FROM THE
editor
COMMUNITY When I was 12-years-old I attended Dyersburg Middle School, then located in the old Dyersburg High School building on College St. After class, my friends and I would run down the hill and across the football field. We would race each other to the front door of Foster’s Café (now Todd’s Cafe). We could not wait to get a stool at the bar and order up some burgers and fries. With tight fists, we would hang onto to every dollar of our lunch money just to use it in the jukebox. Until my teenage years when Huddle House arrived, Todd’s was one of the only diners left in town that still had a jukebox. Finishing our food, we would stroll the sidewalks of downtown until our parents got off work, stopping for a cappuccino at a nearby coffee house off South Mill and a quick browse of CDs and records on the shelves at Thomas White’s pawnshop. Lastly, we would make our way to the thrifty book store—my favorite. As years passed, like every other typical egocentric high school kid, Dyer County stopped interesting me. It was the late 90s then, when nothing was better than Nickelodeon cartoons, Saturday Night Light, and watching MTV (they used to actually play music videos). Hanging out with friends, mini golf, cosmic bowling and video games became the order of the day, and beyond that, we were all just stuck in a town where nothing ever happened. The way we talked about it, you would have thought Dyer County
was surrounded by its own Great Wall—the rest of the world just waiting for us on the other side of it after graduation. Well, for all the younger readers out there, who have yet to see what this town actually has to offer, let me fill you in because Dyer County definitely has a pulse. I was an adult in my late 20s when I began to realize how much this town truly has to offer—to my family and me. Attending event after event, fundraiser after fundraiser—the “enlightenment” hit me in spurts. I didn’t have to leave Dyersburg to change my life. My future would not be something I would chase down; my future would be a culmination of my own decisions, consisting of whatever I wanted, wherever I wanted. It was then that I really began to realize the potential of Dyersburg—a place where countless people (some I know, some I don’t) have chosen to dedicate their time to enhancing our community through their businesses, charities and local events, some of them doing so without even knowing who it is they are helping—a list of names without faces. At the end of the day, there was a need to be fulfilled, and that’s all that ever really mattered—this is what community looks like. In this edition of SHE, we are focusing on businesses and women who have made a strong difference in their community through community involvement, leadership, innovation, business, and government. We hope you enjoy. Rachel
Zeta Phi Beta
MISSION STATEMENT:
“Building Achieving Leading Zeta”
We, a group of college women, organized as the sister Greek Letter Sorority to Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, do hereby bind ourselves together for the purposes of promoting the cause of education by encouraging the highest standards of scholarship through scientific, literary, cultural and educational programs; promoting charitable projects in the city of Dyersburg, TN and college campuses within the community; fostering the spirit of sisterly love and promoting the ideal of Finer Womanhood.
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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 16, 1920 on the campus of Howard University by five trailblazing coeds. Since its inception, the sorority has chronicled a number of “firsts” among the established black sororities. In addition to being the only organization constitutionally bound to a fraternity, the sorority was the first to charter international chapters (in West Africa and Germany), to form adult and youth auxiliary groups, and to organize its internal affairs within a central office, administered by a paid staff. Beta Alpha Lambda Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was chartered March 31, 2016 in Dyersburg; TN. Beta Alpha Lambda Zeta chapter was birthed out of the Expand Tennessee Initiative and became the first four letter graduate chapter in Tennessee. The Charter Members of the Beautiful Beta Alpha Lambda Zeta Chapter include Christina Lumpkin, President; LaShonda Tate-Johnson, 1st Vice-President; Shakera Kelley, Secretary; Angie Bennett, Treasurer and Courtney Patrick, Parliamentarian. The First Initiates were inducted into the chapter on October 28, 2018. The Alpha intake class included Bernadette Seward, Yalanda Parr, and Belinda Mosley. Rooted in the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood, the work Zeta Phi Beta members do in the community is extremely important to them. These principles accurately describe their beliefs and way of life as members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Members hold their founding principles close to their hearts and strive to emulate them in everything they do. Zeta Phi Beta’s purpose is to foster the ideals
of service, charity, scholarship, civic and cultural endeavors, sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. These ideas are reflected in the sorority’s national programs for which its members and auxiliary groups provide numerous hours of voluntary service to staff community outreach programs, fund scholarships, support organized charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is a private non-profit organization and is incorporated in Washington, D.C. Today, Beta Alpha Lambda Zeta Chapter is 13. Members are from Dyersburg, Ripley, Nashville, Jackson, Lake County, Union City, and Bolivar. The current president is Courtney Patrick- A member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. for 16 years; the 1st vice-president is Kayla Halliburton; the 2nd vice-president is Shakera Kelley; the treasurer is Alicia Williams; the secretary is Konisha Williams. Beta Alpha Lambda Zeta Chapter strives to meet the required Zeta National initiatives set forth by the sorority and therefore participates annually in the March of Dimes, Elder Care, Ringing the Bell for the Salvation Army, Prematurity Awareness and Military Initiative Week. At Christmastime, the sorority adopts local families and buys clothes and toys for the children. Members also have a free gift-wrapping station that is set up at the Dyersburg Mall for those last-minute shoppers. “Last year on Global Service day, our chapter took personal care products to Transitions House, a local home for women who had previously been incarcerated or struggled with addiction,” said Courtney. “Our first two years of chapter activity, we adopted a group of young girls called Girls United (ages 12-17) that we mentored and
did biweekly activities with focusing on real life issues and self-esteem building with a Christian base. This year we have donated snacks and prizes to the Dyersburg City Schools to be used during the State Testing period.” “Our 1st Finer Womanhood Scholarship Tea was held March 16, 2019. The theme was “Crowns of Glory”. During the tea we had a dynamic female pastor deliver a word and then honored powerful women in our community that exhibited Finer Womanhood through scholarship, service and sisterhood in their everyday lives,” added Courtney. “We presented each of them with a plaque and gift. The money raised at the tea was donated to the Community Resource Development Department in Dyersburg and a Leadership Award in the amount of $250 was awarded to a top scholastic black, graduating female based on her grades and winning essay. Our plans for next year are to increase that donation to $500 and to also present a $500 scholarship at our Finer Womanhood Scholarship Tea yearly.” The sorority also hosts an annual Sock Hop. Courtney says Zeta Phi Beta has partnered with other
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Greek organizations in the past, as well as March of Dimes and St. Jude. “In the future we plan to launch the following Youth and Adult Auxiliaries in Dyersburg,” remarked Patrick. Greek organizations who have partnered with Zeta Phi Beta include the Archonettes, Amicae, Amicettes, and Pearlettes. Archonettes are high school-aged young ladies who demonstrate an interest in the goals and the ideals of scholarship, sisterly love, and community service. Archonette groups are affiliated through local chapters. Amicettes are girls 9 to 13 years of age who are willing to strive toward the high ideals of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and who demonstrate potential for leadership in service to the community. Amicettes are affiliated through local chapters. In the future we will be launching the following auxiliaries: Pearlettes are girls under 9-years-old who are mentored by ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. to become outstanding leaders in their community Amicae – Non-degree seeking women
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How I Met My Pet CHOP
Meet Chop. My name is Chop. My owners aren’t sure what breed I am or how old I am , but they know that I am full of love and always willing to sit beside someone who is upset or doesn’t feel good. This is me sleeping. This is me not having to worry about my next meal or being abused or whether or not my owners are coming back. See , my previous owners weren’t very nice to me. Then they left me chained up outside and moved away. A very nice man kept me for a while, until my new mom and dad came into my life. Now I only go on a chain to potty and I have food and fresh water in the house at my disposal at all times. And every night I get to sleep in the bed! - Chop
TROY
Hi, Troy! Meet Troytavius Tato Jenkins, or Troy for short. He’s roughly 7-years-old. His actual breed is unknown but he’s documented as a shorthaired domestic tabby. He hates long walks on beaches and prefers food over most things, except rubs. He loves rubs. Troy is a rescue from the Jackson Animal Care Center. He was surrendered from his previous owner due to their relocating. Don’t let his grumpy disposition fool you; he’s quite vocal especially with his cat-mom. Life is a little more “meowy” with him around.
“A beloved animal is a heartbeat at your feet.” 13
KALI
My cat, Kali! Kali is a rescue kitten. Now, she is about 4-yearsold now. Kalie has a sassy personality but secretly loves us. She loves sitting in cardboard boxes, playing with aluminum foil balls, hanging out on the couch, and looking out the window. She’s a posh indoor kitty. We tried to get her to go outside and she won’t do it. Even tried walking her with a cat harness on...definite no go.
RUE
It was a rainy November night 5 years ago when I met my mom. I was so nervous. Would she like me? I’m ready to see her… wait, is that her? No, not her. I wonder what we will do together? What does she like to do? I wonder what she smells like? Does she like to cuddle? I hope she’s easy to train… Oh, wait – that’s her! She’s so pretty and smells nice, but why is she shaking? You can stop shaking, mom. Let’s go home! Hey mom, what’s that sound?! A cow? They look so funny! Hey, what’s that big thing? A tractor? There are so many sounds to learn here in the country! Whoa! What’s that coming out of the ground? Corn?! I’ll protect you, mom. Mom and I have gone on so many adventures over the years. One time I found some black and white chew toys under the shed. Mom freaked out and said they were skunks. I don’t know what a skunk is, but they sure did stink! That was a fun adventure! I have also loved riding in mom’s jeep. We have rode out into the fields and down back roads, but sometimes she tricks me and takes me to the vet. My favorite adventure was when we got daddy. We went from a little family to a big family. I just wish he would let me play in the garbage! But, he gives me treats so that’s okay. I have had so much fun with my family, and I’m glad that I picked my mom five years ago. It has been the best time. I do have one question for mom and dad – can I get a little brother or sister? - Rue
ROXXI
Roxxi came into my life in August of 2010 when I still lived outside of Dresden, Tenn. My ex-wife Carrie had said there was a momma dog out wandering up and down the road the previous couple of days and, as I was out mowing the yard, Carrie returned from her walk - with a medium-sized black dog in toe. My first response was “what is that?” which caused the future Roxxi to hide under the truck in the carport. Needless to say, I quickly convinced her to come out and she has been part of my family ever since. Roxxi is a great example of how an older, mixed breed dog can come into someone’s life and make it better. She’s estimated to be anywhere from 14-16 years old (by the vet’s judgement) but still acts like a puppy when she hears the word “go” or hears a bag of sour cream and onion Ruffles potato chips open. 14
“Changing the face of animal welfare in Dyer County”
Founded in early 2017, Paws to Care in Dyer County started out with a small group of volunteers dedicated to making a difference in their community by providing safe transport for dogs and cats to their foster families and forever homes. With over 2,000 cats and dogs boarded at the Dyer County Humane Society each year, and only 950 of those animals being adopted on average, Paws to Care first turned their attention to creating a partnership with the Dyer County Humane Society. Instrumental in launching the organization is local resident, Diana Griffith. According to Diana, Paws to Care has grown over the past two years to include 2 transport coordinators, 15 active volunteers, and partnerships with other transporters meeting in Paducah, St. Louis and Elgin. “Our initial meeting was only three people, but we expand-
ed a little by reaching out to people we knew, so there were about eight or nine people at our first official meeting,” recalled Diana. “We knew we wanted to do something organized for our shelter because the shelter didn’t have any resources to help except for a few animals getting pulled here and there.” Armed with a background in business, Diana began researching ways to create an organization focused toward the transport and aid of animals. “I had dabbled in animal rescue for several years prior to Paws to Care because I anticipated starting some sort of initiative not long after my husband and I bought property in Dyer County. It was in my head, but I didn’t know how it would flush out. I read up on everything I could and went out to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah and took a weeklong work15
shop on how to run an animal sanctuary. “I was a little hesitant about whether I really wanted to start anything at first. I knew the time it would take, and the heartbreak that can come with it. I mean… it pulls at you. Anybody in rescue will tell you that.” After some time and consideration, Diana says she was led by God to begin the organization. “I really felt God had laid it on my heart to do something,” Diana admitted. “I always knew God wanted to do great things in Dyersburg and animal rescue was one little section. I wanted to bring light and help to that section because it was a very dark corner of Dyersburg, and our animals not having anywhere to go…it was like a black hole, and I wanted to bring healing and relief to the shelter.” When seeking out volunteers to help her realize the initiative, Diana says she discovered a small group of people who were already pulling 2-3 animals a week from the shelter for transport to foster homes and other shelters. “I told them if they were willing to partner, I was willing to turn the effort into a non-profit organization and make it work. From there, we started trying to make this work. The two transport coordinators we work with also work with multiple other no-kill rescues, so they help us to identify which animals we can pull. While the animals are still at the shelter, our volunteers go in and measure the temperament of the animals to make sure the animals are candidates for another shelter. We can’t move dogs to another shelter, when they might be aggressive to other animals.” Over the past two years since its founding, Paws to Care has saved the lives of countless animals, and saving lives is rewarding work.
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“Seeing these animals go from being sad and depressed at the shelter to being placed in a home and loved, is the most rewarding part of what we do,” Diana said, smiling. “And it has also been amazing to see the euthanasia rate go down, so we know we are really making a difference.” Since partnering with the Dyer County Humane Society, Paws to Care has effectively helped the shelter near its goal of becoming a no-kill status. In 2016, the shelter reported only 13-percent of animals were euthanized. Dyer County Humane Society Manager Paige Dudley says animals currently being euthanized are only include those diagnosed with parvovirus and other critical diseases, which risk the health of the shelter’s entire population. Other community partners assisting Paws to Care include Nauvoo Pet Resort, the Dyer County Animal Hospital, Animal Care Hospital and Pet Stop. Presently, Paws to Care volunteers travel anywhere from 2-4 hours to transport animals, in one direction. The organization owns two transport vans, with many volunteers using their personal vehicles. “We probably move 30 animals every week,” said Diana. “That’s a rough estimate.” Diana says the organization more recently started a branch of Paws to Care specific to spay and neuter services for low income pet owners. The hotline is manned by volunteers who can be reached by calling 731-334-1888. Sharing her five-year vision for the organization, Diana says she would like to, one day, construct a multi-facility shelter on remote property to serve as an animal sanctuary large enough to accommodate every stray animal in the county. “I would love to partner with the Dyer County Humane Society to make this happen,” admitted Diana. “I would like for us to build a larger facility, specifically designed for animals. I also want our community to be a no-kill community, and come together to fight for stronger laws against animal abuse.” “Spaying and neutering should be the ‘norm’ not the anomaly,” added Diana. Fundraising is the lifeline for any non-profit organization, and Paws to Care is no exception. Diana says volunteers get together monthly at various locations around town to host their “Donuts for No Nuts” event, where proceeds go toward assisting pet owners with spay and neuter costs. As a signature fundraiser, Paws to Care hosts the Tails on Trails event in the fall. The event is hosted at Fyrne Lake Farms, property owned by Diana and her husband, Kevin. Want to make a difference? Volunteers and donations to Paws to Care are always appreciated. For more info, or to make a contribution, please visit www. pawstocare.org or reach out through the organization’s Facebook site at: https://www.facebook.com/pawstocaretn/, PayPal, or by mail at: Paws to Care, P.O. Box 905, Dyersburg, TN 38025. RACHEL TOWNSEND rtownsend@stategazette.com Interested in adopting? The Humane Society is located at 1120 East Court St. in Dyersburg. They are open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10-2 p.m. All animals adopted from the Humane Society come with their first round of shots. Adopting parents will also receive a large discount on having their new four-legged companion spayed or neutered. Those wishing to adopt, must first fill out an application and be willing to have a home visit. All animals must also be spayed or neutered at the time of adoption. For more information on adopting, please call Paige Dudley at: 731-285-4889.
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Sara Jo Fountain Photo/ Jake Fountain photography “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” -Philippians 4:13. You are never on your journey alone. God is always right by your
side every step of the way. I’m thankful for His strength and guidance on my fitness journey. Without Him, I would be nothing. I would fail. Thank you Lord for your never failing, unconditional love and compassion for me.
Hannah Evans Candace Klutts On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m., a group of likeminded women and me meet at 730 East Court Street gym in downtown Dyersburg. This started when I wanted to workout with my friends and I knew my living room was too small. The Pastors at our church were awesome enough to let us use the place. See in my journey of letting myself go I found myself battling going into a regular gym with how I look now and seeing all over how I want to look but just dont. So we
My fitness journey started for mental health. I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror. The more I worked on my body, I started to love it and I realized I wasn’t working on being skinny, I was working on being strong, mentally and physically. Then, I realized strength is beautiful! workout these two nights but it’s not just about getting stronger. Its about the connection with other ladies and being able to open up about our struggles that week and pray about them. The vision that God gave me is of a ladies crossfit gym with ellipticals and treadmills on the side for low impact but crossfit equipment and workouts for more hiilt! This vision God gave me will be so much more than ladies just getting stronger in your body but stronger in your heart and soul.
ier, we just become stronger!” 23
Stefania Wheeler I began to pay more attention to my health and wellbeing after becoming a mom, I have these humans that I must look after, and I want to be healthy for them. I always knew I wanted to breastfeed, I just didn’t know that it would be so complex with my son, Roland; I gained so much weight during my pregnancy with him. I noticed while nursing him that anytime I tried to cut back calories or exercise, my milk supply would dramatically drop. So, I decided to not worry so much about getting back “in shape” until after I was done breastfeeding him. A year after his birth I stepped on the scales to reveal a plump 215lbs (I could feel it weighing heavily on my bones, it hurt), and I knew this journey was not going to be easy. I started simple, I put one foot in front of the other and just kept going. Little by little, I changed my nutrition and my exercise routine, I would change one thing and when I would master that I would go onto the next. I hit many roadblocks, plateaus, and more temptation than I could have fathomed, but I stuck with it and kept going, paying attention to and learning more about my body. Fast forward 3.5 years later and I teeter between 172-176, and I am healthier and stronger than I have been in my entire life – I have never had this many muscles. Consistency, accountability, and
believing in myself were key. I have met some amazing people in my fitness path; coaches, trainers, and others in their own health journey – listen to them and pay attention. My goal is to be healthy and strong so that I can enjoy life in my latter years, chase my future grandchildren, and enjoy retirement as much as possible. My advice? Put one foot in front of the other and just keep going. Find what fuels you, whether alone or in a group, just keep going.
Becky Hasselle I used to be pretty skinny, but from my early 30s until I was 50, I gained an average of three pounds a year and had an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Then at 50, three years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Having cancer was scary but changed my priorities. I’m grateful for and take better care of my body and health, to reduce risk factors for cancer. I’ve lost thirty pounds and gotten into bike riding, after my oncologist recommended doing more cardio so I don’t get cancer again. At first, I could only ride a few miles at a time, but gradually built up my strength for longer rides. I also take care of myself by taking vitamins, having a healthy diet, strength training, doing yoga, managing stress and trying to get enough sleep. Getting into shape and bike riding has become the positive trajectory for the rest of my life. Bike riding has helped me not only physically but also helps me keep a positive and stress free mindset. I still have a ways to go on my fitness journey, and have gotten off track at times, but I don’t beat myself up about it. Staying healthy and being strong takes effort, but it’s worth it. I feel better now than I have in years. My advice to anyone who wants to be healthier is to increase activity and eat more plants based meals. Strong is the new skinny!
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In an effort to address questions regarding purchasing a home, and methods of financing, First Citizens National Bank hosted a Smart Women “Find Your Way Home: First Time Home Buyers” presentation at McIver’s Grant Public Library, offering information on current home loan programs, grants, and what to look for in a local lender. Whether you’re buying your forever home, or maybe just a started home, Sonya Burks, vice president of mortgage lending at First Citizens National Bank, said she and her team can help you navigate through the process of homeownership. So, what items are helpful for mortgage pre-qualification? Burks says clients should be prepared to bring in their most recent full tax return, documentation from all investment accounts, and, if divorced, a petition, parenting plan and final recorded divorce. Those who lack credit may present proof of monthly payment from car insurance, Netflix, Hulu, cable, cell phone bills, utility bills, rent, gym membership and Amazon. If you need help financing your home, programs are out there to help. Burks discussed types of mortgage programs available including:
• FHA loans • VA loans • Conventional loans • USDA Rural Development • In-house portfolio loans Guidelines for a FHA loan include: • 3.5 % down payment required • Seller can pay up to 6% of closing cost and pre-paids • These have the HUD mortgage premium that FHA will allow you to finance • 15-30 year financing available • Credit scores can be as low as 580 but most mortgage companies will be 620. • Monthly MIP (mortgage insurance premium) • House should not be a “fixer-upper” VA loan requirements: • 100% financing • Must have your certificate of eligibility • Credit score of 620 • Veterans must credit qualify • Home does not need to be a fixer upper • 15-30 year fixed terms • Seller can pay 6% of buyers closing costs and prepaids • There is a funding fee that can be financed into your loan
plus associated closing costs. • Conventional loans are not insured by the government but by private mortgage insurance companies. In-house portfolio loans • Serviced by your bank • Do not have to meet same standards as the government backed insured loans • Down payments vary-First Citizens’ requirement is 15% down • Several options for terms • Can be used to purchase a home that does not meet requirements for government loan programs. Having good credit can make or break your odds of being approved for a home loan. In closing, Burks explained the importance of understanding your credit score and saving money for the purchase of a new home. Burks says keeping a low balance on credit cards, making payments on time, and accepting only a small number of credit cards are all great ways to ensure your credit score stays in good shape.
RACHEL TOWNSEND rtownsend@stategazette.com
USDA Rural Development loans • 100% financing • 30-year fixed term • Seller can pay up to 6% of closing Conventional loans • Conventional loans can be used to finance a primary residence, a second home, vacation property or a rental property. This is in contrast to government-backed loan programs, which can only be used to finance a primary residence. • Income will be verified by reviewing recent paycheck stubs, tax returns and W2s. Debt-to-income ratio must not exceed 43%. • Bank and investment statements will be verified to ensure the borrower has sufficient assets to close. These funds must be able to cover a down payment
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Security Bank
“Giving back to the community”
Security Bank has always taken pride in the numerous ways we give back to our community. Instead of listing countless projects and events we have been blessed to be a part of, we thought it would be better to share details on a few events that have taken place recently. Perhaps our most well-known community events occur during Fair week. Executive Vice President and COO, Jennifer Nunley shared: “I am reminded of the incredible privilege Security Bank has in serving our Special Needs community and recognizing our area Century Farmers during Fair week. The Special Needs community are often a neglected population, but each Wednesday of Fair week, Security Bank sponsors a lunch for these incredible people. We love being able to provide a meal to these
sweet citizens and shower them with love. As we leave the fairgrounds, we always have wonderful stories to tell and huge smiles on our faces...all because of these precious individuals.” On Special Needs day, Security Bank also hosts a dinner for the farms in Dyer County who have been running for 100+ years! Jennifer reflects on this event by saying, “It is a time that we can recognize them for their family’s agricultural contribution to our community. At the end of the evening, we leave the fairgrounds with full tummies and a happy heart to be able to serve these 2 incredible groups of people.” It brings us such joy to be able to serve so many amazing people in just one day! Security Bank is also very involved in Dyersburg and Dyer
“We rise by lifting others.” 30
County school systems. Every year, we kick off the start of another great school year with a Back-to-School Celebration. Jennifer discussed why being involved in the local schools is so important to the bank by noting “We know that these students are the future of Dyer County. Although many of these students will leave our community and may never return to live here, there are also many who will choose to stay. Security Bank has made a concentrated effort in assisting many of these students to be ready to be productive adults. We believe that no matter what path these students choose in life, there is a place for them in Dyer County.� At Security Bank, we pride ourselves in helping students and staff acquire the resources they need to mold the workforce of the future. While these events are at the forefront of our thoughts due to how recent each of these occurred, there are also a multitude of other community projects and organizations that we take pride in helping with. If you have any questions or want to know more about our community involvement, you can contact us or visit our Facebook page for updates and photos of all our fun in the community! We are so grateful to be a part of such an amazing, diverse community with great potential for further growth. Grow with us!
By: Ellen Staggs Security Bank retail and marketing assistant 31
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Photos/Rachel Townsend Pictured above are members of the Owen family including: Brent Chessor, Ashlianna Owen, Rob Owen, Becky Owen, and Bradley Owen.
The Owen family’s homestead in fall “Life starts at the edge of your comfort zone.” 39
Photos/ Rachel Townsend Family cat, Kitty, makes herself at home on top of a bookcase.
When getting married in 1994, Becky and Rob Owen had a shared goal of designing and building their forever dream home before their 25th anniversary. Overcoming numerous hurdles along the way, the couple hired Young Construction in 2018, and broke ground on their home that fall. The Owen family officially moved in on May 6, of 2019, beating their goal of 25 years by just 4 months. Constructed on a 270-acre farm, the home is approximately 1800 sq. ft. and features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a laundry room, 30x30 ft. 2-car garage, dining room, a 40x60 ft. shop, kitchen, living room and upstairs bonus room. Carrying a natural farmhouse theme, the residence is infused with hints of cotton, accented with subtle, yet vibrant, hues of blue, and burnt orange—colors that tether the home to its unique rustic wood stained concrete floors. 40
“It took me two days to stain the floors and two days to seal them,” recalled Becky. “I got the idea for the floors on Pinterest. I was just browsing at floors and then spoke to a guy at Sherwin Williams about it. He said lots of people [stain] floors on the outside of the home, so I said, “Well, let’s just do it inside.” We ended up doing the floors ourselves. The stain is made to bleed into the floor and eventually look like a dirt floor. We wanted a natural look, and I really like the color. It’s very different.” Designed with high ceilings and an open floor plan, the home allows for plenty of breathing room, and is an ideal space for entertaining and family get-togethers. With years spent in the planning and design of the home, Becky and Ron were dedicated to making their dream home cozy, yet strikingly unique,by adding small details such as custom cabinetry throughout the kitchen and bathroom, and 1930s-style window casings. “We have been planning different aspects of this house for the past 25 years,” said Becky. “We picked out lots and lots of house designs and just filtered through it. We added the claw foot tub in bathroom, and the extra white doors—just really putting all of the extra thought into it that we have been talking about for 25 years.” Becky says she and Rob began buying furniture for the house in 2017. “A lot of the furniture in our home was purchased two years ago,” added Becky. “When our home was finished, I wanted to have all of the pieces in place for us to move in and set it up. We had a lot of stuff in storage. Every time we were out shopping, I would think, “ That’s something that would go great in our house.” From there, it all just came together.” Another rather unique aspect of the home is found in the couple’s master bathroom, where your eyes are immediately diverted to a distinctive
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BOOK REVIEWS by: Kathryn McBride
The Best Bad Things, by Katrina Carrasco The Best Bad Things takes readers by storm on page one, blind-siding you in its wild intensity and not letting go until you turn the final page and close the book. At once a mystery – gangster – Western -plot-twisting story, The Best Bad Things follows the disavowed former Pinkerton agent (yes, the Pinkerton Agency is a real thing!) Alma Rosales as she 47
to what young teens can become, if they want. Tiffany Aching is one of those characters - the girl I wish I’d known when I was 13, so she could have rubbed off on me. Though she is only nine in the first title she appears in, The Wee Free Men, she has a bracing pragmaticism that feels like a refreshing shower, waking you to your senses. She feels fear and worry, and makes mistakes when her pragmaticism morphs into stubbornness, but Tiffany’s underlying confidence in herself and her cast iron skillet, as practical a weapon of choice as you could ask for, makes a reader want to stand up and cheer. As apprentice witch, Tiffany finds herself with a full plate
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of troubles that most teens wouldn’t: a supernatural winter that threatens her town, a rowdy clan of Nac Mac Feegle pixies, and a roving entity that controls minds. But Tiffany often finds that the roots of these problems are very human: the winter caused by loneliness, an entity that feeds on gossip, suspicion and hate, and a clan of Nac Mac Feegles that need a home. Narrating Tiffany’s struggles and triumphs offered Prachett a chance to discuss human commonalities and frailties that he was most passionate about, such as our need for acceptance, kindness and sympathy. Each title in the Aching series feels like a love letter to who we still can be, at any age, if we care to start.
The Rook, by Daniel O’Malley I love a mystery, and have read so many at this point that they can start to feel stale quickly. The Rook is not an example this. In fact, I was so quickly trapped by the plot and pace, I distinctly remember dispensing with the flap copy – the brief book description that appears on the front inner flap of a book’s dust jacket. Here’s what held me immediately on page one: A young woman awakens in a London park, soaking wet, surrounded by bodies and with no memory of who she is or how she came to be there. In her pocket she finds a letter addressed ‘To You’. Its author claims to be her, named Myfanwy (rhymes with ‘Tiffany’) Thomas, and offers her a choice: walk away from everything in the park and create a new identity or follow down the rabbit hole of her former life and discover what -or wholed her to the park. Though the story is set within a paranormal version of Britain’s MI5, don’t let that turn you away from this high-tension, who-dunnit thriller. Imagine Men in Black, without Will Smith or a cheesy sense of humor. In fact, there’s little to relieve the reader as Myfanwy tries her best to swim or sink, convincing those around her that she is savvy to this baffling new world as she desperately tries to piece together her past and unravel the circumstances of her betrayal through clues left by her former self. This process is incredibly satisfying, though, the best kind of makeover, as the reader gets a front row seat to Myfanwy psychological transformation as she decides who she will become and fully embraces that identity, growing into confidence. The jokes are dry, the stakes are high, and you’ll be white-knuckled as you follow Myfanwy’s twisting trail through political machinations with deadly consequences. Luckily, there’s a sequel.
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Prodigal Summer, by Barbara Kingsolver
Photo/ submitted There is not one novel by Barbara Kingsolver that hasn’t made me close it with a deep, satisfied sigh upon finishing and Prodigal Summer does not disappoint. Kingsolver is particularly fond of interwoven character arcs and here she presents three: solitary Deanna, newly widowed Lusa and argumentative Garnett, each discovering new aspects of their ever-changing environment, even in the rural back roads of Appalachian Virginia. If one character must be cast as lead, Deanna would take the role. Her quiet peacefulness as park ranger may seem admirable but appears more like stagnant comfort when change takes place in the arrival of Eddie. Eddie, a young hunter, challenges Deanna’s world view and self-satisfaction, deeply affecting her and making her uncomfortable as she unwittingly grows. Lusa’s story is a wonderful compliment to Deanna, clarifying the point that both loss and gain are painful, but both can act as catalyst for personal growth. In fact, readers aren’t entirely certain that Lusa would have adapted to her rural life without the death of her spouse, whom she allowed to act as buffer, shielding her from the necessity of change. Throughout it all, Garnett’s bickering with neighbor Nannie as he pursues his dream to revive the American chestnut offers a platform for Kingsolver to narrate change the characters experience on a broader level in modern communication, the complexities of familial relationships and in the natural world around them, which acts as a fourth character. Deanna’s world view is communicated almost entirely through her understanding of nature, Lusa’s relationship to the environment reflects her psychology as she moves through stages of grief and self-realization, and Garnett and Nannie layer their differing needs and perspectives on the same humble chestnut tree. The flora and fauna of Prodigal Summer reflect everything from fecund sexuality to menacing presence, reminding its inhabitants and readers that the natural world is as unique, complex, and irreplaceable, as any of us.
When You Are Brave,
by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler Pat Zietlow Miller’s When You Are Brave is a beautiful jewel of a book that quietly grows in intensity, inviting the reader to follow its’ steady trajectory like the rising sun. It is a true pleasure to read, for children and adults, because the creators have allowed the story and illustrations to operate separately from each other, occasionally joining together and then pulling apart in such a complementary manner, it feels like watching a dance. From the first few pages it becomes clear a young, fragile looking girl and her family are leaving their house and hometown. Through a window and between buildings, we see a setting sun casting long shadows and throwing watery light over the landscape. The family drives away in their packed car, into the deepening darkness of night. Something is clearly ending. Miller’s words don’t address this right away, however. Instead, Miller shares with us other experiences this young girl has had – smaller, every day challenges that were scary, but addressed. As she reflects back on these, we see the family vehicle navigate a city bustling in the early blue dawn, quite a different landscape from the start of the book. Miller almost appears to be narrating the girl’s inner thoughts as she remembers that those every-day challenges - the public pool, the first day of class, the recital – had great rewards when she was brave enough to face them and that they prepared her for her current experience. Just as gently, yet firmly, as the girl fortifying herself with memories of her own strength, the sun rises higher from page to page. It finally shines in its’ golden hour on the girl and her family as they pull up to their new home and greet their neighbors. A lovely book.
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