Rutherford Everyday v1, i5

NOW MONTHLY! Volume I, Issue 5 - May 2013

RUTHERFORD y a d y r eve Complimentary

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An Inspiring Life of Dedication and Determination Hattie Jane Shytle Talley Isothermal Community College 50 Years of Making A Difference Building Confidence: One Story At A Time With Speech Therapy Programs

Chamber of Commerce

Congratulations Mike For A Great Year!

Cove Creek BBQ & Grocery

Building Better Healthcare for our Community New Patient Wing Coming Soon

Columbus, North Carolina | 828.894.2408 | SaintLukesHospital.com

FEATURED ARTICLES

Happy Anniversary!

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Happy One Year Anniversary to Mike Wallace at Cove Creek BBQ and Grocery! Great food, county market atmosphere and the friendly staff at Cove Creek BBQ and Grocery keep locals coming back for more. If you need gas, milk, bread, a friendly face, or a great meal, you can always count on Mike and his staff to meet and exceed your expectations.

RUTHERFORD y a d y r e ev Publication Acknowledgements: Editor: Joy Mabry

Art Director: Reid Price, Future’s Graphics, LLC

Web Design: Noah Williams, Future’s Graphics, LLC

Staff Photographer: Everette Murray

Contributing Writers: Tammy Aldridge Laura Allen, BA, NCTMB Jordan Edgerton Chris Nelson Pat Snyder Frank Talley Kathy Woodham

Project Manager: Everette Murray Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. Copyright ©2013.

Do Dreams Really Come True?

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Hattie Jane Shytle Talley, a dedicated wife and mother of four, received her RN degree in May 1978. Was it easy for Mrs. Talley to achieve her goals and successes while working and administering to the needs of her family? Certainly not, however, Mrs. Talley reminds all of us that “dreams come to completion by hard work, and continuing the dream.” Happy Mother’s Day, Mrs. Talley. We salute you!

Building Confidence

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Speech problems or illness isolates and discourages many individuals from engaging in conversation with others. Speech therapists not only help their clients physically, they have a profound impact on their patient’s confidence and willingness to participate with others in conversation. Don’t miss Pat Snyder’s article on Speech Therapy to see other advantages too.

50 Years of Making A Difference

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Growing up in Rutherford County, Walter Dalton, president of Isothermal Community College remembers when ICC was just an idea. Now, 50 years later, Isothermal is “one of the strongest links in a 58-college system that has a national reputation for affordability and excellence.” Mr. Dalton expresses plans to continue strengthening education, economic development, and community through ICC’s programs and committed faculty, staff, and trustees.

RUTHERFORDEVERYDAY.COM •

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Magpie Chatter

RUTHERFORD y a d y r e ev CONTENTS

M

ay is the time of year that many of us think about our Mothers.

Mothers, children and the family unit are such blessings that many times are overlooked. Mothers seem to be the tie that holds the family together. Being a mother, a “later in life” college grad, and having a career, I can relate to our very special mother in this edition of Rutherford Everyday. However, I only have one child, and as Bill Cosby says, that does not count because you miss the “he’s touching me,” “she’s got my…,” “he did it, it’s his fault,” and the list goes on. We hope all our Mothers are encouraged by Hattie Jane Shytle Talley’s determination to pursue her dreams while dedicated to the needs of her four children and husband. I would like to thank Fair Haven and Mrs. Talley for sharing this uplifting and inspiring story with our readers for Mother’s Day. Mothers, grab a cup of coffee and let someone else care for you on your special day because you are deserve it!

As mothers, the health and well-being of our family is top priority.

In the May edition of Rutherford Everyday, we continue to bring you articles and information from public safety administrators, educators, pet advisors, and medical experts to aid in caring for family members.

Please take time to read this information and share it with other family members. Again, Rutherford Everyday would like to thank these experts for sharing their information and our advertisers who make it possible to distribute these resources to our readers. We would also like to take time to thank the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce for their continued support to the community, businesses, and families of Rutherford County. Local businesses are the heartbeat of the community and must work together to thrive in an atmosphere of outsourcing and conglomerate corporations. Shopping, eating, and acquiring services from local businesses helps make Rutherford County a great place to live, work and play!

Magnolia Magpies LLC Joy Mabry, editor jmabry@rutherfordeveryday.com Everette Murray, Project Manager emurray@rutherfordeveryday.com 828-429-4855

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find more information online at www.RutherfordEveryday.com

One email away info@rutherfordeveryday.com

On The Cover: Hattie Jane Shytle Talley Photography Provided by Frank Talley

Pick up your free copy of Rutherford Everyday in high traffic areas such as; medical facilities, the Chamber of Commerce, Realtors, advertisers, hair & nail salons, spas, restaurants, boutiques and many other locations throughout the area. Rutherford Everyday distribution includes the following areas in Rutherford county: Bat Cave, Bostic, Caroleen, Chimney Rock, Cliffside, Columbus, Ellenboro, Forest City, Harris, Henrietta, Lake Lure, Lynn , Mill Spring, Spindale, Tryon, Rutherfordton and Union Mills.

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Magpie Chatter ...2

Shopping, Events & Entertainment Smith’s Drugs…3 Calendar of Events…4 Cove’s Creek BBQ & Grocery…5 Town of Forest City…6 Prim & Proper…7 Dry Scalp or Dandruff?...8

Community Safety Are You Guilty of Unintentional Pocket Dials to 911?...9

PET HEALTH Forest City Pets…12

SPOTLIGHT Honoring A Mother On Mother’s Day…14

Health & Wellness The Obligations of Your Massage Therapist…13 Unexpected Benefits from Speech Therapy…16 St. Luke’s Hospital’s Center of Behavioral Medicine Provides Respectful Mental Health Care in Comfortable Surroundings…18 Robert Ratcliffe, MD, Slows Down Just A Little After 17 Years of Service to St. Luke’s Hospital…19 St. Luke’s Hospital Recognizes Mental Health Month: Get Connected…19 Hardin’s Drug...20

Rutherford County Chamber It’s A New Day ...21

Shopping / Entertainment RUTHERFORDEVERYDAY.COM •

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Shopping / Entertainment

May Calendar of Events May 4th 8AM

2013 Gears & Gables cycling event Downtown Rutherfordton

May 4th 8AM

Mayfestival on Main Street - 41st Annual Festival of the Arts Downtown Rutherfordton

May 4th 9:30AM

Spring Boy Scout Day/Overnight Chimney Rock State Park

May 5th 3PM

The Symphony of Rutherford County Spring Concert The Foundation Performing Arts Center

May 7th 7AM

Rutherford County Farmers Market

May 9th 7PM

Carolina Gospel Association: The Hoppers R-S Central High School

May 11th 8:30AM

4th Annual Leader of the Pack 5K & Fun Run McNair Stadium

May 11th 12PM

Music on the Mountain 2013 Concert Series Chimney Rock State Park

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May 14th 8PM

Lake Lure Shag Club The Old Riverside Pavilion Restaurant and Dance Hall and Heavenly Hoggs Bar & Grill

May 16th 9AM

Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament Meadowbrook Golf Club

May 18th 7AM

1st Annual Bluegrass and Arts Festival The Union Mills Learning Center

May 18th 10AM

First Annual Farm Day Chase High School

May 23rd 6PM Bingo at the VFW

May 25th 10AM

Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Spring Festival Lake Lure

May 26th 3PM

The Rutherford Chamber Consort Concert Fairfield Mountains Chapel, Lake Lure

May 28th 7:30PM

Forest City Owls Home Game: Thomasville McNair Stadium

After spending years crossing the country in a big rig, Mike Wallace decided to make a change to stay closer to home.

Daily passing the vacant gas station and store in Green Hill, Mike decided it needed a new occupant. Mike thought the service station would be a good business and the grill would bring in additional customers.

Shopping / Entertainment

Cove Creek BBQ & Grocery Now after a year in this location customers stop in for the delicious food from the grill and might get gas and pick up milk and bread if needed. Open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; the locals stop in daily for a cup of coffee, a great breakfast featuring the delicious biscuits and gravy, a wide variety of sandwiches for lunch or the lunch and dinner specials. On site, one can find the cooks smoking, pulling and preparing the yummy bar-b-q daily for the hundreds that have come from near and far to enjoy the specialty of “the house”. Pounds and pounds are consumed in the building and many more pounds are ordered and taken out to be enjoyed at home, on a picnic at the lake or at local businesses. Location and specialty came together to name the establishment- “Cove Creek BBQ and Grocery.

Busy from early morning to closing employees are answering the phone, writing down takeout orders, taking orders from hungry customers, cooking, preparing bar-b-q, working the cash register, stocking shelves or greeting everyone who comes through the door. Everyone is greeted by Mike or the other employees, usually by name because once a customer always a friend at Cove Creek.

The usual country store atmosphere makes everyone welcome and the good food keeps you coming back. While campaigning the now Governor Pat McCrory stopped in to enjoy the bar-b-que and declared it was good enough to come back for and that he would be back. If you want to pick it up just ca11 828-287-1445 and it will be ready when you arrive.

If you are in the area - 64/74 west of Rutherfordton or if not it’s worth the drive to stop in for good food and the great friendly feeling.

Photography By Everette Murray

RUTHERFORDEVERYDAY.COM •

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Photography By Everette Murray

Shopping / Entertainment

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting May 10th at 12 Noon Refreshments will be served 20% off Store Wide Sale May 10th and 11th Any Purchase Qualifies You For A 50 Dollar Gift Certificate Drawing 106 East Main Forest City, NC

(828) 755-5433

RUTHERFORDEVERYDAY.COM •

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Natural Beauty

Dry Scalp or Dandruff?

Frame House Gallery and Gis

By Jordan Edgerton

Tis the season for dry itchy scalp. Most people don’t know the difference between dry itchy scalp and something that might need a little more attention.

Skin cells on the scalp die and flake off, usually with the aide of a good scrub. This is a normal process however, when dry scalp is accompanied by irritation and redness, you may be suffering from dandruff.

People with dandruff have a faster cell turn over. The cells are shed in large oily clumps which appear as white or grayish patches on the scalp, skin and clothes. Dandruff can in most cases be easily treated with a specialized shampoo. A few ingredients to look for include: zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, coaltar, imidazole antifungal agents, hydroxyphridones, neem, black pepper, egg oil, sandalwood, and tee tree.

As a cosmetologist we can not diagnose scalp disorders. If you’re ever unsure whether your scalp is suffering a more serious problem, make sure to call your dermatologist.

"Expose Yourself to A Stop By and Take

PEEK

at Our Art, Gis & Custom Framing

828-287-3663

..............................

Jordan Edgerton

Impressions 828-287-3178

191 West Main Street Spindale, NC 28160 ...................................

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Visit us at our new location: 991 West Main St. Forest City, NC 28043 (beside Grindstaffs)

Community Safety RUTHERFORDEVERYDAY.COM •

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Community Safety

Are You Guilty of Unintentional

By Tammy Aldridge

Imagine the concern of a 911 Telecommunicator answering, “911 Where is your emergency? “ Hello, 911 where is your emergency?” “Hello?” The call is muffled yet the Telecommunicator thinks she hears someone laughing; but wait, now it sounds like someone is arguing. She hears laughing then arguing and at times almost screaming, however it sounds like the phone is in someone’s pocket. She is not sure if this is a Domestic related call or just another “Pocket Dial”.

Accidental 911 calls from wireless phones, also known as pocket dials, are on the rise.

The FCC previously issued the following guidance: Unintentional 911 calls placed from wireless phones clog the phone lines that deliver 911 calls to public safety answering points (PSAP’s), which handle 911 calls, and put the PSAPs’ ability to re-

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spond to real emergencies at risk. Here’s how the problem occurs, and what you can do to avoid making an accidental 911 call.

Many older wireless phones are equipped with a feature designed to dial 911 automatically in an emergency. For example, when one key – typically the “9” - is held down for a few seconds, the phone automatically dials 911. The person using the phone may not even be aware of the feature or that is has been pre-activated by the manufacturer or retailer. Accidental dialing of 911 can occur even more frequently with open-face design phones that may bump against other objects in a purse, briefcase, or pocket. Newer wireless phones generally either do not have the capability to automatically dial 911, or require the user to activate the feature to make it work.

Accidental 911 calls cause problems for the public safety community, which must spend time and resources to determine whether a 911 call is real or accidental. A 911 operator must stay on the line to make this determination. If no one is on the line, the operator may need to disconnect the call and call the user back to determine whether the call is real or accidental. If no one answers, the operator may spend even more time trying to reach the caller, or even dispatch emergency services to help the caller. These efforts waste resources and divert scarce public safety personnel from other 911 calls reporting real emergencies.

You can help reduce accidental 911 calls by: • Locking keypads using the keypad lock feature. Keypad locks, some of which can be programmed to activate automatically, pre-

vent a phone from responding to keystrokes until you unlock the keypad using a short combination of key presses.

Community Safety

Pocket Dials to 911?

• Turning off the 911 auto-dial feature, if your phone has one. To determine whether your phone has this feature and how to turn it off, check your user manual or the manufacturer’s website, or call your service provider.

For More Information: For information about other communications issues, visit the FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau website at www.fcc.gov/consumers, or contact the FCC’s Consumer Center by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; faxing 1-866-418-0232.

RUTHERFORDEVERYDAY.COM •

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Pet Health

By Chris Nelson

Now that it’s warming up, I can take a little more time outside with my dogs. I’ve always found that playing together outdoors enhances the relationship between human and canine companions. With a little structure, playtime can help you develop bonds of understanding, mutual respect, and communication that last for years. When your dog is happy and having fun, she is more likely to completely learn basic skills like “sit”, “wait”, “drop-it” and “get-it”.

teach this is to have a pouch full of Zuke’s Mini treats on my hip.

•

Timing the reward is important to help her connect the command with the action and treat.

•

If your dog is the shy type, let her win once in a while, this will develop her self-confidence. However, don’t overdo this or you will create an overly confident dog.

Your dog can learn from many games, but the most basic is “Tug” because it provides a great outlet for her natural canine urges to grab and pull on things with her mouth. You can also use Tug to teach her important lessons, such as how to listen to you when she’s excited and that playing too rough means the fun ends.

YOU control how intense the game gets •

Watch for aggressive behavior like raised fur on the neck and back or eyes focused too intently on the toy. If your friend seems to be paying more attention to the toy than the game, she may be trying to dominate you into giving it up.

Pick the right toy

•

Low growls during play are normal, but snarls or raising the lips are signs to decrease the length of each round (or change games altogether if necessary).

•

If, at any time, your dog misses the toy and puts her mouth on your hand, instantly yelp or shriek loudly—even if it didn’t really hurt. Then immediately walk away and turn your back. Ignore her completely for 20-30 seconds to give her a “time-out”. After the time-out, return and act like nothing happened.

•

If she gets your hand more than two or three times in one play session, increase the duration of the time-out to a minute.

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Pick a toy that is comfortable for you to grasp and for your dog to chomp. The staff at Forest City Pets can show you several options. Don’t use towels or socks or anything else you don’t want to be tugged on in your absence.

•

Your dog actually will feel most comfortable knowing that the alpha of the pack (you) controls what is acceptable to tug on.

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Keep the tug toy in a special place your companion knows so she will know it is playtime when YOU decide to get it.

YOU start each round of the game •

Don’t let your dog grab the tug toy before you give her permission to do so. Put her in a “sit” position and then invite her to play. Gradually lengthen the time she must sit and wait to earn the chance to tug.

•

Use a special word or phrase, like “take it!” or “get it!” to initiate a round of tug.

•

If she lunges for the toy without permission, make a negative sound (“oops”, or “eh-eh”), and hold the toy out of her reach until she sits.

YOU end each round of the game •

•

Let each round last no more than 20-30 seconds or so.

Make them shorter if your companion seems to be getting more serious than playful.

Teach your dog that when you say, “drop-it” or “Give,” she should release the toy. The best way I’ve found to

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YOU end the game •

Repeat the process above 20-30 times.

•

Walt Disney famously said, “Always leave them wanting more,” and the sentiment is true in dog training also. Don’t let your companion tire of the game before you end it.

•

Make sure she sees you put the toy away so the excitement will be there next time.

Just as surely as a human couch potato would benefit from a trot around the block, a dog prone to chewing the couch will find a much-needed release valve in play and exercise.

Let’s all take advantage of the gorgeous weather to spend some relationship-building time with our best friends. Remember to keep it structured but fun because humans and canines alike learn new tricks faster when we’re having fun.

By Laura Allen, BA, NCTMB, Board Certified

Massage therapists have been licensed in North Carolina for over a decade now, and are required to meet certain obligations in order to obtain, and maintain, that license. Practicing massage without a license is illegal.

In order to obtain a license, a potential therapist must complete at least 500 hours of education including anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, professional ethics, and much more besides just learning how to give a massage. The applicant must also submit to a criminal background check. While possession of any kind of criminal record is not enough to keep a person from receiving a license, the North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy has a License Standards Committee (I personally served on it for five years) that scrutinizes applications from people with criminal records.

The committee looks at the nature of the crime, how long ago it was, the age of the person when they committed it, and most importantly, proof of restitution and rehabilitation. Anyone convicted of a crime of a sexual nature will not be licensed, but those are not the only applicants who get turned down. During my time on the committee, for example, we turned down more than one person who was a chronic thief. You shouldn’t have to worry that your credit cards will be stolen while you’re face down on the massage table.

A licensed massage therapist is obligated to strictly uphold a code of ethics, including maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding your personal information. A licensed therapist is by law obligated to obtain a completed signed intake form, have acknowledged in writing informed consent to receive a massage, and to maintain progress notes of each session.

A licensed massage therapist is obligated to get 24 hours of continuing education every two years, including 3 hours of training in professional ethics for each license renewal.

While these are all legal obligations, there are other obligations your therapist should be adhering to, like maintaining a hygienic environment. If your therapist is putting her hands in a jar of massage crème and then putting them on you, that’s a bad sign. A pump bottle,

Health & Wellness

The Obligations of Your Massage Therapist or crème presented in a disposable cup won’t leave you wondering if the therapist is dipping into the same jar of crème for every client and risking cross-contamination. Thorough hand-washing before and after each massage, clean sheets for every client….you would think these things are a given, but they’re not. Coming to work sick, or working on a client who is sick, is another big no-no. Safeguarding the client’s health is more important than making a dollar.

You have the right to expect legal, ethical, and professional behavior from your massage therapist, always. If you have had a bad experience with a therapist that you feel should be reported, there is a complaint form available on the Board’s website at www.bmbt.org Laura Allen is a massage therapist, author, educator, and blogger and is the owner of THERA-SSAGE in Rutherfordton.

THERA-SSAGE It’s time to take care of yourself.

431 S. Main St., Ste. 2, Rutherfordton, NC (828) 288-3727 www.thera-ssage.com CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE MASSAGE SPA TREATMENTS NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING MICRODERMABRASION FACIALS THERA-SSAGE is staffed by NC Licensed Massage Therapists & Bodyworkers Open Mon-Fri 8amand others licensed in 8pm, Sat 8am-1pm their respective professions. We are Approved Providers of Continuing Insurance Accepted.

Gift Certificates Education under the Available Online!

NCBTMB. RUTHERFORDEVERYDAY.COM •

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SpotLight

HONORING A MOTHER ON MOTHER’S DAY

By Frank Talley

We should honor mothers every day. Their sacrifices and unconditional love to their families denotes a level of commitment that started over thousands of years ago.

Fair Haven honors all mothers and is pleased to highlight a mother whose commitment to her family and her dream of becoming a nurse are intertwined in the fabric called, ‘womanhood.’

Hattie Jane Shytle Talley graduated from Ellenboro High School. She was part of the last graduating class from that school before it reverted to a middle school. She was married the day before graduation and started her married life by honeymooning in New York City and Rockaway Beach, New York. Life was comfortable then, and after making the decision to live in Forest City, the newly weds rented a house and started their life together.

Christina Maria Talley arrived September 25th, 1962 and changed their lives forever. With local jobs becoming more difficult to find, the family moved to New York where fourteen months later, Frank James Talley III arrived and they thought their family was now complete. On August 18th, 1965, Eric William Talley was born and now Frank and Jane were sure the family was complete. In January 1970, after killing yet another rabbit, Jane informed her husband that he was going to be a father for the fourth time and that she wanted to move back to North Carolina. September 26th, 1970, David Brian Talley was born and finally the family was complete.

When do dreams start? Are they conceived in child’s play, or dreamed during sleep? Do little boys dream of becoming firemen, policemen or cowboys; and do little girls dream of becoming teachers, actresses or nurses? Whenever or wherever they start never give them up, and never stop dreaming them. In a verbal agreement between husband and wife, ‘you put me through college and

May 1978 Gardner Webb School of Nursing Graduate Re

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Christmas 2012 Fair Haven Christmas Party Photo By John Cilone

SpotLight

Fair Haven Enhanced Assisted Living Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing

Independent Owner Living

Forest City, NC 245-9095 I’ll put you through college,’ Frank and Jane put into motion their goals and dreams. Jane worked the first shift at the J.C. Cowan plant while Frank went to Isothermal Community College during the morning and worked the second shift at the Cowan plant. Jane woke the school aged children, then left for work leaving Frank to get them breakfast and off to school. When Jane got off work at 2:30, she would pick the children up from school and stay with them through the evening until they went to bed. Was it easy? No it was not, but dreams come to completion by hard work, and continuing the dream. After graduating from Isothermal Community College, Frank went to Gardner-Webb University and then received his degree from Appalachian State University in May 1974.

In August 1974, Jane started at Isothermal Community College and after taking many basic courses leading to a degree in Nursing, she transferred to Gardner-Webb School of Nursing where she received her RN degree in May, 1978. In attendance at her graduation was her entire family, including her father and her father-in-law.

Two weeks later, after giving up six years of vacations, the Talley’s were at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, riding ev-

June 1961 Rockaway Beach, NY

ery ride available, eating at every restaurant from Pizza Hut, to McDonalds and to the Greek restaurant on the strip serving Belgian waffles. It was Jane’s way of saying thank you for helping by cleaning the house, cutting the grass, helping Dad paint, and for being as quiet as possible during the day so that she could sleep.

She started her nursing career at Rutherford Hospital, now Rutherford Regional Medical Center, on the third shift on the medical/surgical floor. After four years at the hospital, she moved to Rutherford Nursing Center, now Willow Ridge, where she was third shift nursing supervisor. Before her tenure was over, she was advanced to Assistant Director of Nursing and finally Director of Nursing where she received the highest scores from the State inspectors.

She then went to Carolina Community Care where she was a home health nurse. She continued in that position until her retirement in April of 1999. From playing in the yard and talking your brother into letting you bandage a fake wound to a half century later having peers and co-workers attest to your fairness, commitment, professionalism and love of Nursing, completes the statement, ‘do dreams really come true?’

Yes they do!

Pinning Ceramony Gardner Webb School of Nursing May 1978 Photography Provided By Frank Talley

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Health & Wellness

Unexpected Benefits from Speech Therapy

By Pat Snyder

A little before Thanksgivng 2012, Lucy Butler, my husband’s speech therapist, suggested that John begin to work on scripts. Scripts are short stories about any topic. Since we were going to spend time with the family during Thanksgiving weekend, she suggested that John tell a story from his own past. She explained that grandparents have the job of passing on the stories from our past to the children and grandchildren. It is also a great way to connect with them and engage them in conversation.

One of John’s first symptoms with LBD was social withdrawal in the family. Another early symptom, which had gotten worse, was failure to initiate things. Lucy spoke about how important it is to initiate the story, to begin the conversation with the grandkids. I raised my hands in the air and said, “Yes!” Lucy went on to elaborate about scripting. The script is to be kept very simple and short. Each sentence is to be numbered and typed in a large font. The script begins with “Come over here, Michael, I want to tell you a story.”

John’s job is to read them each day in his “strong” voice to exercise his vocal chords, but also to build his confidence in speaking again. He does this along with other exercises for volume building. My job is to remind him to do it, listen and cue him when he does, and help with construction and typing of the scripts. The pattern of over-learning the script makes it easier to actually tell the story when the LBD patient is in the real life setting.

John chose to tell the story of when he was a paperboy in Washington, DC. He practiced every day once I had typed out his script. We had decided that he would tell each of the three older grandsons in whatever combination happened as the Thanksgiving weekend unfolded. I assumed that I would need to remind and prompt John,

but as we sat in our son, John David’s, family room, John called Nate over and said, “Come over here, Nate, I want to tell you a story.”

I got chills all over my arms and was thrilled to hear those words come out of his mouth loud and clear!

As I watched and listened with total delight, John began his story. Three year old Nate was captivated by the story. Liz and John David both asked questions as John made his way through the script and even embellished it along the way.

Nate asked questions and made comments, too. A smooth conversation just unfolded into the room and was enjoyed by everyone there. They did not know until we told them later that it was all planned and that much practice had gone into the event. But John had initiated it and carried it beautifully the whole way. What a gift!

It felt like a window had been reopened in his brain. The entire weekend, he was more engaged. The grandsons, who each heard the story one at a time, all responded to him with more enthusiasm and warmth. John’s confidence was visible. He still needed rest frequently and still showed signs of LBD, but he was different socially. His facial expressions seemed more animated as well.

Lucy had also encouraged John to read nursery rhymes to the boys for practice of the musicality of spoken language.

Paige videoed as John read to Jason and Michael one night.

When it was over, she said, “Pops, that was just like when you read to me! I am so impressed!”

Jason, who had been the most reluctant of the grandsons to attach to John, soon after the nursery rhyme reading said, “I am going to change your name to Poppy. I am not going to call you Pops any more. You are Poppy now.” When I heard those words, my eyes filled with tears. It was his way of saying, “Now you are my grandfather.” The connection at long last had been made in his little four year old heart.

Now who would ever dream that such benefits could result from speech therapy? As soon as I said as much to Lucy Butler at John’s next appointment, her response was, “I would!”

John and I are both so very grateful to her for her robust practice of speech therapy, which has brought joy and reconnection into our family life again.

Pat Snyder is author of Treasures in the Darkness: Extending the Early Stage of Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Disease and other articles about caregiving. You can find her book at Amazon.com.

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Health & Wellness

St. Luke’s Hospital’s Center of Behavioral Medicine Provides Respectful Mental Health Care in Comfortable Surroundings

By Kathy Woodham

Have you been told to smile or to just get over it when you’ve been feeling sad and hopeless? Although these comments may be well-meaning, they’re not helpful when you have depression. Maybe you’ve felt ashamed Belynda Veser, MD, and Robert Ratcliffe, MD or lazy and have criticized yourself. Depression and other mental illness is a serious medical condition, not something you can just will yourself to get over. The good news is that many effective treatments are available, and you can get help now at St. Luke’s Hospital’s Center of Behavioral Medicine.

“Good mental health is fundamental to overall health and is essential to personal well-being and the ability to lead a healthy, balanced, and productive life,” says Becky Brodar, Community Outreach Coordinator for St. Luke’s Hospital geriatric psychiatry inpatient care unit. “Mental health problems can impair a person’s thinking, feelings and behavior, and they can be serious and disabling.”

A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and behavior that results in an inability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines. There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness, all of which can be triggered by a variety of causes: a particular situation or series of events, an illness, genetics, biochemical imbalances, or any combination of those factors. Above all, it’s important to remember that there is help and hope for your loved one.

“According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s report on mental health, more than half of all Americans with a severe mental illness fail to seek treatment,” adds Dr. Belynda Veser, Psychiatrist and Medical Director for St. Luke’s Hospital Center for Behavioral Medicine. “Many people do not receive treatment for mental health problems due to a lack of awareness of the problem, fear of stigma, or lack of access to appropriate services. Yet, overall quality of life is greatly improved Re

18 •Rutherford Everyday • Volume I, Issue 5 • MAY 2013

when a person with a mental health problem gets an early diagnosis and receives appropriate treatment.”

The St. Luke’s Hospital’s Center of Behavior Medicine provides a calming environment and respectful attentive inpatient care to patients 55 years and older who are suffering with such diseases as Alzheimer’s, depression, dementia or situational or adjustment problems.

Under the direction of a geriatric psychiatrist, patients undergo a thorough mental and physical evaluation before our team of caring specialists map a plan to help patients achieve maximum independence.

The treatment team provides therapeutic activities, extensive family support and referral assistance for long-term care, if needed. Decorated with the touches of home for a calming effect, this 10-bed unit accepts self-referrals as well as referrals from physicians, social workers, rest/nursing homes and hospitals. Staff is available for free in-home assessments to determine the appropriate level of care.

“Our program offers a holistic approach to health, giving attention to medical, psychological and social factors. Each patient’s treatment begins with an expert multi-disciplinary assessment performed by a team which then creates a master plan of treatment tailored to the individual patient’s needs,” explains Brodar. “Treatments vary based on the severity of problems, but include psychotherapy, medications, home health care and hospitalization providing a structured therapeutic approach in an appropriate environment.”

For more information about the St. Luke’s Hospital Geriatric Psychiatry Unit, please call 894-3525 ext. 3333.

Robert Ratcliffe, MD, Slows Down Just A Little After 17 Years of Service to St. Luke’s Hospital

By Kathy Woodham

Psychiatrist Robert R. Ratcliffe, MD, was honored recently when he “semi-retired” after 17 years of service as Medical Director of the St. Luke’s Hospital’s Center of Behavioral Medicine. During a special luncheon where he was surrounded by staff, friends and family, Dr. Ratcliffe shared smiles and memories of his many years serving Polk County. Recently he made the decision to slow down, passing the title and the challenges as Medical Director to his colleague Belynda Veser, MD.

Dr. Ratcliffe received a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in English from the University of North Carolina. He received his Medical Degree from the University of Virginia and completed his residencies at the Medical College of Charleston (now the Medical University of South Carolina) and at the University of North Carolina. He served in the US military during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

In his 17 years at the St. Luke’s Hospital, Dr. Ratcliffe will always be remembered as a key figure in mental health services for Polk County including bringing geriatric-psychiatric inpatient services for adults age 55 and over. The St. Luke’s Hospital Center of Behavioral Medicine is a 10-bed facility to diagnose and treat such diseases as Alzheimer’s dementia, depression, manic depression, situational and adjustment problems.

“On behalf of St. Luke’s Hospital and the people of Polk County, I’d like to take this opportunity thank Dr. Ratcliffe for his energy, his integrity, his knowledge and compassion to others who suffer from mental illness,” said Ken Shull, chief executive officer for St. Luke’s Hospital. “He has been a quiet leader working to bring the darkness surrounding mental illness out of the shadows so we all have a better understanding of these diseases.

St. Luke’s Hospital Recognizes Mental Health Month: Get Connected

Health & Wellness

During his career, Dr. Ratcliffe made many contributions to the mental health and wellness of Polk County.

He served as the Staff Psychiatrist for the RutherfordPolk Area Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/ Substance Abuse program from 1997 until the early 2000s. He has served as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Executive Committee of St. Luke’s Hospital, has conducted various workshops in the area of mental health and has received numerous awards and honors.

Dr. Ratcliffe has published several research articles during his career in mental health, and in 2011, he was awarded the Norman Boyer Award in recognition of his dedicated service to the care and treatment of people with mental illness.

By Kathy Woodham

For more than 60 years, our country has celebrated May as Mental Health Month to raise awareness about mental illnesses and the importance of mental wellness for all. St. Luke’s Hospital invites you to join in this important observance which began in 1949 This year, St. Luke’s Hospital is addressing this important issue with this year’s theme, Pathways to Wellness to call attention to strategies and approaches that help everyone achieve wellness and good mental and overall health.

“Wellness is essential to living a full and productive life,” said Dr. Belynda Veser, Psychiatrist for St. Luke’s Hospital Center of Behavioral Medicine. “We may have different ideas about what wellness means, but it involves a set of skills and strategies to prevent the onset or shorten the duration of illness and promote recovery and well-being. It’s about keeping healthy as well as getting healthy.”

Dr. Veser said wellness is more than absence of disease. “It involves complete general, mental and social well-being.

And mental health is an essential component of overall health and well-being. The fact is our overall well-being is tied to the balance that exists between our emotional, physical, spiritual and mental health.”

For more information about the St. Luke’s Hospital Center of Behavioral Medicine, please call 894-3525 ext. 3333.

Caring for our community is another way St. Luke’s Hospital continues to provide exceptional care, close to home.

“He has contributed so much to help individuals and families, law enforcement officers and other health professionals to remove the stigma associated with mental disease and treat patients with dignity and understanding,” Shull said. “While we certainly don’t blame him for cutting back and slowing down, we are thankful Dr. Ratcliffe has chosen to ‘semi-retire’ so we will continue to benefit from his knowledge and experience.”

Dr. Ratcliffe’s legacy at St. Luke’s Hospital will be forever modeled by the caring staff of the Center of Behavioral Medicine, where patients are treated with respectful compassion and exceptional care, close to home.

Sharon Summey, RN, Nurse Manager; Stephen Cefalu, SW; Dr. Robert Ratcliffe; Rebecca Brodar, RN, Community Outreach Coordinator; Dr. Belynda Veser

RUTHERFORDEVERYDAY.COM •

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Health & Wellness Re

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20 •Rutherford Everyday • Volume I, Issue 5 • MAY 2013

Rutherford County

Chamber of Commerce FROM THE CHAMBER Director ................

ONE OF MANY JEWELS IN OUR COUNTY

Chamber Content From the Chamber Director...21 Dalton looks forward to Isothermal’s future ...22 Go-forth Pest Control...22 Ribbon Cutting - Verizon...23

You have heard me say on many occasions; it’s wonderful to see so many groups working to better the quality of life in our county. We have such a group in the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce.

A group of people with a grand vision and bold plans to assist generations to reconnect and where newcomers discover a retreat from the rigors of day-to-day life. They are Lake Lure, Chimney Rock Village, Bat Cave, Gerton and Bills Creek. The offerings of the Hickory Nut Gorge have brought thousands of dollars to our county. The activities enjoyed by so many allow for many of our other jewels to be experienced throughout the entire county. Just review a few of the things offered by one of our jewels; that bring people from everywhere to enjoy: 1.

Lake Lure Olympiad

2.

Dirty Dancing Festival

GED Changes...24

3.

Springo

West Point Farms Event Center...24

4.

Cycle NC

5.

Christmas in the Village

6.

Polar Plunge

Tips to Toes...23

South Mountain Christian Camp...25 Odean Keever and Associates...25 Farmers’ Market...26 Chamber Board of Directors ...28

MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS Picture This Photography, LLC 828-247-4477 Sheri McClain 2270 US Hwy 74A Bypass, Suite 110 Forest City, NC 28043

Dan J Thomas Business Services

Reid Price

Staff Photographer: Everette Murray

Contributing Writers: Steve Collins Walter Dalton Michael Gavin Barbara Keever Lori Loftus Clarke Poole David Spillman

Golf Tournament When? May 16th (rain date May 23rd) Where? Meadow Brook Golf course Who? YOU- sign your team up! make plans to play

We look forward to many more activities, events and just plain relaxing; all which bring significant revenue and broad recognition to our County.

For that reason, I want to copy the Mission Statement of the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber: “The mission of the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic progress and quality of life in the Hickory Nut Gorge community while helping to protect the natural integrity and unify the communities of the Gorge. The Chamber shall be a catalyst for the creation of activities and opportunities for both visitors and residents, and shall promote an atmosphere that encourages visitation, growth for business and a strong sense of community.”

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce salutes the efforts being made to make Hickory Nut Gorge even more spectacular and lend our full support to their efforts. As indicated, many people travel many miles to experience the beauty that we have on our “Front Porch”. You may want to take the time to visit and experience the many opportunities of our wonderful Jewel; the Lake Lure area.

828-247-0171

*IRS Enrolled Agent Dan Thomas PO Box 1573 Forest City, NC 28043

Design & Layout:

Clark Poole - Chamber Director

Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce

162 N. Main Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Phone: 828.287.3090 Fax: 828-287-0799 info@rutherfordcoc.com www.rutherfordcoc.com

Rutherford Chamber• Volume I, Issue 5 • MAY 2013 •

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Rutherford Chamber

“Dalton looks forward to Isothermal’s future”

By Walter Dalton

Growing up in Rutherford County, I remember when Isothermal Community College was just an idea. Leaders of this community had the vision, foresight, and fortitude to invest in the future. Now, 50 years later, it has proven to be one of our greatest assets by providing an affordable, accessible, and excellent education to the citizens of Rutherford and Polk, and providing workforce training that will be critical to our future.

There is no question that Isothermal has given this rural area educational opportunities that did not exist. In addition, the campuses are economic development tools and focal points of industrial recruitment. I believe this is why the college is the pride of our citizens and truly defines “community.” It is a place where all citizens, regardless of where they are from, and regardless of high school affiliation, can find common ground and an opportunity to better themselves and benefit from the opportunities presented.

In a time when escalating “college debt” is burdening our next generation, Isothermal provides an affordable solution.

It is one of the strongest links in a 58-college system that has a national reputation for affordability and excellence.

Isothermal has an articulation agreement with the North Carolina University system which assures a student graduating with an Associate’s degree admission with two years’ credit into one of the 16 four year public universities in this state.

Stated another way, the cost of the first two years of college at Isothermal is a fraction of the cost at a four-year school and studies show students perform as well or better on the four year campus after transfer. Scholarships at Isothermal are abundant thanks to the generosity of New Century Scholars supporters, Martha Jane Powers, Pell grants, and other forms of financial aid.

Protect Your Home From Termites This Spring

By David Spillman

Eastern Subterranean Termites are a major wood-destroying insect in North Carolina. Some signs of their activity show up unexpectedly, while others are discovered by accident or during renovations. Two key signs of a termite infestation are swarming and mud tubes. Swarming usually occurs during the day, usually on warm days after rain. When swarming occurs indoors, it probably means that you have an infestation somewhere in your home. Several species of ants also swarm at the same time of the year as termites. Winged termites and ants look somewhat similar, but you can tell them apart by certain features. Unlike ants, termites do not move around out in the open. They will either tunnel through wood (or other material) or else travel inside pencil-size (or larger) mud tubes that they build from soil, wood particles, and other materials. You will find these tubes on foundation walls, floor joists or other parts of the house. Tubes can also hang from the floor system. Without a periodic inspection of your home, termite activity can remain undetected for years. Call Go-Forth Services today for your FREE termite inspection. Serving Rutherford County since 1959.

The faculty and staff are well educated, well trained, and accountable to the community. These are not grad students moving on, but instructors with Masters and Doctorates living in the community with a vested interest in the student’s future.

In the workforce arena, proven leaders in the field with realworld experience give our students the skills and workforce training to gain employment and the innovative skills to develop businesses themselves.

Customized industrial training gives form to new ideas and incentives for new companies to locate here. Isothermal is proud of the close working relationship that exists with the business community. As President, I look forward to continuing and expanding and nurturing that relationship.

The page is too short to detail all of my thoughts and excitement about Isothermal and its accomplishments and its potential. Next year, we celebrate its 50 years of service and rejoice as we plan the next 50 years of strengthening education, economic development, and community through its programs and committed faculty, staff, and trustees.

Lucille and I are happy and pleased to be back in Rutherford County on a permanent basis. We appreciate the work of the Rutherford County Chamber and its support of Isothermal.

We also appreciate the strong community in these two counties that give a solid foundation for Isothermal’s programs.

I will be able to talk in more detail and at greater length about my vision for Isothermal Community College and its impact on the area in the coming months, as I travel and meet with groups and organizations. As I take office this month, I am humbled by the support and best wishes I have received and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead and our work together.

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22 •Rutherford Everyday • Volume I, Issue 5 • MAY 2013

Serving all of Western NC for over 50 years Rutherford County • Cleveland County • Polk County

667 North Washington Street, Rutherfordton, NC

(828) 287-3188 · www.goforthpest.com

On April 9th, Verizon Wireless introduced its newest service to our area; 4G. Verizon continues to offer the latest advancements possible for our community.

L to R: Cindy Pridgen, Small Business Manager WNC, Sharon Smith, Sales Rep., Alice Harrill, Northland Communications, Andrea Bennett, StaffMasters, Andy Ingle, ASM-Small Business Specialist, David Marlowe, Data Consultant WNC, Bryon Reid, Sales Rep., Julius Owens, County Commissioner, Denise Stover, Sales Rep., Ethan Hawkins, Sales Rep., Cooper Flack, Main Street Financial Group.

Verizon Wireless is located at 276 Butler Road, Forest City. Hours of operation are Monday - Friday 10:00am - 8:00pm, Saturday 9:00am 8:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm - 6:00pm. To reach a sales representative call 828-247-9999.

TIPS TO TOES

10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

April 2nd, we gathered at Tips To Toes to celebrate 10 years of business. We had refreshments, won door prizes and received an education. I now know a manicure is fingers and pedicure is toes. Do any of you know what a Brazilian Toe massage is? Tips To Toes performs the whole package; fingers, toes, facials and massages. We hope you have 10 more years!

Rutherford Chamber

Ribbon Cutting Verizon Wireless

L to R: Chandler Crocker, Rachel Mazur, StaffMasters, Michelle McKinney, Esthetician, Ann Moore, Nail Tech, Shelly Crocker, Owner/Nail Tech, Michelle McClain, Owner/Nail Tech, Linda Bedow, Massage Therapist, Braxton Crocker, Julius Owens, County Commissioner, Jimmy Dancy, Town of Rutherfordton Mayor.

Tips To Toes is located at 173 North Main Street, Rutherfordton. Hours of operation are: Tuesday 8:00am - 8:00pm, Wednesday 8:00am - 7:00pm, Thursday & Friday 8:00am - 8:00pm, Saturday 7:30am - 3:00pm.

Call 828-288-7183 today to schedule your appointment.

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23

Rutherford Chamber

GED Changes

By Michael Gavin Director of Marketing and Community Relations Isothermal Community College Coming GED changes and Adult High School improvements make this a good time to start.

SPINDALE (April 8, 2013) – Several future changes in the GED program create a window of opportunity for those interested in earning a high school credential.

“In January 2014, the fee for taking the GED test will increase from $35 to approximately $125,” said Amy Cooke, director of College and Career Readiness at Isothermal. “Our staff would like to encourage anyone who is interested in completing their GED to contact us and get started as soon as possible.”

The reason for the fee increase is that the testing service portion of the program was outsourced to a private provider called Pearson Vue. The test administration was previously managed by the U.S. Department of Education.

“This is a national change that will affect our students locally in terms of the testing cost and the overall test format,” said Cooke.

Under the new design, reading and writing will be combined into one language arts test and the content will be more challenging, said George Peebles, College and Career Readiness Transitions Coordinator at Isothermal.

“It is very important that a student who has passed a portion of the GED return to school now, so our team of instructors can help them prepare for the remaining sections. All incomplete GED passing scores will no longer be valid as of January 2014,” said Cooke.

All GED preparatory classes are available free of charge. Isothermal offers small group instruction, GED online, and a GED Fast Track Class to help meet the diverse learning needs of every individual.

For those who prefer to earn their Adult High School diploma, Isothermal continues to offer a classroom setting or a free online option.

For more information about completing your high school credential, contact George Peebles (828) 395-1720 or via email at gpeebles@isothermal.edu

Business after Hours

Sponsored by: Leadership Rutherford & Isothermal Community College Continuing Education Dept.

On April 9th, we met at ICC Rutherfordton Learning Center for an evening of fun and food. We met alumni from Leadership Rutherford and learned of the continuing classes being held at the learning Center. All of us enjoyed the wonderful food and many took advantage of the neck and back massages offered to the guests.

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24 •Rutherford Everyday • Volume I, Issue 5 • MAY 2013

West Point Farms Event Center

By Lori Loftus

The West Point Farms Event Center is an increasingly popular place for a wide variety of events. Most popular for weddings, it has also served as the host location for several Chamber of Commerce happenings, family reunions and picnics, honeymoons, high school proms, motorcycle rallies, fundraisers for “Women of Rutherford”, “Kid Senses”, and “Noah’s House”, private parties and other events.

The creation of Richard and Lori Loftus, the center features two interconnected historical log cabins, relocated from their original homes in West Virginia and established at the farm.

One cabin dates to around 1746, 30 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the other to 1858, 112 years later and prior to the Civil War. The older cabin is dedicated to the memory of George Washington, who most surely must have visited it when he was in charge of the defenses of western Virginia during the French and Indian Wars. The 1856 cabin is dedicated to Harriet Tubman, the founder of the “Underground Railroad” escape route for slaves seeking a path to freedom. Combined, the cabins can provide sleeping accommodations for up to six and the amenities include a large steam shower.

In addition to the cabins, there is a large covered “open to nature” Pavilion capable of seating hundreds of guests for dining while at the same time permitting dancing and other entertainments. Guests have the opportunity to select their own décor, their own caterer, florist, photographer, source of music, choice of beverages and time of event. There are ample toilet facilities convenient to the Pavilion.

Then there is the Grotto, which is also a covered area.

Separate from the cabins and Pavilion, yet convenient thereto.

Built in the shape of a cross, and surrounded by nature, with a waterfall and statues of angels it has been the scene of quite a few beautiful weddings.

Last but not least is the landscaping. Richard and Lori retained the services of Jeff and Silvia Wilkinson to help them design and establish the magnificent grounds. With deliberate planning, there is color all year. Rhododendrons galore. Magnolias, Gardenias, Holly, and a large variety of other plants abound.

Richard and Lori like to think the West point Farms Event Center presents a location of casual elegance and preserved history for the benefit of Rutherford County.

Rutherford Chamber

South Mountain Christian Camp

By Steve Collins

The premise is simple: “No child shall be denied the opportunity to attend summer camp for financial reasons.” This has been the guiding principle for South Mountain Christian Camp since its inception, and it continues unabated today.

South Mountain Christian Camp, a non-profit organization in Bostic, has been serving the community of Rutherford County and beyond since 1974. With 260 acres of property, South Mountain provides a wide variety of programs, services, and facilities year-round.

The flagship program, of course, is Summer Camp.

South Mountain offers six, one-week camping sessions for boys and girls, ages 7-15, each year. Campers stay at camp from Sunday through Friday, experiencing an assortment of recreational activities and creative Biblical teaching. And here’s what’s unique: financial assistance is available for anyone who cannot pay the full camp fee. South Mountain raises scholarship funds which are provided primarily through the charitable donations of individuals and small businesses in the community.

South Mountain also provides hands-on, outdoor science education through their S.E.E.D.S. programs.

These programs are designed as one-day field trips for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students and are available in the Fall of the school year. The SMCC staff guides students through a series of interactive, educational activities that are so much fun, students often don’t realize how much they’re learning.

One of the most exciting programs at South Mountain is the Ropes Course. The camp offers these activities all year long in various formats. Whether it’s teambuilding on the Low Ropes, or confidence and trust development on the High Ropes, SMCC can tailor a program to fit any group’s needs.

Beyond these programs, South Mountain also makes its facilities available for group outings and retreats. With lodging for up to 180 people, a full-service cafeteria, gym, game room, ball fields, picnic areas, hiking trails, swimming pool, and more, SMCC is well-equipped to provide all accommodations any need, whether it’s a one-day gathering, or a four-day retreat.

South Mountain, however, isn’t just for groups.

Individuals come on a regular basis to play the 18-hole disc golf course, fish in the lake, hike the trails, or run the 5k course. South Mountain also hosts a disc golf tournament, which is open to the public, each year in October and organizes a 5k Trail Race in November as a part of Rutherford Outdoor Coalition’s Race Series.

For more information about all that South Mountain Christian Camp has to offer, visit www.

SouthMountainChristianCamp.org or call 828-245-3322.

By Barbara Keever

THINKING ABOUT BUYING A HOUSE THIS YEAR? Great! The real estate market has bottomed out. House prices are still down and interest rates are remaining at an all-time low. Don’t wait too long – all this can change.

TIPS FOR BUYING A HOME 1. Run the numbers. Prepare a budget and look at your financial plan to determine whether you can really afford to buy. It’s important to understand how much home you can afford.

2. Know what your credit looks like. Since most homebuyers will be getting a mortgage to buy a house, you will need to make sure your credit history is as clean as possible. Obtain a copy of your credit report (you can get a free copy at www.AnnualCreditReport.com). Make sure it is correct and work on any errors or problems.

3. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval is a good way to check on your price range for a home and be ready once you find the home you have been looking for. That way – no disappoints and no waste of time. The best way to start is to ask friends or your Realtor for referrals for lenders or mortgage brokers. Make sure to ask the lender about your total costs to you at closing. As you move toward closing you will need a “commitment letter,” which details the terms of your loan approval.

4. Be an informed buyer. You’re not going to buy a house simply because there’s a pretty photo posted online, but you and your Realtor can conduct a price research. Once you find the house you are going to make an offer on, your agent will help you with the process, but the offer should include the price you’re willing to pay for the house, your financing terms and contingencies.

5. Find a professional agent. I would think that it’s tough to go through the home buying process alone. First time homebuyers (and even many experienced ones) are better off using a professional Realtor. A Realtor should always disclose agency with you. Ask friends, family and co-workers for referrals for a good Realtor. Choose an agent you trust and feel comfortable with and stick with that agent.

6. Hire a home inspector. Buyers should hire a home inspector. His or her job will be to point out potential problems that could require costly repairs down the road. There is no substitute for having a trained professional inspect the property for the quality, safety and overall condition of your potential new home. If the home inspection reveals serious defects that the seller did not disclose or even know about, you’ll generally be able to rescind your offer and get your deposit back. Negotiating to have the seller make the repairs or discount the selling price are other options if you find yourself in this situation.

Conclusion: This brief overview should help put you on the path towards filling in any gaps in your home-buying knowledge. Remember that the more you educate yourself about the process beforehand, the less stressful it will be, and the more likely you will be to get the house you want for a price you can afford - and with a smile on your face.

Barbara Keever

If you are looking for a professional Realtor and/ or should have questions about the home buying process, please contact Barbara Keever with Odean Keever & Associates at (828)286-1311 (office) or (828)429-0771 (mobile). I have been in the real estate business since 1989 and I am prepared to help you.

RUTHERFORDCOC.ORG | RUTHERFORDEVERYDAY.COM •

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Rutherford Chamber

Rutherford County Farmers’ Market During the growing season a wide selection of produce items, baked goods and handcrafted items are available to purchase at the Rutherford County Farmers’ Market. You’ll find locally grown seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs produced from farmers across Rutherford and it’s adjoining counties. Specialty meat products, eggs, and honey as well as, cut flowers, ornamental & vegetable plants are also available.

In its new location at 1630 NC 74A By-Pass, Spindale, the Farmers’ Market opened for the season on April 2nd, and will continue until October 31, 2013. Market hours are Tuesday – 7am-12pm, Thursday – 1pm-6pm and Saturday – 8am-1pm.

For instant updates, visit the Rutherford County Farmers’ Market Facebook page.

You’ll be able to meet our vendors, see what’s currently available for sale, and check out the on-going activities. The Market is also a participating member of the North Carolina Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program(FMNP) working to improve the health of low-income women, infants and children(WIC) and Seniors.

Those wishing to sell at the Market can contact Farmers’ Market Manager – Ricky Horne at (828) 287-6080 or the Rutherford County Extension Center at (828) 287-6010.

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26 •Rutherford Everyday • Volume I, Issue 5 • MAY 2013

Rutherford Chamber RUTHERFORDCOC.ORG | RUTHERFORDEVERYDAY.COM •

27

Rutherford County

Chamber of Commerce Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Mission Statement

Helping to create and maintain a healthy business environment which will enhance prosperity and improve the quality of life in Rutherford County

Dan Thomas Vice President

Rutherford County

Debbie Gettys Office Manager

Jason Harrill First Vice President Barbara Keever Vice President

CHAMBER STAFF

Clark Poole Director

Officers Cooper Flack President

Dolores Mayo Secretary/Treasurer

Chamber of Commerce 162 N. Main Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Phone: 828.287.3090 Fax: 828-287-0799 info@rutherfordcoc.com www.rutherfordcoc.com

Donna McCann Immediate Past President

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Re

Laura Allen Thera-ssage

Jim Bishop WCAB Radio

Gene Booth Booth Realty Inc.

Kimagery Graphic Design

Main Street Financial Group

Dale Hamilton Cornerstone Realty

Jason Harrill BB&T

Barbara Keever Odean Keever & Assoc.

Debbie Martin Blanton Miller & Moore

Deborah Mauney Staff Masters Inc.

Dolores Mayo H&R Block

Northland Communications

Donna McCann

Sarah Merrison-McEntire

Everette Murray Rutherford Everyday

Jackson Hewitt Tax Services

28 •Rutherford Everyday • Volume I, Issue 5 • MAY 2013

Carolina Chiropractic Plus

Kim Corbett

Cooper Flack

Dan Thomas

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