published under the newly created Level Elevate imprint of Level Best Books in Maryland. Society of the Sentinelia , the first in the series, was published May 27, 2022.

Zahra of the Uwharries series

Set in the Birkhead Wilderness of the Uwharrie Mountains in central North Carolina, Society of the Sentinelia and BLIND FAIRY are the first two of five in the Zahra of the Uwharries series that chronicles Zahra’s unique and critical role in saving her species.

Micki Bare celebrating the launch of the first book in her Zahra of the Uwharries Series

Micki Bare accepting the award for her first book in the Zahra of the Uwharries Series

Society of the Sentinelia

Zahra, a sprite-like tween no bigger than a loblolly pinecone, befriends an 11-year-old human on a quest to find her parents and sister. When a neighbor muddles their plans, kidnaps Zahra, and threatens her new friend, Zahra discovers unnerving truths about herself and her family.

On December 2, 2022, Micki received the AAUW NC Young People’s Literature Award for the book. According to the AAUW NC website, “Since 1953, AAUW of North Carolina has partnered with the NC Literary and Historical Association to present an award in recognition of the most significant work of original juvenile literature published over the course of the last year by a North Carolina author.”

The next book in the Zahra of the Uwharries series, BLIND FAIRY, will be published May 2023.

BLIND FAIRY

Zahra, a scraebin about as tall as a wild dandelion, is summoned by her mentor fairy after cicadas emerge to lull her colony into a deep sleep. Zahra soon learns she is The Convener, a responsibility she doesn’t want. After accepting her destiny, a turtle with amethyst eyes leads her to a lone, blind scraebin born with the markings of a fairy. Together, Zahra and the blind fairy must save the scraebin colonies. But when 12-year-old Brant, a human, snatches the blind fairy, and then Zahra suffers a concussion and injured wing, the obstacles appear too daunting to overcome.

I can’t wait to read the next installment of this series and if you have middle grade children or grandchildren, this would be a great series to start them on. You can purchase the book on Amazon or through local retailers. More retail and wholesale book sales information can be found at https://www.mickibareauthor.com/books.

Micki Bare presenting at a local middle school about writing her first book in the Zahra of the Uwharries Series

TAX CHANGES TO KNOW BEFORE FILING YOUR 2022 TAXES

As you know, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” – Benjamin Franklin wrote to a friend in 1789. I would like to add another certainty of life – change!

And taxes change every year. Below are a few items that could affect your taxes returns when you file in 2023.

Child Tax Credit

While the child tax credit received a temporary boost through the American Rescue Plan of 2021, the enhanced tax breaks were not extended to this year.

In 2021, the child tax credit offered up to $3,600 per child under age 6, and up to $3,000 per child ages 6 through 17, with half available via upfront payments. But for 2022, the tax break reverts to the previous amount — up to $2,000 per child under age 17. And for those who are sharp eyed, you notice that the age for a child to be eligible dropped by a year from under 18 to under 17. This means that if your child turned 17 during 2022, regardless of date, there will not be a child tax credit.

Another major change is for those eligible for the Additional Child Tax Credit. This credit typically applies to those will little income who do not qualify for the Child Tax Credit. The Additional Child Tax Credit was fully refundable in 2021, meaning regardless of income a taxpayer would receive $3,000 or $3,600 per child. In 2020, it reverts back to pre-covid stimulus rules. The maximum Additional Child Tax Credit is now $1,500 per child.

Child and Dependent Care Credit

The child and dependent care tax credit, which may help offset the cost of care for children under age 13 or adult dependents, has also been reduced back to pre-covid stimulus rules.

In 2021, the credit jumped to 50% of childcare expenses up to $8,000 for one qualifying person or $16,000 for two or more dependents. However, for 2022, those caps returned

25% of expenses up to $3,000 and $6,000, for one or multiple dependents, respectively.

1099-Ks

If you’ve received payments through apps like Venmo or PayPal in 2022, you may get Form 1099-K in early 2023, which reports income from third-party networks.

The form applies to business transactions, such as parttime work, side jobs or selling goods, according to the IRS.

Before 2022, the federal Form 1099-K reporting threshold was for taxpayers with more than 200 transactions worth an aggregate above $20,000. Now, however, the threshold is just $600, and even a single transaction can trigger the form.

While the IRS says you shouldn’t receive Form 1099-K for personal transfers, experts say it’s possible, and the error may require you to contact the issuer or make adjustments to your tax return.

Charitable Deductions

Your tax refund may also be lower because it’s more difficult to claim the charitable deduction in 2022.

Congress gave charities a boost in 2021 by allowing single donors to claim a deduction for up to $300 for cash donations or $600 for married couples filing together in addition to the standard deduction.

However, the tax break wasn’t extended for 2022. Now, you’ll only benefit if your itemized deductions, including the tax break for charitable gifts, exceeds the standard deduction, which is less common. In 2019, almost 90% of taxpayers used the standard deduction, according to the IRS.

So, wow, these are just a few of the many changes for this upcoming tax season. Our tax professionals receive over 30 hours of update and tax training each year. Come see a professional and stop worrying about knowing all these changes. We can be reached at 336-629-4700 or come visit us Liberty Tax, 405 E. Dixie Drive in Asheboro.

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.

MIXON AWARDED SCHOLARSHIP, 43 STUDENTS INDUCTED INTO PTK AT RCC

Family, friends, and Randolph Community College faculty and staff gathered Saturday, Nov. 19, as the College held its first in-person Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) induction ceremony in three years. Forty-three students entered the RCC chapter of the honor society, Beta Theta Rho, and Business Administration student Shannon Mixon was awarded the fifth annual Waymon C. Martin Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship.

RCC English/Communication Instructor and PTK Advisor Clark Adams opened the ceremony, which was held in the R. Alton Cox Learning and Resources Center Auditorium.

“This is what community college is all about,” Adams said. “It’s about fellowship and gathering together to celebrate our scholars. It’s about seeing the families support these students. And these are extraordinary students. They’ve made their academics a top priority. One of the greatest soccer players of all time, Pelé, once said, ‘Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.’ Each one of our inductees today have exhibited those qualities.”

After PTK Secretary Amber Ingold led the Pledge of Allegiance and PTK Vice President Aliza Abdul gave the invocation, Adams introduced Martin’s daughter, Toi Gray, who spoke about her father before presenting Mixon with the $500 scholarship.

“I am so thankful, and my family is so thankful that his legacy is still alive here at Randolph Community College,” she said. “I was lucky to be raised by someone who was such a giver in his community and a giver in his family. Education was very important to him, and he worked really hard to make sure that it was a very important part of my life. I was very lucky for his patience and his kindness — to have someone I could lean on and go to for advice. Helping people is what he loved to do — that’s what he lived for and what gave him energy. And he loved Randolph Community College.”

Mixon, who is earning her Business Administration degree, looks to turn her focus to non-profit business management as she started Chain Breaker House in Asheboro, which helps women with substance abuse problems.

“It’s such a privilege to receive this scholarship,” she said. “I feel like such a small person, but I have a strong heart and a strong will and I’m going to make it. I’m determined. Being an adult and going back to school was very intimidating, but I’ve really found my passion in helping others.”

Adams then introduced the alumni speaker, Jeremy Grant, who is the Director of Product Marketing at LendingTree.

“Even though I’m several years removed, judging by the gray hairs on my head, from my time at RCC, the pillars of Phi Theta Kappa still ring strong for me — leadership, scholarship, fellowship, and service,” he said. “While I’m not a master of those by any means, they’ve served as wonderful guides over the years, both as a marketer in corporate America, as a friend, as a husband, and now as a father.

“This is just the beginning of your story. Be bullheaded and do something. You don’t have to have it all figured

The newest members of RCC’s PTK chapter, Beta Theta Rho.

out. Everything you do today matters. Your experiences here at RCC are the building blocks to your future for you, your peers, your family, and your community. If nothing else, remember this: Work hard, have fun, and be open to the journey.”

Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement at the University of North Carolina Greensboro and RCC graduate Yubi Sandoval gave the keynote address.

“The lesson I’ve learned and that I would like for you to take with you today is don’t give up on yourself, on your dream,” she said. “Life will be challenging. Give yourself grace. Take the time to know and heal your inner child and celebrate how far you have come. Knock on every door you come across. There may be a challenge or an opportunity behind it, but either one will prepare you to learn, grow, and blossom. Finally, build your own village. Have a support system of individuals who keep you accountable, motivate you, and champion you, and mentor you.”

After RCC Vice President for Instructional Services Suzanne Rohrbaugh introduced the new PTK members and congratulated them, the students each went up on stage to sign their names and to receive a carnation and their certificates.

RCC Interim President Elbert Lassiter gave the closing remarks.

“A common theme I’ve heard today is “between” or “in between,” he said. “I, too, was a student here at Randolph Community College — this is a solid foundation you’re receiving. All our speakers talked about perseverance, getting through that period in between. Right now, you’ve had a major accomplishment and you should be so proud. What people can’t see is that period in between where you weren’t right here. There may have been times where

you got in your own way, wondering ‘Do I have the skill? I may not have what it takes to get to the next level.’ Whatever your next goals are, find someone, that rock, that family member, that faith in yourself and know it’s going to be OK.”

Established by junior college presidents and students in Missouri in 1918, PTK is the only international honor society serving two-year institutions. It recognizes the academic achievement and integrity of students enrolled in curriculum programs. The organization is based on four hallmarks, leadership, fellowship, scholarship, and service. Students invited to join PTK must have completed 12 credit hours and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Beta Theta Rho, RCC’s Chapter, was chartered Nov. 1, 1999, and has maintained a Five Star status for 18 consecutive years. Five Star status is the highest level that chapters can receive and recognizes chapters that have completed every requirement set by PTK and for chapters that go above and beyond to make sure their projects and service to the college and community are the best they can be. In addition to Adams, RCC chapter advisors are Ellen Adams (Mathematics Instructor), Alma Nall (Spanish Instructor), and Dolores Vargas Benavides (Spanish Instructor).

Martin, who passed away in February 2020, taught Business Administration and served as Department Head of Business Administration at RCC, starting in 2001 and retiring in 2017. He was the advisor for RCC’s chapter from 2002 until his retirement. Martin and former Sociology Instructor Carol Savchack proposed a PTK Scholarship in 2007 through the RCC Foundation, on which Martin later served as a Board member as Faculty

Shannon Mixon is this year's scholarship winner.

RCC Interim President Elbert Lassiter delivers the closing remarks.

Representative for more than 10 years. The goal was to have the scholarship reach an endowment of $10,000, and, through annual campaigns, it was met in 2016. When Martin retired, the scholarship was named after him at the 2017 spring induction ceremony. The scholarship has been presented annually to PTK members who are fulltime students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above.

Phi Theta Kappa Fall 2022 Inductees (by hometown):

Asheboro: Jessica Lynn Atwell, Anna Brooke Baynes, Michelle Lee Camp, Courtney Michelle Carlyle, Alanna Wrenn Cheek, Taylor Elizabeth Davis, Brock Austin Dunlap, Easton James Flinn, David Charles Francis, Elizabeth Hernandez, Carlyle Elizabeth Kern, Natalie Shae Latham, Rodney Mark Ledford, Thalya Lee Letterlough, Grant McKade Little, Paris Alaycia Rolle, Karis Wright Rowland, Hunter Jayce Shackleford, James Douglas Thomas, Sofia Tinoco-Leon, Kylie Morgan Zimpfer.

Climax: Ashlyn Noel James, Taylor Nicole Waugh.

Franklinville: Ryan Thomas Morris.

Liberty: Amy Denise Pierce-Coble.

New London: Leah Elizabeth Ingle.

Pleasant Garden: Dakota Ray Hicks, James Peyton McCollum.

Ramseur: Revin Lewis Bray, Bryson Seth Lawson.

Randleman: Haven B. Avery, Ryan William Challender, Kaitlyn

Leigh Glaze, Ashlee Rae Maness, Jesselyn Perez, Michaela

Nicole Street.

Seagrove: Dacia Marie Richardson.

Sophia: Ashlyn Paige Carpenter.

Thomasville: Heather Meredyth Ellis, Anna Joy Taylor.

Trinity: Ashton Nicole Johnson, Jordan Tally Lucas, Elizabeth Sekarsari

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RCC NAMED TO INTELLIGENT.COM, NICHE TOP LISTS

Intelligent.com and Niche have included Randolph Community College in their lists of the Best Community Colleges in North Carolina in 2023.

Intelligent.com’s research identifies top schools in the state based on tuition costs, the number of credits required to graduate, and the online coursework delivery format. RCC was awarded Widest Program Selection on the final list. Intelligent.com implemented a methodology that ranks each institution on a scale from zero to 100 across six categories. The scoring system compares each school in terms of tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. RCC earned an Intelligent Score of 97.65. For more on Intelligent.com’s methodology, visit https://www.intelligent.com/subject-rankingmethodology/.

RCC was ninth on the list of top 25 schools for Niche, whose rankings are based on analysis of academic, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni.

“I have recently enrolled at Randolph Community College,”

a first-year student commented. “The [faculty are] so welcoming and helpful. I had so many questions and they were patient and answered every one.”

For more on Niche’s methodology, visit https://www. niche.com/about/methodology/best-community-colleges/. Craven, Southwestern, and Wayne were the top three. Studies show that obtaining a degree increases income, with graduates earning 84 percent more than those with only high school diplomas or those without a completed GED. The percentage difference in earnings continues to grow with higher learning degrees such as master's, doctoral, or professional degrees, with the unemployment rate decreasing to as much as 1.6 percent for those with a doctorate.

To access the complete Intelligent.com rankings, visit https://www.intelligent.com/best-community-colleges/ north-carolina/#randolph_community_college. For the full Niche list, visit https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/ best-community-colleges/s/north-carolina/, and for the full review of RCC, visit https://www.niche.com/colleges/ randolph-community-college/.

AUTO DEALERS! GET LICENSED OR RENEW THROUGH RCC NEED TRAINING IN MUNICIPAL OR COUNTY FINANCE?

Are you a car dealer who needs prelicensing training or a license renewal? Look no further than Randolph Community College, which is offering two courses for auto dealers in February.

Prospective auto dealers can take the online “Motor Vehicle Dealer Pre-License” course, which provides the 12 hours of authorized prelicensing training required in North Carolina. Topics include dealer license plates, vehicle inspections, titling and registration, frequently used forms, and dealer disclosures. The course (#81759) is from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; Feb. 20-232, on Zoom.

Registration for this course is $195.

RCC’s “Motor Vehicle Dealer Renewal” course is designed to meet the continuing education training requirements for Used Vehicle Dealer’s license renewal in North Carolina. The class (#81760) is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, Feb. 23-24, from 9 a.m.-noon on Zoom. Registration is $135. To register, call 336-633-0268.

Are you in municipal or county finance and need training? Look no further than Randolph Community College. Biscoe Town Manager Brandon Holland is teaching an online “Municipal Government Finance” class, starting Monday, Feb. 6, through RCC.

The course is designed to educate municipal and county finance personnel in the responsibility of everyday fiscal operations. It is ideal for municipal finance officers, treasurers, clerks, purchasing agents, tax collectors, commissioners of finance, council members, other municipal officials or individuals interested in a career in government finance. Topics of instruction include budgeting, cash management, purchasing and contracting, and the annual audit.

The class (#81524) runs from Feb. 6-March 17. The cost is $125.

To register, call 336-328-1750 or visit https://selfservice. cloud.randolph.edu/Student/instantenrollment/ Search?keyword=finance.

TEAMING UP TO BRING CHRISTMAS CHEER TO HOMEBOUND SENIORS

Story and photos by Jill Jackson, Director or Marketing and Community Engagement

Parades, light displays, decorated store windows, TV movies and more all set a cheery tone for the holiday season, but the holidays can be a time of intense loneliness and isolation for many seniors who no longer have family or who are physically unable to visit friends and loved ones.

In order to make sure that no senior is left behind or forgotten this holiday season, Randolph Senior Adults Association (RSAA) has teamed with several community organizations to provide “Stockings of Care” for area homebound seniors who are enrolled with the Meals on Wheels Program.

For eight years now, area seniors have received the stockings as an added bonus to their daily nutritious hot meal. The Randolph Quilters Guild Sew-Day Group handsewed and contributed 350 beautiful felt stockings. This year's stockings are filled with a wide variety of goodies including candy, hygiene products, trinkets, puzzles,

games and more.

For some, it might be the only gift they receive this holiday season.

“Many seniors in our area are isolated, due to physical issues which limit their ability to drive, or because of the loss of a social support network due to relocation, aging or other factors,” said Mark Hensley, RSAA Executive Director. “Some of these seniors don’t get anything at Christmas, not even a visit, so when they receive a gift it just brightens their day."

Many individuals committed financially to the project and others gave unselfishly of their time in stuffing and delivering stockings to seniors across Randolph County.

“We are truly thankful for an abundance of community support,” says Hensley. “We could not continue this valuable project without the support of our community.”

“Stockings of Care really touched me, especially when you realize how many seniors feel lonely and forgotten

Made with love. Randolph Quilters Guild Sew-Day Ladies Group hand-sewed and contributed 350 beautiful felt stockings.

at Christmas,” one financial supporter remarked. “It also resonated with me, especially when you hear them try to justify their loved ones absence during the holidays by saying they have their own families or they live too far away.”

This year’s sponsors and contributing partners include: Randolph Quilters Guild Sew-Day Group; Kayser-Roth Corporation; Sew Busy Ladies Group, Inc.; Neil & Sandra Allen; Ed & Joyia Clayton; Mark & Beth Hensley; Vicki Cox Humphries; Debra McNeill; United Way of Greater High Point and Community Partners; and Zooland Civitan Club.

About the Randolph Senior Adults Association: The Randolph Senior Adults Association (RSAA), a nonprofit organization, is the community’s lead organization for adults age 50 and over. RSAA is a United Way agency. For more information, visit: www.senioradults.org.

Zooland Civitan Club member Judith Wilson delivers a stocking, a hot nutritious meal and a smile to a local senior. The Club has volunteered many hours over the years to the “Stockings of Care” project.

LOW SODIUM BUTTERCUP SQUASH

One of the bounties of the fall harvest is squash, gourds, and pumpkins. Buttercup squash has a dry, sweet and nutty flavor, perfect for winter soup recipes! You can also substitute Butternut squast for this recipe as well. You can make this soup ahead, freeze it and throw it in a crock pot to thaw. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 in. buttercup squash cut in half and seeded

1 ounce canola oil

1 med. onion chopped

1 med. carrot chopped

1/2 vanilla bean

2 fresh bay leafs

4 cups low sodium chicken stock fresh cracked black pepper apple cider vinegar

Directions

1, Preheat oven to 350°. Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place in a baking pan cut side down and add water in the pan up to the rim of the squash.

2. Cook until tender, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and cool. When squash is cool, scoop out flesh and reserve.

3. Place 1 ounce of canola oil in a sauce pan add the onion, carrot, bay leaf and vanilla bean and sauté until tender. Add squash flesh to the sauce pan and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the chicken stock and simmer until every thing is tender, about 30 minutes.

4. Remove from the heat and puree in blender or use hand immersion blender (use caution when blending hot ingredients).

5. Pass through a fine mesh strainer to remove any remaining fiber.

6. Place the soup back into a sauce pan, and finish with a splash of cider vinegar, fresh cracked black pepper, and molasses to taste.

BREAKING GROUND FOR ASIA

On August 17th, 2022, state and local government officials joined Zoo and Society staff and friends to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Zoo’s new Asia continent. The sun shone through the trees, while those in attendance listened to remarks from speakers, which included North Carolina First Lady Kristin Cooper. Secretary Reid Wilson, head of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) also spoke. DNCR is the state agency that manages museums and cultural sites across North Carolina, including the aquariums and the N.C. Zoo. Secretary Pamela Cashwell of the Dept. of Administration made some remarks, and reminded those present that her department oversees land owned by the state. The Zoo has over 2,100 acres of land under its management, making it very significant to Sec. Cashwell’s department.

by Kelly Nields

Local members of the N.C. legislature said a few words, as State Senator Dave Craven and State Representative Allen McNeill reminded those present of the economic importance of the N.C. Zoo to the surrounding region. Pat Simmons, Director of the Zoo, also spoke to the crowd, which had gathered on recently cleared ground marking the site of the Zoo’s first major expansion since the North America continent opened in 1994. Director Simmons spoke about the vision of the Zoo’s founders and past leaders, who imagined how the N.C. Zoo would one day showcase wildlife from six the world’s seven continents. (Sorry to all you fans of Antarctica!) The completion of Asia will get us half way to that long-standing, ambitious and admirable goal.

Former Chair of the Board for the N.C. Zoo Society and long-time supporter of the Zoo, Earl Johnson also

traveled to Asheboro for the ceremony. Mr. Johnson currently serves as the Chair for the Capital Campaign that is dedicated to raising $50 million towards the Zoo’s expansion projects. As of November, 2022, that campaign is steadily progressing towards its goal, having raised nearly $28 million, so far.

Those privately donated funds, and the $75 million in public funds approved by the N.C. legislature for the construction of Asia, constitute a phenomenal investment in the Zoo, its science based education programs, and the future growth of the region. The people, businesses and public officials that have worked together to bring this vision into reality are true champions for the Zoo.

With the ceremony concluded, and the ground broken, over the next several weeks the construction crews from Rodgers moved in and got to work. By the end of August, site clearing was well underway. Several other tasks were focused on during this initial phase, which related to establishing the construction perimeter, and to creating pathways to facilitate the next steps in the project.

As September began, tree removal continued on the roughly ten acres, with some of the harvested timber being processed right on-site. Timber that cannot otherwise be used is mulched, whenever possible. All that tree clearing leaves stumps behind, and those have to be ground down or removed as well, which creates a

whole other series of tasks. At almost every step along the way, lines of trucks are hauling materials in, and then hauling debris out. Machines have been moving logs and smoothing the earth, while workers with shovels, and saws, and other implements have remained in a constant state of activity. Hard hats and safety glasses are definitely required in the area, and a dust-mask is probably a good idea too!

With the tree removal completed, October saw the construction team really begin to work the land itself. Soil was stripped from certain areas, and relocated to others, to create the desired slopes and leveled spaces that will underlie the exhibits and landscaping of the completed Asia continent. The land around the Zoo is known for its rockiness, and some impressive boulders can be found in the park itself, as well as in the surrounding woods, alongside the Zoo’s hiking trails. The Asia construction site had its share of big rocks too. Some boulders could be extracted for later use in landscaping or barriers. Larger rocks that impede construction can sometimes be drilled and busted up, but the larger ones occasionally require blasting. Blasting operations at the Zoo are handled very carefully, with the safety and comfort of guests and the animals always taking precedent. Most of the blasting is done in the early morning hours, when guests have not yet arrived, and Zookeepers can more easily take steps to ensure the

well-being of the animals in their care.

October also saw the beginnings of utility installations for the animal habitats and the visitor amenities. Asia will include habitats for tigers, Komodo dragons, gibbons, Small-Clawed otters, and a variety of other birds, reptiles and smaller mammals. These unique and amazing creatures will be housed in settings inspired by their natural habitats, and will receive the award winning level of care that the N.C. Zoo has become famous for. The visitor amenities in Asia will include a large café and event space. In one of the most highly anticipated features, visitors dining in the café will be able to look out through glass walls into the tiger habitat while enjoying their refreshments!

A project of this scope and size takes time, hard work, and substantial financial resources. Asia is projected to open in 2026, and the project is on track to meet that timeline. We at the Zoo and Society cannot overstate our gratitude to the leaders who have developed this plan, to the designers and workers who are making it a reality, and, most of all, to the donors who make it all possible through their generosity and commitment to the special place we call the North Carolina Zoo.

If you are interested in supporting the Zoo and Society, in this project and all their good works, you can learn more at www.nczoo.com.

FIND YOUR Y!

At the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA, we are changing lives one at a time. We believe when we work as one, we build a stronger community. We are a powerful association of men, women, and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. We are more than just a fitness center. A membership at the Y also ensure that we keep our services and facility available for kids and families who need it most. Every day, we work to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Everyone belongs at the Y!

A membership at the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA is easy and offers you the best value in enjoying the many facets of our organization. With the New Year approaching, a Membership Drive will be kicking off on December 26th and will run until February 14th. The theme of the Drive will be, “Find Your Y.” During the Membership Drive all joining fees will be waived, a savings that can range from $50-$100.

Nick McNeill, Director of Marketing says, “When you join the Y, you are helping create a stronger community. We

by Nick McNeill

want to focus on the fact that the Y is more than just a fitness center or rec center. Each Y membership is helping pay for those in the community who need the services we offer the most. We want to raise awareness of all the many different aspects and programs that are taken place on a daily basis within this facility. If you haven’t checked out the Y recently, we invite you to come take a tour, and believe that here you will find your Y.”

When you join the Y, you're coming together with men, women and children from your community who are committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With the Y, you're not just a member of a facility; you're part of a greater cause. With a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, improving health and well-being, and giving back and supporting our neighbors, the Y gives you and your community the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

When you join a Y, you join a community organization that offers health, hope and opportunity: Parents find a safe, nurturing environment for their children to stay active, be engaged and learn positive values. Families come together to have fun and spend quality time with each other. Children and teens play and develop self-

confidence while feeling accepted and supported. Adults connect with friends, pursue interests and learn how to live healthier. People from all backgrounds and walks of life come together to volunteer and help strengthen their community. We all build relationships that further our sense of belonging and purpose!

The Y also offers Nationwide Membership which enables you to visit any participating YMCA in the United States through membership at your “home” YMCA. Valid for active, full facility YMCA members. Nationwide member visitors must use their home Y at least 50% of the time. Also, the Y has a Corporate Partnership Program that allows business partners to provide their employees a 10% discount on their membership.

For more information about your Randolph-Asheboro YMCA you can contact the YMCA at 336.625.1976 or visit www.randolphasheboroymca.com.