Burlington Magazine - Issue 8 by Asheboro Magazine

burlington ISSUE #08 - PRICELESS

MAGAZINE

Cutlery Steakhouse Gourmet Southern Cooking at its Finest

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BurlingtonMagNC.com | 3

Contents

issue08

mmediate Release

departments

Produce Box Announces Year Round Delivery Starting in February Community News

10 Alamance County Relay ighbased Organization to Continue Farm Grant Program Providing Capital for features for Life Wants YOU in the History al Greenhouses and Helping Farmers During Tough Winters Fight Against Cancer 13 Sing Lee

06 Cutlery Steakhouse - Gourmet Southern Business Buzz IGH, NC (February 10, 2014) ̶ The Produce Box, a modified Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Cooking at its Best 26 The Cetwick Event Center Ask the Expert am that delivers North Carolina farmgrown fresh fruit and vegetable produce to the doorsteps of Opens in Asheboro, NC 20 Zen Chick 12 Your Feet es, companies and community organizations across the state, today announced that it is extending its Featured Artist 14 Real Estate 22 The Elephant Man Comes ing season to yearround delivery starting in midFebruary in the Triangle and midMarch in the Triad 16 Christopher Koenig to Town 25 Your Money 30 The Produce Box

Wilmington areas.

a short break in January, The Produce Box will start up deliveries again with boxes full of fresh, local ce, delicious local meats and NC specialty items like jams, honey and bread. Boxes will include a few al fruits and vegetables to help support and sell the greens, sweet potatoes and other winter items by their 40 NC farmpartners.

re excited to be able to offer fresh, healthy food to our members all yearround,” said Courtney 4 | Burlington Magazine - Issue 08 sen, founder of The Produce Box. “Our members should be proud of the impact they are making on our

Dear Readers,

intery mix, snow flurries; Warning: icy roads. I think we’ve all had enough of these weather watch catch phrases this season. And yes, weather vane rodent Phil in Punxsutawney, Penn., peeped his shadow to all’s chagrin for the next six weeks. However, on recent mornings, when the sun did smile at us from a blue sky and dense, brooding, precipitous clouds were absent, Burlington may have noticed the birds singing a slightly different tune from tree branches. Yellow daffodils are starting to open along the east side of my house. All across town, snow mounds are melting leaving in their place sure signs of spring. Soon, winter will be old news. We’ll all be complaining about cooling bills instead of heating bills. Shivers and skull caps will be traded for slippers and sun tans. We will all be reminded of passing truths. What holds today may cause us to fall tomorrow. But we continue to stand up. This month let’s celebrate renewal. Take time to notice the new cadence of birds. Look out for the ripening buds on tree branches and flower beds. Contemplate the curvature and contours of eggs at breakfast before they’re cracked against the edge of a bowl, scrambled, or cooked and folded to hold the contents of an omelet. As you move about town this month, notice a new business where, perhaps only a week before, a for rent sign hung in the window. Go inside; check out what new energy is driving commerce and innovation. On the flip side, withhold judgment; revisit a place you may have dismissed in the past. Give someone you may have written off another chance. Remember when something is gone what is left behind is the opportunity for something new. Winter weather could linger for a few more weeks in March. Prognosticating rats casting shadows across already dark days are inevitable. Just keep in mind, spring is on the way.

Alex

burlington MAGAZINE

Issue 08 Publisher Alex Alfonso Editor in Chief Sherry Johnson Contributors Jordan Willis, Walter Boyd, Philip Cain Dr. Todd Hyatt, DO, Heather McAdnrew Robin Breedlove, Gay Barefield Lynn Burnette Cover Photo Sherry B. Johnson Burlington Magazine is published by Asheboro and More Marketing, Inc. Any reproduction or duplication of any part thereof must be done with the written permission of the Publisher. All information included herein is correct to the best of our knowledge as of the publication date. Corrections should be forwarded to the Publisher at the address above. Disclaimer: The paid advertisements contained within Burlington Magazine are not endorsed or recommended by the Publisher. Therefore, neither party may be held liable for the business practices of these companies.

BurlingtonMagNC.com | 5

“These are dishes that I love. Fried chicken livers, deviled eggs, those are southern classic dishes that you can do extremely well, and do it gourmet if you have the right techniques and the right ideas.”

Cutlery T

his winter Burlington foodies lamented the move to Greensboro made by B. Christopher’s Great American Steakhouse. Now in early spring they are raising wine glasses to the new life occupying the old space. The familiar backlit oval sign still juts eye-level on the roadside of 2461 South Church Street, but the color scheme, design and

6 | Burlington Magazine - Issue 08

ambiance have changed in subtle ways. Servers in all-black dress often open the front doors of Cutlery Steakhouse as guests approach. Greeting them with a smile is Sarah, wife and partner of executive chef and owner, Jason Jones. She leads diners to white cloth-draped tables set within the earth tones and wood trim of the restaurant’s walls. Sarah and Jason are establishing their own brand of

Southern hospitality and fine Southern cuisine around the prime, 28 days wetaged Angus beef the steakhouse features. Chef Jones, a graduate of the culinary school at UNCG, has delighted diners in the Triad for more than a decade with his Southern inspired menu offerings. Before his three-year tenure as executive chef at B. Christopher’s, Jones operated 223 South Elm in Greensboro for nine

by Philip Cain Photos by Alex Alfonso

Steakhouse Gourmet Southern Cooking at its Finest

years, a restaurant that still invokes fond memories for diners. Jones did not have plans to open another restaurant on his own. A serendipitous recipe led to the creation of Cutlery Steakhouse. “I would never have done it again,” he said. “Unless there was a core group of people, you know, staff, customers; I would never just move to Chapel Hill and open up a restaurant. I’m not in that

business. “But, being here for three years, knowing the clientele, from the customers to the employees; what people like, what they don’t like. I think the style of food that I do people appreciate it here. And that’s why I decided to do it.” “And having my wife, Sarah, helping me out with the front of house, I think we needed that. Plus, I really like this area.

It’s home,” Jones said. Similar to many chefs, home cooking raised Jones up to his current culinary sensibilities. Each of his grandmothers taught Jones different approaches to family cooking that shaped his approach to the kitchen. “There are pictures that my mom has of me with pots and pans as a toddler. My grandmother, Elizabeth, was more BurlingtonMagNC.com | 7

like a gourmet southern cook in her own right. Then, I had my grandma, Ma, on my mom’s side, who was more like feeding four kids, let’s get this done, using a hodgepodge of different things. You could go from beans and toast for breakfast and brains and eggs the next day, and oatmeal every morning. So you had one grandma that did more gourmet stuff and one grandma who taught you more that speed of ‘let’s get it done.’ I always remember both of them to this day, combine the two, and that’s what the food is.” Steaks are Cutlery’s main attraction. On Thursday through Saturday, the kitchen prepares 7 ounce and 12 ounce cuts of prime rib, au jus and horseradish cream, along with a side. All entrees are preceded by a small house salad with a choice of dressing. Pork Chops with an apple cider glaze and golden raisin chutney, Lamb Porterhouse with caramelized onions and lavender, honey reduction, along with cuts of N.Y. Strip, Ribeye and Filet Mignon allow patrons the usual chophouse cuts imbued with the chef’s particular flavor combinations. Appetizers, sides and the nightly specials are where Jones allows his southern roots to take hold. Balsamic collards, stewed green beans with onion and bacon, baked sweet potato with butter and cinnamon sugar are a few 8 | Burlington Magazine - Issue 08

Sarah and Jason have made a considerable investment in the new restaurant and the community. All of the new kitchen equipment was purchased in Fuquay Varina, the furniture from booths to chairs came from High Point. The bar has craft beers on draft. Jones plans to offer beer and wine pairing dinners each month. On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, Cutlery will host a chef-inspired five course dinner, and each course will be paired with a beer from Ballast Point Brewing at $50 per person. Wines are kept in a temperaturecontrolled wine cabinet capable of storing 600 bottles. Jones created the wine list so familiar brands are represented along with small boutique wines. of the side dishes. Appetizers include “The brand is what people see, they deviled eggs with lump crab meat, bacon always know its good, it’s kind of a and bleu cheese, salt and pepper fried chicken livers with truffle aioli and onion comfort level for them... The other wines by the glass are those wines that are small preserves. produced, handcrafted, unique wines. But “These are dishes that I love. Fried they stay true to what they are, just like chicken livers, deviled eggs, those are how we stay true to what we do. That’s southern classic dishes that you can do how the marriage goes hand-in-hand.” extremely well, and do it gourmet if you Burlington and beyond is embracing have the right techniques and the right Cutlery’s opening. The restaurant, ideas,” Jones said. panned in the local newspaper and in “What separates us, being a chefdriven southern steakhouse, is what goes Greensboro, closed the reservation book on Valentine’s Day and subsequent with that steak. Collards greens, stewed green beans, in the summertime put fresh, weekends have had a few diners on sliced tomatoes with it, the list can go on waiting lists. Jones wants to keep the momentum going with daily specials and and on; mac and cheese appetizers...”

“People from Greensboro have been coming, and people from Burlington have been very supportive. We couldn’t ask for more. The way we can keep the momentum, keep the clientele coming back, is by doing something fresh and unique.”

special events. “People from Greensboro have been coming, and people from Burlington have been very supportive, couldn’t ask for more. The way we can keep the momentum, keep the clientele coming back, is by doing something fresh and unique,” he said. “We do that every night by having a catch-of-the-day, and we’ll have nightly features as well. People can get on our mailing list. On our business cards we have a QR code that people can scan and see what tonight’s specials are and events, which is pretty neat.” Being fresh and unique may be how Cutlery keeps palates moist in the Triad, but Jones said his brand and food will not change. The chef’s identity seems to be rooted in the tough red clay found throughout the region. “That’s always been Southern,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed that food. It’s a hodgepodge of different things. Whether it’s French, to Spanish, to German influence, I mean, Caribbean, you got the low-country... but you can just see how it all evolved through the native people.” “Ours is Southern, being North Carolina driven, with our local produce, local vendors.” J

BurlingtonMagNC.com | 9

Community News

Alamance County Relay for Life wants YOU in the Fight Against Cancer!

t Relay For Life events, communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that

has already taken too much. The funds you raise truly make a difference in the fight against cancer – just ask one of the nearly 14 million cancer survivors who will celebrate another birthday this year! Relay For Life teams camp out overnight and take turns walking or running around a track or path at a local high school, park, or fairground. Events are up to 24 hours long, and because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times. Please join our Relay family and help us finish the fight! Start by signing up at www.relayforlife.org (Alamance County). Check us out at Relay Alamance on facebook or join us at the next team meeting on Tuesday, March 18th, at 6pm at ARMC new cancer center. Relay for Life event is Friday, May 16th-May 17th Opening Ceremony begins at 6:00 pm. Location: Burlington City Park, 1333 Overbrook Rd, Burlington. For more information, please call (336)834-0844. J

UPCOMING RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISERS MARCH 8TH AT 6:00 PM WOMANLESS BEAUTY PAGEANT & DINNER Good food, fun, and laughs! Location: Union Ridge Church Activity Center 115 Altamahaw Union Ridge Rd, Burlington NC 27215 Admission and dinner for a donation Call (336)421-3626 for more information MARCH 30TH AT 1PM BAND TOGETHER TO FIGHT CANCER Join us for a day of live music, food, rafﬂes, and more! Bands performing are The Unknown, SheBop, Megan Doss Band, and Mason Lovette! Location: Lucky’s Bar 1453 Industry Dr, Burlington NC 27215 Admission and dinner for a donation Call (336)263-1418 for more information APRIL 5TH 11 AM TO 4 PM CINDERELLA’S ROYAL PARTY FOR A CURE Come spend the afternoon with Cinderella! Children will enjoy having their pictures taken with the princess, enchanted story time, fairy tale crafts, and royal snacks! Location :Holly Hill Mall (Where Santa normally is) 309 Huffman Mill Rd, Burlington NC 27215 Admission: $10 donation Call (336)263-9903 or e-mail kristinmrb@bellsouth.net for more information MAY 16TH-MAY 17TH ALAMANCE COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE Join us in celebrating our survivors and help us finish the fight! Opening Ceremony begins at 6:00 pm Location: Burlington City Park 1333 Overbrook Rd, Burlington NC 27215 Free admission Food, fun, and entertainment for the entire family! For more information, please go to www.relayforlife.org or call American Cancer Society at (336)834-0844

10 | Burlington Magazine - Issue 08

Heather McAndrew

Phone: 800.388.9304 Mobile: 336.269.2112 Fax: 800.213.5683

BurlingtonMagNC.com | 11

Ask the Expert-Your Feet

Keep Your Cold Feet Warm This Winter With These 5 Tricks

lthough your feet may feel snug, warm and comfortable in your winter shoes, closed-toe shoes can also lead to foot problems if certain parameters aren’t set when considering your foot care. The cooler and drier air, ice and snow during fall and winter months can wreak havoc on your feet if you don’t properly care for them. Before your feet go into hibernation, here are some tips to keeping them looking and feeling their best. 1. Buy Good Winter Shoes: Have you ever tried squeezing two pairs of thick socks into your thin sneakers or boots? Chances are you have felt the pain of squeezed and restricted feet (and bunched up socks). Avoid all of this by simply investing in a good pair of winter shoes with insulation that prevent moisture and have gripping soles for walking on slippery surfaces. 2. Invest In Good Socks: Avoid cotton socks as they absorb moisture and contain it around your feet. Light synthetic 'wick' socks are the best is keeping your feet dry. The wick socks will draw the moisture from your feet to the outer sock and eventually evaporate. 3. Maintenance: Daily application of moisturizer and regular toenail trimming is still recommended to keep from experiencing dry, cracked feet and ingrown toenails.

4. Watch Where You’re Walking: Sometimes ice is not easily seen, which often causes people to slip and fall. Tread lightly, watch where you are walking and don’t rush inside; It can keep you out of the emergency room with an injury. 5. Keep Warm: Prolonged periods of time in the cold can result in numbness and pain in your lower extremities, which could be the first signs of frostbite. For more information about foot care and health tips and tricks, as well as our team of highly trained podiatrists, please visit www.triadfoot.com. J

Dr. Hyatt is a native of Burlington, North Carolina, and graduated from Greensboro College. He received his medical degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. His residency training was completed at the University of Maryland Medical Center and Veterans Medical Center in Baltimore. At the Veterans Medical Center, Dr. Hyatt specialized in vascular disease and surgery as well as wound healing. Dr. Hyatt then completed a podiatric surgical residency at Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital where he specialized in reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. He is Board Certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

Asheboro • Burlington • Greensboro (336) 308-4733 12 | Burlington Magazine - Issue 08

History

by Walter Boyd

Sing Lee

fter the Spanish-American War in 1898, a Chinese man named Sing Lee arrived in Burlington and opened a laundry downtown which was in operation for more than 60 years. Although Sing Lee became popular in town, he kept a low profile, rarely venturing outside of the laundry. Cultural differences and racial prejudice prevented him from being assimilated and accepted. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 made it impossible for Sing Lee to enter the United States legally, so he traveled to Canada and across the border into the United States, then to New York City. He learned the art of cleaning, stiffening, and polishing shirt collars and cuffs, learned to clean satin and silk without destroying their luster, and this became his specialty. Born in the Chinese port city of Canton (now Guangzhou) about 1870, Sing Lee, son of a Confucian priest, studied at the local university in the early 1890s. He became a staunch opponent of the Qing (Manchu) Dynasty and left to avoid prosecution for his politics. Whatever motivated Sing Lee's move to Burlington, its inhabitants were glad he did. Before, men were sending laundry far as Danville for cleaning. Sing Lee’s laundry was located on the corner of East Davis and South Spring streets, where Ariel’s Diner is now. By 1901, he moved

across Spring Street into an old wooden building that is now May Memorial Library. Sing Lee was joined by his brother Charlie. They lived in the laundry. They slept on shelves attached to a wall and cooked their meals on a pot-bellied stove. Most people treated them with kindness and respect, but others taunted and ridiculed, calling them “rats” due to their long queues. The Lees did not intend to stay in the United States and wanted to return to China. All Chinese citizens were required by imperial decree to wear their hair in a queue and wear traditional dress. Only after 1900s, when Western-style hair and clothing became acceptable in China, did Sing and Charlie cut their hair and start wearing suits. In the summer of 1902, Sing and Charlie Lee’s brother Harry came to the area and it was decided to open a branch of the laundry on South Main Street in Graham, just behind William J. Nicks’ general store. Sing Lee moved there with Harry to help him learn the laundry business. After five years, Sing Lee was very

homesick and wanted to see his relatives in China. On Monday, September 21, 1903, he left on a four-month trip to Canton. When he returned to the United States, he was refused entry. Distraught, he wrote to a lawyer in Graham who advised him; go to Canada and sneak across the border. At the beginning of 1912, China became a republic. Sing Lee, ecstatic, sold the laundries and returned to China. But, it must not have worked out. He soon came back to the United States. He reportedly died in 1922 or 1923. The new Chinese proprietors of Sing Lee’s Laundry kept the name, and so did everyone else who ran it for the next 50 years. One owner said it's “easier and less expensive” than painting a new sign. The Sing Lee Laundry, under new ownership, was relocated to 305 South Spring Street (now the entrance to Lab Corp’s parking lot) on May 1913, but later moved to 220 West Front Street, closing in 1962. Photo caption: Sing Lee (in white hat) and his brother Harry on South Main Street in Graham about 1910. J BurlingtonMagNC.com | 13

Ask the Expert-Real Estate

Holiday Home Safety T Keep windows, garages and sheds locked; and don't forget to use deadbolts.

Use turn lights andtaxa landscape television adjusted gross income between $100,000 and $109,000 t’s timetimers to take ato new lookon at the changing for or radio. and those above that level do not qualify. homeowners. Many of the tax benefits homeowners enjoy 4. Mortgage Points/Origination Deduction - Homeowners have been extended through 2013. (Disclaimer – This is Maintain at leastsummary a footofofcurrent space candle andonanything canorcatch fire. who paid points their home that purchase refinance can only an informational taxbetween issues in thea burning often deduct those points on their tax returns. Points, news. If you need tax advice, please contact a tax attorney or also called origination fees, are usually percentage-based CPA.) When hanging outdoors, avoidwho using staples orfees nails which cantodamage Use clips a lender charges originate awiring. loan. A 1% feeUL-rated on a 1. Mortgage Interestlights Deduction - Homeowners $100,000 loan would be one point or $1,000. On a home itemize their deductions can deduct the interest paid on a purchase, taxpayers can deduct all points paid in the same mortgage with a balance of up to $1 million. Don't overload electrical circuits with holiday lighting; unplug your tree and outdoor lights before goin year. On a refinance loan, the points must be deducted as 2. Home Improvement Loan Interest Deduction an amortization over the life of the loan. The interest on home equity loans used for capital 5. Energy Effiwhere ciency Upgrades/Repairs Deduction improvements to your home may be tax deductible. On Don't leave a spare key in a "hiding place." Burgulars know to look. Homeowners can deduct the cost of building materials loans with balances of up to $100,000, the interest is used for energy efficiency upgrades to their home. 10% tax-deductible for making improvements such as adding of the(lock total bill energy-effi can be company used square footage, upgrading the components of the home Lock your power box with an electricity authority lock to for which you cient andmaterials the electric ha as a tax credit, up to a maximum of $500. Insulation, or repairing damage from a natural disaster. Maintenance your security alarm fromnew the power supply. roof, water heater and other items qualify for tasks,home like changing the carpet andsystem painting acannot home, be cut offdoors, the energy efficiency credit, although there are individual usually are not deductible. limits for certain items, such as $150 for furnaces, $200 3. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Deduction Homeowners who make a down payment of less than for windows and $300 for air conditioners and heat 20% are usually paying some sort of Private Mortgage pumps. Insurance. If your mortgage 6. Profit on Sale of Real Estate Deduction - If you sold a was originated after Jan 1, home in the past year, you’re likely aware individuals can 2007, and you have PMI, claim up to $250,000 of profit from the sale tax-free and A special thank you to our clients, friends and family that have it can be a tax deduction. married couples can claim up to $500,000 tax-free. The business 2013. couldresidence, not have hadyou such The deduction is phased grow in home mustWe be a primary meaning must a succes out, 10 percent per $1,000, have lived in the home for two of the past fi ve years. without your support. Wishing you much happiness this holida for taxpayers who have an 7. Real Estate Selling Cost Deduction - For those lucky

Heather McAndrew and herand husband fell in lovefell withinCentral NC, moved 1983 and raised two daughters. As two the overall Heather McAndrew her husband love with Centralhere NC,inmoved here in 1983 and raised daughters. As th real estate team leader, she spearheads the management, marketing and financial operations of the local Keller Williams Triad team leader, sheteam. spearheads the management, marketing andSellers, financial operations of the localnegotiating Keller Williams Triad to to Triangle real estate Her emphasis is listing property, working with Buyers and referral clients, team.andHer emphasis is listing property, withforSellers, andbuilt referral clients,through negotiating contracts coaching team members. As a Realtorworking and Broker over 20Buyers years, she her business referralscontracts from and coa yearsAsofasatisfied clients. By using her expertise, she delivers performance, not just promises. Realtor and Broker for over 20 years, she built her business through referrals from years of satisfied clients. By

Williams Triad to Triangle Real Estate Team delivers performance, notKeller just promises. 800-388-9304 • Cell: 336-269-2112 • teamheather@kw.com 14 | Burlington Magazine - Issue 08

Keller Williams Triad to Triangle Real Estate Team

folks whose profits on the sale of their home might exceed the $250k/$500k limits, there are still some ways to reduce the tax burden. The costs of selling a home can be claimed as tax deductions. By adding up all of the fees paid at closing, capital improvements made to the home while you owned it, money spent to make repairs to damaged property and marketing costs necessary to sell the home, you can add a significant figure to the cost basis of your home. 8. Home Office Deduction - Starting in 2013, tax filers who work at home can use the IRS’ new simplified option for deducting home office expenses. You can take a $5 deduction for each sq. ft. used as an office, up to a maximum of 300 sq. ft. The office must be the primary office location where you get the majority of your work done, and it needs to be used exclusively for business. 9. Property Tax Deduction - While it may sound strange to have a tax-deductible tax, the overall effect is that you don’t pay income tax on money that was spent on property taxes. 10. Loan Forgiveness Deduction - The Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Relief Act of 2007 made forgiven debt on some mortgages not taxable. For example, a homeowner owes $150,000 on their mortgage, but makes a short sale of their home at $100,000. The lender forgives the extra $50,000, but the government views it as $50,000 in taxable income. The Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act relieves the taxpayer of up to $2 million, or $1 million, if filing separately. The act applies to primary home sales made from 2007 through 2013. J IRS-suggested disclaimer: To the extent that this message or any attachment concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. This message was written to support the promotion or marketing of the transactions or matters addressed herein, and the taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax adviser.

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Christopher Koenig 16 | Burlington Magazine - Issue 08

Featured Artist

by Robin Breedlove artwork by Christopher Koenig

“I definitely believe that people are born with an inherent ability and it evolves based on their surroundings and if what they are capable of is nurtured.”

iberty’s Christopher Koenig is an out-of-the box kind of guy. His creative mind is not one to be contained in a neat little package, but instead displayed in a variety of eye-catching ways. “I don’t label myself as a photographer. I don’t label myself a painter and I don’t label myself as an illustrator, because I don’t focus on one aspect. I utilize many aspects,” said Koenig. “Just label me an artist.” For those that debate whether creativity is something one is born with or something learned through one’s environment, Koenig is proof that there is a necessary mixture of both. Born into a creative family which included a great-grandfather in Germany that was talented in drawing to a grandfather who was a jazz pianist, a father and brother both gifted musically, Koenig was born with a niche to look at the world through a unique set of eyes. “I definitely believe that people are born with an inherit ability and it evolves based on their surroundings and if what they are capable of is nurtured,” said Koenig. “I also think that you cannot take a non-creative person and make them creative.” Koenig has been married to his wife Amy for 20 years. He used the example of their two children, 18 year old Jackson and 13 year old Raegan, on his thoughts of natural creativity. “Jackson is the athletic one, whereas I am not. He is very self-motivated and will be heading off to North Carolina State University’s engineering program in the fall,” said Koenig. “While Reagan and I share the same creative thought process and I’m really trying to nurture that in her.” Koenig’s natural born talents have been developed on many levels. Throughout his childhood music was a big aspect of Koenig’s life, being in every band his alma mater Eastern Randolph High School, offered at the time. He was known for his drawing abilities throughout school as well. It wasn’t until his senior year that he began thinking about how to use his creativity for his future. Not knowing exactly what he wanted to do after high school, Koenig enrolled at Randolph Community College with the goal to knock out his general education requirements and then transfer elsewhere. However, Koenig recalls befriending students that were in the photography and graphic arts departments and learning more about both. He became involved in the two departments and later received his degree from them and entered the working world. Koenig spent many years in the pre-press part of the advertising world, BurlingtonMagNC.com | 17

working in both Greensboro and a brief stint in Florida. He also honed many of his talents while working as a graphic designer for a photography company in High Point. Through his work experience, knowledge and creative mind, Koenig has made his own art form at combining his different talents and creating a unique experience for art lovers. According to Koenig, his specialty is photo retouching. His first experiences with manipulating the reality in photography came with through work, when he had to remove the freckles from actress Melanie Griffith’s arms, and extended the legs of Elle Macpherson. “It’s taking the realistic edge of what you see and creating something that’s not there,” said Koenig. “I create another world or another side of things that don’t actually exist. I take the reality and turn it to fantasy.” For a long time, Koenig kept his creative ideas pent up in his mind, saving them for the proverbial “one day.” With family life and a career, Koenig didn’t have the time to put into turning his creative dreams into reality until about five years ago. In the fall, Koenig displayed his artwork in the Randolph Arts Guild Art on the Dark Side exhibit. One piece that gained a lot of attention at the exhibit stemmed from a picture taken about five years ago with his daughter. Koenig had been eyeballing a cornfield near his residence, thinking as he would pass it daily, what a great backdrop it would make. One day he grabbed a camera and told his daughter Reagan to grab some “hair gloop” and come with him. The result, after manipulating the photo with his artistic ways, is a shot that makes people do a double take. Koenig says it is important to him that in his creations he uses all of his own original work. He doesn’t import images into any art that he hasn’t taken himself. For example, if he needs a leaf 18 | Burlington Magazine - Issue 08

in a print, he doesn’t find one online to import, but goes out and takes the shot himself. The rise in digital camera use in personal photography over the past few years, has pushed Koenig to the next level. “In one aspect, digital cameras have tarnished photography,” said Koenig. “Everybody now is their own graphic designer.” Koenig is referring to commonly used software programs that allows the average camera owner to have a hand in manipulating images. “It forces me to challenge what I do,” said Koenig. From looking at some of the images he has created, one could safely say he has meet that challenge. And with his creativity, Koenig will continue meeting the challenge, even though he raises the bar consistently. “I am definitely my own worst enemy and biggest critic,” said Koenig, who admits that he dwells on the details in his work. But he also recognizes that having waited until now to really delve into his creative side warrants one extra bonus—confidence. “I have the confidence now to do the art I want,” said Koenig. “Even though other people had confidence in me before, I didn’t.” Currently, Koenig manages the creative design department for a Burlington company. “Most of my work is behind the scenes which means I can use my creative outlet for my own personal stuff,” he said. “And I have decided that if I’m going to create it, I should try to sell it.” Koenig has developed his own website at www. christopherkoenig.com to showcase his work. According to Koenig, he is in a transitional period in his art currently, moving from more works that he describes as “moody and dark” that focused on depth and shapes, and focusing currently more on pop art with flat, bold and colorful imagery, such as poster art. He is also playing around with doodles from years past that he has held onto, and turning them into artwork. Koenig is finally turning all of his “one day” ideas into art and exploring all the creativity that has been patiently waiting to be let out. His bucket list, however, continues to grow, which includes pursuing something musical, as a talented trumpet player. One item on his bucket list is currently in the making— writing. Koenig has the ball rolling on a children’s book, as well as beginning a new stint as a guest columnist in an Asheboro newspaper. “I love words and creating imagery through the flow of words,” said Koenig. It’s no wonder Koenig is hard to label. His creativity bounces from place to place, presenting itself in a variety of ways. He’s own advice is best—just label him an artist. J BurlingtonMagNC.com | 19

By Gay Bareﬁeld

Are You “Stuck” in Your Life? How to Get Out of the Rut!

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” ~Steve Jobs

e have all been there. Feeling like we are in such a rut that it would take a steam shovel to dig us out. Once we are there, we can’t see a way out even though there might

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be a simple answer. We are always looking for the most complicated reason we can find of why we are stuck, because we believe it has to be complicated or we would have fixed it already! We then miss the truly simple reasons that will allow us to get “unstuck” and move forward. Being stuck is a part of life’s journey and we find ourselves there for lots of reasons usually when we feel like we are on a dead end path in our jobs, relationships or when we are really trying to change our lives. But how do you get “unstuck” once you get there? My answer: Keep it simple! And here’s some suggestions: • Time management~ mismanagement of your time can easily put you in a deep rut that sounds like “I don’t have enough time to pursue the life I want to live.” We all have the same 24 hours in a day (thanks Marie)

to pursue that new job, your dream or new relationship but we can waste all of our precious time spinning our wheels. Do you really need to check Facebook, Twitter or email every hour? What if you set aside a part of your day, yes block it out on your calendar, to find out what would light up your world, or research the job market, or cultivate a new relationship. Would that not be a better use of your time? • Organizing~ goes hand and hand with time management and being disorganized can also stick you in the same rut. Paying attention to the little things, like organizing your time, which leads to your schedule, which leads to your calendar (do you see the theme here?) can bring your life back into focus and get you out of that rut. Also organizing your environment, your desk, house and car will clear your mind and expand your time. Now a side note here: these two

simple changes are easy if you take them slowly. You cannot wake up one morning and decide that you are going to change your time management schedule and organize your whole existence in one day. Take one area of each and apply them daily. • Baby steps will get you there with your sanity intact. Shake up your daily habits which will reengage your brain. Choose a different route to work, take your lunch at a different time or do your morning routine in a different order. Shake up those brain cells so you can “unstick” your thoughts. Changing those patterns makes you more open to receive new information coming into your life and help you with the first two suggestions, time management and organization. • Trust your intuition and your heart~(so true Steve Jobs) they will move you forward if you trust the direction they take you. We are always challenging these two with the “I can’t’s and I really shouldn’t” monologue. So stop those mantras and try just listening to what is truly being said. The answer you need to “unstick” your life might be whispered in your ear. • Stay focused~ on where you are right now. Being stuck can also be the way to deal with a past issue that really needs your attention. Sit with the issue if it presents itself and see what it can teach you. Try to stay focused on today and again use baby steps to help get you out of your rut! I hope these simple steps WILL help you start the process of getting “unstuck” and moving into a life you love. Be gentle with yourself during the process and remember it will take time so breathe and trust where you are right now. I would love to hear your thoughts on how these steps helped you and what other things you have found that works for you in your life, so come on over to ZenChick.com and leave a comment. If you like this article, subscribe to the Zen Chick community while you are there, it’s free. J

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BurlingtonMagNC.com | 21

Feature

The Elephant Man Comes to Town

22 | Burlington Magazine - Issue 08

by Jordan Willis photos courtesy Michael Williams

urlington is in for a treat of elephantine proportions. Studio 1 will be performing Bernard Pomerance’s The Elephant Man, a Tony-award winning play that was produced on Broadway in 1979 and dominated the stage with over 900 performances. Thirty-five years later, there is still high demand for this show: yet another revival is scheduled to hit the Broadway stage later this year. Now Pomerance’s intense and immersing drama is coming to provide smiles and heartache to the people of Burlington and surrounding cities. The show is based on the historical accounts of Frederick Treves, a Victorian pathologist and surgeon, who cared for a man named Joseph Merrick. Merrick was a bright and sensitive man who suffered massive, debilitating deformities due to still-unexplained skin and bone growth. Because of the social and physical limitations imposed on him by his deformities, he entered the only profession available to him and became a sideshow performer known as the “Elephant Man.” Treves found him, saved him from the demeaning and dangerous world of sideshow performance, and helped him live out the rest of his life in the safety of the London Hospital. When I asked director Michael Williams to tell me more about his production, he responded: “My favorite theatrical discipline is minimalism. The best place to use it is when you have a very strong script, narrative, and characters. If that’s where the audience’s attention should be, it’s okay to strip everything else away. Because the

deformities. “He physically expresses the deformities from the way he walks, and he doesn’t have the use of his right arm in-character. He’s expressing himself in a physical manner to suggest that he’s suffering, but he doesn’t aesthetically look like The Elephant Man.” When I asked him why he chose this route, Michael explained that any attempts to recreate the real Joseph Merrick’s shocking features would fall short and distract audiences from what the character has to say. “The script is just too good. If there is any way that I as a director can get my audiences to become immersed in the story, I’m going to do it. The makeup would have just detracted from that.” Though Studio 1 has only been here for around three years, they have already made a name for themselves here in the community by producing unconventional shows. Though they have done some Michael’s vision of minimalism also light comedies and they frequently have stretches to the Elephant Man, himself. Dale Johnson, Jr., who is playing Merrick, children’s productions, they are mostly well-known for the darker dramas they will not be wearing any prosthetics produce. “We try to do stuff that is or makeup to depict the character’s narrative and character development in The Elephant Man are so strong, I felt a minimalistic approach would be best.”

“Because the narrative and character development in The Elephant Man are so strong, I felt a minimalistic approach would be best.”

BurlingtonMagNC.com | 23

different. We think that’s what people want,” Michael told me. “There are people in the area who are afraid to go outside of the box, which is okay, but if you never take any risks, you’re never going to gain any new ground.” “We at Studio 1 feel more drama needs to be happening in this area,” he continued. “Dramatic theatre. Not comedy, not musicals. Even musical dramas have something lost in them – there is a whimsy in the music and it sucks some of the drama out. Drama is very important not just for the actors, but for the audience, too. It gives the actors and audience a catharsis. It gives them a safe environment for them to feel things. If they feel those emotions while they’re there at the show, then they can leave the show and they’re done. There isn’t any lasting damage. You can come in and have your heart broken without leaving with your heart broken.” In light of this, he says audiences should expect to be uncomfortable and heartbroken throughout the show. The whole concept of the story is rather disturbing, and there will be pictures of the real Joseph Merrick in the lobby. “Criers should expect to cry” – with a laugh, he admitted that even he will probably cry. “It’s okay for that to happen. It’s important because we get to

experience a part of the human emotional spectrum that is hard to feel without causing problems in your life. Though sadness isn’t something people ordinarily seek out, it is something necessary to understand life better and grow as a human being. We all get to collectively experience that feeling, and it’s a

“But it’s not all down-in-the-dumps crying the whole time: the show has some very funny bits, too. The humor is dry and British, as the play is set in Victorian London.” beautiful thing.” But it’s not all down-in-the-dumps crying the whole time: the show has some very funny bits, too. The humor is dry and British, as the play is set in Victorian London. There is a theme in the show that Merrick mirrors everyone he meets.

Throughout the different encounters he has with the other characters, he represents all feelings a person can feel. We see a very heartbroken side of Merrick, we see him being funny and cute, we see him angry and scared. There is an everyman quality in his character despite the physical deformity of the real man. Audiences will connect with this character and care deeply about him by the end of each performance. They will be impressed, too, with the other diverse characters represented in this play that help weave this truly memorable story together. Has all of this talk of history, human empathy, and the promise of a brilliant story interested you? If so, Studio 1 will be bringing this heartbreakingly beautiful story to life for two weekends, March 2123 & 28-30, at the Sara McMillan Brown Theatre (1332 Plaza Drive, Burlington). Tickets are $16, and you can either purchase them at the door, or you can visit Studio 1’s website, www.studio1online. org or call (336) 534-0321 to reserve your tickets ahead of time. Studio 1 is constantly doing something new and exciting, from classes and workshops to auditions for upcoming shows, so be sure to sign up for their online newsletter, “The Pulse,” which can also be found on their website. J

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24 | Burlington Magazine - Issue 08

Your Money

Take Advantage of the Saving Years

reparing for retirement requires a plan, and that plan should consist of two important phases: the saving years and the retirement years. To achieve the goal of a financially secure retirement, you will have to make wise decisions during the saving phase of your plan. For starters, if you plan to use IRAs to help you save, you need to decide what type of IRA you’re going to use. Traditional and Roth IRAs have different eligibility requirements, and each has its own advantages. More than likely, your unique financial needs will make one kind of IRA better-suited for you than the other, so it’s a good idea to evaluate your options. The main difference between traditional and Roth IRAs is the way their earnings are treated for tax purposes, so it’s important you understand the concepts of tax-deferred and tax advantaged accumulation. With tax deferral, you only owe taxes when you withdraw money from the account. A traditional IRA lets you make contributions and pay taxes when you take withdrawals. Withdrawals prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 1070 IRS penalty. On the other side of the coin, tax-free growth means you don’t have to pay federal taxes on your earnings. A Roth IRA offers the potential for tax-free growth on the after-tax dollars you invest, as long as you meet a few specific requirements. To avoid paying taxes on your Roth IRA earnings, you must have held the IRA for five years and you must be age 59½ or older at the time of withdrawal. Nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to income taxes and a 10% IRS penalty. In addition to the difference in how earnings are taxed, another important consideration is the tax deduction possibilities of a traditional IRA. As long as you meet certain conditions, you may be able to claim a deduction on your income taxes based on the amount of your IRA contributions.* To help illustrate our objective, let’s consider an example.

Donald Kehler First Vice President - Investments Financial Advisor Burlington, NC 27215 Direct 336-584-3094

Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is a registered broker-dealer and separate non-bank afﬁliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Member SIPC. ©2013 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 1113-02329 [84976-v3] A1507

Suppose Kim, age 30, is thinking about investing for her future retirement security. Even before considering her IRA options, her first smart move would be to invest in her employer’s 401(k) plan. Assuming she’s already done that, let’s think about her IRA options. With a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $30,000, she is eligible for either a tax-deductible contribution to a traditional IRA or a nondeductible contribution to a Roth IRA. To help her decide, she should think about her answers to a few key questions. For one thing, how would she handle the immediate tax benefit (i.e. tax deduction) of a traditional IRA contribution? If she chooses to invest the money she would otherwise pay in taxes, her savings could get an additional boost. But if she chooses to spend it elsewhere, the deduction a traditional IRA offers may not help in building her retirement assets. Kim also needs to ask herself how soon she will need to access her retirement savings. Any traditional IRA withdrawals before age 59½ will be taxed as ordinary income and may also incur a 10% IRS penalty. So if she expects to need access to her retirement savings before age 59½, tax- and penalty-free access to Roth IRA contributions would probably prove valuable. Additionally, Kim needs to think about whether her tax bracket during retirement will be higher or lower than what it is currently. This could provide valuable insight as to which account would be better suited for her, given the taxation of traditional IRA withdrawals versus the tax-free withdrawals from a Roth IRA. Like our example, it’s important for you to think about retirement savings well before you approach the time when you’ll actually need the funds. Take steps now to get your savings started, and make the most of the years you have to add to that savings. J

Lynn Burnette Financial Advisor 1708 Westbrook Avenue Burlington, NC 27215 Direct 336-584-3094

This article was written by Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Donald Kehler, Financial Advisor, First Vice President – Investment Officer, and Lynn Burnette, Financial Advisor, in Burlington, NC, at (336) 584-3094 or (800) 451-1615. *Your ability to deduct traditional IRA contributions is determined by your participation in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, tax filing status, and MAGI. Wells Fargo Advisors does not give tax or legal advice. Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

BurlingtonMagNC.com | 25

by Sherry Johnson Photos provided by The Cetwick

homas Tire & Automotive, a division of J.P. Thomas & Co., Inc. began in 1981 in founder Paul Thomas’ Asheboro driveway. What originally started as a commercial tire company quickly evolved. Their wholesale division, East Coast Tires was located on Industrial Parkway. In addition to a 40,000 sq. ft. tire warehouse, it held some of the administrative offices while others were located at the retail store on Highway 64. Paul searched for years for a space large enough to accommodate East Coast Tires' growing needs, but there was nothing on the market that fit his requirements. Fast forward to 2012. Paul had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatments in Texas when he received a call about a building that could possibly work. It wasn’t an ideal space but Paul took a leap of faith and bought it sight unseen. He knew of the building of course, but hadn’t been inside in years. Located at 162 North Cherry Street in Asheboro, the 125,000 sq. ft. building is the site of the former Cetwick Silk Mill, built in the 1920s by E. L. Cetwick, who moved here along with his two sisters from Pennsylvania. It was acquired by Burlington Mills in the late 1930s, and changed hands multiple times. Several additions were built to expand the mill over the years before closing in the 1950s. The building fell into disrepair before ending up in foreclosure. Paul acquired the building in July, 2012, just before he passed away in August. Sister and brother team, Sally and Bryan Thomas had been managing the dayto-day operations during their father’s illness. After his passing they purchased the business and took on the project for the new wholesale center and Corporate Headquarters at the same time. They hired a local contractor for the enormous undertaking.

26 | Burlington Magazine - Issue 08

Before renovations could even begin, a 90 day massive clean-up had to be performed. As with a lot of projects, the deeper they got into renovating the more issues they found. Originally, the project was planned for three phases. However, the need to have all of the administrative staff under one roof quickly changed that schedule. The more they exposed the bones of the building the more potential they saw. They removed layers of flooring to reveal original hardwoods hiding underneath. They cut huge windows back into the walls that had been bricked over throughout the years, sometimes slicing through 24 inches of brick to get to the outside. As a nod to the legacy of the original building, Sally and Bryan contacted good friend, Travis Baynes, owner of Jackson Sandblasting to expose one of the original brick walls in a conference room. One thing led to another and pretty soon they had a full-time crew who spent seven weeks sandblasting layers of paint to reveal beautiful brick, metal trusses and original pine ceilings.

BurlingtonMagNC.com | 27

With East Coast Tires moving into the 80,000 square foot warehouse space on one side of the property and the corporate headquarters of the re-branded J. P. Thomas & Co., Inc. located on the opposite side of the building, a 7,000 sq. ft. top floor was left unspoken for. Many ideas were kicked around, including building two loft apartments for Bryan and Sally to live in. “As much as I love working with my brother every day, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to live in such close proximity to each other as well.” She added with a smile, “Plus the space was just begging to be seen.” As they uncovered the beauty and character of the old building, Sally began to see the space as a perfect combination of southern and urban and imagined using it as a venue unlike anything Asheboro had ever seen. She wanted a space that offered elegance and hospitality…with a fresh twist. They kept everything original to the building, enhancing and bringing back the beauty that had been covered by layer after layer over the years. With 135 employees, holding a Company-wide meeting or hosting an annual Christmas party with guests had become a challenge. Before deciding to open to the public, the space allowed the company the opportunity to host its employees for training and social events. Sally studied many other venues both near and far. She thought like a customer, “If I were renting a space for us to hold a meeting or a special event, what would I look for in a venue?” Sally and Bryan chose all 28 | Burlington Magazine - Issue 08

the amenities for the space, from the Chivari chairs, highboy cocktail tables and beautiful accent pieces, everything is classic and blends with the space perfectly. They brought in a company from Raleigh to advise them on improving the acoustics in the room. Based on their recommendations, they installed acoustical panels throughout to enhance the sound. They purchased a state of the art sound system, placing speakers strategically so that whether you are right in front of the stage or 100 feet away, you can hear perfectly. Three projectors and screens mean that no matter where you sit in the room, you have a clear line of sight to the presentation. A 50 x 20 foot stage dominates one end of the room, allowing for runway shows or presenters to be easily seen. The Thomas’ are passionate about their local community, and in every instance possible, local companies were used in the renovations on this vast undertaking. They hired local electrician, Chris Alexander owner of Quality Electric, to handle all electrical upgrades. Frye Farms Landscaping took the neglected outside which was once an eye sore and changed it into a thing of beauty. Schneider Stone installed white marble in the restrooms and ladies lounge while local cabinet maker, Jamie Wilkins of Asheboro Custom Cabinets, created the unique wooden bathroom stalls. MC Rails of Randleman, was contracted to build the numerous railings throughout the property.

A lighting company in Virginia was commissioned to create nine, six foot round linen chandeliers for the room. Sally worked closely with local Asheboro owners, Bert Garris, of Vintage Cottage, and Sherry Pyrtle, of 13 Gypsies Design to furnish and decorate the entire building. Both understood Sally’s vision for the space and helped find perfect items to complement the history, but give it an elegant upscale touch. When the renovations were 85% complete, Sally and Bryan hired a local structural engineer and received approvals on both the City and State level for Asheboro’s first rooftop terrace. McRae Roofing was hired to install a new roof under the terrace to avoid having to replace the existing roof in a few years. The terrace accommodates up to 160 guests and includes outdoor speakers as well as lighting. Naming the building was actually the easiest part of the process. Sally wanted one word that described the building and for that, she returned to its beginnings as a silk mill. The Cetwick’s exposed brick and soft industrial feel gives a grateful nod to the past, while simultaneously embodying its bright future with clean lines and subtle interiors. Large windows infuse natural light into the space, showcasing the original hardwood floors and pine ceilings. The Cetwick offers an elevator for caterers to easily transport their items and also provides handicap access to the upper level. Zoe Faircloth, Event Manager of the Cetwick, has been

meeting with planners from around the state – showing them that the Cetwick has a lot to offer. Its central location and close proximity to Interstate 73/74, makes it ideal. In October, the Cetwick hosted two tire conferences and the feedback from these meetings was very positive. Attendees traveled from all over the country, including Hawaii and California. Guests were impressed with the thoughtfulness that went into the planning of such an exceptional space. Several local high schools will be holding their proms at the Cetwick in 2014. The schools had previously held proms much farther away. The goal is to keep revenue in Randolph County and by reducing travel time to and from the prom, it allows more kids the opportunity to attend. The Cetwick separates itself from the crowd with its spacious main room, gorgeous rooftop terrace and prime location. Whether your event calls for vintage casual, country chic or upscale elegance, the Cetwick lends itself well to all decors. This one of a kind venue can accommodate groups up to 475 for weddings, receptions, corporate meetings or social gatherings. The possibilities for hosting fabulous events are endless. J For more information, contact Zoe Faircloth to set up an appointment at 336.683.8999 or 336.460.0928. You can visit their website at www.thecetwick.com or email Zoe at events@thecetwick.com.

BurlingtonMagNC.com | 29

Community News

The Produce Box

he food revolution is on our doorstep. Everywhere you go restaurants offer specials with seasonal ingredients, consumers are swayed by “organic” and “free-range” labels, and farmer’s markets are popping up everywhere. Cue Courtney Tellefsen, two kids, PTA commitments, Sunday school and youth sports left her with little time to make conscious food choices for her family. “I really wanted to be more thoughtful about my food and where it came from,” she said. “I was determined to go to the market, talk with the growers about their products, buy up lots of beautiful produce and come home and cook up a wonderful, gourmet meal.” “With the kids running all over the place, however, it didn’t turn out to be all that easy. Traveling to the market took time which I couldn’t find consistently.” The Produce Box (TPB) sprouted. Tellefsen’s idea, called a modified CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), was to create a network of farms and neighborhood coordinators, which is now delivers more than a million pounds of North Carolina fruits, veggies and other assorted farm-fresh produce to families across the state. “I heard about the opportunity to become a coordinator through Alamance Mommies. The role fit perfect into my stay at home mom life, working mainly one delivery day and promoting North Carolina farmers and their produce. I loved the idea of delivering fresh NC produce as sometimes my good intentions of hitting the local farmer markets’ never happens! With a family of 6, we aim to eat healthy and locally as possible,” Emily Lyons, Alamance County area coordinator, said. “I love telling people about this wonderful opportunity

30 | Burlington Magazine - Issue 08

to have produce delivered weekly to their doorsteps! I know personally, it has been a weekly gift opening my box of produce! And I have learned so much of what is grown here in NC, the best sweet potatoes, beets, lettuces, bok choy, chestnuts and so much more. It has also given me items I might not have purchased in a store, broadening our food horizons,” Lyons said. “The Produce Box is also a strong supporter of the community. We have worked together with the Children Museum of Alamance County last year with a corn shucking event as well as winter veggies near Thanksgiving. We will have a special program in April to let children plant seeds in their own special “egg head.” The Produce Box is going to create a small container garden for museum patrons to watch grow over the season.” The TPB announced earlier this year it’s now offering year-round delivery starting mid March in the Triad. It’s also announcing the Farm Grant program, which offers close to $20,000 a year to help local North Carolina farmers with the capital they need to extend their growing season with green houses and winter crops. This in turn will help The Produce Box reach their goal of offering year round North Carolina only produce by 2016. The boxes include a TPB newsletter with bulletins, cooking techniques and recipes for the ingredients in the box. The cost of a box ranges from $18.50 to $28 depending on what option is selected and the size of the family. For more information visit www.theproducebox. com. J

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A premier full-service event facility set in the picturesque Carolina countryside. Call to book your next event with us â&#x20AC;˘ 336.643.2006 3203 Pleasant Ridge Rd â&#x20AC;˘ Summerfield, NC 27358

summerfieldfarms.com