Asheboro Magazine Issue 130

ASHEBORO

IT'S A BOY!! NC ZOO WELCOMES BABY GIRAFFE

The North Carolina Zoo announced a soaring addition to its family in May. The Zoo’s 13-yearold giraffe Leia gave birth to a calf on Saturday, May 20.

The calf was born to parents Leia (cow and firsttime mom), born in 2009 at Zoo Miami and arrived at the Zoo in 2014, and Jack (bull), born in 2008 at Dickerson Park Zoo and arrived at the Zoo in 2009. The Zoo has had 12 previous giraffe births, making this one lucky number 13.

The calf was about six feet tall and 145 pounds when born. He is expected to grow to 10-12 feet by his first birthday and reach full height at four years old.

Mom and calf rejoined the herd—or tower (group of giraffes) on habitat and in public view earlier this summer. The public is encouraged to tune in to the Zoo's social media channels for photos, updates, and information about how the calf is doing.

The Zoo announced the name chosen for the

baby giraffe on World Giraffe Day, June 21st after the public was invited to vote in an online poll from a list of names provided by the Zoo’s giraffe keepers. The public naming poll had a soaring response, with more than 100,000 votes!

The winning name was “Fenn,” after the founders of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Julian and Stephanie Fennessy. World Giraffe Day is celebrated every year on June 21.

The other names offered were:

• Nelson: After Nelson Mandela.

• Mosi: African name used for "firstborn son."

• Tamu: Swahili for "sweet"

• Jackson: Dad is named Jack, "Son of Jack."

• Bongani: This Zulu name means "grateful, thankful."

In a combined statement from the Zoo’s Giraffe Zookeepers Kristi Myers, Jason Balder, Mary Wilson, and Kelly Davis: “Leia and Fenn are doing amazingly well. Our team could not be prouder of how attentive

Leia has been with her firstborn.”

They continued: “This new arrival brings the team lots of happiness and excitement to have some young, spunky energy around. The rest of the giraffe tower - Jack, Turbo and Amelia - are all very curious of the newbie and are bopping noses whenever they can.”

North Carolina Zoo Director, Pat Simmons, said “The giraffes at the North Carolina Zoo serve as ambassadors for their wild cousins, giving our guests the opportunity to learn about these majestic creatures and the conservation challenges they face. The Zoo’s direct engagement with conservation in Africa means that every Zoo visitor is helping to ensure the future of this and other species.”

Their pairing resulted from a recommendation by the Species Survival Plan of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) which maintains the genetic

diversity of species that are in human care.

Giraffe calves are typically five to six feet tall and 150 to 200 pounds when born. This calf appears to be within those healthy parameters. Giraffes are pregnant for a long 14 to 15 months.

Giraffes are the tallest land animals. Female giraffes are up to 14 feet tall, weigh up to 1,500 pounds, and are pregnant for 14 to 15 months. Meanwhile, males are up to 18 feet tall and can weigh 3,000 pounds. At this height, a giraffe can look into a second-story window. Male and female giraffes can live to about 25 years in the wild and even longer under human care.

Fun facts: No two giraffes have the same coat pattern, like human fingerprints. And a group of giraffes is called a “tower.”

Giraffes are native to sub-Saharan Africa and are very social animals, traveling in large towers (herds)

of all ages and sexes.

They are listed as a "Vulnerable" species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and approximately 68,000 are found in the wild, with numbers decreasing because of habitat loss, poaching (illegal hunting), and disease threatening their distribution throughout Africa.

The North Carolina Zoo is actively involved in giraffe conservation and research in Tanzania. You can read more about our staff working to save giraffes in the wild on the Zoo’s Blog.

The Zoo’s giraffe tower now numbers five – males Jack, Turbo, and Fenn, and females Leia and Amelia.

Heads up! On the Giraffe Deck in the Africa Region, you'll be able to get eye-to-eye with these longlegged giants, an experience you'll never forget. The deck has a beautiful treetop view looking downward on the habitat, so it's a great place for group photos and for viewing the herd of giraffes. The Acacia Station Giraffe Deck is listed as "View 4" on the Park Map. The giraffes may also be visible from three other free viewing areas labeled as View 1, 2 and 3. Views 1 and 2 provide an upward view of the habitat and are closest to the Africa Entrance.

• Please note: When the ground is wet, the giraffes will not be in their habitat for their safety. Giraffes

also move about their habitat and may not be near the Acacia Station Giraffe Deck. Tickets can be purchased at the Giraffe Deck only.

• Children under 12 must be accompanied onto the deck by a ticketed/paying adult

• Experience is weather and animal dependent

For the health and safety of you, the zoo staff and the giraffes, the following measures are in place:

• Hand sanitizer will be available for guests prior to the deck. It will be required that all participants sanitize their hands prior to feeding the giraffe.

• Hand sanitizer is available to guests when

exiting the experience as well.

• No strollers or wagons are permitted onto the deck, a stroller parking area is available near the entrance.

• Service animals are not permitted onto the deck. Service animals can be left with another member of your party prior to the deck while you participate in the feeding experience. Zoo staff cannot take responsibility for the animal.

If you want to see Fenn, Leia and the rest of the tower, make plans to visit the North Carolina Zoo this summer!

CAN I DEDUCT MEALS & ENTERTAINMENT – 2023 EDITION

If you’ve splurged on expensive meals for business associates or sprung for high-priced tickets to sporting events or concerts for clients in the past, take heed: the tax deductions aren’t what they used to be.

Prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2018, businesses could deduct up to 50% of entertainment and meal expenses, provided they were associated with conducting or discussing business. The TCJA eliminated the deduction for most forms of entertainment but allowed taxpayers to continue deducting 50% of the cost of business meals.

In 2021, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) allowed businesses to deduct 100% of certain business meal expenses in 2021 and 2022. But the deduction was temporary, designed to boost the restaurant industry during COVID.

As of 2023, deductions are now back where they were prior to 2021. The majority of business meals are now 50% deductible, and most entertainment expenses are not deductible at all.

What’s Deductible in 2023

Exactly what is deductible, and to what extent, depends on the circumstances. Following are some general guidelines:

100% Deductible

• Food for recreational employee events, such as holiday parties, summer picnics, or team-building events

• Food provided to the public to promote goodwill (e.g., snacks or coffee for customers)

• Food for events in support of a charitable cause

• Meals that are an essential part of your business function (for example, if you’re a food critic or food blogger)

• Meals provided to the employees for the convenience of the employer (e.g., dinner for employees who work late at the office)

• Meals included as taxable compensation to employees or independent contractors

• Meals sold to a client or customer

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

50% Deductible

• Business meals

• Meals provided in-office for meetings of employees, stockholders, agents, or directors

• Employee meals at a company cafeteria if the annual revenue of the facility is equal to or greater than the costs.

• Food items, such as soda, coffee, or snacks, for employees

• Meals while traveling for work

• Meals at a conferences

Not Deductible

• Entertainment

The Internal Revenue Code defines entertainment as “any activity which is of a type generally considered to constitute entertainment, amusement, or recreation, such as entertaining at night clubs, cocktail lounges, theaters, country clubs, golf, and athletic clubs, sporting events, and on hunting, fishing, vacation, and similar trips….”

Note that you also cannot deduct the costs of renting out an entertainment facility or the cost of membership dues.

Exceptions

Entertainment and meals that are part of your actual business may be deductible. For example, if you own a piano bar, the cost of the piano player would probably be deductible. Similarly, if you are a food blogger or a theater critic, you should be able to deduct the cost of meals or plays that you are actively reviewing.

You may be able to deduct meals at entertainment events if the costs can be separated. For example, while the cost of renting a room at a country club for a business function most likely isn’t deductible, the cost of catering for that function might be.

Criteria for Deductions

To deduct business meals, you must be selfemployed or operating a business. As of 2018, employees with W2 jobs do not qualify for business meal deductions.

Business meals can be deducted only when the taxpayer or an employee is present at the meal along with a current or potential client, business contact, or consultant. Meals for guests, such as spouses, are not deductible.

In most cases, meals must be provided by a restaurant or, in the case of larger events, a caterer, to be eligible. Food purchased at a grocery or convenience store is not deductible.

In all cases, the meal must not be “lavish or

extravagant” relative to the business context.

Documenting Deductions

You should keep receipts for any business meal over $75, and you should keep a record of all business meals, regardless of cost. Records should include:

• The date of the meal

• Purpose of the meal as it relates to business

• Names, titles, and affiliations of people who attended

• Name of the venue

• Total amount of the bill, including tax and tip.

How to Report Your Meal Deductions

How you report your deductions to the IRS depends on what kind of business you have. If you’re a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, you can report your expenses on Schedule C. Partnerships and multimember LLCs should report them on Form 1065. C corporations should report them on Form 1120, and S corporations on Form 1120S.

Don’t Forget the Per Diem

Alternatively, taxpayers can choose to use a per diem, an annually updated tax deduction for meals and incidental expenses incurred while traveling away on business. The amount allowed varies depending on the location of travel. To be eligible, a business owner or employee must be traveling away from home for business.

In 2023, the meal per diem is $74 a day for highcost areas in the continental United States and $64 a day for lower-cost areas. Having TAXiety? We Have the Answers.

It’s no secret — taxes can be a challenge to understand. If preparing for this year’s tax season gives you TAXiety, don’t hesitate — Give us a call at 336629-4700 or visit us at 405 E. Dixie Drive in Asheboro 2 doors down from Jimmy Johns. Let the tax pros at Liberty Tax be your tax resource.

AHS STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN DISTRICT C TEAMSHIP

On Thursday, June 15, 21 AHS students participated in the District C Teamship Pitch Event where their teams proposed their solutions to the business partners and answer questions in a live in-person workshop. Over the course of four days, these students had the opportunity to work with local businesses, Klaussner Industries and Randolph Health, to understand a problem presented by these businesses and to come up with a solution to present to the businesses, community stakeholders, school partners, and parents.

The District C Teamship program is designed to give students a reimagined internship experience where they spend four days working in groups to solve real business problems for local businesses. During the program, the students are put into diverse groups, they interview their business partners to better understand the issue at hand, solve and test their solutions, and then present their final solution to their business partner and among their peers.

“It was very uplifting to engage with a group of young people who are gonna be the future of our country,” said a business partner from Klaussner Industries.

I really liked District C because it taught me more business skills than I initially thought I had” said Will, a rising junior at AHS stated. Another student, Stephanie, stated that she “did not know how in-depth and great” the program would be and that it has networked her with people in her community and enhanced her presentational skills. An echo among the students was gaining the skill of working in groups, which can be challenging even for adults.

These students are able to put this experience on their resumes, in cover letters, and even refer to it in interviews as a unique learning experience with business coaching and with local businesses.

About Asheboro City Schools

Asheboro City Schools is a medium-sized school district in North Carolina, serving approximately 4,700 students at eight schools and one five-star Early Childhood Development Center. The district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens who are prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. For more information, visit the district’s website at http://www.asheboro.k12.nc.us/.

ASHEBORO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT RECEIVES NEW CONE HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP

On Wednesday, May 24 Asheboro High School senior, Thalya Letterlough, was awarded the new Cone Health scholarship through the Asheboro City Schools Education Foundation. The scholarship was presented at the Senior Scholarship Awards Night at the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Asheboro High School. Letterlough is the current student body president at AHS and plans to attend UNC Chapel Hill. The scholarship was just introduced this year and is only awarded to a student who meets specific criteria set. After finalizing details to construct a new building for the Cone Health Cancer Center at Asheboro, Cone Health donated $150,000 to the Asheboro City Schools Education Foundation to establish a scholarship in their name. This new building will house all Cone Health Cancer services and resources for Randolph County. Starting this year, every year, a senior at Asheboro High School will be picked to receive the $2,000 Cone Health Scholarship for the school they choose to attend. The student picked to receive the scholarship must meet the criteria of being someone who serves the community, participates in an extracurricular activity, has good moral character, and has been accepted to a two-year or fouryear school.

As well as being the student body president, Letterlough previously served as the Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior class president. She also participates in the Health Science Academy and is a part of the mathematics honor society, Mu Alpha Theta. She has also volunteered at Asheboro local hospital, Randolph Health, for the past two summers. She states, "I want to be able to make my future patients feel loved, cared and valued as my pediatricians made me feel." Congratulations Thalya!

Thayla Letterlough & Keyshia Gray of Cone Health

RANDOLPH PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LISA HAYWORTH JOINS RANDOLPH COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Randolph Community College inducted Randolph Partnership for Children's (RCP) Executive Director Lisa Hayworth into the Board of Trustees. Hayworth will represent the Randolph County School System, strengthening the partnership between the organizations.

On Thursday, July 20, 2023, the swearing-in ceremony took place at the beginning of the Randolph Community College Board of Trustees meeting. This appointment reflects Hayworth's leadership and dedication to supporting education in the community.

As the RPC Executive Director, Hayworth has been instrumental in helping young children in in the community succeed in school and life. She has led the organization to create programs and initiatives that support children and their families.

"I am honored to join the Board of Trustees of Randolph Community College," said Hayworth. "I am passionate about education and dedicated to fostering

strong connections between our educational institutions and the community. I look forward to collaborating with fellow trustees, college leadership, and the community to promote excellence in education and contribute to the growth and success of Randolph County."

Hayworth's appointment highlights the commitment of RPC to strong families with well-prepared children. With her leadership, the organization will continue to build partnerships and advocate for programs and policies that benefit children and families.

About the Randolph Partnership for Children

Since 1999, the Randolph Partnership for Children (RPC), a nonprofit organization, has positively impacted the lives of Randolph County’s young children. As the community’s lead organization for young children and their families, RPC works with and through diverse agencies, individuals, organizations, and communities to ensure all children enter school healthy and ready to succeed in school and life. RPC is a United Way agency. For more information, visit www.randolphkids.org.

ANNOUNCING RANDOLPH HEALTH INPATIENT NEPHROLOGY

Randolph Health is excited to announce expanded services with the addition of TeleNephrology consultations as well as dialysis for inpatient hospitalizations to better serve the needs of our patients. We have partnered with Renasolve and nephrologist, Rubin Chandran, MD to provide inpatient nephrology services. Renasolve specializes in providing 24/7 inpatient nephrology and TeleNephrology services to rural communities. Our team is proud to provide skilled and compassionate kidney care that will allow patients to remain in their local community-close to family and close to home. Our goal is to improve patient care and bring necessary access to nephrology specialists to our inpatient population, eliminating the need for patients

and their families to travel long distances.

Randolph Health is excited to expand our specialized service offerings to respond to the needs of our patients. Our nephrologists and kidney care team have extensive clinical expertise in all aspects of nephrology and are dedicated to providing the highest level of care. Together we will continue to advance the healthcare needs of our community.

MILLSTONE CREEK ORCHARDS HOSTS HEART OF NC STAR SEARCH COMPETITION FINALS ON AUGUST 5TH

This Summer, Millstone Creek Orchards is on a mission to find the greatest talent in North Carolina by hosting the Heart of NC Star Search Competition. This competition welcomed both individual acts as well as group performances in an array of talent areas: vocal, instrumental, dance, comedy, artistic, magic, etc. In addition to the chance to showcase their talents on the main stage, contestants have the opportunity to win a total of $1,750 in cash prizes.

While the contestant applications were due on Monday, July 10th, the excitement doesn’t stop there. 20 semi-finalist were be selected by Millstone Creek Orchards management, and from there, their 30,000+ social media followers selected the top 10 finalists who will perform live at Millstone Creek Orchards on August 5th at 12pm in front of five local judges and the community.

Beverly Mooney, owner of Millstone Creek Orchards, shares, “I am thrilled that these extremely talented individuals will have the opportunity to let their talent shine. Please come out to show your support on August 5th when we host the Heart of NC Star Search Finale. We look forward to celebrating the wealth of talent within our community. “

About Millstone Creek Orchards (MCO) is a family-owned and operated orchard that loves sharing what they do with the community. The orchard is located on 84

acres of farmland with 25 acres full of farm-fresh blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, grapes, apples, pumpkins, pecans, and flowers, which are all available for u-pick. In addition to u-pick fruit, guests can enjoy catch & release fishing, picnic areas, kiddie korral playground, an ice cream parlor, fresh-pressed apple cider slushies, and various special events. Throughout the year, schools and community groups visit for interactive and educational orchard tours to learn about the wonder of Mother Nature. To check out the Orchard festivities, visit their website at www. millstonecreekorchards.com or follow them on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/millstonecreek/.

LOCAL GIRL SCOUTS DELIVER SWEET TREATS TO HOMEBOUND SENIORS

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

Asheboro-based Girl Scout Troop #300681, of the Girl Scouts Peaks to Piedmont Council (GSCP2P), enjoyed spreading some “sweet” cheer to seniors across Randolph County as part of a Council-wide Gift of Caring service project called "Cookies for a Cause."

Every year the GSCP2P’s Gift of Caring program supports a local cause and a different cause agency. This year, the Cookies for a Cause project was directed toward local Meals on Wheels programs and aimed to provide a package of cookies to seniors who receive Meals on Wheels services.

Throughout the Girl Scout Cookie Season,

customers can opt to donate their purchased cookies through the Gift of Caring program. In addition to Cookies for a Cause, GSCP2P also continued its longstanding support of the U.S. military (active and retired) serving in the United States and abroad, as well as local food banks through cookie sale donations and letters of encouragement.

Troop #300681, located within GSCP2P Service Unit #146 in the Happy Hollow Community Center, had the largest donation and was able to deliver 30 cases (360 boxes) of Girl Scout cookies to the Randolph Senior Adults Association (RSAA) to distribute to homebound

Members of the Asheboro-based Girl Scout Troop #300681, of the Girl Scouts Peaks to Piedmont Council (GSCP2P), include Sara C., Clara H., Isis T., Katlyn V., Brinnley D., Alex L., Oona D., Alex S., Sky S., Riley D., Brianna D., Sawyer A., Aliza T., and Penelope E.

seniors enrolled with the Meals on Wheels program.

"The girls were extremely excited to make the donation to the RSAA," said Lisa Callicutt, Troop Leader. "It really meant a lot to them to tour the RSAA building, and to learn about the Meals on Wheels program and the local senior centers."

Local seniors were also surprised and excited to receive a sweet treat delivered to their doors.

"We were thrilled to receive this donation of cookies from the Girl Scouts Peaks to Piedmont," said Mark Hensley, RSAA executive director.

"Our 350 Meals on Wheels participants, many of whom are unable to leave their homes, do not have the opportunity to purchase these cookies and were so pleased to receive them as part of their daily meal,” remarked Hensley. “We truly appreciate the support of GSCP2P and especially Troop #300681.”

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

AIR FRYER DONUT HOLES

Just wait until you try these Air Fryer Donut Holes. Not only are they going to change you dreading waking up early in the morning but they’re literally going to be the bright start to your day. I love how simple and easy they are to grab as you’re running out the door!

Ingredients

I can refrigerator biscuit dough

1 Tbsp cinnamon

1 cup granulated white sugar

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Cut the donut holes from the biscuits with a mini cookie cutter. You can also use the lid from a drink bottle.

3. Place the donut holes into the air fryer and bake on 350 for about 4 minutes, shaking the basket about halfway through.

4. Remove from the air fryer and dip into the cinnamon sugar before serving.

Dr. Darren Cross Dr.Christopher Durham

Water Fun At The Randolph-Asheboro YMCA

The Aquatics Center at the YMCA houses a Junior Olympic Size Indoor Heated Swimming Pool, Whirlpool, Sauna, Steam Room and an Outdoor Splash Pad. This allows the Y to host a variety of activities and events including Special Olympics and High School Swim Meets as well as offer many different services to members and the community.

Seasonal Splash Pad

This zero-depth, interactive water park is designed for all ages. Water park activities include spraying, splashing, dumping, and walk through features. This outdoor water park houses 15 various water features. Fin's Splash Pad features: Magic Touch Bollards, Foaming Geysers, Bullfrog, Ground Geysers, Water Tunnel, Water Cannons, Aqua Dome, Power Volcano, Power Spinner, Rainbow, and Bucket Trio. The Shark Tank concession stand offers cool refreshments and treats for the family, and now accepts credit cards!

Water Fitness Classes

Aquatic exercise is a low-impact activity that takes the pressure off your bones, joints, and

by Nick McNeill

muscles. Water offers natural resistance, which helps strengthen your muscles. You can even do aquatic exercise if you don't know how to swim. If you're looking for a way to get your workout in, have fun and feel great when you're done, try one of our water fitness classes.

Swim Lessons

The YMCA provides swimming lessons throughout the year for all ages and levels. These classes are provided to members and the public. Infant/Toddler Swim Lessons are designed for ages 3 months old to 3 years. Youth Swim Lessons are for ages 3 – 12 years old. Adult Swim Lessons are for ages 13 and up. Swim Lessons are available both in a group setting as well as individual classes.

Lifeguard Certification Classes

The YMCA offers a 100% facetime program that teaches the basic skills to become a lifeguard. Upon successful completion, you will receive an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certificate, which is recognized by most employers of aquatic facilities in all fifty states. The Lifeguard Training certificate, which includes First Aid and CPR-Pro, is valid for 2 years.

Swim Teams

Our competitive swimmers are offered the option of swimming with the US year-round team, Fin Aquatics (FAST) and SHARKS Summer Swim Teams. Swim team emphasis is on personal skill improvement, as well as good sportsmanship and team spirit. Dedication, teamwork, discipline

and goal setting are objectives of the program. Membership with the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA and the ability to swim 25 meters without stopping are required. The Randolph-Asheboro YMCA, for the past twenty years, has representation at State and National Championships and has nationally ranked swimmers.

For more information or to check out schedules and hours, you can visit www. randolphasheboroymca.com.