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INSIDE #11 | OTIS FARMER | THE NEAL AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM | CRAFT SEASON BOOKS
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IN THIS ISSUE 14
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06 Publisher's Letter
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Cover Story
Ask the Expert Your Teeth
Ask the Expert Your Feet
DID YOU KNOW YOU COULD HAVE A SMILE MAKEOVER IN ONE DAY?
LOCAL PODIATRIC FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEON SAYS NEW PROCEDURES, TECHNIQUES SPEEDING PATIENTS' RECOVERIES
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OTIS FARMER
THE NEAL AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM
Local Attraction
Friendly Faces
Community News
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Featured Writer
TINY HOUSE LIVING
YMCA FRIENDS OF YOUTH CAMPAIGN EXCEEDS GOAL IN 2013
At the YMCA
Library Corner
Nature's Nuances
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Community Event
Patti's Page
Local Vendors Page
Feature Story
Featured Writer TAMMY HALL
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08 JANET BLAKLEY INSURANCE SERVICES, LLC
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HWY 62 HOMETOWN HOLIDAY FIRST ANNUAL KICK OFF EVENT
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CRAFT SEASON BOOKS
LET TING GO
SUMMER TO FALL: A GARDEN TALE
| PUBLISHER'S LETTER
W
hen we started Archdale & Trinity Magazine a year ago, it was part of a much larger plan.
Since that
time, we have launched four
other
magazines
(Burlington, WS Arts, My Murrieta in California, and Bellefontaine in Ohio) under the Positive Community Magazine umbrella. In doing this, it was our goal to highlight the positive things that happen in the communities we serve, things that the mainstream media tends to ignore. When
we were working on our first issue of Bellefontaine Magazine, the Chamber of Commerce President there was very enthusiastic about our concept. He told us that when people call him to inquire about the area they always ask for a newspaper.
Because the newspaper is filled with negative news, and not
representative of what their community is all about, he is apprehensive to mail copies to prospective residents. He saw our Positive Community Magazine as a “wonderful alternative” that would encourage people to move there. A secondary goal in launching Positive Community Magazines is to give others an opportunity to make a positive impact in their home town by becoming
POSITIVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINES PO BOX 1369|ASHEBORO | NC | 27104 www.saratogaspringsmag.com
PUBLISHER Robin Gray
robin@saratogaspringsmag.com
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Chelsea Tolman
chelsea@saratogaspringsmag.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sherry Johnson
sherry@saratogaspringsmag.com
ADVERTISING SALES Liz Marano
liz@saratogaspringsmag.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Patti G. Smith
a publisher. Obviously, Sherry and I can’t manage all the work that goes into
patti@saratogaspringsmag.com
publishing multiple magazines by ourselves. Thus, we created a business that
Contributors:
allows interested people to become the face of the magazine for their community and profit from their efforts. In May, we turned Archdale & Trinity Magazine over to Chelsea Tolman, a very enthusiastic member of the community. Although she didn’t have any experience in the magazine publishing industry, she took to it like a fish takes to water and she did an outstanding job. Unfortunately, her health issues have made day-to-day activities difficult. Knowing our goals for the magazine and due to her health, she has decided to step down as publisher.
Dr. Keith MacDonald, DDS Patti Smith-Leonard Beth Winze Jean Solomon Debby Richman Jessica Jansen Rebecca Fleming
She will still be involved in the editorial piece of the magazine, and will continue to work with us as our Executive Editor. Because of the huge amount of progress she has made in a very short period of time, we were, not only willing to take it
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back, but enthusiastic about the growth potential. So how does this change affect the future of Archdale & Trinity Magazine? The answer is it doesn’t. We will continue to publish Archdale & Trinity Magazine with the goal of making it better each and every issue, which has always been our motivation. We will continue to focus on the people, businesses and events that make the community a wonderful place to call home. We will celebrate stories that might otherwise go untold and, as we have done in Asheboro, we will build a publication that is truly representative of life in Archdale and Trinity. Lastly, I want to say Thank You to everyone that has contributed to the magazine, our advertisers and the readers for helping us spread upbeat, positive,
Saratoga Springs Magazine is published monthly by Positive Community Magazines. 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 Saratoga Springs Magazine are not endorsed or recommended by the Publisher. Therefore, neither party may be held liable for the business practices of these companies.
community-focused content. The world is filled with negativity. We want to do our part to change the focus to all things positive. It has been an exciting first year and we look forward to many more. n
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By Sherry B. Johnson
J
Janet Blakley
anet Blakley grew up on a small farm
Wingate University. After graduation, Janet began working
in Pleasant Garden.
in the mortgage industry.
There, with her
In 1996, after being injured
parents and two sisters, she worked
in a car accident, which required an extended recovery
the land.
Mostly she learned to be a
period, she transitioned into a sales position at a Holiday
self-sufficient, independent, young lady.
Inn Express in Greensboro. That year, that Holiday Inn
Janet still lives on the farm where she
experienced higher sales than in the previous 10 years.
cares for her aging father.
Knowing how to communicate with people understandably
Janet attended Vandalia Christian School throughout
and effectively was pivotal to her sales success.
Her hobbies were
In 1998, she entered the insurance field and earned her
gardening, 4H, singing, sewing, volleyball, basketball,
Life and Health Insurance Licenses. She spent nearly a
and slow-pitch softball. Today she still loves gardening,
year with Prudential and then went to work for Piedmont
singing with the praise and worship team at her church,
Brokerage (now called the Assurance Group).
her childhood and adolescence.
and practicing Bikram Hot Yoga. She earned a degree in Business Finance from
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Eventually Janet opened a private agency, Team Life. That agency grew over the next few years to employ 26
thereafter, Humana offered Janet a full-time job as a sales representative selling Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements and Part D insurance in the Asheboro WalMart. There she built her Humana business to over 900 clients. With the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, the Private-Fee-For-Service
Medicare
Advantage
Plan
Humana had available for Randolph County was terminated, and she needed to seek other insurance sales opportunities. In September 2010, Janet resigned from Humana and went out on her own.
She formed Janet Blakley
Insurance Services LLC for Seniors in April of 2011 and became an independent government sub-contractor who can represent all major Medicare health and drug plans in North Carolina. In addition to insurance services, she Dereck Arble agents and assist over 3,000 clients with insurance needs. She then started a second company that supplied her agents with leads for potential clients. Janet’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2002. Helping to care for her mother sparked in Janet a passion to learn how to help others understand and navigate the complicated and cold insurance processes that often accompany illness. Although she studied for and passed her life and health license exams in 1998, she decided after the experience with her mother that she would make her primary focus on the senior market. So, she studied for and earned her Medicare Supplement and Long Term Care License in 2005. Around the same time, her agency was approved by Humana to carry its licensed insurance products. Shortly
Christina Sherrill
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provides informational and education seminars throughout
with Medicare Open Enrollment, which begins October 15,
the year. In August 2013, she attained the designation of
2013 and ends December 7, 2013.
Certified Senior Advisor. Janet is licensed in the State of North Carolina to offer Life and Health insurance plans for all ages, as well as Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Hospital Indemnity, Long Term Care Plans, and Fixed Annuities. Janet has the ability to simplify the complex as well as express herself clearly in a way that is easy to understand. She exhibits a passion for serving her customers in general and seniors in particular. This has resulted in an exponential growth of her business. To maintain that
Janet has renamed her company Janet Blakley Insurance Services LLC for Life & Health to include the expanded offerings and customer base. To make herself and her staff more accessible, Janet recently opened an office in Asheboro at 717 S. Cox Street, Suite E. The office is open by appointment only. To learn more about Janet and the services she offers, visit her website www.JanetBlakleyInsurance.com or call 336.964.9865 to make an appointment or sign up for one of the informational seminars being offered by Janet.
unparalleled level of customer care, Janet has added
Janet takes complex and cold insurance provisions
two licensed assistants, Christina Sherrill and Dereck
and makes them understandable and human. She’s the
Arble.
trusted and competent friend you feel safe and comfortable
Their focus will be on the Affordable Care Act
(commonly known as “Obamacare”). They will also assist
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dealing with professionally. n
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| ASK THE EXPERT-YOUR TEETH
D
Did you know you could have a smile makeover in one day?
o you have stained, chipped, crooked or imperfect teeth? Porcelain Veneers may be for you! More adults are turning to porcelain veneers to realize their dreams of a straight, white, winning smile. If you want a more attractive smile, Dr. Macdonald may suggest Porcelain Veneers. Made from fine dental porcelain that reflects light similarly to natural tooth enamel, veneers can mask chips, stains, gaps, and slight misalignments for a gorgeous smile. Many times, this is something that can be achieved in a single visit because of the CEREC technology we have in our office. With CEREC technology, Dr. Macdonald can provide you with porcelain restorations in minutes, rather than having to wait weeks and return for multiple appointments. Today, almost everyone has a filling that is made of amalgam or some other material that does not match the color of your teeth. CEREC gives you the possibility of having your next dental restoration permanently corrected in just one visit to the dentist office. During a CEREC dental restoration, your teeth will be examined to determine what treatment will best provide you with the results you desire. If a CEREC restoration is recommended, your tooth will be prepared for the restoration and a 3 dimensional optical scan of your tooth will be taken. This high-resolution optical scan
Before
will be used to create a ceramic restoration that perfectly fits your tooth and matches the rest of your teeth. Because of the numerous continuing education hours Dr. Macdonald has spent studying CEREC restorations, he has been asked to be a mentor for other dentists around the country, and has earned the title of Master in Advanced CEREC Technology. So, if you want that winning smile, call us for a consultation, and let Dr. Macdonald show you what he can do for you! n
After
DR. KEITH MACDONALD, DDS
Visit us at www.Dentalimplantsnc.Com or please call Dr. Macdonald for a consultation.
9924 Highway 311 S. • Archdale, NC 27263 336-434-3186
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“Thank you Archdale Trinity area for allowing me to serve you!”
“Favorite Realtors for 2013" in Best of the Southern Triad Awards FEATURED LISTING
Private & Secluded 47.62 Acre Sanctuary With Custom Built Nostalgic Log Home. Covered Front & Screened Back Porch. Master On Main, Master Bath w/ Therapeutic Tub. 5 Acre +/- Lake. Low Maintence Salt Water In-ground Pool w/Poolhouse. 118 Trindale Road • Archdale, NC • 27360 C 336-681-2791 JaniceSpainhour@gmail.com
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| ASK THE EXPERT-YOUR FEET
Local Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon Says New Procedures, Techniques Speeding Patients' Recoveries.
M
any Achilles tendon surgery patients in the Piedmont Triad are getting back on their feet faster, thanks to new procedures and techniques. Dekarlos M. Dial, DPM, AACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon with offices in Thomasville says the introduction of tissue graft products, bone anchors, and new arthroscopic procedures provide patients with less invasive treatments and speedier recovery times. "These surgical advances will shorten recovery times for many patients, allowing them to get back to their jobs and active lifestyles in less time," says Dr. Dial. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone in the back of the leg and facilitates walking. The most common Achilles condition is tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendon. Dr. Dial says most tendonitis cases can be successfully treated with non-surgical methods such as rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. But some tendonitis patients develop scar tissue on the tendon, or their tendon fibers weaken and develop microscopic tears, a condition called Achilles tendonosis. Fixing these problems may require surgery and weeks to months of recovery. Overuse, especially in athletes, can cause the Achilles
THOMASVILLE MEDICAL CENTER Need help finding a physician? Call 336-476-2793 or learn more at www.NovantHealth.org
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tendon to tighten and pull so hard on the heel bone that a bone spur, or bump, develops. Shoes can rub against the spur and cause pain. In addition, a painful fluid-filled sac called a bursa can develop between the heel bone and the tendon. Traditionally, correcting this tightness involved cutting the tendon, removing the bone spur or bursa, and then reattaching the tendon. According to Dr. Dekarlos Dial, new arthroscopic techniques can provide a minimally invasive option to removing bone spurs and bursas without significant damage to the Achilles tendon. When the tendon does have to be surgically detached, new bone anchor constructs (screws that are drilled into the heel bone to secure the tendon and tissues) can reattach the tendon, minimizing the chance of a potentially painful knot developing on the back of the heel. Achilles tendon ruptures are the most serious Achilles injuries. Most patients require surgery to decrease the likelihood of a re-rupture. Various techniques are available, and increasingly may include tissue grafts used as a bridge to link the detached tendon lengths. The graft provides a scaffold on which new tissue grows, increases the overall strength of the repair, and is usually absorbed by the body within a year. Dr. Dekarlos M. Dial is a member of the 6,000-member American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Go to the ACFAS consumer Web site, FootHealthFacts. org, for reliable information on Achilles tendon problems. n
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| FEATURED WRITER
Otis Farmer By Staff
O
TIS FARMER WAS BORN ON THE RUN, THE SECOND SON TO A MILITARY FAMILY WHO HAD THREE CHILDREN IN FOUR YEARS. THE ELDEST SON WAS BORN AT FORT ORD, ON MONTEREY BAY, IN CALIFORNIA, THEN OTIS WAS BORN, ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, AND THEN HALFWAY BACK ACROSS COUNTRY HIS LITTLE SISTER WAS BORN IN EL PASO, TEXAS. SIX MONTHS LATER THE FAMILY WAS LIVING IN GERMANY FOR FOUR YEARS.
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With travel and new adventures so much a part of and influencing his early life, it was only natural when Otis was age thirteen, God would instill deep in his heart an unquenchable thirst for adventure and a strong desire to write about fantastic journeys which would only be possible in a boundless and very active imagination. As an adult, Otis has always sought out new and challenging adventures: hiking, cycling, scuba diving off the island of Maui, flying a high performance glider, and flying into the crater of Mt. St. Helen in a helicopter, to name a few. Viewing our awesome planet as an amazing classroom, Otis wishes more people would make time to step out of their hectic routines, take a few hours each week to disconnect from the worries of life, just to be astounded by what incredible sights and sounds are happening around them every day, but are appreciated by so few. Otis knows too well how easily we become caught up in the reality we create and call our lives, and how we force ourselves to disconnect from “actual reality” which exists all around the carefully crafted cocoon we hide within, but never intend, or are too frightened to emerge. Otis firmly believes that what makes us well-rounded individuals is the voluntary assimilation of new experiences into our daily routines. It could be as simple as taking a new route to work and absorb different scenery, perhaps even discover a new restaurant or pastry shop, something incredible to dazzle our taste buds. If you live in a noisy area, drive into the country, find a quiet lake or stream to park beside, in a cool shady spot during the summer, then put down your windows, lean back, close your eyes and
listen to the casual conversations of Nature’s neighbors. By placing oneself in their domain, and listening to their chatter and banter, it’s easier to absorb we share this planet with a multitude of critters and creatures who have every right to exist and flourish. We may be the dominant species, but we must respect all forms of life, lest our arrogance leads to our destruction. One attribute Otis has come to realize is vital to maintaining a healthy perspective, humility, which requires us to remove ourselves from the center of our universe, and realize the world does not revolve around us. One of the most humbling lessons Otis experienced was the first time he realized what an accomplishment he’d achieved by hiking and climbing a series of challenging trails to the top of Grandfather Mountain, where he sat with his younger brother, so pleased when they realized how far, and how high they had traveled, in relation to where they had set out much earlier that morning. However, once they lifted their faces and their eyes beheld the vastness of the world around them, it forced them to admit how small and insignificant they really were, in relation to the immeasurable grandeur beyond the rock on which they sat. A humbling sense of real perspective overcame them. Otis remembers turning to his brother and saying, “You know, if we fell off this rock, a few people would mourn, but the sun would come up tomorrow and shine on the next people who sit on the very rocks on which we sit today.” It doesn’t matter if one believes in God, or not. Even though Otis is a believer, he understands and accepts those who can’t conceive of an all-powerful entity existing
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all around us, who created this planet and the vast, inexplicable universe in which it hangs. The magnitude of it all is still beyond the comprehension of even the smartest scientists, many whom have made it their life’s mission to disprove the existence of God, more than to grasp the physical laws which hold it all in place. Some may bark, “This is philosophical horse droppings that I hate to step in, because it stinks to high heaven!” But one has to wonder, can such negative attitudes actually allow one to see beyond such a narrow view? Another vital element to healthy living is being able to accept the right of others to have a different opinion. To allow others to believe in things we simply can’t accept, is a sure sign of a healthy, secure person. Otis happens to believe that as long as there is life, there is hope, and if he can be converted, then everyone else can as well. His past adventures have proven this to be true and very rewarding However, his greatest adventures still await, those he has yet to boldly launch, in real life and those still inviting, and luring him into amazing worlds he longs to share with eager readers. The best is yet to come. In January of 2012, due to the “Dedication” of “Merlyn And The Mortal's Curse,” Otis was invited to spend three hours a week at The Arc of High Point, North Carolina, where on Friday mornings he oversees the art studio, which is now very active with a group of dedicated mentors assisting artists across the Autism spectrum, those with Downs Syndrome and a number of other mental and physical developmental issues. It didn't take long for Otis to realize he was the real student being taught unconditional love by the very individuals he was asked to teach. In January of 2013, Otis assisted in beginning a Monday morning pottery program for the same art students at The Arc, which he assists with instructing. Then a few months ago he suggested they embark on a new venture, handmade, natural soaps, which due to the talents and drive of one dedicated parent, has blossomed into a tantalizing, scent filled endeavor on the verge of growing into a major product line. No price can be placed on the joy, the tremendous satisfaction and sense of accomplishment Otis receives in the form of precious smiles and the unique humor he shares with his new friends while they complete each work of art and every piece of pottery. In every class new heights of accomplishment are reached in The Creative Arts Studio at The Arc of High Point, North Carolina. It is impossible to put into words the unmatched joy Otis receives every second he spends in the studio with such unique and wonderful individuals. Otis also believes reading is another healthy form of stepping away from the routine of our hectic lives. He has written “Merlyn And The Mortal’s Curse” as the first adventure in a series where our heroes, as in real life, are constantly faced with circumstances beyond their control, but they have no choice but to keep plugging along, believing in themselves, realizing that they are the masters of their own destiny. n
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| LOCAL ATTRACTION
The Neal Agricultural and Industrial Museum By Beth Winze
A
museum full of nostalgia and memoirs can be found in the small town of Trinity. The museum’s antique equipment was once used to provide food for North Carolinian farmers and other states. The Neal Agricultural and Industrial Museum located in Trinity, has preserved and restored twenty-two John Deere tractors, a 1926 return-tube boiler, a 19th century steam engine, and an Otto-Langen engine. This museum puts Randolph County’s heritage of “living off of the land” in new light. It allows a glimpse into what North Carolinian ancestors used in order to provide a living for their families. This museum offers a treasury of time pieces and a rearview mirror glance at North Carolina history. In the John Deere tractor section, the main focus is on tractors with low production numbers. It allows the tourist to see tractors that were not highly manufactured during their model year and to see them restored to their former glory. Just to name a few, this part of the museum holds multiple Hi-Crop tractor models, an orchard model, and a Model 630 All Fuel Standard that is one of eleven built for that model. With a focal point on rare vintage tractors, the visitor is privileged to see the Model 630 that was not as highly publicized as its other John Deere cousins. The boiler on display has a special place in history because it was owned by P&P Chair Company. That company created the Carolina Rocker that John F. Kennedy later stood on, which in turn, made the chair company famous. A three-quarter scale model of the Otto-Langen Atmospharische Gaskraft
Engine is also on display in this varied collection. The engine model was built by Wayne Grenning, who dedicated more than a decade to the research and recreation of this vintage artifact. Also on display is an assortment of interesting electrical instruments that once provided power for industrial manufacturing plants. The owners of Neal Agricultural and Industrial Museum, Jerry D. and Linda S. Neal, have created a building full of valued farm equipment and factory electrical sources. The collection brings to light agricultural life in Randolph County in the 19th century. n
Don’t miss out on this historical opportunity! Plan your visit today! 5507 Snyder Country Rd, Trinity, NC 27370 Hours: Tues. - Sat. 9 am- 5pm | Sun. 2pm- 5pm PRICE OF ADMISSION: Adults - $5 | Seniors 65+ - $3 | Youth 12-17 - $3 Under 12 - FREE
This page is generously sponsored by: Snyder Farms Restaurant 2878 Beckerdite Rd, Sophia, NC 27350 • (336) 498-3571
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| FRIENDLY FACES
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THE PIONEER FAMILY RESTAURANT AND STEAKHOUSE AND GUILRAND FIRE DEPARTMENT ARE TEAMING UP TO RAISE MONEY FOR RELAY FOR LIFE 2014
T
he Pioneer Family Restaurant and Steakhouse and Guil-Rand Fire Department are teaming up to raise money for Relay for Life 2014, Wake Forest Baptist Cancer Center and Randolph Cancer Center with a goal of raising $30,000.00. Our fundraising campaign kickoff will be Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at the Pioneer Family Restaurant and Steakhouse. We will be celebrating the memory of Kathy Liner, as this day would have been Kathy’s 64th birthday. Festivities will begin at 10:45 am with a special tribute to Kathy. The day will be filled with different activities including a silent auction, door prizes, raffles and a special priced buffet with ALL proceeds (less sales tax) going to cancer research and to assist cancer patients with financial needs. We are asking the community and businesses to help us reach our goal by making monetary donations or goods which will be used for events throughout the day. Mike Liner will be matching all monies raised that day up to the first $10,000.00, as a memorial to Kathy. This day has been set aside in memory of Kathy and to help raise awareness for brain cancer research. Please come out and participate and leave knowing that you helped make a difference in someone’s life. Donations may be dropped off at the Guil-Rand Fire Station, 10506 South Main Street in Archdale at any time prior to November 25, 2013. You may also contact Frank Crotts at 336-688-4320 to schedule a pickup of your donation. n
ARCHDALE FALL LITTER SWEEP WAS A HUGE SUCCESS
T
he Archdale Community Appearance Commission held their fall Litter Sweep on Saturday, Sept. 28th. Volunteers met at McDonald’s in Archdale at 7:30 a.m. for a free breakfast. After breakfast volunteers were organized into teams and hit the streets with the goal of keeping our community attractive and clean. These events also ensure that the storm water pipes do not get blocked by garbage and our drinking water remains safe and clear of debris. According to the Community Appearance Commission Facebook page, “Special thanks to Trindale Baptist Church for coming out in force and Archdale & Trinity Magazine for their story on the spring event. TBC saw this story and gained enough interest to participate in a big way.” This is a great bi-annual event and a perfect way to get involved in a community project, plus it is a great way to meet new people. If you have not participated before, be sure to sign up for one or both of the events next year. If your youth group or scout troop is looking for a service project, this is a great way to help the community and it’s fun! n
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| FEATURE
DOWNSIZE TO TINY LIVING NOW: TUMBLEWEED OFFERS TINY HOME TRAINING By Debby Richman
Tumbleweed Tiny House Company will host a two-day Raleigh workshop on October 26-27th North Carolina has always been a cabin and cottage kind of place, so it's no surprise that tiny home living interests North Carolinians. Yet living small means different things, and we mean tiny here: 117 to 172 square feet. It's possible to live stylishly in this space, with the comforts of home. Tiny dwellers often describe a mix of economic, lifestyle and ecological reasons for deciding to pare down. Many times they want freedom from mortgages, whether starting out or heading towards retirement. Other times, extended family members need or want to reside nearby and tiny homes enable them to live separately, even in a backyard area. "Don't be shy about tiny living. It's not nearly as rough as you think!" declares Meg Stephens, lead designer at Tumbleweed Tiny House Company. "The beauty of living in a tiny space is that things which are an integral part of 'who you are' come to the forefront." She spends her time thinking about home floor plans which create choices in great rooms, sleeping quarters, kitchens and baths. "When designed well, tiny dwellers gain a sense of 'fitting' in their downsized surroundings." For people considering tiny home living, a house
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on wheels seems like an excellent option. Key factors in selecting a House-To-Go model include the flexibility to relocate the home, the practicality of building it, or the availability of financing to buy one. Materials cost about $25,000 for a do-it-yourself builder, while new ready-made homes cost double or more. Yet qualified buyers should be able to put 10% down and pay $400/month, from banks offering standard RV loans on certified home models. Whether building or buying, tiny homes are within reach for many people. Want to learn more about tiny home building? Tumbleweed Tiny House Company will be holding a twoday workshop in Raleigh, over the October 26th weekend.
As a leader in the tiny house movement, the company sells plans, leads building workshops, and delivers their readymade homes for sale. Pepper Clark, who has built her own home and also led many popular workshops nationally, will be at the Raleigh workshop. Tumbleweed promises that you'll be provided with comprehensive, detailed information on tiny home building that you can't learn anywhere else -- and you'll get to meet many other like-minded people in a fun and engaging setting. n Photos courtesy of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company www.tumbleweedhouses.com/products/raleigh. The Tumbleweed Tiny House Company workshop takes place Saturday and Sunday, October 2627th, from 9am to 5pm both days. It will be held at the Holiday Inn -- Raleigh North, 2805 Highwoods Boulevard, Raleigh, NC. Tickets cost $399 per person, or $599 for two tickets. Visit http://www. tumbleweedhouses.com/products/raleigh to learn more and register online, or email support@ tumbleweedhouses.com for any questions.
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| AT THE YMCA
YMCA Friends of Youth Campaign Exceeds Goal in 2013 By Jessica Jansen
T
he YMCA of High Point and its four branches and camps eclipsed their aggressive goal of $160,000 in the 2013 Annual Giving Campaign. The “Friends of Youth” Campaign, with over $161,000 raised so far this year, has raised 100% more in the first seven months of 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012. The annual fundraising effort provides financial assistance for those in need of membership, youth programs, and adult programs. The campaign will also provide seed money for the YMCA’s partnership with the Darkness 2 Light Foundation to prevent Child Sexual Abuse. The four branches of the YMCA are the Hartley Drive YMCA, Carl Chavis Memorial YMCA, Carl and Linda Grubb Family YMCA, and Camp Cheerio and Cheerio Adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains. “Contributions made to the Friends of Youth campaign make it possible for the YMCA to meet its mission of serving all,” says David Ozmore, President/CEO of the YMCA of High Point. “This year we are able to do some creative things with our campaign like sending local students to college with scholarships, committing to the Summer Reading program at the Chavis Y, and initiating the Darkness 2 Light partnership to prevent Child Sexual Abuse. We want to contribute back to our community with impact and significance.” The YMCA annually serves over 15,000 individuals in Davidson, Guilford and Randolph counties. Also, the Y serves over 3,500 children through summer camping programs at Camps Cheerio and Cheerio Adventures in the mountains of
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North Carolina and Virginia. “We are very thankful to our volunteers in 2013, especially our CoChairs, Tyler Walsh, Megan Yowell, Ashley Williams and Chris Whitesell. They have worked year-round to make this campaign successful. Additionally, over 70 volunteers made the connections to request this support,” added YMCA Board Chairman, Matt Miller. “We have exceeded our expectations for 2013, we are continuing to raise more dollars through year-end, and, we are very excited to be more aggressive in the community serving more people in new ways.” In planning for 2014, the YMCA Board of Directors and staff leadership are working together to develop a bold, new Strategic Vision. The YMCA wants to increase their impact to serve even more people in 2014 through their focus areas of Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. To learn more about the YMCA and its programs and services, visit their website at www.hpymca.org or www. campcheerio.org. You can support this campaign in 2013 by making a donation online or by calling 336-869-0151.
LIBRARY CORNER |
CRAFT SEASON BOOKS
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By Rebecca Fleming
chool is back in session. The days are getting shorter, and even a little cooler. Football season has finally arrived. This can only mean one thing: the start of craft season! I love to work on “cozy” projects during the fall and winter, especially yarn-based projects. New scarves, blankets, experiments – once the temperature drops, I get the itch to stitch. My go-to project is scarf-making. You can never have too many scarves, right? And with the increasing variety of yarn available, you could almost wear a different scarf every day, for the whole winter. This year however, I’m going to stretch myself a bit. Try something different. Yes, I can almost guarantee I will make a scarf – but I want to try some of the new patterns floating around. I hope to finally figure out how to stitch cables, master the fine art of toboggan making, and conquer the mysterious realm of baby booties.
The Library has a great selection of books available on a wide variety of crafts (paper, sewing, yarn, beading – we’ve got almost everything!). Here are some of the yarn-based titles that have caught my attention and inspired my crafting goals: • 75 Floral Blocks to Crochet (Betty Barnden) • Scarf Style (Pam Allen) • Knitting for Babies & Kids (Jeanne Stauffer) • 45 Fine & Fanciful Hats to Knit (Anna Zilboorg) • Donna Kooler’s Encyclopedia of Knitting (Doona Kooler) • Jewelry with a Hook: Crocheted Fiber Necklaces, Bracelets and More (Terry Taylor) Whether you like to curl up with soft fuzzy yarns or dive into elaborate papercrafts or lose yourself in elaborate embroidery, the fall is a great time to start projects. Why not check out what the Library has to offer, and see if you are inspired by new discoveries. n
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| NATURE'S NUANCES
Summer to Fall: A Garden Tale By Beth Winze
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s summer comes to a close, so does the enjoyable fruits of one’s labor. Watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries are no longer commonly grown as we switch into fall mode. But this does not mean a garden with the earth’s produce cannot still be enjoyed throughout the fall season. Fall vegetables are just as refreshing and gratifying as a summer crop. Switching over from a summer garden to a fall garden might just be simpler than you think. The summer crop may have ended, but it is time to welcome a new type of fall gardening to your yard. What vegetables are perfect for growing in colder temperatures? Beets. These colorful vegetables respond well in cooler weather and add lots of color to a garden. Broccoli is another great vegetable that grows best in the cool fall weather. Broccoli does not attract as many pests as other plants, and it contains an abundant amount of vitamins and minerals. Get your gardening gloves now, because cabbage is highly responsive in the fall as well. Even though it takes 2-3 months to come to full maturity, you will not regret planting this appetizing vegetable in your garden. Who said carrots are only for rabbits? A fantastically delicious fall vegetable with a long life span, up to 9 months in proper storage, gives you a delightful treat that can last through the winter as well. And you cannot plant a fall garden in the South without putting in some collard greens! They also have been proven to become tastier as frost begins. These are just a few of the wide varieties of vegetables that can be planted and enjoyed while you watch the trees change colors, and the kids go back to school! So now that you have the vegetables you want to plant, we need to talk about switching over your garden. Some clean up duty is needed first. Clearing out the dying and dead summer plants will allow the soil to refresh itself and be prepared for the fall vegetation. A compost pile comes highly recommended as it allows earth’s natural products to
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recycle and revitalize the soil. Adding an inch or two of the compost on your older soil will also allow the under soil to mix with the fresh soil. Also, remove any weeds; you don’t want them enjoying the vegetables before you get to! Keep the soil well watered as well so when the seeds are planted, they have the necessary water to quench their thirst and begin growing. Another tid-bit before you start planting is to watch the predicted first frost readings in your area. This also allows you to time when you need to start planting in order to harvest before the first frost. Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather quickly approaching, and turn your summer garden into a fall one. The best vegetables for the fall, and how to turn your summer crop into a fall crop have been unearthed. So, grab the rake, shovel, gardening hoe, and gloves and enjoy the fall weather while creating an atmosphere to eventually enjoy the fruits of your labor; or should I say “vegetables” of your labor! n
FEATURED WRITER | In 1717 there is a woman named Gypsy, born with a mark on her hand. Outcast and abused, she learns that she is the last of a known race called the Katarasha, who protected the world against another vile race known as the Rudari. Together with six others, she must learn to use her powers if she will ever hope to defeat Ragnar, the most powerful necromancer born to the Rudari. ISBN-13-988770074082
Tammy Hall
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Stranded on an island, Gypsy, Zachary, Matt, Lycaon, and the twins race for their lives as they are hunted by creatures hell bent on consuming them alive, and a family of hunters out for blood and vengeance. Together they must fight the ultimate test of survival and skill, and rely on one another. And far away Ragnar unleashes mankind’s greatest foe...the ancient enemy has again risen to wipe out the innocent from the earth. Who will survive the ultimate battle for the fate of mankind? This is the second book in The Gypsy Chronicles. ISBN-56-6784659396375 The DEAD are walking? After being transported back to Virginia, the gang learn that Ragnar has opened the seals to hell, and released the Ancient Enemy on mankind. To stop Ragnar, they must find the one weapon that will help them in the battle, the amulet of Kvasir or let humanity face the horrors of the walking dead. But a terrible new enemy has risen to threaten Gypsy and her friends...an enemy so relentless, so COLD that it will take all the gangs efforts to evade it...or be consumed by its rage. Who will win the war for humanity?
orn a Libra on October 22, 1971 in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Tammy Hall has been writing short stories since the age of 12 and loves telling stories to entertain people. Her dream is to be a successful writer in the sense of having a great fan
base that follows and enjoys her stories and characters. Her love of sci-fi and fantasy mixed with a creative and fantastical imagination she has already published 3 novels and is working on her 4th. She is truly one of our creative success stories. Tammy was never a sports chick or beauty queen and on her path to beating her own drum grew up reading horror comics. Her first novel at age 11 was Dean Koontz “Twighlight Eyes” given to her by her mother. Tammy lives in Thomasville with her husband of almost 20 years and their son Dylan. The Gypsy Chronicles has pirates, hellhounds, demons, shape shifters, magic, Vampires, and all those things that go BUMP in the dark......read with caution. n
Words From the Author “I have such an imagination that sometimes I spook myself. I love chocolate and would rather have a Coke than a Pepsi. Love cats, have two dogs. Allergic to flowers. Love Vampire movies.... Real vampires movies! Supernatural is my fave tv show. Dislike mean people! I Hate slasher movies and prefer monster movies. V for Vendetta is my favorite movie of all time! I am from West Virigina orinignally (yes, I have all my teeth and no, I didn’t meet my husband at family reunion.) My number 1 fear is sharks and number 2 is flying (not really, I just have a fear I’ll survive a crash into the ocean and be surrounded by sharks). I wanted to be a singer when I was little until I opened my mouth. My friends know that I love to talk, okay, sometimes too much. I believe in God - are you kidding me, of course I do! All the things I research to write about are SCARY - I wouldn’t sleep if I didn’t know that there was a God.” saratogaspringsmag.com
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| COMMUNITY EVENT
Hwy 62 Hometown Holiday First Annual Kick Off Event Saturday November 23, 2013 9am to 3pm
Winter holidays are always a magical time when the community comes together to greet and support their neighbors. Our merchants are excited about this year's event. It provides a celebrated day to kick off the holiday season with special promotions while removing the hectic schedule of participating in the traditional ‘Black Friday’. Our merchants appreciate the local support of the community and wanted to offer a venue to assist our artists and crafters and host benefits for local nonprofit organizations. Many of my patrons who choose to travel distances for Thanksgiving to be with their families combine their Christmas gift giving, as well. This offers them an early opportunity to get those ’big savings’. We are really looking forward to kicking off the Thanksgiving and Christmas season with this event. Deborah Smith, Queen Bee’s Cozy - Event Organizer Spade and Broom reimagines and recycles the past into beautiful and unique accessories for the garden home. Spade and Broom is a family-owned business operating out of the beautiful and historic George B. Craven House circa 1900 in Trinity. The house continues to be renovated into our private home and quaint, charming home and garden decorative accessory shop. We are lifelong residents of the area and hope to contribute to the growth and success of our small city by promoting local small businesses. We also focus on sustainable living through repurposing vintage items and maintaining environmentally friendly gardens. Spade and Broom offers a wide range of accents for your garden and home. We are always adding unique vintage items, antiques, handmade one of a kind items crafted out of salvaged materials, shabby chic furniture, and seasonally inspired décor. Shabby, chippy, rusty, cottage romance for your garden and home. Kristen Varner, Spade and Broom - Event Committee Advisor Trindale Brides is very excited to be part of the Hwy 62 Holiday event. Partnering with other small businesses will bring unity in our community and we will all benefit through our joined efforts. We are thrilled to showcase the talents of our local artists and crafters. Diane Lax, Trindale Brides - Event Committee Advisor
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3 LOCAL ARTIST AND CRAFT VENUES : Queen Bee’s Cozy 7340 NC Hwy 62 in Trinity, NC Spade and Broom 7123 NC Hwy 62 in Trinity, NC Archdale Manor sponsored by Trindale Brides 304 Trindale Rd [NC Hwy 62] in Archdale ARCHDALE TRINITY COAT - FOOD BANK DRIVE Participating merchant sponsored event. Hosted at the historic grounds the Jessup Ministries home built in the year 1890 owned by Doug and Julie Calhoun 7358 NC Hwy 62 in Trinity, NC Live Christmas and Bluegrass performance by The Robertson Boys. Bring your cameras for a photo opportunity with Santa Clause. Free event for the community. Please donate a non-perishable food item. TRINITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION SOCIETY Tour the Trinity Museum and experience an old fashioned Christmas decorated in the era period of the Dr. Thomas Winslow House built in the year 1866. Participating merchant sponsored event. 7524 NC Hwy 62 in Trinity, NC Other events, Merchants and Local Restaurants are participating. If you would like to participate please contact Deborah Smith at 336.861.8357 or queenbsmith@yahoo.com
PATTI'S PAGE |
Letting go By Patti Smith Leonard
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"For me this is the first time I have really had to let go and let her take over and I won't lie – it’s one of the hardest things I've ever had to do."
always knew once I had a child that my life would never be the same. After raising two sisters and several cousins along life’s way, I kind of knew what to expect. I have spent the last sixteen years doing all the normal stuff that comes with the territory – changing diapers, teething and fixing boo boos. I did fine with her going to daycare and even starting school wasn’t that bad. Middle school came and went and now she is a junior in high school and even that doesn’t phase me too much. But recently I went from “I’ve-got-this-under-control-mom” to “I-am-so-not-ready-for-this-mom”!!! Yep you guessed it – my daughter is 16, has a license and a car! I quickly discovered teaching my middle sister to drive a stick shift was a lot easier than dealing with my own daughter driving. It’s not that Sammi is a bad driver – she is actually a really good one. My problem is in my mind she is still my baby and I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that she is old enough to drive and that I have to let go of some of that OPMS (Over Protective Mom Syndrome) I have. Just the thought of her being on the road with the same drivers I deal with every day gives me grey hair! I don’t worry
about her driving – I worry about THEIRS! I worry about the guy in the truck hauling motorcycles who almost ran me over last week because he was talking on his phone and didn’t look before he changed lanes. I worry about the deer that I barely missed coming home a few nights ago that came out of nowhere. I worry about the Nascar wannabe’s that fly down Hoover Hill that have almost hit me several times as I pulled out of our street. I have spent 16 years taking care of her, protecting her from harm and now I feel like a mama bird with a baby bird who just discovered she has wings. For me this is the first time I have really had to let go and let her take over and I won't lie – it’s one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I can't promise that I won't have OPMS moments down the road but I can promise her that I will try to give her what she needs to grow. I tell her all the time no matter how old she is or how big she gets she will always be my baby. and I will always be here to love and support her. So I am not going look at this as letting go – I am going to call it letting her grow. Lord please give me strength and wisdom – I think I am going to need lots of both! n
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