All About Women - April 2009

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Volunteers Help Keep The Balance

Featuring Karen Petrey Page 30

~ SPECIAL ~

APRIL 2009

NASCAR Widow - Terri Parsons Pursues Husband’s Dream on Rendezvous Ridge See page 16

Re-Think Your Drink We all love a refreshing drink with a meal, as a snack, or after physical activity. Sodas, sweet tea and other sugary drinks taste great, but have a lot of calories and no nutrients. Next time you’re thirsty, re-think your drink. Try water with lemon or other flavored, unsweetened drinks instead.

For more tips on how to move more every day where you live, learn, earn, play, and pray, visit

This message is brought to you by The Childhood Obesity Prevention Demonstration Project, and Appalachian District Health Department.

2 APRIL 2009

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Ken Murray of Precision Cabinets Is All About Women Photo by Mark Mitchell

APRIL 2009 3

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Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.

–Sherry Anderson

contents PROFILES / FEATURES 6 Scantlin Goes To Africa 9 Joni Horine: One Of The Village 10 Volunteering Alive And Well At Local Hospitals 13 Operation InAsMuch 22 Supporting The National Guard 23 Appalachian And Community Together 26 Community Activist Turns To Gardening 27 Take Back The Night 28 Putting Out Fires In Blowing Rock 29 Celebrities Serving Up Food And Fun 35 A Labor Of Love 36 High Country March For Babies 38 Great Friend To Families Award Winner 40 Dedicated To Delivery 41 Ashe County Volunteers 44 8th Annual ASU Diversity Features Local Artisans 49 Sexual Assault Awareness Month 53 Women’s Empowerment Conference

Volunteer Month In every issue 8 Women In Education 12 Parenting Page 14 Food & Entertainment 16 It’s A Woman’s Job 20 All About Crafts 24 Minding Her Own Business 30 Cover Feature: Karen Petrey, Busy Volunteer: Balance Is The Key 32 High Country Courtesies 34 Heartfelt 42 Pet Page 43 By The Book 48 Mom’s World 50 Your Home 51 Get Movin’ 52 Cent$ & Sensibility 54 Young At Heart 55 You Go, Girl!

56 Healthy Lady 57 March Calendar

Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer. –Author Unknown

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APRIL 2009

APRIL 2009 PUBLISHER Nancy Morrison nancy.morrison@averyjournal.com 828-733-2448 editor Sherrie Norris sherrie@aawmag.com 828-264-3612 ext. 251 SALES/MARKETING MANAGER Sara Sellers sales@aawmag.com 828-264-3612 ext. 248 Graphic Artist Dan Johnston dan@aawmag.com Contributing writers Tiffany Allison Genevieve Austin Sharon Carlton Bonnie Church Yozette “Yogi” Collins Melanie Davis Rebecca Gummere Heather W. Jordan Corrinne Loucks Vicki Randolph Susan Tumbleston Teri Wiggans Heather Young PHOTOGRAPHER Mark Mitchell Copy editing Danica Goodman Cover photo by Mark Mitchell

Any reproduction of news articles, photographs, or advertising artwork is strictly prohibited without permission from management. ©Copyright 2009 A Mountain Times Publication

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Nancy’s note...

Sherrie is giving an overview of volunteerism in the High Country in her column, so let me share a personal view.

During the 25 years I lived in Charlotte, I was busy—so much so that I had little time to volunteer or to get involved in community projects. I was director of therapeutic services and of the long-term unit at the Charlotte Detoxification Center and, later, I owned and operated Goodman Entertainment & Events.

I was rearing my daughter, Danica, and most of the volunteering I did was linked to serving as PTA president at Park Road Elementary School and then helping with various projects at Charlotte Montessori School.

During those years, my heart Photo by Mark Mitchell, was still in the High Country and illustration by Danica I kept awaiting an opportunity to Goodman. return to the land of my childhood.

My chance came in 1994 when my father, handicapped from a severe stroke, expressed his desire to return home to Crossnore. It didn’t take me long to decide the move made sense and would be good for my daughter who was going into the seventh grade.

I envisioned a more relaxed and less demanding way of life, a far cry from my bustling, frenetic pace in the Queen City. I’ll finally have quality time to spend with people and projects I care about, I thought. I’ll get involved.

Of course, I forgot about Rachel. Rachel Deal, who was one of the “Gifts From The Heart” ladies featured in the February issue of All About Women of the High Country, is my neighbor, a member of my extended family (we share Sloop cousins), and a good friend. Rachel, at 78, is also one of the foremost volunteers in Avery County and serves (or has served) on every board in the world! Before I had time to get settled, she had me committed to this project, that board, helping this group – you see where this is going!

In short order, my inability to say no was noticed by everybody who had anything to do with a board in the High Country! Before I knew it, my “volunteer life” was an entity living and growing on its own!

Since that time, I have served on many, many boards from the local arts council, the chamber of commerce board, and the library board to the MAY Coalition, the Drug Abuse Resolution Team, and the YMCA. I have spent weeks on Grandfather Mountain helping with the Highland Games and fun-filled weekends in Banner Elk at the Woolly Worm Festival.

I have “On-The-Squared” and “RiverWalked.” I have manned booths at heritage fests, art festivals, business expos, and more. I have donated my paintings, my pottery, and my time to many organizations that help make life better in the High Country. I have thrown my efforts and those of our newspapers behind securing K-9s for the Sheriff’s Office and the first-ever Newland High School reunion 40 years after the school closed.

I’m having a ball!

Yeah, I’m over-extended and doing way too much, but I’m contributing to the place and people I love most. And I’m getting back far more than I’m giving—with the wonderful like-minded friends I’ve made and the priceless satisfaction of knowing that, in my own way, I’ve made a difference in the High Country.

Volunteering is special. Just do it!

Nancy Morrison, Publisher

AAW staff members: Back: Dan Johnston; Front Row: Sara Sellers, Nancy Morrison, Sherrie Norris

WELCOME www.aawmag.com

Sherrie’s note...

While April showers have long been credited for bringing May flowers, this fourth month of the calendar year represents so much more to so many people.

April brings attention to often overlooked people and situations. It’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, Earth Day, National Oral Health Month and Sexual Assault Prevention Month, among others.

These special designations are all deserving of attention and right up there with our main focus of National Volunteer Appreciation Month and those selfless individuals who go the extra mile.

Nowhere is volunteerism more alive than in the High Country where hundreds of men, women, boys and girls constantly give of their time and talent to make life better for others.

We are so blessed in this area to have volunteers from every walk of life serving in nearly every capacity imaginable, in hospitals and schools, nursing homes, dozens of non-profit organizations and beyond. In fact, many services would not be possible without the countless hours of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly for causes near and dear to their hearts.

It would take this entire publication to list the many ways that volunteerism makes a difference in these mountains - and to try listing every volunteer would be next to impossible.

Consider for a moment the valiant efforts of volunteer firefighters and emergency responders risking their lives for others. What about life-giving blood donors? Think about the Hospice volunteer who sits at the bedside of the terminally ill, the lady in the pink jacket at the hospital who offers comfort and a cup of juice to the family just hearing that their loved one probably won’t survive the day, or the women (and men) who knit and crochet colorful blankets for children in crisis.

What about the fundraisers who hit the pavement for Relay for Life, March of Dimes and similar events in hopes of finding “the cure?” Don’t for a moment discount the sacrifices of busy moms carpooling the neighborhood kids to school each morning and returning in the afternoon to tutor a slow-learning student who needs extra encouragement, the dads who coach their son’s little league team with little thanks from other parents, the retired couple and the working woman who deliver meals to shut-ins and homeless shelters, the dedicated Sunday school teacher who for years has lovingly embraced the little ones as they enter her classroom.

What about those who visit the nursing homes each week singing, laughing, bringing cheer to the facility residents? The Girl Scout leaders, the neighbors who bake cookies for the widower down the street, the woodcutters with a ready supply for the needy, those clearing litter from the roadsides, and what about those who leave the comfort of their homes for foreign soil to help bring relief—even temporarily—from poverty, hunger and disease? The list goes on and on and the message is clear: volunteerism is alive and well in the High Country and has a value higher than could possibly be calculated.

Giving of one’s self in terms of time and talent is a most rewarding “job,” and one that comes with great benefits. If you haven’t already done so, I challenge you to try it. It will change your life. It did mine.

Celebrating the selfless, Sherrie Norris, Editor

We want to hear from you. E-mail us at comments@AAWmag.com.

APRIL 2009 5

Volunteering In Africa Offers The Gift Of Understanding are an estimated 1 million orphans, one half of those because of HIV/AIDS related factors. Two-thirds of Malawians earn less than $1 US dollar a day. Only 2 percent of the population has electricity. We finished orientation ready to teach the creative and interactive World Camp curriculum to this population that seemed, in our arrogance, to have much to learn.

I soon found, as with most volunteer opportunities, I was about to learn way more from Malawi than I could even think about teaching! Once I shifted away from the idea that I was there only to educate the people of Malawi, I created space within myself to discover so many lessons from this culture.

The people we met live a very hard life, with little to show for it (at least by our measures), but I was struck daily by the different kinds of richness and wealth they possess that we westerners often lack – or have forsaken in our quest for possessions and status. What they lacked in material goods and creature comforts they more than Humphries (center) shared the “gift of understanding” with his new American make up for in joyful spirit and in the support they have friends Brett and Catherine Scantlin. Photo submitted. and give each other through a strong network of family Catherine E. Scantlin, Coordinator of High Country Women’s Fund, and community. and her husband recently spent more than a month volunteering One of the Malawian translators we worked with, Humphries in Africa. Following is the story – in condensed version – of her Mkandawire, was often my source for these lessons. We had amazing journey and a special gift she received along the way. many long and interesting conversations during our trip about My husband, Brett and I spent the first five weeks of 2009 topics such as religion, music, books, culture, family, etc. He was in Malawi, Africa, working for World Camp Inc., a non-profit, very patient while explaining all sorts of things about Malawian educational organization created in 2000 by ten college students, culture, and took every opportunity to ask and learn about our five of them classmates of mine from Watauga High School (Baker thoughts and ideas on Western culture.

Henson, Jesse Pipes, Courtney Queen, Tara Flannigan and Laurel One day on the bus I started a discussion with Humphries Crosswell). World Camp brings college and high school students about the concept “ignorance is bliss.” It was early in the trip and and interested professionals from the US to teach about HIV/ I was really beginning to wonder if this notion was as shortsighted AIDS, nutrition, environmental awareness, gender equality, and as I had often dismissed it in the past. I kept wondering if the good human rights. In just nine years World Camp volunteers have we were trying to do was worth the angst we might cause the taught over 35,000 children in 200 rural schools, street shelters, villagers when they started the inevitable comparisons between and orphanages in Malawi, India, and Honduras. themselves and what they saw in us. They saw us drive up in three Brett and I always had wanted to travel to Africa, but felt trucks, and climb out in clean clothes without holes, sturdy shoes, strongly that we wanted to do so only if we could volunteer and sunglasses, visors, cameras, hand sanitizer, and snacks. Even give back to the people there in some way. We approached World though World Camp offers a different model of western offerings, Camp once we committed to raising money to do this. We offered i.e., education instead of enabling, teaching people how to fish Brett’s skills as an engineer/contractor and mine as counselor. instead of giving them fish – the villagers still saw us as the givers We loved the idea of helping an organization that in some ways of food, money, and things. Our white skin and foreign ways has its roots right here in Watauga County. They took us on as represent to them wealth, abundance, and easeful living. program coordinators/house parents for the January session in I wondered if these villagers were better off not seeing what Malawi. we have so they could stay sheltered, thankful, and joyful about During orientation we learned statistics about Malawi that what they did have. I was also chewing on the idea of hosting shocked and poised us for the next four weeks working in rural students from Malawi in our home in the US and wondered what schools. There are 100,000 new HIV infections in Malawi every it would be like for them to come from these primitive villages, year, and someone dies of AIDS every five minutes. In a country live in the relative comfort and luxury most of us enjoy, and then the size of Pennsylvania with a population of 13 million, there 6 APRIL 2009

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• 30 Years Experience Catherine Scantlin discovered so much about the Malawi people and their culture while volunteering in Africa. Photo submitted. go back to their lives in Malawi.

Would these villagers and students be any better off from these types of education and experience, or would they suffer more from seeing or living another way of life? Would they ever again be able to live in the peace and contentment I witnessed and often envied in their lives?

These were the questions I posed to Humphries as I debated this “ignorance/bliss” notion. Humphries turned the questions around on me. He asked if I thought I would be changed from what I was seeing in the villages. I said of course I would. He asked if I felt frustrated and motivated to change and create change. I said of course I did – I was already changed. He asked if it would have been easier for me to ignore all of this if I had stayed sheltered in my life at home. I said of course. He asked if I regretted being challenged by this new perspective. I said most definitely not. He asked if I believed I would be a better person for this exposure and the angst I was feeling. I said yes, I hope I will be.

Humphries explained that the experience of exposure to diversity is similar for both sides. He explained his belief that when we interact we’re both changed. We both see things that we never have before and are left with strong feelings of jealously, anger, injustice, frustration, guilt, hope, or hopelessness. Our work is to come to terms with these feelings in order to have peace. This work is our growth. We are all better from that exposure, that connection with each other, and the consequent growth.

Brett and I are beginning the long process of coming to terms with all that we have seen, learned, and felt. Humphries gave me the gift of understanding, and permission to feel all of the conflict we’re feeling. He helped me feel some peace, and he challenged me to continue to grow. I went to Africa to be a volunteer – to teach others. I do think we planted some seeds of change through education, but I believe what we really volunteered to do was to learn lessons that have and will continue to change our lives.”

To learn more about World Camp, Inc click to: www. worldcampforkids.org www.aawmag.com

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APRIL 2009 7

Women in Education|BY VICKI RANDOLPH

Ashe Teacher Represents

National Excellence

many awards and so much respect.

Why did she decide to become a teacher? “I always wanted to be a teacher,” says Polly. “It just came naturally to me. My dad was a teacher, too.”

When asked why she loves teaching so much, she says, “I like the students and I like for them to succeed.”

She doesn’t deny assigning a lot of essays – just ask any of her students. But the kids aren’t the only ones doing a lot of work. Just imagine the time and energy it takes her to read and grade all those papers!

Polly – or “Mrs. Jones” to her students – doesn’t have much free time outside of teaching during the school year.

Her success as a great teacher is evidenced by the countless letters she has received from former students thanking her not only for teaching them what it takes to be a writer, but also for teaching them about life in general.

In her collection are also those possibly unexpected but greatly appreciated letters from some of the students who gave her the hardest times. Many apologize for their behavior in her Polly Sexton Jones is a rare gem and a vital part of the educational community. class and then praise her for being the best teacher Photo by Vicki Randolph. they ever had and for teaching them so much.

Among the adjectives her students use in “Teacher of the Year.” Aren’t those the words every educator describing her are “wonderful,” “most dedicated,” “hard core,” longs to hear? Well, Polly Jones has not only heard them, but and “hilarious.” received the coveted honor several times over – twice as Teacher With a reputation for being “one of the toughest teachers of the Year while working at the old Beaver Creek School. Then around,” she is also one of the most fun, everyone agrees. It is she was named Teacher of the Year for Ashe County High School. easy to see that the students really do love her, and she obviously Next, she was the top teacher in all of the Ashe County school loves them, too. system, followed by Teacher of the Year for the entire state of Having reported to class for nearly 30 years, it comes as no North Carolina. If all that combined doesn’t tell you something, real surprise that she’s now having students who are children of consider the latest title that’s been added to her repertoire: her former students!

National Teacher of Excellence. Yes, Polly Jones’ most recent Mrs. Jones not only teaches at Ashe County High School, but accomplishment came recently when she was chosen for one also at Wilkes Community College. Despite having so much on of 25 national awards given by the Secondary Section of the her plate, she is still very involved in the community. She teaches National Council of Teachers of English.

Sunday school at church, helps students earn scholarships It’s no surprise to her coworkers and students that she has through the Beta Club, and has been one of the biggest players earned such a prestigious title – they all know that she is one of in protecting the New River. She was one of the initial proponents the best. There may be times when some of her students might in fighting the damming of the river and once served as president not have appreciated her insistence that they strive to be their of the National Committee for the New River. best, but they always came around to recognize that all the hard She not only takes care of our High Country treasures, she work has been worth the effort. is a treasure herself. She is a gem that is often hard to find in Polly Jones is well known for high expectations and plenty today’s educational rat race, and a loving part of a community to of assignments. She believes writing is the key, and lots of it – which she continually gives her all. Mrs. Jones has something to reminding her students that practice really does make perfect, teach us all. It’s not just about spelling and grammar, but about especially when it comes to essays. She has a reputation for life. Who better to set the example than this National Teacher of teaching students to write and that is what has earned her so Excellence?

8 APRIL 2009

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Joni’s Just One Of The Village the school for select children to pick out a gift for their parents.

“I did the Christmas Store,” Horine explains, “because I feel with my kids that, as much as I try to teach them to give to others, we often miss that the feeling of giving to others is as joyful and as rewarding as receiving the gifts. I felt like a lot of these kids couldn’t do that. They can’t go out and get a gift for their parents – they don’t have the finances or even the means to get to a store.

You know how it’s more blessed to give than to receive? Well, I really think that and that’s why I started it.”

The kids were thrilled to choose something for their parents, but it was the adult volunteers involved with the store who were touched deeply by the experiences – the child finding socks for Dad because he worked outside all day and did not have any socks to wear; the little girl concerned that the wrapping paper was pretty, but her dad could only receive things in prison that came wrapped in brown paper. Those are things that make you readjust your obsession with the latest Ugg boots.

For Horine, it comes down to one thing. “It means so much to me that when I walk down the hall I know a lot of the kids [and] Joni Horine with students during a “Duty Free Lunch” that gives teachers they know me; I feel a lot of appreciation from the kids.” a break from lunchroom duty. Photo by Yozette “Yogi” Collins.

It Takes A Village

BY YOZETTE “YOGI” COLLINS Boone’s Joni Horine began volunteering at Hardin Park School seven years ago when her oldest son started first grade and her youngest was in preschool. “I got involved because it’s so important to be a part of it all. It means a lot to your kids to see you there and involved - it means a lot to the principal and the teachers to see you there. And, you really do know what is going on in the school.”

Horine enjoyed her involvement at Hardin Park so much that she eventually served three years as president of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). “There is a lot more involved in being president of the PTA, I think, than people realize. You have to coordinate the Fall Festival, which is a big fundraiser. You are the head person coordinating with a number of other volunteers. Just like in church - when you have a big church and just a few people do everything - it’s the same in the schools. It could be a full-time job.”

While joining the PTA is a great place to start, there are other ways to offer time to local schools. Horine says that teachers love having visitors read to their classes or help students one-on-one; it gives the teacher a break and brings new energy to the classroom.

“The kids love having someone else come to their class and read and they’ll remember you for two, three years later,” she says, laughing. “If you come in and read to kids, you’re their best friend.

You just made 24 new best friends.”

If 24 kids seem daunting, Horine adds there is always something to do. “Even grounds work. The money to pay someone to come spread mulch just isn’t there. If you call the principal [of any school] and say ‘I can give you two hours, what can I do?’ he or she can find some way for you to help.”

Horine’s volunteer work at Hardin Park hit a new high two years ago when she singlehandedly set up a Christmas “store” at

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“They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, in the school it’s really the child, the parent and the faculty/staff together that keep it going,” says Joni Horine. Wondering how you can help?

1) Call the school’s principal and ask how you can help.

2) Be creative. Schools generally welcome ideas, especially if you volunteer to put them into motion.

3) Volunteer to sit with your child’s class in the lunchroom so the teacher can have a break.

4) Do you sing? Make pottery? Sew? Offer to teach the class something about your talent!

5) Bake cookies for a fundraiser or offer to sell hot dogs at the Fall Festival.

There are numerous ways to help – and reap the many rewards of volunteering.

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Volunteer Program Alive AND Well At Local Hospitals

BY SHERRIE NORRIS

Volunteerism is alive and well at the three hospitals within the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS), according to Sallie Woodring, Director of Volunteer Services.

Woodring’s 2008 year-end activity report indicates that, together and individually, the programs continue to be a vital link in the wellness of High Country residents and others coming to the area for top-quality medical care at Blowing Rock Hospital, Cannon Memorial Hospital and Watauga Medical Center.

With the slogan “Volunteers Bring a Mountain of Better Todays,” the report, as well as day-to-day observations, proves that volunteers are vital to the well being of patients in these medical facilities.

Blowing Rock Hospital

ASU junior Ashley Greeson loves being a part of the student volunteer program at Watauga Medical Center and is happy to represent the many who give of their time throughout the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. Photo by Mark Mitchell.

In 2008, Blowing Rock Hospital saw its volunteer program triple in size with 25 volunteers contributing 1,500 hours - equal to a monetary value of $23,625.

The majority of funds raised by the volunteers through the Budget Box, a popular thrift store adjacent to the hospital, totaled $9,200 last year alone.

Other contributions from volunteer efforts brought in $2,466, which resulted in the purchase of a tilt wheelchair, two PVC Merry Walkers, needed supplies and a popcorn machine for the activity program.

Other ways volunteers served at Blowing Rock were through music therapy, ceramics, community outings, in-room activities, exercise programs, monthly (group) activity and performing arts.

Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital

At Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital in Linville, 124 volunteers contributed 13,750 hours last year - equivalent to having nearly seven additional fulltime employees on board with an approximate monetary value of $216,562. The volunteers served in 33 job descriptions, in 17 departments and 2 CMH affiliates.

Surprisingly, the hospital’s chaplaincy program is served 10 APRIL 2009

100 percent by volunteer chaplains.

Volunteer contributions totaled 79 percent of all fundraising efforts, with $23,415 raised through various events including jewelry sales, baking, gift shop profits, vending machine projects and general donations.

Other volunteer contributions totaling $18,513 were earmarked for the following: lobby renovation, six scholarships for students pursuing healthcare careers, New Life Center’s New Year’s gift basket, recliner beds for mother/baby, CMH habitat build, crash carts for the emergency department and mother/ baby unit, new parent baby gift baskets, hats/turbans for and assistance refurbishing the Avery County Cancer Resource Center, commercial blender and DVD player for RCU, staff appreciation reception, ARHS foundation contributions and miscellaneous support.

Other volunteer impacts at Cannon included participation in the following: cap project for surgery department and New Life Center, baking program, caring touch massage program, “Pink Day” in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, staff appreciation reception in honor of Hospital Week, monthly (performing artist) activity calendar, dementia activity aprons for Restorative Care Unit, rice sock project for New Life Center, new parent gift basket project, financial support for the Tender Loving Care Club and hand-knitted teddy bear project for the www.aawmag.com

emergency and radiology departments. Additionally, volunteers contributed to the hospital lobby refurbishing project, crafted holiday decorations for patient trays, sponsored and facilitated Red Cross bloodmobile drives, rape victim emergency kit program for the ER, volunteer coordination of the Avery County Cancer Resource Center, and the volunteer craft corner for gift shop (100 percent funded by volunteers), as well as support for the CMH Habitat building fund.

In turn, volunteers were given hospital support for activities and projects in inpatient and outpatient behavioral health programs, recognized through an annual awards luncheon at the Eseeola Pavilion, Volunteer Appreciation Week luncheon at Grandfather Mountain and a volunteer appreciation reception provided by CMH staff and NCHV five-star award recognition.

Peggy Evaul, who has since “retired” her volunteer position with CMH, was presented with a 25-year volunteer pin last year.

Watauga Medical Center At Watauga Medical Center, the longtime volunteer program continues to make a tremendous impact on patients, their families and staff members.

There were 9,200 hours contributed by 125 volunteers their time equivalent to a monetary value of $144,900 - or that of nearly five fulltime employees. Volunteer contributions totaled 91 percent of fundraising efforts with volunteers serving in 24 job descriptions.

Additionally, the junior volunteer program quadrupled in size for the year with all volunteer services increased in five departments.

Volunteer fundraising totaled $12,200 through jewelry sales and a vending machine project General volunteer contributions totaling $11,000 were used for a cancer center hospitality cart, three scholarships for students pursuing healthcare careers, a med/surg hospitality cart, caps for babies and cancer patients.

Overall volunteer activities for the year included the following: cap project for the cancer center and the mother/baby unit, music therapy, dementia activity apron project, Red Cross blood drives, gifts for new parents, snacks for cancer center patients, summer junior volunteer program, Linus Project, plush animal project for the emergency department. Volunteers redesigned and restocked the gift shop, distributed volunteer satisfaction surveys, sponsored Cancer Resource Alliance cookbook fundraiser, and oversaw the massage therapy program at Seby B. Jones Cancer Center.

Volunteers were recognized through the Annual Awards Breakfast, WMC Volunteer of the Year Award, and Volunteer Appreciation Week (in hospital).

It’s easy to see that volunteers play a vital part in local medical care. To learn how you can join the team, contact Sallie Woodring, Director of Volunteer Services at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, 434 Hospital Drive in Linville, phone: (828) 737-7538, fax: (828) 737-7523, e-mail: swoodring@apprhs. org www.aawmag.com

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Parenting Page| COMPLIMENTS OF WATAUGA COUNTY CHILDREN’S COUNCIL Volunteering with Children

Volunteering with children is a great way to help them learn about giving back. Children learn valuable skills while “on the job.” Another benefit of volunteering is that children learn about the concerns of the organization and what need it fills in the community. Consequently, the children also have an opportunity to remember what they have to be thankful for.

Work Together

It’s important to work side-by-side with your child, since leading by example has been shown to be the most effective form of teaching. Children who see their parents volunteering are much more likely to believe in the value of working to help others.

Naturally, working side-by-side with your child will allow you to assist him/her when necessary, ensuring the child’s presence is a help, not a hindrance, to the organization’s staff and other volunteers.

Bonding often occurs when people work together. When focused on a task, it sometimes fosters deep conversations that may not have occurred with more direct eye contact.

Consider the Right Opportunity

When choosing a volunteer opportunity, it’s important to consider the following: • Your Child’s Interests If your child is clearly interested in a subject, it may be possible to use that interest as a springboard into volunteering.

Children who construct a lot of forts or buildings with blocks may enjoy helping out a construction organization such as Habitat for Humanity; children who love animals might enjoy helping animal organizations such as the Humane Society.

• Your Interests It’s also important to consider your own interests. Children look to their parents to help them discern how to respond to new stimuli. If you are bored while volunteering, your child will associate boredom with volunteering. If you are passionate, your child will respond likewise.

• Your Child’s Abilities For very young children, it can be challenging to choose a volunteer opportunity that he/she can actually help with.

Fortunately, there are opportunities for even very young children with a little parental guidance.

• Your Abilities Just as your child will learn from your passion for volunteering, he/she will benefit from seeing you work well in your element. For example, if you are especially skilled at home renovations, you may find a community restoration project to work on. This would allow you to share your skills while demonstrating the relevance volunteering has to many different careers and interests.

volunteer opportunity. If close by, a weekly commitment may be fine. If it’s farther away, a monthly commitment might work better.

Be careful not to over-commit initially. Remember, your child is already learning work ethics from this experience. You’ll want to ensure that you arrive in a timely manner when expected, only canceling or rescheduling with adequate notice when you truly have valid reasons.

Consider, too, the duration of each volunteer session. Older children may be fine with a few hours or more. However, younger children may need sessions to be kept short.

Staff Attitude

The last item to consider is the attitude of other volunteers and the organization’s staff. Most people will appreciate your instilling a volunteer ethic in children at a young age, but you may find a few “sour apples” who focus more on the decibel level or other potential distractions. (In fact, many organizations may prohibit children under a certain age.)

To some extent, the mission you’re on is more important than any individuals who may not appreciate your child’s input.

However, be sure to consider the effect others’ attitudes have on your child. If a child feels like a hindrance, volunteering will end up seeming like a chore rather than a joy.

Resources for Finding Volunteer Opportunities

There are many ways you can learn about volunteer opportunities, including the following: * Check with local organizations for community clean-up days. * Consider raising vegetables or starting a canned food drive for your local food pantry. * Check with local nursing homes for “toddler days.” * Take on home baking projects for fundraising bake sales or meal delivery services. * Ask your local Chamber of Commerce for information about local organizations that may have volunteer opportunities. * Call non-profit organizations that you like and ask what you can do. They may have needs/volunteer opportunities that you haven’t even thought of. * Check for opportunities listed in national volunteer Web site databases such as VolunteerMatch.org (this has a designation for kid-friendly opportunities) or Idealist.org (this has designations for teen opportunities and under-age-12 opportunities).

As with most parental/educational pursuits, there are many factors to consider regarding volunteering with children, but a little effort can provide a lifetime of benefit for both the kids involved and for society.

By Kelly Palmatier, CompassionateKids.com* *Permission is granted to reprint in this article in its entirety with credit & link given. (This has been edited for allotted space in magazine.)

• Location, Frequency, & Duration Of course, it’s important to consider the basic logistics of any 12 APRIL 2009

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Hundreds Of MIXTO CO2 FRAXEL LASER Volunteers SKIN Rallying For REJUVENATION Operation InAsMuch FDA TESTED AND APPROVED. One of the most explosive local volunteer events of the year is the one-day community blitz known as Operation InAsMuch, sponsored

by Three Forks Baptist Association.

On Saturday, May 2 hundreds of men, women, boys and girls will gather in the early morning hours at Boone Mall from where they will divide and conquer – heading out for dozens of pre-determined locations for a full day of community service.

There will be leaf raking and yardwork crews helping homeowners unable to do for themselves, and construction teams responding to a variety of home maintenance projects (inside and out) including building handicap ramps, repairing roofs, porches and decks.

Handmade items such as walker bags, catheter bags, lap ropes and heart pillows – made in the months prior by caring seamstresses – will be delivered to hospitals and nursing homes, as will comfort blankets to local law enforcement officers.

Teams designated specifically for Hebron Colony will be completing various projects on location. The Spontaneous Acts of Kindness team will be performing random acts of goodwill throughout the day – giving away free beverages, washing car windows, carrying out groceries from local stores and other “outside the box” ideas.

Nursing home teams will visit and play games with the residents.

Spanish outreach teams will be embracing Hispanic residents of the community. Photography teams will visit project sites throughout the day to document the activity, which will be shared at the wrap-up Sunday Celebration on May 3.

The ever-popular InAsMuch Children’s Festival at the Boone Mall will feature games, crafts and other entertainment for mall patrons, their kids and those of the event workers, who will be cared for at Greenway Child Development Center and transported to the mall during the day. (Childcare workers and talented entertainers are still needed!)

A prison ministry outreach and breakfast, in conjunction with Operation InAsMuch, will be served by volunteers on Wednesday, April 29 and Thursday, April 30.

The project’s annual bloodmobile, sponsored this year by High Country Caregivers, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2 at the mall, with a goal of 30 pints of blood to be collected.

A spokesperson for Three Forks Baptist Association in Boone, sponsor of Operation InAsMuch, relates that it’s important for the community to know that the biblically-based event is a reflection of scripture found in Matthew 25: 40 – “ . . .Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Also, prayer teams will be visiting each site throughout the day as well as conducting prayer walks.

Bag lunches, prepared on Friday night (by the food team), will be distributed to each volunteer on Saturday morning.

Save the date. Volunteers are welcomed to serve one day that could make a difference for a lifetime!

www.aawmag.com

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APRIL 2009 13

Food & Entertainment|BY Yozette “Yogi” Collins

z

The DragonFly Is Causing z z A Buzzzzzz zzzz Inz Boone z

solving until you can make it (a business) profitable,” she says. “i’ve always wanted to start a business; i’ve had a million ideas.”

Following her move to Boone in 1994, a friend mentioned that Boone would be a good place for a “brew and view” movie theater.

Having grown up outside Portland, oregon, a hub of ahead-of-the-wave entertainment, Baker was familiar with “brew and view” theaters and began researching the idea. soon, she felt the time was right for Boone to have a theater that caters to the community. “i wanted to use it as a way to bring more independent film here and to have live music and it has evolved into this multiuse venue, community gathering place.” like any new business owner, Baker is learning a lot about running the theater from the requests she receives. “A lot of what i do is asked for by the community. We’ve done the political events, sporting events. i find that things initiated by the community do really well and that’s what we want to be.” the design of the theater allows Baker and her staff to move all or some of the theater seats aside for bands’ performances, craft sales and birthday parties. “We’re doing music (events) pretty much every thursday, Friday and saturday nights,” Baker says. “it’s a juggling act with the movies, but it’s serving a real need in the community for a venue this size. We’re doing birthday parties, too. those are really popular and the kids just have a blast.”

As the business nears its first anniversary, Baker wants to bring her vision for a full menu to fruition. “the original menu was meant to have DragonFly owner, Sheri Baker, filled a gap in the entertainment offerings of the High pizza, but we’re still working to get our kitchen Country when she opened her business last July. Photo by Yogi Collins. more developed to get us where we want to be. Right now we’re focusing on selling quality Boone’s DragonFly theater created a buzz of anticipation products - fresh food. it’s the one area we want even before it opened in July, 2008. An independently to see developed in the next year, but i think what we do owned and operated movie theater that serves beer, wine make is really good. People like it.” and “real food,” DragonFly apparently filled a gap in the Why the name DragonFly? Baker laughs, saying, “i get entertainment offerings of the High Country. in fact, says asked that a lot. i wanted to name it something that was owner sheri Baker, “(the feedback) from the community alive – either an animal, plant, insect or something that had has been overwhelmingly positive.” life and character. We (My friends and i) brainstormed and A graduate of AsU’s Walker College of Business, Baker that was what stuck.” knew as early as high school that she someday wanted to open her own business. “i think i like the idea of problem-

14 APRIL 2009

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.. o a . . . . . . penny

Hot Cross Buns

....

Recipes: two of DragonFly’s most popular offerings are the Benny & Joon hummus sandwich and the Chips and Hummus plate. Baker shares her hummus recipe, saying, “i like it with garlic, but we often don’t make it with garlic because it offends people.”

e p . . . . ne a o

345 Hardin Street in Boone

828.268.9900 DragonFly Hummus

15 oz. can chickpeas, drained with liquid reserved

2 tablespoon tahini (found at grocery stores)

¼ cup lemon juice

1 tsp. salt 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tsp. fresh, minced parsley (can use dried for simplicity) 1 clove of garlic (optional) Put all ingredients into a food processor, blending until smooth, adding reserved chickpea liquid to thin mixture as needed. serve with pita bread, fresh vegetables or tortilla chips.

Delicious!

(What is tahini? tahini is simply a paste made from ground sesame seeds – think peanut butter made with sesame seeds instead of peanuts.)

Baker’s favorite meal at home is Indian Curry Stir Fry:

1 package firm tofu or 1 lb. sliced chicken breast

Various sliced vegetables – onions, carrots, zucchini, broccoli (whatever is in the fridge)

1 (15 oz.) can coconut milk

1 tsp. curry paste, red or green

Rice noodles or rice sauté cubed tofu/sliced chicken in olive oil in a skillet. in another skillet, sauté vegetables; when vegetables are cooked but still crisp, add coconut milk and curry paste. simmer. Add tofu to the vegetable mixture and serve over rice noodles or rice. www.aawmag.com

nn

y,

tw

the name is fitting for the entertainment events that occur at the theater, but it also fits the space itself. DragonFly’s décor is colorful and warm with beautiful woodwork depicting dragonflies on the bar and on the doors leading into the theater. With a friendly, earthy atmosphere, DragonFly is a welcoming space and makes for an enjoyable experience.

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APRIL 2009 15

It’s A Woman’s Job|BY SHERRIE NORRIS

Terri had followed her husband and his dreams home to rural Wilkes County where he had begun transforming some of his 56 acres of land into a vineyard. His plans for Rendezvous Ridge were nearing the finish line when he made his final lap on the track of life January 16, 2007.

With their home 70 percent complete and thousands of grapevines on the way, Terri had no choice but to move forward. “Did I know anything about growing grapes or making wine? No. Am I learning something new every day? Yes.” Is she a quitter? No way.

Benny had laid the groundwork for success before leaving Terri to bring it all to the winner’s circle. She didn’t do it alone, she admits – she hired the perfect staff and kept herself surrounded by just the right people.

A native of Daytona Beach and former Director of Tourism for the State of Florida, Terri Visitors to Rendezvous Ridge are always welcomed by Terri Parsons and/or members of her was president and chief operating officer for competent staff. Photo by Sherrie Norris. the Richmond Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau with a staff of 84 when she married the NASCAR king. Benny’s first wife Connie, his childhood sweetheart and mother of his two sons, Kevin and Keith, had died unexpectedly during surgery.

Terri moved with Benny from Richmond to Charlotte to be near his racing community, leaving her lucrative career at Benny’s request to manage his own – which included film, television and radio. “I had worked so hard for 20 years to get to where I was. My decision to leave it behind shocked everyone.”

Familiar with racing “from the other side of the fence,” Terri had organized special NASCAR-related events in Daytona for many years. “I’m sure I spoke to Benny many times before we actually met.” As Film Commissioner for The State of Florida, Terri worked on hundreds of movies including Benny’s first, “Stroker Ace,” starring Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson. Later, she learned that Benny was Two years ago, Terri Parsons sat crying in the driveway of her partially the stunt driver. “Both of our names are in the credits and neither built mountaintop oasis, feeling helpless and basically homeless. of us remembered the other!” That, Terri says, is just one of many Her husband, NASCAR icon Benny Parsons, had just died. The coincidences. “After Bill France, Sr. (NASCAR founder) died, Bill Jr. home they shared in Charlotte had been sold. For several months, inherited a picture from his father’s office of Benny on the drivers’ until the new house was finished, she was sleeping on a mattress on stand waving to the crowd before a race. When asked to look over the floor – “just me and my dog,” she says.

72

Terri Parsons,

Widow of NASCAR Icon, Keeps The Dream Alive

16 APRIL 2009

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the crowd and tell him who else I saw, I realized that it was me in the background – as a majorette with the Mainland High School Marching Band. We were performing for the opening ceremony of The Daytona 500!”

Terri never dreamed of living alone in the mountains, growing grapes. When leaning of her plans, friends and family envisioned her in a rocking chair in the middle of the woods, shotgun in hand.

“They thought I had lost my mind; they worried about me.” Most of those who have visited Rendezvous Ridge don’t worry anymore.

“Some of them get it – they understand my passion. Some of them don’t.”

Terri married Benny in a “secret ceremony” at his old homeplace.

His longtime friend, Mary Louise Canter, county magistrate, helped obtain the couple’s marriage license after hours and performed the ceremony the night before the last race at the Wilkes Motor Speedway. “All the race car drivers were there surrounded by moonshiners, family and friends. Benny had everyone bring a dish – they thought they were coming to a cookout. I told him that was a cheap way to cater a reception!”

During the couple’s 17-year marriage, Terri knew that Benny would eventually return home and probably would build a cabin as a getaway. “When land developers began calling, wanting to buy the property, he said, ‘We’ve got to do something.’ There’s no way he would have sold it.”

Benny began turning the mountain into a rolling vineyard – the very tip-top leveled for their retirement home or, as some people have referred to it, the mansion on the hill.

After much brainstorming for a business name, the couple chose Benny Parsons’ Rendezvous Ridge. “Since it backs up to the Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest, it seemed like the perfect solution.”

Terri never professes to be the wine connoisseur that Benny was.

“He learned about wines from filmmakers and stars he worked with in Hollywood and New York. He bought all the right equipment – only the best for Benny – and was conferring closely with his good friend Richard Childress who already had a successful vineyard.

With my tourism experience, my job was to do the marketing, design labeling, etc. Everyone had a role, but I should have been paying closer attention. Apparently, he had bigger plans than I knew.”

On the day Benny died, Terri was urged by Benny’s attorney and his accountant, who were also his friends, to abandon the project.

“It was too important,” Terri says, not to keep up Benny’s end of the bargain. “He worked hard for this and knew that it would have a significant economic impact on Wilkes County. Everything was being done by local people.”

Benny had been eager to move forward with life. “We were pulling into Lowe’s Motor Speedway in October when the doctor called to say that Benny was cancer-free after his bout with lung cancer.” On Christmas Day, he collapsed in the shower at their Charlotte home. He was taken to Carolinas Medical Center and never came home.

“It wasn’t the cancer that killed him, but rather the cure,” Terri said, explaining that radiation had hardened both of his lungs. “His right lung had already hardened. We were told there was only one chance in a million that both lungs would harden. One of Benny’s heroes, John Wayne, lived with one lung. Benny was fully prepared to do the same – but we were not prepared for what happened.”

Alert that first night in the hospital, Benny told Terri there were things they needed to talk about. “I didn’t want to think about what that meant.” Terri told him she would never sell the property. Benny replied, “Never say never.” www.aawmag.com

Benny was laid to rest behind the old homeplace where, from the age of five, he lived with his great-grandmother, “Mama Julia,” with no running water or electricity. “His sons suggested we bury him there, saying he had fought so hard to get back home. It was the right thing to do.”

At the time of Benny’s death, Terri was working to have the 150-year-old home put on the study list for the National Historic Register. She withdrew her request and agreed with Benny’s family to have him buried behind the house and the grounds designated as a family cemetery.

The dwelling had been built after a sawmill accident claimed the life of Benny’s great-grandfather. “The sawmill was owned by the Broyhill family who, by building the house, fulfilled Mr. Parson’s dying wish for his family. It also represented the beginning of the Broyhill Furniture line.” It remains a tranquil place for the Parsons family, where six natural springs continue to flow and deer feast upon repeatedly planted flowers – and where a national icon is at peace.

Since Benny came home, much has happened on Rendezvous Ridge. The mansion is finished and the vineyard is growing. The Tasting Room and Benny Parsons Museum, located at the rear entrance to the house, is open to the public and thriving.

Terri admits that she has had little chance to really grieve. She considers Rendezvous Ridge her safe haven and while she hasn’t been ready to venture out much, she’s beginning to let go a little more. In the meantime she also lost her 17-year-old dog, Winston.

Tired of being targeted by the rumor mill with her next move always a speculation, Terri’s heart’s desire was to “fit in” and become part of the community, so she joined the local Chamber of Commerce. Now, as a member of the board of directors focusing

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on tourism, she says, “It was natural to go back to what I know - and with my involvement and Benny’s 400 relatives close by, I might be finally fitting in. Benny’s aunts live nearby and are always coming up with homemade goodies and fried chicken. It means a lot to have them here.”

One of those aunts helped Terri with a special Valentine’s Dinner she hosted recently for 15 couples among the “who’s who” in Wilkes County. “I think it was a success. I love to cook. Benny didn’t cook but he knew all about good food and where to find it. It became a tradition for us to feed 300 to 400 people at our home twice a year when NASCAR was in town. Benny and his sister, Patty Severt who lives in West Jefferson, did a cookbook named Buffet Benny’s Family Recipes. Some of the recipes date back to the 1800s. Patty did all the work putting it together and Benny took care of the tours and book signings.”

Terri misses her (racing) friends and wishes for more free time.

“I made a commitment to see this through and that’s what I’m doing.”

While reading her first copy of All About Women of the High Country last Fall, Terri was inspired by the story of Jane Deavers, owner of The Dande Lion/Shooz & Shiraz at Tynecastle who also had become widowed and left to carry on a business. “I told myself ‘If she can do it, so can I!’ There was much to do and I had to do it fast – working became my therapy.”

One of Terri’s defining moments came recently when her business was chosen to supply wine for the Champions Suite at this year’s Daytona 500, as well as at the Rolex 24-Hour VIP Dinner. “We consider it a great honor and one that would really please Benny.”

An earlier mile-marker occurred when, in Oct. 2007, a 5-mile section of Highway 421 near the Wilkes-Watauga county line was designated the Benny Parsons Highway. The proposal had been in the works for months though it was announced about the time Benny’s lung cancer was diagnosed.

Terri’s claim to fame occurred while driving that stretch in a hurry to fulfill a speaking engagement at ASU. “I was 20 minutes late leaving home. A blue light came on just I was nearing Benny’s road sign. I kept hoping that I could get past that sign – it would have been less embarrassing – but I had no choice but to pull over right beside it. I had never been stopped before, never gotten a ticket.

Benny had gotten enough to wallpaper a room. It was like he was right there – I’m sure he would’ve gotten a good laugh out of that one!”

Within a week’s time, Terri and all of her staff were pulled for speeding on that same stretch of highway by the same trooper.

“He told the last one of us, ‘You all have a problem over there [in Parsonsville], don’t you?’”

(See sidebar for more about Terri Parsons and her successful ventures at Rendezvous Ridge.)

® 18 APRIL 2009

Terri Parsons Is All About Rendezvous Ridge

BY SHERRIE NORRIS Rendezvous Ridge was founded in 2005 by NASCAR racing legend, Benny Parsons, who spent his formative years roaming this same pastoral setting he called home. He dreamed of running his vineyard and retiring on the mountaintop before his unexpected death in 2007. His wife, Terri, took over the driver’s seat and hasn’t slowed down since.

The Benny Parsons Wine Tasting Room and Racing Museum on Rendezvous Ridge opened July 23, 2007 – and quickly became known as a one-of-a-kind experience.

“At first, people were not sure what Rendezvous Ridge was – honeymoon hideout or housing development,” Terri says. “As its identity became known, race fans began making their way to my front door at 7 a.m.! Since we officially opened the business, we’ve had no problems. They weren’t here to hurt me, but to pay respects to Benny.”

Benny Parsons was laid to rest behind his old homeplace, just a short drive away, which had originally been planned for use as a tasting room for Rendezvous Ridge wines.

Instead, the combined tasting room/museum honoring Benny’s life, his accomplishments and his wine, is located in the lower rear level of the Parsons’ home atop Rendezvous Ridge.

Opening this part of his dream to his fans is something Benny would’ve wanted, Terri says.

With a small but impressive wine list consisting of barrelfermented Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and BP’s Blush, the popularity of the Rendezvous label is growing at an amazing rate – with seven medals to its credit already. The business received its distribution license about seven months ago. Its wine, 2.000 cases annually, is available across the High Country and beyond at Erick’s Wine and Cheese Shop, The Blowing Rock Market, Broyhill Inn and in the Charlotte area at The Embassy Suites Convention Center near Lowes Motor Speedway, Tsu Nami Restaurant, The Wine Room in Afton Village, Ciro’s Restaurant, and Lake Lynn Lodge near Concord.

“Merlot was Benny’s favorite, but the BP Blush – the only one that hasn’t won an award – is the most popular, outselling the others 10 to one,” Terri said. “It’s definitely the ‘Peoples Choice.’”

The grapes currently growing on six acres of the property are entering their third year of growth (as of April) and include Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah, says Denise Kent, tasting room manager. “The grapes, planted after the worst freeze in history, need to be at least 3-5 years old before we can even think of using the juice.”

Among the most recent of the vineyards sprouting up in the area between Yadkin and Avery counties, Benny Parsons’ Rendezvous Ridge is mostly “all about women” with Terri in the lead. “When I began to pick my staff, I said they didn’t have to know everything about racing and wine,” Terri said, “but they had to know something about one or the other. Benny was about family and this is a family business.”

Terri’s highly competent staff represents a rarity these days. “We are all very close. We work together, play together, laugh and cry together. Kent, a California native, knows her wine. Angie Whittington, www.aawmag.com

general manager, is a big race fan. “She knows as much or more recognized and called by name wherever they go. “And we have than I do about racing!” Penny Sawyer is in charge of distribution; regulars who just stop in to chat. We love having people visit. We Joe Ordoynes, vineyard manager, worked for Benny for 12 years as don’t try to be anything that we’re not. There are no big expectations property manager in Charlotte.” here.”

With a deep admiration for Terri, Denise speaks for the staff when Those who come to talk track are often in for a treat if Terri she says, “She’s an amazing woman. It takes each of us to make up Parsons is on site and leading museum tours. While each employee her total personality!” does a great job with tours, Terri’s presence tends to breathe life into Terri and her husband wanted their business to be a little different. the countless pieces of memorabilia related to her husband’s career Benny’s desire was to take the “snob appeal” out of wine. Where and life. She knows every detail about the trophies, championship better to start than with NASCAR in the rural community of Purlear? rings, helmets, bashed fenders and can rattle off every victory he When Benny died, Terri was left with an eternal rain delay. She ever achieved. She loves to talk about her husband being the first felt like her race had ended – but reality quickly sunk in – her green person to ever qualify a stock car over 200 mph, about him named flag was waving. She had no choice but to get into gear and aim for one of the 50 Greatest Drivers in NASCAR History, that he is in the the finish line. And she’s done just that with dignity and, hopefully, International Sports Hall of Fame, Emmy winner for NBC and ESPN, well-deserved pride. and so much more. She also loves to dispel the myth that Benny With young grapes still was a cab driver before he got growing around her beautiful into racing. His father owned a home-based business, not taxi service in Detroit and Benny yet ready for harvesting, Terri took one of the cars out for a spin says that Benny had leased one day. His driving skills were four vineyards in the Yadkin noticed by a racecar affiliate who Valley three years prior to his offered him his first opportunity. death. “Our grapes came The occupation of “taxi driver,” from Windy Gap, Carnegy he entered on a race entry form and Copeland vineyards and became part of his identity. a few were from WestBend Terri knows it’s no coincidence Vineyards. Mark Terry, general that Benny was Winston Cup manager and winemaker at Champion in 1973 and won the WestBend Vineyards, was our Daytona 500 in 1975 and that first winemaker and made our today her phone number is 973award-winning wines. After 7375 or that his car number was Benny’s death I called Benny’s #72 and her house number is good friend, Richard Childress, 172. As was pointed out during and asked ‘What in the world the John Boy and Billy Radio am I to do next?’ I had our Show in Charlotte, the exit to equipment moved to Childress reach her business from Charlotte Vineyards in Lexington, NC on I-77 is 73B – “73 is for the where Mark Fritzolowski is at year Benny won the Winston the helm as our winemaker.

Cup Championship. The B is for While it’s possible that the Benny. Everything we do around Rendezvous wine will one day here matches up. We take it as a be made on site, the current good omen.” arrangement is “just easier Good things do happen at right now,” Terri says. “Joe goes Rendezvous Ridge as countless down there to pick up what we visitors wind their way through the need for our tasting room and serene country setting to reach The vision and victories of the late Benny Parsons continue to captivate customers.” their destination each week, Admitting that she is not the his fans at Rendezvous Ridge. Photo by Sherrie Norris. many a part of a wine tour that wine connoisseur that her late stretches into the Boone, Blowing husband was, Terri at least has Rock and Banner Elk areas. “We an opinion now. “I’ve learned what’s good and I know the best time love having weddings and receptions here and [we] host various to taste wine is at 8 a.m.!” special events that come with their own caterers. I love to cook, but The elegantly designed lower level of Terri’s spacious home not for pay,” Terri adds. is where locals and tourists alike are made to feel comfortableThe museum is changed out, or refreshed, every three months. whether they are interested in wine or just want to feel close to their “We have accumulated a warehouse full of Benny memorabilia, so hero again. “Every day we meet someone new. A lot of Benny’s old anyone who visits more than once will see something different when friends come in here frequently, including his girlfriends from high they return.” school! A lot of times people just come here to relax. They can talk Look for Terri and her staff at the upcoming wine festival in about NASCAR or about wine, or both,” Terri says. “It’s surprising Blowing Rock. Last year, their Riesling won second place – tying with what people think I know and will talk about,” referring to gossip Banner Elk’s Chardonnay. surrounding NASCAR drivers, etc.

Better yet, visit Benny Parsons’ Rendezvous Ridge Tasting Room Terri and her staff make one thing clear: “We’re not trying to turn and Racing Museum – open Wednesday through Saturday 11a.m.-6 people into winos – we just offer them the tasting experience. We like p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m., located at 172 Benny Parsons Road in for families to come here – bring a picnic lunch, sit outside and enjoy Purlear, NC. the beauty of nature.”

For more information, call (336) 973-7375.

The staff members also have developed a following and are www.aawmag.com

APRIL 2009 19

All About Crafts| BY NANCY MORRISON

Framed In Polymer Clay Polymer Clay Extruder Tool

Remember how much fun modeling clay was when you were a child?

Polymer clay can put the same fun into your adult life and you can end up with permanent creations.

A

E

B I G C

D

F H

Materials needed: Polymer clay (you choose the colors) Glue Picture frame (use one that is flat or has little decoration) Polymer clay extruder tool (optional) Directions: Remember rolling “ropes” of clay? Making balls by rolling pieces of clay around in your hands?

Those two actions will make every clay shape you need for this project.

There are a number of brands of polymer clay and each has its own characteristics.

FIMO is harder to get “warmed up,” but retains its shape and color a bit better when paired with other shapes. Sculpey is easier to mold, but one color can rub off on another easier. Just try various brands and see which you prefer.

For this project, roll 5 small equal-sized balls of clay the size of a pea (A) and flatten them with your finger (B). Using a toothpick, draw it across the middle of each “petal,” leaving a slight point on the end (C). Then place 20 APRIL 2009

each petal in a circle overlapping slightly and pressing where the petals join to make them stick together (D). To make the centers, either use a clay extruder (which can be purchased at most craft stores) or just roll tiny “ropes” of clay (E) and stick them in the center in an upright position. Also, very tiny balls of a contrasting color–yellow here–can be put on top (F). Tiny “buds” can be made by flattening a small rope of clay and then rolling it up from one end (G).

Again, the “twigs” are made from small ropes of brown (H) with tiny branches added (I).

Make as many of these flowers, buds and twigs as you want on your frame. Bake in a conventional oven (with ventilation) according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 265-275 degrees for 15 minutes) for your brand of polymer clay.

After the flowers have cooled, a varnish or glaze (available where you bought your polymer clay) may be added. Then glue your creations to the picture frame of your choice, insert your favorite picture (mine happens to be my daughter Danica and her friend Mick), and enjoy for years to come.

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Visit Our Sister Store in Winston-Salem: 3443 Robinhood Rd. 336.760.1121

The Childhood Obesity Prevention Demonstration Project, and Appalachian District Health Department.

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APRIL 2009 21

Volunteering:

A Full-Time Job For National Guard Advocate

BY CORRINNE LOUCKS True to form, when asked to describe her involvement as a volunteer Currently, Barbara’s team continues to need such things as first aid with the local National Guard Armory for the past five years, Barbara items, bungee cords, magazines, books and non-perishable food items Daye deferred to other volunteers in the community. She quickly named (boxed macaroni and cheese, candy that won’t melt and disposable those in various organizations who she feels deserves the spotlight more drinks). than she does. And maybe that’s the true definition of volunteerism.

In addition to raising funds to purchase these items, Barbara says her While in her position as Dean of Students at ASU, Barbara worked group is blessed by the help of many local donors – individuals, clubs, with many students who were called to active duty. She describes “good, organizations and businesses and is very touched by the community’s fine students with excellent motives” involvement. “A person’s view of war who needed help as their daily doesn’t matter. What matters is how they routines were interrupted by the support the troops. Boone is a pro-troops call to serve via the National Guard town,” she shared. “People here are Reserve. They needed assistance active and passionate, and my hat is off to with handling such matters as them.” Barbara believes that the passion disruption of their classes, refunds she sees firsthand and the hearts open to for classes not taken, setting up post volunteering result in a better place to live office boxes, getting out of leases, in general. She has a lot of faith in her etc. – basically, navigating out of fellow volunteers, many of whom have one system and into another. All been involved in the fundraising efforts were leaving behind relationships to honor members of the Boone-based with friends, family or spouses and transportation unit of the National Guard Barbara was there to help them, who have been killed in the line of duty. both logistically and emotionally.

The development of the memorial garden She began to collect e-mail was a major volunteer effort, she says, addresses from the student-soldiers under the guidance of landscape artist, going overseas and e-mails led to Shannon Young, and Tess Miles. “The a monthly newsletter. She kept them garden is prolific in flowers and plants and informed of campus happenings, includes a Walkway of Honor – a path offered tips on registering upon made of bricks purchased identifying not return, and provided information only deceased servicemen and women in that helped in their transition. the area, but also those who are being She was a vital liaison between Barbara Daye, (sitting), is surrounded by representatives of the Boone- honored for their service by loved ones. the students and the National based 1451st Transportation Company of the N.C. National Guard The next project is the memorial wall, Guard. When she retired, it was which will include the names of 1451st who know the depth of her volunteer heart. Left to right: Sgt. Betty Ellis, only natural for her to continue members since the unit began. working with the Boone-based Capt. Brian Castle and Sgt. Robert Mullis. Photo by Sherrie Norris.

Barbara professes that “one 1451st Transportation Unit of the NC National Guard. She teamed up with another strong volunteer supporter, Sheri Church, and offered a continuum of care for the soldiers and their families.

Much of the service that she and Sheri provided was, and still is, related to organizing fundraisers, community awareness and whatever is needed to help the Boone-based soldiers. They utilize funding and donations from various sources to collect items needed by the soldiers serving overseas. Organizing activities and special events here at home for the soldiers’ families have been just as important, Barbara says, as the soldiers always request that their loved ones be cared for in their absence. Through the National Guard, Barbara was instrumental in developing a Family Readiness Program, which equips the soldiers and their families with adjusting, not only to separation, but to reuniting as well. One of the biggest annual projects the volunteer support group arranges for the absent soldiers is the Christmas party for their families.

Throughout the year, Barbara organizes volunteers, many from App’s student body, to assist in her efforts to support the families.

Families also make great contributions to see that their loved ones get what they need.

22 APRIL 2009

person can make a difference” and she is always looking for that next volunteer with a passion to help meet the ongoing needs of our troops and their families. All are welcomed, including high school and college students and all members of the community. She needs computer “whizzes” to help research the history of the 1451st and its soldiers. She also needs assistance to maintain contact with the 60 soldiers (and their families) who have been deployed to other units. She admits to needing those volunteers who approach the job like she does. “I have to have a passion or it’s not going to happen.”

Volunteering is practically a full-time job for Barbara, who constantly strives to meet the needs of the local soldiers and their families – while keeping them in the public spotlight so they are not forgotten. Thank you, Barbara, for your heartfelt contribution and for your way of touching so many lives.

If you share Barbara’s passion and would like to volunteer your time for those valiant troops of 1451st National Guard Unit, please contact us here at the magazine. www.aawmag.com

Appalachian And The Community Together A Volunteer Class ACT, For Sure

BY TIFFANY ALLISON “Think Globally, ACT Locally.” This catch phrase represents the Another root of ACT is its Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program cornerstone of one organization that provides opportunities for local geared towards college students who want to give back on their time residents and Appalachian State University students to work together off. ACT offers a variety of local, national and international service in serving others. trips, but there’s one catch: the students have to plan the entire trip Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) is an ASU themselves. organization designed to educate and

“We put students in the drivers’ engage people about social issues seats,” said Kate Johnson, assistant that are commonly left out of typical director for community service. “They conversations like animal and wildlife contact the agencies, they book the protection, environmental issues and flights, and they plan the trip.” poverty.

Trip activities range from Since its beginning in 1987, the lobbying in Washington D.C. about ACT office has developed into a service steep slope development, working tree with branches reaching into every in orphanages to working on aspect of the community. With ACT’s organic farms. Among this year’s Service-Learning Program, teachers international destinations are Costa incorporate service with an academic Rica, Czech Republic, Dominican base. Industrial design students may Republic and Panama. create scale models and blueprints

Mindy Smith, ASB team leader for a local nonprofit, or public and member of ACT, considers relations students may aid business ASB one of the most life-changing with their Web site information or experiences. She will be traveling media contacts. Whatever the need, with her group to San Asidro, Costa ACT will encourage its students to Rica to work on La Gran Vista, an help in anyway possible. agricultural farm run by a family of “It provides a real world setting,” five. says Todd Mortesen, associate

“We are going to be doing director of community partnerships. organic farming, soil remediation “We play that broker role to help and learning about medicinal faculty integrate service within their plants,” she said. class.”

The group of 14 will be working As the circumference of their for seven days on the farm. Smith tree widens, their community and her fiancé have planned the partners remain the center. ACT is entire trip themselves. Smith said already assisting 130 organizations that language barriers can be very in the Watauga, Ashe and Avery Mindy Smith and Ashley Anne have a heart for service – as their difficult to overcome.

County areas with research and involvement in ACT portrays. Photo submitted.

“Planning your own trip can be service projects and is interested in a headache,” she said. “There are expanding the numbers. Nonprofit organizations like Cove Creek no strict guidelines to forming an international or domestic ASB trip.

Farms, Hunger and Health Coalition, Habitat for Humanity, High It just has to be a registered 501 (c)3 organization and safe.”

Country United Way and Watauga Humane Society are just a few Smith has worked with the ACT office since her freshman year at ASU names on the list. and has been involved ever since.

“We are a good portal for the University’s resources,” Mortesen “It sucked me right in,” she said. said. “If they want to help, they should get in touch with us, so we On a previous trip to Jacksonville, FL, Smith spent her spring can establish a partnership. We are always looking to develop new break maintaining trails with non-electric tools like sledgehammers, partnerships.” saws and axes.

Some of ACT’s popular annual events including MLK Challenge, “It was fun,” she said. “It was an all-girl trip. It just shows you Dance Marathon and the BIG Sale, have already begun to make a how tough we are!” change in the community, which links back to their value of “ACT-ing Although the trip was labor-oriented, the group of girls locally.” accomplished their goal of service. The idea behind ASB is for MLK Challenge is a day dedicated to strengthening the bond students to stretch themselves physically and mentally while helping between students, regardless of ethnicity. Teams of students are another organization whether they reside in Costa Rica, Florida or in assigned a challenge, which they are required to complete by the Watauga County. end of that same day. Challenges may vary between building fences For more information about the ACT office and its involvement for a local farmer to redecorating an office. within the community, please visit http://act.appstate.edu/index.php www.aawmag.com

APRIL 2009 23

Minding Her Own Business| BY YOZETTE “YOGI” COLLINS

Blowing Rock Candle Maker Takes Time Out To Volunteer

When Cyndi Ziegler and her husband Larry decided to open High the annual Easter musical performed at Mount Vernon. With the Country Candles in Blowing Rock, she could not even find the music director’s blessing, Cyndi added a script to the performance town on a map. “I called my mom and said, ‘We’re moving to and, now in her tenth year, she is still enjoying the process. In fact, Blowing Rock and Boone, North Carolina’ and she said, ‘Where’s scripts performed the last four years were those Cyndi developed that?’ and I said, ‘I don’t know!’” and wrote.

The Zieglers had made That is no easy feat since, of and sold candles for nine course, the Easter story does years. Opening their own shop not change. But Cyndi, who meant moving from Savannah, enjoys writing in the “voices” Georgia so as not to compete of different characters, tells the with Larry’s former employer. story from different points of “We were looking for a place view each year, with hopes her to go [and] had a file cabinet audience experiences something full of locations and pamphlets. new. “You need to know your We met this man in Savannah audience. When you’re dealing who said, ‘You should go up with faith issues, you can’t just to Blowing Rock.’ I had never take something someone has heard of Blowing Rock!” written somewhere and stick it Their interest piqued, they in the middle of Boone. So, in writing the drama every year, visited the High Country one I try to put in a ‘hook’ to grab icy weekend in December, someone’s attention and maybe 1993. “We were walking open their heart up [to God] a around downtown Blowing Rock and we knew it would Busy High Country candle maker, Cyndi Ziegler, doesn’t mind taking little bit.”

And, like any responsible be a great location (to open a time from her business to volunteer. Photo by Mark Mitchell. shop).” They saw a rare empty director, Cyndi recognizes that storefront, called the number on the sign and a week later bought the show is not a one-woman gig. “There are so many people out the existing lease. Bing, bang, boom! Decision made. High involved with this. There are 50 people in the choir who practice Country Candles opened a couple of months later and now every week – for weeks and weeks. The cast members put a lot of delights customers by making its hand-carved, hand-dipped time into learning their lines and there are people who do makeup candles in the shop where everyone can see the process and and set design,and people who tear it all down and clean up. smell the melted wax.

There are people who collect tickets. There are a multitude of Considering the speed with which the Ziegler family found a volunteers.” new hometown, the fact that they quickly found a home church Asked why volunteering is an integral part of her life, Cyndi in Boone seems status quo, but even they were surprised by how says, “Volunteerism is good. Some people volunteer because they easy it was. “When we moved here we said we were going to think they should and it’s good to do in the community. Those visit every church in the area. We went (to Mount Vernon Baptist are great reasons. Some volunteer because it looks good on a Church) and we just never left. There are so many good people resume and they are volunteering, so there’s a benefit. Love is the at that church – such a cross-spectrum of people.” greatest motivation.

A mother of young kids at the time, working with youth at “I don’t volunteer because I think I should. I just want to Mount Vernon was a natural fit for Cyndi, but the importance love people. The way I do that happens to be visible and verbal of the youth in her life reveals a deep commitment to people. because I’m a visible, verbal person. My motivation is my love for “When you work with youth, you really work with youth all over God and my love for people.” the community because maybe their friends don’t come to church, Cyndi invites the community to this year’s Easter drama, but you are always going to football games or you open up your scheduled for April 3- 4 at 7 p.m. and April 5 at 4 p.m. and 7 house for them to come over. That’s what we try to do, make a p.m. safe place for them to come and invest in their lives.” Testament Tickets are free, but required, and must be picked up in advance to her investment, many of the kids – now grown – still keep in at Conrad’s Coffee Company, Higher Grounds, The Cornerstone touch.

Bookstore and the Mount Vernon Baptist Church Office. Free In 1999, Cyndi, a former high school English and drama childcare is available at the church for the performances with no teacher in Broward County, FL felt that drama would fit nicely into advance notice needed.

24 APRIL 2009

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APRIL 2009 25

Garden For Humanity Takes Former Activist Down A Different Path After 20 years of environmental and community activism, Jasmine world. We have to look honestly at ourselves and what is really happening here. There is so much that can be done but isn’t being ShoShanna walked away and chose a different road.

As an activist, Jasmine often took on unpopular issues such as The done.”

She goes on to mention Rockwater Farms and the Composting Ginn Corporation and the destruction of 6,000-plus acres of pristine forest in Watauga County, the trash system and the waste of resources. System, a well-known local issue with which she worked. “Here is a She was an active political system that does good things campaigner - a key organizer for the earth. The scientific data for the preservation of land collected is impressive, yet this that became the biopreserve healthy, beautiful ecosystem on the ASU campus. has been shut down by our

“It was time to quit,” state government. It doesn’t she quietly states, “I wasn’t make sense,” she says. feeling successful. My life felt

Going back to herself, out of balance. I was angry her own life, and working and frustrated a lot. One day in smaller, more personal I was watching one of the ways were what felt right to women I most admired, and her. On her coffee table sit the ‘ordinariness’ of her life. several books: Agenda for a She is a mother; her husband New Economy—Why Wall and family are her priorities.

Street Can’t be Fixed and How She doesn’t talk much about to Replace it; The Snowball: peace, beauty, or healthy Warren Buffet and the living – yet she embodies Business of Life; and Mycelium it. Being at her home is like Running: How Mushrooms can walking on sacred ground.”

Help Save the World. Jasmine

Jasmine was spending shrugs and says, “I like to 3 to 4 nights a week at read.” meetings, speaking to county

When she talks about commissioners, town council After spending 20 years as an environmental and community activist, Jasmine Gardens for Humanity, she members, civic groups, ShoShanna is focusing on a simpler way of life. Photo by Mark Mitchell. discusses what makes it a going to Raleigh and “getting different kind of system, one interested responses with no real action.” She wanted the system to that operates with small town, human values. “We help low-income change. families begin organic vegetable gardens. We also work with our local

“The system, though, is an ineffective system – it doesn’t work,” preschool and share nature and gardening with children,” she states. she says. “So focusing on a system that doesn’t work was futile for “Gardens for Humanity started attracting others who were me.” interested in working cooperatively. Besides my own garden and

What did work, she noticed, was her own garden and landscaping landscape business, we are also working cooperatively with a small business and the small non-profit, Gardens for Humanity, she co- woman-run farm, and we are helping a young Latin male get an edible created with Marsha Walpole four years ago. Going back to the heart and medicinal mushroom operation up and running.” Gardens for of it, her heart made a difference.

Humanity was able to give start-up money to the idea and has a wealth

In many ways her process is common. Many women writers speak of resources that are available to use together. “It has been interesting of needing to “find a room of their own and live life on their terms.” to watch how things are evolving.”

Jasmine says that while she is still pretty unsure about a lot of things, The saying, “When one door closes, another one opens,” seems what she does know is that she values beauty and function, especially to be holding true in Jasmine’s life. She is helping to start a health when the two come together. “It is the love of beauty of wild places and cooperative that works on barter and a belief in self-responsibility, of nature that drew me to standing up for Earth. It is the nourishment sharing skills, and preventive health. “It is hard, though,” she states. “It my soul gets from designing and creating gardens that both function challenges peoples’ sense of worth and the mainstream values of our well and are beautiful that speaks to me.” system. I don’t know if it will make it, but it would be pretty cool if we

Jasmine’s Gardens and Landscapes often does edible gardens could create a different health care system.” where flowers and vegetables all become part of the landscape.

Still, Jasmine maintains that her focus now is completely different Teaching about composting and natural practices are important to from what it once was when she was in the public eye working with her. It is all part of that “Earth Mother” energy she embodies where politicians. The small size and lack of overall plan makes her happy. every creature seems to be cared about and is important, both for its “Things will happen as they are meant to.” own sake and for the sake of the whole ecosystem.

When asked what advice she would give to people trying to be

When all the positive environmental change is mentioned, the more environmentally conscious, she replies, “No advice. I think I’ll whole green movement, Jasmine’s response is surprisingly luke-warm. just keep working on living my own life with simplicity and keeping my “Sure it’s a good thing, but all the positive thinking isn’t enabling us own house in order.” to honestly face the dire realities of what we are doing to our natural To contact Jasmine: (828) 297-4677 or jasmine@goboone.net.

26 APRIL 2009

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Take Back The Night April 8

There will be a Take Back the Night (TBTN) March and Speak-Out on Wednesday, April 8, beginning at 6:30p.m. beside the Duck Pond on ASU campus with a rally/sign-making.

The 7:30 p.m. march will go through campus and downtown Boone, ending at I.G. Greer Theatre for the Speak-Out at approximately 8 p.m.

This event is part of the Appalachian State University campusand community-wide observance of Sexual Assault Awareness month (April) and is being planned and coordinated by Boone Area NOW (National Organization for Women), the ASU Campus Chapter of NOW, OASIS, and local community members.

The Take Back the Night movement is a national campaign, which provides communities the opportunity to gain awareness about sexual assault and its impacts, and to show support for survivors of violence (www.takebackthenight.org).

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Survivor speak-outs are an inseparable part of Take Back the Night and offer survivors of violence an opportunity to give voice to their experiences and publicly affirm their transition from victim to survivor.

A recent study done at Appalachian State University indicates that one in seven female students are sexually assaulted while at school (for more information see the full study at http://webits3.appstate.edu/ apples/life/Rape/survey.htm).

There is a need for a Take Back the Night Event in this community and at Appalachian State University to help create an environment that is less conducive to violence against women. This event is also in line with the recent US Senate Resolution supporting National Campus Safety Awareness.

Contact information: Eva Hyatt, hyattem@appstate.edu (828) 262-2926; 297-7912

APRIL 2009 27

Puttin’ Out The Fires With Blowing Rock’s Own Wonder Woman

BY TIFFANY ALLISON

Who has time to rear two children, work a full-time job but all volunteers are encouraged to be available as much as and fight fire on the side? Only superheroes and cartoon possible. If it is something you’re passionate about, you’ll do characters, right? Only Wonder Woman has time to send the it as much as you can. You will love going to the scene.” kids off to school, clean the house, work 40 hours a week and Carol recognizes as many others do, that without volunteers, many organizations – like Blowing Rock stay up all night putting out fires.

Fire Department – can’t support fulltime But Carol Bolick of Blowing Rock has proved every critic wrong by doing all of personnel at the level they need. “Where the above for 24 years. would we be without volunteers?” became the first woman firefighter Carol

She has been trained in all areas of for Blowing Rock when she was 23 years firefighting, from secondary ventilation old. Her interest in fire peaked when she to trafficking and everything in between. was in her early twenties and she decided to The only role that she has not filled is that volunteer with the Blowing Rock Volunteer of pump operator. Of all the fires she’s Fire Department. reported to, fortunately, she’s never been “When I started, I really wanted to learn faced with trying to save a life. more about fire,” she said. “It was just so

“The first time out was scary,” she said. “But after that, it was more a matter exciting!” of just trying to save the structure, to get With the passing of time, Carol noticed that it was becoming harder on her body the fire out.” to pull all-nighters while working full The fire that stands out the most in Carol’s mind was the Glenwood fire. “It time during the day. Deciding to give up was 20 below that night,” she said. “I lived firefighting – after more than two decades on Main Street at the time, so we were – was not easy.

“It also got to the point where I wasn’t Carol Bolick recently “retired” after 24 years the first ones there.” Bolick and another able to make a lot of the calls because of as a volunteer firefighter for Blowing Rock, firefighter were the first ones on the scene, my side business of cleaning houses,” she but she still hears the sirens and still feels but no truck had arrived. They left the said. scene to grab a truck from the station, but the urge to respond. Photo submitted.

With no regrets, Carol recently accepted by the time they got back, the backside of the fact that it was just her time to give it up. “I’m totally OK the building had caught on fire. with retiring and it was a good time to do it,” she said. “It was “It was a very interesting night, everything was freezing.

Our trucks were freezing and everybody was covered in ice,” a great 24 years.”

After only two years at the fire department, Carol became she said. “It’s incredible how fast fire can spread.” the treasurer. She considered it a bonus to the already added The firefighters fought both ice and fire that night. But they were not fighting it alone. Community members gathered perks of the job. “Everybody loves the treasurer,” she said.

With much admiration for her co-workers, Carol said she together to help them in their battle by providing much needed was never treated with anything but respect while serving with coffee and food. fellow firefighters – the majority of which have always been “BP gas station gave us gas and the Scotchman provided men. As the only girl in her family (with three brothers), Carol everybody with coffee,” she said. “That was definitely an allnighter.” learned early how to take care of herself.

“The men never looked down on me or anything like that,” Carol Bolick continues to work in emergency services as she sad. “I’d put some of the women up against any male communication director for Blowing Rock Police Department firefighter.”

– where she has been for 26 years.

Currently, there are only five paid employees working for Never too far from the action, it’s still the fire that holds her the town of Blowing Rock’s Emergency Services – all others are concern. “I still hear the sirens,” she said. “I still feel the urge volunteers. “Volunteers are alerted by pager about fires and to go.” given the address. It is their choice whether or not to respond, 28 APRIL 2009

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A Giving Community Steps Up For

Celebrity Serve

It’s all about giving and it’s fast becoming a fun springtime tirelessly behind the scenes of Hospitality House – have jumped volunteer opportunity in the Boone and Blowing Rock areas. on board with innovative ideas and boundless energy.

Local dining establishments and well-known regional Celebrity Serve will again take place at various locations personalities are once again joining forces to raise money for a throughout the day, some offering their food and a unique blend worthy cause through the fourth annual Celebrity Serve. of service during both lunch and dinner, while others will be On Tuesday, April 7, participating for dinner only. participating area restaurants Proud to be involved in such will donate at least 10 percent a worthy community project, of their daily earnings, plus tips Gwen Dhing and her staff at from volunteer waitstaff/celebrity Makoto’s lead the way each year servers and other funds raised in excitement-building themes and through auctions, raffles, etc. added attractions.

Always a big draw is the Handing over $20,290 last impressive list of “celebrities” year alone, Dhing went all out helping to serve at each location: during Celebrity Serve with ASU’s well-known sports and media three-time National Football personalities, bankers, doctors, Championship coaches and lawyers, preachers, policemen, players on her roster of servers. etc.

One of Dhing’s greatest This year’s event will benefit moments of the day resulted from the Hospitality House and its her in-house auction when a “Giving Hope a Hand” combined game ball from the Michigan win campaign for building and autographed by the ASU team operating a new homeless shelter went for $10,000. The winning for the High Country. All money bid was made by Rick Phelps from raised through Celebrity Serve Clearwater, FL. will be earmarked for the new Dr. Stacy Conn and Dr. Tara Connelly were among those having fun Always another reliable source shelter’s kitchen. while helping raise money during Celebrity Serve 2008.The duo was for Celebrity Serve is Woodland’s, Celebrity Serve was an idea spotted at Makoto’s during the lunch rush. Photo by Sherrie Norris. raising $11,206 last year with conceived by a founding board the on-site assistance of Franklin of community volunteers – all of Graham, who not only drew a whom still (literally!) serve today and agree that the upcoming crowd, but presented a very generous donation on behalf of event is shaping up to be the best yet.

Samaritan’s Purse.

Tim Baxter, Gwen Dhing, Don’t miss the complete list of participating establishments Mary Hall, Sherrie Norris, and Jack and their celebrities that will be provided by local media closer and Lisa Pepper spearheaded the to the event. We hope you will plan to be a part of this amazing first-ever local event of its kind community effort. in 2006 for Hospice of Watauga County. Considered an overwhelming success, $18,000 was raised with the Win NEW help of eight local restaurants and an e Se impressive roster of “celebs.” The next lect ion year, the number of participants as ! well as the money raised, more than The Bar at Pepper's is a great doubled for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A repeat performance followed in 2008 with over $50,000 tallied for the Ted Mackorell new place for girls’ night out.

Field of Dreams Soccer Complex.

We have a great wine and Serving the High Country In a very short time, the event has raised nearly $120,000 Since 1975 drink selection, great food, for local nonprofit organizations with representatives of each and a pleasant, smoke free benefactor helping the original committee plan and organize successive events.

All ABC Permits place to have fun.

This year’s event is receiving much help from members of High Country Soccer Association who were instrumental in the successful completion of the Field of Dreams. Also, Hearts of Hospitality – a hardworking volunteer group of women who work

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APRIL 2009 29

Karen Petrey, Busy Volunteer:

Balance Is The Key

Karen Petrey, the epitome of volunteerism in the High Country, prepares baby bottles for a fundraising project at Hope Pregnancy Center.

Photo by Mark Mitchell.

BY SHERRIE NORRIS In the dictionary of life, there are few words that aptly describe Karen Petrey. Lovely? Talented? Compassionate? Giving? Yes, all that and more. From high school beauty queen to devoted wife, loving mother and adoring “Grandmama,” Karen Petrey has changed very little through the years. Maintaining a philosophy of treating others with respect and doing all she can to make life better for those around her is what she knows best – and it shows.

A lifelong Watauga County resident whose roots run deep and strong, Karen is one of those selfless individuals who epitomizes volunteerism. Her days are filled with one caring act after another as she freely gives of her time and service to others.

On Monday afternoons, she can be found tutoring a young Hispanic girl “whom I dearly love” in a neighborhood trailer park.

Each Tuesday she spends four hours doing, as she says, whatever 30 APRIL 2009

needs to be done at Hope Pregnancy Center. On Wednesday mornings, she is currently leading a ladies’ Bible study entitled “It’s Tough Being A Woman,” based on the book of Esther.

Karen says the focus is relevant to today’s woman. “Even in biblical times, women struggled with beauty and were always trying to measure up.” She says, “It’s important for all women to understand that God created each of us to be the wonderful, unique women that we are. Sometimes we forget that. We all have our ‘things’ to deal with – we all do. I like to see women supportive of each other and not in competition. God made us all different and we each have our gifts and talents to share with others.”

On Wednesday evenings Karen is putting yet another of her gifts to good use at church choir practice, preparing for Sunday services during which she helps lead worship music as part of the www.aawmag.com

praise team – her warm, welcoming smile symbolic of the joy in her heart.

Every other Thursday she serves as a “Mentor Mom” with Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) and it is a blessing, she says, to spend time with young mothers who desire to be the best they can be as they face many of the same parenting issues she did.

Bringing out a small decorative bucket, Karen explained a recent MOPS project, based on the book, How Full Is Your Bucket?

She explains, “The concept is very simple. Each of us has an invisible bucket. It is constantly emptied or filled, depending on what others say or do to us. When our bucket is full, we feel really good. But when it’s empty, we feel just the opposite. We also have an invisible dipper that we use to fill or take from other people’s buckets. By saying or doing things to make them feel good, we also fill our own bucket. But when we use that dipper to take from others’ buckets, by saying or doing negative, toxic things, we not only make them feel bad, but we feel bad, too.”

Karen surmises that a full bucket is positive for everyone with every drop in that bucket making us stronger and more optimistic.

Karen’s challenge for everyone is to fill one another’s buckets and not to dip from them. It’s an important choice, she says, that greatly influences relationships, productivity, health, and happiness.

Known for filling buckets along life’s pathway and spreading good will and cheer with every step, Karen says, “Everyone deserves to feel special. I have always taught my children to treat others with respect and to make sure they do not overlook anyone, especially those who seem to be easily targeted.”

At a young age, Karen developed a love for those with special needs. “My mother kept a little girl with Down’s Syndrome whom I loved so much. From that time on, I knew I wanted to be a teacher.”

After completing her education at Appalachian Elementary and Watauga High School, Karen graduated from ASU with a degree in special education. She married her high school sweetheart, Winston Petrey, and taught for seven years before the birth of twin sons, Dustin and Drew.

Her teaching career began at Western Carolina Center, a residential facility in Morganton, before she settled into the local schools, first at Hardin Park and then Beaver Creek where she welcomed the challenging task of starting not only a special education class but also a program for the academically gifted – two opposite ends of the spectrum. She taught also at Watauga High School, describing it all as “ something I really enjoyed.”

Although she wanted to remain at home with her young sons, at that time, she said, it was financially necessary for her to continue working. Her baby boys were left in the capable hands of their paternal grandmother, (the late) Ruth Petrey, where they were loved and nurtured as was their younger sister, Molly.

When the boys were in sixth grade, the family began discussing the subject of home schooling, based on several factors including Drew’s request for same and Dustin’s newly-diagnosed asthma.

After serious and prayerful consideration, the Petreys made the decision to educate their children at home, a decision not easily understood by many of their family and friends. After all, Winston’s father had been a longtime educator and administrator in the public schools!

The home school concept was still new at that time, but ideal www.aawmag.com

for the Petreys. The children excelled and their bond with their parents grew stronger with each day.

Karen admits that the responsibility of teaching her children was huge and required a lot of discipline. She states, “It was the hardest journey I’ve been on, but well worth it.”

Today, Karen says her sons and their wives have already made the decision to home school their children, as Molly plans to do with marriage and motherhood. “To me that says something – that it was a positive experience for my children – and I am so grateful for that.”

As her duties subsided with Molly’s graduation, Karen’s role transitioned into one requiring as much, or possibly even more, dedication. As her husband’s aging parents became unable to live independently, there was no question about where they would live.

Karen and Winston opened hearts and home to his parents, prepared a downstairs living area for their comfort and helped provide for their needs.

After three years, Winston’s mother died, followed in another three by his father.

In the meantime, caregiving became a family affair with Mr. Petrey requiring - and receiving - the utmost in attention from those he loved. The Petrey twins and their wives joined Molly, their parents and Uncle Morgan in rotating shifts along with a personal care attendant.

Karen was ever-present, providing meals and transportation for medical appointments, etc.

During that time, she didn’t have very much time for outside activities. She did maintain her role as volunteer tutor/homework helper at the Lighthouse (trailer park ministry) with Lucia, the same “sweet little girl with such a good attitude and a desire to do her best” that she has mentored for four years. The two have become extremely close and share a very special friendship. “I’ll stay with her as long as she’ll let me,” Karen says. She has been involved with the ministry’s planning committee as well as Lighthouse Learner’s Club that motivates youngsters during summer break and the backpack program that prepares students for a new school year. Karen also helps with the annual Christmas party for the entire Bradford Park community hosted by her church.

Most recently, Karen completed training at Hope Pregnancy Center in Boone and began volunteering there in March 2008 in various roles that promote the blessings of new life and motherhood – something of great personal importance to this loving mother and grandmother of six. Describing her opportunities to counsel women in crisis pregnancy situations as rewarding, Karen also helps with special events such as stuffing baby bottles with fundraising information before they leave the center, baby showers, designing gift baskets, etc. For many years, Karen and her children routinely volunteered with meals-on-wheels.

There is much more she would love to do, but she realizes the importance of “keeping a balance.”

While she seems to have an endless flow of compassion to share, home and family take priority. Date nights with her husband continue each week as do frequent getaways to their favorite destinations. She loves spending time with her children and their families, enjoys reading, and working crossword puzzles.

She’s done her share of cross-stitch and scrapbooking and stays physically fit, in mind, body and spirit. With her warm smile and helping hand, she can turn the darkest day into sunshine for those who need it.

APRIL 2009 31

High Country Courtesies| BY Sharon carlton

The Courtesies Of Condolence

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

--From a headstone in Ireland

There is… a time to be born and a time to die …A time to mourn and a time to dance.

--Ecclesiastes 3:1-2,4b The wise Benjamin Franklin reminded us, “The only certain things in life are death and taxes.” Inevitably we all experience the loss of loved ones and the accompanying grief.

Although nothing can be said or done that will take away someone’s grief, we can express our condolences in ways that will support and comfort others. We can offer consoling words of encouragement to the bereaved, along with words of appreciation for the deceased. We can be present for the bereaved: sitting with them, weeping with them, listening to them, remembering with them, holding their hands. We can assist with immediate details surrounding funeral or memorial services or accompany them in daily activities. We can bring food, help with out-oftown guests, watch or chauffeur their children, run errands they cannot manage, and help with household chores like shoveling snow or mowing the lawn. We can offer assistance with business or financial affairs. We can use our talents and daily routines to bolster their adjustment to the changes in their lives.

The closer you are to the bereaved, the more you should do. Drop everything to be with your closest family and friends.

For friends or business associates, sending a card or flowers, attending services, or making a personal visit are loving and respectful gestures that express sympathy and good wishes. For a casual acquaintance a simple acknowledgement of sorrow for their loss is appropriate.

Sympathy cards and letters from caring friends and family can ease the intensity of emotions for a grief-stricken family. Written condolences communicate how much people care. However difficult a letter of sympathy may be to write, it can provide enduring consolation and courage to the family long after the passing of their loved one. Cards and letters of condolence are often kept to be re-read for days, months and years after the loss.

It is imperative for business associates to respond to the death of a client, employer, or employee with a hand written card or letter.

When writing a condolence letter, write as if you were speaking personally to the reader; think of the letter as a “visit on paper.”

Personal sincerity helps the bereaved feel more comfortable.

Steps for Writing a Condolence Letter 1. Acknowledge the loss, mentioning the deceased by name. Simply express your sorrow, sympathy, and dismay.

32 APRIL 2009

Communicate your compassion for their situation.

2. Recount a memory or endearing quality about the deceased.

Mention the most outstanding strengths, achievements and successes of the deceased. Sharing your personal stories and fond memories – or remembering special qualities of the deceased will remind the bereaved that their loved one was appreciated and admired by you and others.

3. Offer your specific assistance, if you can. A personal offer of your expertise or time to do something specific, even if it is not accepted, will definitely be appreciated.

4. Remind the bereaved of the special qualities and strengths that you have seen in them that will help them survive this difficult time. Recalling a complimentary remark made by the deceased about the bereaved person is especially welcome.

5. Personalize your closing with an expression of concern or affection, or an encouraging reference for the future.

Incorporate a thoughtful word or a phrase or a quote that reflects your true feelings.

As you write, avoid overly dramatic language. Offer religious commentary or philosophy only if you are certain that your views are shared. Avoid focusing on your feelings or offering optimistic clichés.

Send your letters of condolence as soon as possible. If you are not able to compose your thoughts right away, send them belated. It is never too late-- and always appropriate.

Understand that nothing you can do or say can take away their grief. Grief is a normal, natural and necessary part of the healing process from a loss. It is a process unique to each person that takes time.

As you walk with others on their difficult journeys of mourning, take your cues from what they want or need. If they want to take a walk, walk with them; if they want to shoot hoops, shoot hoops with them. Anticipate practical ways that you can assist them then ask if you can help.

Listen when they need to talk about the deceased or their feelings. Be accepting of their feelings. Encourage them to participate in their favorite pastimes by accompanying them.

Remember the dates of their loved one’s birthday, wedding anniversary, and anniversary of their passing with a phone call.

Your positive words of encouragement, along with your time, energy, hugs and help are the perfect fuel for helping others move forward.

Sharon Carlton © HCC 2009 Sharon Carlton conducts High Country Courtesies customer service workshops and is Director of High Country Cotillion, a social education program for youth. She writes and speaks on modern etiquette and life skill topics. Contact her at scarlton@ highcountrycotillion.com www.aawmag.com

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APRIL 2009 33

Heartfelt| BY TERI WIGGANS

Delights of Volunteering

I had the opportunity several years ago to attend a conference in Winston Salem on service work. The most memorable presentation was given by the director of all the service agencies in England.

She shared that many physicians give prescriptions to their patients to do service work. One day she received a call from a medical doctor asking if she had a service placement for a man with only six months to live who was taking 38 medications. She reassured the doctor that she could place him. Ten years later and on 11 medications, this man continued to volunteer.

Why did this man live at least nine years and six months beyond the six-month prognosis? I believe it has to do with a change of heart. Frequently, illness or disease is caused by being in states of fear, anxiety, sorrow, depression, anger, etc. Being ill can then cause a person to become even more self-consumed.

Through volunteering, we have the opportunity to reach out beyond ourselves, share our gifts with others and move from a place of fear into a place of sharing love. One of our greatest needs is to be needed, contribute and make a difference.

Some of my greatest joys have come through volunteering.

I have met new people, learned new skills, gained confidence, shared my own gifts, made a difference in others’ lives and opened my heart. It’s a win-win situation. I am currently serving as vicechair of the Advisory Council for the High Country Women’s Fund (HCWF). My journey with this organization began with attending a Power of the Purse (POP) luncheon in the fall of 2007 and again in 2008. I was invited to a POP party to socialize and learn more about how I could contribute.

I then had the opportunity to volunteer and receive some grant money to create a program for women called “Believing is Seeing.” The six women participants - chosen by different agencies in Watauga and Avery counties - met weekly from 6 to 8 p.m. for six weeks. They were able to bring their children, get served dinner

by HCWF volunteers and then learn about empowerment skills that strengthened their confidence, resourcefulness, trust, creativity and communication. Their children had fun with teen and adult volunteers who did art projects and played games while their moms were in class for an hour. All of the volunteers interacted with the women and their children at dinner, celebrated their successes and thoroughly enjoyed contributing.

The High Country Women’s Fund is an initiative of High Country United Way comprised of many women who share their time, talents and treasures to make life better for others. Linda Robinson is among those women. She was part of the initial brainstorming group that desired to help local women become more self-sufficient with a little support. She has put her heart and soul into volunteering over the past three years. She is a member of the Directors Circle, the group that votes on allocations of funds. Last year $80,000 was distributed among women living in Watauga and Avery counties. Many of these women have been impacted by poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse and teen pregnancy.

34 APRIL 2009

Some of those beneficial services include the following: • Transportation—auto repairs, insurance, tires, gasoline, car payments • Education—tuition, text books, computers, workshops, Internet service • Housing—utilities, deposits, safe temporary housing, furniture, telephones • Personal needs—eyeglasses, hygiene items, clothes for interviews, grocery store cards • Prevention—funding programs to empower women and girls

Vanessa Brumfield states that the potential to change lives in a positive way is endless with this group. If she can play a small role in helping even one woman, that’s what she wants to do. She loves the fact that it helps local women - our friends, neighbors, and community - in tangible and palpable ways. HCWF helps in small scale the things that make a huge impact - things that we may take for granted. She is currently serving on the HCWF Advisory Council and contributes her skills as Web master and organizer of the newsletter.

Jane Lentz is a financial aid counselor at Caldwell Community College. She has been able to give HCWF scholarships to women who want to obtain their degree and become self-sufficient with their new job skills. She was able to distribute $2,000 in funds this school year to support women as they complete their education.

Jenny Miller, member of the HCWF Director’s Circle and former Director of United Way, volunteered at the Open Your Heart, Open Your Closet February HCWF service project. The clothing store, located at the Hunger and Health Coalition, was open Saturday, February 21, for women looking for professional attire for job interviews. Jenny helped a single mother with three children pick out pants and an interview jacket. The woman was very touched by Jenny’s care and concern and stated that she had received much help from the community, but that day she really felt worth it. As Jenny says, it’s all about building self-confidence and empowering women.

Taukia Hughes, a recent graduate of Lees-McRae who is also on the Advisory Council, states that she has lived by Mother Theresa’s wisdom for many years, “In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.” She shares her passion and enthusiasm for service work having started volunteering at age 10 with Samaritan’s Purse.

Kim Kincaid, chair of the Advisory Council, has recently experienced unexpected family sorrow. She relates how grateful she is to have so many wonderful friends in the HCWF that provide care, joy, laughter and sisterhood and how precious their love has been, especially in this troubled time.

To learn more about how you can volunteer with the High Country Women’s Fund, please contact Catherine Scantlin, Coordinator, at (828) 264-4007. E-mail: info@highcountrywomensfund.org Web: www.highcountry womensfund.org. www.aawmag.com

Volunteering At Hospice A Labor Of Love

BY REBECCA GUMMERE High Country Hospice volunteers come in all ages and stages - out to be someone she knew. The patient was very happy and from college students to senior citizens - but they all share the same excited to see her - so much so that her appetite picked up and she love for what they do. began eating again.

“I used to be afraid of death,” says new volunteer and ASU In a category all their own, Donna Phillips and Shirley Tarleton student, Abby Walker. “I’ve learned a lot. I have a different assemble the Sunshine Baskets that each new patient receives. perspective on life now.” Abby speaks of the peace she recently Donna says, “I got started when I was going for radiation treatments experienced while sitting with her patient before she passed away. “I for breast cancer, and I met a woman who was doing baskets for could tell she really needed to go.”

Hospice patients in Ashe County. I started helping her in February

Abby and other patient/family [2003] and in April she died of her volunteers agree they receive more cancer.” The woman’s father asked than they give. “It’s such a blessing if Donna would continue making the to me,” says Cindy Lamb, who has baskets, offering his home as a work been volunteering for three years. site. Donna enlisted Shirley’s help “I’ve done everything from sitting and together they continued creating with the patient to giving the dog baskets tailored for those entering a bath, working in their yard, and the final stages of life. crying with the family.”

In September 2003, the man

Sherry Boone, author of A was killed in an automobile accident Bloomin’ Bouquet: Letters from and the operation was moved again.

Myrtle, just started her tenure as a Since then, Donna and Shirley have patient/family volunteer. She admits made over 2,000 baskets. Sunshine she’s been thinking about it for eight Baskets contain a variety of items years but wasn’t ready to commit including a soft plush bear, personal until recently. At the invitation of care articles, canned chicken soup, Janet Trivett, Hospice Volunteer lip balm, and baby monitors. In Coordinator, Sherry took the addition to the new patient baskets, training and reports, “I just met my the women create smaller versions patient yesterday. I love that woman for special holidays and birthdays. already!”

They’ve even made several pet

The word “hospice” originally baskets and fulfilled some special meant a place of shelter for travelers requests. and derives from the Latin words for From left, top row, Cindy Lamb and Sherry Boone. Seated,

Having also served as a patient/ hospitality and guest. The Hospice Shirley Tarleton, Donna Phillips and Abby Walker. Floor, Brittany family volunteer, Donna shares one philosophy is to provide comfort, Smith. Photo by Mark Mitchell. story of a patient who sat every day care and support for a patient who in a chair that looked out over her is terminally ill, as well as for his or her family. fence that was badly in need of paint. “It was the one thing she

Patient/family volunteering is just one of the many ways wanted to see done before she died,” says Donna, who rounded up community members can get involved with High Country Hospice, five more volunteers, found a local store to donate the paint, and which is part of the High Country Health Care System. Currently, got the job done.

28 volunteers give generously of their time, energy, creativity and High Country Hospice tries to meet as many needs as possible for patients and families; its volunteers have procured beds and - most of all - their love to the organization.

Bereavement volunteers stay in touch with family members heating oil, taken off a roof, shopped, cooked, and cleaned, as well who have lost a loved one and send cards, make phone calls as wept and laughed with patients and families. or even visit grieving individuals in their homes. Fundraising/ About her volunteers, Janet says, “There aren’t words that marketing volunteers help with mailings, provide support for can describe all they do and mean to the families. We couldn’t fundraising activities, and handle press releases and other publicity. do it without them.” Each year volunteers give about 2,000 hours, Administrative volunteers help keep the office operations running translating into as much as $16,000 - $24,000 in donated labor. smoothly with tasks that include filing, organizing, and copying. All While volunteers uniformly admit to their initial fears about volunteers are provided with training and orientation and are well working with dying people, they also say they quickly moved past it. prepared for their jobs.

“The training was wonderful,” Cindy says, smiling as she shares her

Brittany Smith, another ASU student, began her Hospice work enthusiasm. “To be a volunteer, it doesn’t take that much time and last September and has logged 120 hours since she started. She is you end up being the one who is blessed.” currently working on revising the volunteer manual, has used her High Country Hospice is currently seeking people who are organizational skills around the office and has just begun sitting looking for meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunities. with patients.

Interested persons may reach Janet by calling (828) 265-3926 or

Ashley Wright lives and works fulltime in Mountain City and is via e-mail at jtrivett@hchealth.net. More information and volunteer also an ASU student, but she somehow finds time to be a patient/ applications can be found at www.highcountryhospice.org. family volunteer with Hospice, working with a woman who turned

www.aawmag.com

APRIL 2009 35

Volunteers Know: It’s All About The Babies

The 2009 High Country Area March for Babies scheduled for Sunday, April 26, is projected to be the area’s best March of Dimes walk to date. A fun-filled day is planned for everyone at Kidd Brewer Stadium on the ASU campus in Boone as more than 400 volunteer participants are expected to raise over $50,000 for one of the country’s best-known charities.

March of Dimes is all about helping moms who have full term pregnancies and healthy babies. Should complications arise, the organization provides support for the families in crisis while constantly researching the problems that threaten the babies and working to preventing them. It’s that simple but it takes one community after another, working together, to make it happen.

Not only will the event be staged at ASU, but co-chairing this year’s walk are ASU’s athletic director Charlie Cobb and his wife, assistant women’s soccer coach Lindsay Cobb, along with local pediatrician Dr. Scott St. Clair of Blue Ridge Pediatrics and his wife, Cameron St. Clair.

Both couples, ironically, were friends in Atlanta, GA before coming to Boone and both have had their own personal experiences with March of Dimes.

Adding just another touch of gold to the mix is the fact that little Kellan Flynn, daughter of ASU assistant athletics director/ sports information specialist Mike Flynn, and wife Erin, is this year’s ambassador. The Flynns also have their story of how March of Dimes brought their family through a difficult journey when Kellan was born 9 weeks early, weighing 3 lbs., 14 oz., and requiring a month’s hospital stay before coming home.

During the March for Babies kick-off at Watauga Medical Center, Lindsay Cobb and Erin Flynn spoke of those life-changing, heartwrenching experiences that parents hope never come their way and both agreed that March of Dimes helped make it much easier to bear.

Their children not only survived, but thrived and are healthy and doing well today.

Of her family’s experience, Erin Flynn stated, “Given her [Kellan’s] early persistence to join the world and her continued stubbornness in other situations, she is now a strong and healthy little girl – the light of our lives! Without the medical knowledge, drugs and technology provided by March of Dimes, Kellan might not be with us today.”

The March of Dimes holds a special place in the hearts of these families, not only because of their personal experience with the birth of their children, but also because of the many friends and colleagues who have experienced difficulties in pregnancy and childbirth in recent years. They are thrilled that the March of Dimes has saved so many of these babies’ lives, and has also been a part of the births of so many healthy babies (especially the many babies born in the Athletics Department over the past three years!).

The St. Clairs are enthusiastic about helping with this year’s March for Babies, not only because of Scott’s professional interest in promoting the health of all infants, but also because of their personal experience with their oldest son.

As the March of Dimes’ biggest fundraiser, March for Babies supports the organization’s mission to give every baby a healthy start.

The money that is raised goes toward funding important research, community programs that help mothers who have full-term pregnancies and aids in babies beginning healthy lives. Since 1970, these events have raised an incredible $1.8 billion to benefit all babies.

Previously known as WalkAmerica, the name was officially changed last year to make the message very clear. A spokesperson states, “Our mission hasn’t changed. The March of Dimes continues to protect the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant 36 APRIL 2009

Nearing her third birthday, Kellan Flynn, held by her dad Mike Flynn, is this year’s Ambassador for the area’s upcoming March for Babies. Photo by Mark Mitchell. mortality.”

Representing the entire High Country, the Boone walk is one of over 900 taking place across the US, in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Individuals, families and businesses have formed teams and will be walking around the ASU track several times for a suggested 3.1-mile distance. “Spirit stations” will be strategically placed to keep participants refreshed.

National sponsors are Kmart, CIGNA, Farmers Insurance Group, FedEx, Famous Footwear, Liberty Tax Service and Continental Airlines, with a long list of local sponsors adding up.

Plan now to participate in March for Babies to celebrate or honor a baby in your life. Many, too, walk in memory of a baby who didn’t survive - a reminder of the importance of the March of Dimes mission to help all babies be born healthy.

In North Carolina, March of Dimes spends 92 percent of the money raised in March for Babies on research and programs that promote the health of babies, as well as support all-important research offering prevention and solutions for babies who are born too soon or with birth defects. The dollars raised by each walker help: •educate women on things they can do to increase their chances of having a healthy baby •provide comfort and information to families with a newborn in intensive care •push for newborn screening and health insurance for all pregnant women and children.

The April 26th High Country March for Babies will begin 3 p.m. at Kidd Brewer Stadium, with registration at 2:30 p.m.

“While parents are walking the track at the event, children will be entertained by participating Appalachian sports teams and personalities, inflatables, games, food and drinks,” Lindsay Cobb said. www.aawmag.com

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APRIL 2009 37

Judith Winecoff Receives Inaugural Great Friend to Families Award

Judith was inspired by Sheri Lynch, guest speaker at the luncheon. “She offered insights into her life and so much of the time we do not know the life of another, so much is left unsaid unless one shares their life with us, like Sheri did. She shared the depth and dark places she faced as a child. This is perhaps why working with children and with literature are important facets in my life. Literature helps me to understand the world in a greater manner - and our stories offer insights into places, cultures and lives we do not know and for this I am ever thankful. These in tandem help build the inner resources necessary for life. I think this is in part what our speaker was sharing with us, the resilience she developed as a child.”

As a dedicated children’s librarian, Judith has been a valuable resource to parents and children since 2001, first as a Youth Service Specialist and since 2003, Youth Services Librarian. With her genuine and deep concern for children, she goes beyond providing books and programming; she takes a personal interest in her many patrons. Parents have often said that Judith helped raise their children. On any given day, she can be seen sitting with the teens who return to talk with her. They, along with the young children who run to her desk, love her because she makes them feel welcome and accepted. She gives these children a sense of security, of nurture by a caring adult, and the greatest gift of all, the start to a lifelong love of reading.

Judith strives to stay current with the needs of Watauga County families in areas such as education, technology, and gaming trends. She models her belief in education by being a lifelong learner herself (she is currently enrolled in graduate school at UNC-G) as well as making sure her library programs are both fun and educational. Each year, she takes the extra effort to load her large apple press on a truck and, with bags of her own apples, helps the children make apple juice. She helped to set up a large tee-pee on the library yard, in the snow, during an event to celebrate Native American Heritage Judith Winecoff has set a high precedent as recipient of the first-ever Great Month.

Friend to Families Award, sponsored by The Children’s Playhouse of Boone.

Additionally, Judith truly serves every member of the Photo submitted. family. Parents depend on her for suggestions and resources.

Judith makes her department a welcoming place for the “You got a spirit of do-right in your soul.” This quote from the adults with developmental disabilities who utilize the computer popular children’s book, The Talking Eggs, perfectly describes games and come in to volunteer. There is always a box with crafts Judith Winecoff. Such a spirit helped qualify her for the first- that need to be cut for one such volunteer who comes regularly ever Great Friend to Families Award presented recently by the – because Judith has made her feel welcome and needed.

Children’s Playhouse of Boone.

County Librarian John Blake says, “It’s tough to keep a Judith was among an impressive group of nominees in line for good program going and Judith has always been able to do it. the award and honored at a luncheon February 27. She received She is mature, supportive and one of the best listeners I’ve ever a piece of glass art by Glen Randle and $500 to donate to the known.”

High Country charity of her choice – the Hunger and Health Judith reaches families beyond the library and will often Coalition. attend gatherings that include Head Start parent meetings, Green Judith says, “I am honored and was surprised to have been Valley Family Reading Night, Children’s Playhouse Consignment nominated for this award. I have a very supportive staff that kindly Sale and the Wellness Center’s infant and toddler parenting instigated the nomination of this Family Friend award. Generally, programs. She also holds monthly outreach programs at local I think that I am just doing my job and am happy to work at a childcare centers - as an equal partner with staff - as well as daily place that supports the community in a variety of methods. We story times at the library. She works hard with the Reading and also have some wonderful volunteers who are able to implement Rolling program in which library volunteers take bags of books to programs like Reading and Rolling, a book outreach program.”

38 APRIL 2009

www.aawmag.com

children throughout the county. Many of these children would not read during the summer otherwise.

Judith’s caring for the county’s children began before joining the library - having also served families as an outreach specialist working under a Smart Start grant. Working with the library and the Children’s Council, she provided literacy support services to child carecenters, Head Start programs, parents, and public school teachers. She has been on the Watauga County 4-H advisory board and participated in programming during Mountain Heritage Days. Having earned her B.S. in elementary education from Appalachian State University, Judith also has shared her talents with families as both a Watauga County teacher and teacher’s assistant. Her interest and support of families is multigenerational. She has served as a volunteer adult literacy tutor with Caldwell Community College and as an art teacher/ facilitator with Watauga County Project on Aging.

Judith goes beyond job requirements to enhance the lives of Watauga County families and never thinks twice about giving the extra effort.

Judith’s own words describe her character best. In a previous Mountain Times article, she says, “I just like spreading the joy of literature, the joy of stories, the joy of life.” She adds, “ Compassion is small little things.” Her work and her compassion will never seem small to the people she has touched. In many ways, this petite and wonderful librarian is larger than life.

Judith and her family have lived on a farm in an “old dilapidated farm house in Ashe County” that they’ve been working on since 1981 - and love it. She and her husband, Timothy, have 3 grown children – Leaflin, Vaughn and Micah. Her 84-year-old mother moved in with them nearly two years ago. “Right now, our artist daughter, Leaflin, is truly a blessing in helping us look after my mother, who has a bright spirit and loves to pop bubble wrap and eat sweets, which she is not supposed to do because she is a diabetic.”

The Great Friend to Families Award was sponsored by First Citizens Bank; Earth Fare; Mast General Store; Adult and Child Orthodontists and Pediatric Dentists Drs. Mayhew, Scheffler, Hardaway, and Conn; High Country Home Builders Association. Additional funding was provided by Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation.

The award and presentation ceremony was sponsored

by The Children’s Playhouse, a nonprofit children’s museum founded in 2002 that provides an enriching play environment for children from birth to age eight that at the same time offers parents and caregivers friendly support in the important job of raising children. The Children’s Playhouse is supported in part by Watauga County, the Town of Boone, and the High Country United Way. Special motivational speaker for the luncheon was Sheri Lynch, popular radio personality from the Bob and Sheri Show in Charlotte.

Proceeds from ticket sales for the luncheon will support family resource services at The Children’s Playhouse, including scholarship memberships for low-income families and low-cost parenting classes.

For more information, contact Kathy Parham, executive director, at (828) 263-0011 or kathy@goPlayhouse.org www.aawmag.com

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APRIL 2009 39

Devoted To Delivery Mary and Bob Smith were newcomers to Watauga County in 1985. After seeing a similar newspaper ad, they also signed up. When Bob passed away in 1999, Mary continued to volunteer for the program to which they were both so devoted.

Today, these four women are still delivering meals as individuals serving their community and are in agreement that delivering a friendly greeting and a hot meal is very rewarding. “We get as much - or more - out of the program as do the clients we serve,” one said.

Mary’s clients become adopted family members.

She looks forward to checking on them each week to make sure they are well. Jean has learned a lot of Watauga County history from her clients. Sandy and Barbara not only enjoy the contact with their clients, but also the trip they make to deliver the meals.

Driving through the rural areas in Watauga County While Sandy Kadyk, (far left), checks an inventory list, (from left), Jean Czermak, becomes a “spiritual experience” as they enjoy the Barbara Lawrence and Mary Smith prepare a meals on wheels delivery. beautiful mountain scenery.

Photo by Mark Mitchell This group also enjoys working with the Project In 1982, Jean Czermak, Sandy Kadyk, and Barbara Lawrence on Aging staff and has seen many improvements in were members of a local medical auxiliary in search of a service the program through the years. project. Watauga County Project on Aging had begun a homeTheir many years of dedication to this program say a lot, says delivered meals program and was in the process of recruiting Diane Williamson, program director. “It’s evident that they enjoy volunteers when the trio saw a related advertisement and signed what they do and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a up for the program. rewarding volunteer experience.”

Home-Delivered Meals in Watauga The home-delivered meals program began with the passage of the Older Americans Act of 1965. The goal was to keep older adults in their homes and help them maintain their independence. This remains the goal today. To qualify for meals, according to Diane Williamson, program coordinator in Watauga County, one must be 60 years old, homebound, unable to prepare a balanced meal and have no one to do it for him/her. Anyone can make a referral. “When I get a referral, I make a home visit to assess and determine eligibility. Meals are delivered at lunch only – Monday through Friday – by volunteers who pick up the food caddies and coolers and leave the centers (in Boone and Cove Creek) between 10:45 and 11:00 a.m. The routes take about an hour to an hour and a half to deliver. We have nine routes that go throughout the county. Volunteer deliverers can receive about 50 cents per mile if they want it.”

On average, there are 115 volunteers for the meal program in Watauga County. Approximately half are women, Diane says.

“We can have up to 16 clients on a route - about 120 currently. Our meals are prepared in the kitchen by two full-time cooks and one part-time, who also prepare for our congregate meals and for the Western Watauga Community Center.

“I have several retired volunteers who deliver several times a week. They substitute a lot for volunteers who have to cancel.

Volunteers can deliver once a month, once a week, or whatever their schedule and my calendar permits.”

Also, Diane says, the meals must be delivered hot. “Temps should be around 140 degrees for the hot food and below 45 for the cold. The meals go out in food caddies, which have heated stones in the bottom to keep the food hot. The volunteers also carry a cooler for the cold items and return both after delivering. Timing is so important and that’s one reason our volunteers can’t stay to visit with clients as they would like to do.”

A limited number of clients also receive “shelf-stable meals,” delivered once a month to clients living too far out in the county for daily deliveries. “They come with a suggested menu, which if followed, results in a balanced diet. We also send these meals to all of our clients in the late fall, (usually 10 days worth) in case bad weather prevents delivery. We could not have this program – elderly clients in this county might not receive adequate nutrition - without our volunteers.”

40 APRIL 2009

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Ashe County Indebted To Its Volunteers

As Ashe County Volunteer Coordinator, Dawn Goodman knows that and other service providers, etc. there is no way to place a monetary value upon the services provided Then she writes fact-based, child-focused reports for court hearings, by volunteers. Working closely with the majority of agencies that rely which she attends, as well as other related meetings – in hopes of upon volunteer programs in the county – as well as the volunteers coming up with a permanent plan that serves the child’s best interests. If themselves – Dawn says, “Ashe County is very much indebted to all our needed, she is also called to testify in court about changes in the child’s volunteers.” situation and/or to speak on behalf of the child.

While Goodman did not have Melinda also represents the GAL a current breakdown of male/female program as a community representative volunteers, she admits to having a very on the Permanency Planning Team at strong female volunteer base in the the Ashe County Department of Social county. “We have hundreds of women Services. in our county who donate so much of She serves on the board of their time and energy to help make Ashe directors of the Summit Support Services – County a great place to live and work. a private, nonprofit organization founded We could not be more proud of them or in 1977 as Ashe County Group Homes appreciative of what they do.” for the purpose of providing residential Since 1998, over 3,800 volunteers services for adults with developmental have participated in the county’s disabilities.

Volunteer Initiative and each spring, Melinda is a trustee on both hundreds are honored at an annual the local library board as well as the ceremony sponsored by the Initiative and regional board, currently serving as Ashe County Commissioners. chair. At the local level, she has been Dawn is committed to making sure very involved with the fundraising efforts that volunteers and organizations are for the new addition to the library in adequately matched, which is not always Ashe County. She is also a member of the easiest job around. She works hard the West Jefferson Woman’s Club, and to meet a wide range of organizational coordinates fundraising projects. needs – from a domestic abuse shelter, “Melinda is a very dedicated medical clinic, library, fire departments, volunteer who donates her time to help schools and children’s organizations, many folks in her community,” Dawn adult services and everything in between. concludes. (And you thought volunteering Additionally, she helps plan many special was a piece of cake.) events that require dedicated volunteer Gail Blackburn “just loves presence. “We work with local industries, volunteering” and it’s a good thing. She businesses, civic groups, churches, and gives of her time to the Ashe County various other individuals and volunteer soup kitchen – Soup for You and at the projects throughout the year.”

Sharing Center on Mondays with a group When asked about some of those Providing a daily meal delivery service, Betty Ball is just one of from her church where she helps, accepts volunteers who go the extra mile, Dawn Ashe County’s many faithful volunteers. Photo submitted. donations, sorts, shelves and assists was very hesitant. “There is no way I can clients in need of food and clothing. Gail single out just one or two – they all do a wonderful job and I can’t thank volunteers with the Humane Society adoptions on Saturdays and also them enough.” with Red Cross Bloodmobile blood drives with snacks, registration and However, Dawn finally agreed to offer what she calls “ just a few clean-up. She wraps gifts every year in December for needy Ashe County of many great examples of volunteerism.” youth during the annual Children’s Christmas Project. She serves on the Melinda Hamrick, volunteering with the Guardian ad Litem board for Ashe Services for Aging and as a Nursing Home and Adult program since 2001, is a trained community member appointed by a Care Community Advisor, touring local nursing home facilities, meeting district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and with the residents to promote communication, education and awareness neglected children petitioned into the court system by the Department on the issues affecting institutionalized elderly. of Social Services. The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) volunteer makes “Gail is an invaluable asset to her county and was honored as the independent recommendations to the court for services, which focus on 2008 Senior Volunteer of the Year in Ashe County,” Dawn says. the needs of each child and advocates for a permanent and safe home Orpha Kurtz and Betty Ball have been faithfully delivering meals to within the shortest time possible. Some of her duties include: visits the shut-ins for many years. “Both of these ladies deliver almost every with the child, communication with the attorney/advocate to develop day – each averaging 20 hours a week. legal strategies to further the best interests of the child client; gathering The 24th annual Ashe Volunteer Initiative Award Ceremony will and assessing independent information on a consistent basis about the be held April 23 at the Ashe County High School auditorium. Last year child to recommend a resolution in the child’s best interest – based on over two hundred thirty individuals, businesses and organizations were interviews with the child, parents, guardians, caretakers, social workers recognized. www.aawmag.com

APRIL 2009 41

Pet Page| BY GENEVIEVE AUSTIN

The Tao of Toby

And Friends At The Taylor House

The Tao of Toby, Jay-Jay, Romeo and Rudy is a family story. Romeo and Rudy are beloved potbelly pigs owned by Terry Taylor. She and her husband, Dr. Jack Taylor (recently deceased), began their relationship with pigs years ago with an adorable three-week-old named Toby.

While Jack grew up on a farm, Terry’s education of pigs quickly grew when the young piglet squirmed in her arms on a first ride home.

Thinking that Toby needed a break, Terry suggested that they pull over.

Jack warned Terry, “Don’t let it go!”—but it was a second too late, as she had just opened the door. The piglet ran at the speed of a bullet, in an amazing zigzagging pattern, toward an old car parked in a field.

Terry couldn’t catch it. While she and Jack attempted to capture their new pet, rain began to fall. What had been a field quickly became a mud hole. The piglet was dodging Terry’s attempts to grab it while Jack made noises to encourage it to come out. After Terry’s many frustrating attempts to catch the elusive Toby, her former football player husband suggested that she tap the car “continuously and loudly” and he would catch the pig as it came out from hiding. Terry said it was just like watching a major football play when Toby rushed out. Jack grabbed the piglet, held it incredibly close to his chest, then rolled and rolled with it in a secure hug. The newly-muddied family continued on their journey home.

Terry and Jack knew that pigs are extremely fastidious, gentle, intelligent and excellent pets. Originally coming from Vietnam, the

small potbelly pigs were brought to America as pets by westerners; crossbreeding began with African pigs, which resulted in an unusual size. Terry states that one cannot know for sure whether a potbelly pig will remain small or will grow monstrously large.

Five weeks into Toby’s life, Terry and Jack came home late one evening to find him very ill and feverish. It was after midnight when they headed to the emergency animal clinic. The vet immersed the piglet in tepid water and Terry discovered another surprising survival technique of piglets - an excruciatingly loud squeal - requiring the three humans to plug their ears at the piglet’s reaction. The vet gave Toby a shot, put him in a carrier and placed him on a high shelf, telling them, “If he survives the night, I’ll be back to give him another shot.” Terry is a retired emergency room nurse and Jack was a doctor. Upon hearing 42 APRIL 2009

Dr. Jack Taylor feeding his potbelly pig Toby. Photo submitted. “if he survives,” Jack immediately decided that they could give Toby his shot. He knew that the piglet’s chances of survival were much higher if he were in familiar surroundings. He reached to the top shelf and said, “We’ll take him home and give him the shot. Thanks.”

They returned home, set up a bed for Toby in the kitchen corner with fresh water, a food dish and a cat box nearby. In reflection, Terry smiles and says, “Jack went and got his pillow and bedding and immediately returned to the kitchen, telling me he would tend to Toby.”

Terry remembers waking at 3:00 a.m. and walking into the kitchen for a glass of water. In the corner she saw her husband asleep next to the piglet, a small dampened washcloth across its forehead. Both were sound asleep. It was a moment that she’ll never forget. At 5:00 a.m.

Jack came running into the bedroom to tell her that Toby had made it through the night. Toby was walking across the kitchen floor. Terry thought Jack might come back to bed but he returned to Toby’s side.

Toby survived and lived happily for 13 years.

Terry and Jack were married for 21 years until his recent death.

Special moments, like those with Toby, stand out for Terry with crystal clarity. That particular night remains a stellar example of the caring, loving human being she married.

Toby, they discovered, was part African and became so large that his owners together could not lift him. Before that time, Toby went with them everywhere. He rode in cars, visited family and followed them through life - much like a family dog follows its master.

Terry discovered that pigs have a certain sound to express joy and urgency as well as a sob to express deep sorrow – the latter heard the first day Toby could not be lifted into the car and was left behind. Terry and Jack sobbed, too. They decided to get a companion for Toby.

Thus, Jay-Jay, Romeo and Rudy joined the Taylor family. Jay-Jay lived to be 15 years old. Romeo and Rudy still enjoy their bond today.

The beauty of pigs is grander than their intelligence, Terry Taylor can attest - with fastidious nature, loyalty and entertainment. With fresh water, good food, shelter and companionship they symbolize the spirit of life - enjoy it as it flows within and around us. Squeal and zigzag through it when you must. Don’t forget to take naps and greet your friends and family. Live the Tao (“the ultimate reality in which all things are located or happen - the universal energy that makes and maintains everything that exists”).http://www.pigpalssanctuary.com/index.htm. www.aawmag.com

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Hope was institutionalized, and Andrew was placed in what would be his devastating reality for the next eleven years–foster care. After surviving one of our country’s most notorious children’s facilities, Andrew was thrust into a savagely loveless foster family that refused to accept him as one of their own. Deprived of the nurturing he needed, Andrew clung to academics and the kindness of teachers. All the while, he refused to surrender the love he held for his mother in his heart. Ultimately, Andrew earned a scholarship to Wesleyan, went on to Harvard Law School, and became a Fulbright Scholar. Andrew has dedicated his life’s work to helping children living in poverty and in the foster care system.

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She sees in Dylan, an American boy and her upstairs neighbor, the enticing promise of another life. But then a massive earthquake forces Sinan and his family to live as refugees in their own country and leads to a dangerous intimacy with their American neighbors, as Irem and Dylan fall in love. When Sinan finds himself entangled in a series of increasingly dangerous decisions, he will be pushed toward a final betrayal that will change everyone’s lives forever.

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APRIL 2009 43

Local Crafters To Be Showcased At ASU’s Diversity Celebration

Lisa Banner, Leniavell Trivette and Betty Wells are just three of many local crafters and artists who will be participating in the 8th Annual Diversity Celebration at Plemmons Student Union on the ASU campus Tuesday, April 7 from 3-9 p.m. This spectacular (free) event will host performers and presenters from across the Southeast with music and dance performances, multicultural food, and exciting – and unique – cultural exhibits.

For a complete schedule of events or for volunteer registration, visit www.celebration.appstate.edu or call (828) 262-6252 or 262.2144.

Crossnore Weaver Represents Mountain Tradition

BY SHERRIE NORRIS As a skillful representative of the historic Crossnore Weaving Room, table runners, baby blankets and Lee’s Surrender Rugs, Lisa does Lisa Banner will return again to this year’s Diversity Celebration at a little of everything today and is the primary Crossnore weaver ASU, assisted by her young daughter, Maggie – herself a budding seen at outside events. crafter.

She hopes for return trips as well this year to Asheville’s

Lisa is helping to keep alive a tradition for The Crossnore Southern Highlands Craft Shows, Parkway Craft Center and other School that began nearly a century ago when founder, Dr. Mary venues around the High Country.

Martin Sloop, provided local women a means of income through She says, “It was a real honor for Crossnore Weavers to be weaving. Today, those efforts continue to provide opportunities for included in the 2008 Handmade House at the Ramble (at Biltmore women in the area and help support the children’s home and Forest). Only 100 crafters were invited to participate. Not only school. was our work displayed, but

Weaving comes naturally we were also asked to serve as docents. We’ve also been for the young mother of two, invited recently to take items who learned quickly while to the Grove Park Gallery in watching her sister-in-law at Asheville.” the loom. “All I do is weave,

Off-site demonstrating weave, weave. I love it!” Lisa says, referring to her real job requires a lot of organizing in Crossnore, as well as her and assistance with set-up, home-based workshop in Lisa explains. “Our manager, Jonas Ridge.

Martha Hill, does a great

What was “just a job” a job making arrangements decade ago is now more of a and helping transport what mission, Lisa says. “The harder we need. She and Dr. Phyllis I work at the Weaving Room, Crain, the school’s executive the more items I can make director, often represent us and the quicker they can sell and take our work across the to help Crossnore children.” country to events like DAR Lisa eagerly looks forward conventions.” to the upcoming Diversity

Lisa says, “People Celebration where, as she As the traveling artisan at Crossnore Weaving Room, Lisa Banner has from other cultures are often does at various festivals, impeccable skill and a deep love for keeping a mountain tradition alive. Photo intrigued by weaving. The she will give patrons a firsthand submitted. traditional mountain arts and view of life behind the loom as crafts never lose their appeal. part of a traditional artists exhibit.

It’s also a way that people can hold on to the past.”

She is anxious to introduce Maggie to the event. “She’s Lisa says that in anticipation of thousands of visitors making going to love it and will learn a lot. Last year, there were China their way through Crossnore this summer, she and her co-workers dragons and belly dancers – something you don’t see every day have to stay ahead of the demand.

– drummers, all kinds of music and crafts for the children. I can’t The on-site museum, where the history of weaving comes wait!” alive daily, honors the memory of the weavers who passed it one

While her routine work schedule is fulfilling, Lisa loves from one generation to the next. demonstrating at seasonal festivals and art shows. “Being able to Proceeds from the sale of hand-woven goods benefit the work in different settings is very rewarding. I not only learn a lot children of The Crossnore School, a private, nonprofit 501 (c) from others, but I am able to show and tell so many people about (3) corporation whose mission is to provide hope and healing to weaving – and about Crossnore.” children from families in crisis. The Weaving Room is referred to

At first creating mainly traditional patterns, Bronson Lace as a place “where hope is woven by hand.”

44 APRIL 2009

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Lisa is one of many staff members at Crossnore happy to keep the history and hope alive.

A day at work is actually a good thing, she says. “Behind my loom – which I call my prayer tool – I am at peace. I think that’s why no one wants to leave when they come to work here.

This job offers us serenity. It’s sweet to know what we’re doing will eventually make a difference for these precious children on campus. I don’t ever want to leave. They’ll have to throw me out when they get tired of me!”

During a typical workday, Lisa can complete five to six baby blankets or maybe two afghans depending on size and intricacy, pattern, thread, etc., or 24 to 30 placemats.

When at home, Lisa often works on personal projects like neckties and pocketbooks, something she began just for friends and family. “My husband Darryl found me a little trailer where we keep my looms. We were lucky to find them at a great price when a Charlotte-based college closed down its weaving and textiles program.”

Lisa says it takes different looms do different things, with each having from 2 to 24 harnesses and as many as 6 to 12 treadles.

“It can get real complicated.”

The longer you weave, the more you learn. “After 12 years, it feels like I just started.”

Lisa is convinced that Maggie will follow in her footsteps. Her kindergarten daughter, Emma, wants to learn, too “She just can’t reach the treadle.”

Lisa gives much credit to the senior weavers at Crossnore, who have been like family to her, and a great support system.

“Martha (Hill) manages the Weaving Room and Gallery, which also displays locally-made pottery and other craft items. Shirley Gragg, Virginia Coffey and Virginia McClellan are all officially retired after many years, but [Gragg and Coffey] still do contract work and help when needed. Stephanie Hoilman, a former student, came to work here after she graduated from Crossnore Academy. She is married now, has one child and another on the way. That’s another good thing about being here – we get to help students learn a trade that might help them in their future.”

Lisa enjoys the students who come to learn weaving; she currently works with Lindsay and Summer, “who do a great job.”

Lisa concludes, “The more students come here, the more interaction we can have and the better chance to impact their lives in a positive way. They are so precious to us.”

Lisa and Shirley Gragg will again be teaching a week long weaving class in June – one that grows in size each year and attracts mainly tourists.

With little free time, Lisa looks forward to summer Sundays, when she and her girls hike Parkway trails after church, enjoy picnics and wade in the creeks together. “It’s the simple things in life that make a difference.”

She also helps to care for her husband’s parents who are not physically well.

When needing that special gift – whether fine linens, stoles, scarves, baby blankets, throws, coordinating pillows, and much more, plan to visit The Weaving Room at 100 DAR Drive in Crossnore, the Web site at www.crossnoreschool.org or call (800) 374-4660 or (828) 733-4660.

Mountain Hertiage Exhibit Features Collection Of Betty Wells

BY YOZETTE “YOGI” COLLINS If you are reading this, you most likely know what a special town Boone is – small enough to run into people you know (especially when you’re dressed in your painting clothes on a bad hair day), yet large enough to host a growing array of people and cultures.

There is still room to improve, but, Boone, you’ve come a long www.aawmag.com

way, baby.

Betty Wells, a Boone native, appreciates the increasing diversity in the area, especially since only 2,000 people lived in Boone when she graduated from college here in the early 1960s. Also, as a member of the Baha’i faith, understanding and appreciating others’ cultures is important to her. “Baha’i is belief in the unity of religions and the unity of humankind, in taking care of the earth,” Wells says. “We embrace all of the religions and feel that all religions are a part of God’s plan to bring the human race to a spiritual maturity so we can live together in peace.”

It is from her faith that Wells’ volunteerism sprang. With humanitarian unity central to Baha’i beliefs, the local Baha’i fellowship held a Unity Festival to peacefully counteract a planned Ku Klux Klan march through Boone and Blowing Rock in April 1992. The annual Unity Festival was born and the focus on racial and cultural unity proved so popular in the community that ASU asked the Unity Festival to join forces with its own on-campus Diversity Celebration three years ago.

While considering different heritages to feature in the celebration, Wells, a teacher who retired from Watauga High School in 1990, realized that Watauga County has a culture of its own that is at risk of being forgotten. So her Mountain Heritage exhibit was born with the goal of helping kids understand the history of the area and how it was settled. “They [kids] can’t conceive of people living without electricity, running water in the house, central heating. I really feel they need to know their history and heritage and how they got to the point they are. That’s fast APRIL 2009 45

being lost,” Wells says.

Beyond that, Wells worries that contemporary kids are missing out on the joy of wonder and amazement and enjoys stirring up their imaginations. “I’ve felt for a long time that it’s sad that our children just don’t have anything to be amazed about. Amazement is something we all need. They’ve grown up with all the electronics, everything they have now. Then, during one of my demonstrations, they [the kids] were so excited and amazed that people could really live that way. I realized they do have something to be amazed about, they just have to look back the other direction,” she says with a laugh.

Betty Wells is available to present her Mountain Heritage program to everyone ages 8 to adult. Anyone interested in scheduling a presentation may contact her at (828) 264-2297.

Leniavell Trivette Award-Winning Crafter

BY SHERRIE NORRIS Born and raised on the family farm in the community of Beech Leniavell Trivette of Zionville is an award-winning spinner, quilter, rug hooker, lace-maker, doll maker and master of candlewicking, Mountain, Leniavell was next to the oldest of six children. While and is eager for this year’s Diversity Celebration at ASU. they all helped with the chores, it was Leniavell who took the

Known throughout North Carolina as a unique crafter, greatest interest in her mother’s handwork, possibly done to relax Leniavell keeps alive a flame that has burned brightly in her family in the candlelight hours after the day’s work was done. for several generations – and one that

Following the death of her she hopes to pass on to the next. father and the flight of her siblings

Leniavell and her sisters inherited from the family nest, Leniavell stayed much of their talent from their mother, near her mother. The two of them the late Elsie Trivette, an accomplished moved from their mountain home to crafter recognized far and wide. the Zionville community, where they Leniavell is proud to represent began to concentrate their efforts on a heritage steeped in traditional their handwork. Friends and family mountain arts and crafts. ountless encouraged them to take their work ribbons and certificates attest to her to craft shows where they established skills. a name for themselves among fellow

She has participated for 26 years crafters. The mother-daughter team at the NC State Fair in Raleigh where often appeared together at regional, she was named Craftswoman of the state and national events, including Year in 2000, the same recognition the prestigious Smithsonian Folklife given her mother in1983.

Festival in Washington, D.C. in 1994.

Leniavell has also been recognized

Since the deaths of both her numerous times by Watauga County mother and her sister June, Leniavell NC Extension and Community strives to do all she can to preserve Associations, and annually invited to a lost and dying art. She has also demonstrate and sell her crafts at Merle begun to make a few more “modernFest in Wilkesboro and at Hiddenite day” crafts, including characters from Heritage Days. She recently accepted best-loved children’s stories, stuffed affiliate membership into the Southern monkey dolls, etc.

Highlands Craft Guild in Asheville. Last

Through her affiliation with year, she had the honor of serving as Southern Highlands Craft Guild, grand marshal at Cove Creek Heritage Leniavell’s demonstrations and Day’s parade and festival. exhibits have seen an increase with

Leniavell is an unassuming During a recent craft festival, Lenivell Trivette takes a break appearances in Black Mountain, individual who takes great pride in her with her great-niece, Meranda Paige Trivette – who, she’s Gatlinburg, etc. work, but doesn’t brag or boast about hoping, will keep the family tradition alive.

In 2008, one of her quilts was the intricately designed pieces she Photo submitted. chosen to hang in the North Carolina completes with the greatest of detail.

Museum of History in Raleigh. She used Her mother taught her to make the colonial knotted bedspreads “Carolina blue” and white fabric and decorated it with threaded and pillows for which she is best known, perhaps. She also taught knots and fringe in a pattern. Dr. Sally Council with the NC Arts her how to fashion a breathtakingly beautiful hooked rug from Council noted that “the overall result is essentially the purity of an old burlap sack and how to quilt and spin sheep’s wool on presentation that is at the root of her Appalachian aesthetic, a an “old-time” spinning wheel. “Mother never realized the value historic aesthetic that comes from within.” of what she did – she gave a lot of her work away to anyone who Don’t miss seeing Leniavell at work on Tuesday, April 7 at the came by and said they liked it.”

Diversity Celebration.

46 APRIL 2009

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APRIL 2009 47

Mom’s World| BY HEATHER JORDAN, CNM, MSN

The Heart Of

Volunteering

You know the scenario. The book bags and backpacks get dumped in the middle of the living room at the end of the school day.

Homework is pulled out, but a variety of papers remain shoved in the overstuffed front pocket waiting for the next day like unopened fan mail. Then, in the morning, when sleep is still beckoning to the brain, hands are making peanut butter and jelly as the oatmeal heats up, and feet are searching for the sock match that would keep the cold floors from penetrating to the bone – the paper makes it into my field of vision. “I need you to sign this today...” and then “oh, yeah, and we’re getting ready for the [name the holiday of the month here] party” and then “we’re all supposed to sign up to bring something.” Or sometimes it’s not the bringing or the signing, but instead the invitation to come as a parent chaperone for a field trip or to help work a booth on field day.

My son waves the paper in front of my sleepy gaze impatiently. “It’s due today,” he says. I sigh and think through what I can and cannot commit to, guilt weighing heavily in. “Okay,” I say, “I think we can do a cake for the cake walk. . . and bring in the two liter drinks, but I just don’t know if I can [fill in volunteer opportunity here].”

There have been countless field trips, field days, cub scouting events, and classroom parties that I have stressed over, weighing my innate sense of commitment to supporting my children, their school, their extra-curricular activities and the basic fact of life that my time is a precious commodity spread (albeit thinly) over the two loves of my life – my family and my work as a midwife. I do my best to volunteer what I can, whether it is a cake, or food for a party, or being on a committee for church. Even so, it is a reality that the vast majority of my commitments of time itself, of my presence somewhere, are necessarily premised with the prerequisite that I am not actually at the hospital at the time when I am saying I’ll be elsewhere. Of course, most of the time everyone is very gracious about this fact, including my children, teachers at school, Cub Scout leaders, and other committee members. You could say that I get a “pass” on missing some of these volunteer opportunities with my work, but I still feel terrible at times for not being more available, since I know how much other parents give toward their children’s events. And I don’t feel that my sense of being torn is in isolation. Truly, I think that nearly all parents face this sort of struggle when those pieces of paper await signatures on the dining room table. There are few households where both parents do not work, in addition to the multiple other commitments besides school, sports, church, and other community events. It is easy to

48 APRIL 2009

feel overwhelmed by the frequent call for volunteers when daily commitments scream even louder.

Now, some women (and men, for that matter) simply amaze me with the depth of their giving and involvement. I can think of one woman in particular whose commitment and energy level seems to be endless. She juggles a large family, is extremely active in her church, is highly visible at every school event I attend, has helped coach sports for the county league, and organizes countless opportunities for our kids to be involved in the community through cub scouts. And she does all of this with a smile that is contagious, an attitude that is inspiring, and the discipline of an army sergeant.

She strikes me as a SuperMom and, at times, it is hard not to feel dwarfed by such folks whose volunteering is at such a level. But it is easy to see that is not her interpretation of herself at all.

In trying to move beyond my own frustrations with trying to do more with less and pondering people like this wonderful SuperMom, I have come to the realization that she and so many other people like her are born leaders in inspiring even those of us with “negative” amounts of time to step up and do what we can. These leaders within our schools and communities have plans and visions for involvement, and they have a knack for breaking down big events into small bites that are oh so much easier to swallow for the rest of us. They call and remind us, they are gracious and appreciative, and they send those papers home giving us endless options to participate on some level, taking into account both our capabilities and abilities.

I am grateful for those parents who take volunteering to this exceptional level and attempt to carry me along with them, even if the time I can commit is probably not even one tenth of the time they give. They make me look twice at those papers my sons bring to me and, in the end, allow me to abandon my guilt in favor of whatever amount of participation I can muster. So sometimes it is providing fruit or dessert for the party, other times manning a slide at the MegaParty, and other times simply showing up. When all is said and done, I believe that it is this inspiration for involvement that is essential to building a strong community and providing our kids with opportunities for growth, friendship, and a desire to give of themselves, for at the heart of volunteering is not guilt but instead – simply put – the heart.

If you have comments or questions about this article, please feel free to contact Heather Jordan, Certified Nurse-Midwife, at the office of Charles E. Baker, MD at 828-737-7711 x253 or e-mail her at landh@localnet.com.

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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

BY MELANIE DAVIS Find a teal ribbon and clear some space on your April calendar. It’s time to help raise awareness about a prevalent harm to women (and men).

The Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN) estimates that one in six women – and one in 33 men – will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Unfortunately, nearly 60 percent of rapes are not reported to police.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The purpose of this national campaign is not only to raise awareness as a public health concern, but also to educate communities and individuals about prevention of sexual assault.

Claire Williams, shelter case manager for Opposing Abuse with Services, Information and Shelter (OASIS), offered a sampling of the most common reasons sexual assault may not be reported. “Many victims don’t think anything can be done,” she said. “Rape can be difficult to prosecute.”

Sadly, national statistics support that fear: RAINN reports only six percent of rapists ever spend a day in jail.

Another reason many victims do not report sexual assault is because of fear of how law enforcement or the legal system respond – fear of being blamed. Victims may feel shame or that the assault is a personal matter to kept to themselves or they may even feel personally

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responsible.

“We believe it’s her right to decide whether or not she is comfortable reporting. Reporting and then going through the legal system can be a very long process (we’re talking years), and it can be very, very emotionally draining and really can make the healing process more difficult for some individuals. We believe that because the survivor didn’t asked to be raped, she shouldn’t be pressured to put herself through further emotional trauma through the reporting and legal processes.” said Williams. “Some disagree with our stance on this, but again, as advocates, we always want to empower the survivor to make her own decisions.”

The High Country is not immune to the effects of sexual assaults. In Watauga County there was a total of four rapes reported to the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, Boone Police Department and Appalachian State University Police in 2007. There were none reported to Blowing Rock Police Department.

Williams said the underreporting of sexual assault is apparent in the number of survivors served by their agencies compared to those reported to law enforcement. In 2007, OASIS served an estimated 40 survivors of sexual assault and answered 33 calls on its crisis line regarding sexual assault.

For survivors of sexual assault in the High

Country, there is support available, not only through OASIS, but also Avery Citizens Against Domestic Abuse (ACADA). ACADA is a dualpurpose organization that deals with sexual assault cases in addition to providing support for domestic abuse survivors.

Currently, there is not an organization in Ashe County prepared to service sexual assault survivors. However, A Safe Home for Everyone (ASHE) executive director Sarah Wolfe said the organization is currently working toward the goal of becoming a dual-service organization.

There will be public events in April regarding the awareness campaign. For more information, contact OASIS at (828) 2641532.

OASIS will also be providing teal ribbons as a part of the campaign.

Crisis line information: Avery Citizens Against Domestic Abuse: (828) 733-3512 Opposing Abuse with Services, Information and Shelter: (800) 268-1488 within 828, 336 or 423 area codes (828) 262-5035 within Boone area (828) 264-3761 page via Watauga County Sheriff’s Office

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G

Your Home|BY CORRINNE LOUCKS

Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan Might Work For You The state of today’s economy and its effect on the housing market has created a harsh new reality for many homeowners across the country. Many struggling to make their monthly payments are unable to refinance their properties because the value of their home has decreased. Many others have lost their jobs - or have fewer clients - and are unable to stay current on their monthly mortgage payments. It is predicted that over six million households may be faced with foreclosure over the next few years and many more millions will have a difficult time keeping up with their mortgage payments.

In this damaging, yet likely temporary, downfall the demand for housing will rise and the market eventually will stabilize. To assist in the meantime, and to create that balance more quickly, the government has implemented its Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan intended to help 7 - 9 million homeowners stay current on their mortgage payments while reducing foreclosures.

The government expects this plan to increase credit flow and support a recovery in the housing market.

The plan is comprised of three essential parts: (1) The plan targets responsible homeowners who have been struggling to make payments by opening up guidelines, allowing them to refinance and, ultimately, lower their monthly payment. By keeping mortgage rates low, the government intends to support Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in providing 4 - 5 million homeowners access to refinancing where the opportunity did not formerly exist – i.e., homeowners whose homes’ market value has fallen to a point where they have less than 80% equity in their homes.

(2) The White House has implemented “A Comprehensive $75 Billion Homeowner Stability Initiative” targeting 3 - 4 million atrisk homeowners with a loan modification plan to help prevent foreclosures and keep families in their homes. It focuses first on those who are “underwater’” on their loans – that is, their loan amounts are higher than the current value of their homes. These owners currently cannot sell their homes because prices have fallen so significantly. The Treasury is partnering with lenders to reduce interest rates on their existing loans to specified, affordable levels.

It will match these reductions, dollar for dollar, with the lenders who will be required to keep these modified payments in place for five years.

Cooperating lenders will have incentive to assist current mortgagees with per loan fees paid to them by the government – to the tune of $1,000 per modified loan. If the loan is modified prior to the borrower ever missing a payment, the lenders will receive $1500 per. Servicers will also receive monthly fees for as long as the borrower has the loan. The borrower will also receive a monthly balance reduction payment that goes directly toward the 50 APRIL 2009

loan’s principal balance for every month the payment is made on time.

The government has established clear and consistent guidelines for these loan modification programs. They include loss mitigation protocols for the lenders, as well as precise criteria for identifying at-risk borrowers. Under the plan, the Department of Housing and Urban Development will provide funding for non-profit counseling agencies to assist those hardest hit by the crisis. The Treasury intends to work closely with FDIC and other banking agencies to monitor this foreclosure prevention plan. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will use these guidelines for loans that they guarantee. Also, all financial institutions providing loans going forward are required to implement these modification plans.

(3) The Treasury Department has committed to support low mortgage rates by strengthening confidence in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They have increased their funding commitments and Preferred Stock Agreements to these institutions. In addition, they will continue to purchase securities from them and increase mortgage portfolios to them. Simply put - the government will be pouring money into Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in an effort to ensure the strength and security of the mortgage market.

Mortgage lenders began accepting applications for this stimulus program after March 4. To apply, contact the loan counselor at your mortgage company and be ready with the following information: 1. Gross monthly income of all borrowers, including recent monthly pay stubs or proof of income from any other sources.

2. Your most recent tax return.

3. Information on all mortgages on the house – first, second lines of credit, etc.

4. Payments on each of your credit cards and other loans: auto, school, etc.

5. Since March 4, mortgage lenders have begun sending letters to potentially eligible homeowners. If you think you qualify but do not receive a letter within several weeks, contact your mortgage company or credit counselor. Should your home already be scheduled for foreclosure, contact your mortgage company immediately, as many will postpone proceedings on foreclosure sales that now qualify for the modification.

The plans have been implemented to help those facing foreclosure, as well as those struggling to make their mortgage payments every month and everyone in between. Don’t be shy about calling to ask for help and an evaluation. Now is the time to let the government step in and help. Details can be found on the Treasury’s Web site at http://www.treasury.gov/press/releases/ tg33.htm. www.aawmag.com

Get Movin’| By Susan Tumbleston, Be Active-Appalachian Partnership

Dance To The Music!

If you are considering how to include more physical activity in your life, don’t overlook the joys of dance. Anyone can do it, and nearly everyone likes to dance. Dancing is the ultimate low-cost exercise for busy people because it can be done almost anywhere - from your living room to your favorite dance club. You don’t need any special equipment or skills. Moving to the rhythm of the music doesn’t really feel like exercise, but doing the right moves can work your whole body and give you that feeling of having worked hard even though you were having fun doing it.

In several studies, dance has been compared to gym workouts, and the results are impressive! (Polly de Mille, “Dance Your Way To A Better Body,” Chiff.com, 2009.)

Joint mobility may benefit from the varied movements of dance. One study demonstrated improved range of hip motion and flexibility of the spine on young adults who followed a three-month program of dance training.

Dance movements are weight bearing and varied, compared to a stationary bike. Studies of recreational ballet dancers between the ages of 8 and 14 show higher bone mineral content in their hips and spines than in girls who did not dance.

Dance requires agility and balance as well as various speeds of movement, skills that are generally not a focus of typical gym workouts. Studies of older populations who engage in dance-based exercise programs demonstrate improvement in balance and agility. This may be important in reducing risks of falls in this population.

Dance is mentally stimulating, requiring focus on coordination and learning movement patterns. Most people will read, listen to music, or watch TV to alleviate the boredom associated with most indoor exercise equipment.

Dance requires being mentally engaged with physical movement, a constant mind-body connection.

Emotional responses are common in dance and would rarely occur in a gym workout. The music, movement patterns and mental engagement involved in dance often evoke emotions. One study showed that breast cancer survivors who participated in a 12-week dance and movement program not only improved their shoulder range

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of motion, but showed improvements in measures of body image and quality of life.

So dance as though no one is watching and get a great cardio fitness workout, too - whatever your age. Crank up the volume and shake a leg. Sweat to the oldies or sashay around your living room. Once you start dancing, you might not want to stop!

For additional information, contact Susan Tumbleston at the Be Active-Appalachian Partnership, (828)262-7693 or beactive@appstate.edu.

Susan is the director of the Be Active-Appalachian Partnership, Housed in ASU’s Institute for Health and Human Services. The Partnership is supported by a five-year grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.

APRIL 2009 51

Cent$ and Sensibility| BY corrinne loucks

Improve Your

Score

In an unstable economy it’s difficult to see the silver lining.

However, low mortgage rates and dealer incentives are shining these days. Coming into 2009 at around 5.5% for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage, homeowners are running to their mortgage lenders to refinance their existing home loans and first time buyers find themselves in a perfect position to take that plunge.

Consumers are taking advantage of other incentives, as well, as in car buying and electronics promotions. That is, if they can qualify for the loans.

It’s no secret that the first thing that lenders take into account is the buyer’s credit score. In today’s strict lending environment, they are looking for buyers with A+ credit scores. Two years ago this meant a score in the high 600’s to low 700’s. Today, we’re told that ‘A’ credit means a buyer with a score of 720 or higher.

As is the case with mortgage and auto loans, “good credit” is the key to many successful major purchases, such as obtaining credit cards, renting or leasing a home and even homeowner’s insurance rates.

So, how can you improve your score? The first thing you can do is to “pay down” your credit cards. Though paying off installment loans such as student loans or car loans can improve your score, nothing makes a bigger impact than paying down and paying off credit cards. Credit score formulas want a big gap between your credit limit and the amount already used. Keeping your balances to below 30% of your limits is the key. Though it’s tempting to pay down the highest interest rate cards first, if you are working to improve your score more quickly for a major purchase, pay off the cards with the lowest balances first.

Another important tip is to use your cards as little as possible.

Paying your balance off every month is great but when your score is calculated it takes into account last month’s balance. So, even if you’ve paid it off, it looks at how much you charge each month.

You may be tempted to cancel a card once it’s paid off, but don’t!

Cut it up and throw it away to not be tempted, but the older your credit history, the better. Use your oldest cards once or twice a month and then pay them off in full in order to keep them on the credit score radar.

If you have a late payment on your credit history, call the lender and ask for a “good will” adjustment before it shows up on your credit report. This will usually work the first time you miss a payment deadline and is crucial to having removed. If you have a series of late payments, you can typically have the account “reaged” by the lender after 12 months of on-time payments. But, you’ll have to specifically call and ask them for these graces and they may require your request in writing.

If you have any old disputes that show up on your credit report as having gone to collections, continue fighting those charges or reply to the credit bureaus with a “not my charges” plea. If the 52 APRIL 2009

dispute is several years old and not for a huge amount, they may dismiss that from affecting your credit score. Tip: If the company with which you have a dispute has merged with another company in the meantime, you’ll have an easier time getting the dispute removed.

Check your credit report carefully for any mistakes which can cost you when it comes to calculating your overall score.

Everyone is entitled to one free credit report per year. Order yours online at; www.freecreditreport.com. Items worth disputing and correcting are late payments, collections items or credit limits on your cards that show as lower than they really are. If you’ve paid off accounts, they should show as “current” or “paid as agreed.”

If they say “paid-derogatory” or “paid-charge off,” you should have that status changed. Negative items should fall off of your credit report after 7 years - 10 years if included in bankruptcy.

Anything older can be removed with a call requesting same.

Several more steps can improve your overall credit score.

Again, older credit history holds more weight, so don’t cancel old, paid off accounts. Avoid making any late payments. A late payment can drop a good credit score – instantly - by 100 points!

Avoid consolidating your credit balances as in moving balances to a lower rate credit card. It’s better to have several small balances than one whopper. If you have few or no credit cards or installment accounts, opening accounts and paying them off can actually improve your credit score! Start with a department store or gas card. Just make sure you make the payments on time and keep the balances low.

Though the mortgage interest rates hit an all time low of 4.96 in mid-January 2009, they are currently in the 5.5% range and expected to remain as such or close, ending the year at around 66.25%. Auto dealers are offering crazy incentives to buyers such as over valued trade ins and one year interest free loans. With the lower than expected sales during Christmas, many electronics stores, jewelry stores, etc. are offering deals to consumers buying on credit. You can improve your score to increase the odds of qualifying for the deals available in today’s economy, and it would be wise to heed this advice whether or not you predict a large purchase in the near future.

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Women’s Conference At Mayland College - It’s All About Us! Friday, April 24 is the day for which many of us women have long been waiting – and we didn’t even know it! It’s all because The Mayland Community College Foundation is inviting women of all ages and walks of life to experience an extraordinary day at its inaugural Empower U: A Conference

by Women for Women.

In sharing her excitement about the upcoming event, the Foundation’s Executive Director, Laura Laughridge, promises women a day of empowerment and rejuvenation “as we celebrate our crazy, passionate, wonderful and beautiful lives.” Laura says, “More than ever, women need a place to have open and honest, down-to-earth conversations about the things that matter most: money and the economy, safety, self-esteem, health and wellness – and how to succeed in life.”

The Sam Center on the campus of Mayland Community College will provide the setting for all that and so much more.

According to Laughridge, the conference format has been designed specifically to offer choices on a wide range of topics, all designed to empower and inspire. The day’s activities begin with keynote speaker Elizabeth Westall, former educator and local entertainer, followed by lunch with a fashion show by A Touch of Class. The afternoon sessions will offer three concurrent breakout sessions covering subjects such as financial planning, total body wellness, self-defense, emotional intelligence, couponing, dealing with stress, etc. The closing session will wrap up the day with remarks and door prizes. Between sessions and throughout the day, participants can visit with vendors and exhibitors, all of whom are women who own or operate the businesses and non-profits they represent. (Staff from All About Women of the High Country will be there also.)

Employers are encouraged to send staff for the day as a perfect way to celebrate Administrative Professional’s Week.

Daughters, remember that Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Why not honor her with a day at Empower U? Registration is limited to the first 110 attendees, so invite your mother, sisters, neighbors, co-workers and church groups to attend, or send someone special as a gift! Early bird registration is $25.00, through March 31. After that date, registration is $30. Registration and payment must be received at The Mayland Community College Foundation by no later than Friday, April 17.

A very limited number of vendor spots are still available

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for this premiere conference. If you are a woman who owns and/or operates her own business – or a local non-profit – and want exposure to local women, call Laughridge’s office today for more information at (828) 765-7351, ext.

209 or 311. Exhibitor or presenter opportunities are also available.

Laughridge’s challenge for women is to “invest just ONE DAY in yourself and come away motivated, inspired and empowered! We hope to see you there!”

The Mayland Community College Foundation, Inc. is a private, non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation whose mission is to support, strengthen and advance the work of Mayland Community College.

APRIL 2009 53

Young at Heart| BY Heather Young

Voluntarily Smiling Again A year and a half ago, I agreed to give up my teeth as hostages to sharp metal implements of torture – or “braces,” as they are more commonly known. I recorded my reason for getting braces and my initial feelings in an article for this magazine called, “I Intend to Have Perfect Teeth.”

In that article, I endeavored to be brutally honest about my first three weeks as an adult with braces, describing them as “unsightly and uncomfortable, ripping my lips to shreds.” I also complained that “they make my lips protrude from my face, and I feel like I am spitting on whomever I am conversing with.”

The reaction I received to the article was surprising. Strangers, who were also suffering from “metal mouth” syndrome, after noticing my braces, would stop to talk and tell me of an article they had read that perfectly captured what they were feeling.

Flattered, I would laugh and admit to being the author. I was extremely pleased to be the voice of fellow sufferers.

Dr. Mayhew, my orthodontist, had a slightly different reaction.

At my first appointment following the publication of the story, he told me that he appreciated and enjoyed my honesty, but asked if I would write a follow-up article after the braces were removed.

I think he was slightly concerned that potential patients would read the article and decide that maybe they did not need braces after all. I eagerly agreed to pen a follow-up and reminded Dr. Mayhew that he had better take good care of my teeth if he wanted glowing praise.

Each time I went in for my appointment, he would inquire as to whether I thought things were going well. He always assured me that the end result would be well worth any discomfort I currently might be experiencing. Reminding myself regularly of my intention to have perfect teeth, I endured and tried not to focus too much on the so called “discomfort.”

I got used to my lips protruding from my face. I learned to make jokes about spitting on people when I spoke. And, I learned to live temporarily without some of my favorite foods.

The only thing I never learned to do was smile with braces.

Not only did I hate the way the brackets looked on my teeth, but the actual act of smiling, of moving my lips over the sharp metal torture devices to form an upward arc, hurt!

I tried to master the toothless smile, but that looked even more ridiculous. I decided it would be better for everyone who might cross my path if I gave up smiling as long as the braces remained in place.

I recall one particular event when I desperately wished I could have smiled easily. Roger’s grandmother, Cece, was turning 90 years old and her family had planned a big birthday party. A photographer was there to capture this once-in-a-lifetime event on film, complete with family pictures. I tried to smile for the camera, but to no avail. What I thought would look like a smile 54 APRIL 2009

on film, instead resembled a twisted grimace of pain.

But now, that is all in the past! My teeth were finally freed from their prison last week.

In preparation for the long awaited occasion, I stocked my kitchen with everything I had been craving but had been unable to eat. And, each day I reminded anyone who would listen of where I was in my countdown to freedom.

The night before my appointment, I felt like a child on Christmas Eve, thrilled at the prospect of joys to come.

Now that I have had a few days to adjust to my new perfect teeth, I am still mesmerized by how smooth and shiny they are.

I have been continuously running my tongue over my teeth just to feel them (and to make sure that getting my braces off was not just a dream). I have received countless compliments on how beautiful my teeth look, and I have to agree. I am enjoying a dramatic decrease in the amount of lip balm I need to apply each day, snacking on carrot sticks and not having to rush to brush my teeth immediately following eating lest I go around with bits of food stuck in the brackets. And, I am especially excited to once again be voluntarily smiling.

So now, I have to concede that Dr. Mayhew was right when he told me it would be worth it. I fulfilled my intention to have perfect teeth and now get to enjoy them. Bring on those cameras – I’m ready for my close-up!

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YOU GO, GIRL!| BY VICKI RANDOLPH

Katie Tygielski

Young college students are known for their adventurous spirit. Spring break trips to a beach or perhaps a train trip to new places might be the norm, but not for Ashe County girl, Katie Tygielski, whose adventures are more likely to resemble an Indiana Jones flick!

Katie’s most recent quest revolved around a volunteer opportunity with Project Abroad. This Harvard University student found herself halfway across the globe on a 9,000mile journey into not only another world geographically, but also into a culture that’s a world away.

Katie’s assignment was to volunteer at an orphanage/ school for the deaf in Avvai Ashram, India. As if traveling solo wasn’t lonely enough, Katie had to accomplish her trip without the benefit of any English-speaking assistance.

After some 48 hours of flights, eight hours of train trips and several rough car rides, she found herself immersed in a strange world that overstimulated all of her senses.

Once in rural India, the young westerner found herself to be somewhat of a spectacle!

Small children stared or cried when they saw her white skin, while older children hid behind their mothers. Adults whispered, laughed and often gawked at her. She became a bit of a celebrity everywhere she went, being photographed and videoed by strangers on many occasions.

Katie also quickly found out many of the things she ought not to be doing while in India. First, in the Tamil language, her name translates as “criminal.” (Just imagine the fun she had dealing with that one!) Another challenge for her was being left-handed, since eating with your left hand is really against Indian etiquette. She even learned the hard way that any decent lady wouldn’t approach a street vendor who sells underwear - even if she had been wearing the same pair for nearly a whole month!

Those cultural challenges she faced were just the tip of the iceberg. As it turns out, Katie’s assigned roommate was www.aawmag.com

from Germany. Not only did Simone not know English, but she also was deaf. Not to worry, resourceful Katie found a way to communicate via a strange, made-up, hybrid version of American/German/Tamil sign language. They made a great pair - two crazy white girls, traveling their way around Indian villages on the weekends. They certainly weren’t at a loss for attention on those trips outside the orphanage!

Then there were the unique food experiences. She learned a valuable lesson about buying ice cream or fried samosas from street vendors.

Although it took two rounds of serious sickness, she probably won’t try either ever again.

There is something to be said for unbridled independence, but there’s also something to be said for a familiar toilet rather than a bumpy, barfy bus ride through monsoon-filled potholes. (For the full story, see the link below.)

By far, the best parts amidst all of her adventures were the children she met and with whom she worked. Katie may have been at the orphanage for only a few months, but she and the children shared a special bond that will last a lifetime. It’s not something she will ever forget, nor will they.

Her next adventure? Besides tackling the rigors of Harvard University, she plans yet another trip abroad to volunteer at a deaf school in Nepal this summer.

Katie was a student at Watauga High School for two years prior to attending and graduating from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in 2006.

To find out more about Katie Tygielski’s travels in India, readers are encouraged to go to her online blog at www. fuzzytravel.com/tygielski. She is an excellent writer and will keep you engaged and on the edge of your seat while reading through her adventures of lost luggage, maniacal monkeys and the search for women’s underwear. She also has posted many amazing photographs of her Eastern escapades.

APRIL 2009 55

Healthy Lady| By Joy Clary Brown, Author Of The Creation Diet With Bonnie Church CNC, Wellness Coach

Creation-Based Wellness

Former Boone resident, Joy Clary Brown, believes that the Bible offers wisdom for every sphere of life, including health. In her book, The Creation Diet, Brown construes and outlines some Biblical wellness principles.

She explains, “Diets and miracle cures abound in today’s society. The media constantly announces ‘answers’ to ill health.

However, as books and other healthrelated resources proliferate, diseases escalate at alarming rates. Where can a person find the real plan that promotes health and wholeness? Amazingly, God reveals this plan in the creation narrative found in the first two chapters of Genesis, the first book of the Bible. The Creation Diet unveils God’s plan for healthy, happy, and holy living.”

In her book, Brown details every aspect of wellness from how to maintain a proper acid/alkaline balance to how to manage destructive emotions. The framework of her prescription for wellness is outlined in the story of creation.

The Creation Diet Principles

Day One: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

Principle: A relationship with the creator produces inner happiness and joy.

Life Application: • Focus on God first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

• Think happy thoughts. Make a conscious effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

Day Two: And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.” God called the expanse “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day... God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.”

Principle: Water and oxygen are basic to life.

Life Application: • Perform at least 10 deep breathing exercises a day to oxygenate the blood.

• Drink pure water throughout the day to purify and hydrate the body.

56 APRIL 2009

Day Three: Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.

Principle: Vegetables, seeds and fruits are the most nutrition foods; they transfer minerals from the earth to the beings that eat them.

Life Application: • Eat 5-7 servings of vegetables a day.

• Include 2-3 fruits a day.

• Include raw plant foods daily.

Day Four: And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years.”

Principle: Observe the cycles of light and darkness.

Life Application: • Spend at least 30 minutes a day in the fresh air and sunshine.

• Get a good 8 hours of sleep a night.

Day Five: And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.”

Principle: Clean fish and fowl are the healthiest meat sources.

Life Application: • Seek healthful choices of fish and fowl [without antibiotics and hormones].

• Limit intake to 3- 4 oz daily (deck of cards).

• Consume eggs from free-range chickens (limit to one a day).

Day Six: And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind...”

Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. “

Principle: Man has the freewill to choose beneficial lifestyle and diet choices.

Life Application: • Limit animal products.

• Commit to moderate exercise 5 days a week.

Day Seven: God had finished the work he had been doing, so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.

Principle: A day of rest and reflection is vital to wellness.

Life Application: • Observe a weekly Sabbath to focus on God and experience rest, holiness and joy.

• Attend a holy convocation.

• Do not work.

You can order The Creation Diet by Joy Clary Brown at Amazon books.

www.aawmag.com

APRIL:

3 Todd CommUnity Dance Series (Ongoing every Friday night).

Come and dance (square dance, circle dance, line dance, contra dance) to the music of a local band at the Todd Mercantile every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Todd Mercantile Building (336)-877-5401

Precisely what you’re looking for!

Happy Easter!

3 – 5 Ashe County Little Theatre presents Dinner’s At Noon.

Original script by local writer Bill Baker. Ashe Civic Center, 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

For tickets and information, call Ashe County Arts Council (336) 8462787.

7 Celebrity Serve: Participating restaurants in the Boone/Blowing Rock area – with the help of local “personalities” – will be serving up food and fun to raise money for new Hospitality House/homeless shelter.

See other Mountain Times publications for locations, times.

8th Annual Diversity Celebration at Plemmons Student Union on ASU campus, 3-9 p.m. Free event hosts performers and presenters from across the Southeast with music and dance performances, multicultural food, and exciting –and unique cultural exhibits. Visit www.celebration. appstate.edu or call (828) 262-6252 or 262-2144.

11 The Hayes Performing Arts Center, Blowing Rock presents “Davis & Dow: Jazz Divas,” a concert celebrating the great women singers of the golden age of jazz (Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and others) featuring Juila Davis, one of the finest and most versatile jazz singers of her generation, and Kelly Dow, world-class guitarist One show only at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information, call (828) 295-9627.

• Visit our showroom • Custom & Factory • ASU and on-site full cabinets for residential Alumni custom workshop & commercial Owned • Professional service since 1994 • Hand-Crafted Cabinetry

828-262-5080 www.precisioncabinetinc.com Located on Old Hwy. 421, near Food Lion

16 Live To Laugh 9th Annual Professional Women’s Seminar 11:30a.m. - 3p.m. Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church Jefferson, NC. Call 336-846-3900. E-mail celia.robinson@wilkescc.edu.

16 – 19 The 4th Annual Blue Ridge Wine Festival 2009 at various locations around the Town of Blowing Rock, to include several activities like wine tasting, the chef challenge, live music in the park, and cooking classes. Call (877) 295-7965.

Web: www.blueridgewinefestival.com 17 – 21 The Love of the Nightingale, directed by Dr. Tessa Carr, Hayes Auditorium, Lees-McRae College Campus, Banner Elk. Nightly at 7:30 p.m; Sunday (19th), at 2 p.m.

For tickets, more information call (828) 898-5241.

23-26 Merlefest, Wilkes Community College, North Wilkesboro Rain or Shine. 13 stages of entertainment including top names such as: Travis Tritt & Jerry Douglas, Emmylou Harris, Doc Watson, the Carolina Chocolate Drops and many more.

Call (800) 343-7857 for details.

24 Empower U Women’s Conference at Mayland Community College presented by MCC Foundation at The Sam Center, main campus. (See related article on page 53 or call (828) 765-7351 for details.)

Right-Size Your Portions

How big are your portions? Eating large portions adds extra calories, and extra calories means more pounds on you! Most of us think we eat less than we do. Eat smaller portions of foods and drinks at a leisurely pace to fill you up, not out. So next time, remember to right-size your portions.

For more tips on how to prepare meals where you live, learn, earn, play, and pray, visit

26 High Country March for Babies, Annual March of Dimes fundraising event 3:00 p.m. Kidd Brewer Stadium on ASU campus in Boone (For more information, see page 36)

Do you have a special upcoming event?

Send us a note to: comments@aawmag.com and we’ll add it to that month’s calendar page! www.aawmag.com

This message is brought to you by: The Childhood Obesity Prevention Demonstration Project, and Appalachian District Health Department.

APRIL 2009 57

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