All About Women March-April 2020 by Mountain Times Publications

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During times of unrest and crisis, what do you do to comfort yourself ? PUBLISHER Heather Jordan “I comfort myself with geমng outside, running and enjoying ঞme with my family. Baking some cookies doesn’t hurt either!”

Gene Fowler

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tom Mayer

EDITOR Sarah Rodriguez “In ঞmes of crisis, I find comfort in my faith. My relaঞonship with Jesus provides me with peace when circumstances are out of my control. I also try to stay as informed as possible about the situaঞon by reading arঞcles or listening to news podcasts.”

Dawn Shumate “Work on li le creaঞve projects to keep busy. Play simple but fun games with my high school/college-age children to break up each day, for example, flying paper airplanes outside in our driveway. Stay in touch with friends and family.”

Hollie Eudy “In the ঞmes that my life has been filled with unrest or crisis, I have learned that reading my Bible and spending ঞme in prayer are the best ways to soothe and renew my soul. Long runs and even longer walks paired with ঞme to journal and reflect have also been a part of pressing on in peace.”

Anna Oakes editor@aawmag.com 828.278.3602

CONTRIBUTORS Laura Boaggio Heather Brandon Bonnie Church Marion Edwards Hollie Eudy Derek Halsey Heather Jordan Dawn O’Neal-Shumate Sarah Rodriguez Sue Spirit Abby Whitt

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Meleah Bryan

ADVERTISING Sue Spirit “I look for something bright, exciঞng, and full of promise, such as Connie the Pied Piper starঞng a preschool in Burundi. Blowing bubbles, creaঞng ঞssue paper/pipe-cleaner bu erflies, making ra les from pop bo les and pebbles, singing ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,’ and having a snack of small bananas and ঞny cakes.”

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COVER PHOTO by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate

Heather Brandon “I find that it is important to be as adaptable as possible - control what you can, worry less about the rest. Exercise, rest and take solace in your hobbies. Dark chocolate also helps.”

4 | March-April 2020

CONTENTS

features 14

How to Travel with Kids

Lees-McRae: Empowering the Women of Appalachia for 120 Years

20 Dr. Amber McNamara

relationships 12

Mom’s World: Intenঞon and Acceptance

health 24 Beauty: Boot Camp for Your Skin 26 Living Well: How to Build a Healthy Habit

style & leisure 30 Your Guide to Summer Camps for Kids 36 Travel: Living in the Moment

in every issue 06 Editor’s Note 07

Women in the News

09 Spotlight on High Country Business Women: Glenda Chrisঞan

Young at Heart: Regrets

All About Town

March-April 2020 | 5

editor’s

note

This issue of All About Women is going to press amid uncertain times. As I write, many in our community

On Valentine’s Day weekend I did a couple nights of backpacking in the Linville Gorge. One night, temperatures dipped down to 20 degrees. Being outdoors, watching every step as you tread over rough terrain and focusing on staying dry and warm is a great way to live in the present.

6 | March-April 2020

have already had their lifestyles and livelihoods upended, at least temporarily, due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, the measures to control its spread and other rapidly evolving impacts. A lot could change in the next couple of weeks, or by the time you’re reading this. Right now, I’m feeling hopeful, while nervous, and grateful, while disappointed. Nervous, of course, for obvious reasons, and disappointed, because like many, events that I’ve planned for and looked forward to for months have been canceled, albeit for a very good reason. Many, many people are doing what is necessary to save lives, often at great personal cost and sacriﬁce. I’ve never witnessed anything like this in my life, but the response from our community and the greater global community gives me hope for humanity and our ability to weather more storms and challenges in the future. And, it’s the ﬁrst day of spring, and it FEELS

like it. The sun came out for the first time in days and I opened my doors and windows to let the fresh air in. I needed that — I think we all needed that. I hope if anything, our latest issue gives you a few moments of respite from thinking about the virus, which can be stressful and overwhelming. Give yourself time to take your mind off of it — read this magazine, lose yourself in a book, enjoy a TV show or movie. Listen to a non-news-related podcast and go for a walk or a run. Note that we once again include a guide to High Country summer camps in our MarchApril edition, with the optimism that they will be able to be held this year. In the coming weeks, I encourage you to read your local newspapers to find out about ways to help support our local businesses, nonprofits and families. They’re going to need all of our help to get back on their feet.

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Women in the News Downtown Boone Welcomes New King Street Oﬃcer

Officer Ferrin Page was hired by the Boone Police Department as the new King Street officer. Photo by Kayla Lasure

nowing she has “big shoes to ﬁll,” Boone Police Officer Ferrin Page was recently named the new downtown Boone officer after the late November retirement of Glen Kornhauser. Boone Police Lt. Shane Robbins said he was sure she would make the position unique to her and had no doubt she would do fantastic work in the area. He added that Page was an outgoing, positive and knowledgeable officer. “She’s always very professional but also very approachable to the general public,” Robbins said. Page graduated from Appalachian State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in chemistry with a concentration in forensics in December 2017. She then graduated from basic law enforcement training in summer 2018 with the university’s ﬁrst class of the Appalachian Police Officer Development Program. She was hired

at the Boone Police Department in July 2018 as a patrol officer. When she’s not at work, Page said she enjoys hiking with her dog, going to the gym and mountain biking. Page described herself as highly motivated, a “go getter” and fairly people-oriented. She said she originally knew she wanted to go into law enforcement as a freshman in high school because she wanted to help people. “I wanted to get out, impact the community and talk and engage with people,” Page said. “That’s what really drew me to this line of work.” Page’s office is located in the basement of Boone Town Hall at 567 W. King St. She said she has an open door policy and invited the public to come and talk with her. - Kayla Lasure

Bethel School Cafeteria Manager Granted NC ChildHunger Hero Award

ethel School Cafeteria Manager cial recognition weeks throughout Melody Howell was recently grantthe year, including Child Nutrition ed a North Carolina Child Hunger Week and National School BreakAward by No Kid Hungry NC — a fast Week. She has also worked with statewide nonproﬁt that works to comcommunity partners to support a bat childhood hunger. grant that provided universal free The NC Child Hunger Hero award breakfast for all students at Bethel is presented to a variety of workers School on a trial basis. from across the state who operate in Howell’s work at Bethel doesn’t various capacities to serve quality stop with students, as Bettis said the meals to children in their areas — from school’s staff also beneﬁts from her school nutrition staff to community dedication. Melody Howell, center, is pictured in the Bethel School cafeteria with volunteers. “Mrs. Howell works hard to colleagues Lisa Harmon and Amy Ulery. Howell, who has worked in support our staff too,” Bettis said. Watauga County Schools since 2002, was “She makes sure that everyone has a cafeteria in which all students feel a part nominated by Principal Brian Bettis. chance to eat lunch. If a staff member of our school family. They know they are “I nominated Mrs. Howell for this hasn’t visited the cafeteria, she will call to loved, and they know that their stomachs recognition because of how well respectsee if they need to eat and will even bring and hearts will be well fed.” ed she is in our school and community,” their lunch to them in their classrooms. Bettis said that Howell had worked to Bettis said. “I frequently talk with people Her demeanor and rapport with staff and initiate a number of programs at Bethel that mention how much she does for our students is second to none. I can’t decide School including second chance breakstudents and families and how much who is loved more, Mrs. Howell by our fast — an extra meal service for older she loves our students. Mrs. Howell has students or our students by Mrs. Howell.” students who are more likely to eat later worked to create an environment in our in the morning. Howell also sponsors speMarch-April 2020 | 7

Women in the News

Local Author Writes Bilingual Books for Children

“

racie: A Bilingual Adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains” is a recently published children’s book that features the Appalachian Mountains as the backdrop. The story is also bilingual, promoting young children to begin learning another language. Written by Ashe County resident Kathryn Leslie, the book showcases 24 watercolor illustrations and includes a look-and-ﬁnd of the local mountain foliage. The sweet story follows a lonely dog, Gracie, on her search for fun and companionship. Each page features English and a foreign language. The story is currently translated into three versions: Spanish/English, French/English and German/English with free bilingual and immersive audio downloads available. Leslie intentionally chronicled Gracie’s journey using repetition and simple sentence structure to allow children and adults to match the two languages together with ease. After her high school graduation, Leslie spent time in Europe working as a nanny. She enjoyed looking at books that were simplistic enough for her, a monolingual speaker, to read that were in foreign languages. When she returned to the United States, she could not ﬁnd similar reading materials. “I wanted to have an option so that a lot of monolingual speakers who wanted their kids to be bilingual could have something to actually start them on that road,” Leslie said.

Ashe County resident, Kathryn Leslie, writes children’s books that are bilingual and inspire young readers to begin learning a new language. Photo submitted

Through her books, she hopes to inspire a new generation of children to take an earlier interest in learning a new language through repeated exposure. Her second book “Elsie” is already in production with the story and artwork complete. Leslie is awaiting the translations and audio to accompany it. Publication is planned for fall, but there is a possibility it may be pushed to spring 2021. The third book is in the works. Leslie has completed the storyboard and needs to send it to the illustrator. Those interested in purchasing a copy of “Gracie: A Bilingual Adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains” may order a copy from Leslie’s website at www.auntkatiesplace.com. Books ordered from the website will come with a unique bookmark and each copy is signed by Leslie. Customers may also choose from either hardcover or paperback options. The books are also available for purchase on the Barnes and Noble website and Amazon, but are only available in paperback. Leslie’s book, ‘Gracie: A Bilingual Adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains,’ is available in Spanish, French and German. Image submitted

8 | March-April 2020

- Bailey Little

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Glenda Christian Leads in the Propane Industry BY LAURA BOAGGIO

Certain industries have seen an abundance of male faces and leadership — gas and oil being one of them. The propane industry has shifted over the years, however, and Glenda Christian is an example of that change. Christian is chief operating officer at Blue Ridge Energy Propane and Fuels and has been working in the propane industry since 1986, when she graduated from Appalachian State University. Christian said negative attitudes toward women in the propane industry have changed since the late ‘90s. “Over the past 25 years, you can see more and more women involved in the industry,” Christian said. In 2012, the National Propane Gas Association founded the Women in Propane Council, to provide positive opportunities for all members, according to its website. Christian said she has had the beneﬁt of mentors like Blue Ridge CEO Doug Johnson who support women in business and break down barriers that might create difficulties. Family is top priority, Christian said, and when she was younger, her father taught her the balance of work and family when he brought her along to his

parts store. “It helped me learn at a very young age that you can work hard and you can achieve a lot and still be there for your family,” Christian said. Christian said that to be successful, it is important to stay committed to a job. “You have to recognize that you’ll probably have setbacks and disappointments at times in your career,” Christian said. When Blue Ridge Energy bought Beall Oil in 1998, Christian Glenda Christian is chief operating officer at Blue Ridge Energy lost her leadership role in the com- Propane and Fuels and has been working in the propane industry since 1986. Photo submitted pany, for a few years. Christian said she found herself at a crossroads: She conception in 1998, it has expanded tercould either develop a bad attitude about ritories and operates showrooms in each her setback or keep persevering forward. Blue Ridge Energy district office and in She chose the latter, and was promoted Morganton, N.C. up quickly at Blue Blue Ridge Energy supports local Ridge Energy, organizations, such as local breast cancer becoming a senior groups through BRE’s Pink Truck proexecutive over 15 gram. The program donates a penny for years ago. every gallon delivered by its pink trucks “Had I not gone and has raised over $85,000. BRE is also that route at that honoring deployed service men and crossroads, I deﬁwomen through its Remember Everyone nitely would not be Deployed (RED) trucks. Christian said where I am today,” she holds this program close to her heart, Christian said. as her son served in the Marine Corps. Blue Ridge “I’m proud that at Blue Ridge Energy, Energy Propane and Fuels is a wholit’s about more than delivering a gallon ly-owned subsidiary of the parent electric of fuel,” Christian said. “It’s about making cooperative, Blue Ridge Energy. Since its life better.” March-April 2020 | 9

YOUNG AT HEART

Regrets 1. Lack of education 2. Working too much 3. Not taking vacations 4. Not saving more 5. Not traveling more 6. Wasting time hating yourself and worrying about other people’s opinions 7. Not eating healthier 8. Not taking better care of yourself 9. Letting friendships fizzle out

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10. Taking life too seriously

Have you seen the Tracey Ullman bit where she plays a dying woman, surrounded by her loved ones, who claims that her biggest regret was not taking more photos of her lunch and putting them online? No? You can find it on YouTube. Go ahead and watch it… I’ll wait. Done? Great! Now, where were we? Oh, yes, regrets. While the Tracey Ullman bit was obviously meant for laughs and was intended to be silly, it made me pause and consider my regrets. Do I have any? What are they? Is there still time to turn things around? Furthermore, since this is 2020 and hindsight is 20/20, it seemed fitting to reflect on this topic. I take plenty of food photos, so I’ve 10 | March-April 2020

got that one covered. Haircuts? Yes, I’ve regretted a haircut or two or 10, and yet, I suspect this falls into the bad decision category. College loans? This one is complicated. Yes, making those payments year after year is painful, but I cannot regret the things I learned while attending Boston University or the experiences that shaped the woman I am today. Feeling conﬂicted, I wondered, “What do we humans regret?” According to a 2019 online article by Sarah Crow titled “50 Regrets All Too Common Among People Over 50” (bestlifeonline.com/most-common-regrets), some of our most common regrets, in no particular order, include:

1. Lack of education; 2. Working too much; 3. Not taking vacations; 4. Not saving more; 5. Not traveling more; 6. Wasting time hating yourself and worrying about other people’s opinions; 7. Not eating healthier; 8. Not taking better care of yourself; 9. Letting friendships ﬁzzle out; 10. Taking life too seriously. The list is, sadly, long, and sadder still, I found myself nodding at a number of these. Some, like not taking vacations and not traveling more, I feel good about. My husband, Roger, and I do take vacations and we do prioritize travel. So, check and aawmag.com

I hope in another 40 years I can look back and proudly and loudly quote Betty White, who said, “I have no regrets at all. None. I consider myself to be the luckiest old broad on two feet.” check! And, let’s see… eating healthy… check. We plan weekly menus and cook most nights. Letting friendships fizzle out? Nope! While I may not always be the most attentive friend – I blame winter and graduate school – I do make an effort to coordinate occasional gatherings, meet up with friends at social events and arrange exercise dates. Lack of education? It’s not lack of education that I regret or even tackling the master’s program in which I am currently enrolled (two more classes!!). I regret not starting sooner — when I was younger and less tired. And finally, anyone who has read this column for the past 10-plus years knows that I do my best to not take life too seriously. So, that’s 6 out of 10. It’s a start, but what about the others… Working too much: Guilty! As a professional woman, I have sometimes felt that I have to work twice as hard as my male peers, and as a result, I have prioritized work. I’m working to change that. Not saving more: I wish I had been more financially literate in my youth rather than having to learn by making a mistake or two. Now in my 40s, I feel behind on saving for emergencies and retirement. Also, see college loans as previously noted. In addition, I wish I had spent less money on disposable clothing. Mothers, grandmothers, aunts, etc. please teach the young women in your care to value quality over quantity.

Wasting time hating yourself and worrying about other people’s opinions: I excel at this! Less so now than in my youth, but still, I am my own worst critic. I have days where I silently berate myself for not being skinnier, taller, prettier, etc. But, I also believe you have to fake it ‘til you make it, so, fake fabulous, I keep telling myself! Not taking better care of yourself: Diet, exercise, and unfortunate habits, like smoking, are the usual culprits. I would add skin care and wellness. I have never been a smoker, but I did take my youthful metabolism for granted and got a little lazy with the exercise. Now in my 40s, I try to walk at least a mile every day along with other workouts including swimming, weights and yoga. As to skin care, I used a bunch of cheap and varied products when I was younger, which confused my skin and exacerbated problems. I stopped doing that after an intervention from my dermatologist. And, a few years ago I started getting massages every six weeks for maintenance. So, yes, I have some regrets. That’s only natural and I do try to learn from them; however, I hope in another 40 years I can look back and proudly and loudly quote Betty White, who said, “I have no regrets at all. None. I consider myself to be the luckiest old broad on two feet.”

heather brandon Considers life to be one big anthropological ﬁeld experience. She observes and reports. She enjoys travel, food and wine and adventures with her husband, Roger.

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Relationships

MOM’S WORLD

Intention and Acceptance

By this publication, I will have burst forward into my second half century on this planet. Turning 50 is at once ordinary and momentous. Life does not stop because you are turning 50. I still have all the same responsibilities. My kids continue to challenge, impress and stress me on a daily basis. My job continues to be my passion but also claims more time than any other aspect of my life. And a pandemic has hit, rocking the world of every citizen and health care provider I know. While I know some people want to sweep their years under the rug and not announce their age at this point, sometimes it seems like everything should stop, pause and acknowledge making it this far. I’m not ashamed of my age. I think I’ve earned every single year and gained wisdom along the way. Some of my years on this planet, I have wanted to shove them the rest of the way out three12 | March-April 2020

fourths of the way through, like Helen Hunt who plays a ﬂight attendant in one of my favorite “Saturday Night Live” sketches. where she ignores the airline passengers’ questions or concerns with a smile and a “Ba-BYE!” Other years, I have wanted to linger. But what I want to do with any particular year of my life — be it speed it along or slow it down — makes no difference. Time keeps rolling on, whether I like it or not. So, if turning 50 has done anything to me, it has made me take pause and reﬂect about what I have accomplished or not and how I spend my time. I have been giving a lot of thought to intention and to acceptance. There are some realities that are out of my control that I must accept, as I look to my work and home life. I have to accept that time is not limitless. I have to accept that computers and computer systems can simplify life and complicate it, but it is a hard, fast reality that my work

relies on technology, and I have to continue to learn how to maximize its potential. I have to accept that I am not a perfect person, my relationships are not perfect, nor are my children. I own this truth honestly and try to remember this life I have led thus far in all its complexities, failures and joys. While I list acceptance after intention, I feel that acceptance must come ﬁrst in anyone’s action plan since I don’t see how you can ﬁgure out where you are trying to go without acknowledgment and acceptance of where you have been and what the realities of your life are. Intention emphatically comes next. Thinking of upcoming years and time, I know that I want certain aspects of my life in clear focus. I want to be intentional with how I spend the free time I have, how accessible I am to my kids and husband, and how I can best take care of myself – my mind, my body, my spirituality. I want to carefully consider the impact aawmag.com

I want to embrace and adapt to change while holding on to those parts of my self that have been part of me since my childhood â&#x20AC;&#x201C; my ability and desire to relate to people, love unconditionally, and give my endeavors my best. of my actions on others, my expenditure of energy in all aspects of my life, and increasing my time in nature. I want to feel intentional as I walk into the future, that is equally reďŹ&#x201A;ective and empowered. I want to always help my children grow and learn, have hope for the future, discover or enhance their gifts, and feel that no matter how old they get, I will steadfastly love and be there for them. I want to em-

brace and adapt to change while holding on to those parts of my self that have been part of me since my childhood â&#x20AC;&#x201C; my ability and desire to relate to people, love unconditionally, and give my endeavors my best. I want to soak in screen-free time, have good conversations, read good books, cry when I need to, and laugh at lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best moments. I am an optimist and believe in the

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basic good of humanity, so, 50 years in, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m ready for the next 50. I am looking forward, just as I look back, with a desire for purpose, love and peace. heather jordan, CNM, MSN Comments or questions? 828.737.7711, ext. 253 landh@localnet.com

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Feature

How to Travel with Kids Two Moms Journey the World with Daughters and Son In the past, if a man traveled alone, he was viewed as an adventurer. A woman traveling alone, or with her children? There could be questions about the whereabouts of her husband, or the curious prodding of the nosy and the nefarious. “Whether she’s traveling alone in the name of her husband or whether she’s unmarried and traveling alone ... in all situations it represents something sort of outside of the norm,” Craig Robertson, a media historian at Northwestern University and author of “The Passport in America,” told National Geographic. Rumors and dirty looks aside, until the women’s rights movement in the 1970s, there were other obstacles for women’s travel. “Many banks required single, divorced or widowed women to bring a man along with them to cosign for a credit card, and some discounted the wages of women by as much as 50 percent when calculating their credit card limits,” according to Smithsonian Magazine. Although times have changed, the thought of a single parent traveling with children to a foreign country can still seem daunting. But for two High Country women, traveling with their children is not just a vacation — it’s important to helping them learn about other parts of the world and to appreciate folks from all walks of life and cultures. As Mark Twain famously said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.” Crystal Kelly works for the Children’s Council of Watauga County and is also a guide for the travel company Enlightened Globetrekker Adventures, which caters to single parents. Courtney Baines is the marketing and communications director for the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum. Before accepting that job not long ago, she founded the Of Course You Can Travel website dedicated to single parents on the go. Crystal grew up in southern Florida and then went to high school in Charlotte, North Carolina. She eventually found her way to Appalachian State University in Boone. Crystal has two daughters, Taylor and Emma, and instilling them with a love for travel was a goal from the beginning. “I have always been drawn to traveling and experiencing other cultures and being able to gain other perspectives on life,” says Crystal. “My sister and I took a trip to Puerto Rico when I was in graduate school and from then forward, I decided to prioritize traveling in my life and to ﬁgure out a way to include my daughters. Once traveling becomes a priority, resources and things can shift. Both of my daughters have been to multiple countries now, and they both now know what travel can offer as far as a new way to see the world and experience how other people live. It is a part of their education, in my opinion, and it is something worth investing in.” 14

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My daughters … now know what travel can offer as far as a new way to see the world and experience how other people live. It is a part of their education, in my opinion, and it is something worth investing in. - Crystal Kelly

According to Crystal, the perception is that you have to have a lot of money to travel, and she believes that is not always the case. A trip to the next state or the nearest landmark or national park in the U.S. can be rewarding, affordable and educational. Crystal and her daughters prefer not to travel in luxury, but instead they find a way to live with a family in another country, for instance, so as to truly learn about other cultures firsthand. “In 2017, I took my 10-year-old daughter to Guatemala, where we went to learn Spanish and we stayed with a local family,” Crystal recalls. “We went with the intention of learning Spanish, but we also wanted to just live as they did and take a break from life here. It was good for her to spend time in a culture where material items were not a priority. There was a normal adjustment period for her and a bit of a culture shock at first, but within a couple of weeks we were in that groove. Life was a lot simpler there. We walked everywhere or took public transportation and we had a lot more quality time together there and it allowed my daughter to have more of a perspective of gratitude. With children, sometimes lessons like that are not instilled in them until they are older.” After a month with the host family, Crystal and her daughter traveled throughout the rest of Guatemala, where they found the people to be very kind. She did play it safe, however, as one would in almost every country, by not going off the beaten path very often. Crystal has also explored Morocco, Mexico and most of the U.S. with her daughters. She feels like children can learn about other cultures better by in-person experiences rather than in books. And, while routines are important for kids, travel also teaches them to be flexible in all circumstances. That outlook seems to have paid off as Crystal’s oldest daughter, now in her 20s, has studied while living in France and has taken months-long journeys on her own overseas. Continued on next page

March-April 2020 | 15

Courtney moved often after her parents divorced at an early age. She lived in Georgia, Nevada, across the pond in England and other places before settling down in Danville, Kentucky, during her high school years. Then, she traveled to Costa Rica and the southern countries of South America as well. Courtney arrived in the High Country, like Crystal, via Appalachian State University. Now a single mother raising her 6-year-old son Aiden, she is adamant about giving her child a love of travel and the open mind and cultural appreciation that comes with such adventures. “To me, traveling to different countries and learning about different ways of living, it sparked my hunger for that kind of immersion and change and learning about different people,” Courtney says. “I learned that there are a million ways to do things and that people see the world in different ways.” Being a single mom is rarely a part of the plan of one’s life. But when it happens, adapting and focusing on the children involved is a good way to move ahead. “It has helped my son Aiden to be more resilient and to know that life isn’t always perfect and to make the best of it,” Courtney explains. “Being a single mom, I get to choose where we go and what we do and I don’t have to run it by anyone else. So, the trips that Aiden and I have gone on, just the two of us, many have been cross-country excursions on a train because he loves trains. Just last year, we took another train journey to Colorado, then to Utah and then to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and that was

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. - Mark Twain

16 | March-April 2020

an amazing trip.” Like Crystal, travel takes precedence when it comes to Courtney’s disposable income. A big part of that motivation is the desire to educate her son along the way. “Last spring was Aiden’s first trip abroad when we went to the Dominican Republic,” she says. “Part of my inspiration there was I felt like he had shown signs of being uneasy or unsure around people of diverse cultures. So, just Aiden and I went to the Dominican Republic, and it was wonderful. At first he was leery of being a minority there because we did not go to the tourist places. Instead, we stayed with a Dominican family for 10 days. The husband was a Dominican and his wife was Canadian, so even though I could speak Spanish, it was nice to be with a local family that could speak English as well. That was our home base, an Airbnb home with great reviews, and we rented a car and took day trips, including to a national park with a hotel that was built into a cave.” While Courtney had to leave her travel website behind when taking the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum job, she is still an advocate of single parents sharing the gift of travel with their children. “I encourage single parents to travel with their kids even though it might seem overwhelming or difficult,” Courtney says. “For instance, there have been times recently when I would show up to rent a car in another country, and the first question they asked me was why I was alone and where was my husband. But, that depends on the culture and the country, of course. So, I wanted to inspire people and share my experiences and give people some courage. To me, I make traveling a priority because watching a movie about another place or reading about another place doesn’t compare to actually going there and seeing it and experiencing it. I want Aiden to have an open mind and to embrace differences and respect differences.” To travel is to learn, and to pass that mindset on to one’s child is a special gift. “I think you should travel the world with kindness and with a genuine sense of, ‘I want to learn about you,’ and not with an attitude of, ‘I know the answers to everything,’” Courtney says. “Then, you

will get back what you put out there. I remember before Aiden was born, when I traveled alone for six months in South America. By the end of the trip, I learned that I was ready for roots and that I wanted to be back in Boone. I wanted to travel, but I didn’t want to ramble. I wanted roots. And that is what I have with Aiden.”

Derek Halsey Derek is a freelance journalist living in the High Country. He is a winner of the Charlie Lamb Excellence in Music Journalism Award and a 9-time IBMA Journalist of the Year Award nominee. aawmag.com

Feature

Lees-McRae Empowering the Women of Appalachia for 120 Years Deep in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Rev. Edgar Tufts (1870-1923) gathered a small group of young people together in his home and began what 120 years later would be known as Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk. Named after two inﬂuential women, the school continues to be a place of opportunity for women of Appalachia and beyond.

the classes, the idea was set in motion for a dormitory and classrooms. In September of that year, a dozen girls boarded in the ﬁrst dormitory of the Elizabeth McRae Institute. Elizabeth A. McRae’s passions included education and Christian ministry. Though she never physically visited Banner Elk and it is un-

Beginnings of the Lees-McRae Institute Arriving in Banner Elk in the summer of 1895, Tufts first came to Western North Carolina as a worker in the Presbyterian Church. After establishing a church in the area, Tufts began his one-room school. According to Michael Joslin, a professor at Lees-McRae and the director of the Stephenson Center for Appalachia, Tufts came to the area for the purpose of ministry, not to found a school. But when he saw a need, things changed. “If there was a need for something then he would do it,” Joslin said. “Some of the people in the neighborhood, the young people, were coming to him asking for a chance to learn under him, just as a fireside school where they would read books and study the Bible and discuss philosophical matters.” In 1900, the Elizabeth McRae Institute opened as a place to educate women of Appalachia. According to “And Set Aglow A Sacred Flame” by Tuft’s daughter Margaret Tufts Neal, the students met around an open fire on the second story of Tufts home and studied typical school subjects and the Bible. When people in surrounding communities began asking about boarding so they too could attend

confirmed whether Tufts ever met McRae in person, Tufts selected her name for the school to honor her years of dedication to education and women’s programs. According to Jess Bellemer, the director of Library Services at Lees-McRae, McRae was a native of North Carolina, but she lived primarily on the eastern coast. She visited Western North Carolina a few times during the summer months to teach in the mountains. Tufts first heard about McRae when she was teaching in Cranberry, North Carolina, eight miles away from Banner Elk. “Edgar Tufts heard about her fire,” Bel-

lemer said. “She was not known for letting anything like age or her gender get in her way. She once shot a man who tried to rob her house. So [Tufts] heard about her, and he wanted to honor her commitment to education. He originally named the school the Elizabeth McRae institute out of respect for her.” Then in 1903, Susanna P. Lees’ name was added to the school to complete the name Lees-McRae Institute. According to Joslin, Lees was a native of Kentucky, but moved to New York City where her husband had a very successful career in the banking world. Yet, she stayed true to her Southern roots and believed in helping Tufts move his church and school forward. “She was simply a very open-handed woman who cared deeply for not just the South, but particularly for the South,” Joslin said. Lees took pleasure in donating money to whomever she could. She would send money to churches, families, soldiers, schools, and she even adopted the children of Confederates who died in the Civil War. In 1900, Lees’ gifts totaled $500 toward the school’s beginnings. It was something Tufts did not forget, and three years later her surname would be permanently added to the school’s name. “I think it says something about Edgar Tufts that he didn’t require somebody to be on the place or was using this as a wedge to get money or anything … ,” Joslin said. “That’s the same with Elizabeth McRae. He was more concerned in not just celebrating these women but presenting them to his students as models for them to follow.” Continued on next page March-April 2020 | 17

Though the two women never visited the Lees-McRae Institute, they laid the foundation for what Tufts wanted the women at his school to exemplify. “He particularly emphasized Susanna Lees, just her generosity with her gifts and with Elizabeth McRae, her generosity with her time and her talent,” Bellemer said. “He thought that together they were the whole package.”

Tufts’ Passion to Serve Seeing a need for medical care in the area as well, Tufts raised enough money to build a primitive operating room and laboratory for a local doctor to use. Dr. W. C. Tate would see patients in the area here and during home visits. But there was a need for a larger facility for the area, and through Tufts’ fundraising, construction on Grace Hospital in Banner Elk was completed in 1923. Tufts’ heart also broke for the orphaned children of the mountain region, and the idea for Grandfather Home for Children was born in 1914. In just the ﬁrst six years, about 70 children who would have had no home otherwise found a place of refuge at the Grandfather Home for Children. Through the founding of the hospital and orphanage, Tuft’s passion for the people of Appalachia, including women,

was evident. Tufts passed away in 1923, and his son Edgar Hall Tufts was elected to succeed his father in carrying out the work he began. Tufts also left behind his daughter Margaret Tufts Neal (1904-1999) who taught English at Lees-McRae during her lifetime. She exemplified what her father envisioned for the women of his school, an honest woman who believed in the power of education. Affectionately known as Ms. Margaret at the school up to the time of her death, she would speak her mind, and she loved reading, according to Frankie Needham, a longtime employee of the school from 1972-2019. As time moved forward and Lees-McRae withstood challenge after challenge, it progressed forward still providing women and now men with a high level of education. Beginning in 1931, Lees-McRae progressed to a junior college and then a four-year college in 1990. Needham, a Lees-McRae employee for almost five decades, witnessed this final transition and experienced the opportunity Lees-McRae provided for women like her who grew up in the local area and needed a place to work. Looking for a job

after high school, Lees-McRae provided a stable job that would last for 47 consecutive years. Needham’s story is true for many women throughout the years. From school teachers to staff members, LeesMcRae has enriched and is continuing to enrich the local area. “The Tufts were well thought of here because of all they did for the people here,” Needham said. “It wasn’t just education, it was employment for a lot of people.”

New Opportunity School for Women

Nine of the 11 May 1928 graduates of Lees-McRae. Information accompanying this photograph, reported: “Members of this class are filling position of real usefulness. Two are located at Grandfather Orphanage, three are in college, one is back at LMI taking post-graduate work in Home Economics, one has a commercial position, one is studying commercial work, two have entered nurses training and one is not definitely located.” 18 | March-April 2020

From the school’s origin, Lees-McRae was a place of respite for women of Appalachia to further their education when the odds were against them. Today, 120 years since the ﬁreside school, Lees-McRae is still providing women with hope for the future through the New Opportunity School for Women. The Lees-McRae branch of the New Opportunity School for Women is a three-week residential program for women of Appalachia from the ages of 30-55. The program is designed to help improve educational, ﬁnancial and personal skills for those lacking the opportunity earlier in their lives. Director Jennie Harpold has been involved with the New Opportunity aawmag.com

School for Women at Lees-McRae for 14 of the 16 years the program has been at the college. The program originated at Berea College in Kentucky, but branched off to Lees-McRae when the founder Jane Stephenson wanted to expand. According to Harpold, Stephenson, a Lees-McRae graduate, is passionate about her alma mater and knew Lees-McRae would be the perfect expansion site. Each summer, 14 women come to Banner Elk to enroll in the program. Each week focuses on a different topic: computer skills, professional development, and educational development. “We have found that it takes three weeks to develop new habits, and so we ask the women to use their time with us as a time to focus on themselves,” Harpold said. “And too often they have spent their lives taking care of children, of other family members, and they have not really had the opportunity to focus on themselves.” Harpold said defining success is difficult because each woman has a different need. Some women have gone on to community college programs or major universities. One has even completed her master’s degree. But other women have made the transition into their first stable jobs or found a new perspective on selfworth. To date, 142 women have graduated from the program at Lees-McRae. “For many it could be the first thing in their lives that they’ve ever successfully completed,” Harpold said. Decades since the names Lees and McRae were linked together to name an institute founded to provide opportunities to women who would not otherwise have them, the New Opportunity School for Women at Lees-McRae is continuing that legacy. “Women of Appalachia can be very resilient, and so they may not have been successful initially but our program provides the opportunity for them to have that next opportunity where they can achieve success,” Harpold said. “The women that come to us are always going to be able to look back at their program and [see] whether it’s helping out in their community as a volunteer, whether it’s an educational opportunity, whether it’s better employment or whether it’s just being able to pass onto their family, the impor-

tance [of] education and the beneﬁts that education can provide for a family.”

120 Years of Education More than a century ago, Rev. Edgar Tufts saw a need in his community and met that need with a small school to educate women to be self-sufficient, strong members of society. Tuft’s daughter Margaret Tufts Neal so eloquently wrote in her book that her father saw the challenges the mountains brought for women of Appalachia and he did what he could to make a difference. His legacy lives on in the lives of thousands of women who have attended Lees-McRae. “Greater than material potential, though, he saw that the mountains were boundaries imprisoning the people who had chosen to live within their fastness. His great concern was for people — for minds hemmed in by physical barriers, for bodies that suffered for lack or medical care, for souls dwarfed by close horizons.” Sarah Rodriguez Sarah is a newcomer to the Boone area. She loves traveling, reading, and all things Baltimore sports.

March-April 2020 | 19

Feature

Dr. Amber McNamara Compassion for All Creatures PHOTOS BY DAWN O’NEAL҃SHUMATE 20 | March-April 2020

A measure of excitement moved through the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at Lees-McRae College on the day the staff discovered that a bald eagle would be sent to receive their services. The necessary space was provided and the equipment made ready. Just before the majestic bird’s arrival, a baby mouse was carried to the facility, also in need of care. Dr. Amber McNamara fondly remembers that particular day at her clinic. Preparing for the regal presence of the eagle could have easily overshadowed the mouse, an animal many might disregard. However, Amber describes with pride that both animals received the same measure of meticulous care on that day. Both received a physical exam, pain medication and a comfortable and suitable habitat. Both were treated with respect as Amber’s staff practiced their philosophy for best care. Amber’s love for animals began in her childhood. She was born and raised in Mt. Vernon in southwestern Indiana. She describes, “My family (my mom and dad, two older brothers, several dogs and I) lived in the country, and I spent lots of time outside — playing with friends, exploring in the woods, playing basketball in the driveway. My family was always supportive of whatever I wanted to do, encouraging me to just ‘go for it.’” Amber’s passion for animals only deepened as she matured, and they quite naturally shaped Amber’s choices as she began her post-secondary education. She received her undergraduate degree from DePauw Univerisity in Greencastle, Indiana. A biological studies major with a minor in mathematics, Amber explains, “DePauw was a great ﬁt for me; I had access to a top-notch liberal arts education, small class sizes, and an opportunity to play volleyball for four years.” Following graduation, Amber worked as a veterinary assistant and later began veterinary school at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. In 2003, Amber graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and is currently working to complete a master’s degree with a One Health focus through the University of Florida. During her time in veterinary school, Amber completed a ﬁve-week rehabilitation internship at a wildlife clinic in Florida. After she graduated, she returned to this aawmag.com

A student holds up an Ambassador owl housed at the center that is missing an eye.

facility to complete a year-long internship in wildlife medicine. This time proved paramount in Amber’s life. As she describes, “While there I had an amazing mentor who taught me so much about wildlife, about being the voice for those who often don’t have one, and about myself.” Working as a more traditional veterinarian for several years and later as an acupuncturist, in 2013 Amber learned of the position available at the May Center for both teaching and working with wildlife. As she describes, “this was a perfect ﬁt as this position allowed me to work in a facility to treat animals that are sick or injured, with the goal of releasing them back to the wild while also providing the wonderful opportunity to teach Lees-McRae students both in the classroom and clinic — helping them to understand how they can be the best caregivers and advocates for both wildlife and their habitats.” Accepting this unique position has also allowed Amber the latitude to

work in a unique and deeply satisfying capacity. Amber explains, “The May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is not only affiliated with the college, but allows students a chance to gain hands-on experience that is a component of their degree. They participate in all aspects of wildlife medicine, including physical exams, medication administration, diet preparation, surgery assistance, speaking with and educating the public and more.” Nina Fischesser, the center’s director, said the college and center are lucky to have Amber. “Amber came in with solid experience in wildlife medicine, so it was a perfect ﬁt in the ways of providing needed veterinary care for the many species types of animals that we work with,” Nina says. “The bonus is that she is a fantastic teacher as well! Students rave about her classes and the way she teaches in the classroom and in the center. I have said from the Continued on next page

An owl is a patient at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. March-April 2020 | 21

beginning how happy I am that she is with us, and after seven years I still feel as strongly about that as I did at the start of her employment with Lees-McRae College.” Incredibly busy, the center served 1,528 patients in 2019 and provides care 365 days per year. This accessibility allows “students to have opportunities to follow cases from start to ﬁnish, and, hopefully in being able to take part in the animals’ return to the world.” Dr. McNamara’s students feel privileged to work with her. “She has taught me so much about the world of veterinary medicine and is truly my role model,” student Jaden Acklin says. “She radiates positivity and is so knowledgeable and caring. Her ability to show such compassion for wildlife is extremely admirable. I am honored to have been taught by such an extraordinary woman.” With her core values at the forefront, Amber wants her students to understand that they are “an integral part of the process and contribute greatly to the success of the program.” As she describes, “I teach the students that even though our patients are wild, that doesn’t mean we should cut corners in regard to professionalism, judicious medication use and respectful treatment of our patients, no matter their species.” Linda Hanawalt, a colleague of Amber’s, admires Amber’s work and ethics. “Her compassion for all creatures is amazing. Her approach to each of God’s creatures is so inspiring to witness, from calmly approaching very frightened wild

Dr. Amber McNamara points to an x-ray of injuries to a wild crow currently being rehabilitated at the center. The center can now x-ray wildlife patients in-house. 22 | March-April 2020

animals to caring for them to her expertise as a surgeon to sharing her knowledge with her students,” Linda says. “She has really found her niche at Lees-McRae College. I am privileged to work alongside her — I learn from her every day.” Known for her incredibly keen instincts in her work with her students and patients, Amber’s colleagues also appreciate her willingness to think and treat outside the box. Due to their hugely diverse population in both size and species, ingenuity becomes a mainstay in the operation of the clinic. “I feel that the more ‘tools’ we have to treat various injuries, the more likely we are to ﬁnd one (or more) that works for a particular patient’s needs. I have found success with acupuncture, LASER treatments, Western and Eastern herbs and physical therapy, especially when coupled with traditional treatments like pain medication and aawmag.com

antibiotics.” Amber shares that turtles, quite surprisingly, respond very well to acupuncture. Allison Andrews, a colleague from Lees-McRae, shares these insights: “As more doctors have embraced herbal and alternative treatments for human diseases, veterinary medicine has been more resistant. Dr. Amber McNamara has been on the forefront of alternative treatments for animals for nearly two decades. She is among the fewer than 10 percent of vets nationwide trained in acupuncture.” Amber’s vision for the Rehabilitation Center includes more exposure for the program that allows “community members to recognize that the clinic is here to help if they ﬁnd an injured wild animal.” Further, Amber would love to see the education component have its own location “where visitors can learn more about wildlife, see educational talks and view live camera feeds, while still giving rehabilitating animals the privacy they need to heal.” Amber’s hobbies and interests complement the tender care with which she handles both students and patients. Writers Barbara Kingsolver and Jodi Piccoult make their way to the top of Amber’s reading list. “I love being outside. I enjoy traveling to new places with my partner, Robyn. Often, the potential to see a wild creature living their best life in the wild — Scrub Jay, Atlantic puffin, Moose, Tundra Swan — guides our destination choices,” she says. The support of her family and exceptional teachers, coaches and mentors have ﬁlled her gratitude list beyond measure. “It is a true blessing to know that family and friend are there for you, no matter what.” Ever aware of her goal to “give her patients a wild life,” Amber’s world burgeons with lessons that teach students to become better caretakers and stewards for the planet, and beautiful days that “start with good coffee and good company and end with the memory of good times.”

Dr. Amber shows a box turtle, temporarily housed for rehabilitation at the center, whose broken shell is held together with removable metal clamps.

Hollie Eudy Hollie Eudy is an English teacher who loves stories, words and the Appalachian Mountains.

Dr. Amber McNamara examines an injured crow’s wing. March-April 2020 | 23

Health

BEAUTY

Boot Camp for your skin

With a birthday on the horizon, I have been reﬂecting and feeling extremely blessed and overwhelmingly grateful. As I write this article, the coronavirus pandemic has just been declared a national emergency. Times like this cause us to really prioritize and really focus on what’s important and what can wait. My prayer is that by the time this article is published our world will be in recovery mode and moving full steam ahead. 24 | March-April 2020

Time does what it always does — keeps moving us further down the road of life — it neither pauses nor waits for anyone or anything. Let’s give thanks and value the precious time we have been given and use it for uplifting, encouraging and loving as much as we can. Now that I’ve waxed philosophical — on with the article. Warm weather is here, and all things living are budding and blossoming. It is the time of year we shed our sweaters,

coats and outer wear to reveal ourselves to the world. Hopefully you have remembered the wonderful skin you live in and have been kind to it all winter long. If you’re like a lot of us though, the big reveal is not a pretty picture: dry, scaly neglected skin. Good news! Taking your skin to boot camp can get you up to beach wear speed. Start exfoliating now. Get into the habit early and often. Scrubbing your aawmag.com

Time does what it always does — keeps moving us further down the road of life — it neither pauses nor waits for anyone or anything. whole body may seem tedious in the shower, but it genuinely makes a big difference not only in the overall health of your skin, but also in its ability to absorb moisturizing products. Shaving your legs will be a whole lot more pleasant if you slough off those winter layers of dead skin first. Re-evaluate your skincare routine. Summer skin is a different thing than winter skin. If you’ve been using heavy oils and creams all winter to fight dry skin, kudos to you. But you’ll want to consider something lighter come summer, and possibly with an upped SPF in anticipation of more hours spent outside. Test out lighter makeup. Summer is hot; you don’t want to be walking around with a face full of the same makeup you wear when it’s cold. Not only will it likely run when you sweat, but it can also lead to clogged pores. Let your skin take advantage of the warmth and humidity that comes with summer and get comfortable with different products now so the switch will be seamless when temperatures rise. If you’re used to full-coverage foundation, consider a sheer version. Stock up on sunscreen. Be very aware of the expiration date on your sunscreen. Consider buying one formulated for facial skin and one for your body. Wear religiously every day and remember you MUST reapply. Buy a standalone sunscreen and do not depend on your foundation and other products. SPF should be a minimum of 30. Stop ignoring your feet. When sandal weather finally graces us with its presence, don’t let the feet and toenails

you ignored all winter long stop you from showing your feet. Yes, they’ve been bundled in thick socks and snow boots for months now, but be proactive with your foot care. Use a scrub weekly to soften up those rough spots. Slather on a heavy-duty moisturizing cream at night to smooth cracked heels. (Pro tip: Put socks on right after to make sure the moisturizer stays put and really soaks in.) Hands. Give your nails and cuticles some love with an oil designed especially for them. During the coronavirus crisis, you have no doubt washed and sanitized your hands zillions of times and now your hands are a wreck. Treat them especially at night with a rich moisturizer that will soak in (also you can don gloves for better penetration.) Detox. While you wait for the bounty of in-season summer produce that awaits, consider detoxing a bit now with whatever fresh produce you can get your hands on. Whether it’s adding a scoop of greens to your morning smoothie, upping the healthy bacteria in your gut to ﬁght winter bloat or experimenting with some healthy dishes, baby steps now will mean you have the energy to get out and actually be a person when the weather calls for it.

Marion Edwards Marion Edwards is a Licensed Esthetician, Professional Makeup Artist and Certiﬁed Trainer for Motives Cosmetics. She can be contacted at 828.773.1500. March-April 2020 | 25

Health

LIVING WELL

How to Build a

Healthy Habit Life consists of habits. Like it or not, our habits determine our destiny. It is a well-established fact that your diet and lifestyle can be a matter of life and death. The habit of sitting on the couch, inhaling tobacco and gnawing down sleeves of Oreo cookies will catch up with you. Likewise, eating your leafy greens, drinking water like you mean it, a daily hike and a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep can lead to a longer, healthier life. A habit is a deeply ingrained way of doing things. It is a rut, if you will. The best way to get out of a bad rut is to dig a good one. This might take a little

26 | March-April 2020

longer than the oft-quoted 21 days. In a hallmark study conducted by behavioral psychologist Dr. Phillipa Lally, it was discovered that, on average, it takes anywhere from eight weeks to eight months to build a new behavior. Though it takes desire, commitment and time to create a new habit, there are some proven techniques to get you on track quickly. 1. In the beginning, keep it easy. Simple wins will encourage you to take on more challenges. Instead of committing to 50 squats a day, start with 5. Instead of trying to eat 3 servings of

aawmag.com

leafy greens a day, start with just 1. Small wins will motivate you to ratchet up your commitment. 2. Tie it to something you already do. Identify an existing daily habit such as making coffee, brushing your teeth, getting out of bed. Add a new healthy habit to that daily habit. For example, place your water bottle next to the coffee maker. Fill it up and take 12 sips before you have your ﬁrst cup of coffee. While you brush your teeth, do 5 squats. When your feet hit the ﬂoor in the morning, take 10 deep cleansing breaths. 3. Break it down. If you goal is to take a brisk walk 30 minutes a day, break it up into three 10-minute brisk walks. If it is to drink at least 64 ounces of water a day, set a reminder on your computer and drink 8 ounces every hour on the hour while you are at work. 4. Don’t try to control with will power what you can control with environment. Will power is like a muscle. It grows weary with overuse. Instead, identify the things that trip you up and get them out of your life. If glutting on chips and salsa is a serious temptation, get the chips and salsa out of your kitchen. If you are triggered to crave ice cream every time you pass the ice cream shop on your way home from work, take a different route home. 5. Not into it today? Do something anyway. If your goal is to do 25 pushups, but you are just not in the mood, do 5. Head in the right direction. This will activate you to do more. 6. If life gets in the way, don’t dismay. Get back on track as soon as you can. Your ultimate success is dependent on how well you recover from setbacks. 7. Reward a streak. If you set a goal to drink 64 ounces of water every day for an entire week, reward a successful streak with something fun – a pedicure, a movie. If it is to get to the gym 3 times a week for a month and you do, purchase those jeans you have been wanting. Having something to look forward to will reinforce your commitment to get it done. The ultimate reward is this, of course: the energy and health you need to live the life you want. You will get there, sure enough, one healthy habit at a time.

love THINGS WE

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Upcoming: March 4th & 18th, April 1st, 15th & 29th, May 13th & 27th

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RECREATIONAL/ OUTDOOR-ORIENTED Camp Buckeye Weekdays June 15 to July 31, ages 5-12

YOUR GUIDE TO

Summer Camps FOR KIDS

COMPILED BY ABBY WHITT

Registration has already begun for many of this summer’s camps for kids in the High Country, and they ﬁll up fast. Here you’ll ﬁnd a listing of area recreational, educational and arts camps for toddlers to teens. Many camps in all three categories include both outdoor and indoor activities.

Beech Mountain’s Camp Buckeye is a day camp for kids age 5 to 12. Make lifelong friendships and memories while gaining knowledge of the outdoor world on Beech Mountain. Play different sports, explore trails and creeks, visit new places, get wet and wild on the slip-n slide and learn there is nothing like having summer fun on Beech Mountain. More info: www. BeechRecreation.RecDesk.com or call (828) 387-3003.

iCamp* Aug. 3-7, all ages iCamp is a week-long summer camp for children with special needs located at Camp Sky Ranch in Blowing Rock. Activities revolve around a daily theme, are adaptive to the needs of the attending children and aim to share the love of Christ regardless of age or ability. More info: www.icamplife.com, email Jack Sharp as jack@icamplife.com or call (855) 475-9947.

Summer Adventure Camp Weekly sessions June 15 to July 31, ages 5-13 The Watauga County Parks and Recreation Summer Adventure Camp is a seven-week day camp program for children ages 5-13 (children must have completed kindergarten). The camp is centrally located at Watauga High School. Camp is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from June 15 until July 31. This structured camp provides themed weeks with activities, ﬁeld trips, arts and games related to the week’s theme. Registration is required and continues until all spaces have been ﬁlled. More info: call (828) 264-9511.

Camp UREC *Provides accommodations for children with special needs 30 | March-April 2020

Camp UREC will not be hosted in summer 2020 due to restructuring of the program. aawmag.com

rience at Rock Dimensions Campers get the real climbing expe nture Camp. Adve oor Outd and bing Clim

Walker Family Band Camp June 28 to July 4, all ages The Walker Family Band camp will be held on June 28 to July 4 at the Blowing Rock Conference Center. The camp welcomes families and musicians of all ages interested in traditional Celtic, old-time, jazz improvisation and more, with classes for ﬁddle, cello, bass, guitar, mandolin, banjo, penny whistle, ukulele, dance, pottery and children’s activities are available throughout the week of camp. The Walker Family Band Summer Music Camp fosters holistic approaches towards personal growth, group dynamics, music making and loving relationships. More info: www.thewalkerfamilyband.com.

Laurel Ridge Camp Assorted sessions from June 12 until Aug. 11, grouped by grade level Laurel Ridge summer camps revolve around growing participants’ faith, conquering fears, making new friends and enjoying nature. Camp games, activities, great fun, food and fellowship all await. Pre-junior, Junior, Middle High and Back to School for College Age are camp options for attendees. Sessions vary based on campers’ grade level. More info: www. laurelridge.org/summer-camps.html.

Camp Crinkleroot* April 24-26, ages 8-14 Now in its 10th year, Camp Crinkleroot strives to provide a short break for parents/caregivers and to encourage friendship building for campers with autism in a supportive, fun and interac-

Make lifelong friendship s and memories while gai ning knowledge of the outdoor world at Camp Buckeye on Beech Mountain.

tive environment. Siblings are invited to attend spring camp, and there will be special activities designed to support their needs as well. The camp takes place at Camp Sky Ranch in Blowing Rock. More info: www.ihhs.appstate.edu/crinkleroot.

Camp GOTR June 22-26, July 13-17 and July 27-31, 3rd5th grade girls Camp Girls on the Run is a summer camp for grade-school school girls. Activities will include interactive lessons, physical activity and creative expression through arts, crafts and storytelling. Camp GOTR provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for girls to develop self-conﬁdence and learn life skills they can use as they grow. More info: gotr.appstate.edu/ summer or email Mary Sheryl Horine horinems@appstate.edu.

Fit Academy Weekdays June 15 to Aug. 7, ages 7-12 At Fit Academy, campers will experience daily group exercise, games, nutrition education, cooking lessons and extraordinary fun. Fit Academy promotes healthier lifestyles for all children. The camp is open to Wellness Center members and non-members and will operate in one-week sessions from June 15 until Aug. 7. Parents can choose to register their child for the entire eight weeks of camp, or pick and choose weeks for the summer. More info: Drop by the Wellnesss Center, contact the Wellness Center online at www.wellness.apprhs.org/contact or call Heather Casey at (828) 266-1066.

Summer Horse Camp Weekdays June 15 to July 17, ages 6-18 Yonahlossee Stables will host its Summer Horse Camp during weekdays through June 15 until July 17. Camp hours are from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The weekly programming will include ground lessons, private lessons, group lessons, proper horse care and daily crafts. Each session ends with a show, food and family fun. More info: www.form.jotform. com/200577321163044 or call (828) 9634223.

Roots and Shoots Day Camp June 8-12 and July 13-17, age 5 and older The Roots and Shoots Day Camp in Creston educates campers on useful plants that grow in the High Country. Learn to safely identify plants and use plants for ﬁrst aid, wild foods and art. There will be games, yoga, hiking, gardening, foraging, swimming, stories and of course, the creation of useful plant products for campers to take home. Camp hours are from 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. with a special ﬁeld trip from 2-4 p.m. on Friday. More info: call (828) 406-0598 or email herbalgratitude@gmail.com. Continued on next page

March-April 2020 | 31

look on as counselor Toni Campers at Girls on the Run Summer Camp 2019. in thies smoo ered e-pow bicycl s create Dunn

Holston Presbytery Camp June 14 to July 31 for resident camps, 2ndthrough 11th-graders June 15 until Aug. 14 for day camps, grades 1-6 Holston Presbytery Camp is located on Wildcat Lake, just one mile up Hickory Nut Gap Road from Highway 184 near Banner Elk. Holston offers a variety of day and residential camps. The camp provides opportunities for canoeing, rock climbing, backpacking, camping, campﬁres, outdoor cooking, Bible studies, evening worship, arts and crafts, kayaking, zip line, ﬁshing, orienteering and more. More info: www.holstoncamp.org or call (844) 465-7866.

Mountain Adventures Day Camp* Weekdays June 8 to Aug. 14, preschoolers through rising 6th-graders, grouped by age Mountain Adventure Summer Day Camp will be geared towards outdoor enrichment, health and wellness, promoting social interactions between peers, academic enrichment and providing development assistance to each student; depending on their speciﬁc needs. Camp counselors will plan daily activities for their speciﬁc groups which will include

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field trips, swimming, guest speakers and other enrichment activities. Camp hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Students are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enrollment packets can be picked up at any Watauga County elementary school or at the WAMY Community Action Inc. office, at 225 Birch Street Suite 2 in Boone. More info: emily@wamycommunityaction.org or call (828) 264-2421.

Day Camp believes that day camp programming should emphasize learning to appreciate the outdoors and our environment, and that campers should be out in and a part of the environment as much as possible. Children swim, hike, play sports, fish and go on field trips. Many camps were filling up as of mid-March. More info: www.blowingrockparks.recdesk. com/Community/Program or call (828) 295-5222.

Camp Lutherock

Camp Ginger Cascades

Weekly camps June 7 to Aug. 1, rising grades 3-12

June 14 to Aug. 8, ages 5-17

Lutherock is located on the south slope of Sugar Mountain near Boone, North Carolina on 750 acres. Multiple camp options are available. Outdoor activities, Bible study and worship are a part of each day’s schedule. More info: www.lutherock.novusway.org or call (828) 733-5868.

Located in the beautiful foothills of Western North Carolina, just outside Lenoir, Camp Ginger Cascades is one of three outdoor program properties operated by Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont. During the summer months, Ginger Cascades offers overnight resident and day camp programs for girls. Girls do not have to be a Girl Scout to

Blowing Rock Parks and Rec Summer Day Camp June 15 to Aug. 7, rising kindergarteners through 6th-graders The Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation Summer

Campers at the annual Girls on the Run Summer Camp work with an Appalachian State University football player to learn about agility and the basics of football. 32 | March-April 2020

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attend programs. More info: www.camplikeagirl.org.

Teen Extreme Adventure Weekdays June 29 to July 31, rising 7ththrough 9th-graders Watauga County Parks & Rec is hosting weekly camp sessions at the Optimist Clubhouse in Boone to highlight life in the mountains. Hiking, ﬁeld trips, swimming and adventures will be arranged for campers to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains. Camp sessions are weekly from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. More info: keron.poteat@ watgov.org or call (828) 264-9511.

Rock Dimensions Climbing Adventure Camp Weekdays June 15 to July 31, ages 8-16 Rock Dimensions’ climbing adventure camp provides ﬁve days of land-based outdoor activities that includes Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Caving, Ropes/ Challenge Course and Climbing Tower. The climbing days are suitable for beginning climbers and those who have some basic experience in a gym or outdoors. Each day will be facilitated in a manner that challenges participants on a personal level. The climate is positive, respectful and encouraging. The opportunity for fun and personal growth is the focus of this program. They will come away with new skills, knowledge and a memorable experience. More info: info@rockdimensions. com or (828) 265-3544.

Deer Valley Athletic Club Nine week of camps Deer Valley Athletic Club is excited to provide an active summer camp experience for our Deer Valley Athletic Club Members and guests. Enjoy quality programming with a friendly staff to create a summer experience that kids will never forget. Full week-

day sessions and half-day sessions are available camp options. More info: www. deervalleyracquetclub. com, grace@ dvac.club or call (828) 2623337. Campers at Girls

on the Run get warmed up for cam p by practicing Acro Yoga. Western Youth Network Summer Day Camp* Mondays through Thursdays June 15 to Mountain Pathways Camp

July 30, rising 6th- through 8th-graders WYN’s six-week summer camp for middle school youth gives teens of all socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity to have a fun and enriching summer experience. Through WYN’s camp, teens have a safe and healthy place to spend their out-of-school hours while making summer memories that every young person deserves. The educational and adventure-based program takes campers outside of their comfort zones and introduces them to new concepts and activities. Some accommodations for children with disabilities are available. More info: canipeh@westernyouthnetwork.org or visit www.westernyouthnetwork.org/ our-work/summer-camp.

June 1-26 and July 6-31, 18 months to 12 years Mountain Pathways will offer 8 weeks of summer enrichment and fun for children to explore a variety of subjects such as puppets, dance and inventing. Camp hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info: www.mountain-pathways.org/summer-camps or call (828) 262-5787.

Baking Magic June 15-19, July 13-17 and July 27-31, age 9 and older

EDUCATIONAL

Learn the science behind the magic of baking and pastries. Students will prepare and enjoy such items as cupcakes, puff-pastry desserts, tarts and ﬁnish the week off with their own “specialty” cake. The camp session is a week-long and lasts from 9 a.m. until noon. More info: call (828) 297-3811 or email eterry@cccti. edu.

Appalachian State Academic Camps

June 8-12 and June 22-26, age 9 and older

Dates and ages vary Appalachian offers multiple academic camps in subjects suc as anatomy such an physiology, and co coding, robotics an and engineering. M More info: www. co conferences-camps. ap appstate.edu/ yyouth-camps.

Pizza! Pizza! Learn to make a different pizza every day including calzones, gourmet and dessert pizzas. Topping the week off will be a dough-tossing contest. The camp session is a week-long and lasts from 9 a.m. until noon. More info: call (828) 297-3811 or email eterry@cccti.edu.

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Caldwell Community College’s Kids in the Kitchen Camp offers hands-on classes led by teachers and students in the college’s culinary program. The camp will be offered this summer at both the Caldwell and Watauga county campuses. March-April 2020 | 33

w week-long mini-camp to introduce y young males the fundamentals o dancing. More info: www. of n northwestern-studios.com/summ mer-dance.

Next Generation Kids: CineMagic! July 27-31, kindergarten through high school, grouped by age

Summer camps provide campers with a fun

way to make new friends and memories.

Cooking 101 for Teens July 6-10, July 20-24, ages 13-18 This class is perfect for the teen who loves to cook or wants to learn more. Students will learn how to create different types of bread, discuss and practice basic cooking techniques and make sauces and handmade pasta. The camp session is a week-long and lasts from 9 a.m. until noon. More info: call (828) 297-3811 or email eterry@cccti.edu.

Radio Camp July 20-24, ages 10-14 88.5 WFDD, the public radio station licensed to Wake Forest University and serving 32 counties in the Piedmont and High Country of North Carolina, is launching a summer program for middle school students in Boone in partnership with the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University. At Radio Camp, kids aged 10-14 trade a soccer ball for a digital recorder and a sweaty t-shirt for their voice on the radio. As 88.5 WFDD’s Education Program Manager Gabriel Maisonnave describes it, Radio Camp provides middle-school students from all over North Carolina the chance to experience what it is like to be a radio producer for a week. More info: gabriel_maisonnave@wfu.edu or call (336) 758-2462. 34 | March-April 2020

ARTS Xtreme Dance Camp Aug. 3-7, ages 5-15 Extreme Dance Camp is a one-week camp during the summer for girls and boys. The camp focuses on clogging, hiphop and cheerleading. The camp meets at Watauga High School from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The campers perform a special end-of-camp program. More info: Call (828) 264-9511.

Northwestern Studios Dance Camp

Join Next Generation Kids’ CineMagic camp this summer to learn songs from recent Hollywood musicals such as LaLa Land, Rocket Man and Bohemian Rhapsody. Feel like a Hollywood star recreating the most memorable moments in these movies, along with many others. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Studio K in Boone with a performance in the Blowing Rock School auditorium. More info: www.nextgenkids.com/index.php or call (407) 312-3710.

Creative and Performing Arts Camp June 27 to July 3 high school, June 29 to July 3 pre-K through 8th grade The annual Creative and Performing Arts Camp at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk is a day camp that takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, with music, dance, theater and other art forms. This year’s camp includes a ﬁeld trip to the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Va., and a performance showcase at the end of the week that all family and friends are invited to come enjoy. More info: www.lmc. edu/CAPA or call (828) 898-3372.

July 6 to Aug. 9, ages 2 to 12 Summer Dance sessions from Northwestern Studios vary depending on age range. There are camps for children age 2-6 and Junior Dance Intensives for 6- to 12-year olds that incorporate ballet, tap, contemporary and hip hop dance. There is also a aawmag.com

Style & Leisure

TRAVEL

Ave Maria, Heavenly Harmony and Garlic Naan

Living in the Moment It’s Christmastime in Malaga, on Spain’s Costa del Sol. We are wandering with our travel group through the city center’s vast stone-paved promenade. Enrique, our leader, urges us on with tales of this, his hometown, also Picasso’s birthplace. He keeps inviting us to see just one more historic building. As I make my way, suddenly a clear, strong alto voice soars through the cold air, the strains of Schubert’s “Ave Maria,” accompanied by a guitar. The group drifts past the possessor of that voice, a blind woman wrapped in red wool scarves. I stop in my tracks to listen. Surely this is exactly why we have come to Malaga. “C’mon, Sue, we’ll get left behind!” someone calls. Reluctantly I drag myself along with the group, and the song grows faint. It’s a miserable cold, dank March Sunday. Another small group I’m with is slogging in the rain through the melting, slushy snow of city-center Bucharest, trying hard not to slip and fall. We’re headed to the lunch place that Radi, our leader, has promised us, a cozy, bustling beer garden where we will consume generous portions of Romanian sausage, sauerkraut and potato cakes. If only we’d get there soon! We’re traipsing past a tiny Orthodox chapel, when suddenly I hear celestial four-part harmony, a perfect blending of inspired voices. I stop, turn, and listen, rapt. 36 | March-April 2020

My trip-mates urge me on. “C’mon! We’ll be late to lunch!” Reluctantly I follow, leaving the music to trail off into silence. What a mistake I make! Lots of people have heard the story of how famed violinist Joshua Bell donned a ball cap, tucked his $35 million Stradivarius under his arm, and headed for the Washington D.C. Metro to play a few tunes. Soon the strains of Massenet’s “Meditation from Thais,” and next a Bach violin concerto, echoed through the subway. One man stopped for a second, then moved on. A woman threw a dollar bill into Bell’s violin case and kept moving. A tiny boy with his mother stopped, his face alight. The mother dragged him on to catch their train. The same thing happened with several other children, their mothers forcing them to keep moving. During Bell’s 45-minute concert, only seven people stopped to listen for any length of time. In a nearby concert hall tickets for his performance were going for up to $100. If people passing by don’t have even a minute to stop and hear one of the world’s best violinists play music of the world’s best composers, how many other things are they missing? The complicated, ethereal song of a wren? Waves crashing on an ocean shore?The soft snoring of a baby? Finally, after much anticipation, I arrive at Zupadi, a newly-opened Indian restaurant that offers a lunchtime buffet

people are raving about. No sooner do I open the door than an Indian man who barely speaks English asks, “Masala dosa?” and almost on top of that, “What kind of naan?” I respond without thinking, “Garlic naan.” The very moment I arrive at my table, magically he appears with the dosa and the naan, crisp and piping hot, surely a moment out of time. Our travel group is in Konya, Turkey. We’ve just tasted pite, Turkish pizza, hot off a wood-ﬁred grill. Now we’ve come to the tomb of Rumi, the 13th century mystical Afghan-born poet. A woman whose husband has died is offering everyone peppermint candy pillows, as is the custom. We approach the sea-green tomb. There is silence. Men and women are standing or kneeling around the tomb. We stand still, too. This is a moment in honor of Rumi. No one urges us on. We stay. A moment out of time, in the Greek language a kairos moment. I am in the right place at exactly the right time. Indeed, a perfect, mystical moment. No one is urging me on to the buffet table, to Picasso’s birthplace, to a beer garden, to catch a train. I am right where I’m supposed to be. sue spirit Writes poetry and essays about nature, spirituality, writing, and travel. She has a little cabin in the mountains. degreesoffreedom@frontier.com aawmag.com

ALL ABOUT TOWN

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Above: Teacher assistant Jessica Combs and first-grade teacher Anne Donadio sport shirts for the 100th day of school at Cove Creek. Photo by Kayla Lasure Le[: Cove Creek first-grader Addie Warren completes a prompt and takes a photo of what it would be like to be 100 years old.

Alva Ecker holds dog, Minnie, during the WinterPaws Dog Show on Jan. 26. Far right: Elisabeth Lanier conducts a trick with dog, Winry, during WinterPaws at WinterFest in Blowing Rock. Photos by Kayla Lasure

March-April 2020 | 37

ALL ABOUT TOWN

Sarah Johnson and Alice Powell dance at the Senior Center Valenঞne's Day celebraঞon, with Rebecca Earp in the background.

Senior Center Valenঞne’s Day King and Queen Norris Parker and Evelyn Hicks are pictured on Feb. 14.

Pat Denney and Linda Marcoux dance at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center and Watauga County Project on Aging’s annual Valenঞne’s Day King and Queen event Feb. 14. The party featured food, punch, dancing, games, door prizes and the main event — the crowning of the King and Queen of the senior center. Photos submi ed

38 | March-April 2020

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